Simply Green

Coming To An End

2011-07-04T22:41:00.002+08:00

From 6th October 2009 till date, it's been a long time coming indeed. After a 7 month hiatus, I hope my writing is not failing! The habit of regularly updating my blog has become forgotten, replaced by a habit of turning on my PS3 when I'm bored at home instead.

Summing up, NS has been a fruitful experience for me, be it man, time or self management, knowing myself better as a person and other life experiences that will set me in good pace walking into Uni life right after. Along with these are the quality friends (that I call them because although we're colleagues, they made my days more enjoyable) I made. I will write a post when I finally ORD. Haha!

*Thoughts of switching this blog to Facebook.

Anyway, there were many instances when I felt like blogging again, but those were times when I was either out or my computer was turned off. Not that I was lazy, but I just couldn't build my emotions up to write something .. there, my vocabulary is failing me!!

Ok, I'm out of ideas. Just an update, you know, nothing special, just to make sure this is continued.

*Note to self: remember to try out Facebook blogging abilities soon.

Till then, take care folks!

A Year Of Joy, Gift & Experience

2010-12-15T20:55:00.003+08:00

10 days to Christmas. 16 days to the last day of 2010. 2011 is finally approaching.

I do not know where to start, as this year has been fully-packed with activities and commitments. So ... I'll just talk about what happened recently. Haha!

My dear Janet's 21st birthday was on the 27th Nov. It was our 1.5 year together too! It was a party decorated with flowers and greens as people wore their best-suited clothes for the party. My baby received lots of presents, of which she was elated, and I am very sure she's especially happy with one of the presents. Hehe! I had lots of fun, and I am sure my dear had it too, so it was a success =D.

Following closely behind was my Standard Chartered Marathon 2010. I finally got to run my first and full marathon. Remember my mentioning of a bad ankle? Well, it got better towards race day and did not hinder my race. BUT! The lack of proper training and conditioning burnt my muscles to the core 3/4 through the race, of which the last 12km was complete torture. HAHA. I fell 1 hr and 20min short of my targetted finishing time at 4.5hrs. Nevermind, I finished the race, that's the most important. Haha.

The next thing I want to mention is house-moving. 20th December will be the day we move. I am excited. Haha. Soon enough I'll have my own room, a TV in it for me to watch Starhub TV and hopefully I can add on further entertainment, like a PS3 which I have wanted so long ago. Haha!

Last but not least, I will be flying to Penang with my dear's family on the 30th Dec to 2nd Jan. Yes, I will spend my new year day overseas, a first. Haha! Let's pray I don't gain any more fats from this trip, but I can tell you no one can stop me from eating all I want. LOL!

Ok, till it's time to write my yearly resolution, enjoy the last few moments of 2010 with the ones you love and, I know there'll be lots of partying to do the last 2 weekends of 2010, so do take care as well!

Woah!!

2010-10-25T10:24:00.003+08:00

Now a proper post on the year 2010.

HAHA! You know, I am pretty afraid I would lose my writing touches if I were to stop writing all together, but hey, did I say I want to close this blog yet?

I know I privat-ised this blog for some time, but I have opened up again for public general reading and sharing. Not that I am some popular figure, but I am sure friends want to read about my life. Lol!

Same thing, just some random life updates.

I have completed more than a year of service with NS! another less than 10 months to go. I'm feeling great, yet lousy when I see people leave before me. HAHA.

I sustained an injury in NS, though it has not affected me in great numbers, but I've gotta take care of it while training for my marathon this coming end of the year, otherwise it'll be $45 ill-spent, and another year of disappointment of not joining the race. It is just a minor injury to my ankle, which up till now, I don't know what happened because I missed my medical check up with the specialist after my ultrasound. Next appointment to be on the 28th Feb 2011. NUH is so inefficient.

Oh, I gained like 5-6kg after leaving SISpec. How cool?

Fats mainly. Ha!

10 more months to starting my education cycle again. Friends around me have been complaining how tough University is for them - the never-ending projects and assignments, morning lectures, tutorials and friends who put up another face on your back - makes me wonder if I really do anticipate returning to school. Not after all when we crashed Ben Yang's office as he went on with his philosophical small talks again, which have me all excited about school once again. I mean, what else is more enjoyable than school? Haha.

That's all for the update. I am very sure I have missed out quite a lot, but I can't remember everything. Haha.

Cheers to life =D

Song of Aragorn

2010-10-01T12:23:00.002+08:00

Here's a poem I read before in one of the Lord of The Ring books. Came across it while stumbling like 3 min ago. Written by J.R.R. Tolkien, the renowned fantasy writer of all-time:

All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.
From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
A light from the shadows shall spring;
Renewed shall be blade that was broken,
The crownless again shall be king.

Hope you like it!

Your Time.

2010-09-03T12:04:00.004+08:00

Take time to make yourself feel good, 'cause you do whatever you want, you can now, in your world.

Abstract from Jamie Oliver's Jamie At Home.

True to that, I made a simple cheese toast with multi-grain bread, 2 soft-boiled eggs and hot coffee for myself this morning. Made an ill man's day there. Ok, Jamie can make better breakfast, but it's the healthy, simple meal you enjoy in the morning that makes you feel good for the rest of the day.

Dear recently came up with a short excerpt on how a big smile a day can really make up for all the losses you suffered the day before. Make yourself feel good, and you'll feel good all day long.

Reminisce yesterday, enjoy today, anticipate tomorrow 'cause you know you're still part of this beautiful world - Jeremy~

National Day 2010 (written in camp)

2010-08-11T11:59:00.005+08:00

The rain seems to grief today as we march past Padang, the event venue. It doesn't matter though, because we will show the world that this small island, despite all its setbacks and losses, will prosper and made known to many in the future in this world full of uncertainties.

Celebrating our 45th National Day this year, Singapore sure has gone a long way. Forty-five is a relatively small number as compared to our neighbouring countires who have celebrated their independence for more than this number. However, these 45 years have seen tremendous transformation, from our separation from Malaysia to raising our flag in Athens, Greece as we welcome global young athletes to compete in this year's Youth Olympic Games.

I grew us as a boy with little aspiration, always immersed in the pool of toys I owned. Nothing else seemed to matter, because Power Rangers would be there to save the world from evil. So, all I did as a boy was crashing my toy cars, building swords out of Lego, playing block-catching with neighbours' kids and sadly, doing piles of homework.

These childhood moments came so naturally, almost as if Singapore had not weathered any storm before. Never did I think about how much had been sacrificed to build this place I called home.

Then, I enlisted on 6th October, 2009.

Yes, training was tough. As a soldier, we complain about why NS is made madatoryl; we complain why we have to march 24km; we complain about our commanders ... But as soldiers, we all know deep down, that we cannot possess what we cannot protect.

Times in army made me think. I thought of my family, friends, and those vivid childhood memories still etched in my heart. I came to wonder one day - why do I have all these?

Sixty-five years ago, Singapore was a ruined country from all the damages inflicted from the war. Twenty years through, we tried to break free from then unreliable British custody by forging a merger with Malaysia. Things went horribly wrong when an anguishd PM Lee announced our separation, followed by declaring our independence through the screen of the black and white TV. Forty-five years on, we have today.

Today couldn't have been possible if not for the leadership of our government, the sacrifices our forefathers made and their determination to build this nation. Singapore did not prosper overnight. Many decisions were made to protect this land - education was provided to ensure continual growth in economy; NS was made compulsory so as to instill a sense of belonging of our men and provide deterrence; HDB flats were built to improve our living conditions. All these contributed to our success.

What we have today do not guarantee what we will have tomorrow. I have no doubts Singapore will prosper in this lifetime, the next and the next. Protect what we have today, and enjoy it tomorrow. Happy Birthday Singapore!

It's Christmas!

2009-12-24T15:56:00.003+08:00

I ought to be updating this blog with more of my personal life, rather than boring people with personal philosophies and thoughts. Not that my life will interest people anyway, but, hmm ..

Ok, so BMT had ended for more than 2 weeks, and I have started on my SISPEC training on the 21st Dec. I wouldn't say it was so much a culture shock, or a surprise in the training regime, which differs to a large extent from BMT. For example, we will be given the time to meet for the next programme, and whatever we do inbetween is almost up to us, as long as we get things done and fall in before the next programme starts. I think we're still learning how to plan, so this week had been both hectic and relaxed.

I haven't quite made friends with my bunkmates yet, but I can see they're good people. But because most of us were from Pegasus previously from BMTC, we do have some reserves in ourselves, some personal opinions on individuals. Biasness. Not just me I'm sure =D.

So far, so good though.

It's Christmas by the way. This Christmas ... ... (no, I'm not going to announce some up and coming blockbustre on silverscreen) ... It's going to be special because I have some one special I can spend it with, some one totally worth it. Nothing fancy though, but it will be enjoyed =D.

So for this Christmas, other than thanking my dear for loving me and my mum for always caring for me, I want to thank my dad for dedicating his time and postponing other appointments to send me to BMT, watch me graduate, fetch me back from Pasir Ris and bring me to Pasir Ris for book out and book in, and basically just giving me moral support all the way and sharing his own experiences as a recruit like ... ... ... ... 30 over years ago. HAHA!

*actually what made me want to write the last paragraph was a song I heard from Luther Vandross on Gold 90FM. The title is 'Dance With My Father'. Because this song is a very sad song and I never wish to have to play this song in the future on whatever occasion, I do not want to post it up. Do go listen to it, and listen to the lyrics closely. Hope you enjoy =D.

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2009 !!!

My Grandparents.

2009-11-29T12:29:00.002+08:00

"Buey hiao gin la, dang zi eh gia kuey ke buey hng."

(It's ok, it is not very far from here - dialect: teochew)

That was what my wai po (maternal granny) said to me last night when she walked me to the bus stop near the MRT station before heading to the nearby CC for getai (street singing performance). It suddenly dawned on me how old she has become, although she certainly doesn't look like her age at all.

I meant it a good way - she looks younger than she actually is, partly due to the amount of housework she has to do a day, and looking after the 2 younger cousins of mine is not easy feat. Very good work out indeed =D.

Then it made me realised how my grandpa and her would fight off exhaustion just to travel to see me when I first booked out, wake up early to send me off at the airport and sacrifice some savings to buy me my favourite toys when I was younger. Being their first grandchild, although I don't bear the family name, I was, and still am, pampered and showered with their love.

From what I recall, grandma used to be the fierce woman and grandpa was the one spoiling me with possessions I wanted. Everyday after school, my grandma would prepare my lunch/dinner and urged me with her sharp screaming to finish my meal quickly. TV was a distraction, and I was often told off for watching and not digging in to my meal. It would take me an hour or so to finish, so you see why she should be screaming at me. Haha.

My grandpa however was not home usually, and when he was in the day, he would be sleeping because he drove the night shift cab shared with my uncle. When I was studying in Primary School, he would bring home Delifrance bakeries or pastries for breakfast from the ESSO petrol station because my auntie (who is only 4 years older than me, and is not my grandparents own daughter) and myself enjoyed eating them so much. When I attended morning session, he would make us milo with those breakfast, and watched us eat before going to bed, ensuring we had a good breakfast to start our day.

My grandma was the typical housewife that would sweep and mop the floor every day, go to the wet market every morning, make sure the kids wake up on time and do their homework, cook lunch and dinner and also prepare food for occasions such as chinese new year. During free time, she would go down to the shop below and help my mum run it. Also, she had the responsibility to bring us to school if we had extra-curricular activities when the school bus wouldn't be able to pick us up during those times. Full-time housewife, full-time caring grandma.

While my grandma did all those work, my grandpa would be the worrier, especially when it came to eating on time and eating enough. He never liked it when we didn't eat, and even when we actually did, when he deemed that we didn't, he would say that we didn't. Nagging would proceed from there. Not a bad thing actually, because he was the one that would buy us fast but junk food, which obviously as kids, we enjoyed these treats.

My grandma on the other hand, would not buy us these meals. She knows many other dishes which I love so much that I don't mind McDonald's closing their outlets islandwide. These dishes include chives pancakes (she seldom makes them now), a variation of the chives kueh (ku cai kueh), many different soups, fried chicken wings, huat kueh (made during certain occasions only, but she hasn't done so in years), mee sua, etc. etc. etc. etc.

There are so many things my grandparents had done for me, and there are so many more things they will do for me if they need to. They are getting old now, although still considered fit for their ages. The sudden sad feeling swelled up last night again when I thought about it - what will happen when they finally leave us here, with their love and memories? What will become of me? I dared not imagine when I waved goodbye to my grandma standing on the other side of the road, watching me walked towards the MRT station.

They may not be rich, may not be able to afford luxuries for their children and grandchildren so much so that other kids would envy, but it is such simplicity and humility in life that made my childhood filled with memories, love and care from them that many would have envied instead.

I wish to only make up for what they give, but I know it will take more than a lifetime. Perhaps it is for us to learn, so we remember how it is to bring up a child, making sure our own children receive the same kind of love we received as a child.

Eternity cannot be found in the dictionary of life, don't wait till the moment when it's too late to realise how much these important roles have changed and affected your own. Treasure them, don't take it for granted; Pass it on, let them be appreciated.

Finally, my ah gong and ah ma will never be replaced. No matter how much people flaunt about their own, I know my grandparents are the best in world.

Thank you for all your commitment =D.

(Is there actually a Grandparents' Day? I remember there is ... anyone knows when? HAHA!)

2 More Weeks & We'll Be Through!

2009-11-22T12:27:00.002+08:00

Field camp - check.
Range - Marksman check.
SIT Test - check.

With 2 weeks and 2 more days to go at BMT, we're left with SOC, final IPPT and 16km and 24km route marches.

For the past 6-7 weeks, BMT has made me reconsider my desire to enter OCS. So far, I have been mentally capable to handle the stress; physically however, due to my small frame, I am having some problems coping with the demanding training schedule. We'll see how it goes from here.

Otherwise, I'm really looking forward to our POP. Much polishing on our marching and drills is to be done if we were to give our proudest presentation infront of our loved ones during POP. Haha.

It's going to be over soon, savour the moment.

Pegasus Coy 04/09 - Field Camp, 2nd-7th November 2009

2009-11-07T22:44:00.002+08:00

And so I'm finally blogging about my army life - first entry.

I will try my very best to update what I had been through the previous 4 weeks before the field camp, and I will talk about my field camp in brief. Haha.

Day 1 - 8 km Route March & Basha Day
8 km route march to camp site. It was not that shag actually, probably because of the singing though repetitive. People can say we do not have team spirit, we do not have pride, but I believe Pegasus Coy Platoon 3 has what it takes to beat the rest, because we have PRIDE. what is PRIDE? People Rest I Do Extra!

Building of the basha tent was a chore really. It didn't help when my buddy suffered from physical exhaustion and passed out before midway. He did come back after a few hours of rest at the medic point but progress was slow. Thank you Section 4 for helping me, especially Ravi for his physical attributes.

Heavy rain followed. The lack of proper drainage system caused us dearly as our area would be flooded if not for the help of Platoon Sergeant Darren and Platoon Commander Jordan. Although they can be fuck-ed up when they tekan us, they are good commanders because they care for soldiers.

Day 2 & 3 - Training
I couldn't quite remember what training we had, but the few I remember were walking in file formation, forming Cigar Formation, taking cover, executing hand signals, running through contact fire, retrogade and danger area drills and some others.

Buddy fell again on Day 3, sent to Medical Centre for review so more energy was expended.

Day 4 - Artillery Drill & Shell Scrape Day
Arti-drill in short. 5 am in the morning, artillery fire was contacted. Soldiers hurriedly packed their basha tent and got punished by commanders for being too slow and unresponsive. Jumping jacks with rifle and field pack were no joke at all! Phew~ And that's when I broke my 5.5 week old specs ... ... ...

Shell scrape digging. The rest of the day was dedicated to this. I did not do a proper job in the end (the final work was assessed by commanders on day 5 evening), thus was made to stay through day 5 to day 6. The better ones went back to Coy line to clean their rifles on Day 5.

We didn't sleep in our 'graves' because of the heavy rain that flooded most of them. Fibua village was just next to our campsite, so we slept in the vacated shophouses. Finally a proper sleeping area.

Day 5 - Group Battle Course & More Shell Scrape Digging
Started the day with the continuation with our shell scrape. I have mentioned that my shell scrape couldn't make it although I put in my best effort, but I was quite satisfied.

Group battle course was after lunch and I was paired with Liang Hui and Ming Hui. Hmm ... Didn't go as well as planned, but I thought we did okay. Some parts we were in a blur, but I believe the course made us more familiar with the drills, so I am glad with the outcome.

As mentioned ... I didn't dig properly so I stayed at Fibua for another night after covering up our shell scrape ...

Day 6 - Book Out Day
Finally our 6 days of field camp has come to an end. The few of us who did not meet the requirement for our shell scrapes were asked to do area cleaning and also cover up remaining shell scrapes. By 1030, we all arrived at Coy line and began our hectic cleaning session of our rifles and another equipment. Hmm ... no other words other than 'hectic'. Haha!

The whole of the field camp was actually quite an experience, and I proved myself to be mentally-able to take the stress, but physically, I am still weak because I required a lot of help from my section mates. More work to be done if my OCS dream is to be fulfilled. HAHA. Looking forward to live range and SIT Test these coming 2 weeks respectively, woohoo~~

Tough times don't last, but tough men do. Section 4, let's show the others what we are made of!

It's A Fine City.

2009-09-24T16:12:00.006+08:00

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y6oVWmNwtHs/Rp8TOKEFXGI/AAAAAAAAAFc/-t0AJBO8kRA/s320/Fine%2BCity.jpg

NO smoking. NO littering. NO pissing in lifts. NO feeding of birds. NO trespassing. NO or ... let's stop here.

Over the years to project Singapore as a city desirable for work, play and living, the Government have adopted several methods in achieving their goals, many of which are subjects for debate and uncles' & aunties' kopitiam 'keng gai' (small chats it means in Canto). Being a Singaporean, I am sure many know of these issues as well as knowing katong is famous for the laksa and the exotic Changi Village for people looking for after-work thrills. We complain, we discuss, but many of us are afraid to raise the topic quite publicly enough that top ministers can hear us from a stone-throw away. While a few brave souls did, few or no rectification was made.

Now that I'm going to continue ... I feel like I should submit a formal petition to the organisation involved. Otherwise I'm just a typical Singaporean that sits back and waits for someone or something to happen. We'll talk about it in a few minutes.

Apart from being green and clean many tourists and foreigners know us for, our rising popularity as the 'fine' city is not unnoticeable, such that souveniors shops courageously display souveniors depicting the various fines that tourists find them unfamiliar and laughable. The most recent topic has been the strong enforcement of the banning of any food and beverages in MRT trains and platforms. Nothing wrong with that, but I think SMRT have gone too far to ensure no one eats or drinks in their value-added public transport.

I agree that it is an annoyance to fellow commuters to smell pungent lozenges or food, especially to late-risers rushing for work and do not have breakfast until they reach their workplace, and I also commend the effort to stomp irresponsible people from dirtying the cabins. However, I do not understand why plain water is also not allowed in trains. Yes, spillage can incur inconveniences to other commuters, but as a local that travels by public transport daily, I do not encounter that kind of problem as often as people carrying in wet umbrellas.

It is particularly frustrating to know that you cannot have any sips of water when you are going to travel from the west to the east. Yes train journeys in Singapore are not comparably lengthy to those countries with more lands, and the near completion of the Circle Line is going to further shorten the journey for many commuters, but it is sheer frustration to people who badly need to have a sip or two every now and then.

Considering the fact that Singapore's climate is tropical, we are losing lots of water through perspiration and respiration. Morning and evening weekday crowds worsen the situation. Yet, we are not allowed to quench our thirst and replenish the water we have lost while battling our way through the sea of people. What about those people on medications that have diuretic effects on our biological system? What about young children who are ever energetic and need water to keep their energy level up? It is definitely a flaw in the system that SMRT should look to mend.

Haha, now you see why I am embarrassing myself by voicing my concerns on my blog and not raising the issue on a more suitable platform where the people concerned will be notified. It just makes me more typical of a Singaporean to complain to someone unrelated, isn't it? Well, I am proud being a Singaporean, although some things must change. I approve of some bans here, but some are unreasonable. Hopefully the younger generations of Ministers in the future will look into these matter more carefully and address them with more tact and efficiency. This shall end my complaint here. Haha.

My Little Sister.

2009-09-09T10:25:00.004+08:00

Time check - 1026am.

By this time, my sis should be nearing Hong Kong Airport. The whole family woke up after a mere few hours of sleep to send my sis off to her five- to six-month long attachment at Sanya Holiday Inn Resort, Hainan Province. She'll route at Hong Kong for 2 nights before flying over to Hainan on Friday evening from Hong Kong International Airport.

For the first time, my sis is going away for a long trip away from home, and my parents worried expressions are apparent. I bet they can hardly work efficiently at the moment. Since young, my sis has been independent like myself, but because of her absent-mindedness and carelessness, my parents, and their parents included, are ever-anxious for her. Because of her, I have also become a naggy brother, always checking on her to eat on time, pack her bag, attend school punctually etc etc etc.

My dad was extremely jittery for the past few days that it got quite irritating. I have never seen him like that before, not when I went for my attachment for 2 months in Perth, nor when I had a trip to Langkawi with dear. Perhaps I have convinced them that I can take care of myself well enough to keep them from worrying. My sis however has not been successful at that. For days, he had been talking non-stop, mostly nagging at my sister, and sort of instructing her to do things she should do way before she set off.

Even this morning, he was still nagging at her - don't worry about money, just spend where it's needed; remember to see a doctor when you feel the slightest bit unwell, don't kid with this kind of thing; get a paycard and let us know the number so we can contact you if we need to; don't you dare go to their nightclubs; avoid patroning roadside stalls; don't go jogging alone; don't swim in beaches; don't work and forget your meals; the list goes on ...

He was so anxious for my sister this morning that he was actually taking away my wallet and watch on the book I'm currently reading and asking, what's this?! No need to bring along?! Despite my frustration at his constant flow of naggy words, I chuckled at his sudden bout of obscurity. Here is my dad who always gives us the freedom to do things on our own, only adding on advices as and when he sees a need to, yet now he's unconscious of what he is supposed to do, putting up a front as if he's really not worried for my sister. Closer friends will know I do not have strong relationship with my dad, but even closer friends will know how much I love my dad even when he can get me all red at times. This, is my dad.

While my dad was continually nagging at my sis, my mum was directing her worry towards the bulky luggage she's bringing over. In there are all her face care products, clothes and many other stuff. Big, and heavy. The whole morning my mum was saying, "How is she going to carry such a big luggage?! And she still has another carry-on baggage!!!" In her voice, shivers could be felt reverberating across our living room, even in the large departure hall when she continued saying that.

My mum is someone who can take things in her stride easily, looking on the brighter side. No, she's never looked on the dark sides at all. But I guess letting your own daughter go on a long away trip for the first time is never easy. The whites in her eyes were turning red this morning while we waited for my sis companion to arrive, which faded when her friend reached. Throughout the whole breakfast session too, she was quiet and unlike her usual self when it comes to chatting with others. And this, is my mum.

Myself? I refrained from nagging at my sis this morning. All I ask for is a safe and enjoyable trip for my sis, and I trust her to take good care of herself. I'll be honest - I'm not acting like what I've just said. It's because my parents are already overly anxious for her that being an elder (eldest for that matter) brother, I should be reassuring them that my sis is more than capable to look after herself. How will I get used to not nagging at anyone early in the morning and preparing only a person's share of breakfast? My worry was too overwhelming to even feel my hurting left wrist when I carried her luggage ...

Fortunately my grandparents did not come along this morning. My mum probably inherits from my grandma a little, as she will definitely tear at the point of departing. She did when I left for Perth last year, what's less? My grandpa will stand at one side and be as naggy as my dad, while although he will not cry, you can sense his worry all the time. That's because he always calls us in the afternoon to make sure we've eaten, and while my sis is there, no one will be doing that that often, I'm sure she'll be able to feel it.

My little sister must be unable to contain her feelings as well. She's not one person that usually tears on such occasions, and well, she didn't, but from when I went to bed at 11pm till 1am in the morning or so, she was doing the household chores, afraid that no one will help my mum to do them, especially mopping the floor which woke me up in the middle of the night. Not only until 130am +/- when she finally went to bed, so effectively, she only had 1.5 hours of sleep. Haha ... my silly little sister ...

It's best if she doesn't see this when she manages to come online. I'm sure she'll enjoy her trip there and bring back a whole lot of new experiences with her.

Hui~ If you really see this, remember to keep in mind those naggy chants the 3 of us always recited. Be more careful with yourself and enjoy your internship fully. Hopefully kor can find some time to visit you in December or some time next year if I manage to take a leave. I bet mummy can't wait to fly over in December already. Take care of yourself and have all the fun you can get! =D

And This Is To You ...

2009-09-06T00:02:00.001+08:00

I Love You Dear =D.

I'm Just Scribbling

2009-09-04T18:52:00.002+08:00

It feels good to just stay at home like this doing nothing significant. It's been 4 days now since my last day at work and so far, I haven't felt serious boredom of staying at home. Let's credit to some of the events that happened:

By injuring my left hand, my dad came home after sending my mum to work on Tuesday morning to bring me for a visit to a Chinese Osteopath Centre. The sinseh did not even finish hearing my explanation of what happened and diagnosed that I have overworked my left hand, resulting in a strained wrist. He gave me a quick massage with lots of medicated oil, and I mean a lot. You'll get it when you see how he transferred those medicated oil onto my arm and wrist, the table splatters full of it. Haha. Now it's already better and I can resume my typing speed. HAHA.
Wednesday was less eventful. Sis and I went for our jog in the morning, probably the last one before she flies to Hainan Island for her 5-6 months long internship. I spent the rest of my afternoon watching Shooting Condors Hero before meeting dear for dinner at King Albert Park.
Thursday saw me running again, but with dear this time at Hougang Stadium. I was practically doing nothing much the whole day till evening when I left for dear's place. That was followed by a dinner at my granny's, sumptuous as usual =D.
Today. Driving lesson in the morning. Nothing interesting happened on the road, we were just driving around to familiarise myself with the test routes. Wonder when I can take my test ... Went back to SP after that wanting to swim only to find that the Water Polo team was having their practice. Looked at the board of schedules and saw that they shouldn't be practising at that time, and the booking timetable was not updated too. Frustrating, and it was further worsened when I saw FC3 wasn't open for business. Settled for Muslim food at FC4 instead ...

That sums up my 4-day start to my month-long vacation before my head goes under the electric shaver. I believe my summary skills are getting worse these days, thanks to some one. HAHA. I have this tendency to elaborate, and I believe you can see that I'm trying to refrain, right? LOL.

I know the Uni people are going to have a week of vacation this September, so hopefully I'll get to meet up a few of my friends during that time. I sure have a lot of catching up to do with friends, and some are already complaining. HAHA.

Nothing philosophical in this post today. I'm never a sophisticated or complicated person am I? Neither I am a wise old man or any of that sort. Grumpy old man instead you can call me. Haha!

And it goes 'This old man~' ...

*Whistles off ...*

Ours ...

2009-08-27T07:35:00.000+08:00

Third.

Heading Into The Next Phase of Life.

2009-08-23T12:08:00.004+08:00

*Now for a Primary School kid's way of starting his composition ... (perhaps this is just my Secondary School standard =X)

On this fine Sunday morning, My mother and I went to Koufu Westmall for our weekly weekend brunch. We had our late breakfast because it is a Sunday today, when all of us do not usually wake up early for work and school. My mother ordered fried carrot cake and I had satisfied my craving for laksa. My father did not join us because he is now overseas and will not come back until tonight, while my younger sister came home late last night so she was still sleeping in the morning ...

*Wow ... I bet I wrote worse than that in Primary School ...

Let's see ... This post is inspired by my annual packing of my school's stuff, and for the record, I felt so much like packing that I packed my cupboard full of souveniors and gifts as well. Of course, this didn't last long for I am such a procrastinator (what about that book I read in Poly Year 1 about what negative effects procrastination have on you and how to stave off it?!). The only joy in my doing so was reminiscing my Final Year in Poly, looking at those stacks of notes I had previously mugged through for tests and exams and recalling those fun lectures we had, not particularly paying attention, but talking among ourselves and irritating our lecturers with our late-comings and hystericals.

Before I continue, I warn that this post will be long with no pictures at all. I mean it - no pictures. HAHA. It's such a trouble to upload these pictures and arrange them nicely after finishing my entry. But I hope friends, you all will bear with me and continue reading, because I think if I don't write this now, I probably won't have the urge again to pen these thoughts in the spur of a moment. Ok, that's a long enough warning, let us continue =D.

Among those high-stacking notes I have are the research works I have done with my FYP members - experiment protocols, printed copies of journal articles I used throughout the course of my FYP and a few others for Journal Club, and draft copies of the final report. The amount of hardwork and effort we put in this FYP did not disappoint us when we were told of our grades after the submission of our report and presentation. A wave of nostalgia swept away the heaviness of my coconut milk-laden laksa and Teh-C when I looked at those papers I had studied, from not knowing a single thing to being able to figure them out on my own. Sure those were the hard times, but if I were able to turn back time, I will not take another path for this journey as it has filled me with knowledge, growth, experience and most important of all, memories I shall never forget.

This final box of memories is now honourably given the highest position among my 2 other boxes of earlier days in my Poly life. One day when I finally have to put down my unwillingness to throw them away, these memories I will look back, and if I am able to keep this blog alive maybe 10 to 20 years down the road, I shall write about these days again with new perspectives. By then I would have lost the years, but I do hope I have not lost my memory and friendship with the wonderful people I met.

You think that's the ending? Not yet!

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Then I started packing my cupboard full of random stuff I used to just put them in when I couldn't find a proper storage area. Birthday cards (I swear they're still in good condition in the mess =D), holiday greetings, NS pre-enlistment letters and such.

What can be so interesting about packing his cupboard? You may ask.

Cobwebs? Dust that makes you sneeze your nose red? Or discover unexpected dead bodies of lizards and unidentified 6-legged crawlers?

To your questions, I see no webs and dead creatures. There was some dust, but not enough to make me sneeze =D.

What is interesting is the numerous birthday cards and greetings I have accumulated over the years, mainly those I received starting from Secondary School days, till the one I received for my 20th Birthday made by Andy and signed by the clique. Each of the cards tells a different story, and that's why I want to talk about it. Not much actually, just let this old man reminisce, ok?

Throughout my Secondary education, I had made acquiantances from all walks of life. There were friends whose parents drove big cars to those who needed to work part-time (not many though) to earn their pocket money. Nonetheless, we all mingled well together as a class, as a school, and before we knew it, we were saying 'hi' to schoolmates from the next class, and others from the next class, and our seniors and juniors.

While I peered into the envelopes and pulled out each of these cards, every single one reminded me of the days I had from these senders. Well, mostly were cards shared by a few people, and there were short greetings written before they signed off. To be honest, because a few of the cards were not dated, I cannot now remember on which year I received them, but from the things my friends wrote in the card, I can still vividly remember those times and jokes that belong to us.

Early in my Secondary School days, I did not make many friends and was close to only a few people, whom I hung out with after school and during weekends for movies and dinners. There were people like Christine whom threw popcorns and laughed with me at people's reaction while watching "The Eye"; Stanley playing Xbox and PS2 at Weiliang's and Chunyu's houses; Eileen who eventually became my best friend and still is; Jethro with his english; Qianqi and Wanyu from the band and a few others from my class. These were the new friends I made, and naturally, my first birthday card came from them. It was my first experience with having a 'clique', and it felt great.

Over the next few years from Secondary One, I made many other friends, friends of friends, and friends of . . . . . . That's mainly because we were separated in Secondary Two, and when we introduced our new friends to others, our connections in school went deeper and eventually, you came to know almost everyone from the same cohort. It did help if you stand out, for example, being the one that usually topped the level's Math exams.

Secondary Two saw me with more new friends, though that was the class which I did not like best. Among them, I am now still in contact with Desmond, while the rest are not as close. It was also the year when I got to know people like Soon Yang, Wen Xiang, Putera and many others from different classes.

Secondary Three and Four were perhaps the most memorable years of my Secondary School days, mostly accounted by the fact that they happened just before I entered poly, and also the O level examinations in Sec 4. I truly believed that class 4E1`2005 of Dunearn Secondary was bonded well back then, when we protested against the peer-tutoring system and created nuisance to teachers as a whole. That was also when my primary school friends (Sabrina and Linda, who were quite close with me in Primary School) became pretty good friends with Eileen! Even now, we still meet up occasionally and not to forget the most recent one dear attended with me =D.

It was probably the mugging as a class/group that bonded us so well back then, such as we boys spending our recess reading newspaper or doing TYS-es in the libraries, and other groups having their own activities. Till date, many of us are still very much in contact with one another, and those few groups formed in that 2 short years are still around as far as I know. For example Sijie and Jing Jing that group, naming themselves the 'Witchy Bongz' (no idea why ...); Noel, Zakir, Wanyu and Ian that group who were more out-spoken than most of us; Yiling, Huiyang and Ai Ling forming the quietest of girls in the class; the rest of us guys who just liked to lunch, badminton and play sports together. *Keep in mind some of these people I've mentioned had signed their names on the cards I received =D

Outside of the classroom, I attended a chalet organised by this group of people when I did not know many of them. I managed to make some friends there and of them all was one who became quite a good friend of mine in Secondary School - Shan Ling. She used to be the one that entertained me with Messenger Minesweeper, haha, and also the one that helped me in many ways =D.

And then there's my acquired nickname that sticks even now, given by the all-friendly Wee Kim from the Basketball Team. Whenever I introduced myself in poly or somewhere else, I would let people know of this nickname of mine to help them remember me. I guess it somewhat helps when I'm just an ordinary guy. So because of this nickname, my future birthday cards were filled with 'ah pek!!!' and 'old man' or anything of that sort =D.

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It came to a time when I had to fly off to Perth for my ITP, and before that, I was so busy meeting friends and enjoying my Chinese New Year that it felt as though I would not be back home for quite some time. As 16th February (the mentioning of this date is a reminder =D) that year was one week after I set off, many friends decided to meet me beforehand to celebrate my birthday and also as a farewell gesture.

Cards I received then were those I really like. They were filled with well-wishes and bon-voyages, some even handmade. Tagging along with those cards were notebooks and lucky charm to protect me on that journey. These cards reminded me of the dinner date with poly clique, chicken rice at bukit batok central with Sabrina, Kbox trip with Xinyi and her friend and the Chinese New Year invitation of closer budds to my place for games of mahjong just before the day I set off (in order for me not to miss it too much).

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And now you may wonder what's with the Primary School kid-styled way of opening. The only significance of it is the contrast between Jeremy now, and Jeremy then. Over the years I experienced, I have grown into what I am now today. If I have the chance again to choose (changing from Fuhua Sec to Dunearn Sec; Entering SP instead of a JC), my choice will not differ, though regrets I do have, but they are not of great importance.

Looking at these cards certainly brought me back to those days of tears and joy. They also reminded me of how blessed I am to be surrounded with many sincere friends during the different stages of my life thus far. I am also reminded that most of these closer friends are still there around for me, though not as frequent as before.

Now that the first 20 years have passed, I am heading towards the next phase of my life - Army Days. Being an optimist, I am looking forward to this journey a young boy knows he has to go through as a Singaporean (I'm not a patriot). It is another good chance for me to know more people and better myself as a person. Farewell to the 20 years of which have helped me grow, I am now anticipating more 20 years to come.

Memories are best kept as they are; If turning back time is a possibility, memories will not be as memorable as they are now. Cheers!

Trip To Langkawi

2009-07-29T20:40:00.011+08:00

It's been more than a week since we came back from our trip to Langkawi. Time for some updates:

DAY 1 - Up And Away

Fun began as soon as we touched down on Langkawi. Our first visit was to their well-known cable car over on the North-Western side of the island. After we checked into our hotel (City Bayview Hotel, Langkawi) in Kuah Town, we had a walk around the surroundings before we settled for lunch at a humble kopitiam. Once done, we went back to our hotel and hailed a cab to the cable car.

The cable car ride was brilliant. We arrived at Oriental Village, got our tickets and wasted no time in getting onto the cable car. The sun was bright and hot, complimentary with the views, complimentarily. Bad thing was we were separated because one cabin could only seat 6 adults, and since 2 couples went in before us, we had to sit facing each other. Dear was frightened but couldn't do anything but bit her lips throughout the whole ride!

As we went higher, the temperature dropped and breezes felt cooler against our faces. While it certainly helped to cool us down a little from the hot weather, the high altitudes challenged our lung capacities as we started to gasp for air while climbing those stairs from the bridge we walked down to.

Temperature began to scale again as we descended via the cable car. While going down this time, I took a video of our whole journey. I forgot to mention that when the cable car departed from one check-point, it went super fast and each time my heart skipped a beat! Think of a roller-coaster ride high up there, you'll get what I mean. Haha.

Reaching the main station, I was doubly glad that I took quite some great photos and that the cable car did not stop midway at all. I had a bad experience in Genting when our basketball team in Secondary School went for an exchange + holiday trip to Malaysia. Anyway, the ride was more than enjoyable =D.

After a short rest and a visit to an enclosed animals-feeding area, we headed up to the Seven Wells Waterfall. The flights of steps were intimidating, and obviously, our legs gave way. We stopped at the foot of the waterfall and rested there for some time. That's where we enjoyed the company of local kids, visiting tourists like us from other countries and the sound of quick falling waters.

Swimming was my intention, given my love for water. It was rather disappointing that I did not bring a spare change of clothes with me, so the most I could do was to immerse my lower parts of my body (my feet I mean) and let the water wash my weariness away. Instead of doing so, I further burdened my feet by walking across the stream to the rock standing in the middle just to get dear to snap a few pictures of me. The river bed was rocky enough, big and small. While the tiny rocks were good for some foot reflexology, the larger ones were so smooth that one mis-step and that's it. It happened and well, I've got my intention fulfilled.

Not disheartened though, we went back to the hotel for showers before we headed out again. We visited the nearby Pasar Malam which only operates on Saturdays and Wednesdays in Kuah, hoping to find some cheap dinner fare and also do what the locals do. Without disappointment, we did find cheap deals, and we reciprocated with my huge appetite. Spending less than S$5, I had a Ramly Burger, a small square piece of murtabak, some yellow pan-fried flour thing-y, barbequed chicken skewers with their very own marinate and 1 grilled maize. Dear did not have as much as myself and she's full just after the Ramly!

While my satisfaction came from the food I ate, dear began her shopping spree on our very first night. In total, she bought 2 t-shirts (1 for RM10!), a ragged bag which was very nice and unique, a pair of shoes for her mum and some random stuff. And there she was posing with her newly-boughts =D.

DAY 2 - Sunset, far and away. Chasing it, the sky turns grey.

Day 2 came as fast as it went away. Greeted by the sun early in the morning (not really actually ..), we had a quick breakfast before Bas Persiaran picked us up to the jetty. There, we took the ferry to an island 1 hour away, Payar Island. Our main purpose there was to snorkel, but dear did not snorkel much, which I'll explain later.

At the jetty, everything was swift, from picking up guests and giving instructions to finally boarding the ferry. The floating platform off the coast of Payar Island was not far away, which we briefly set foot on before taking a 'speedboat' to disembark on the island itself.

Promising, the beach and waters. From what we saw when we disembarked, the water was clear enough for us to see the hard corals beneath, and not far from sight, a beautiful beach. A quick briefing was given on the schedule of the day, and off we went in search for suitable life jackets and snorkelling equipment.

Not before long we found ourselves in the water! Because the flippers were so uncomfortable and unhelpful, we took them off and went into the water again. Dear was apparently not too confident in sea water, and frankly speaking, the taste of sea water was never pleasant. The water ... well ... it wasn't as clear as it looked from above. I guess it's partly because of the sand, but anyway, I managed to take a few pictures with our Kodak Instant Camera then and also after lunch when dear stopped snorkelling.

Another activity on the beach was feeding time. It's not common feeding, but feeding of tiger sharks and also this huge Grouper that lurked below (see facebook for pictures). Not to worry though, the sharks were too small to bite on humans, and larger ones had no ways to enter the shallow waters. I had my first ever close encounter with sharks when I went into the water again after lunch without my life jacket. I was busy snapping pictures when suddenly, at the corner of my eye, a tiger shark swam pass. My gaze followed it for as long as 3s before I realized I was starting to feel afraid! That's when I quickly swam back only to find myself swimming in the wrong direction! Made a U-turn quick and back on the beach, recounting it to dear. HAHA.

Before we left, we quickly took a few more pictures together, and that was when the sun came out again. Oh, I didn't mention that clouds were covering the sun for most parts of our stay on the island, so it was a great time to take some pictures before we left.

We found out that the rain had just halted as the wet ground was just beginning to dry up. We went to book our tickets for Island Hopping the following day and hotel was our next destination, just for a quick shower because both dear and I did not shower at all! Not that we didn't want, but the island was not equiped with fresh water shower, but salt water. What we did was only wash ourselves with a bit of water from the bottle they gave us, and also from my big bottle. So ... we had our showers and back to the jetty we went.

Given not much time to walk around Jetty Point previously, the small shopping mall there, we went back there for a short walk, with Eagle Square our main destination, just distance away from Jetty Point. The sunset was ... brilliant. The Eagle Statue was majestic, standing tall, facing the sunset. In my opinion, our best pictures were taken there against the sunset. Some time was spent there and we met some other tourists, like and the Egyptian couple. It surprised me that they spoke rather good english (no offense =D)! We helped them take a few pictures, and they helped us too =D. I think that's one of those few moments you get when you travel that makes you smile.

Headed next to Langkawi Fair, a shopping mall nearby. Had our dinner at this Thai Restaurant that sells cheap restaurant food. Walked around a bit trying to find something to buy but I didn't in the end. I even contemplated on buying supper at Mac which was like so much cheaper than those in Sg, but I was too full from the dinner. That ended our day feeling quite tired after a day of snorkelling and walking =D.

Day 3 - Eagles in search, daily hunt for food - tedious yet necessary, spread your wings, fly, carefree.

Woke up early on the third day again. All thanks to my habit of sleeping early, we didn't feel that tired after those activities the previous day. So the day started with the island hopping trip. This island hopping tour brought us to 3 different islands for sight-seeing mainly.

We arrived early, and were told to wait for the person-in-charge to arrive. We were determined to drive away thoughts of being cheated, when the person finally arrived and directed us to the boat. What a relief!

The boatman navigated through the open sea, highlighting some of the better sights around. There were many inhabited islands around Langkawi, some totally inaccessible to human-beings. The first stop was the island that contains a lake called Pregnant Maiden Lake. Some folklore here - it was said that a lady tried all means to get pregnant but to no avail. It was when she came across the lake thirsty, drank a mouthful of the lake water and ooomph! She got pregnant soon after. True or not we don't know, but I did not see anyone bending over and having a taste of the water! Not me if given the chance though, people are enjoying their swim and foot-reflexology with the catfishes there!

Oh, I missed out this. We were on our way to this island when the boatman stopped moving and showed us what the hills shaped themselves into. Here it is.

Now look closely ... and tell me what do you think it is on my tagboard! =D.

Next, we went on to do eagle feeding. We did not actually feed the eagles. The boatman simply threw food into the water as we watched the eagles swooping past. The eagles were huge! Of course not as gigantic as the statue of it we saw the previous day, but when 1 flew above you, the shadow it casted was actually enough to cover your face. Am I exagerating? Haha. Great creatures, I must say.

Moving on, we went to another island where people could do more swimming and water activities by the beach. We did not swim because we did not bring our swim suits along, so we strolled and took pictures. It was around lunch time when we headed back to Langkawi and the tour ended just there.

Lunched at Kenny Roger's Roasters and we headed to Padi Matsirat, one of the many rice fields in Langkawi. This one was open to visitors, with a small museum displaying the advance in technologies used in growing grains, and also samples of different grains. We walked around more, which was really quite boring. Haha! Then we left the place, wanting to walk to a port which turned out to be a hotel ... Quite disappointed. It was already evening by that time, so we couldn't make more plans for the day.

Well, at least we still had time for some shopping! So we hailed a cab down to one of the shopping malls. Actually, we wanted to catch Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince, and to our fortune, the show had just started so we got the tickets, had a quick toilet break and rushed into the cinema! Haha. No movie review here, don't worry. The show was so-so, but the company was unmatched =D.

Dinner was takeaway from MarryBrown. I wonder if I got the spelling right, but anyway, it was not the best fast food I had, just wanted to try. Haha. Packed our bags and kissed each other good night after that =D.

Day 4 - Quality time spent rules over reluctance ... =D

Day 4 was the day we came home. Breakfast as usual, and we checked in at the airport after. We did some last minute shopping for souveniors and local products, which both dear and I felt we were somewhat conned in buying some of them. Flight was delayed for almost an hour, which meant more time together for the both us, despite it being at the airport doing practically nothing at all =D.

I tried it once and now I am sure that I need to need anti-motion-sickness pill before I board the plane next time. I was nauseating throughout the second half of our journey home, but dear was there to look after me, so it was all well!

One thing to note - both our dads were actually chatting while waiting for us to touch down! HAHA! I learnt from dear later on that my dad was highlighting his recent career advancement (probably as a part-time property agent) to her dad. I hope her dad didn't feel all too bored. I hope! =D.

That sums up our trip to Langkawi. In all, it was a very enjoyable trip. I can't ask for more when dear was there with me =D. I've tried also to upload as many pictures as I can, and I did them selectively. To view them all, just visit my facebook page ( www.facebook.com/ahpek ).

Time waits for no one and I am glad to have made this trip with you just before you begin your campus life in NUS, and before my enlistment. Sure there'll be more to come, and you'll be part of it. Good bye Langkawi, and hello World, from the both of us =D.

Night Safari 2009

2009-07-05T14:48:00.002+08:00

A trip to Asia's first night animal attraction ... The Singapore's Night Safari 27/06/2009.

Hmmm ... I'm not about to blog what happened throughout the whole trip, because dear has done so and her description and memory are far better than mine, so for details, navigate from here (please don't click the word 'here', sorry for the disappointment =X).

With so much hype about saving the Earth and using environmentally friendly gadgets and appliances, people are becoming more conscious about the state of the place they are living in, and realise the need to protect it in order for their children and children's children to see a better tomorrow. Media has been a powerful tool in conveying these messages, be it TV advertisements or newspaper articles. Despite so, many do not have access to these information, whereas at some parts of the world, survival is deemed more important than Saving Gaia. More so, people choose to ignore these messages, claiming they have the right to choose what they believe and support, with the backing of human rights, if human rights means not being able to pass on the knowledge to future generations.

Visiting the Night Safari was another experience of knowing we have the ability to save something, yet ignoring the painful fact, with excuses such as leather jackets are high in quality and ultra-comfortable, powdered tusks have genuine medicinal values and 'How can wedding dinners go without Sharks' Fin Soup?'.

I'm no way a conservation-ist or environmentalist, but I believe it's one of our responsibilities living here on this planet to make sure it's well taken care of. Accumulatively, everyone's little bit can be a huge contribution, or rather, a huge burden taken off from the load the Earth is currently shouldering. Read economics - when the demand is low, output and production will subsequently decrease. So long we stop the buying, we can all together stop the killing.

Just imagine this - one day you're sitting in the living room with your grandchildren around you, and you all are playing a game of naming the animals A-Z. They start naming - Anacondas, Bats, Cats, Dogs, and it comes to your turn and you say 'Elephants', incurring puzzled looks in their faces as they inquire, "What are Elephants?". By the time you realise this, it could have been all but too late.

So I say, while we can choose, why not choose to do just that little bit - use less paper, do not buy animal-made products and do not include sharks' fin items in your 10-course wedding menu (mainly because I hope to one day, when I build up enough courage, swim with sharks, or at least whales).

SAVE THE WORLD!!!

*The trip was nonetheless enjoyable and educational =D.

We Shall Not Mourn ...

2009-06-26T20:24:00.002+08:00

Demoralising news break out every day, headlines catching your attention at the newstand as you walk to the bus interchange. From the US stock markets failing, bad economy, Iran Presidential Election scandal (as claimed by the oppositions and their supporters) to rising cases of Influenza A H1N1 cases worldwide, most noticeably and of concern, those in Singapore (reaching a high of 95 cases in a day, defining the final number at 315, this morning). Each day, new news make it worse, even the sun has stopped shining as brightly ... Oh, that's something to rejoice, my apologies =D.

Today, the world takes a new hit. If you haven't already known, the greatest performer, entertainer, singer and dancer (at least to me) has passed away.

The man?

Michael Jackson.

Certainly those who live through 1958 to 2009, old enough to understand pop music, would have at least heard of his name. I believe even those that are yet to see the world will come to know of him some day, as he has, which seemed so easy, got his name written in the history book of ShowBiz.

Throughout his career, he was defamed not once, not twice, but a few times. I do not know all of them, but of them all, the most infamous being his sex-inclined paedophilic fantasy for young boys. When people talk about paedophiles (for example, Barney the Purple Dinosaur), Michael's name will often appear in their minds, and more often being spoken than not.

Humans like us are always too ready to judge, pointing fingers at one another. We have no absolute clue on whether or not he's guilty, yet a single smudge to his name seems to have it highlighted fully with black ink. What seemed a clean piece of paper was damaged by a single dot on it which people focused on, claiming it 'dirty' and 'cannot be used anymore'.

For a period of time, I myself was disgusted by that fact. After a while, when I heard, by chance, his song 'You Are Not Alone', I was reminded of how I used to watch his Music Video clips, admiring his moves, vocals and charisma. In my mind then, without doubt, I have decided to love him as an entertainer, rather than labelling as the man as the media had.

At 50, he had touched many souls, led the pop culture into a new era and given budding artistes a role model to follow in order to succeed in entertainment. Even at 50, his 'to-be' concerts in Europe are sold out, though fans will have no chance of watching him perform again. He left many with fond memories, vivid images of him performing on his stage and songs that people will never forget ... And they will never forget to pass it on too.

To our dearest Michael Jackson:

Your contribution to the music scene was unmatched, for you alone had made it a thriller. No matter you being black or white, a dangerous or bad person, you've been the smoothest criminal in stealing our hearts and souls. You beat it at the right moment, so invincible, especially when you did those moves to Billie Jean - white gloves, fendora, classy jacket, hips-flipping behind the big white screen and slick moon-walking - we fans never get tired of those. Now that you're gone, watching you 'live' is impossible, yet the memories you've left behind will be deeply etched in our hearts. You've rocked our world bad, but we will never get enough of you. Although physically you've left, do remember that you're not alone, as we will continue your legacy to the next generation, and the next and the next =D.

Listening Ears & Sincere Advices

2009-06-13T11:36:00.002+08:00

The past few days have been a whole lot of frustration, anger, upset and misunderstanding. I know my continuation of this entry might add fuel to an already fierce fire, but I do need a place where I can express my thoughts, though I have now also a superb companion who will sit and listen to all the words I've got to say, without even saying a word, yet the silence is comforting enough.

Briefly, I was caught up in a written war on MSN and taken aback by words from a friend. I had been harsh then, and I won't deny the fact that I have been a complete bastard in dealing with the situation, saying and doing the wrong things, at coincidental wrong times. Being obstinate, I still do feel there are some areas which I have been right, and I will continue to stand by those; I admit too, that I have dealt with certain issues badly, and being not able to view things from other angles before making comments has just seen me lost the trust and respect, if any, that people have for me.

The mix of emotions, both anger and misery, was at its best. For so long, never have I felt so strongly over something. Looking at my reflection at the end of the day, what I saw was someone selfish, not as understanding as I thought I was, and a man so disgusted with himself that he decided to stare into the black spaces that will never give a tinge of his own reflection.

This, though, is not the gist of this entry. After what had happened, I turned to 3 important people in my life, and all gave me support and advices that made me realise how much more I have to learn in life, and how much room I have for improvement and growth.

Mum. Perhaps someone who will keep you by her side, stand by you all the time, support you through and through, when the only time she threw you out was the time she gave birth to you. Perhaps it's her religion, but whenever she sees fit, she'll share buddhist teachings with me, which are valuable to how you react in life. The wonder of it all is, all these times the words she says, are all different. It only makes me feel so small as a person, that it'll take me more than a lifetime to fully comprehend what life is about. Still, despite her being neutral, she still supports me all the time, and I'm thankful to have a mum like her.

Sister. A person who is always frank with me. She helps me look at things differently and also allows me to express myself freely before she gives advices. Academically, I used to be the one assisting her; Emotionally, she's now teaching me how to handle. Her frankness makes me realise just how selfish and stubborn a person I can be. Honestly speaking, without her, I might still be on fire after that incident. Thanks for your straightforwardness, yet so subtly presented. As an elder brother of yours, you've made me feel doubly blessed to have you and mum all these time. Maybe they should have a World's Sister's Day =D.

Finally, you. I know you are not a person who knows how to comfort people with words, but do you know that what you do have made comfort to me, and the best part is when you don't even say anything at all =D. At times like that when all I need was a channel for me to rant and say what I have to say, you would quietly sit and listen until I finished. Your special trip down just to meet me for lunch was so unexpected and that alone lifted the gloom that shadowed my day before you came. I know from that point on, someone else, other than my family members, really cares. Your presence brings me not only comfort, but also assurance. Assurance that you will be by my side through thick and thin no matter what happens. For that, I feel myself loving you more as the day passes. All I have got to say is, thank you for loving me for who I am. I may not have been the best partner, but I promise to love you with all I've got because you're worth it.

This is as far as my vocabulary can bring me. As for the matter, I wish someday the misunderstanding will clear and we are back to normal self again.

And that's all I've got to say.

And I Love You So ...

2009-05-29T23:43:00.001+08:00

You're different.
You're supportive.
You're understanding.
You're obliging.
You're helpful.
You're kind.
You're caring for me.

There are so many things that set me deeper into you.

And most importantly, you're the unique one I can't find anywhere else but here.

I sincerely wish the best for both of us and for more good things than bad that will come along between us.

And that's when I'm in love with you =D.

-

2009-05-25T21:58:00.000+08:00

For Some Reasons ...

Graduation Year

2009-05-24T12:02:00.003+08:00

*Before I begin, I would like to apologize for the messy previous post, not just the alignment (which I have no idea what happened), but also the language. I have no idea what I was rushing for, thus the way of writing. Haha. I'll try my best in this one.

Year 3 - As we go on ... We remember ...

In the previous post, we ended talking about the workload we were going to face in the coming final year. We had heard how seniors complained about juggling Final Year Project (FYP) with the curriculum, and often than not, we saw many all stressed out. Despite those woes, we also witnessed their fruits of success during their Graduation after they had gone through piles and piles of shit.

For me, everything was well thought out for. I came back from Perth and went back to begin my final year just 2 days later. My FYP was already decided - I joined Aric and Wayne in Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI) situated in SGH under our supervisor named Dr. Louis Tong. While the rest were eagerly waiting to ballot for the projects, we were already discussing how we would go about doing the project. A long discussion was held with Dr. Tong as he tried to get me in-synch with what they had been, and will be doing. As I had no prior knowledge on the topic, it was really tough for me to pick up both the skills and theories. It was decided in the end that I would take charge of the a certain part of the project, while Aric and Wayne were given different roles which they were already trained at performing, spreading out the workload so we would have more time for our respective commitments.

From here on, you will realise that the most part of this post will be about FYPs. Of course, I will be inserting some interesting happenings if I manage to remember as I continue =D.

As for our other class/coursemates, they went on for a gruelling balloting process, which I heard turned quite ugly as people cheated in the process and people not getting their choices of project. In the end, I believe some left with disappointment, but eventually made terms with reality and moved on. For our clique, Fiona, Nicholas and Jun Rong had already finished the wet work during their ITP, so they were left with only the report to write, and also coordinate with TTSH people if I am not wrong.

Then there were two other groups - 1) Andy, Shirley, Sarah and Janet, 2) Johnny, Madeline and Ruo Ting. Both groups required volunteers to finish certain amount of food within a period of time, of which later blood had to be taken in 2 different ways for analyses. Group 1 performed fingerpricks for pre-experiment recordings, followed by venepunctures. I participated in both experiments, but was later rejected by group 1 because I was poked a total of 9 times on my first appointment, with only successful takings at 1 or 2 time points, HAHA. My visible and not-so-visible veins were playing hide and seek with them, and it was quite an (painful =X) experience to be poked so many times on both arms. They were not to be blamed, 'cause I was one of the first few volunteers and they were not yet proficient in the technique. Later, I heard they improved so much and became expert venepuncture-rs.

As for the other group, we volunteers were instructed to finish our food within the designated time, after which blood glucose levels were taken from blood after the fingerpricks with a glucometer. I was given 3 types of chocolates - normal chocolate, dark chocolate and 1 more I can't remember. Or was I only given 2 types? Haha. Their main purpose was to examine the glycaemic index of various food types, including different forms of carbohydrates such as grains, rice and pasta.

I must say time spent during these experiments were pretty fun, because not only we got free food, we spent some crazy time in the laboratory. As year 3s, we certainly were given the privilege in terms of lab usage. Especially having those bunch of people in the clique, we would have fun anywhere we go, be it small talks, or playing too-too train in the lab with lab chairs. Although I was, and never am, a fan of too-too train, their actions and gestures never failed to make my day during boring lab sessions.

Talking about these people's FYPs, I would regularly bring my laptop there to spend my time while waiting for my turn. One of the reasons why I brought it along instead of just reading a book was because, with the convenience of cleaning equipment in the lab, I could give my laptop a good clean with bacillols (70% alcohol) and kimwipes. Haha!! *I suppose no lecturers or SP staff will read this =X.

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Now I will sidetrack from the main assignment we had for the Academic Year. Apart from FYPs, in sem 1, we were challenged with various assignments as well, and one was a class report for our Lab Safety and Management module. I am sure some of us still remember the frustration we faced during that period of time, because of those confusions and disagreements inbetween. During that period, we were always caught up with arguments, but eventually we pulled through and although our result was understandably not as satisfactory, we were, as a united class, glad it was over.

That assignment was not as comparable as this coming one, which drove many of us to the wall, even murderous (anyone putting up their hands and joining me? Haha). This lecturer was so into thinking about himself and himself only that he jeopardized his authority over the module and made us complete unrelevant assignment. Other than those essays that we had to write, which their weightages were not high, this particular one weighed the most in the module, and not the easiest. Wanna know what is it? It starts with the letter 'G'.

Personally I feel that the lecturer was a nice person, even as a lecturer as his teaching method was different and refreshing. However, he was acting much like a jerk in making us do that cyber-magazine, which we wouldn't mind doing if we did not have so much to do and if it was not included as part of our ICAs. As we finally finished that, some of us were given unjustified grades, and i felt it unfair for these people who put in lots of effort for this. Willy in particular, who tried to confront him over this but failed terribly. HAHA!

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I actually left this out the previous post, but we did have our bi-annual chalet trips the previous year as well. Without exception, we had it for our final year as well, though one in particular wasn't exactly pleasant and left many unhappy. Anyway, we have all gotten over it so it wasn't an issue and we were back to good o' classmates again.

Our final one was as usual - BBQs, mahjongs, and also our first visit to Wild Wild Wet. It was so much fun and I enjoyed myself, a lot.

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Back to FYP. My group with Aric and Wayne wasn't the easiest. The main problem being the place we carried our laboratory work was located in SERI itself, meaning we had to travel to Outram Park to continue our project. Because we had lessons on weekdays, we had to sacrifice weekends even to do extra work. For that, I quitted my Fort Siloso job and picked up tuition because that way, I could still earn enough pocket money while committing fully on schoolwork and FYP.

Other than FYP, we were told by Dr. Tong to participate in their weekly Journal Club. That's when each of us would be given a journal to read and sort of review. During Journal Club, the scheduled person would present the paper to the rest of the team in the laboratory. As Dr. Tong is such a sharp person, and very smart, he never failed to post tough questions that made us doubt ourselves, and the paper. He is always so into details and because he habours vast knowledge and experience in the research field, he was able to pick out doubtful results just by looking at them and pointing them out to us. As much as I hated to do this Journal Club thing-y, I must thank him because it sort of prepared us for our FYP Presentation later, giving us more confidence in presenting our results to a group of lecturers who had done their Post-Grad projects, or are doing currently.

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Meanwhile, we did have our usual meet-ups, but in the most unusual ways. We found new activities to do together as a clique, such as conquering the Southern Ridges and our first Potluck for Sarah's 19th Birthday Celebration. We also had steamboats at our favourite venue (right Janet?!) and I invited a truckload full of people to my place for CNY celebration. We celebrated Mid-Autumn Festival too, and that's just how random we are =D.

The biggest event of the year must be our AD&D. Just refer to my blogpost in December 2008 for some other details. Haha! That night was definitely unforgettable, other than the karaoke session through the night. LOL.

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Zooming back to the final hurdle in our FYP, we were all rushing out our reports before the deadline. Data to collate, results to analyze, discussions to discuss, and words to type. All of us, not restricting to my group only, had to read and re-read what we'd written, followed by multiple editions to make it more scientific and presentable. For our group, we did not, in the end, get desirable results, but we were able to create magic out of nothing, wrote the best ever report I have ever written throughout my 3 years in Poly, presented like I had never before, and scored an A for it. I was delighted to have gotten that kind of result, though a tiny bit of me was disappointed at not being nominated for the Distinction round. Still, I am grateful to all the assistance I had from Dr. Tong, Shel Hwa the assistant in SERI who is currently doing her Ph.D studies in New Zealand, Mr. Fraser for some comments on our report and the two other group mates, most importantly =D.

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Final Semestral Exams. Our last, ever examination in Singapore Polytechnic. It all ended on the 24th February 2009, when we sat for our ... was it Haematology II paper??? Haha. After that paper, we took a large group photo, many of us looking relieved and happy, for it's all finally come to an end. Well, the full-stop to our Poly days is not yet penned, until we have our Graduation Ceremony. Still, we were all glad, though we didn't bear to part with those days ...

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Time passes so quickly during those days, that we have no time to look back at what we have done until this moment when we can sit in front of our computers and reflect. Over the past 3 years, I have changed, not just physically, but mentally as well. I never knew I can become the person I am today, much thanks to these people I met during my 3 years. As I continue to write, many things in the clique are continuing to happen, and I will continue to anticipate more outings and gatherings that will come in the future.

As for now, I will never forget those times we ate, drank, laughed, stressed, quarreled, disagreed, made merry, mahjong-ed, had fun, acted retards, posed for silly pictures, made nicknames for one another, shared our unhappiness and happiness, and so so so many other things that were deeply etched in every single one of us. Thank you for these memories, and although we will not see each other that often in the future, this part of my life will always be one of the happiest and eventful ones I will ever, ever have. I am truly grateful to have chosen to come here instead of elsewhere, where I might not have met you wonderful things =D.

And as our lives change, come whatever, we will still be ... clique forever =D.

Midway Through ...

2009-05-22T16:55:00.006+08:00

Getting in the groove of things ...

Year 2 already and we were accustomed to how school worked and the way to go about getting things done. Not that we always got things done way before deadlines though. Procrastination was a contagious thing. Dangerous too. Let's put it in a better way - we worked under pressure. Well.

Nothing much happened in the first half of that year. Perhaps the most interesting being the lessons with Mrs Ho, or Mdm Mah Mon Moey. She was then, by far the most strict and undesired lecturer. Count Kumar* in as well. She was very particular with the slightest details regarding what we did for her tutorials, and also what we did in her class. At first I thought coming in late as a poly student was not much of an issue to lecturers, who knows she was one of those that looked forward to go against these latecomers.

Tske for example tutorials. Everytime she gave some tutorials to be completed, many of us didn't. We all thought they're only tutorials and we had the freedom of choice whether or not to do, when she did a check and collected from those who did instead of going through the answers. If I'm not mistaken, she actually gave extra credits to those who completed her tutorials, and penalised those who didn't.

It came a time nearing the end of the semester when we were told to draw up a metabolic biochart based on our knowledge. That chart was supposed to be supplementary to our final ICA for that module, and had to be submitted to her before that ICA. Any latecomers, even by 1 min according to her, would be marked late and penalised. Well, we certainly tested her system and got marked late. Not that I did badly for her module in the end anyway ... so ...

P.S. Fiona became Mrs Ho's daughter after that. I think it's because they look alike??? Haha!

and ...

*Kumar is a character we named in year 1. It is strictly prohibited to mention the name, so it's up to readers to know who we're talking about. We clique people, of course, know who is that =D.

The rest of that semester went on smoothly, as we continue to choke walkways and look for big tables during lunchbreaks ...

Then come Semester 2. I remembered that time, something happened and I totally excluded myself from most outings with the clique. I understood my budd's feelings, but he was great to stick by. Things eventually got better and I didn't have to avoid going out with them anymore.

In Sem 2, I had a discussion with my dad on possible overseas attachment programme. SP did have some offers from 2 or 3 Australian Universities, and I managed to obtain some information about it, also knowing that a few of my classmates were going the same place. Soon, everything was confirmed and the 10 of us were given a place at University of Western Australia (UWA), Perth.

Sem 2 ended in a flash and I had a few meet-ups with friends before I flew over for my ITP. I had a sumptuous dinner with a few of my clique members at Maison, sang at Kbox with Xin Yi and another of her friend, enjoyed a brief Chinese New Year celebration and played some mahjong with my closest buddies at my place on the 2nd day of CNY. On the 3rd day of CNY, 9th Feb, we headed down to Changi Airport to board the Qantas Airline, heading for Perth.

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ITP @ Perth, 9 Feb 2008 - 12 Apr 2008

Ten coursemates - Zul, Lynette, Hui Hui (aka Da Jie), Franco, Desmond, Justin, Guojie, Afsheen, Joan and myself touched down at Perth, followed by a cab trip to Townsend Lodge, which we were not very happy with and moved to ... ... ... ______ Hotel shortly after. For me, that experience was amazing. Not only I was there for ITP, it was my very first overseas trip without my parents, and at a western country!

The stay at Townsend was not really that unpleasant, but because we were not used to their culture and also some racial discrimination issues, we decided to move instead. The move to a studio apartment across the streets was a great move, as we had the kitchen all to our own. We had fun staying there, where we definitely left with fond memories.

Our mini kitchen.

That ITP trip was really not much of an attachment to me. First, we were not paid. Second, although on paper we had to work from 9am to 5pm, I was given the opportunity to leave by 2/3pm most of the time. With that, I could resume my usual jogging regime, at a foreign place with nicer surroundings and sceneries. The route I went was just slightly more than 10km, but I usually went 5km odd. Only on the last week of ITP when I finished that whole route round the Swan River, which was refreshing ... and very hot too. Haha.

Aunt Eileen and William at Swan Valley

Not only I could exercise with those free time, I could do grocery shopping at Woolsworth Supermarket nearby, because they closed at 7pm. Imagine me having to carry my bag and laptop, reaching there at 530 or 6pm from the University, I had to rush through my shopping and would have no time to cook a good dinner for myself after that.

On weekends, we would make trips to popular sites in Perth, such as Rottnest Island, Penguin Island, Caversham Wildlife Park, Pinaccles, and many more. Aunt Eileen and Fiance, William, brought me out on a trip to Swan Valley for some exquisite lunch and visits to Margeret River Chocolate Factory and a local brewery. I can still remember the name of the glass of beer I had - Honey Pils, which was so smooth and light, nothing like those you have here.

Situated right in the city, we had the shopping district within close proximity as well. I did not shop as much, but the rest certainly did some hauling there. We had our fix of fast food at their local chains too, such as Hungry Jack's (known as Burger King over here), Red Rooster, and their own Macdonald's. Trust me, we Singaporeans are fortunate to be able to ask for as many sauces as we like over the counter, whereas over there, you have to pay 50cents for a small packet of ketchup. No chilli sauce at all. Haha.

As for our asian cravings, we head down to Northbridge (is it Northbridge?) to this popular asian store where they sell asian products there. I could easily find my favourite maggie mee and frozen dim sum there. Right over there was a Korean hair saloon, where for $20, you get a quick and good haircut with hair wash as well. You can also find Japanese grocery store, many Vietnamese restaurants, Chinese restaurants (not cheap though), Hong Kong Cafe (Lou Mou Cafe as we called it ... Haha, some inside jokes), and even Esteller77. You can easily call that place Little Asia or Asiantown.

All these were what we did for that 2 months of ITP, and some of us missed home so much, that we did a countdown to the day when we would finally come home. It was to our disappointment on the actual date when Qantas experienced some technical problems, resulting in an 18-hour flight delay. I would say it was not that bad, as we had accomodation at a far better hotel, a specially reserved dinner for us, and some breakfast vouchers when we arrived next morning for the flight. All these were thought for, including the transport fro and to the airport, so we practically didn't spend at all during that delay, and was compensated $300 from our Travel Insurance later on. Haha!

On 12 April 2008, we finally touched down Changi Airport, safe and sound. That ended our ITP when many of us were actually missing over the next few days what we had all gone through together in Perth. Personally, I feel that to be a whole new experience, and when my sister told me she has the chance to go China or Taipei for her internship this late 2009, I strongly encouraged her to go for it if given the chance, and I'm sure, she'll enjoy her trip just as much as mine.

Last group photo at the UWA

I had only a day's rest before we began Year 3, the most gruelling year of all, as we battled with FYPs and mountain-ful of assignments ...

Year 1 - Sparks Of Love

2009-05-05T15:06:00.003+08:00

Year 1 - When stones are rubbed together ... (or sticks on logs)

Often when you find yourself part of a large clique like mine, seeing friends get along extremely well and eventually ending up as couples is just as common as ordering teh peng when a Kopitiam lady approaches you while you have your favourite plate of roti prata (or is it just me???).

This clique of mine is of course, not left out from this all natural occuring phenomenon. I guess it is an instinct of a man (or wo-man) to take a quick glance at the people they meet first time, and when one catches your attention, you can't get your eyes of her, or him. Well, there are others of which you won't even tend to notice, and there are some you refuse to take notice of. No, I don't mean ugly people, they just don't stand out enough like those that caught your eyes do. Perhaps it's more of a habitual behaviour of a human-being, since we're constantly on a lookout, and not suddenly presented with images so pretty that mounts a reaction.

I have not much idea how the 2 couples in our clique became, well, couples, but this is my recollection of how it all happened.

The first one I am going to talk about is an animated-animals lover that can only go close to animated ones and others that move will send her screaming at the top of her lungs and this tall, then skinnier, guy that has a strong mind and opinions of his own, confident and outspoken.

Their friendship, if I'm not mistaken, began with a magic trick. Herself, Sabrina, Lawrence and I were hanging around the outside of the class when this guy came along and started chatting with us. I believe Jun Rong was around too. It was then he took out his deck of poker cards and pulled up some tricks that well, like all magic tricks do, amused us. We all clicked well, and he soon became part of our clique.

The rest of us started taking notice of the 2 of them during our very first (or second??) chalet trip, and many of them were raising suspicions, excluding myself, I swear. It was not only after someone who told me before I started taking notice. And sure enough, the two of them were declared a couple soon after. Now, being still together, a good friend and a buddy in the clique of mine, are still as loving as ever.

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As for this other one, their getting together was not at all sudden and many of us were already speculating and betting that they would eventually do so, which obviously, they did. It happened when we had a clique outing somewhere, in fact, many outings everywhere, and the 2 of them were always walking far behind, enjoying a little time between themselves. At times, they would get lost among the crowds of people, then appearing after we gave them some wait.

Correct me if I'm wrong, they got together before the one I mentioned. It was quite soon actually, a matter of months, probably weeks, but I am not too sure and I don't know when's their anniversary, which some people in the clique actually do. Same goes to the one I talked about. Similarly, though it appears that they are always on loggerheads with one another, they are doing fine and having the longest-lasting relationship I have ever known.

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That are the 2 couples we have in our clique of 12 people. The rest of us, no doubt, will sincerely bless them to accompany one another at every 'this moment'. Whatever happens in the future is not for us to know, but whatever is happening now is for us to relish, remember and store in our memory lane. And yes, their memory lanes =D.

How To Live Till 98 And Have No Enemies???

2009-04-30T10:30:00.002+08:00

All women should live so long as to be this kind of old lady!

Toward the end of Sunday service, the Minister asked, ‘How many of you have forgiven your enemies?’

80% held up their hands.

The Minister then repeated his question. All responded this time, except one petite elderly lady.

‘Mrs. Neely?’; ‘Are you not willing to forgive your enemies?’

I don’t have any.’ She replied, smiling sweetly.

‘Mrs. Neely, that is very unusual. How old are you?’

‘Ninety-eight.’ she replied.

‘Oh, Mrs. Neely, would you please come down in front & tell us all how a person can live ninety-eight years & not have an enemy in the world?’

The little sweetheart of a lady tottered down the aisle, faced the congregation, and said,

‘I outlived those bitches.’

Adapted from: http://deesinbox.com/2009/01/07/to-live-98-years-and-have-no-enemies/
*Slightly editted

Choices?

2009-04-23T22:18:00.002+08:00

It is times like this when I have to give things serious thoughts and planning. Often we are spoilt with choices so overwhelming in numbers that we do not know what to choose. Vexed and indecisive, we complain why can't there be just a few for us to choose instead.

Decisions to choices can be casual or important. The large array of foodstalls in your nearby food centre can at times change your mind over and over; If that food centre only have 2 or 3 choices, decision can be swift - we just have to patronize each every other day.

However, there are times when you prefer to have more choices than less. It's beyond my limits to explain, so I think I'll just stop here. It'll be good for people to ponder anyway.

Good night.

Year 1

2009-04-21T19:37:00.005+08:00

Year 1

Last time, I have spoken of my concerns regarding what seemingly to be a stressful Poly life ahead. My concerns were unasked for soon after I have mingled around. Briefly, because I had talked about it in my previous annual reports of my Poly life except this year, I will talk about the initial formation of the clique. I first got to know Lawrence during the Orientation Programme when we were given the Donation can. During the SPICE training, I met Sabrina Tong and Fiona. Coincidentally, All 3 of them were from the band from their respective schools, and being a small country this is, Lawrence was Fiona's band senior back in Tanjong Katong SS. That was the beginning.

I can't really remember what really happened, but I will try my best.

That was the first clique, together with Wayne and Johnny who joined us soon after. We went for CCA drive, had lunch and attended classes together. I signed up for both floorball and rock-climbing but I couldn't fit in, so my only CCA was CLS club which I wasn't really involved in after the FO camp I helped out in the following year. In CLS club itself, I did make some friends and I had my fair share of joy by participating in some of the activities, such as the non-budget event, Poly50 and FO camp the following year as Gamemaster.

By some chance, we joined some other people to form a big clique, which was basically 1/4 of the class already. So there we have Lawrence, Sabrina, Wayne, Johnny, Madeline, Janet, Shirley, Sarah, Andy, Jun Rong, Zi Rong, Nicholas and Fiona. After the first year, Lawrence very much left the clique, and Sabrina progressed to be part of the Cardiac class.

Back to first year, one of the activities I still remember was during our Report Writing & Presentation module. Given a plain piece of paper each, our lecturer instructed us to have this empty paper pasted on our backs with the aid of masking tapes. Next, we were told to go around, with a pen, to write on each other backs the first impression you had on them, our only chance of back-stabbing. We all spent a total of 20-30 minutes penning our impressions on each other backs. The one thing that I am certained of was Shirley wanting to write that I was mysterious. Why? Because she turned and asked the next person how to spell it! She changed her mind and wrote something else after that, which I can't remember already. It was an interesting activity, a way to break the ice.

I wonder if chalet trips were really a tradition for students here, because I have had them with all my close friends for at least once. This bunch though, till date, had 6 altogether. Our first ever was quite evently, having made to move from room to room 2 times I guess. We were complained to be too noisy, and the security guard got us to shift. Well, that was to keep everyone happy, so he couldn't be blamed. In our effort to keep our volumes down, we played mahjong with a towel underneath, so we could shuffle by wrapping the tiles, minimizing the sound emitted that could wake our new neighbours. Fun, nevertheless, and it was my idea, so I was quite satisfied with the result in the end. HAHA.

We had much fun in year 1, and that carried on to year 2. By the end of year 1, we were really bonded, which surprised me as I wasn't as close to my buddies in secondary 4. Then I realised, it was not a bad choice afterall. These mates that followed me through the first year were fantastic. Never was a time I was in doubt of that. I anticipated 2 more great years that would follow for us, and they promised to be so.

God & Death

2009-04-19T19:05:00.004+08:00

*As a notice, the following that you are going to read will be offensive to some people, especially Christians and some other religious devotees.

Many would have already known that I dislike people persisting to convert their friends or even strangers to be just like them. Sure they mean no harm and want to help, this kind of behaviour greatly disturbs me and I tend to pick a small argument with these people whenever they approached and went great length trying to recruit me. It is perfectly fine to ask me if I am interested, but some people are unable to comprehend my rejection to their offer. Again, I am not undermining your religion, but just how people behave. If you are already disgusted with what I have written so far, I suggest you navigate away from this blog for at least 3 months before I post new stuff and this post will be safely kept in the archives and not appearing on the home page.

This is not really a post actually, but I just want to share a particular section of a conversation between two characters in the book I am currently reading titled The Skull Beneath The Skin by the coveted suspense author P.D. James. Here goes:

Then she lifted her hands in an eloquent gesture of despair.

"Oh, don't you know? I thought George had told you. Death. That's what I'm afraid of. Just death. Stupid isn't it? I always have been - even when I was a young child. I don't remember when it began, but I knew the facts of death before I knew the facts of life. There never was a time when I didn't see the skull beneath the skin. Nothing traumatic happened to start it of. They didn't force me to look at my Nanny, dead in her coffin, nothing like that. And I was at school when Mummy died and it didn't mean anything. It isn't the death of other people. It isn't the fact of death. It's my death I'm afraid of ...(continues)...

I can't really describe the fear, what it's like, how terrible it is. It comes in a rhythm, wave after wave of panic sweeping over me, a kind of pain. It must be like giving birth, except that I'm not delivering life, it's death I have between my thighs. Sometimes I hold up my hand, like this, and look at it and think: Here it is, part of me. I can feel it with my other hand, and move it and warm it and smell it and paint its nails. And one day it will hang white and cold and unfeeling and useless and so shall I be all those things. And then I will rot. And I shall rot ... (continues) ... Now I've told you, and you can explain that I'm stupid and morbid and a coward. You can despise me."

Cordelia said, "I don't despise you."

"And it's no good saying that I ought to believe in God. I can't. And even if I could, it wouldn't help. Tolly got converted after Viccy died so I suppose she believes. But if someone told Tolly that she was going to die tomorrow she'd be just as unwilling to go. I've noticed that about the God people. They're just as frightened as the rest of us. They cling on just as long. They're supposed to have a heaven waiting but they're in no hurry to get there. Perhaps it's worse for them; judgement and hell and damnation. At least I'm only afraid of death. Isn't everyone? Aren't you?"

So that is the end of the conversation I want to share. How you want to interpret it is up to your imagination, but it sounds too true to me. Unless you have suicidal intentions, I can think of no other reason why you shouldn't be afraid of death, especially many of us still young and wanting, craving, to know more about this world. Unless you have done it all. Unless you have no regrets what-so-ever. Unless you have no more obligations to this world.

I personally feel this publicizes every one's inner thoughts about being alive, and death that inevitably follows. Who, in the right set of mind, can declare to the world that if tomorrow is the end of me, I will go as it comes without feeling unjust and unsatisfied? I can't.

It's up to you to agree, or contest what I have written.

One more message: if you think this world and life suck, think again if you're willing to let it go once and for all. I'm not asking you to kill yourself, that's just bringing miseries to people around you. If you think that there's still something to live for in this world - family, friends, knowledge, places, even being able to dream - the world is still a wonderful place to live in.

Cheers =D.

Carefree, Jobless Life

2009-04-17T11:21:00.004+08:00

After a whole lot of procrastination, I decide to start blogging. I know it is not a long period since I stopped updating, I have gone missing for a longer period than this before. This post will be something a few of us bloggers in the class have touched on, or planning to do so. Splitting this in parts will help me in spending my free time away, and at the same time, let this acts as a build-up to our Graduation Day on the 27th May 2009.

Prelude
It started off with anxious O Levels graduands attending the Results Day in their respective schools in the Feb 2006. What seemingly to be a confident young man during the O Levels Examination period became a some what worried, at times timid, student.

My name was mentioned when the Principal announced students who had scored a total of 6 As. My form teacher (then Mdm Kavita) congratulated my performance in O Levels and wished me well in my future endeavours. Looking at my results, I was glad. Confused at the same time.

To me, Secondary School was a load of fun, hardwork and company. Throughout the 4 years, I had make acquiantances that I have not forgotten till date, and still very much in contact with a few close ones. Some, regrettably, were just class- and school-mates in name. I took part in a CCA which then, I felt, was my greatest achievement, but my involvement was minimal to the extent of just a mere player to make up numbers, I thought. Still, it inculcated an interest and habit in me to regularly workout and keep myself in a healthy state of mind and body.

With that set of results, my friends persuaded me to join them in JC. Being a stubborn person, the more people persuade, the more I would not like to go with the flow. Time and again I rejected their constant persuasion, if persuasion was what they intended. I chose my path to enter a Polytechnic.

Which Polytechnic then should I choose? A pact was made with a few guys to enrol into Ngee Ann Poly, so we would have the usual company and join the same CCA. Many heeded the pact, while I secretly chose Singapore Poly as my first choice. Perhaps it was due to the familiarity I had that made me want to look elsewhere. Simply put, I didn't want to be kept within a small world of our own. It would have built a stronger friendship between us guys, but that would also mean a decreased chance to meet new people and develop into a person I am now.

Posting result was soon released and I was accepted into SP as a Diploma in Biomedical Science student. Enrolment soon followed, as well as Freshmen Orientation Programme AY 06/07. A new chapter, a whole new experience. Never did I expect something good to happen, as from the looks of it, many of us scored pretty well in O Levels and they looked intimidating. What I had expected was a solemn and hardworking class of students, all eager to out-do one another and vie for a place in the Director's list. Then, I regretted for choosing SP as my first choice.

Elsewhere ... The clique people should all be experiencing similar jitters I had. People from Compassvale, Nanyang Girls', Beattie, Fuhua, Tanjong Katong and a few others I can't recall. All with different CCAs and interests, and it was still fascinating how we got together as a clique. You'll soon find out how, and the crazy stuff we did together. I'll try my very best to give a detailed recollection of the past 3 years we had together in SP.

*Hopefully my enthusiasm will not fade after this post and I can complete it when we have finally come to the Grad Day =D.

A Game of Blind Mice (Mouse) Catching

2009-04-08T21:18:00.002+08:00

As a routine, I took my wallet and mobile, put on my slippers and went out for a take-out. It was a lunch-time thing, heading to the nearest coffee-shop to order a take-out. It took me 2 rounds of viewing at the never-changing stalls before deciding on the char kuay teow. Don't worry, this post has nothing to do with decision-making. Read Janet's if you're more interested in that. Haha.

Something sparked my interest while on my way home, all happy with the packet of char kuay teow that I would soon devour. *By the way, it was a huge packet, I wondered when the uncle increased the serving for just $2.50. No Kidding.* There was this bunch of juniors from PEPS hanging around a playground, and one of them shouted, "Let's play blind mice catching la?! Only the blind mice can touch the floor, the rest cannot!". Did it bring back childhood memories here?

Of course I'm not going to elaborate on how the game is played. It is just a game consisting of a/some blind mice (blind-folded of course) trying to catch the rest of the people scaling the play area (a complex of slides, ladders, etc. etc.) without touching the ground.

This suddenly brought about a thought while i was walking home. While those kids were in their own world of mice, everyone of us is not seeing anywhere near clearer. Think about this - on planet Earth, all of us are blind-folded, searching for that something we want ultimately. Sometimes, certain targets are easier to achieve than the other. Sometimes, although we have the whole space to wonder, we do not know where to go, what to pursue. Sometimes, when you reach a foreign ground, you do not know whether to take a risk or not.

You are the blind mouse. In life, you have a few goals. Goals like achieving straight As, earning big bucks, becoming a successful businessman, maybe becoming the best char kuay teow's stall owner/cook. Perhaps some one out there aim to strike lucky with 4D and Toto all the time. There might even be people who sit whole day in front of the TV, observing the fluctuations in the stock market, analysing the best time to invest, and hoping to strike big one time.

Here you are blind-folded. You have captured an image of how the world looks like, so it's time to choose where to go first to capture your first target. Maybe the stairs, since it's the easiest. Next the slide. Followed by the firemen's pole; No, maybe you should start with the slide. Paths to choose, paths that confuse. When you have finally decided on one, often it's too late to turn back. You can change paths nonetheless, but that would mean you have taken a huge detour.

And now, you have achieved the easier targets. There are areas you haven't explored. Maybe too dangerous a path to tread. It can be the roof of the complex, or the underside of the slide. Those are places the tougher targets are hiding. However, there are risks to take. You might fall and end up never again able to reach that target, or it can just be a slight hiccup and you learn from your lesson. Being more skilful and experienced help, as your chances of falling are reduced, but only a few are capable.

So many goals, so many targets. Among these group of targets, some are good at hiding and climbing to higher grounds, while some are unable to. This presents the distinct difficult and easy targets. If you are capable enough, the easy ones will be a breeze, and the tougher ones will be within reach; if you are not, the easy ones may prove to be difficult, and those tougher ones may seem totally unattainable in your lifetime. That of course, separates high-achievers from others.

Sometimes, you do get lucky. By some chance or another, you managed to reach for the tough targets. True enough you've reached, but are you good enough to hold on to them? Are you, in anyway, capable to capitalize on the luck and chance to hang on tight to this target of yours?

Then come a time the game ends. You see the world much clearer now. You see some of your targets far away, while some already in your grasp. When you notice that some targets could be achieved through a certain path you are more than fit for, regrets sink in. Then when you look at some of the captured tough targets, and you re-kindle the sweet success you had.

Well, so which mouse are you going to be? One who had worked hard to go for all the targets, or one who have too many regrets to speak of? One who had regrets not worth talking about, or one who have glories not even worth mentioning?

Happy playing the game =D.

*I will finish my char kuay teow before I start this hide-and-seek again =D*

Thoughts.

2009-04-02T17:03:00.004+08:00

There is no absolute reason why I'm writing at this moment. It is a random thing to do when you have nothing else in hand. Just want to pen down some things.

Thoughts.

The past few days spent was kind of fast, yet unproductive (boring time usually passes slowly, it was exceptionally fast in those days), except yesterday with those people =D. Will talk about this in a second. Maybe in a few minutes instead.

Thoughts.

I always thought only through failures, you can learn your most valuable lessons, applying your newly-earned knowledge to deal with new challenges everyday. That was how I always got to pull out from negative situations by thinking they were not bad experiences afterall. It is only recently when I found that, although I did learn a thing or two, facing similar challenges again is not any easier. Everytime you get lost in thoughts, perhaps too engrossed, it became difficult to apply those knowledge you've subconsciously kept. Maybe you forget.

Another thing. When some one tries to conceal, he usually reveals the most to his surroundings. Through his actions and words, people around pick up hints - though might not be of the person's true intentions - and make suggestive comments and implorations. Often enough, these intuitive reactions proved to be correct, genuine, and even accurate in that sense, such as an animal detecting the changes in atmosphere, climate and weather, migrating to greener grounds or store for hibernation to prepare for the eventual change in season. People act too. The changes in behaviour of one bring about a consequent reaction among surrounding people, transmitting a strong sense of make-belief which leads to true exhibition of events. Seldom, the weather switches at the wrong time of the year, resulting in false acts of urgency and response, leading to confusions. It is only after a series of similar events that will draw a clearer picture and idea, recalling that state of sanity to react (or to return) as of appropriate.

I have no quite clear ideas on how many of you get my drift, but if you do understand, we're on the same powerline. Good for you =D.

Anyhow, back to the what I was saying. Yesterday was a real hilarious day. Not forgetting of course that reminiscing meal at Seoul Garden. I'll dispense with the details of Table BBQ People and Stick-on-Balls, jumping straight into the small lil' prank we played on April's Fool!

Well, a brief summary of the story we built on - Janet and I got together soon after the chalet, and we were supposed to act as close as possible. This prank was intended for Shirley and Sarah, who very happily tried to prank us before by declaring they were pregnant and attached respectively. It would not be successful without the roles of the others, which I thought was absolutely brilliant. However, I felt a little guilty for some things, but well, I do hope it didn't bring grudges with it and gave everyone a good laugh towards the end (again if you are running along the same frequency as I am, you'll know what I'm talking about).

To my knowledge, Sarah was already suspicious of our actions and thought that Janet and I had really got together at the dessert shop. Shirley was intrigued at the sudden closeness Janet and I shared, and thus raise suspicion too. The decisive moment was when I left a massive hint by asking Janet if she wanted to come along to my granny's place for dinner the next day. Shirley was dumb-founded and couldn't believe it at first, though she had presumably made assumptions that Janet and I are kind of compatible, which of course both Janet and I knew of. We carried the joke out well, further rousing the curiosities within the two innocent hearts.

Along the way, we acted pretty close, but in fact, we're just whispering on more strategies on how to declare the joke and stuff. After some slight struggle, we settled to announce to the April's Fool-s while we headed for the MRT platform. For a moment, the both of them look as though they were clueless about what exactly happened, until we clarified with a little more inside jokes to brighten them. How wonderful. I cannot describe the scene as vivid as it was, but if you were there, you will just be as thrilled, guaranteed.

The biggest prank I have ever played was so successful that I couldn't believe that I make such good actor. Of course, like I have mentioned, without the rest, this wouldn't be convincing. My first, real April's Fool Day =D.

And that's the entry for the day. I completed this in 2 days as I stopped for dinner on the 2nd April's night. It's 3rd April today and I have just come back from Nicholas' place, as we played mahjong overnight, and some random stuff, sleeping only at 7am and woke up at 830am *for me*. Good morning everyone~

Back To Old One.

2009-03-27T11:22:00.003+08:00

Andy and Fiona had done short entries on the chalet. Maybe I'll elaborate a lil' more. I can't guarantee vivid description but I will try my very best. I take back my words. Probably you blog-hoppers should wait for Janet to update.

Clique's Chalet 2009 February 22-24

The 22nd - The helpers met at 1330hr for lunch at E!hub (some Hong Kong Cafe, the latest craze in town it seems) before we proceeded to checking in Costa Sands, Pasir Ris, the very same one we went for in Year 1. Despite the cockroaches, it sure did bring back few fond memories we had, like the changing of rooms due to some low-noise-tolerance neighbours, shuffling mahjong by wrapping the tiles in a huge towel to reduce emitted noise and yes, World Cup 2006. Haha, actually, we didn't watch, or did they? But not me I guess.

That was the chalet years ago ...

After meeting Janet, JR, Pat, Nich, Fiona, Willy and Andy, we had our lunch, checked in and went to get the BBQ stuff. JR stayed back with me in the room while waiting for the wholesale ... and we played some random card games. Haha. The wholesale guys came shortly after, while Joan and Wong Wai came too. Played more card games before we proceeded for Mahjong which basically wasn't quieten at all throughout the whole night. I stopped at what, 1930hr? BBQ all the way till all was cooked.

As usual, a few of us headed down to the beach in the ... street-lights litted sky. Count ship-lights in too. Not much stars to gaze at. Rather, we're pretty paranoid at possible incoming cockroaches.

I slept early that night.

The 23rd - I shall skip the morning breakfast at Kopitiam, it wasn't quite pleasant. Haha. Wild Wild Wet-ed (WWW) in the afternoon with Janet, Wayne, Andy, Wong Wai, GM, GJ, JR, Sarah and Shirley. We had been wanting to go in previous ones, but due to unforeseen circumstances like females' monthly woes and people not bringing trunks (myself included), we didn't make it till this time round. Well, the need for trunks and swimsuits was rubbish, as some of us went in with t-shirts and shorts without being scrammed. Anyway, it was fun, the highlights being Janet ever-ready posing for camera shots, even while doing slides, and the Samsung U-shaped Slide that made us guys (perhaps only me) gu niang for a split second when the staff pushed us down as we sat on the float. It was exhilarating. At least it didn't make me feel all giddy like those pirate ships in amusement parks.

It was dinner at Subway before we headed back. Fiona was a constant threat to Willy. LOL. Poor Willy always being targetted in Dai Dee, which was expected as he incongruously addressed Fiona as Dear the night before. Haha.

The 24th - So the chalet ended with a heavy rain in the morning. I woke up the earliest (as usual), probably 'cause I slept the earliest, again. Couldn't help it. WWW was too tiring. Once everyone woke up, we cabbed down to White Sands due to the rain for breakfast/lunch at Mac. That was like a ritual to end chalet trips =D.

Officially, this would be the last Clique's chalet while we're still considered students of SP. However, I hope we do have annual meet ups. Wait, let's not make it annual, but whenever we're free =D. Next up ... Pot LUCK! Janet will be providing the venue yet again, but what will we cook this time?

Stay Tuned ...

Since It Ended ...

2009-03-16T20:21:00.004+08:00

To re-instate my point that this blog is still alive, I shall just post some random stuff up.

Life after Final Exams (the day) is boring, without sufficient income to support many activities which could have made it livelier. Not that I'm complaining for being able to slack at home, doing nothing important in particular (some people wish to do that for some reason), but after some slogging, it gets pretty boring and meaningless.

The fact that a particular relationship isn't working out well doesn't help either.

Since that day ended, I have plenty of time to keep to my exercise regime. Not quite a regime though, I just do what I feel like doing, 5-6 times a week, not lasting for more than 1.5hour each time. Jogging and interval training take up most part of it.

That's the least I can do without much money, yes?

Books, yea. Read a few. Actually only 2 since that day ended. Children of Hurin and Double Cross by J.R.R. Tolkein and James Patterson, respectively. The latter will make you hang on to your seat, pillow, bed, whatever you're sitting on. Thrilling to see how people got killed, aye? I'm no psycho-killer, don't worry. You won't get killed by reading this, at least.

Since that day ended, job searching has taken most part of my time too. National Service is definitely a barrier between employers and employees. I could have gone to apply as some waiter, but F&B is not the picture, period.

I'm not sure what I want to do now either.

We have been meeting up pretty frequently, as a clique, since the day ended as well. Buffet trip, steamboat, open houses.

Seriously speaking, I need a bloody job. Otherwise, whatever you're reading, or going to read, will be as similar as this post - just ranting on how boring life can be.

Did I mention rebuking some idiots on soccernet.com for their comments?

That's how bored I get.

How many times have I mentioned 'bore' or its derivatives?

If you're just as bored, you can help counting please.

Oh yes, since the day ended, I've watched some movies which I wanted to watch, but haven't yet watched. Movies like SAW V. Yea, I'm disgusting. It's not that horrifying and mind-provoking as the first 2, and I heard it'll only end at SAW XI. Anyone heard about this as well? Fill me in with information please.

Re-watched POC as I've totally forgotten the story. KungFu Panda too, quite funny. Can't remember the rest.

Since the day ended ... ... (to be continued ... unlikely)

Let The Right One IN!

2009-02-26T22:06:00.003+08:00

Let the right one IN.

Won't give ratings this time, but comments instead.

The NC16 show was highly rated by movie-goers and it was touted a vampire-romance much better than Twilight. My opinion was, the story line was more fascinating, nothing too fanciful like shiny bodies in the sun and superhuman speed and strength you saw in Twilight.

The vampire, Eli, was a natural freak. She moved in next to a boy, Oskar, who was constantly bullied. They became friends, in the weirdest way. A few bodies were bizzarely found hanging, frozen, and dead, following their first conversations.

It was quite an okay movie. Seriously, the whole plot was good, but still, it lacked the ultimate punch. It was NC16, without clear enactment of searching fangs and sucking of blood. Ok, and a scene of stitched up vagina. Maybe they didn't want to pollute kids' minds, but it's not an NC16 in my opinion.

More shocking scenes will bring the movie to a whole new level, in my opinion. The director brought us into a snow storm, but the avalanche never happened.

Probably that's how the movie was supposed to be.

I have no idea how to comment already. Well, it's like an art film. Probably there's an underlying meaning. I would say it will bore many people, which explained the rather empty theatre?

Done there =D.

*PS. I will blog on Polytechnic life, soon.

Happy Valentine's =D

2009-02-14T12:22:00.002+08:00

Shayne Ward - Easy To Love You
see right panel for upload.

Uncomplicated, you enjoy the simple things
Don’t need no make-up you just wear what nature brings
If you could see what I see you would know you’re beautiful

(chorus)
You make it easy to love you every time you smile at me
And it’s so easy to love you girl you shine so naturally
I couldn’t even count them there’s so many ways
You make it easy to love you

You can’t hide it, it’s there in everything you do
You don’t see it, and that’s just why I fell for you
If you could see what I see you would know you’re beautiful

(chorus)

If you could see what I see you would know you’re beautiful

(chorus)

-end-

Happy Valentine's to all =D.

15th Day of CNY

2009-02-09T20:24:00.003+08:00

It is a long absence, and I'm back again.

It is like this. I read many jokes these days and to keep this going, I posted them up. Well, I cannot tell jokes well in person, let alone being a joke myself. I'm a serious person, yea?

Say, 15 days of chinese new year passed. I guess people weren't really hit by the economic crisis, yet, as I had my fill of goodies over at friends' and relatives'. I put on 2.5 kg, mind you.

So the first big thing was the open house I had over at my place. That was the first time so many people came at any one time. Say, 20-30? I couldn't be bothered to count. A brief recap for that day, and hopefully you can help me do the head count, haha.

31st Jan 2009, 8am, I went out to get some breakfast before Eileen Goh and Sabrina my dear little friend, came over for breakfast at 830am. Eileen helped me with the shaping of the potato croquettes, and Eileen, many of my friends liked it =D. That was followed by Stanley, Desmond, Samuel and Chun Yu, the buddies all in NS now. Of course, Wei Liang came shortly after, in addition to a few of my Secondary School class girls consisting of Jing Jing, Si Jie, Hui Ling and Valerie. *11 people so far ...

In the afternoon, SP mates came over. The usual clique - Wayne, Janet, Madeline, Johnny, Fiona, Nicholas, Sarah, Shirley, Zi Rong, Jun Rong, Andy and Joan came. That was another 12 people. Joan made us some wonderful caramel-full pudding, and they bought yu sheng to my place as well. Well, I had people playing In Between at a corner, Bridge on the sofa, Witch, Werewolf, Fortune Teller n Whatever game behind the sofa, and Mahjong in my room. Cool.

Special thanks to my mum for the food, otherwise, I would have been dead.

We left for Joan's place after that, played mahjong and more eating of course, before we left and had supper over at Batok's Mac with Wayne.

The following week on the 7th Feb, we went on home rampages starting at Andy's. His mum cooked great food ... especially the Japanese curry. Seriously, I couldn't stop grabbing those wings drenched in the curry sauce. We next moved on to Janet's, a usual meeting place for almost all occasions, LOL. Mahjong-ed a little, had a bit of food before heading to Sarah's. Her parents ordered buffet for lots of people, and we played some card games, ending the whole day at Zi Rong's. Her mum cooked good too! She made some pasta with a Chinese-Szechuan twist, with cheese. Weird combination, but trust me, it was pretty-damn good.

8th Feb was an annual visit to Soon Yang's house. He was trying to matchmake his girl classmates with guys, making his friends sound as if they're hyper-desperate. HAHA! That was about it for that day.

Big day today. I'm getting tired ... Point form now.

Had 2-Dimensional (2D) Echo Cardiologram at Alexandra Hospital. Well, I couldn't make out what the nurse was saying about 'mild TR' and 'others trivial', but since the doctor told me I was, am, alright, I took his words for it.
FYP presentation was smooth. I didn't stutter as I thought I would. Handled questions pretty well ... mostly because the lecturers were lethargic from the lunch. HAHA. You know who ... If don't know, ask me.
LC role-playing assessment. Hmm ... That was at the bottom of the important tasks for today, and yea, I thought I did just fine to get by.

Ok, Have I made it up? Haha, probably not many of you all would finish reading it anyway.

By the way, those who are presenting tomorrow, all the best. Exams ahead over the next two weeks, so best of luck, and most importantly, work hard =D.

A Joke A Day

2009-01-29T22:30:00.003+08:00

Before I know what to update on ... Have a read at this =D.

Best Sex Ever!
Adapted from: http://www.berro.com/joke/best_sex_ever.htm

An elderly couple is enjoying an anniversary dinner together in a small town. The husband leans over and asks his wife, "Do you remember the first time we had sex together over fifty years ago? We went behind this tavern where you leaned against the fence and I made love to you." Yes," she says, "I remember it well." OK," he says, "how about taking a stroll round there again and we can do it for old time's sake?

"Oooooooh Henry, you devil, that sounds like a good idea," she answers.

There's a police officer sitting in the next booth listening to all this, having a chuckle to himself. He thinks, "I've got to see these two old-timers having sex against a fence. I'll just keep an eye on them so there's no trouble." So he follows them.. They walk haltingly along leaning on each other for support, aided by walking sticks.

Finally they get to the back of the tavern and make their way to the fence. The old lady lifts her skirt, takes her knickers down and the old man drops his trousers. She turns around and as she hangs on to the fence, the old man moves in. Suddenly they erupt into the most furious sex that the watching policeman has ever seen. They are bucking and jumping like eighteen- year-olds. This goes on for about forty minutes! She's yelling, "Ohhh, God!" He's hanging on to her hips for dear life. This is the most athletic sex imaginable. Finally, they both collapse panting on the ground.

The policeman is amazed. He thinks he has learned something about life that he didn't know. After about half an hour of lying on the ground recovering, the old couple struggle to their feet and put their clothes back on.

The policeman, still watching thinks, that was truly amazing, he was going like a train. I've got to ask him what his secret is. As the couple passes, he says to them, "That was something else! You must have been having sex for about forty minutes. How do you manage it? "You must have had a fantastic life together. Is there some sort of a secret?"

The old man says, "Fifty years ago that wasn't an electric fence."

Enjoy =D.

Engineers ...

2009-01-04T10:50:00.001+08:00

A priest, a doctor, and an engineer were waiting one morning for a particularly slow group of golfers.

Engineer: What's with these guys? We must have been waiting for 15 minutes!

Doctor: I don't know but I've never seen such ineptitude!

Priest: Hey, here comes the greenskeeper. Let's have a word with him.

Priest: Hi George. Say George, what's with that group ahead of us? They're rather slow aren't they?

George: Oh yes. That's a group of blind fire fighters. They lost their sight while saving our club house last year. So we let them play here anytime free of charge!

(silence)

Priest: That's so sad. I think I will say a special prayer for them tonight.

Doctor: Good idea. And I'm going to contact my ophthalmologist buddy and see if there's anything he can do for them.

.

.

.

.

.

Engineer: Why can't these guys play at night?

Adapted from - http://humour.200ok.com.au/engineers_think.html

Annual Report

2008-12-31T23:05:00.003+08:00

One year older, one year stronger, one year wiser =D.

2008 has flown past in rocket-speed, and 2009 is where it's heading. 31st December 2008, time for another annual summary of the entire year.

It wasn't the best year in my life. It started low, and I supposed it's going to end low as well (I'm at home blogging instead of staying out partying). Ok, here's the recap.

From February to April, I had the best experience I ever had till date. 10 Poly students, not really knowing one another well, went on an overseas ITP (more of like an exchange trip to me) at UWA, Perth, Australia. We began like strangers, and ended like a big family. There were times when we had fun, and times when we got ourselves in shit. If not for the other 9, that trip would have been a disaster. Great learning experience, and it made me want to study elsewhere more ... where do I get the money though?

Then we came back on a delayed schedule. Compensation we got, of course.

Following right behind was the start of a new AY, 2008/09. Got to know my FYP supervisor over at SERI, learn more things from school and participate in a few events as well - chalet stayovers, Poly50 with my classmates, Janet's house steamboat & stayovers, AD&D and Class 4E1' 2005 Dinner @ Marche. That's as much as I can remember. Haha.

Taking a look back, it really wasn't a fantastic year. It was a year when I almost choked, gasping for breath; it was all but a few wonderful friends that pulled me up again.

Well ... Looking ahead, I dare not make resolutions. Whatever that should happen, will happen eventually. If I should, I would like to have a really good year. By late February, we would have finished our exams; By late April or early May, we would have graduated; By July or October, a new life begins in the NS. Plans? Earn enough and go on a vacation before enlisting ... Boracay, Phuket or Bali anyone?

To think that I'm ending 2008 like that kind of dampens my spirits, but I guess it's not a bad idea to sleep it off and wake up to a new year, fresh. Self-consolation, it is =D.

Wish all people I know a great 2009 ahead!

Twilight Movie Review

2008-12-23T21:57:00.003+08:00

After much anticipation since they first screened the trailer, we caught the movie Twilight yesterday evening.

Ratings first. On the scale of 5, romance - 4/5, plot 4/5, scenes 3/5 and actions 2.5/5. Overall - 3/5.

Yes, I am critical. Many people said that it was good, which piled on my already high anticipation. I couldn't get my hands on the book in libraries, so that was probably why I was looking forward to the show.

Most knew already that the book was written to target young adults, utilizing romance to tantalize teenage girls to read an otherwise presumed scary story. It's about vampires, shouldn't it be scary? I have read reviews from bloggers, and some said it offered very little action as promised from the start of the book. I haven't read, so I couldn't say much, but the movie was way too short of details.

Now the explanation for the ratings. High romance rating, as it should be, as it was about an unnatural love story between a vegan-vampire and a high school girl. That very much saved the movie from more blushes.

The story was good. It was kind of refreshing, credits to the author of course, and the script-writer for the movie. It lost the other 20% on not wow-ing the audiences enough. Well, it was all about great car, secluded mansion in the forest, neck-breaking running speed, rock-smashing strength and glistening body in the sunlight. Probably it will be better with more murders, blood-sucking scenes, how evil the 'bad guys' were before the annihilation of one. It'll keep audiences on the edge of their seats that way, I guess.

Average scenes and actions. Yes, the scenaries were good, but some were just too short accompanied with brief actions. It was only a short stint of running the in forest, feeding on victims and throwing each other around into mirrors and pillars. The opposition died too quickly, agreed by Wayne. How he died too? The sacred fire? Not explained in the movie~

Perhaps it is meant to appeal to the general public, that's why the very little actions and violence seen. To me, it was not thrilling enough to be a romance/thriller.

Not really looking forward to the next one now, but guess I'll still catch it. Haven't missed many series of movies before once I've started it - LOTR, Spiderman, X-Men, POC, just to name a few.

Hopefully the next one will get better. The good thing was, they ended the show with a climax. That saved the show too.

Till then ... watch out for more Jeremy's Movies Review, though I don't frequent the cinemas.

See ya.

Salome's

2008-12-22T23:11:00.002+08:00

It was a tiring day.

It's going to be short.

The class went to Ms Salome's, our Histo lecturer, place for the day. She was one of the best hosts I have encountered in my life - making sure we're all eating and seated comfortably, chatting with us and continuously replenishing the empty plates and glasses with food and drinks.

I was initially afraid that there wouldn't be many activities to do. I was rightfully proven wrong. Some watched DVDs of Simpson's and Music & Lyrics (was it?), while some played card games. We basically stuck to the card games for the longest time, changing from Bomb Number 99 (I created the title myself), Murderer, Toilet Break and Dai Dee.

That ended the day out at her place. We went for the movie "Twilight" at AMK Hub afterwards, and the review of the movie will be in the next post.

I promised it's going to be short =D. Good Night.

What Does It Feel Like?

2008-12-18T00:19:00.002+08:00

What does it feel like to lose something - an iPod, a favourite toy, the best won ton mee stall, whatever - and learn to accept new ones?

This entry might eventually lead to no where. You might say I'm just a guy trying to attract much attention. You might have hit the bullseye.

Still, it's a post I want to do, and get people to think, if you want to.

The past 19 years, and a couple of months on top of that, have seen me gain much, and lose much. Stuff you lost as a kid, were probably insignificant. Even things you lost now, might not be all that important.

I've lost much, as I mentioned. Toy cars which I'd said from young I'd keep forever; forgotten memories, that's ironical; lessons learnt, I don't keep them.

From these losses, have I gained from them? People always say when you lose some, you gain some (opposite for pessimists). I don't see what I have gained, other than fear in accepting, frightened to step into a closed room, never ventured before. What's behind that door?

A 4-walled, sound-echoing room? A maze? Or ... an indefinite fall into never-land?

I gained courage in dealing with situations, but I lost confidence in dealing with them too, if you get what I mean. It's like learning to bake a cake - everytime you fail, you can modify the recipe, willing to try again. However, you'll never see it succeeding, until you finally succeed.

As I have expected, it's really leading to no where. I'll just sleep.

Good Night.

Apologies to those I've told I'm going to bed, but I'm still wide awake actually.

Hundred n Eightieth

2008-12-11T21:49:00.005+08:00

So Tuesday came and went =D.

I will briefly start off with the medical check up that lasted 3.5 hours before going into the details of AD&D. Dad drove me down for the check up at 9am, and everything went pass quite smoothly, except for the constant distractions at the service counters which I wasn't quite pleased with. Quite healthy on the whole until ...

Body check-up. We were told to strip to our shorts before undergoing the series of tests including ECG, height & weight, BP and doctor evaluation. Here comes the interesting part. Being known as one of the healthiest living person in the class, or so I deemed myself to be, I actually had weird ECG, slightly low BMI (o.2 short to reach the healthy level) and low BP. Got referred to see a cardiologist in Feb, so hopefully all turns out fine =D.

So, that was followed by the aptitude test before I headed home. I only had a brief rest, then showered, went out to buy the flowers Shirley requested, and finally cabbed with Johnny and Wayne to the dinner venue - Marriot Hotel.

We reached, and saw a few of them already there. Shortly after, the rest joined us. Say, the ladies looked gorgeous, and the guys, suave. Yea. Took many pictures before we headed into the ballroom when everyone arrived.

In the ballroom, it meant more picture-taking. Before, during, and after dinner that was. We totally disregarded the servers that served our table, when they tried their best to provide the best they could offer. That certainly helped in giving us a great dinner, though not so great food. And yea, many pictures ... Just add me on facebook and view those yea? Many people had tagged me. Quite lazy to post ...

We were well-entertained by the emcee too. He kept the atmosphere hot all night with his lame jokes and comical ... speeches? Talks maybe, can't find the right word. Yea, he was good.

It ended with a short stint on the dancefloor. Obviously, I didn't, because I couldn't. Haha. Other than singing along to 'Livin' On A Prayer' by Bon Jovi which the DJ played, I really didn't shake much. HAHA.

We ended the whole night at TopOne KTV. Didn't sing much ... Too tired and hungry. Ended up dying at around 0330hrs, and we left at 0530hrs for brekky at Mac. So ... that's all for the night.

I guess the rest blogged more or less the same thing for the night. Except they didn't include the medical check-up. Haha!

That's all.

Back In Action

2008-12-08T21:08:00.004+08:00

I'm back from a long week of MST, weekend full of events and a tiring day walk through the Southern Ridges, again.

MST - just a few comments. Was motivated to study for the first 3 papers, but subsequently, lethargy grew over me and I started to give the last 2 papers some slack, still, I guess I didn't do that badly. Good performance, I certainly hope.

Weekends - stuck at SGH for project for five long hours on Sat, and came back home to rest.

Didn't do much on Sunday. Woke up early for breakfast, hung around at home and helped my mum in some cleaning and shifting of cabinets. Wedding Dinner @ Amara Sanctuary, Sentosa. That was the most spectacular Wedding Dinner I had attended in my 19 years of life. It was entertaining, not just the emcees but the newly weds as well, great photoshoot album (they spent almost a week in Hokkaido, Japan for the photoshoot) and great service on the hotel's part. Had my very first drink at a Wedding Dinner too ... partly because that was my first Wedding Dinner in 3-4 years.

Today - We're supposed to meet at Alexandra Arch for the Southern Ridge walk to Harbourfront, only to have our spirits dampened by the rain and last minute change of plan. Nevertheless, we quite enjoyed ourselves over brunch at Kim Gary, sang a belated and present birthday song for Janet and Justin respectively, didn't pay a cent for brunch and took some pictures. Also, the walk was kind of refreshing, in the rain of course.

Otherwise, tomorrow will be a big day, busy too. I will be having my NS medical check-up over at CPMB, Depot Road which I have no idea where it is (dad's driving), and also rushing back home to get some rest before the Dinner & Dance at night, followed by a night out somewhere. I'm sure it will be quite brilliant =D.

Will post again ASAP about the night, and the medical check-up of course.

Tired.

2008-12-01T09:49:00.001+08:00

-MST WEEK 08/09 S2-

In Progress: M.I.A.

Is There No One I Can Trust Anymore in This Family?

2008-11-25T17:03:00.004+08:00

I don't give a damn to what you'll be thinking of me after you read the following, scram if you don't feel like getting a second opinion of what I am.

First of all, greetings to all that only take and do not give, less said about returning. You are God's perfect creations of what a selfish person should be. In times of need, all you do were to go around sourcing for help, monetary or psychological, and never thought about returning the favour. If you should think the world owes you something, I only hope that Man up there can make you realise that you owe everyone else not something, but lots.

Second, face up with the truth and live with it, and not living in a massive lie. Get over it, you're only making everyone around you feel worse. Think about that 2 kids you have; think about the 2 elderly that raised you up, still protecting you despite all the mess you're in; think about the siblings that ever tried so hard to aid you that they even have to resort to seeking help for you from their own kids; and please fucking show some respect for yourself.

Third. Need help? Look for the person directly! All you did was to try to get some one else whom you thought they could help, and if they can't, you very well know they'll go all out just to get you out of shit. In that case, you won't feel as much shame, as you deemed. No. It doesn't work out that way. It made you looks more like a wimp. A crying bastard/bitch that simply begs for help, but not putting up enough courage to even ask for the exact person to help you.

Finally, exercise responsibility. If you think you're deeply in need of aids, what about the others? Are we to give you what we have, all the time, and not leave anything for ourselves? Tell you what, we can be just as selfish, and let you die out there. If not for my dear cousins, I would have turned a deaf ear to my parent's persuasions.

All along I like-d you all, but why must you people messed up and made me despise every single one of you? I don't ask for you all to stop getting in trouble; I don't ask for wealth and the excellent lifestyles for my good old grandparents. All I ask for is to make them feel that you are really grown up enough to handle your matters, and not let them worry for you day and night, for they have given you all they ever could, but you are just not doing your part as children to allow them some peace and quiet even at their age.

Want to see your parents dead still worrying for you, not able to rest peacefully? Well, we might well have a case here. I certainly don't wish for that to happen to my beloved grandpa and grandma, for they're dear to me. They're getting old, the time will come sooner or later. If it were to come tomorrow, can they ever find peace in their long-lasting sleep? I fucking hate to doubt this.

My opinions will not change, and even if you try to make up for it, it's not going to change the way I look at you. Remember, I do not help you; I pity the cousins I have, I treasure my grandparents, those are the reasons.

Remember.

Always Some Room For Beer

2008-11-17T08:59:00.002+08:00

Always Some Room For Beer

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar...and the beer.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous "yes."

The professor then produced two cans of beer from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed."Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things - your family, your children, your health, your friends, and your favorite passions - things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

"The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, your car.

The sand is everything else - the small stuff. If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house, and fix the disposal. "Take care of the golf balls first, the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the beer represented.

The professor smiled."I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of beers."

http://www.valleyeasttoday.ca/evergreengardens/FMS%20Map/FMWordsWidsom/fms_words_of_wisdom_2.htm

OITP Mates - 1st Outing Back From Perth.

2008-11-15T23:08:00.002+08:00

And so, we finally had our long-awaited, highly-anticipated OITP Mates Outing since we came back from perth like, what, 7 months ago?!

And so, we went for ice-skating at Kallang Leisure Park. What an 'ulu' place that is, quite inaccessible, and the bus services don't come frequently enough. Ok, they don't have to anyway, not much people visit that place.

And so, we skated for 2 hours. Less than that actually, excluding the time putting on our skates, waiting for re-surfacing of the rink and taking off skates. Hmm ... Without the 'unlimited' package, it really wasn't that worth it, but definitely there was less crowd. Both good and bad points huh.

And so, we finished and ended up at Carl's Jr. @ Suntec City for dinner before we roamed around the area, all tired (except Joan that went home for dinner and Afsheen that went to meet her friend I guess). I myself am suffering from a bad LEFT heel and bruised LEFT ankle, and my right is perfectly fine. It better recovers before NAPFA, or there goes my 5 for 2.4km and shuttle run.

And so, that ended our outing. Seriously, I miss the times when we were at Perth. Looking out for one another, cooking together, simply walking around the town week in week out, teasing each other on stupid stuff (let's go jogging Da Jie, Lou Mou's Cafe, ear-licking and leg-hair shaving playing 'truth or dare' etc. etc.), rushing out of hotel room to catch the fantastic fireworks and having loads of fun on trips around the place ... And many, many more.

What fun =D.

And so, we talked about those days. Of course, more things happened today, with more laughters, as usual. It felt just like we're in Perth, just that we're without our big joker Zul and Lynette, otherwise it would have been a full OITP Mates Outing.

And so, mates, let's meet up more often and have outings like that.

Cheers!

I Like This.

2008-11-14T23:55:00.002+08:00

Attitude is EVERYTHING

There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror and noticed she had only three hairs on her head.
Well,” she said, “I think I’ll braid my hair today?”
So she did and she had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head.
“H-M-M,” she said, “I think I’ll part my hair down the middle today?”
So she did and she had a grand day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head.
“Well,” she said, “today I’m going to wear my hair in a pony tail.”
So she did and she had a fun, fun day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn’t a single hair on her head.
“YEA!” she exclaimed, “I don’t have to fix my hair today!”

Attitude is everything.
Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
Live simply,
Love generously,
Care deeply,
Speak kindly…….

Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.

http://www.inbetweenmeals.com/2008/11/attitude-is-everything.html

If The Price Is Right!

2008-11-10T20:49:00.003+08:00

Brief update.

On last Wednesday, we went to Pulau Tekong for god-knows-why reasons. Basically, we attended a short presentation and talk and a tour around the Camp. We guys are not that interested, see ... we're enlisting in a year's time, why would we be excited?

Went on a shopping trip to hunt for D&D outfit. Instead of finding something suitable, we got ourselves trained in guessing prices. Each time, we were getting better and better. Haha. Yes, we walked around, searched, but to no avail.

Stayed home all day over the weekends ...

And that brings me to Today. Morning meeting at SGH, some lab work and back home doing almost nothing.

Oh, people, do listen to Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, a late Hawai'ian that sang very well. If you ever feel like going to the beach, listen to him~

The weather alternating between hot and cold every other day. Please, sick people, observe some self-discipline and stay away from me.

So long~

School, Lectures, Tutorials

2008-11-02T19:27:00.002+08:00

Many people are turned off by school these days. Is it that dreadful?

Yes, piling assignments, frustrating people and intolerable weather ... actually, not much of the weather, but I don't know what else to say already ... are kind of stressful. In addition, we have our FYP to worry about, and it seems like everyone is upon completion, except us.

Anyway, that's not the main point. Just want to tell all of you all to continue to hang on. Afterall, school is not that bad aside from the assignments and boring lectures.

I have no idea how to continue from here.

By the way, my craving for something junk has come again.

Now I know what to write. After some contemplation, I've decided to go for AD&D2008. Reason? It's probably our first and last D&D together, so why not? I mean, yea, all of us are going to spend quite a bomb on the outfit, but I guess it's pretty worth it. So hopefully these people will make it real happening (right Chia Pei Yi?) and memorable.

What to wear then?

Apart from this, there's nothing happening in my life at the moment. School is mundane, but not to the degree of 'dread' in my opinion.

I'm stopping here to avoid boring people.

Hapy Deepavali

2008-10-28T20:17:00.002+08:00

It was Deepavali yesterday.

See, I spent my long weekend without doing anything worth talking about. Other than doing my project, I practically stayed home whole day doing just a bit of work. Ok, I got myself addicted to SAW series, which unfortunately, I can't watch SAW V because it was R21, and it is not screening in cinemas already anyway.

No outings, no dates, no entertainment.

No productive work done, no motivation, no completion.

Should I go for CLS D&D 2008?

That's absolutely random. Haha. I don't know what I can do there. Seriously, just eat? Take some pictures? Probably hang around later at some pubs for a drink or two with people?

Justin made a good point - we don't know many people around the school. It's not like the Secondary School prom, when you knew most people from your level. You could walk from tables to tables and take a picture with at least 1 person at each of them. You knew most of the
teachers - you made small talks with them, joked around, and even took a few photographs.

I'll consider again.

Successive Quickie? Maybe A Slow One =D

2008-10-20T21:11:00.004+08:00

It was a sloppy update I posted last night. Was too giddy from the cab ride. Don't ask why didn't I sleep since I was not feeling good, I needed my damn hair to dry first. Yes, I don't own a hair-dryer. Haha.

Ever have songs that speak your heart out? Say, I have many. I know the lyrics by heart, and I hum to the tune whenever I am alone - lying on the bed, showering in the bathroom, walking along the pavement, jogging, staring into space, gazing at stars (I don't do this often, actually only seldom, not much stars to see aye?) or just ... singing.

By now many should know the genre of music I listen to. Nope, no house, no trance, no hip-hop, no rap, no hip-hop R&B and no anything-hype. Just jazz, rock - slow, soft, or pop, some everyone-knows-the-lyrics-but-don't-dare-to-admit love songs and oldies.

Different songs for different occasions. It needs to suit the tempo, the atmosphere to create the perfect ambience. You don't listen to love songs while jogging yea? haha.

For me, though I don't play any music instrument, music is an essential. I vent my anger on it, convey message with it and sleep to it. Reminisce the good old times too, listening to those that we used to like in primary school (Westlife? A1? BSB? N'Sync? Ronan Keating? Britney? MJ?) and secondary school (Robbie Williams? Avril Lavigne? McFly? Uncle Kraker? The Calling?).

Recent obsession? Jon Bon Jovi. I know they're an old band, being around the music scene since 1984. They're not like any other rock bands that voice their anger and discontent, but make songs full of meanings and images. Who doesn't sing to 'It's My Life'? Who doesn't know 'Never Say Goodbye'? You might not know the title, but when you hear it, the tune just comes. They make really good songs.

Yes, MCR is still good, but perhaps I'm starting to settle down for more ... old-ish songs? Yes yes, I'm old.

I guess it comes with age, just like the belly and grouch. When you grow older, you prefer the now classics over new releases. They may now seem to lose novelty; at length, they only get better, just like those liquor people keep in the cellar.

Maybe you'll come to a time when you hum ...

When I was young I'd listen to the radio, waiting for my favourite songs.
When they played I'd sing along, it made me smile.
The Carpenters - Yesterday Once More.

Remember when ...

I just called, to say, I love you.
Stevie Wonder - I Just Called To Say I Love You.

How can you forget ...

How deep is your love?
Bee Gees.

And also listening to ...

Every breath you take. Every move you make.
Every bond you break, every pain you stake,
I'll be watching you.
The Police - Every Breath You Take.

Times when ...

I'm all out of love, I'm so lost without you.
I know you were right, believing for so long.
Air Supply - All Out Of Love.

Of course when this ...

Tall and tan and young and lovely.
The girl from Ipanema goes walking and ...
When she passes each one she passes goes ... ahh~~
Frank Sinatra - Girl From Ipanema.

As years pass ... you see ...

She's got a smile, that it seems to me,
reminds me of childhood memories,
Where everything was as fresh as the bright blue sky.
Guns n' Roses - Sweet Child O' Mine.

Then the world becomes wonderful again as ...

I see trees of green, red roses too.
I see the bloom, for me and you.
And I think to myself ...
What a wonderful world?
Louis Armstrong - What A Wonderful World.

Cheers =D.

Quickie

2008-10-20T01:26:00.002+08:00

Quick update =D.

Friday 17th Oct - Out to City Hall after school for Shirley wanted to get something. I myself got some things for people. Steamboat-ed with Janet, Andy, Fiona, Nicholas, Johnny and Madeline at Bugis. Well ... Didn't eat much, but still, satisfying.

Sunday 19th Oct - Cells were finally growing well. Did first protein extraction after ... 3 weeks? Went back to Fort Siloso to return my uniform ... felt kind of out of place initially, but these people made me felt at home almost instantly. I love the sofa ...

Shireen's Hari Raya Open House next. I recall blogging last year, but this time round, it's with a different group of people, with only Astra and myself that were there the previous time. As before, superb food and warming hospitality. Their family made such good hosts!! Small talks and games to finish off the night.

Good night.

Project Jeremy

2008-10-11T23:25:00.003+08:00

As Zi Lin proudly called it, Project Jeremy.

It's nothing but a farewell water splash and ... celebration for me? Haha!

Ok, it started off like that.

I was doing closing with the three OJT4s (on-job trainee; 4th day) when the buzzer at Surrender Chambers (if you know what's that, for goodness sake) went off. For a moment, I thought it was all part of the project, but the use of walkie-talkie and the flustered Shireen running up to check out what's happening abolished that one thought. It still lingered on until I was pretty sure that's not part of it.

So, the buzzer was shut all of a sudden, and Shireen made me walk down to the Support Centre, and there these people were, hiding in one corner with buckets and bottles full of water all ready to ambush the poor old Jeremy, which became wet and cold eventually. Cold due to the icy-cold water they used from the water fountain, it sent chill down my entire body~ Throughout the whole de-briefing, that is.

True enough, other than being cool, they were super nice. A cake was brought in towards the end of the whole thing and they made me say something to every single one of them present. I was caught unexpected as I had only expected to address them generally. Imagine to come up with something to say to a crowd of around 11 people? Head count - Shireen, ZiLin, Nisha, Mabel, Astee (Wati), Khai (OJT1), Nisa (OJT1), Dian (OJT2), JX (OJT4), Shahrill (OJT4) and Yi-Hui (OJT4). Man, I remember!

But yea, I cannot thank a few of them enough for making me into who I am today. Special thanks to Shireen, she's horribly nice, acting just like an elder sister of mine (I don't know how an elder sister should act though). So horrible that although I have nothing much to talk to her, she knows quite a few things about myself. Thanks Shireen! I'm never good with words, but don't get all teary when you read this (if you happened to =D), please. The pound cakes will come! HAHA.

Thanks for everything, Fortians =D.

Till We Ain't Strangers Anymore ...

2008-10-08T20:22:00.002+08:00

It might be hard to be lovers
But it's harder to be friends
Baby, pull down the covers
It's time you let me in
Maybe light a couple candles
I'll just go ahead and lock the door
If you just talk to me baby
Till we ain't strangers anymore

Lay your head on my pillow
I sit beside you on the bed
Don't you think its time we say
Some things we haven't said
It ain't too late to get back to that place
Back to where, we thought it was before
Why don't you look at me
Till we ain't strangers anymore

Sometimes it's hard to love me
Sometimes it's hard to love you too
I know it's hard believing
That love can pull us through
It would be so easy
To live your life
With one foot out the door
Just hold me baby
Till we ain't strangers anymore

It's hard to find forgiveness
When we just turn out the light
It's hard to say you're sorry
When you can't tell wrong from right
It would be so easy
To spend your whole damn life
Just keeping score
So let's get down to it baby
There ain't no need to lie

Tell me who you think you see
When you look into my eyes
Lets put our two hearts back together
And we'll leave the broken pieces on the floor
Make love with me baby
Till we ain't strangers anymore

We're not strangers anymore
We're not strangers
We're not strangers ... anymore

I Leave.

2008-10-04T21:06:00.003+08:00

For both the good and the bad, I have sent in my resignation.

With effect from 12th October 2008, I will no longer be a staff at Fort Siloso. Well ...

Pressure from FYP is piling up, and with other issues glooming over, I thought it is best for me to hang up my uniform. For why I resign (issues?), I shall say no further =D, but it's for the good of them, and myself.

Bad?

It's not at all easy to say, "I shall leave after next Saturday", as this is the place where I truly learnt lots of stuff from. From a man with little words to some one who can openly express himself; if not for the opportunity given by Sentosa, I would most probably still be the same as before.

Not only I'm grateful to those that taught and guided me, I'm thankful to have made a few friends from Fort that are worth making. For whom I shall not mention, but you know. Truth be told, I dare not write any of your names in case I miss out any and upset those I haven't mentioned. See, people are sensitive. I, myself, am. Even if you think you're not part of these people, I will say I'm glad I know you, as we've been colleagues once, and we've worked as a team and made Fort proud with honour (with the number of compliments Fort received and being the best service-providing attractions among all other in the year 2007).

This is not an emo post, as we can all still keep in touch. I hope I will be welcomed when I stand at the Ticket Trip once more when I visit them folks.

Lighter note - apart from the dreaded FYP and depart from Fort, the new, and the last semester, will begin in just more than a week's time. It sounds like bad news to some, but definitely good news to me. I love school. I told people before that if I could, I wish to remain a student forever.

So long everyone =D.

*That's what I call an abrupt end. HAHA.

Manuka Honey.

2008-09-29T21:50:00.001+08:00

What It Holds?

2008-09-23T22:53:00.002+08:00

Many people seemed to be writing about their future these days. Well, got back my results this time round, a distinction saved me from dissatisfaction from my results, despite the fact that I only scored a mere 3.304 semestral GPA. Okay, I don't really mean that I was sad or disgruntled over the results, but I thought that I could have done better, who doesn't?

Simply put, after this semester, we're only left with 1 more to go in our polytechnic lives. Quite a handful of us are already thinking of continuing in this field or course of study, or switching to something else, or just enter the workforce and work from 9-5 like any other working adult would do. We're lost in what we want to be, what we want in life, what we pursue - are they achievable? Are they realistic? Can they be materialised within my lifetime? Are those dreams really, still in doubt, our lifelong regret-less careers?

It's not like guys like us are not thinking about it, since we still have 2 years to go serving the Army. We're in fact quite worried. Say, most of us will think that we'll be wasting 2 years in the Army, so, we must really be decisive in making serious considerations and planning for our future. Time waits for no one, yea? Coming up with a draft of your life seems a good idea. Realistic one, of course.

I've figured some career paths to choose from, a few of you might have learnt of my intentions. Just mapping out the possibilities and hopefully I won't have to worry that much in turn to come.

But I would still say, should we spend so much of our time and effort planning for something you can't forsee, or enjoy this last semester fully?

Think about it =D.

Expensive.

2008-09-09T21:29:00.002+08:00

I'm referring to the StanChart Marathon 2008. I missed the promo period as the counter wasn't opened 2 Saturdays ago. That's quite puzzling, as Bukit Gombak Stadium is among the official place for on-site registration, it's actually closed at noon. Well, it's ok, I'm giving it a miss. Too expensive. NewBalance RealRun 2008 then. Haha.

FYP-ed lately. Going well, so just hope that for the next 4-5 weeks, things can go this smoothly.

Mindcafe-d just 2 days ago with a few of the clique people (Andy, Wayne, JR, Nich, Janet and Fiona). For photos, please click on or on my list of friends to your left =D.

Considering a lot of stuff these days. Some people might know. Haha.

Thoughts: How many people would stay by my hospital bed if I were to go into a coma?

Stones.

2008-08-26T19:54:00.003+08:00

SAFRA Bay Run & Army Half Marathon was held on 24/08/08, Sunday. Finished 21K in 1hr 54min. Hmmm ... Should have done better, but it was my first, shall take heart to that.

Encountered many stones along the way. Stepped on a few too. Tough route.

Was just glad I completed it. Haha.

Things happened these days ...

Oh, did I mention that exams are over since 1610, 26/08/08, TOday??

Pay day on Saturday ... Shall register for StanChart Full Marathon soon, otherwise ... It'll be another $10/- jump after the promo period this Sunday.

Lots of things to buy - A sports watch, socks ... Can't think of the rest at the moment.

FYP coming up over the next 6 weeks. Hopefully it'll be smooth-sailing.

It seems like I'm updating for the sake of updating.

There's really nothing interesting going on in my life at the moment. I'd say ... I hate the weather.

Entertainment (budget entertainment I mean) please~

Got To Try Harder

2008-08-18T22:33:00.004+08:00

Now that Monday will be gone in less than 1.5hour time, I'm left disappointed, but not too worried for myself.

Fact is, I feel that I haven't studied enough for Wednesday's Immunology Paper, but then again, no matter how much I read, I see myself reading the same thing over and over without clearing doubts that have yet to arise.

Perhaps it's the lethargy. Perhaps it's the exhaustion. Oh no, I guess it's the unsatisfied craving =D.

Just a short update. Mahjong-ed at Janet's place on Saturday night (16-08-08) through the lunar eclipse. It was pretty. My first time watching it. Otherwise, it was a long night creditted to the hunger I had while playing mahjong. Well ... Thinking needs a lot of energy doesn't it? HAHA.

Hmmm ... Her family was really a nice host. I can never tolerate people singing at my place up till 0030, let alone mahjong till the morning light.

Oh, did I mention the super cheap tze char + cai bng stall near her house? $55 for 9 people, kudos to the boss! He gave us a few dollars discount as we're still students. How nice.

Otherwise, I spent my Sunday trying to regain my concentration in order to study. Not productive at all, thus I left it till today. Well ... Read above if you skipped =D.

Yes, I mentioned craving. It was bothering me the whole day as I couldn't stop thinking about food. Even at this moment when I'm typing this very word. I shall go to bed to curb this, and satisfy it tomorrow. Huge meal tomorrow ...

Good Night.

What

2008-08-15T10:06:00.000+08:00

A brand new day ... Will it be a brand new start?

This Is Not A Pleasant Entry

2008-08-13T11:33:00.002+08:00

I've nothing to comment.

Updates ...

Poly50 on 06/08/08. Came in 31/91 teams.

Olympic Games began on 08/08/08. National Day the day after. Worked.

Potluck 10/08/08.

Assignment rushing 11/08/08.

Work 12/08/08.

Feeling F up ... 13/08/08.

I don't know how I should feel now. Won't write it here.

=D.

LazyDay

2008-08-04T10:13:00.002+08:00

Short updates.

Watched Dark Knight with Janet, Sarah and Andy last Saturday after having lunch at a Hong Kong Cafe. Great movie. A lot of frauds, conspiracy, mind-games and ear-irritable laughters. Heath Ledger did excellent as The Joker, and I believe the late actor can pull off to win the Oscars.

Some pretty cool scenes too - Batman jumping off buildings, the racing Lamborghini ... and ... Why So Serious?!

4.5/5.0 from me. Yea, 0.5 less as I thought probably the show can feature more on Two-Face. It suddenly seemed very rush towards the end to keep the movie as short as possible (it's 2.5 hours, why not just extend to 3 hours?!).

Otherwise, this show was not just any other action flicks that only had actions and no plots. The storyline was beautifully written and the casts were brilliant.

Next, I made Janet, Andy, YH and MH (the latter 2 are Andy's friends) wait as I finished work to meet them for dinner at VivoCity. Had Sakae at Harbourfront Centre instead, and it was by far one of the funniest and long dinners I had. Haha.

Stayed home all day yesterday, other than lunch and dinner, to do some work. Tomorrow we'll be having a test, Wednesday another test, and Thursday the last one before we go for our study break. Add in Poly50 on Wednesday ... It's hectic.

It's Over ... I hope =D.

Running In The Rain

2008-07-21T20:09:00.002+08:00

I recall writing a post about jogging in the rain before. That was probably last year.

Met up with Sarah, Shirley, Janet, Fiona and Wayne for a weekly jogging session. Well, I don't know if it'll still be weekly since NAPFA will end next week. HAHA! But well, it's still fun, since I have to jog anyway, what's better than having a group of friends to jog with?

Well ... I finished 2 sets of 2.4km before it started to rain, and that was also when Sarah and Shirley reached. We got ourselves sheltered, before finally decided to head out into the rain to continue jogging, and thus ... another set of 2.4km with the both of them. The rain stopped after the third round, and it wasn't as heavy already when we started.

That's about it. Coming up next, will be something to do with Janet.

It was fortunate for me to be able to witness the best balancing and calm fall so far in my life. We were walking down the stairs from the Library to the LT, and the floor was wet from the rain. There we went, she walking in front of me. All of a sudden, her head disappeared from the crowd of heads, and the next moment was her sitting on the floor.

I wasn't that much concerned as she looked perfectly fine, but I was actually looking at the cup of Iced Lemon Tea she was holding ... It must be some Holy Water or some sort to her, that the cup was so well held that it seemed it never suffered any trauma at all, for example, dents from the intense gripping.

The whole fall was exagerated by Sarah's and Shirley's screams, but otherwise, she's only suffering from some butt aches at the moment. HAH!

We shared some of her most embarrassing falls later today, so Janet, do you want me to share them all?! Another day perhaps, it'll take too long to write them all out =D.

I hope I'm not falling sick from the rain. Feeling the itch down my throat, and I'm coughing since. Not serious though, I probably just need a good night's rest tonight. Have been waking up early for almost every day since the Friday before the last one, mainly for work, lessons and exercising sessions.

-End-

Jazz~

2008-07-11T19:57:00.002+08:00

Met up with grace for a short MRT ride. Felt so bad for being late, but it was still nice to see her back home, though she'll be flying back to Perth next Tuesday. Thanks for the chocolate fudge with rum and raisins, it was really really good.

Also, I had dinner with Eileen Goh last Saturday at Durty Nelly's Marina Square. I would say the place was nice, but the food was just average. The beef steak was not piping hot, probably because they sliced the 2 pieces off the lot. Also they had this bread as a side which I thought was pretty nice. I took 1 small mouthful of the mashed potato and left it aside. Eileen liked it, so I guess that was good too. I just don't like that taste.

Otherwise, the company and small talks were good. The long bus ride home was quite enjoyable too, though I got a little headache from the bumpy ride. Haha. I better stick to the train for now.

I'm into jazz lately. Bossa nova, whatever. If you know of anything nice, do let me know =D.

Guess I will be missing in a bit ...

Food n Movie Rating

2008-06-30T10:27:00.002+08:00

Clique outing after MST last Friday to Sushi Tei and Cineleisure for Get Smart.

My first visit to Sushi Tei and I must say that it wasn't a very good experience. I got myself sitted to see myself stepping onto some rice on the floor. That, was bad. Next, service was pretty prompt, with the waitress constantly topping up our glasses with iced water. Can't expect much as they seemed busy during lunch time. Finally, the food. Portion was just right, and not very expensive, but it was not that value for money as the quality of food was not that good. I had a Tonkatsu Don (Pork Cutlet w/ Egg on Rice). It lacked the crunch you'd have expected from a cutlet, with the juice that doesn't leave the oily taste in your mouth. The skin was soggy from sauce, very soggy in fact, and the meat was very dry. The rice however, was mouthful, so the whole thing wasn't that bad either.

GET SMART - 4.0/5.0. Lots of inside humour, illogical 'common' sense, and predictable yet laughable scenes. You'll find yourself laughing at least every 5 min in the show, which lasted for nearly 2 hours. Loads of fun, and action as well, a movie not to be missed for laughter is the best medicine, especially when there're many sick people this month. HAHA. However, at some part they were not clear as to how this and that happened, such as how agent 86 (forgot the lead's name, really, haha) knew so much about the big, macho man. Forget about these small details though, the movie was worth the time for some good laughs.

Ok, Bye Bye.

Title

2008-06-26T21:18:00.002+08:00

It's one of those days when I have nothing to talk about and basically nothing to do at all, that I start to write posts like this.

Okay ... Updates ...

One more paper to go.

The swell has subsided, though I've 'applied some eyeliner' on my right eyelid. It's purple.

Hot nights ... I mean, the temperature, not having hot dates. Air-con works wonders, but I always have my nose blocked when it's on.

Minimal work rate ... Didn't really study for this MST. I need a break.

Thinking of what to do after the last paper.

Writing this post?

Oh ya, I got the swell while playing basketball last Saturday night. Collided into a man's head.

Missing out all the Euros matches - FYP, work and school explain why.

Wasting my holidays - FYP, work, and practically nothing else.

Need some really good food to satisfy my cravings. I mean good food, not lots of food. Though good food of large portions sounds better.

Silent phone ... ... ...

That's good enough I guess.

One more thing, SMRT rocks big time.

Ok, one last thing - I fell in love ...

... With Briyani ... =D

That's all.

I Got Over You

2008-06-13T16:37:00.003+08:00

This post has nothing to do with the title ...

It's an annual thing during this period of time ... I'm ill ...

The new Principal of SP, I don't know his name (not like I know the previous one either), implemented the MST system, and everyone's dreading it. Well, I wouldn't if I have no FYP to worry about. I do have time, but physically, I'm usually too worn out to do anything else when I reached home. Took a break away from FYP today, as I'm not getting any better from the cold.

Hopefully I can get over many things - the cold, the MST, the FYP, and the many assignment. Haha. Don't read too much into my title please.

Random ... Last Thursday (05/06/2008), met up with Sabrina and Eileen for some catching up over dinner and drinks. That was fun, though my throat was acting up that night already.

Wednesday (11/06/2008) - went out with 2 friends in search of a friend's birthday present ... But couldn't get it, thus we left it for another day.

Today ... Just plain lazing around and resting, recovering from the cold.

Self-Control

2008-06-05T15:39:00.003+08:00

I'm back from the chalet, and as usual, I'm going to put up a post on that.

It was a 2d1n chalet trip this time round, due to shortage of budget and rising expenses. Initially, I thought it was going to be the same - people bbq-ing, singing, beach-strolling and a little bit of drinking ...

And that's when people made chaos to the rest of the people still sober enough to take care of them. Empty vessels and lack of self-discipline got them so drunk that it took almost 20 people to take care of 5-8 of them. So what's our night activity? Taking care of these fucking bastards and bitches.

I see no reason why I should refrain from blogging this, especially when they are my classmates. Though I disagree of any photography or video to be taken, they ought to know how much trouble they've caused.

I stand on Fiona's side to banish all alcoholic drinks on our next chalet trip. I'll give up my beer for this purpose.

In all, those that helped, you were all good people; those that created trouble, give yourself some self-respect and think of how to redeem yourself.

That's all for this entry. Chalet was still ok apart from the late-night irresponsible drinking on their part.

So ... Does Apology Help?

2008-06-03T20:11:00.002+08:00

I received an apology recently. I'm not going to write what it was about though, but I'm just penning my thoughts.

I felt that at times, apologies were redundant. Whatever was done cannot be undone, and that, is very true. Can I still bring back what I used to have with that apology? Does that make me happier? Doubts.

And now I wonder, is it because that person wanted me to feel better, that's why he/she was making the effort to apologize and also trying to accomodate me a little? If so, please, I need none of those.

Sometimes when we did wrong to others, we should really understand how they feel, and not trying to bury the hatchets with a simple 'I'm sorry'. On the surface, you might have been forgiven; deep down, that scar remains. Talk about understanding and mending.

It's not difficult to apologize at all. It becomes a norm when you do it far too often. Even when you know you did nothing wrong, you want to apologize just so to ward off any possible quarrels and continued cold wars. That was me.

I hope that person will understand what I'm putting forward here. I'm not saying that I've not forgiven him/her; he/she really needs to read me a little deeper to understand truly how much that hurt. A sincere apology perhaps? I can't define that either.

Putting that aside, tomorrow will be our semestral-ly chalet at Costa Sands Downtown. I'm not part of the organising team this time round, and those that helped, you guys are great to make this happen. Haha.

Tomorrow we shall keep the charcoal hot, down the drinks and make merry.

So We Walked

2008-06-01T20:05:00.003+08:00

It was a fine sunday morning. Shirley, Janet, Andy, Nicholas, Fiona and I went for a walk at the Southern Ridges, stretching from Harbourfront to Kent Ridge Park. Fiona's cousin, Pauline, and Janet's youngest sister, Shandy, joined us too. (This paragraph is very Primary School-ish).

Alright! So we met at Harbourfront MRT control station at around 1010hrs, before we headed to the Marang Trail, the beginning of the whole walk. Initially, it was pretty awkward, as that was the first time we did such thing together. Haha.

So we walked. The place was quite scenic. Not the mountains and the rivers and the clouds and the wild horses chasing each other on vast greenland, but the heights and the bridges and the trails right in the heart of the city.

So we walked. We took short breaks in between, having some bread and raisins, while letting the 2 kids rest. They hit off pretty well it seemed. Haha.

So we walked. Pauline kept bugging me when we're reaching. Haha. Cute little girl though. I guess I'm just lovable. Anyway, She kept asking how much more to go, when I had absolutely no idea as well. Haha. How I wish I have such cousins as well. The one I have is horribly rude and proud.

So we walked. Pass the Henderson's Waves and Forest Walk (metal bridges). Fiona was gutted by the fact that she was walking on bridges that she could see what right beneath it. She was afraid that the bridge would break apart.

And so ... we walked. Pass the Hortpark where we took quite a number of pictures, played at the playground and enjoyed more bread. Finally, we reached the Canopy Walk at Kent Ridge, and we stopped.

So ... we had our lunch at Seah Im Foodcourt after taking the bus from Kent Ridge Park to Harbourfront, again. Slacked at Ben & Jerry's, got fooled by the 2 kids with their lame jokes and riddles, and finally home sweet home.

Enjoyable overall. I should be returning to that place again some other day, hoping to reach West Coast Park next time. Haha. Friends' company and good exercise make a good day =D.

'Mary Jane'

2008-05-27T21:45:00.002+08:00

I didn't cry the day you moved away
I didn't think that I could feel this pain
Until I saw the stranger that was you
Whatever happened to our innocence
And the somethin' that you said about being friends
Tell me how
Help me say the words out loud

Could it be
That nothing's gonna change
Cause time has got a way of taking back
Everything you thought you had
Can you see
The girl you used to be
The one I lost when I let go of you
Oh whatever happened to
Mary Jane
Ooh ooh
Ooh ooh

I need to wake up from this state of mind
The situation is the same kind
I gotta get your memory out of my head
Would you catch me if I had to fall
Would you even find the time for that at all
Tell me how
Help me say the words out loud

Could it be
That nothing's gonna change
Time has got a way of taking back
Everything you thought you had
Can you see
The girl you used to be
The one I lost when I let go of you
Oh whatever happened to
Mary Jane
Ooh ooh
Ooh ooh

Cause time has taken back
Everything I thought we had
Mary Jane ...

Could it be
Nothing's gonna change
Cause time has got a way of taking back
Everything you thought you had
Can you see
The girl you used to be
The one I lost when I let go of you
Oh whatever happened to
Mary Jane
Ooh ooh
Oh whatever happened to
Ooh ooh
Mary Jane

"Mary Jane" The Click Five

Life is Wonderful

2008-05-21T20:50:00.003+08:00

Recently, I've noticed, many people including myself, haven't been in the best of moods. Well ... We will never appreciate what we have without losing something, agree? It always takes one thing to have another.

Life is still beautiful. Come what may, we shall thrive through obstacles and grow. Grow up, determined. Grow up, better. Grow up, stronger.

Lately, Wayne introduced me to this song called 'Life is Wonderful' by Jason Mraz. Go listen to it people. Don't just listen to the melody, listen closely to its lyrics.

Ah la la la la la la life is ... wonderful~
Ah la la la la la la life goes ... full circle~
Ah la la la la la life is, ... wonderful~
Ah la la la la ...

Remember to always enjoy life's most thrilling moments, not dwelling on life's most dejected moments.

Helpless

2008-05-17T21:48:00.002+08:00

Just a sudden feeling ... a feeling of helplessness.

Well, I don't know how to put it in words, but I just felt that I'm pretty useless. When I was down, there're so many people out there caring and encouraging me, but when a friend is not having a good day, I can only stand and watch, helplessly.

I've no idea how to continue writing, but ... err ... haha.

Forget about that. Let's talk about work. A lot of people might have known that I'll be quitting my job, but a part of me tells me not to quit. Maybe it's been the best place I've worked so far in my life, or it's just because of the people. Yeah, it's a long journey to and fro Sentosa, especially Fort Siloso, but there's something keeping me there. I can't tell what is it either. Haha.

Maybe it's because I've not achieved everything I can. Or maybe it's become part of my life to work while studying ...

Hmm, that's all for today. Haha. I know I've stopped halfway in both topics, but I really don't know how to carry on. Have a good weekend people =D.

The Last Person

2008-05-12T17:14:00.004+08:00

I've actually left this person out of my description last week. Well, now I'm going to add 'this person' in. Let's call this person 'T'.

I've many things to talk about T, but I will try to keep it as short as possible, less people get too bored reading my post =D.

T ... First of all, T is not a very tall person and is considered light. T is usually slow in catching jokes, which is why you can't see T laughing, and when T has finally got the joke, T still can't laugh as everyone has moved on. T is that slow.

T is considered a routined person. Everything T does has a certain schedule to follow. T has to sleep at the right time so T won't be late for anything the next day; T has to control T's diet to make sure T doesn't overeat; T makes sure T jogs at least twice a week to keep T-self fit; T ...

T is also a very quiet person. T seldom talks to anyone, and T can't hit off with anyone. T needs time to know people well before T considers he/she as T's friend. However, once T considers a person as T's good friend, T will treat he/she really well. Although T can't solve T's friends' problems, T is willing to be there and listen, just to accompany T's friends through the night.

Also, T is said to be smart. However, T T-self thinks otherwise. T very much thinks that T is just an average person. T is really the T-next-door kind of person.

T loves rock music. T can't play any instrument though, but T would love to pick up guitar if there's a chance. Rock includes soft rock, pop rock and alternative rock. Also, T loves a little bit of jazz. Oldies definitely are included to T's playlist.

T simply loves sports. Can't play anything very well, but knows a little here and there. T loves football, and T particularly supports Liverpool Football Club. T used to have something for basketball as well, and T's favourite team was first Magic then Rockets (well ... T supports Tracy McGrady). Despite enjoying doing sports, T thinks that golf is boring. T can't understand Rugby either, and only knows the sport by seeing battered bodies.

T loves food. T's mum's and wai po's cookings rank first. Won Ton Mee is also T's favourite. Mee Hoon Kuey is T's feel-good food - everytime T feels down, T will order a bowl of Mee Hoon Kuey. It doesn't seem to make T happier though, just distracting T T-self as T usually has a hard time to finish the bowl of Mee Hoon Kuey.

T loves Indian, Italian and Japanese Cuisine as well. T can cook simple Italian fare too, such as Arancini and Pasta. Other than that, T is willing to try other cuisine, as T is a really a foodie.

So ... Anything bad about T?

Yes, T is eccentric. T has become pretty emotional lately, and seems to tear more easily than before. T falls deeply, but T thinks it's only human to do so.

T at times is too serious. T cannot conceal his emotions, and usually shows T's discontents without hiding. Though so, T won't flare up that easily - T will just present T's unhappy expression.

T doesn't really know how to let go. T likes to cling on to things that T knows T won't ever get. Call T stubborn.

T doesn't like to be forced to do what T doesn't like. T will do things sloppily if those are the things T has no interest in.

Well ... I think that's all I have to say about T. Haha. If you know T, do let me know, discreetly, on my tagboard. Haha.

DBS/21/randoms

2008-05-05T17:23:00.003+08:00

I'm told to do this, you know who you are =D.

Ok, I'm going to give a description of everyone in my class, but I'm not going to write down their names as I describe, well, first to conceal their identity, and if they know me well enough, they'll know who fits which description =D.

Number 1 - This belongs to you. We were never close until we reached year 2, when we studied in school together during exams and spent time on the phone every now and then. During that time, I was really happy and contented with life, but you single-handedly push me down as well. I'm not blaming you, really, don't worry. Well, 'you' is always loud and chirpy, but pretty secretive as no one really knows what is 'you' thinking about. Definitely a workaholic - for the sake of money and work, 'you' can work a lot and forgo sleep. Haha, loosen up 'you'! You have more important things like friends, family, and maybe ... haha.

Number 2 - I must thank you for always encouraging and giving me advices, accompanying me through my down times when you were having yours as well. First person who had seen me weeped in this class, and what can I say? This person is always there for people, keep secrets really well and is one good friend to have. This person can't really help cheer you up, but this person can cry and be with you when you simply need some one to talk to and confide in. You're great, really!

Number 3 - My sitting and practical partner in school. We always have clashed opinions, but well, open discussions help you understand a certain topic better. We can talk about anything in the sun - sports, music, food, women ... yea, women. haha. Very positive, and smart. Haha.

Number 4 - My niang zi for life. Hmm ... I'm still quite reluctant to accept the fact that I'm 'attached' to her, but oh well, I must admit that she's one good friend I made since entering SP. Genuine, original yet extraordinary, she's quite attractive yet very untouchable. Witty and wise, haha! Advices she gave were sensible and they helped me a lot in decision-making. Other than her serious self, she is usually insane. Always making funny actions and comments that make the class laugh, haha.

Number 5 - Online chat mate. Very 'kaypo' (nosy) and is a great story-teller (according to other people). Love listening to stories too. This person's place seems to be our gathering venue, and this person's parents are very hospitable. This person is intelligent who has 2 equally bright sisters. House of geniuses. Haha.

Number 6 - Only started talking to this person recently, and somehow, we click. Helped me a lot too, by listening and giving advices. One of the smartest person in class - small, short, skinny, and fierce. However, this person is easily stressed and troubled (from what I observe). What else ...

Number 7 (21) - Joker in our clique. Never fails to make us laugh with his illogical actions and senseless comments. The clique always seems so much quieter without him, and he's obsessed with his 'wife'. Haha.

Number 8 (BC) - Looks philosophical, and always makes comments so direct that you might think you're at fault at times. Haha. Generous person, and probably a little 'bo-chup' in most things. This person can really stand by his opinion, strongly.

Number 9 (BC) - I've nothing much to talk about this person. Super tall, skinny with a damn low voice. Haha.

Number 10 (21) - Loves DOTA, skinny, ex-track-n-field member ... ... ...

Number 11 - Loves basketball, especially LA Lakers. Haha. Guess that's our only common topic. I haven't been watching the NBA for a long time though. Tall and quite big in size. This person seems quiet, but can be very 'jiao' at times. Sings well too, and that's our common interest. Haha.

Number 12 - JIAO WEI! Went to Perth with me for OITP. Short, chubby, funny, and loads of crap. Great cook too. Very caring as well - when one of us was sick, this cook made porridge for us, how sweet?! Seems to be everyone's 'kai xin guo' (laughter initiator?!?!) and people find it fun with this person around. More Jiao Wei PLEASE!

Number 13 - Super skinny and severely underweight (BMI at 15?!?!). Used to work somewhere near where I worked before. What else? Perhaps their group of people is the most hardworking of all - always finish the day's assignment on the day itself. Keep it up!

Number 14 - Part of Jiao Wei's group, I've worked with her before in Year 1 for RWP and Year 2 for MMICA. I must say that she's really smart and a great speaker. Fluent in her english and confident. Hardworking too.

Number 15 - Alright, shall we talk about capsicums?! Haha. Same group as Number 12-14, and she's just as crappy. Quite nice to talk to, and would always pop by to ask how I was while I was in Perth. Great friend =D.

Number 16 - Lab partner these days. Damn hardworking and doesn't seem to like to get people to help him in doing datasheets. Always do them on his own, and it leaves the rest of us feeling guilty. Haha. We assume he is gay as he is always trying to get close to Number 3. Haha, but don't quote me. We're just joking. Our Poly50 captain (wait, am I joining them?!). All the best!!

Number 17 - FYP partner. Loves rock music and is a guitarist. Helpful and resourceful. Haha.

Number 18 - Skinniest guy in the class. I was told that he is horny at times. Haha! No offence yea? Hardworking and prompt too. Always finish his work early, and has plenty of time to play. Used to be Number 10 DOTA's mate.

Number 19 - Quiet and hardworking. I've really nothing to talk about her, but all the best =D.

Number 20 - My secondary school ex-classmate. Haha. Doing well as the Floorball's Team Captain. At times she can be a little out-of-her-mind. Haha.

Number 21 - Same group as Number 20. She is the girlfriend of my secondary school friend. Quite a nice person to talk to. Nothing already, haha.

Number 22 - Touted as the 'chio-bu' (pretty lady) of our class, she really is. I guess she is half a vegetarian?! I don't know. Loves to crap as well =D. Same group as Number 20 and 21.

number 23 - Clique with Number 20-22. Sings well, but I really don't know her much. Believe she gets emotional easily too? Haha.

Number 24 (BC) - Buddy in Perth. Strong, muscular, and helpful. Quite vulgar though, but who really cares?! Haha.

Alright. Here are the 24 people who are in the class or from the buddy class. As for the rest, I'm really really really not close to them. Haha. Enjoy reading and see if you're one of the 'numbers' I've described =D!

For A Night, I Sleep on A Bed of Nails

2008-04-26T09:07:00.002+08:00

i was drunk, i was getting emotional, and i was feeling all the aches.

was out last night, supposedly to Lollipop! @ MOS organised by SP, but the queue was too long and we settled at a pub nearby introduced by Ben. well, had some martel and beer, and sang some songs as well. haha.

i enjoyed myself, really i did. but, i couldn't help but to drop a tear when i saw you like this. i don't know what came over me last night and i'm not able to let go that quickly. oh well ...

anyway, thanks people for last night. i believe i couldn't get through the night without you all.

When will I sleep, on a bed of roses ...

Concert, Anyone?

2008-04-24T16:40:00.002+08:00

This song is Making Love Out Of Nothing At All By Air Supply. other than trying to ask for company to the concert, read the lyrics. =D

I know just how to whisper
And I know just how to cry
I know just where to find the answers
And I know just how to lie
I know just how to fake it
And I know just how to scheme
I know just when to face the
then I know just when to dream

And I know just where to touch you
And I know just what to prove
I know when to pull you closer
And I know when to let you loose
And I know the night is fading
And I know the time's gonna fly
And I'm never gonna tell you
Everything I gotta tell you
But I know I gotta give it a try

And I know the roads to riches
And I know the ways to fame
I know all the rules and I know how to break 'em
And I always know the name of the game

But I don't know how to leave you
And I'll never let you fall
And I don't know how you do it
Making love out of nothing at all

Making love out of nothing at all,
Making love out of nothing at all...

Everytime I see you all the rays of the sun
Are streaming through the waves in your hair
And every star in the sky is taking aim at your eyes
Like a spotlight

The beating of my heart is a drum and it's lost
And it's looking for a rhythm like you
You can take the darkness from the pit of the night
And turn into a beacon burning endlessly bright
I've gotta follow it 'cause everything I know
Well it's nothing till I give it to you

I can make the runner stumble
I can make the final block
And I can make every tackle at the sound of the whistle
I can make all the stadiums rock
I can make tonight forever
Or I can make it disappear by the dawn
And I can make every promise that has ever been made
I can make all your demons be gone

But I'm never gonna make it without you
Do you really want to see me crawl
And I'm never gonna make it like you do
Making love out of nothing at all

Making love out of nothing at all,
Making love out of nothing at all...

Hope you all like it =D.

review of posts

2008-04-20T11:50:00.002+08:00

i'm halfway through reading past posts. haha. how naive i was back then. forming the clique, going for the many outings, falling in love, falling out of love, drifiting, attending chalets, celebrating birthdays etc etc.

i had come a long way. 2 years of poly have changed me dramatically from a schoolboy to ... maybe a really wise ... no, a troubled old man. haha.

as i read, memories flowed back. things that i thought i never would have done, but i did. things that i thought would never happen to me, but they did. perhaps the most ridiculous, yet sweet and sour moment was the time when i fell.

i'm not elaborating on that, shall look at other stuff. was very sorry that i drifted away from the clique last semester, and that was the only down time (at that time) that i've experienced. all i did was work, jog, mahjong, study, sleep and eat. many negative thoughts too. not suicidal though, just being negative. things weren't going the way i thought they should be, making my life pretty miserable at times.

scoring 3.4 for last sem was perhaps the only comfort i could get. being encouraged to go overseas for ITP was yet another consolation. soon before i knew it, it's time to fly for perth. received presents, and the most significant one being yours. then i flew, and valentine's day came, which made me happy. 19th birthday was celebrated there, and 9 weeks passed quickly. i had two of the happiest days in my life, and it was down into the dark zone all over again.

haha. nothing much to say now. haha.

And now I'm picking up the pieces,
WILL be spending all of these years,
Putting my heart back together.

Daughtry

141

2008-04-16T08:42:00.003+08:00

number 141 post. after 14 decades worth of posts, i'm starting afresh.

so this is post number 1 =D.

sorted it out and well, i haven't got enough sleep obviously. waking up at 330am and not continueing to sleep after that. not tired, but i guess i'll be worn out by noon.

the sun is shining, good omen? omens have never been good. haha.

When you go ...
Would you have the guts to say ...
I don't love you ...
Like I loved you ...
Yesterday ...

MCR

thank you =D

2008-04-15T23:19:00.002+08:00

i'm happy to have you guys around. friends are still the best in the end. can't do without you all.

thanks niangzi shirley, you've always been a great help to me. and the rest whom i kept awake and those who made sure i'm alright. sorry to have troubled you all.

toughest decision ever, but I guess that's what I have to do =D.

perhaps

2008-04-15T21:20:00.002+08:00

perhaps the number 13 is still an ominous number. some of you might know what i'm talking about. haha.

probation ... i hate it ...

i didn't commit any crime that the police have to keep me under probation, don't worry (i really hate this phrase now).

Honey why you're calling me so late?
It's kinda hard to talk right now.
Honey why are you crying? Is everything okay?
I gotta whisper 'cause I can't be too loud.

My girl's in, the next room,
Sometimes I wish she was you.
I guess we never really moved on.

It's really good to hear your voice, say my name,
It sounds so sweet.
Coming from the lips of an angel,
Hearing those words it makes me weak.

And I ... Never wanna say goodbye ...
But girl you make it hard to be faithful ...
With the Lips of An Angel ...

Hinder

touchdown ... 18 hours late

2008-04-13T18:03:00.002+08:00

Qantas had successfully succeeded in experiencing major complications/slips/cock-ups every month when they delayed our flight for 18 hours. haha.

as many would know, that i was supposed to arrive in singapore on friday night, 9pm. however, due to a bird strike that imposed machinery complications, we did not take off on friday evening. parts had to be delivered from sydney and melbourne before the engineers could rectify the problem. it was at 530 (2 hours passed our scheduled take off time) that they made an announcement regarding this matter. and it was not until 730pm before we could collect our luggage and make our way to the prepared accomodation as Perth International Airport was short of staff.

so we checked in to City Gate Hotel for the night (arrived at 915pm) and we had our late dinner before tucking in at roughly 11pm. the bus came at 6am early next morning, and yes, we all had insufficient sleep.

830am was the re-scheduled take-off time. BUT, again, shortage of staff delayed our check-ins and everyone was seated only by 930am. that's 18 hours of delay. i'm not going to complain much about the incident, cause i thought Qantas handled pretty well - it all went down to the poor service of the Perth Airport.

so nothing much yesterday as i was too tired so i just stayed home after eating my favourite won ton mee at lavender.

went out for brekky this morning with my family, and meet up with Sarah at bishan after that. had lunch at Cafe Cartel and walked around as she shopped for bag, stationeries and some random stuff. sent her home after awhile as she needed to go to her granny's place.

year 3 commences tomorrow and i'm looking forward to it. wish me well!

I'm attached ... to you =D.

last post in Perth

2008-04-08T10:37:00.002+08:00

i presume this to be my very last entry written in Perth, as i won't have internet access over the next few days here. reason? today is my last day of work. haha!

3 seems to be a good number. people like to count to 3, or countdown from 3. and 3 usually is the magic number to everything - 1 is always too little, 2 is never enough, and 3 is just right (yea, and 3 cheers and 3 cheers and 3 cheers for ______. sounds familiar aye?!). at the count of 3, if you don't go for a shower, there'll be no computer games for you tonight.

3 ...

and that's why today is a good day to blog, with 3 more days to go before we go home. can't wait till friday 1530 when we'll board QF71 back to Singapore. all in all, i've spent a lot here, mostly on food. thanks again to my parents for the supply, haha.

so what will we be doing over the next few nights?

tomorrow will be a catching up session with Grace at Freo as she'll stay here for at least another 10 months before her junior year ends and she might fly back to Singapore to see us, so i thought it's a good idea to meet up with her first. that'll be followed by the torchlight tour at Freo Prison at 2045 which i think will be thrilling. scary aye?!

thursday is the post ITP meeting with the person-in-charge in the morning and King's Park in the afternoon. haha, to think that we are visiting Freo Prison and King's Park on the last week here when both are the more popular attractions here is really ridiculous. we should have done that weeks ago. it's a little rush, but i believe it's alright. get back home and pack my bag.

friday will officially be our last day. we have planned to have breakfast at the hotel's restaurant, take a final walk around the city and finally, make our way to the airport! at 2030, we should be able to see the city lights filling the small island of Singapore and touchdown at 2100.

so guys, meet ups soon. saturday i'm free for the day while at night i should be having dinner with my family, but that is not confirmed yet. maybe we can have mahjong sessions, and well, be prepared to lose some money 'cause i'm dying to get my hands on those small little tiles. haha! sunday will be a day out with sarah and again, i have nothing on at night. book me people!!!

i have 2.5 more hours to go before doing some labwork ... ... ...

till then, i'll see you all!!!

practically doing nothing significant

2008-04-02T14:02:00.002+08:00

viewing friends' friendster and facebook profiles, chatting with friends, listening to newly added albums, reading news, praying for liverpool (to win against arsenal in the CL game today), and blogging are the things i'm doing.

countdown is now in single digit - 9 days left!

we're not going to margaret river anymore, as far as i'm concerned. haha. well, it means more shopping and eating out! have been torturing myself with the boring breakfast and sandwiches for lunch. dinner? it's not that bad as i inherited the terrific cooking skills from my mum. haha! so what now?

monday - mac
tuesday - red rooster
wednesday - hungry jack's
thursday - subway?! nono, kebab maybe
friday night - lavender's foodcourt won ton mee. favourite.

haha. notice that they're all fast food, cause they're the cheapest fare you can get in Perth. but i like red rooster. it's something like kfc but their chickens are better.

or maybe durty nelly's, the irish pub my aunt recommended. heard that their portion of food is large and good.

anyway, there seemed to have a lot of lab work tomorrow, which is good. if the reagent doesn't come in tomorrow, my experiment will be delayed for 1 more day, and if it doesn't come in on friday, i guess there goes my 1-week holiday. haha.

weather report - max temp: 23 deg C

it's a damn ... cold ... night ...

11 more days

2008-03-31T13:00:00.002+08:00

perhaps i should stop counting down and let it run down on its own.

no, i think that'll comfort my life, for the time-being. haha!

ok, updates then ...

Saturday 29/03/2008 - shopping at Garden City. i thought i shouldn't have gone as it was a complete waste of time for me. i didn't buy anything and i didn't see anything i like in particular. well ... i've nothing to do at home that day, so i thought i might as well make a trip down with the rest. otherwise, i'd have been left alone. haha.

i must say that the shopping malls here are pretty big, but they are very much similar to one another. having the same shops and supermarkets and departmental stores. really nothing to 'wow' about in the context of shopping. and so we went home after that followed by an evening jog. that ended my day.

the following day was not as boring, as 5 guys (justin, gj, franco, desmond and myself) went out for lunch at a Viet restaurant. my very first encounter with Viet food, and the raw beef and beef balls noodles soup i had was the best noodles soup i've ever had thus far in my life (i'm referring to food i eat outside as nothing beats the cooking of my mum and grandma, haha!). previously it was tom yum soup, but the beef stock was flavourful, strong in taste that went very well with the lemon, beansprouts, mint and the chewy stick noodles. it looked like thai beef noodles soup, but they differed from the star-shaped-like herb you'll find in the thai beef noodles soup. 9/10!

it was then followed by shopping at Emma's (a popular asian grocery store in Northbridge, Perth) and impromptu suggestion of going to Harbourtown by Justin. i know you want me to mention this justin, admit it. haha! but well, i thought it was nice as all of them bought something for themselves ... while i was struggling to find a big and nice bag that suits me. that trip ended with grocery shopping in Woolworths and back to the hotel.

met up with Aunt Eileen, her parents and Uncle William that night. we had chinese food in Northbridge (that's really where u find all the good asian fare in Perth). that was good too! i especially like the deep-fried egg-plant rich in the fragrance of butter. it's crispy on the outside, rich on the inside. that dish alone scored a perfect 10 from me. we also had jellyfish pork trotters (sliced) as entree, stir-fried garlic brocolli, wasabe infused ... gu lu yok (sweet and sour pork ... yes more pork) and the claypot braised glass noodles with mushrooms and prawns. the latter was smooth in texture and the prawns, ohh so fresh. that was 8.5/10 from me though as i'm not a big fan of glass noodles. haha. that whole meal will score 9/10. haha.

so the day ended with me, justin and zul not being able to sleep well at night due to some inherited sleeping disorder (ISD) a.k.a. Irritating Snoring Disturbance. justin had to move to the living room and sleep on the floor as he found me sleeping on the bed in the living room as well. sorry man~ and thanks zul for waking him up and stopping him which then put me back to sleep in my own bed in the room. i'm not exactly annoyed by the snoring, i don't blame that person for it, but what was disturbing was that he actually played his nintendo DS when we're trying to sleep, tapping loudly on the screen and not even bothering to turn off the volume. that's last night, i really hope that this doesn't happen again or i'm afraid that even apologies will not save the friend-ship (some people will understand why i italicized those words. haha!)

ok, for this week ... Luis (my supervisor) will be flying off to US to join Erwin (the Ph.D student that taught me and supervised me when Luis was busy) for an Immunology Conference in San Diego. that will mean freedom to me from friday onwards. i'll be getting my last week off to maybe do some shopping for myself, and for you people.

will update again come whatever, so stay tuned =D.

fun-fillled Easter Break

2008-03-26T09:12:00.004+08:00

i'm back blogging =D.

just some updates on what i've done over the long weekend.

Friday (21/03/08) - alright. we began the long weekend with a long ride up north of WA to the Pinnacles. first stop was the Caversham Wildlife Park where we took pictures of Kangaroos, Wombat, Wallabies and Koalas. was pretty interested in looking for a Tasmanian Devil, but i was told that they were asleep in the morning, so there went my Devils.

2nd stop was a 2.5 hour drive up north to a souvenior shop where we had picnic lunch before heading to the Pinnacles. just before the guide drove us to the Pinnacles, we stopped at a beautiful beach for a mere 15 minutes for some photo-taking sessions and scenery indulgence.

Pinnacles ... a large plain of desert with protruding limestones. briefly, they were formed by the errosion of acid rain on hard, sedimentations that formed large cracks over the years. as the wind blew the sand away, the limestones were seen as protruding large rocks known as the Pinnacles today. very nice place, but damn hot and sunny =D.

and our final stop was the nearby sand dunes, where we enjoyed a 4-wheel drive around the dunes and some sand-boarding. fun time!

and so we ended Friday all worn out, haha, as we headed into Saturday.

Nothing much on that day though, just random walking. we were initially planning to go down to King's Park, but we woke up too late and we were drained by the sun. so, we had lunch at Insan's, walked around, and back to the hotel. some of them went pubbing though, which i didn't because i was really really tired, but i slept at 2am that night as surprisingly, there was free internet to use =D. so i chatted with many people for a long time, before the franco and GJ (drunk) came back. well ... GJ was the joker of that night, haha.

Sunday - Fremantle for their fish n chips! ok, i didn't have fish n chips this time round, but i had the fried squid rings n chips. equally good! huihui and GJ treated us to some ... chilli ... clams?! that was super fresh and delicious. i bet we're going back there again right before we fly back to Singapore. haha!

Monday - we were all too tired to go anywhere, and most places were closed, so it was lunch at Subway and some grocery shopping. haha. that's all.

and this weekend ... we might be heading down south to Margaret River for their famous winery, brewery, chocolate factory and cave. have no idea yet, but that's what they planned. have yet to book the tour tickets though, shall discuss with them soon.

oh yes, Fremantle Prison Night Tunnel Tour this Friday maybe. that'll be thrilling. haha!

ok. that's all. i'm about to go and do some work already. bye bye.

one last thing though, my pictures are now posted on SnapFish and most of you all might have already received my invitation to you to view them. if not, do contact me =D. Friendster doesn't allow large picture files. haha.

Easter Break 2008

2008-03-20T15:15:00.002+08:00

before i go into the detail of our plans over the easter weekend, i'd like to do a summary of what i've done over last weekend =D.

Saturday 15/03 - we went to Penguin Island early in the morning to catch the tour that will bring us around the little islands to see many birds and seals. there were big birds like pecans and small ones like ... i wasn't quite sure what were those. haha. yea, some seals even posed for pictures. vain seals. haha. after the tour, we went back to the main island to see the smallest penguin specie standing at a maximum of only 40cm tall. cute little things. and we sort of picnic-ed on the island before heading home to rot for the rest of the day.

Sunday 16/03 - i met up with aunt eileen for a trip down to Swan Valley for a vineyard (Sandalford), a brewery and the Margeret River Chocolate Factory. it was lunch first at Sandalford, where we had really fanta-licious food (well, it cost close to AUS$200, or more for just 3 of us). actually, i wasn't quite used to the taste of the mashes, but the entree and my main course (salmon) were really good.

that was followed by a visit to a brewery with a full carpark. we thought it would be good, and so we went. and the beer they produced were very smooth and refreshing. i had the honey pils and it didn't give me the immediate burning sensation i would usually have after taking a few sips of carlsberg. best beer i've tasted so far (but it gave me severe headache as soon as i reached home).

and the last stop was the chocolate factory, and they made popular chocolates. evidence?! the young and old all queueing up to get large scoops of chocolates. i'm never a big fan of chocolates, but it was good and i bought a few sampling packets (others were too expensive, haha!). for that, i spent AUS$70 already.

that was about it for last weekend. starting tomorrow, we'll be having a 4-day break from Good Friday to Easter Monday. it'll be a trip down to Caversham Wildlife and Mt Pinnacles tomorrow, and saturday should be a rest day. no plans for sunday (probably the usual grocery shopping) and monday yet, but i guess we won't be doing much either. rest maybe?

hmm ... have a nice weekend people =D. Happy Easter~

5th friday in Perth

2008-03-14T15:14:00.002+08:00

ok, i have only 15 minutes to finish this post - 1615. i need to rush off at 1630 to catch the 1648 bus, if not i have to wait till 1718.

anyway, i heard that tomorrow we'll finally be heading down to Rockingham and visit Penguin Island. it costs AUS$33+ from what i heard, for the ferry trip and penguin watching, which is even cheaper than just the ferry ride to Rottnest Island. haha! but that's tomorrow.

next weekend we'll be having 4 days off! stretching from friday to the following monday over the Good Friday and Easter Monday. so, we've bought the tickets to visit Caversham Wildlife Park and Mt Pinnacle (that's just piles and piles of sand ... call that desert), and each ticket includes lunch prepared for us. the cost? AUS$137.70. man, i'm going to eat grass for the remaining of my ITP.

other than that, i've nothing much to talk about. the weather is turning cold (it can reach 9 Deg C today) and daylight saving is occuring soon. probably will need to get a jacket (money money ...).

Harbourtown Centre later, which is our 3rd trip there already. hmm ... time check - 1619. i still have time. haha!

thought of the day - are suicide bombers heroes, or zeroes? they terrorized people with their harmful acts and were hailed by their fellow mates. did religion tell us to kill? think~

1621 - i'll go off now. pack and submit my logbook, toilet break maybe. and i'll be off. see you peeps.

new accomodation ...

2008-03-10T09:40:00.003+08:00

we've moved.

now we're lodging in Good Earth Hotel just a crossroad away from Townsend, and it costs AUS$7 more per night, with a kitchenette, tv, 5 beds (we have 6 as we moved 1 bed from the girls' room) and air-con. it isn't that bad, but i'm still trying to get used to sleeping with so many people in the same room for so many days.

we discovered a double bed under the sofa by the way, and that means more sleeping space.

the in-house movies are going to repeat all over again this week, and i'll be anticipating stardust and beowulf.

oh yes, life is boring there actually. they have no wireless network for us to connect to, and spending the night sitting infront of the tv watching weird shows is the worst of ideas to waste the night hours away. it doesn't help when the place is not that conducive to sleep in. *oops. but somehow i got too tired and still managed to sleep over the last few nights.

yesterday i was happy. finally i got to hear u since last monday. slept well ... at 0030 and woke up at 0615 ... monday blues~

oh yes, i'm right now in the office using the internet, and that explains how i manage to post this up.

haven't been doing a lot this morning, just replacing culture medium and blood separation (it's still in the centrifuge ... 20 more minutes to go i guess?). i should have more to do in the afternoon, hopefully, if not going home early is dreadful (no internet, remember?). perhaps i should go jogging, it's been over 2 weeks since i put on my running shoes ... and i had lots of pork belly (or do u call them 'san chen rou' in chinese - 3-layered 'meat') during the korean bbq dinner with desmond, gj, franco, joan, hui hui and lynette. woah, my first korean bbq and it's damn good. it's been added to my 'most wanted' list of international cuisines =D. *italian food comes up top, followed by indian and japanese ... just for your info.

my sister is in Laos, haha, and that means my home should be pretty quiet, without me and my sis. just called home a few nights before and i think my parents were doing good, and my grandparents were just as worried as usual. haha.

maybe i should ring up a few friends too, just to know how they're doing back there (especially those who had just got back their A levels results, i haven't checked with them how they fare for it).

i need sleep, seriously. i only get them on weekends, and it's not enough to recover those lost sleep. still, as long as i have my family and u, i can survive ... for 32 more days that is =D.

bye bye.

Rottnest Island, Fremantle

2008-03-01T20:08:00.002+08:00

it was a gloomy morning when we set off all tired to Rottnest Island.

but as soon as we reached, the bright sun came out, with strong gusts of wind blowing. nice weather! that woke most of us up and we began our activities there.

franco, guojie, hui hui and lynette went snorkelling, while zul, desmond and joan went cycling. afsheen followed the snorkelling group of people, and i went around the place on my own ... on foot~

err ... i didn't want to snorkel as i don't know how, and i think snorkelling can be done in better places. and cycling ...

haha.

alright, so i walked more than 10km, up and down slopes, in the scorching sun and greeted many passing cyclists. and so i walked ...

was really interested in their very own batteries and forts, so i made my way up to the Oliver Hill Battery, located at one of the highest points in Rottnest. they don't have the large collection of big guns we have in Fort Siloso, but oh dear, the place was big!

during the pre-WWII and WWII period, they had at least 2,500 soldiers serving the battery at any one time. and the place is very much well preserved, just that many are not yet opened to the public, but i entered restricted zones anyway. haha! it's not really restricted you see, they didn't have any barricades or that sort to block off the path, so as curious as i could be, i 'trespass-ed'.

it was pretty interesting for the fact that the guns they used were similar to those we had in Singapore. and they have 1 booming gun so well preserved that they actually repainted the whole place and i got to know how the internal structures are like. never had the chance to see as the one we have in Siloso is a fake. it's like 'wow'. haha.

so that was an hour walk from the jetty (1400).

next, i intended to travel down to Little Salmon Bay to meet up with the rest, and while on my way there, almost 2km into the journey, i saw the snorkelling people. haha. they had finished and wanted to head to the lighthouse. yea, i walked pass the lighthouse before meeting them. so off we went ... but stopped halfway at a very nice place where i took a very nice picture. haha! will post them up as soon as i've uploaded them. well ... it was 1630 when we decided to head back to the jetty as the ferry left at 1800.

btw, we saw a pair of wild Quokkas (miniature version of the Kangaroos) mating.

and so we headed back to Fremantle with really sore legs and feet, and finally home sweet home =D.

Are We Leaving?

2008-02-28T19:40:00.002+08:00

alright, guess we might be lodging in new accomodation.

no wait, they sent us the invoice for the remaining stays here ...

shall discuss with the rest.

UPDATES

this week so far was hell. i think i haven't been at my best this week that i screwed quite a lot of stuff, from simple tasks like holding the cap properly to disastrous ones like dropping the 96-well plate just before analysis when we had just gone through a whole day of incubating and waiting. grr ...

but oh well, it's over. was picking up momentum since yesterday, and i'm pleased to say that i'm picking up speed in doing things too. it's now smoother in my experiments as i organised better in the sterilising hood. contamination had been minimised and results were showing. that's a good point to note.

however ... ...

i still have 6 more weeks to go. hopefully it'll be this smooth-sailing if not better for the rest of this ITP.

hmm ... it's getting warmer ... and more humid.

i still think coming here is a good choice, at least i learn something valuable ...

i'm just bored out. tomorrow and saturday shall be fun - watching movie outdoors at a film festival held near UWA and heading off to penguin island. haha. just hope that nothing crops up that we have to abolish the plan ... like again. haha.

bye.

do not discriminate

2008-02-25T18:14:00.002+08:00

i'm serious when i say this - do not discriminate men of other races.

after staying here for over 2 weeks, we can feel the heat and discontent being treated as 'lower class' asians. i always thought we just talked and commented on other races for their weird behaviors, we didn't openly criticize or mock at them. but it's not the case, even when you do it discreetly, it's fucking hurting, i mean it.

for the past two weeks, we have been accused of things we never did, and criticized as 'bad singaporeans'. just because we have yellow skin, all of them pushed the blame on us and simply stereotyped that all yellow-skinned are like that. seriously speaking, some of them have the worst personality i have ever come across. scolding fuck on the streets, drunk and creating a scene, take drugs, always got into a fight, and totally inconsiderate for fellow lodge-mates.

i'm not trying to say that all the people here are like that, but those we've seen here at the lodge are going too far. the way they treated us and the other lodge-mates were very distinctive, and you can tell right away that they are prejudiced against us.

really singaporeans, we need to learn not to treat visitors to our countries badly. don't put up a front as if you're providing top quality services and start gossiping about which countries' tourists are the worst. when u think they don't know ... u're utterly wrong.

we're going to move. haha!

oh no, 7 more weeks

2008-02-23T16:07:00.002+08:00

omg, it's a boring saturday afternoon today. woke up late at 1015, breakfast-ed, pool-ed and shopped around in the city. now we're all just rotting away awaiting 1730 before we can start leaving for bbq at linette's friend's place.

updateS? nothing for the week really. we planned to go to the beach today initially, but guess that everyone is just too lazy and tired to even enjoy the blue sea and would rather just shop. retail therapy? haha.

oh yes, i'm a happy man. lols!

still, i need to finish 7 more weeks of ITP before i can get back to meet people. i might probably try to get the last few days off. excuse? i need to get everything in place - packing of luggage and getting souveniors for family and friends. hopefully my supervisor can agree to it, since he'll be away in the States for some conference anyway. furthermore, he's a nice guy. haha.

actually time passes quite fast already, considering 2 weeks had passed just like that. maybe that's because i was almost always dismissed early from ITP for the past 2 weeks, and i got quite a lot of time.

random - i'm 19 years and 7 days old now.

i miss my favourite won ton mee! and i don't have my mee hoon kuey to occupy my occupied mind (?!). i need chicken rice to get really bad breath; i need roti prata to spice up my life; i need kuey chap to wake my taste buds; i need cai tao kuey for it's chew-iness, the salty turnip's smell and the crispy eggs~; i need nasi lemak to get myself all coconut-ty; i need ... i just miss singapore food, damn it.

ying hui, if u're reading this, get papa and mummy ready to bring us to lau pa sat on the day i arrive in singapore, alright? haha. and we might have some one to join us as well ... we'll see =D.

oh yes, how can i forget the wonderful cooking of my mum and wai po. i can miss all those named above but i can never live without the food prepared by these 2 great ladies in my life =D.

alright, i should be leaving soon then. probably update again tomorrow when i get really bored, like what it is now. bye bye.

1st wk in perth

2008-02-17T10:32:00.002+08:00

everything is going well at the moment. for pictures, please visit my facebook/friendster account. haha. it's faster to load them there.

alright, itp here in perth for the first week was fun. was dismissed early everyday, that's one of the fun parts. haha.

learnt quite a lot of new lab techniques such as cell cultures, using the sterile hood properly, scraper, obtaining blood from a bag of blood and many more. it should be getting busy soon, after getting my techniques right and more researching to be done. how exciting it is to be involved in such a research work, though i'm just merely assisting.

other than that, nothing much. it was my birthday yesterday and the rest gave me a surprise in the kitchen. haha! yes, kitchen. i was told to have lunch, so i walked up to my room, grabbed my instant noodles and got back down to find all of them there with a birthday cake. thanks people!

also, we went to adventure world near fremantle, it's like a water theme park. i must say that it doesn't look like the most fun theme parks i've seen, but nonetheless, it's still enjoyable.

well, grocery shopping again today to last me for the coming week. i'm 19 years and 1 day old now. haha!

a surprise from you 2 days before my birthday was more than what i could have ever wished for. thank you, and i hope it works out this time round =D.

Arrival

2008-02-10T20:42:00.000+08:00

we've all landed on this place called Perth, all heavy-headed and sleepy. headed straight to Townsend Lodge in Adelaide Terrace before we settled for takeaway dinners from macdonald's. first night? cool and dry, nice.

this morning sore throat stroke me. wasn't at all feeling good with swallowing any food, and my lips were ultra-dry. yea, it's hot, very hot, and we're not at all perspiring like we did back in Singapore. lunch was the voted number 1 Western Australia's fish n chips which cost AUS$11.45 each and was freaking huge, that we have 2 people to 1 set of it and it filled our stomachs. i could have eaten more, if it's not for the sore throat i'm having.

random walks in Fremantle and grocery shopping before we came right back to cook our dinner. campbell soup with seeded breads and black-peppered chicken ham. watermelon as desserts. pretty filling and the watermelon quenched our thirst and soothed my sore throat.

now, we're all feeling tired and we have to meet at 0745 before we head to UWA. i wish it'll be exciting. haha. these 2 days had been pretty boring due to early closure of shops at 5-6pm, when the sun only sets at 830pm before it gets totally dark at 9pm. damn~

alright then, will post as soon as possible on my ITP and site visits if any. ciao~

prequel

2008-02-07T22:52:00.000+08:00

flying already ... soon.

what i've done?

tuesday afternoon
met up with xinyi and joyce for kbox. as usual, enjoyed, and satisfied. thanks for the gift!!! i somehow didn't see all the surprises coming when i've played them on so many people already. lols. still, thanks so much =D.

tuesday evening
met up with janet, shirrey, andy, jr, fiona and nich for dinner at Ma Maison @ The Central. the rest didn't join us, some working and some falling sick. haha. good ambience, good food =D. then dessert at Azabu Sabo, not that fantastic, as i've never been a great fan of ice cream, especially really sweet ones. haha. still good nonetheless. that was followed by a short walk by the river, and some photo-taking. thanks for taking the time out to meet me =D, greatly appreciate the company and the gift, particularly the charm =D.

wednesday afternoon
met with des, wl and wei xiong in town to shop a bit more. des was happy with the number of things he bought, and i bought myself a watch, my first watch that i bought for myself. haha! shopped around, lunched, exchanged the cardigan for a smaller size, and met up with sarah. thanks woman for the gift, haha, spent you a long time to complete it, and i really love it. thanks!

wednesday evening
after sending sarah back to braddell, i continued to rush to my aunt's place at bt gombak for reunion dinner. haha, i was late, for the first time i supposed. well, my sister was later. LOLS. steamboat, as usual, then back at home. played online mahjong and spent some time chatting with friends before sleeping at 2am =D.

as for today ... nothing much, collected angbaos, had 4 meals by 1445, shook lots of hands, and slept on the car as well. watched CJ7 too! 4/5 from me. i thought there could be more humour, but it touched people's hearts towards the end, so it's not a bad movie. catch it people =D.

as for tomorrow ...
going to buy some instant noodles to bring with me to perth, wait for friends to come to my place and bai nian, and of course fulfill my mahjong cravings. LOLS.

and finally on early saturday morning ...
i'll be flying off!

so i guess i won't update already, unless there's something for me to. the next post should be up while i'm over there. watch this space people!

good bye!!