There are times in our life that we became too focused upon ourselves that we fail to see the world around us.

Today, I have visited two schools located in the suburb of Shao Yang city, Hunan Province, China. One of them, high school and another, elementary school. The reason for such visit is purely doing something for the kids, knowing that I have been fortunate in my life with access to so many opportunities; I wanted to do something, something that’s not of business matters, something doesn’t have personal material rewards, something that’s just good. No name was given, and no press releases were sent out. I was there just as a human being.

The average income of these kids’ family is about 970RMB per year, which is a bit less than US$150. For most of xangan population, it’s less than the value of a meal or a night out during the weekend. Yet for them, it means life or death.

Simple things that we take for granted are intangible for them, and while the education was free to them, the knowledge that they have acquired would not be sufficient for them to apply for an “accomplished” career. Their path is much tougher than all of us.

It’s very sad and touching. Seeing these kids, who are so cute and eager learners, and knowing that if there’s no outside support to lead them, they will just remain their current living standards.

Looking at them, and then reflecting on myself, I do wonder my reasonings behind the pursuit for success. How much is enough? and how much do I really need?

anyways, i have committed myself and some of my resources to help them, and will be visiting this place on a yearly basis from now on

Grade 2 students

Aren’t them cute, but i wonder whether they will ever have one

Teacher’s Room

The facility

The ceiling of the classroom

BJ (4/1), Changsha (4/2-4/4), HKG (4/5-4/6) JM (4/7-9) Shanghai (4/9-4/11)

enough said…..

funny how i never actually watched a second sec of the game even when i was actually present in the stadium. I blame it on the free flowing beer and champgne.

Until 5 years ago, I thought I was invincible, my body could do no wrong and I can endure as much workload as I please. However, recently, I have started to feel that my health may not be as good as I want it to be anymore, and I started to have these “weaknesses”

The past couple of days, I started to have a severe migraine pain on the right side of my head. At day one and two, I just ignored it and continued on with my work. However, it was so painful yesterday that I had to cut my day short, and instead of going through some more business details with my partners in dinner, I retreated and rested my night away.

It’s the same thing today, and though it’s better, but it’s somewhat frustrating.

are these common? or did I really pushed myself a little too hard physically. I hope this is not a sign of me aging..

once again, I am heading to singapore. This time I will be staying there till the end of the week.

Many of my friends living there keeps telling me how boring Singapore is, and how small it is…etc; I, however, have never felt anything that resembles such sentiment. The city is clean, well designed, right next to beaches, and not to mention the delicious food that they have. What’s not to love?

having been told by countless friends of mine to watch this movie, I watch it yesterday.

It’s funny that when everyone recommend this movie to me, they always add this reference that this movie reminds them of me (though definitely not the job duty side).  upon the end of viewership, I have to concur that certain part of my lifestyle does resemble the movie.

One of the things that I found similiar sentiment is the conversation that they had in the movie when George Clooney asked his young staff why she would think settling down young is the end of the world; and her reply was “because it is”

This is exact response that I’ve heard countless times from the likes of friends and ex-girlfriends. But nowadays, I wonder if we look back, whether we will find ourselves to be less certain of that same answer.

and yet, is it really a bad thing?

it is true that i miss the intricate intimacy from time to time, but on the other hand, life has so much to offer right now. What makes our life interesting may not be the finest movements that we spend with our loved ones, but rather the different experiences that we get to encounter when we are able to.

In another 20 years, maybe I will look back and regret the excess career expectations that I put upon myself; maybe I will regret not to overlook the flaws that my girlfriends had and pursuing that ideal girl; maybe I will find having the Elite membership status from airlines are child plays; and most importantly, maybe I will realise that, ultimately, family is what matters the most.

However, As of right now, I am just a robot trying to execute the command lines.. all I see is the end line, and I have no interest looking at the views.

Crazy traveling schedule during the past week,which started with me going to LA from Hong Kong.  Upon arrival arrival and 24 hours later, I was on the plane to Tokyo, and now I am in China.

I was never a huge fan of japanese food, they are usually too sweet and mild for my likings.  However, from time to time, I guess it is indeed good to have a change of flavour. One of the restaurants that I was eating in only serves tempura, and for someone that dislikes fried food, it tastes pretty good.

Visited a friend of mine who owns diamond wholesale business in Hong Kong, and resisted temptation to rob him in his office

finally, a completion.

in tokyo, and feeling rather nice. today is my day off, gotta visit some temples to wish for some good fortunes this year.

a few days ago, I was flipping through my book collections for some pre-sleeping reading material.

What i came across was something that I’ve read centuries ago, the mere glimpse of its introduction brings so much boredom that I know I would fell asleep right now.  However, as I was flipping through those pages, I actually started to read its context and understanding it from an angle that was previously nonexistent.  What I once viewed as meaningless contexts are now enlightenments and inspirations.  As a result, I ended up spending the wee hours reading this old book.

and it kept me thinking, if experience has that much impact on my perception of things and objects. What effects would time have towards us and people around us?  will we like someone that we once detest? will we start to fall apart from our close friends?

will you?

A winter morning in Beijing