Sleepless Nights

Sleep eludes me these days.

And it is getting more frequent.

Lately, I can only sleep for 3-4 hours a day.

And every disturbing noise can easily wake me up.

I remembered 10 years ago I could sleep 8 hours in one stretch with loud music and noises around.

And 5 years ago it was 12 p.m. to 6 a.m.

And now 12 p.m. to 3.30 a.m.

Is it because of the age?

But I do have very nice sleep.

And I feel really refreshed after that.

But the duration of my sleep sometimes make me worry.

Does it happen to everyone?

Do you wake up very early frequently wondering what to do next?

I just hope it is alright.

I did ask some of my friends and colleagues.

Many of them enjoy 6-8 hours sleep a day.

Quite a few have 1-2 hours sleep a day.

Is it normal?

I try to make up for it by taking a 20-minutes sleep every afternoon.

I think it should be okay.

I hope I wouldn't have 24 hours no sleep

..... or 72 hours no sleep.

It will be horrible.

Ho...sleepless nights worry me...

Are We Good Friends?

Everyone yearns to find good friends.

Not many of us can live in this world without talking to a soul, more so to a good soul who has so much to give and love.

It will be unthinkable and unbearable to live alone in remote land with no one to talk to.

I respect those highlanders and seafarers who are always lonesome.

I respect those soldier, border scouts and other enforcement officers who have to carry out dangerous missions in far away land.

But I know deep inside they are men like me, seeking for their good friends.....

Yah, Good friends are a wonderful thing to have.

Good friends share thoughts, feelings and actions together.

They look for mutual edification and enrichment.

They seek to promote mutual respect and understanding.

They foster mutual interests and tolerance.

And....

Good friends don't hurt one another for fun.

They don't speak carelessly and make irresponsible remarks about others' private lives.

They don't spread rumors and gossips.

But.....

Good friends are difficult to find, hard to leave, and impossible to forget.

They are to be treasured, and good friendships are to be nurtured!

Don't be afraid to reach out to others.....

The best way to find good friends is to be a good friend yourself.

Are we good friends?

The Moment Of Love

It was the last day of the school.

Most students had packed their bags and gone home.

The Upper Six students remained.

There was an assembly for them.

I presumed it was held to boost their spirits and morale to face the coming public exam.

The principal of the school gave a heart warming speech.

He received many attentions, then the overwhelming claps.

Then came a round of shaking hands...

Then the many best wishes....

Then the many reminders and last minute push-up.

Then come the uncontrollable tears and sobbing, both teachers and students......

Many moments of sweet memories...

Many instances of arguments and debates....

Many hours of teaching and learning, reteaching and relearning....

Many times of well-phrased advices and tips fell on the deaf ears and stiff necks....

And teachers on many occasions were reasoning among themselves how to bring this group of students up....

Then came this moment... when the world came to a stand still.... so unexpected and so sad...

It was indeed a touching moment where the hearts no long lie.

Everyone looked at one another, so sincere and so giving.

It was a moment of truth...

It was a moment of love...

It was a moment to treasure and remember...

Forever and ever.

It's Never Done Until It's Done

At the end of the day, when the work is done, there are surely things and people that we must not neglect.

There are certain things that we are to reconsider.

There are processes and progresses that we must analyze and evaluate.

There are mistakes and errors that we must learn to correct and minimize.

And if we remember.......

There are certain tasks that are done without proper or thorough planning.

There are redundant tasks that are really a waste of funds and resources.

There are important tasks that are swept under the carpet.

There are on-going tasks that are done on an ad hoc basis.

And these and many more have adversely influenced and affected the outcomes....

If only we make it a rule to assess and reassess our tasks, we would be able to correct and improve our work, and be more successful in our working life.

As it is, too many of us have burnt out.... and no longer enjoyed our work.

----------------------

There are also certain individuals to remember.

We have to celebrate our success together.

There are trophies to give, prizes to win, and achievements to cherish.

There are success stories, ideas and advices to share for the betterment of the team.

Of course, there are times when we may have to share our failures and frustrations, and hope to improve our works the next time round.

And there are times when we may have to console and pacify ourselves for not meeting our goals.

Nonetheless, we must not leave out anyone.

Everyone is vital to the team.

They command our respect and appreciation.

They determine the future and health of the organization.

And so at the end of the day when the work is done......

It's never done until it's done.