Monday, August 29, 2016

LEVEL 27

3 weeks into the game. 3 weeks of chasing Pokemon around my workplace. 3 weeks of walking the longer route home to clock more distance on the eggs. 3 weeks of dedication to be the very best, like no one ever was. And here I am, level 27.

Am I leveling up too slowly? Seems like those that are playing for leisure are actually pretty close in terms of level. My colleague who started later, and plays less, is only 4 levels lower. I know the EXP scales quite significantly after 20, but only 4 levels apart makes it feel that I have not put in enough effort.

This level 27 is also after using up all the Lucky Eggs that are gotten from leveling up. I think there are 4 or 5 eggs that I used. My colleague that has yet to even use a single egg is at level 21. 6 levels away. Makes me wonder if all that patience to collect and evolve the EXP fodder (caterpie, weedle and pidgey) is really worth the effort. Maybe the EXP scale can be better adjusted? Or not, I have come so far, others need to feel that pain in grinding level too.

So yup, 27 is the level. Target is to be 28 by September. That's 3 days away. That will mark my 28th year on planet Earth, and it will be really great if I can get the level by then as well. Fingers crossed.

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

PokeRun

Tried using www.pokemonradargo.com to locate the ever elusive pokemon running all over the small island of Singapore. Had a great time hunting Pikachus, Hitmonchan, Electabuzz, and many other critters on Sunday.

Trusted the website, maybe a little too much. Spotted a Dragonite near my workplace with 10min left. Sprinted across a few lanes and past so many buildings, makes me realise how long I haven't been exercising. But point is, when I got there, no Dragonite. Not even a shadow stating that it is nearby. Nothing. Just a very exhausted and sweaty me standing in the middle of nowhere.

Colleague of mine tried the same thing today. Kabutops appeared in the same area with more than 10min left. I let him have this, and actually I didn't join in cos I was expecting similar results to the fluke Dragonite. And guess what? Same thing happened. Not even a shadow...

Still have to give it credit though, the radar works most of the time. When it says there is an Eevee, there was really an Eevee where it pointed out. There was a Bulbasaur as well though, which the radar did not pick up. So question is how does this radar thing work? Don't think it is crowd sourcing, there will not be such accurate timing if it is.

Still playing around with the radar, hopefully I can find out how it works so that there will be no more fruitless runs to weird places looking for something that wasn't there. Will continue to update here on more Pokemon Go goodness. :)

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Gotta Catch Em All

It has been 10 days since the release of Pokemon Go in Singapore. I can still remember the adrenaline rush when I saw the newsfeed on Facebook, when I received email notification about the game being live in the country I am in. It was a moment of ecstasy as I downloaded the game, and made preparations to embark on my epic quest to catch them all. Not too much trouble there, I am someone who packs for all seasons and occasions. My water bottle filled, portable battery pack fully charged, I am ready to Go.

That was 10 days ago. And the fever has not died down one bit. Aspiring trainers, both young and old, are scouring the streets for the virtual critters and swiping their phones. Certain hot spots have already been identified all across this little red dot, and hundreds are flocking over to catch the legendary Pokemon of their dreams, building up their team, every step closer to being the very best. What a phenomenon it is, really heart warming to see the Singaporean 'Kampong Spirit' being rekindled. People on the streets are friendlier, giving friendly advise to each other, sharing the whereabouts to catch Pokemon, and even starting people off on their own epic journey. I once saw a young couple helping and teaching an old man how to catch Pokemon, and it was such a beautiful sight. Seems like after years and years of us being individuals living on the same plot of land, we are finally finding a common identity.

Of course there are haters, people who think the game is childish, who think the game is satanic, who think the game is a waste of time. And there are the neutral parties who, although not playing the game themselves, are not going to criticize you to the ground, and even try to find out more on this new trend. But to the haters out there, whatever the reason it may be, please be reminded that although there will definitely be some social and psychological concerns, it is just a game at the end of the day. Don't lump the extremists and addicted to casual players. The only change is that this game forces us to play in public instead of in the comforts of our own home.

And of course, to the avid gamers, to the aspiring trainers, to the Pokemon fans out there, do remember that this is just a game at the end of the day. Please still show concern for the residents in the area by not littering, by not disturbing and being noisy in the middle of the night. Look out for incoming traffic when crossing the road, not just at incoming Pokestops. Do not drive and play at the same time. Do not trespass. Dear trainers, you know the rules, please abide by them. Let's make this a better place for all. Quest On!

Monday, August 1, 2016

Songs In the Night

Sang this song in church yesterday: Songs in the Night by Matt Redman. Sang this song last week as well. But I only sat down last night to really listen to this song, to really read the lyrics.


God, You can tell the waves, 'Be still,'
Tell the ocean roar to pass
Lord, until it does, I'll wait here

God, You can part the raging sea
Bring the miracle I need
Lord until it comes, I'll wait here
and I will

Sing songs in the night, praise in the storm
You're God in it all and I will stand
I'll be still and know, whatever may come
You're God in it all

I am in the storm, Lord the storm is not in me
You will be my peace
I'll wait here, I'll wait here


This might not mean a lot to many, but for me last night when listening to it, somehow gave me a sense of calm and comfort. We always ask of God to relieve us of our suffering, to take the cup away from us. To tide us through the tough times and make us a better person. But we sometimes forget that while we are in the midst of the raging seas, while we are waiting for the miracle, we have to be still and wait upon the Lord. It is not easy, no one wants to wait in the middle of a storm. The immediate reaction will be to try to get out of the storm, to run from the situation. Many times we try to solve problems with our limited power, when we need to stand firm and wait. And above all, it is an important reminder that the storm is external. We need to be like a tree planted by the waters, a man that builds his house on a firm foundation. The things in life may buffet us from left and right, but with Christ in the vessel we can smile at the storm.

And I guess my biggest takeaway from this song is that instead of complaining in the darkness, and despairing in the storm, we need to instead sing songs and give praise. Not an easy task when life gives you lemons, but knowing that even during the worst of times, the Lord is in control, gives you that much more reason to sing songs in the night.