I feel a tad more carefree,

just like the past,

like how I used to be.

Yep.

Mid terms are finally over.

As of now, presentations, thesis, read math lecture notes on triple integration and higher-level-differential-eqn (since I skipped lectures twice) and 6 journal articles form the pile of workload.

Had an enjoyable lunch and dinner with dear Ruiqi. Discussed a teeny weeny bit about gender differences and the module I took so far was rather informative about how males and females generally share similar attributes, cognitive as well as behavioural characteristics, with a few exceptions like motor performance (i.e. throwing velocity), some aspects of sexuality and a moderate gender difference in aggression. What is also interesting is that at certain ages, we may be more similar to the other gender while this finding may not hold, a few years down the road.

Gender differences in the media have been greatly exaggerated and the cost of these inflated claims do lead to many undesirable consequences. For e.g. women and men have been told that they came from different planets and their communication styles are just too diverse. However, if we were to really look at the magnitude of some of the differences, some of it is just too small to create a hoohaa, like how the media has 'conveniently' highlighted for us.

A common issue is the stereotype that boys are better than girls in Math. Recent meta-analyses have found similar performance between both genders for Math performance.

Moreover, in experimental studies where there's a manipulation of participants being told that the math task they were going to do was gender fair, there was no gender differences in performance. Contrast this to the control condition where participants expected gender differences, and results showed that women did worse than men.

As a result of such stereotypes, mathematical abilities in girls may be overlooked by both parents and teachers because adults usually (note all the general terms) only expect boys to do better, which can result in girls having lower confidence that they can succeed in Math courses. Well, of course there will always be individual differences; those outliers who are gifted in Math from the start. BUT, they do not form the majority.

Note to self: I can get A+ for this sem's Math module.

Of course, the most important takeaway is that gender differences and similarities vary across the lifespan and is dependent on the context. In some countries, girls/boys do better in Math and in others, there are no gender differences. Boys may perform better in certain mathematical analysis starting from secondary school while girls may be better at computation in primary school.

Overall, we are socialised to behave and to evaluate ourselves and others using gender lens which are perpetuated by cultural attitudes and beliefs.

Reminder to self: I still can get A+ for this sem's Math module.

Okay, enough of GD1101E.

Having a mini headache and slight problems breathing. Probably because I ate too much. Nonetheless, my physical body is sending me some warning signals. I better drag myself to bed by half past eleven.

Note to self: I know I still can get A+ for this sem's Math module Dream on.

- Thank You, Lord, for chocolate ice cream. -

I've never believed in getting too comfortable in a r/s.

Yes, comfortability is good, if it's not being overemphasized. There's nothing wrong with being yourself while with the other. But if one gets too comfortable, the r/s may gradually reach stagnation and then issues of security and doubts may surface. For e.g., a few days have passed where both of you are too busy with your work and think that it's okay if you needn't message him/her because he/she will understand. Or like how both of you used to take romantic walks talking bout everything under the sun or go out on amazing trips planned by either but 2 full months have passed since both last had a good chat or a whole day to bask under each other's attention and company.

I feel that it is just a misconception when people say that for a r/s of 6-7 years, it is hard to maintain the love and then it's just a matter of commitment. Doesn't it just boil down to being too comfortable? Where's the effort that both once put in at the beginning of the r/s?

Then some people may say 'You can't expect me to love her/him as much as how I used to' or 'You can't expect me to put in as much effort as how I used to because that was just the initial phase.'

My question is 'Why not???'

Each r/s, however long or short, requires constant effort to build. Words of affirmation, a small gift, being concerned, doing something for, little gestures, surprises and reassurance etc are ways to maintain a long term r/s, for both parties alike.

Note: it's not only the male partners who are responsible for such stuff.

My point is just that every r/s requires effort to maintain. From day 1 till death do you part. And it has to be effort put in from both parties, who have to see the need and importance for such things.

Well, just some thoughts that got me thinking after last night's conversation with a very good friend of mine.

Here's a conversation with Mum yesterday morning,

after an attempt to cut my fringe before heading off to bed the night before,

Mum: Why didn't you clear the mess at the sink properly?

Me: I thought I did

Mum: There are still quite a lot of remaining strands

Me: Oops sorry!

Mum: Next time, please use the shaver properly.

Me: *open small eyes in utter horror*

I started bursting out with laughter and after explaining to her that the 1-3 CM strands of hair came from the top of my head, she gave a rather sheepish grin.

She thought it was from the underarms!

Yikes!

The principle of simplicity is a line of reasoning in Science suggesting that the simplest answer is always the better one.

Why can't Mathematicians think the same way? That'll reduce a whole lot of complexity in the world, won't it? :)

On a side note, perhaps I should apply that principle to my life too.

Going for Math mid terms at 8pm tonight. All the best to my fellow sufferers and I.

By faith, the walls of Jericho fell.

By faith, Daniel stopped the mouths of the lions.

By faith, Samson was made strong in his weakness.

By faith, Moses and the people crossed the Red Sea on dry land.

By faith, promises will be fulfilled.

Faith,

we can have it too.

Nothing beats having a cup of hot chocolate and good company:)

By guarding it according to Your word.

With my whole heart I seek you;

let me not wander from your commandments!

I have stored up Your Word in my heart,

that I might not sin against You.

Blessed are You, O Lord;

teach me Your statutes!

With my lips I declare

all the rules of Your mouth.

In the way of Your testimonies I delight

as much as in all riches.

I will meditate on Your precepts

and fix my eyes on Your ways.

I will delight in Your statutes;

I will not forget Your Word.

This is getting much tougher than expected.

Sometimes it is just so easy to lead a life that distances itself from God and embraces what the world pursues.

But that's not what I am made for.

My purpose is not a life of enjoyment, pleasure and being self-centred.

It is one that places God at the center of my life.

- Thank You, Lord, for the timely reminder. -

Dear Mum,

'You are the one who said "Go try it"

You said the words "I know you can"

And when I felt like I had blown it

You helped me try again

You gave me roots to grow in love

You gave me wings to reach a star

You set me free to be who I am

Just by being who you are

You were the one that God has assigned to me

And in your love my life has grown

You were the one whose faith I borrowed

Till I had found my own

I thank the Lord for who you are

He knew just who I'd need

You love me just the way I am

And pointed the way, to who I could be'

My sister and I have always sung this song to my mum since young.

Now, many years later, these words still hold as much sentimental value.

Happy birthday Mum!

Thanks for teaching me how to sit, walk, stand, poo (infants)

For teaching me English, Maths, Science, Chinese and Higher Chinese heh (primary sch)

For teaching me moral values and how to always put others first

For teaching me how to be sensitive to the feelings of others

For teaching me that grades aren't everything; health matters more

For teaching me how to trust in the Word of God

Thanks for being such a self-sacrificial mother, and an incredible teacher!

-Thank You, Lord, for my mother's prayers. -

Girls' Night In

although it wasnt evident, we were trying super hard to control our laughter because we looked ridiculous

This dearest friend of mine came over to stay after we went to town last Friday evening, where we stayed and chatted in Wisma's Food Republic for the longest time. It was good o fun, laughing our lungs our over silly matters as well as getting engaged in serious discussions over careers etc.

Before leaving town, we headed to the nearest 7-11 where we grabbed cup noodles (though i was extremely full) and a packet of snacks - a necessity for every girls' night in. Too bad, we ended up not utilising those snacks as we were hungry at different times throughout the night. haha.

The photo, which gave us ginormous alien eyes, can be credited to the photobooth in her Mac which she bought 2 weeks ago. It's one of the more 'presentable' photos that we took that night. If I upload the rest onto my com, they'll just crash the entire system.

Anw, wanwan's presence reminded me of all those great times we had during secondary school, the stayover we had right after O levels with rest of the girls, the few overseas trips that we had, going through thick and thin during choir practice, going through puberty together (haha!) etc. I remembered there was once, mischievous as we were, tried to prank call a few people, and even my own sister wasnt to be spared. What memories:)

Eileen, if you're reading this, i'm sorry you didn't manage to come over in the end but rest assured, Stayover Part 2 will be just round the corner! Glad you're feeling better:)

- Thank You, Lord, for good times. -

Like what Ruiqi has mentioned,