Hey guys, my email has gone a little out of whack so I'm putting up these two efforts from my writing aptitude test up here for your reading. Sorry for the delay.

Question 3 is the rewriting of material given, in my own way, topic is teenage delinquencies. Question 4 is freestyle writing about whether young people in Singapore today enjoy a good life. Enjoy.

Question 3

Trends or Trenches?

Are today’s trends the trenches of tomorrow? Alas, the buoying matter of teenage delinquencies is a consequence of today’s consumerist, self-seeking society, a primary manifestation of where human pride has taken us.

Perhaps however, today’s teenagers should not bear the full blame, for it is the flippant nature of general adult behavior that has strongly influenced the indulgent culture amongst teenagers. Trends no longer seem an option. It’s no longer about needs, but rather wants that showcase flamboyant lifestyles in attempt to match up to the Tans and the Lees of Singapore. The ticket to teenage popularity is now defined by where they hang out, how fashionable and trendy their clothes and possessions are and their living standards. Sadly, it paints a portrait of Singaporean insecurities without the facade of materialistic possessions.

The roots of this issue, stem from our nation’s pursuit for economic excellence. In making Singapore a shopping and nightlife hub, it allows teenagers greater access to mediums that encourage such extravagance and at the same time, promoting less time for family interaction. For some parents, communication levels have dwindled to that of coercion where they end up giving in to their offspring’s profligate impulses, despite financial struggles. And where does morality stand? With shoplifting becoming the quick solution to satisfy these impulses, it is perhaps time for a reality check. It seems that, like the adults, teenagers are fast slipping into the trenches of extravagant lifestyle. In fact, in today’s computer literate society, the latest fashions and trends are only a click away.

Have we Singaporeans set the example of becoming such superficial creatures that wallow in the importance of material greed for our teenagers? Sadly, the answer is leaning towards a yes. Take heed. The direction we are currently headed in will only propel us further into the trenches, of addiction to trends, that we have dug for ourselves.


Question 4
c)

The question is, what defines a good life? Is it one rich in material possession? If that is the definition, then yes, the life of young people in Singapore has never been as good as it is today. Indeed, they lead undeniably comfortable lives. But really, is their life as good as it seems?

In a fast growing and economically booming society, the youth in Singapore are living it up. Flashy cars, brand names have become a way of life. Unlike the generations of old that have slogged hard to achieve comfort in their lifestyles, many youth are now born with silver spoons in their mouths and live like kings and queens at home. But is this what they really need to have a good life?

What many fail to recognize in the race for riches, is that a good life extends beyond that. In the quest for Singapore’s economic growth, many adults are working extreme hours to fund their thirst for extravagant living. Granted, parents toil long and hard simply to give their children a better life. Parental intentions are certainly appreciated, but is this sacrifice of family bonding time truly worth it? Can it make up for the lack of family time spent with the child to provide support and guidance?

In a bid to fill the voids created from the lack of warmth at home, these youths have turned to bursting social calendars to distract themselves. Family bonding has now become an ancient relic for the many families who live under the same roof, but lead separate and distant lives. Is this the best environment for our young people in their growing up years? Desperate, these youth seek the warmth and trust they lack in family support in the form of friends outside. Yet, with the increasingly superficial natures of socializing, the dangers of untrue friendship are constantly on the rise. Not to mention, the increased likelihood of meeting bad company and being led astray. It is no wonder teenage delinquencies are escalating. Perhaps these attention-seeking antics are not simply bad behaviour, but a frantic call for concern.

That said, other youth face the issue of overprotection. From young, our parents cushion all our falls. Certainly this is done for our benefit, but there comes a time where we have to fall and learn from it. With everything delivered on a silver platter, will we learn resilience and fighting spirit? If we are never allowed to fall, will we develop ability to pick ourselves up? Is it not better to fall when less is at stake and learn to stand up than to fall hard the first time and not be able to stand up?

Perhaps, it is time to reevaluate. From one end of the spectrum of overprotection to the other end of neglect in emotional well being, is it not better to strike a balance and learn to treat our youths like kites, reined in, but with space to roam and explore? In this way, their lives will become even better and richer.

salsa sensation at upperclub Chjimes

My feet are sore and my body is achy but my head is replaying the tunes of last night. Vivid memories of salseros and salsieras dancing up a storm at the gorgeous upperclub@chjimes. Sad that it would be the last salsa party hosted before closure, but it was truly an unforgettable night with Grupo Invicta and Gary's amazing salsa performances.

A tremendous night of celebrating salsasingapore's 2nd birthday bash. Met many good leads, turned and twisted in ways I never knew I could. The music was captivating. Attempted Street Chacha for the first time and courtesy of Jaime from Puerto Rico, I picked up salsa in native american style, a whole new experience but enriching and satisfying nevertheless. Despite lacking in the usual showcase of LA style salsa, native american salsa brought a closer lead and increased sensuality. Not to mention, Jaime was a terribly patient and amazing leader. Loved every moment on the floor last night.

No doubt, salsa is a love that flows within me.

Kudos to YeeChong for the invite.

My life is overflowing with joy! With so much happening, it's no wonder this place has been stagnant for days. Reflective walk on the journey home today. I felt an overwhelming sense of joy and deep emotion.

Sunday school today. Watching the smiles on 9 little faces brought a grin I couldn't wipe from my face. It was another of those moments where I felt warm and fuzzy inside. Those smiles always the highlight of my week. Despite moments where the boys refuse to listen and I'm annoyed, the kids absolutely make my day. Their childlike faith restoring my own, their blind faith giving me strength to trust in the LORD. The times where they listen with such intent in their little faces and their rapid firing of questions that sometimes leaves me stumped. Today was yet another good lesson, all because HE loves the little children and I am glad to be a vessel for HIS works. A lesson that we show our love and gratitude for HIM by living our lives in testimony of HIS greatness. For HE alone is our strength and our fortress, the rock upon which we stand. In HIS mercy, we are saved, sinners undeserving of all HE has given, to become HIS sheep, to declare ourselves children of HIS kingdom. I am blessed, for HE is love.

CG yesterday saw the start of our lifestyle series. We spoke of defining our lives by our faith, sanctification and in christian unity. During prayer, a dam inside broke and I found myself struggling to be coherent, i was so choked with emotion. I was so so so thankful for the sisterhood that I had been blessed with since I stepped into PSPC, the girls I've grown up with in PLH in and now TCH. In typical SG fashion, or so I was told, my virgin sleepover after CG at Lyd's began with a flick after we had all comfortably snuggled into our PJs. It wasn't so much the show or the junk food that was strewn on the couch but the company of sisters so dear to me that made my night. Amidst squealing and squirming under the blanket, we managed to capture moments of our silliness before we sunk under the covers in preparation for an early morning. Though short, the sleepover was a union of the sisters, something we'd not had much chance to savour beyond sundays due to our ridiculously packed schedules. Thank you LORD for giving me such wonderful fellowship, for our great mentors Uncle Aaron and Auntie Lee Choo who lead by example, for the lovely sisters you've brought into my life to share my walk who I know I can always count on. LORD, give me strength that I may walk each day with a blind faith, courage that I may love as I can and a grateful heart to remind me of YOUR greatness and the one whom you sent to save us all. LORD, for everything and for JESUS, I thank you. In your word I'll trust, in YOUR light I shall trod, in your grace I shall live.

mm..more dessert!

Joy is yet another night of cosy company in the quiet surburbs with intoxicatingly good gelato!

Nestled in the heart of a small quiet estate, is a hidden haven for food lovers like myself. Upon recommendation from Chin May, we decided to take Em to sample durian gelato. We bypassed the many classy wine and dine places and found the quaint gelateria he'd been raving on about. Unlike it's neighbours, there was no air of pomposity to it. Instead, it was a small cosy tavern with bright welcoming walls.

The array of flavours available left us rather indecisive though Em had her heart set on hazelnut and I had mine on the tangy strawberry. Contrary to most parlours I'd visited where sinfully rich chocolate dominated selections, this range catered to a much more fruity palate, offering strawberry, coconut, mango, durian, cantaloupe and more.

We finally settled on our choices, Durian & Choc for Nirun, Hazelnut & Coconut for Em and Strawberry and Cantaloupe for me. The strawberry was delightfully fruity with a tang to it and the cantaloupe was sensationally refreshing. The hazelnut was simply heaven, tantalising my tastebuds. Despite Em's protests, we insisted that she taste the durian flavour. Em had a petrified look on her face as she finally gave in to Nirun's coercion and had a taste. She found the taste not too bad but hated the smell and aftertaste. While those two were busy arguing, I was happily entertaining myself with my gelato and remniscising my trampoline and freddo moments in melb. By the time we devoured our gelato, we had satisfied grins on our faces.

We left the gelateria a very happy bunch!

More joy at finding yet another dessert haven! Missim is a very very satisfied foodie! Not to mention, I had fantastic company.

Thanks Em, it's been a good half a year you've spent in SG. I hope you've had a blast and know you will always fondly remember your durian and oyster experiences. And of course our lovely trip to the botanics. I'll see you in Europe soon enough!

Thanks Nirun for lugging yourself down despite your lack of sleep from Euro Final and putting up with my hyperness. But hey, you can't blame me. Spain won and Torres scored the winning goal! And thanks for waiting and helping me get cab.