Unfinished Business

By now, many of you have already figured out that I graduated about a month ago. 18th of May to be exact. I am not going to dive into the cliched, "This marks the beginning of a new chapter" or "The end is the beginning is the end" or anything typically typical like that. It is also true that I miss my friends back at Bucknell but that is not what this post is about.

This post is about the unfinished business that I had set out to do a few months ago up until today. Basically, it's like a to-do list that is possibly not going to be completed, but we'll see.

1. So, a while back (the first thing that I set out to do that I did not complete, at least not yet), I intended to write a post about how skill is not enough to win in chess. The idea was motivated by the "poor" showing by some of the Penang players in the National Age-Group Chess Championships. Not that their results were poor, they were by all means acceptable... by everyone else's standard but not mine. Some people say I am harsh, but I like to think I that I have more faith in the abilities of the players to do better. Nonetheless, I started to write that post and did not complete it. I promise to continue to work on that in the near future.

2. Since I returned from the US, I was supposed to zip the photos that I took at TN and send it to all my friends and I haven't got around to that. That is minor because I haven't even taken out my camera since I got back. Rest assured that I will send the pictures soon.

3. I also intended to keep in touch with my friends back at Bucknell who are very dear to me: Rachel, Jon, Amy, Matt D, Matt S, Ellis, Jim and a few others that I might forget to mention (sue me!). One thing that kinda bugs me still is that Rachel and I parted ways without really saying goodbye but I am starting to get the idea that I just have to live with that ;) So, I was going to write a few of you personal emails, while sending a general one out to everyone to let you guys know how I am keeping Malaysia safe and such (true story). I am like an unsung hero here, no one ever knows what I do to keep the country safe, but trust me, it is better that you do not know. That's also one of the reasons I haven't got around to emailing you people.

4. I also started a post just a few days ago to talk about the things that need to be done and I even had a clever title for it. I shall save it for another day.

5. The final two things are probably the most important of all in my list. I need to figure out how to apply for a work permit in Singapore because it seems that's probably where I am headed. The reason why I am going there will be omitted for the employers to ask when they interview me. Not only do I need to figure out how to get a work permit, I also need to know if I can apply for a job without a permit, or do I really have to be a PR, or anything funky of that sort.

6. Most important of all, I need to find a job. Not that I am in need of cash or anything like that, but I think that typing blog posts like this one is probably not the most productive activity in assisting the development of my skill set at the moment. However, my intention is to get into sales of financial products (the details will also be left out once again for the employers to ask). Also, once I find a job, I also need to find a place to stay in Singapore. It seems very exciting and all, and I am looking for two other people to share something like a HDB flat with me. That way, the total rent per person is probably around SGD 500, which by many means is a decent amount to pay to get a whole house with your friends.

Now, the dilemma is that if I go get the job now, I will probably have to leave Penang already and Ern is only returning on the 25th of June. That's in two weeks time and if I am gone, there is no chance for me to see her at all for the next two years (threabouts). Can we survive? On the flip side, if I wait longer, the window of opportunity will close down on me. People will grab up the jobs, clients and such. So what do I do? Compromise? Again???

To throw it down, this is a battle between doing what is right, and what I want, which may or may not be right. Dare I take the risk? Should I take the risk? Can I wait one more month? Will I wait one more month? Well, maybe I shall just pray that they will take one month to process my work permit. That kinda solves all the problems doesn't it?

The praying shall begin. Well, I meant you guys, pray for me. LOL... It's time to redeem yourselves, for all the wrong that you have done, towards me or otherwise. Repent! Okay, too late in the night (too early in the morning) for me to think coherently. Good luck to me! (wishing that preparation meets opportunity)