Reflecting on 2023: A Year of Unfinished Resolutions and Unexpected Joys

As the clock strikes midnight, bidding farewell to 2023, I find myself caught in a whirlwind of thoughts, wondering where the year disappeared to. It feels like just yesterday that I was enthusiastically setting resolutions, promising myself that this year would be different. Yet, here I am, grappling with the reality that many of those goals remain untouched, buried under the fast-paced flow of time.

The ambitious list I crafted for 2023 seemed like a roadmap to personal growth and achievement. However, as the months unfolded, my attention veered towards unexpected diversions. Chinese dramas and anime became my solace, transporting me to worlds far beyond the confines of reality. Weekends that were earmarked for self-improvement and diligent work toward resolutions often succumbed to the allure of captivating storylines and fictional realms.

Amidst the unmet expectations, a silver lining emerged – the joy of spending quality time with friends during the birthday meetup and festive season of Christmas. While my resolutions took a back seat, the warmth of companionship and the laughter shared over dinner became the highlights of the year. It was in these moments that I discovered the importance of connection and the irreplaceable value of genuine human interactions.

Yet, amidst the haze of unfulfilled resolutions, one aspect of my year stands out like a beacon of accomplishment – my involvement in volunteering for National Parks on beach patrols. The decision to dedicate my time to preserving the natural beauty of our coastal areas brought a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Patroling the shores and contributing to environmental conservation became a source of pride and a reminder that meaningful achievements often lie in unexpected corners. Helping to build awareness, educate, and increase the appreciation of marine creatures. Especially when I was awarded outstanding volunteer during the year-end volunteer appreciation day.

As I embark on a new year, I carry with me the lessons of 2023 – the realization that life's path may not always align with our meticulously crafted plans, but in the detours, we find unexpected treasures. While resolutions may have taken a back seat, the journey itself has been filled with valuable experiences, personal connections, and the satisfaction of making a positive impact through volunteering. Perhaps, in the ebb and flow of life, resolutions are meant to be flexible guides, allowing room for spontaneity, growth, and the discovery of unforeseen joys.

Cherishing my health and staying happy is the minimum and most essential part that I hope to accomplish for the new year's resolutions and many years to come.

#Intertidal # Marine creature #Community awareness #Beach

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"Keeping Cats Safe and Sound: The Advantages of Indoor Living in Singapore"

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Safety: Keeping cats indoors ensures their safety by protecting them from the hazards of a dense urban environment, such as busy roads and potential accidents. It reduces the risk of cats getting lost, injured, or encountering dangerous situations outside [1].

Considerate to neighbours: Cats can cause inconvenience to neighbours when allowed to roam freely. They may shed fur, defecate or urinate in public areas, and make caterwauling sounds. Keeping cats indoors helps maintain good neighbourly relations and prevents disturbances caused by unsupervised cats [1].

Public health and hygiene: Indoor cats reduce the risk of spreading diseases, parasites, and infections to other animals and humans. They minimize issues related to cat fur, feces, and urine in public areas, promoting better public health and hygiene [2].

Improved traceability: Licensing and microchipping of pet cats enhance traceability and accountability for cat owners. This helps in responsible cat ownership and ensures that cats are kept under appropriate care [2].

Proposed cat management framework: The Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) in Singapore has proposed a framework to improve the management and welfare of cats, including licensing and microchipping of pet cats, and sterilization and rehoming of community cats. Keeping cats indoors aligns with these efforts to promote responsible cat ownership and better cat management in Singapore [2].

By keeping cats indoors in Singapore, their safety, the well-being of the community, and the implementation of responsible cat ownership practices are prioritized.

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References:

[1] HDB | Keeping Pets. Retrieved from: https://www.hdb.gov.sg/cs/infoweb/residential/living-in-an-hdb-flat/keeping-pets

[2] AVS launches public consultation on proposed framework to improve cat management and welfare. Retrieved from: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/news/2022/9/avs-launches-public-consultation-on-proposed-framework-to-improve-cat-management-and-welfare

"Caring for Singapore's Stray Cats: Promoting Responsible Ownership and Community Harmony"

Introduction:

Stray cats in Singapore face a challenging and often harsh life, with many living in drains, construction sites, or abandoned by irresponsible owners [1]. While their presence is a part of the urban landscape, it is crucial to understand the importance of responsible cat ownership and creating harmony within the community. By addressing the issue of stray cats and promoting proper care, we can ensure the well-being of these feline friends and foster a compassionate society.

Now, let's explore the key points regarding stray cats in Singapore:

Understanding Stray Cats:
Stray cats, referred to as community cats, are commonly found in various neighborhoods [3].

Removing cats should only be done if they are in immediate danger, as it may lead to other cats taking their place [3].
Sterilization plays a vital role in managing the population and preventing unnecessary breeding [3].

Feeding Stray Cats:

It is permissible to feed stray cats; however, it is essential to clean up afterward to prevent littering [3].

Feeding should be done using cat food, away from high human traffic areas, and at ground level [3].

Adoption of Stray Cats:

Rehoming organizations provide opportunities for adopting stray cats, but potential adopters must consider long-term commitments and financial responsibilities [3].
Installing suitable grilles and meshing ensures the cat's safety indoors [3].

Promoting Community Harmony:
Harmless deterrents, such as wire or plastic meshes, can be used to prevent strays from entering private premises [3].
Understanding and respecting the presence of stray cats contribute to a harmonious coexistence within the community [3].

By emphasizing responsible ownership, sterilization efforts, and community engagement, we can work together to create a nurturing environment for stray cats in Singapore. Through education and compassion, we can make a positive difference in the lives of these vulnerable animals.

References:

[1] The Kitten Sanctuary: Giving Singapore's Stray Cats a New Lease Of Life. Retrieved from: https://www.timeout.com/singapore/things-to-do/finding-forever-homes-for-singapores-stray-cats

[3] YOUth should know: 5 things about stray cats in Singapore. Retrieved from: https://youthopia.sg/read/youth-should-know-5-things-about-stray-cats-in-singapore/

It's not simple to say..

Most days I don't recognize myself, in this situation with the words I chose in conversation with people I love. Sometimes I feel I was a born natural to make someone angry. Frequently, on many occasions through the years, it would cause misunderstanding and got my loved one angry and hurt people, I used to call friends. And I don't even feel the need to explain myself, in my mind, I felt that if he who really loves me will forgive. Until now, I've yet to find someone that has forgiven me. Not many people know how I really feel and think cause no one have the patience to stay longer.

Sometimes I feel I'm reckless just enough and end up meeting the wrong people and get used by a man who can't love me. I get stuck and be scared of life and I get bruised all over again, time after time. I'm not anything like I used to be, I never like to meet people anymore, because I would never really know what to say or use the right words. For years, it didn't help, it is like a defend system I have to get rid of anyone who cares because deep down I know they will leave me one day in pain.

I was imperfect but I have a good heart and would not harm anyone. I'm lonely most of the time, craving for someone who would pamper me without reason, but I am too afraid to meet anyone new. I really hate myself sometimes and more than once the thought of killing myself occurs, luckily my sense of responsibility to my family and work kept me going.

I break down and cry many nights.  I may be broken, I may be struggling inside but I need to move on.

Almost 2years on...

 It is almost coming to the end of Q3 2021, yet today we are still looking at how Covid-19 have affected us globally. Some countries are getting the 3^rd waves or 4^th due to variants of covid while others are still struggling and locked down measures in place in hope to stop further spread

Countries with high vaccination rates are slowly implementing small steps to open up domestically but with stringent measures for travelers.

Some business strive while other, even the traditional heritage businesses have called it the end of their era. During this period, I've learned and adapted to being by myself and tend to get some social anxiety instead when there's a need to meet. It has been so long, that conversation with people you know seems to be awkward at some occasions. Hopefully, this is just temporary and we can slowly learn to be how we are before. For now. Stay safe and hope that we fight off covid globally.

Last Day of Y2020...

 Today is 31 Dec 2020, the last day of an uncertain whole year, where everything seems to be unknown when the covid-19 pandemic hit the globe. 

The unknown virus bought fear, anxiety, depression, and a lot of uncertainty in life. Humanity was brought to the test. Family and friends were forced to keep their distance from one another to keep safe. Some took this great time to pamper themselves and relax. Alone time gave people more time to think of their desires. Couples get the opportunity to be more intimate, but not all end up well. Family time was too much for some to handle. Of course, there are also many great stories of people coming together helping the vulnerable overcome the pandemic situtation.

While others go the other way and fall into the depression of loneliness and fear of getting sick. In such times, we get to know more about what we fear and cherish. And hope we have learned and know better to handle it in the coming future. The numbers of infections remain high and uncontrolled, in another part of the world, and with mutation of more infectious of the virus was reported, we may still need to combat the covid-19 for another year at least before we can see better times and pick up of the economy. For now, we do what we can and must. Staying positive and keep our mind saint.

The lockdown of countries and borders kept families apart, business at a standstill, frontline struggles, and humanity fear. While mother earth, wildlife has a break from human intrudes and strive during those periods of locked down. It may not be much significant in the long term, but it shows us, humans, how much we had meddled in their lifestyle and environment. it has brought a lot of awareness to climate change and wildlife conservation. Human is now more appreciative to nature and conscience of their health.

Being the end of the year and tomorrow a world new chapter of the year. Wishing all joy, happiness, peace, and a healthy new year 2021.

The World at a standstill / Covid-19

During the pandemic, everything changed. The virus that spread globally not only it is easily infectious, the death rate was high too. Many countries were caught off-guarded or un-prepared when it hits their shores. Fake news and rumors spread vitally, no one knows what is real, the government had to step in and create an official website for the public to get access, subscribe and be informed.

Life was on a standstill during the locked down, public rushing for food supply and daily household stuff before the locked down as if the war is here. Frontline, essential services, food provider and supply chain were the few services that are still available when the locked down were slowly opening with restricted measure in place.

Many have lost their income and not sure what their futures hold. Graduated student were unable to find jobs, family not allowed to visit and the mental health were challenging during these times. Family were break apart and cannot meet one another. Love couples were being challenged. With countries shutdown, people are voicing their unhappiness, the homeless are hit the worst and the seniors are vulnerable against the virus. For an island-Singapore, we took almost a year before things looks better, with everyone doing their best to keep their distance in public areas. We are the few fortunate countries that have experience infectious virus in the country before and this time we are more willing to cooperator and know what we must do. Life may not be back to what we use to before the pandemic, but at least for now, we are confident that we are able to see it through until the vaccine is available.

Singapore was lucky, we have our network structure already in place, technologies and available in almost every household that even school continued during the locked down with some changes. Some industries were able to remain operational with working at home and stay safe. Wet markets, retails, F&B that adopted live steaming sales were explosive. At home, video calls was a daily affair, online application became a hit in high demand and retails with ecommerce platform thrived. The almost dying last mile fulfillment was revived and double up in requirement. People had came forward to show that they care and helping others in needs. Others use their skills like singing and performance online to keep the entertainment going and help keep the mind occupy.

While Singapore is slowly opening up, the other countries were in second waves of infection due to lack of information, preparation and education. Poor living environment and food shortage also contributed to the problem. While on the other hand, the shutdown that have stopped human, traffic and carbon footprint around the world have seen some benefits. Marine life flourish, wild animals were seen strolling around the street, plants expanding their territory. Greenery were seen and it brings joys to the bees and butterflies. You hear the birds chirping outside.

Life may not be the same to many, mindset will changed, people will learn and the country will grow to be stronger. May the world learn to co-exist and keep the peace.