I ordered a passion planner.

The killjoy would describe a passion planner as a S$50.00 fancy notebook. I would rather look at it as a desperate stab at organisation. I want to write again. Physically write. I want to invest in pens and highlighters. I want to see my handwriting turn from slop into something legible. I want to put down my thoughts and dreams into a diary and a life planner. I’m a 31 year-old homosexual man who is about to do this.

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I’m going to Hong Kong, soon.

The “city of life” inspires me. The vibrant and raw vibe of Hong Kong excite me. And this time I’m not going there to ride the Star Ferry. I’m going to paddle in a dragon boat in the rough and murky waters of the famous harbour. I am so fucking excited. I’m not thinking about the gold medal. I’m looking for the experience. I want to win but I don’t want to be an asshole. With 4,000 paddlers attending, this is looking to be the largest dragon boat race I’ve ever signed up for.

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Ch-ch-ch-changes at work

Eh, what’s new? I’m no longer surprised by shifts at work. I’ve been in corporate long enough to embrace changes. I’m taking in more work load. I’m taking in a reasonable amount of responsibility. And I’m not kicking myself if shit seemingly fails. In most cases, shit does NOT fail. It gets done differently when I’m on it. And I still get it done. And I do it with heart.

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Our house is a living room

My flatmate is always inviting teammates over. It’s fantastic to have my teammates come over. I think it keeps my flatmate Emman happy and busy… (when I was newly single, I needed my own distractions in the form of a PS4). The thing is… when there’s 15 people in your living room, I tend to keep to myself in my own room. Some may say it’s being “anti-social”… I would rather put it as “selectively social”. I’m happy to have mostly great teammates, but that doesn’t mean I have to be chief entertainer. I can’t keep up with my flatmate Emman sometimes. But he’s amazing at it. Cue applause.

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Dating

I won’t talk about it in detail but I’ll mention it. I’ve started dating again recently (after a few months break). It’s daunting. But it feels great. It’s like getting back on a bicycle and slowly moving forward. I’ve no ambition to be a serial dater like some guys out there. But I’ll humbly take what I can get. No expectations. Just good times. And who knows.

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Solo trip to Melaka

I’m heading to Melaka in mid-June for my first solo trip in a long time. I’ve booked a room at a boutique hotel which is a fusion of old and new. I want to walk along Jonker Street, have chicken rice, try street foods… perhaps run into strangers and make friends.

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Family

I received sad news the other day that one of my uncles had passed away. I come from two large families (with virtual relationships with cousins/distant relatives). I’m not close to them but I feel for them. I feel for my mom. I spoke with her over the phone when I learned about it. Time is precious. I want to spend more time with my immediate family. That means more travels and more visits.

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What would you do if you knew you wouldn’t fail?

Kiss someone I really like. Take him home? Give him the world.

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Write about the losses you’ve experienced.

I’ve joined three dragon boat races this year and I haven’t won a medal yet.

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What are you saying goodbye to?

Some colleagues.

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My faith is…

Intact? I still have my “anti-anxiety” rosary on my bedside table.

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What’s the best that can happen?

I get promoted at work. Or, I break into the top 5 of time trial performers. I meet someone who loves me back.

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Five places I would like to visit are:

Bagan, Yogyakarta, Hanoi, Phuket, and Bali.

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Look out the window. Write about what you see.

Neighbouring HDB blocks. A vast parking lot that is half empty.

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My favourite movies right now are…

Not much into movies lately. But I still recall the WTF moment at the end of X-Men Apocalypse. When Jean started walking on air. Like… wtf!

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When I’m upset…

I normally speak my mind. Because I’m likely hungry!

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What was a good high school memory?

80% of high school was NOT a good memory. But I would have to look back and remember fondly the time I spent with Rom. He was excellent at math. He was openly gay (and got talked about). But it never bothered me. He was out and open. He was full of life and potential. He is a happy thought from high school.

May his soul rest in peace.