Recently in Everything else Category

Here's a few random things since real life is more happening than my blog (and it oughta be this way!) lol Firstly, I've noticed these days after the change in my image, the results are pretty interesting and apparent! I've never gotten as many compliments before and I'm quite flattered by them. One distance colleague I've not seen for some time knocked into me last week and was like 'wow, you look different!'...then asked me whether I'm in a band or something. I proceeded to tell her more and she said next time if got events in NUS, must let her know and she'll get her office down to support my band lol

Also, I've come across this funny incident yesterday when attending a course. One of the guy trainers of another class (not my course) came out during our common teabreak and noticed me I think...then after the course, I happened to knock into him while waiting for the lift and he was like grinning at me and went 'wah...your goatee very 'man' leh...how long did it take you to grow it ah?'. Now it's different if it's coming from the opposite sex but from a guy....ermm...sends chills to my bones man! lol Oh, and did I tell you that this instructor was the same person who went touchy touchy on me years back when I was attending a course (also not his course)? I think he has forgotten who I was liao but I've permanently avoided his courses since that incident :/ Damn suay man.

Oh, I'm also proud to say that I've done something 'adventurous' without too much hesitation! I've tried the Reverse Bungie at Clark Quay last weekend with a newly-made friend, who didn't take much effort to convince me to do so (a rare thing considering my usual 'think-alot-before-I-do-anything' mentality)! The initial propel wasn't much of a big deal but the face-down drop was hell-scary! Almost felt like leaping off a building!! Almost couldn't scream out at times! *lol* My friend was so exhilarated by it that she grabbed my hand almost for the whole ride...so you can imagine the thrill *lol*

We didn't wanna pay extra 10 bucks for our pics taken or 20 bucks for the DVD, so here's a capture of the replay they did on the screens after we came down:

 

Prior to that, we chilled out at the Helipad for the first time. The place is fantastic with the rooftop concept but unfortunately, we didn't take any pics save for a polaroid of us taken by the female promoters of Johhny Walker at that place *lol*

Other note-worthy mention was the outing that LGF and Momo had gone out for. It was really nice to hang out with another group of pals considering the fact that we're all common friends and into music stuff together. We caught 'The Days' and had coffee after that...personally a much sought-after activity :) Looking forward to more activities and outings with them.

More updates to come...

My brother's friend went to Shanghai lately and brought back a gift for him. I can't resist taking pics of it the moment I saw it:

So cute!

Another angle:

Individual closeup:
Bei Bei (北北)

Jing Jing (京京)

Huan Huan (欢欢)

Ying Ying (迎迎)

Ni Ni (你你)

...and they all string together to form "北京欢迎你" (Beijing welcomes you)

(with the cover on)

Back of the souvenir

There's a really nice mini booklet inside the box that explains more on each of the 福娃娃 (what they call the mascots):

Oh, it's a set of keychains/handphone straps but I think they look just as great as a decorations in our room :)

Been procrastinating long enough, so here they are, a small collective of things note-worthy in my life in recent times. In chronological order, so start reading from the bottom of this entry :)

(not so) Fast and furious!!

July 15 2008 Tuesday

My very first car arrived! It's a Kia Picanto. My dad spotted a really good deal on this little fella and voila, the car is mine! Fine, it's 2nd hand and a weekend car but so what? Frankly, I'm not a very car person and I probably won't drive to work since I've got a direct bus there. I'll probably use it during weekends for errands, jammings, shopping trips, etc. Good enough for me :)

When it first arrived, I wasn't very keen in it since there were discussions earlier to acquire the bigger/more sleek (albeit more expensive) new Honda Jazz/Fit. So the first moment I saw it, I already contemplated on fitting it with a full bodykit, spray new colour, change the rims and tires...yeah, Pimp My Ride style! *LOL* But after considering the fact that I haven't driven for years and I'd probably need a refresher course (yeah, go ahead and laugh at me, bleah), I'd leave the mods to future when I'm a more steady driver :)

So, for now, it shall retain its good ol 'LGF' green and be my band's mascot for months to come.

Pics of the lil fella:

Graduation Ceremony

July 14 2008 Monday

I have been attending the NUS graduating ceremony consecutively for the past few years even though I never graduated from NUS *lol* This time, it's' no different. Being part of my jobscope to be involved in the running of the graduation ceremony, I put on my best outfit and went on to join the huge turnout for the event.

Although it's part of my job, it stirred up quite some emotions seeing how those famililar students (especially postgrads) progressed and eventually graduated from his/her course. I can still remember handling and processing their application forms when they first enrolled for my Department 4 or 5 years ago as a freshie/new student. Somehow, I liken the experience to be like that of a mum! *proud of them!* :)

Farewell to you

July 7 2008 Monday

This day, Bree has left on a jet plane headed for Australia to pursue her studies. It was a decision already brought up shortly after I've met her, so it was of no surprise. But despite that, it didn't make her departure any easier. For when she packed her bags to fulfill her goals, along with her she took away a huge part of my life as well. Gone will be the days of hearing her voice nightly, seeing her sweet smiles, and having her warm company.

Still, it's in good light that she left. The pursue of her studies, which will inevitably account for the well-being of her future in the science/medical field, lies in this path. And I'm glad she's following her passion, albeit having to go through the obstacles of spending a long time in a foreign land, away from familiar faces.

She left with me, not only the precious memories but her precious possesions as well:

*lol* These babies can sell for alot of buck! Her return is the only good enough reason that's stopping me from selling them for my guitar/equipment fund! Heh. So, you'd better be back soon, babe!

Happy 30th Birthday

June 3 2008 Tuesday

Sometimes, I'd wonder if my mind will fail me in recalling memories when I get much older...cos even now, my STM (short term memory) syndrome does show up every now and then...

...which aptly prompts me to write entries here in case another 10 years down the road, I can't remember my life's memorable moments *lol*

I don't have alot of birthday celebrations. Heck, I can't even remember when's the last time I've received anything from anyone, for the only thing that was 'special', were the customary 2 hard-boiled eggs my mum prepares for me for my birthday dinner. But that's alright cos I don't really celebrate my birthdays now that I've gotten *ahem* older.

However, this year's different. Having gotten to know Bree, I was 'booked' by her on my birthday way advance, as though she had to fight with anyone for my availability *LOL* Of course, it was such a nice gesture that it'd be hard not to remember.

And so, on the fateful day, we head on down to the Singapore Science Centre in the morning and had our usual Mac breakfast before proceeding to explore the place like 10-year-old kids *lol* It was sure a different and enriching experience visiting Science Centre with Bree who could actually explain things and impress me with the wealth of knowledge she's got since she's a science student :P After which, we headed to Wisma where she got me a really nice Aldo messenger bag since she's been complaining about the old scruffy one I've been using since 10000 years ago. After a whole day of walking and all, hunger set in and we lunched at Sakae Sushi with my favourite Nabe Udon with cheese (haha! can't help but recall how she calls it).

Finally, we headed back to my place to chill out a little and had dinner there (and I shared my birthday egg with her). It was a really enjoyable whole-day affair which had us running around with kids, re-discovering the OmniMax theatre (for me), and just having fun in each other's company.

On another note, my band members remembered my birthday too :P And it was another pleasant surprise to receive a gift and a card from them after jamming a few days later *teary-eyed* These sneaky folks sure know how to spring a surprise on me!

Pics for the day:

A worthy mention: Bree actually made a huge beautiful birthday card for me! Self-claimed handicraft-noob, this silly gal actually hand-made such a wonderful-looking card from bits and pieces of materials she bought...*touched*

Finally, the gifts I've received from my band members and Bree (wah...first time get to showcase them *lol*):

It's amazing how songs can move emotions and have such a great impact on one's mood. I witnessed it for myself earlier this evening as I felt salt water well up in my eyes as I listened to the tracks on my iPod while walking home.

Then I recalled how I felt when I first heard this particular song that my friend wrote and played with his band. It's one of the rare occasions as I could totally connect with it and moved by its lyrics (and melody), despite being someone who sucks at intepreting and understanding chinese lyrics. I wish I could express my innermost feelings and write something like that...

曾经

你的爱是一间空房子
空荡 遗弃 了数十年

那封锁许旧的心扉 你为谁留

缘吹来的男孩在门外
徘徊 期望 了许多夜
你依然还在你房间
凝望比窗户 还要小 的世界
那男孩说

把他 埋在心海里 那 岛 屿
擦去你眼眶外 腐朽的泪痕
但你 早已化为只 信 天 翁
漂泪于往事的茫海中

你的爱是一杯酸咖啡
过期 腐坏 了好多天
那盼望谁来的预位 你为谁留

白开水的男孩在身旁
难以 忘怀 你那股香
你依然还在你位置
凝望比冰块 还要冷 的空椅
那男孩说

把他 埋在心海里 那 岛 屿
擦去你眼眶外 腐朽的泪痕
但你 早已化为只 信 天 翁
漂泪于往事的茫海中

你曾经拍过的景很美 你曾经喝过的水很甜
是否曾经听见他微茫的心声

把他 埋在心海里 那 岛 屿
擦去你眼眶外 腐朽的泪痕
但你 早已化为只 信 天 翁
漂泪于往事的茫海中 流泪于往事的茫海中
停留于往事的茫海中

Written by Sam from Hong Ding Que

I'm like a surgeon...
I have to cut you open so that I can fix you.
I may have caused excruciating pain with my blades and tools,
but without utilizing them, you probably won't get well at all.

I'm like a coach...
I have to put you through torturous trainings to help reach your goals.
I may have screamed, shouted and hurled profanities at you,
but without drilling you with them, you probably won't push beyond your limits.

I'm like a law enforcer...
I have to get rough with some people so that the streets are safe.
I may have to be firm, issue tickets, tackle holigans or even shoot people, but without carrying out my stringent duties, more innocent people will suffer.

Sometimes, some things may not come across as being the best option or course of action, especially when they will cause initial hurt, discomfort, displeasure, or simply being hard to swallow/take. But many times, it is necessary to put yourself through these drastic measures to get the desired/better/necessary end results when all else fails.

The surgeon may not have gone under the knife himself; the coach may not be as physically fit as his trainees or even being a player himself; nor the law enforcer has to break a law himself to know how to execute their jobs properly and with commitment and determination.

Let me be a surgeon, a coach, a law enforcer of your heart.

19th March 2008 (Wednesday): ECP/Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel buffet

Woke up at 6.45am and gave her the morning call at 7am so that she could prepare and meet me at 8.30am for our East Coast adventure. She took a bus down to the station and a new side of her greeted me. She was in a blue denim shorts and wore a light yellow loose top, teasingly revealing her black bikini inside. Top it off with her golden havanas slippers and a cute little flowery accessory on her wrist, she looked perfect for the role.

We took a bus down and luckily, my in-built ‘navigator system?coupled with a bit of prior research on the bus-routes took us down to East Coast without a hitch (all the previous times to ECP were always led by other people =X) The weather looked perfect and first thing we indulged in was breakfast at BK. Took some snapshots of ourselves and the food and it wasn’t long before we stepped out into the light breeze and smelling the salted air of ECP. It’s been some time I last came here, prolly more than a good half-year or so already, so it felt wonderful to be back with someone whose company I’d really enjoy. We hit the breakwater first briefly before scooting to the bicycle rentals. Wanting to get more of the sun as well as for comfort, she slipped out of her yellow top and instantly transformed into a hot bikini-clad babe all ready for action *lol* Suddenly, all the attention from ogling male species everywhere were drawn to her like rust shavings to a powerful magnet! Naturally, it felt good to have her by my side and indeed an honour to be next to a beautiful babe who commanded such a presence.

It was so funny as she was swerving here and there a little when she just started riding…so much that I had to keep an eye out for her for obstacles and ‘bodyguard?her on her right side (causing myself to frequently cut into the opposite lane *lol*) Nonetheless, we covered quite a lot of distance that day! We took a break at the jetty and camwhored even more (I can imagine those fishing folks rolling their eyes after seeing our series of posing and camera snapping). Soon, we were off again to explore more. Took more pictures along the way and it was a matter of time we both got pretty tired from the cycling and agreed to turn around and head back.

The cool breeze became more evident and despite the hint of a storm that’s about to come, it felt really nice having the cold wind scrubbing the heat off our faces and tousling our hair. It didn’t take long before the first of the raindrops hit our faces but we triumphed with full satisfaction upon heading back in time before the rain got heavier. Perhaps as unspoken form of reward, we indulged ourselves with a cheesecake and coffee in the nearby Coffee Bean before hailing a cab to head back to my place.

Back in the familiarity of my home, we waste no time to laze around until we finally succumbed to temptation of the cozy bed to rest our worked-out bodies. We took a nap together only to realize after lying down for a good 45 minutes or so, we couldn’t really sleep (must be the coffee), so we took the opportunity to watch an arty-farty dvd movie, fast-forwarding to parts we’d deem interesting *lol* As if time was on nitro-boost, we figured that we ought to get ready for our buffet dinner at Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel. We took turns to wash up, had a change of clothing and she put on her makeup before heading out again. This time round, she decked into a simple but elegant brown-based dress with tiny floral print and I chose a nice, simple floral necklace to go with her dress. Finished it off with a pair of whitish heels and we were bouncing up on our feet and headed for our destination.

The buffet was pretty good, with a stronger emphasis on western cuisine. Service was top-notch with people ready to serve with a smile (and accent) *lol* We had 4 rounds of fill before I was totally filled to the brim and not able to even stuff a nut down while she was still raring to go! Boy this was the first time I see her eat so much! *lol* Impressive! I think I’ve up a notch in my stomach capacity under her training last night but her ‘interesting?eating gestures prolly backfired a little *lol* We thank her *funny-thing-he-does-with-his-hand* friend (who made this arrangement for us) before sending her home and ending the full day event spent with her.

I had one heck of an enjoyable day and as I said it before and I’ll say this again: Too little time, too many things to do! Thank you for everything!

A picture speaks a thousand words and here's my few thousands worth of words:

Hot babe and cool shades

Funny face

My turn to be funny

A distasteful shot of me *lol*

A tasteful shot of her

Creativity at its best okay!

Camwhoring on the way to Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel

More Camwhoring...

Only shot taken during the buffet. The 'Madam' forbade me to snap pics of her.

by Belle & Sebastian

Oh, get me away from here, I'm dying
Play me a song to set me free
Nobody writes them like they used to
So it may as well be me
Here on my own now after hours
Here on my own now on a bus
Think of it this way
You could either be successful or be us
With our winning smiles, and us
With our catchy tunes, and us
Now we're photogenic
You know, we don't stand a chance

Oh, that wasn't what I meant to say at all
From where I'm sitting, rain
Washing against the lonely tenement
Has set my mind to wander
Into the windows of my lovers
They never know unless I write
"This is no declaration, I just thought I'd let you know goodbye"
Said the hero in the story
"It is mightier than swords
I could kill you, sure
But I could only make you cry with these words"

This song describes exactly how I'm feeling at the moment...go see this link for interpretations of this song. Here are the ones that struck close my heart:

"It's about a person who naively does his best whenever he can. He's innocent and he means well, and he's dying because of it. He knows he doesn't stand a chance, but he still tries, because if there's any genuine sentiment left in the world, the underdog will somehow succeed in the end.

As for the end of the song... I don't think the singer commits suicide so much as he just comes to the conclusion he's not really made for this world. Suicide -- his "goodbye" -- would be the ultimate revenge, making the world "cry" for him, but the singer decides to make "no declaration" and just accepts that he doesn't necessarily fit in with the jaded, realistic world."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If, if you choose that we will always lose
Well then I'll sail this ship alone
And if, if you decide to give him another try
Well then I'll sail this ship alone
Well they said if I wrote the perfect love song
You would take me back
Well I wrote it but I lost it
And now will you take me back anyway

Well they said if I burnt myself alive
That you'd come running back

by The Beautiful South

Rain has started to fall again for the past few days but it's kind enough to stop for my jogging during the evenings. I'm working on running three times a week and currently it's going as planned :)
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I caught a documentary on exorcism last night on Discovery (funny how I blogged about it before too). The host went to a few places where significant exorcisms took place and interviewed some priests, doctors and historians, etc. After the usual re-enactment, voice recordings, ancient scrolls-reading, etc, what struck me most was the notion of the devil being in everyone of us. It could start off as a harmless mischievous thought...then perhaps you start to take pleasure in things like being selfish, greedy, lazy, etc (seven sins?)...soon the voice inside you tells you to do certain things, and later on when you realised it, it may be too late and you're losing control of yourself. You get smaller and smaller...you're losing your own voice...and slowly it takes over your body, heart and finally your soul. Devil at work? Or just human's weakness and bad habits? You decide.
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Just when I thought I couldn't rely on music to get me through rough patches, I listened to LGF's recordings from the last jamming, albeit still a little unrehearsed and quirky sound balance, they bring a smile to my face and make me looking forward to the next session. Music has been...and still is one of the best motivation to me.

Finally, looking back at my last entry now, it's a little embaressing cos I made it sound like 世界末日 (judgement day) when it's just part and parcel of life and going through changes. But then again, those expressed words did reflect what I felt during that time and it was necessary that it gets channeled out and addressed, before I could move on :P

Okie, next up...LGF photoshoot! Followed by the dreaded reservist in 3 weeks' time...and a gig straight after it! And more things to look foward to :)