0 New beginnings

Today I realized that the Novena-Kent Ridge train journey burns a $1.72 hole in my pocket. I was utterly taken aback, considering
(i) The journey by Novena-Orchard-BV-NUS is more than 40 cents cheaper but just a margin longer in traveling time.
(ii) The rampant delays on the failing MRT system.
(iii) The earth-crushing crowd which puts a scowl on everyone's faces and in a positive feedback loop, seeing pissy faces reinforces one's bad mood.

Seems that the axion 'there is no such thing as a free lunch' holds true. However, for the three reasons above, I shall, from tomorrow onwards, revert to my favorite Orchard Road route. SMRT is trying to rip me off my money but thou shalt not be deceived! Hummph!

Speaking about money, on my way rush to school for my first 8am lecture this morning, a patient in wheelchair stopped me in TTSH's atrium to ask for money. I've encountered such situations many a time, and many a dime they ask. He appeared quite desperate and I donated 50 cents, I daresay one of my largest charity acts. Then he became even more desperate and daring and asked more more. I calmly walked away. I hope he put that 50 cents to good use and bless him. The initial decision to donate was spurred by the thought of Huang's Christmas message as "angels in disguise." What if that man was Jesus in disguise and I did not help him? Dilemmas and conundrums.

First day of school was ... sedate. Most eventful thing was that I went to the old SR1 for Heritage class until I saw that the whole USP ADM block was pitch-black; everything had shifted to UTown. And now D1/D2 makes a big detour round the Yong Siew Toh conservatory/UTown so A1/A2 is the only option left for a quick rush between Central block/Science. Heritage class was more interesting than expected; at least I did not have that 'doomsday' feeling like I experienced with Singapore and the Region (which I eventually dropped, thankfully). Needless to say, the Cambodia trip is one huge draw. Unfortunately, I hardly recognize anyone in the class. And the module has yet to be activated in IVLE so I can't view the class list.

One class (IT) tmr morning at 10. Hate going to school for just one class.