Went for the final training session at kallang on wednesday before the actual dragon boat race later on. In 2007, the 19 year old me rowed behind the pacer, following the pace that he sets for eveyone. We managed first place. 4 years down, the 23 year old me sits in the seat of the pacer, setting the pace for everyone. I hope I don't disappoint. My back's aching from the intense workout, my throat is coarse from all the shouting, but my spirit is high and I look forward to an exciting saturday. How cool is it that all these are a part of my internship. Loving every moment of it. I'm sure I'm not just speaking for myself when I say it's a bittersweet feeling to be done with our internship and be heading back for school. We've had an awesome three months of fond memories together. Something tells me this is not the last time we'll be seeing each other. Guess this is just see you later and not goodbye.

Had an almost three hour long conversation with mother last nite that dragged on till 2.30am. We talked about life - the heaviest topic that can materialize in conversations. Life is a very heavy thing, often weighed down by more questions than answers. I question a lot. When I was young, mother gave answers to which I would accept to be unequivocally true. She was my mother, and mothers knew everything. As I matured, I began questioning the answers to my questions. Mother of course tried to keep up. Now it seems, I'm hardly ever satisfied with answers. The thing is mother's credibility never faltered. It was my expectations that grew. I sought sound answers which to me, had to be backed by science, reason or logic. She would say I'm too sceptical, I need more faith. To be honest, I think so too. But it's become so counter-intuitive to readily accept answers to be valid without first putting them through pressure tests. This is a product of our education systems. Or at least the later years of it.

Nevertheless, I proudly proclaim that I have the best mother in the world. GP fundamentals would tell us to disagree with absolute statements as such, but I think I'll stick with what I say. The best. I want to grow up to be a father to my children as my mother was to me.

Looking forward to the 9-man epic roadtrip north before it's all systems go for school. Really glad the girlfriend can join us. You deserve a break from work.