I've been cleaning my room over the past couple of days. Not that it's really that messy, but I just haven't been entirely focused. Today as I went through more of the older stuff which I previously had stored away in a huge box under my table, I came across my year books from secondary school and Taylor's College.
It was nice to look through the pictures and articles of activities in the days past. I remember many faces, but few names. There were also faces which weren't familiar at all. Some classmate I was huh? In case by chance any of them are looking up old classmates, here's the list of where I've been.
1987-1988: Tadika Eu Ee SS2
1989: SRJK(C) Puay Chai - 1C
1990: SRJK(C) Puay Chai - 2C
1991: SRJK(C) Puay Chai - 3C
1992: SRJK(C) Puay Chai - 4C
1993: SRJK(C) Puay Chai - 5C
1994: SRJK(C) Puay Chai - 6C
1995: SMK Sultan Abdul Samad PJ - Peralihan 5 (P5)
1996: SMK Sultan Abdul Samad PJ - 1 Hormat (1H)
1997: SMK Sultan Abdul Samad PJ - 2 Damai (2D)
1998: SMK Sultan Abdul Samad PJ - 3 Adil (3A)
1999: SMK Sultan Abdul Samad PJ - 4 Ehsan (4E)
2000: SMK Sultan Abdul Samad PJ - 5 Ehsan (5E)
2001: Taylors College SJ South Australian Matriculation (SAM) - Legal Studies 2 (L2)
2002: Help Institute Diploma In Business Studies (DipBus)
2003-2006: Help Institute BA (Hons) Accounting & Finance (BAAF)
After looking through the year books, I moved on to looking at some of the old greeting cards and letters I had received through post. Trust me, I'm not much of a sentimental guy. I don't usually keep gifts, notes, letters, cards or other souvenirs given to me. I do appreciate it, I just don't keep it.
So I was going through some of the stuff which I kept and I noticed one thing they mostly had in common - postage stamps. I've been keeping these cards and letters mainly because they were posted to me. Meaning even though we had the convenience of email, the sender actually felt that I was worth the trouble of putting their thoughts into writing, finding an envelop, affixing a stamp and mailing it off. I guess that made a difference to me, and why I kept them.
Su Ling, Shona, Yin Tse, Charity, Huey Lim, Cherie, Jane. Thank you for thinking that I was worth a postage stamp or two.
Once, I even received a handsome tie together with one of the cards in my mailbox. Thanks Shonz!
I haven't been in touch with most of these people though I'd much like to. I will continue to hang on to these souvenirs of the past.
01 April 2008
31 March 2008
First Time Rock Climbing
Rock climbing has never been one of the things on my to do list. Though I've been invited to go with some friends time and time again, I just was never motivated enough. No one had infected me with enough excitement to want to give it a shot. Not till last Sunday.
While it was not on my list, it has been on Jo's list for a long time already. She just kept putting it off. When a good friend of hers invited her along for his weekly affair, she couldn't pass up the chance. She invited me along too. I understood the sport as an activity you do in pairs. So I figured I might as well go check it out in case she's ever in need of a buddy to go with her. Besides, I'm still living by the motto of trying anything once.
It cost us each RM38, including admission, gear rental and a basic course. We were taught the most basic things about climbing and belaying. Tying the knots to the harness was simple enough but we both had a bit of trouble with belaying. It's not that complicated but we're just not used to the motions. Time and practice will definitely help.
After some guidance from the instructor, we were left to handle ourselves. We got a bit bored of the easy routes and decided to move around a bit. As I gradually attempted tougher routes, my arms exponentially lost strength. And there I was thinking of working out at the gym before rock climbing. It's a jolly good thing I didn't.
3 hours later, I was so exhausted and sore all over I just wanted to go home, shower, eat and sleep. Yet I didn't leave the same person as when I got there. I had now accomplished something new, and was excited to return another day fresh to attempt the tougher routes once again... especially those I failed to finish.
If you don't mind climbing with a beginner, feel free to invite me the next time you go climbing.
While it was not on my list, it has been on Jo's list for a long time already. She just kept putting it off. When a good friend of hers invited her along for his weekly affair, she couldn't pass up the chance. She invited me along too. I understood the sport as an activity you do in pairs. So I figured I might as well go check it out in case she's ever in need of a buddy to go with her. Besides, I'm still living by the motto of trying anything once.
It cost us each RM38, including admission, gear rental and a basic course. We were taught the most basic things about climbing and belaying. Tying the knots to the harness was simple enough but we both had a bit of trouble with belaying. It's not that complicated but we're just not used to the motions. Time and practice will definitely help.
After some guidance from the instructor, we were left to handle ourselves. We got a bit bored of the easy routes and decided to move around a bit. As I gradually attempted tougher routes, my arms exponentially lost strength. And there I was thinking of working out at the gym before rock climbing. It's a jolly good thing I didn't.
3 hours later, I was so exhausted and sore all over I just wanted to go home, shower, eat and sleep. Yet I didn't leave the same person as when I got there. I had now accomplished something new, and was excited to return another day fresh to attempt the tougher routes once again... especially those I failed to finish.
If you don't mind climbing with a beginner, feel free to invite me the next time you go climbing.
30 March 2008
Samsonite Out-Liners Connection
It's been an interesting weekend. Went and bought myself a laptop backpack - Samsonite Out Liner Connection. Best RM270 I spent in a long time.
Convenient, functional, sturdy, spacious... just what I had in mind.
Though it was quite a chore finding it and making my purchase, I'm glad I finally have something convenient to carry my load around.
Convenient, functional, sturdy, spacious... just what I had in mind.Though it was quite a chore finding it and making my purchase, I'm glad I finally have something convenient to carry my load around.I got the black one.
Come back later for an update on my first time rock climbing
28 March 2008
Getting Back On Track
Didn't realize that it's already been 3 months since my last post. I apologise.
Have you ever been so "caught up"? That's what happened to me. Unfortunately, I was caught up with the wrong things. I was caught up with being unproductive. Day after day I was waking up later and later, feeling less and less excited about starting the day. It was a vicous cycle of doing nothing important, things which didn't excite me. I was sinking into depression. The most disastrous part of it all was that I hid it so well that not only did the closest people in my lives not notice, even I didn't notice.
Then things changed. I started to take notice of the change in feelings. How could I feel so shitty when just a couple of months back I was the happy go lucky guy I've always been. I knew I needed to work on myself, but I had no idea where to start, nor what to do. It was also then when people around began to notice that things weren't quite right with me. Alas, it didn't help.
The one person I was willing to consult was away in Chiangmai without any sign of when he would be returning. Finally, last Sunday I met him and we talked a bit. I explained my lack of motivation and how I was feeling so down lately. The response he gave me didn't really press the right buttons, and I felt no different at the end of the conversation. However, he did do one thing right. He gave me an assignment.
Together with Anthony Robbins Personal Power 2 CDs, he gave me instructions to wake up early every morning, take a shower, dress nice, have a hot cup of tea and listen to 1 CD every day before starting the day, over the next 30 days.
At first it sounded a little bit excessive to me. However I was compelled to oblige because I was desperate to feel differently. Anything was worth a shot.
He then continued by asking me if I would do as he instructed, and take it seriously. I had my doubts about doing that for 30 days but really, what choice did I have. I said yes.
He didn't stop there. He pulled out a pen and a piece of blank paper for me. He told me to write down exactly what I will do for the next 30 days, as a commitment to him, as well as to myself.
Now I knew he was getting serious. And so, I wrote down something like this, signed it, and gave it to him for keeping.
"I, Mervyn Tan, promise to wake up every morning, shower, have a hot cup of tea, and listen to the Anthony Robbins CDs by 8am. I will complete the daily assignments given by Anthony Robbins accordingly, and I will report back to Bjorn with what I learnt from that day's lesson. I will do so for the next 30 days until the program is complete"
Just as I handed the letter back to Bjorn, he emphasized how important it was for me to do exactly as I had commited, or he would be seriously disappointed and would lose his trust in me.
I don't know if he knew how much value I place on trust, but he pushed the right button alright. The next morning, and every morning since then, I have woken up and done accordingly. Truth be told, what I have been doing these past couple of days has truly lifted my spirits. I'm actively getting more and more things done and it feels great. People around me have noticed the change too.
I have also finally sat down to draw up a life mission for myself. Nothing fancy, but I think it'll serve as a decent guide while I chart my course through life. I'm penning it down here so I can reflect on it from time to time. I also hope that others may be inspired to do the same and live their lives with purpose and passion.
Mervyn's Mission
Have you ever been so "caught up"? That's what happened to me. Unfortunately, I was caught up with the wrong things. I was caught up with being unproductive. Day after day I was waking up later and later, feeling less and less excited about starting the day. It was a vicous cycle of doing nothing important, things which didn't excite me. I was sinking into depression. The most disastrous part of it all was that I hid it so well that not only did the closest people in my lives not notice, even I didn't notice.
Then things changed. I started to take notice of the change in feelings. How could I feel so shitty when just a couple of months back I was the happy go lucky guy I've always been. I knew I needed to work on myself, but I had no idea where to start, nor what to do. It was also then when people around began to notice that things weren't quite right with me. Alas, it didn't help.
The one person I was willing to consult was away in Chiangmai without any sign of when he would be returning. Finally, last Sunday I met him and we talked a bit. I explained my lack of motivation and how I was feeling so down lately. The response he gave me didn't really press the right buttons, and I felt no different at the end of the conversation. However, he did do one thing right. He gave me an assignment.
Together with Anthony Robbins Personal Power 2 CDs, he gave me instructions to wake up early every morning, take a shower, dress nice, have a hot cup of tea and listen to 1 CD every day before starting the day, over the next 30 days.
At first it sounded a little bit excessive to me. However I was compelled to oblige because I was desperate to feel differently. Anything was worth a shot.
He then continued by asking me if I would do as he instructed, and take it seriously. I had my doubts about doing that for 30 days but really, what choice did I have. I said yes.
He didn't stop there. He pulled out a pen and a piece of blank paper for me. He told me to write down exactly what I will do for the next 30 days, as a commitment to him, as well as to myself.
Now I knew he was getting serious. And so, I wrote down something like this, signed it, and gave it to him for keeping.
"I, Mervyn Tan, promise to wake up every morning, shower, have a hot cup of tea, and listen to the Anthony Robbins CDs by 8am. I will complete the daily assignments given by Anthony Robbins accordingly, and I will report back to Bjorn with what I learnt from that day's lesson. I will do so for the next 30 days until the program is complete"
Just as I handed the letter back to Bjorn, he emphasized how important it was for me to do exactly as I had commited, or he would be seriously disappointed and would lose his trust in me.
I don't know if he knew how much value I place on trust, but he pushed the right button alright. The next morning, and every morning since then, I have woken up and done accordingly. Truth be told, what I have been doing these past couple of days has truly lifted my spirits. I'm actively getting more and more things done and it feels great. People around me have noticed the change too.
I have also finally sat down to draw up a life mission for myself. Nothing fancy, but I think it'll serve as a decent guide while I chart my course through life. I'm penning it down here so I can reflect on it from time to time. I also hope that others may be inspired to do the same and live their lives with purpose and passion.
Mervyn's Mission
- I commit to continuous learning and inspiring others with the knowledge and experience gained.
- I will live with passion, surrounding myself with my family and dearest friends.
- I will constantly seek new ways to challenge myself, setting new goals regularly and achieving them.
- I will afford the time & money freedom required to enable me to travel the world at will.
03 January 2008
2008 Resolutions - 12 Books Of 2008
After all the partying to usher off 2007 and welcome in 2008, it is only fair that I sit come up with my list of resolutions for this year. Truth be told, I didn't have much of a chance to sum up last year's resolutions and see where I stand, nor have I put a great deal of thought into my goals for 2008. But I have to start somewhere, so here's my first resolution of 2008 - one book a month.
I have never been much of a book person, but I was recently introduced to my first book in a very long time - How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be, by Jack Canfield. Jo spent somewhere between 15-30mins promoting this book to me like crazy after she read it at Borders in Berjaya Time Square. The next day I sent her out to get it for me - RM39.90.
I have since read through about a quarter of the book and I find it very inspiring. I will give you my two cents worth once I'm done with it, but I am impressed so far and have every intention of putting what I learn into action.
I'm eager to finish this book so that I can get to my next read - Screw It, Let's Do It (Expanded) by Richard Branson which I received for Christmas.
30 December 2007
2007: The Year That Was
Today marks the final day of 2007.
I started the year by getting a gym membership which many doubted my ability to stick to. Glad to say I managed to stick to it even until today, although not as frequent as I initially thought. I still go 2-3 times a week nonetheless and I enjoy each session thoroughly.
I have gained the 5kgs I first set out after. More than that, I've actually gained a total of 7kgs. I've also grown my waist size from 23 inches to a healthy 30. I fit most of my clothes much better now and have even outgrown some. For a change, some of the clothes I receive as gifts don't fit because they're too small instead. Quite refreshing for someone who always received comments like "Did you lose weight again?!"
I've finally moved on with my career, now in something totally new - nutrition and weight management. Strange that an accounting and finance graduate with a couple of years in the plastics industry would do something like this because as you can see, there's a great deal of "relevance".
Along the way, where I least expected to find love, I did. Close to 9 months later, we've learnt so much about each other and grown not only as a couple, but as individuals too.
I have also completed my PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification with SY & Pei Yin, our new dive buddy.
I stood at the peak of Mount Kinabalu and caught the sunrise. A formidable challenge, but conquered nonetheless.
I also welcome a new member into my family - Sophie, a 5 year old cross labrador. We took her in just 2 days ago but she's settling in fine and is a wonderful addition to our household.
Those are the highlights of the year. Next up, my goals and targets for 2008. I can't wait I simply can't wait!
I started the year by getting a gym membership which many doubted my ability to stick to. Glad to say I managed to stick to it even until today, although not as frequent as I initially thought. I still go 2-3 times a week nonetheless and I enjoy each session thoroughly.
I have gained the 5kgs I first set out after. More than that, I've actually gained a total of 7kgs. I've also grown my waist size from 23 inches to a healthy 30. I fit most of my clothes much better now and have even outgrown some. For a change, some of the clothes I receive as gifts don't fit because they're too small instead. Quite refreshing for someone who always received comments like "Did you lose weight again?!"
I've finally moved on with my career, now in something totally new - nutrition and weight management. Strange that an accounting and finance graduate with a couple of years in the plastics industry would do something like this because as you can see, there's a great deal of "relevance".
Along the way, where I least expected to find love, I did. Close to 9 months later, we've learnt so much about each other and grown not only as a couple, but as individuals too.
I have also completed my PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification with SY & Pei Yin, our new dive buddy.
I stood at the peak of Mount Kinabalu and caught the sunrise. A formidable challenge, but conquered nonetheless.
I also welcome a new member into my family - Sophie, a 5 year old cross labrador. We took her in just 2 days ago but she's settling in fine and is a wonderful addition to our household.
Those are the highlights of the year. Next up, my goals and targets for 2008. I can't wait I simply can't wait!
26 December 2007
Seasons Greetings
Wow, an entire month went by without a single post. I'm ashamed. I'm sorry.
Anyway, let's not ruin the Christmas cheer. I want to wish everyone who's still coming back to BeingMervs a joyous Christmas and a wonderful New Year.
It was a quiet Christmas celebration at this year's Christmas gathering. Smaller crowd but same old familiar faces, with a couple of new acquaintances. An evening of Taboo, PS2, Mahjong, Twister, Boggle and Win-Lose-Or-Draw kept us busy right till the wee hours of the morning, and even up till sunrise for some of us.
The abundance of liquor went almost untouched but when you've been up for the last 24 hours, behaviour is no different than when you've had one glass too many. Have you ever been exhausted to the point of behaving deliriously and the simplest things would make you laugh uncontrolably? Well, that was how I welcomed Christmas this year.
I wonder how I'll be welcoming the New Year... hmm...
Stay tuned for a recap of 2007!
Anyway, let's not ruin the Christmas cheer. I want to wish everyone who's still coming back to BeingMervs a joyous Christmas and a wonderful New Year.
It was a quiet Christmas celebration at this year's Christmas gathering. Smaller crowd but same old familiar faces, with a couple of new acquaintances. An evening of Taboo, PS2, Mahjong, Twister, Boggle and Win-Lose-Or-Draw kept us busy right till the wee hours of the morning, and even up till sunrise for some of us.
The abundance of liquor went almost untouched but when you've been up for the last 24 hours, behaviour is no different than when you've had one glass too many. Have you ever been exhausted to the point of behaving deliriously and the simplest things would make you laugh uncontrolably? Well, that was how I welcomed Christmas this year.
I wonder how I'll be welcoming the New Year... hmm...
Stay tuned for a recap of 2007!
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