In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.

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Well, people. Sorry I haven't been blogging the last few weeks. Been busy with school and what not. I've also been working on a website called shuttercollective.com, a website where amateur photographers all round the world can unite and share different cultures. If you are interested in contribution, please send me an e-mail at info@shuttercollective.com. shuttercollective.com needs regular contributors, not just in photos, but also in web administration, news, updates, reviews and so on.

Anyway, enough of advertising that. Now let's get back to my life.

The last few weeks have been good to me and there shouldn't be any reason that this blessing should change. I really thank God a lot nowadays. School has been nothing but one good thing after another. Perhaps I speak too soon, but I guess I'm happy about it now and I want to share that with my friends. My teachers must be the nicest bunch of people on earth. They are flexible in terms of assignments, and that means that students are encouraged to do exciting things with their projects. Anything goes. So in fact, I have so much that I feel that I can expand towards.

My involvement in school is on a heavy side, considering that I'm still only a TAFE student. On top of my classes, I am actually helping out in the video department in my faculty by shooting lectures where guest speakers are present. Last week, I was invited to contribute to the faculty newsletter (for what it's worth) as a regularly writer. I don't know much about my writing skills nowadays, and I very much prefer fiction. But I think I'll find this newsletter a good experience. It builds up on my resume, maybe? These are just the things related to the faculty.

Outside the faculty, but still in RMIT itself, I'm involved in the student-run television RMITV, which broadcasts on Channel 31. There, I work in different roles each time because they want all the 'new kids' to gain experience in different roles before settling down on one. So far, I've a camera operator, lighting grip, floor manager and the director's assistant (again). I find that the leadership roles of floor manager and director's assistant was very much like when I was working for Sonic Fest. Quite grueling but fun. Healthy stress.

I'm eating well, but the expenditure for food is high. I guess that's city-living. In Singapore, I would probably never be able to afford property at all. Here I could work for a while and will earn enough for a comfortable life in the inner city districts. I love Melbourne and I want to stay here at least a while. I feel that He has been telling me that He has plans for me here. So far, I've come in faith, and I do not know what He wants me to do yet. So now I'm upgrading myself so that I shall be more useful when the time comes for me to serve Him again.

But even as good as life gets here, I am beginning to feel the effects of missing home. Everybody feels that way. Don't get me wrong. I'm not like missing home very badly. In fact, I don't want to go home this year if I can help it. But there are a lot of friends I have made in the past year that I long to see every now and then. Perhaps my last months in Singapore were the only times I've ever made real friends - aside from my secondary school pals Terence and Max, of course. All my life, I'd have to cope with loneliness and it was only recently that I've made friends who are actually worth it. In fact, I was beginning to wonder if I can match up to their friendship. After all, I'm still so used to being alone, doing things by myself and working out my own issues. But now, even here, I have begun a network of nice people who I hang out with every week, so perhaps the spirit of loneliness has lost its battle within me. Sometimes, the situation is funny because I tend to be over-hyper about my relationships with other people. Maybe it is a psychological mechanism to compensate for my lack in the past. I just hope I don't overdo it.

Anyway, on to some other stuff.

Judy! What are your contacts? When are you visiting Melbourne? I would love to see you around soon. In Easter, I'm going up to Sydney for 3 or 4 days. Perhaps we can hook up? Kim, Angel, YC, Tessa! I'm thinking it's best we go to NYC in June/July 2004 period. What do you suggest? I think 2 weeks is enough. I want to visit Boston too, while I'm there. And Tessa, I'm thinking very hard about continuing on to London. Need to save money first. Milton! you coming in winter holidays, right? Let me know which days you're coming, yeah? Dex, also let me know if you're flying over here in Easter quick. I'm going to Sydney so I've got to get tickets soon. I'd hate to miss you when you're here. Anyway, guys, anyone of you visiting Melbourne, let me know. I have room for two bunkers. Save you loads from even backpackers'.

Drey, you must take care, babe. Don't miss out on what you deserve. You've come too far for that.

Anyway, it's late here. Almost 3. My normal bedtime. I gotta go. See you when I see you.

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam