February 2006 Archives

After going through a grueling 4 hours of waiting yesterday (you have no idea how sitting in a stuffy tent with more than a hundred people and a speaker a metre away blasting the theme songs of Superhost and Superband on repeat can drive one nuts), we finally got the results for the 18 finalists for the Superband competition.

Since a picture tells a thousand words:

(With acting skills like that, I should've joined Super Idol siah *LOL*) Alright, stop puking already.

Obviously we didn't get in.

Prior to the announcement, we had already abandoned hopes of getting in, judging from the sheer number of contestants and some being very talented ones. But as one by one, we witnessed our friends?(and acquaintances? bands got in and while I feel happy for them, a tiny thought that we could have a share of the pie and eat it, flashed briefly through my mind. And the pie soon turned into bitter pills I had to swallow.

Ugh, real bitter pills they were, so the only way to deal with it was:

Junk food therapy.

Yeah, it sorta doubled up as a celebration of sorts because apart from disappointment, a huge heave of relief surged through me as I could finally throw away all the uncertainties of being in the competition…issues, restrictions, obligations, schedules, work commitment, etc.

Although that also meant goodbye to appearances on national tv, sponsored wardrobe, advertisement endorsements, magazine spreads, banner-waving screaming fans and the chance to do the ‘if you support us, please call 1900-112-LGF?hand-signs, I’m really glad that we can immediately go back to our good old-fashion, start-from-the-ground way of upholding our passion…that is, playing more gigs, writing more songs (writing more blog entries for some of us too *lol*) and best of all…to actually start planning and recording our album on our own efforts.

While being booted from the competition, I’m sure we’d still watch it since it’s the first ever band-related big scale competition done on tv. Personally, I’d really hope one of bands will be the grand winner (no offense to the boybands/hip-hoppers/accapella/girl-groups, which I think are just as fantastic) because I’d like to see how it works out for a real band to go through commercial success via this direction. It’s pretty typical to see what’s gonna happen to non-instruments playing groups if they win it: they’d have songs written for them, recorded by sessionists, dancesteps choreographed, finally…groomed, packaged and marketed. But I’ll be more interested to see how much of the band’s own song-writing, music direction, image, etc all falls into place with the media/recording company’s own marketing direction. Anyway, here's wishing all the contestants good luck and savour the rare experience.

Finally, I gotta thank all my friends, family and relatives who’ve showed so much support and enthusiasm when they heard about us being in the competition. All the well-wishes in the form of SMSes, comments, verbal encouragement, etc really meant a lot to me (and the band I’m sure). Don’t worry, we’ll still keep our passion alive as long as we still have a tooth in our mouth, still able to strum a string or two (or keep up a beat) ;)

Alright, I’ve more or less gotten everything off my mind and chest…and whatever emo left will be vent in the jamming of Stockholm syndrome and Hysteria *lol*

*I love this song from Ukulele

Ahh...got three little surprises today:

Received these lovely roses from someone, some little cute Hello Kitty snacks from another, and a mobile phone pouch (and some chocolates from the third person :)

You know...the good thing about working here in NUS besides appreciating feasting my eyes on the babes students, is that...

....I have nice bosses (and some nice students too)!

There you have it. Flowers from my ultra nice Head of Department and snacks from my supervisor :) The pouch and chocolates came from a thankful student who claimed that I've helped her alot. Well, truth to be told, I'm really really flattered and touched that such appreciation is shown even though it's more of a duty to help them than anything.

You didn't think those came from my admirers, did ya? *LOL* I wish I am THAT charming...hahah! I guess it doesn't matter if I'm single and without a significant other when I'm blessed in a different manner :)

May everyone out there find their own share of happiness...no matter in what form :)

From hell and back!! After a week of struggle with my sickness, I am triumphant! It was really tough, resulting in a loss of 3kg from my already slender and petite frame. The sickness has taken away precious time, and ruined plans I've initially drafted for the holidays. Nevertheless, I am determined to put things back on track. Not only that, I've also given myself a resolution to put on weight and lead a healthier lifestyle. So, that'll probably mean a jog on Saturday mornings for a start.

Lots of things happened during this short span of time. Other than the much-craved Chinese New Year celebrations I had over at relatives' place, my band played 2 gigs over the weekend as well. Putting the the badly-timed sickness aside, it was a blast to perform in my alma mater...Ngee Ann Poly, for the first time! My bassist and I felt really touched and overwhelmed that we stepped onto the familiar grounds again after not having treaded there for years. Personally, it felt like the good old school days again.

Much has changed over the years but the nostalgic feeling remained. We did a short 'tour' and reminiscent on the feeling of our poly days.

Following the Poly gig, I had a massive, splitting headache and fever that threatened our gig the next day. I nearly couldn't make it but thanks to more rest and medication, I hurled myself to the pub just before our slot and gave my best in performing. Funny how music can sometimes cure people *lol*. The moment I got onstage, I forgot the pain and discomfort and gave a high-energy act as if the rock idols possessed me. Although a little screw-ups here and there, it felt good.

I've almost forgotten about the Superband competition since the wait for the results is quite long. It'd probably slip my mind again soon until it gets nearer...which is on the 19th of Feb.

Back to the whole ordeal about falling sick during this period...It was such a weird experience cos it almost felt like my days were numbered. During each painful, uncomfortable night of fiery fever and shivering chills, I had strange dreams. From the destruction of my guitar to some weird stuff, they all seemed to be telling me some coded messages. It was freaky, yet kinda divine-feeling.

There are still things to be done...songs to be written. And I can't give up...

Took one of the rare chances while I'm still clear-headed to write this entry. It seemed so bizarre to be hit by fever so suddenly after one of the CNY visit to my relative's place on Monday night. That night, I laid tossing and turning, wondering what was the discomfort I was experiencing. The next morning, it turned full-blown but since most clinics were closed, I had to wait till the next day to see the doctor. The discomfort was the worst when it hits nighttime. I measured and to my dismay, I had a temperature of 39.29 degrees. At first I was so freaking cold that I shiver even with my sweater, blanket, socks on but it progressively went from cold to burning hot around my chest, neck and head area. During that time, it felt like every part of my bones were aching and I was like an extreme contortionist, trying all sorts of twisting and turning to make my joints feel better while at the back of my mind, I was praying hard that I don't fry my brains with temperature this high. Paracetamol tablets only worked for an hour or two and the whole cycle of feeling hot and cold repeated itself the whole night that I couldn't really sleep.

Salvation came the next morning when I finally went to see a doctor...but not before another hour of waiting time. So, now I'm on proper medication but I'm still feeling really weak. All the long hours of sleeping and napping from the drowsiness of the medication makes me feel kinda like a druggie. During these nights, I've had really weird dreams but somehow I've forgotten about them. And this morning during one of the several times I woke up, I nearly pass out while in the toilet. Kinda freaks me out.

It doesn't help when I have 2 gigs on the weekend and a jamming session for rehearsal. Terribly sorry to my bandmates who had to make adjustments to accomodate the situation but I hope I can be well enough to jam on Friday night.

Everyone out there, please take good care of yourselves.