Dancing in the Rain

I was so thankful for this whole week that's passed... the amount of words here wouldn't be sufficient to describe my gratefulness, and in particular, I was just struck by Alibaba and the whole seeing made me believe that indeed, all things are possible. Certainly it was not just about the content of what was shared at the conference. It was for me, the fact that they started out wanting to solve some simple problems and saw some potential possibilities to do that, and they kept at it, and it grew and grew and grew. So I described that as the "1-becomes-2-becomes-3 泛-concept" and the "Ali-Life" concept. It is striking to me because through their hard work, drive, relentless spirit, plus ingenuity, dream, possibilities, and technology and data, they are now creating ecosystems that benefit not just themselves as a business, not just China, but the world. I thought the thinking behind the creation of the whole eco-system to enable, to transact, to meet supply and demand needs, to allow life to spring forth - that was so brilliant. And Jack Ma started out as an English teacher... just like me. I further watched another clip.. and I am very inspired.



Crocodile in the Yangtze - Full story of Alibaba and Jack Ma Documentary
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkVJNOQ7B74)

Of course, other bits and bytes of work life were equally exciting.. including a LKYSPP Institute of Public Studies talk by Dr Cheong. Her clarity, her vision and the way she handled the QnAs - including determining the intention, motivation and root issue of that question - struck me too. :)) Made me think about how if we could engage the younger generation earlier - perhaps have her share in person, the HDB transformation, Urban Future, City Transformation journey with our ITEs, Polys and Uni kids, and that could generate even more interest, keenness and excitement amongst our younger generation, because they could then see for themselves what it means to be that urban planner and architect, not just as a job, but to have that vision - to contribute to the exciting future of Singapore. I did see a few students in the session though. :)


Too much to write, too much to remember.
Once again, I end my week with the MacRitchie run. It was just superb and I got caught in the rain.
I was totally soaked.. but that did not stop me from running. Inspired, I penned the following:

Dancing in the Rain

I felt strength
The rain came
Fast and Furious
It came.

I was soaked totally
In my UnderArmour and Asics
That Pitter Patter
It beats down on me
I felt it on me

My senses came alive
My strength came on
I increased my tempo 
I ran on and on

The sky got darker
I took in the surrounding greens
I just embraced
I just enjoyed

I felt I twirled
I felt I leapt
In my spirit, I felt I danced
I soared, I dreamt

The energy flooded me
It overwhelmed me
The strength really came
So.... I thought.. this is called
Dancing in the Rain

Dancing in the Rain
Especially with a certain pain
It means a certain trust
that I can still...
Just let go and embrace

As the skies got darker
As the evening rays dimmed
As the night crept on me
I know this day has been beautiful,
This Dance in the Rain.

************
I reached my apartment safe and sound.
The evening rays were so beautiful and I loved the greenery, the old-estate feeling.