A sprain, a bad fall and the stomach flu ( DISLIKE)

As the year comes to a close, let me reflect and pen down the things I have achieved and also failed in 2010.

Switching to academia ( LIKE)
Perhaps the main highlight for me in 2010 was the decision to switch my career to academia. Headhunters will term it as the route to the end of any career. While some will say it is the most fulfilling and worthy profession in history. I leave it to you to decide. :-)  Educating the young is definitely a challenge as often times, it is not what you know that makes a difference, but more of whether you care. They do not care about how much you know. But they do know if you do not care.  I will bear that in mind.

Reinstating my health and re picking up a sport I once loved (LIKE)
Perhaps another main highlight in 2010 was the courage to go back to volleyball after stopping for a close 5-6 years. I've mentioned this several times and will mention it again. I used to love this sport dearly but somehow i lost touched and interest amidst all my pursuits for material and spiritual fulfilment. Getting back into this sport really made me a happier, balanced and healthier individual. Not to mention knowing a group of true volleyball fanatics.

Back on competitions again (LIKE)
Well i got teased frequently by friends that I 'suck' in talent competitions. I think i really do. :-(
It happened to me in 2001 and 2010 marked the year which I entered into not 1 but 2 competitions per se. Friends will ask 'why do you want to join such competitions again'? 'And it gives people the impression that you re yearning for some kind of attention!'. The truth of the matter is, it is more for strategic reasons then anything else. Believe it or not.  The two competitions I joined and which i done relatively well in 2010, gave me sweet memories and certainly boost my confidence to take on bigger challenges. So i still think it is a 'LIKE' for me.


For those who remembered the MEE POK TA

A sprain, a bad fall and the stomach flu ( DISLIKE)

Yes on my health side, three major incidents left me scarred in 2010. First was the fall in early february at Buckaroo BBQ & GRILL. After two glasses (yes two glasses) of Hoegarden beer & some spicy chicken wings, I went to the toilet and pee and the next thing i knew was that i was lying on the floor, with zip unbuttoned, and blood splattered all over the floor. Apparently i passed out while i was halfway peeing. My worried friends then drove me to the nearest clinic and this fall left me with my head bandaged coupled with three stitches. I can't believe i still can join my friends at the KBOX after this incident.

my swollen left ankle

The second incident was my recent ankle sprain which happened in the midst of a volleyball tournament in SG. The sprain left me feeling 'disabled' and 'incomplete' for a good 5 weeks. I had to miss the Stanchart run as a result, which I still wonder till date whether it was a blessing in disguise or not.



Stomach flu left me sick and worried. A friend had the same and it was deja vu.

Play on Social Media (DISLIKE)

I have planned to stage a play on Social media in November 2010. My sister Wendy, Jeanne and I got so enthusiastic about it that we met up several times to discuss the plot and all. I think we even got the plot and skeleton ready. it never materialise and I think it will be untimely and irrelevant to stage it next year. Fingers crossed really. 

Wendy Toh's courage ( LIKE)

I need to mention this. Definitely a BIG like for me as Wendy Toh, my younger sister had personally inspired me. She has shown and redefine the true meaning of love, passion, compassion, courage, forgiveness and peace in 2010.  A true friend. A true being. She is truly amazing.





My travellution (LIKE)

I travelled quite abit in 2010. This will continue to be my personal goal in life. I hope to conquer some parts of US and perhaps Japan, or UK next year.

So there you go. I have 5 Likes and 2 Dislikes. Not so bad for a cheerful and joyful , but sometimes dark person like me.

I would like to end off with this quote which i read from GEOFF Tan today. he quoted  Rose an 87 year old woman in his article on happiness:

We do not stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we stop playing. Secrets to staying young, being happy; 'You have to laugh and find humor everyday. You must also have a dream. When you lose your dreams, you die'

Well, let this be our reflection and reminder as we receive the new year 2011 this friday. As we do the countdown from 10 to 0, remember to laugh and be happy that we are able to breathe through the new year together with our friends and loved ones.

Dennis Toh