Riot!

Self texts: Questions at a club/ Writing to yourself

2011-01-31T23:56:00.001+08:00

What kind of university student will I be?
Will I party hardy?
Will I be able to pull away and be sincere to myself?
And what will be the friends I keep?
What kind of a person will I evolve into?
Questions in a club. Hurhur.

+++

Something I've learnt from you.
Writing to yourself is very therapeutic!
It puts thoughts out into words for you to reread and think about.
Good for my mind. Good for my soul.

Love/Liking your Job

2010-05-21T06:24:00.001+08:00

This week I'm involved in the CSSCOM COC parade, so Toxin, Sam Poh, Thomas and I are all involved in the parade. While having dinner this evening, we started talking about "don't make your interest your job, or you will no longer like it"

There are 2 cases, making your interest your job and making your passion your job, there is a stark difference, but very hard to diffrentiate between the two.

you might have a real interest in a field, be it engineering or teaching or even art, but the problem with pursuing this interest as your bread bowl results in 2 problems.

1) Money. When you depend on your interest for your ricebowl, you end up sacrificing your interest to satisfy your hunger.

2) the corporate ladder looks very similar as you get closer to the top. At the base level, an engineer's job is starkly different from a fireman or from an accountant. however look at the next level, they all have a boss/supervisor that has to manage them and instruct them what to do. Similarly when you look onto the next level, their bosses needs to manage them, they still may have some ground experience, but it decreases in frequency as their appointment goes up. Very rarely do you see the manager of a franchise cook up a tidy meal for his customers. Also, at the top, they seem to do pretty much the same thing. CEOs' job scopes do not really differ that much.

I beleive this leads to much frustration to individuals. They end up asking themselves "is this really what I signed up for?" as they realise that they have been quite far removed from thier initial interest. Getting caught up with office politicking (and yes this is inevitable) it is easy to lose sight of what you wanted to do in the first place.

The only exception to this is if your interest is in politics, then if you went into that field, you would be perfectly fine ;)

There is a difference if your interest is more than just a liking of a field, if you LOVE, your job, it may evolve into your passion.

Then your motivations change as well. It is not merely a case of wanting to do what you like, instead you want to make a difference, which is quite the perspective change.

I beleive that if you have a real love and passion to change something, then you should very well make it your job. Take for example a toy designer. Having an interest for toys is not enough, because there is a lot of team work to come up with a design, presenting to bosses kills they joy you might have had conceptualising it, you might end up miserable, or worse, Furby is back on toy shelves everywhere. On the other hand, if your love for toys is such that you want to change how toys are received or maybe how toys are played, then you would fight tooth and nail for the toys you have pitched, and this sort of passion is very difficult to go unnoticed.

No one said it will be a walk in the park, and getting to that point where you have finally been the change you want to see, is a freaking uphill battle, but achievement was only possible with all the effort put in.

I hope I'm able to be like the latter, and shake the industry I work in :) I aim to combine my interest and job together!

Adventures and Misadventures

2010-05-07T20:36:00.004+08:00

I'm starting to make my 'out-of-camp-once-a-week' into a habitual thing... don't know if that's good or not.

In any case, i'm out on a Friday! dental appointment this morning and leave in the afternoon. So let's start with my...

++Adventure++

I seem to like to post about my adventures only. oh well!

the long weekend of Labour Day, i managed to join SMUX group on their little trip to malaysia! (thanks Varun) It was an absolute blast! but i'll let the pictures on facebook speak for themselves!

Jasmine's
Agnes's
Mine

just a short photo trip!

so we started at Beach road, and took a long bus ride up to Genting. Reached at 5 am, so killed time at Starbucks (really? of all places >.<) before starting Activity #1!

WIND TUNNELLING

well, they might have spelled my name wrong ("Jonathan Weng", sheesh) but quite the experience nonetheless. the funniest is coming out of the first round drooling all over, because its so dry with all that wind!

Then our chartered bus ($1500 for 2 days, what an interesting way to travel!!!) brought us down to KL for... Activity #2! PAINTBALL

seriously seriously epic games! after talking about it for so long, i finally get my chance to dabble in our paint warfare, and it was a blast running around like a mad man, and going crazy trying to steal the flag for our team!

Pooped i was at the end of the first day, but still, got dragged out to Sugei Wang then Jalan Alor for dinner, but absolutely no regrets at all, just look at part of our dinner feast!

man, that Shiwen can really order! she seemed to know all the best things to get, and she had this voracious appetite that none of us could match!

After a sumptuous dinner, off to bed to recharge for the next day's activities.

We must have a proper breakfast before setting off, and i was lucky enough to be bunked with other guys who shared my enthusiasm! so Dim Sum breakfast at Chinatown (just a short walk from our hotel) YUM!

slept in the bus again on our journey to Malacca for Activity #3

ALL TERRAIN VEHICLE (ATV)

we were a little dissapointed when we saw a small little track at the ATV place, but we were not expecting our ATV route to be totally different, and went into the forests and went onto high hills, just awesome, fun as hell, and totally thrilling!

and to round it all off, we ended in Johore with Activity #4

GO-KARTING

I love the go-kart track. its also super out-of-place! its like in the middle of nowhere. in the bus it was like plantation-plantation-plantation-GO KART TRACK?!?! yes, because it was in the middle of nowhere, it was a BIG and WIDE area, with an excellent area to go insane on our go-kart. 10 mins sounded a little short, but it was about right. maybe a little longer and we could have raced a bit, but 10 mins was enough to adjust to the track. and it would be fun to go back with more friends next time!

Ah, i love these little malaysia trips. but too bad they cost so much, if not i would go everyweek if i could. but i like the possibilities of it. i'm gaining more knowledge and experience as i go along, and hopefully i'll be able to organise such a trip in the future too! and maybe be a bit more adventurous in where we go!

Thanks to everyone on the SMUX team! for making it so memorable!

++Mis-adventure++

The plan was to go from my dental appointment at SAFTI MI to Serangoon Gardens to meet Uncle Sebastian, Grandparents came to pick me up. i think there was a hint of lethargy due to the weather, but whether the weather made a difference or not i'm not sure.

So we were off the PIE and onto the CTE. there was this little stretch where there were some road works to the side, and i was going to exit at Bradell Exit. there seemed to be a slight narrow in the road (which i did not realise at all) and i felt the car strike something, then following by a grinding sound.

At this point i'm thinking the paint job on the side of the car is totally gone, so we stop to check the car. And Grandpa points out to me that the front left tyre is completely gone, leaving just the rim. i'm totally feeling guilty at this point but all energy was redirected to changing the tyre and getting our car out of the place.

After struggling damn long with the wheel (its FREAKING hard to change the damn thing >.<) we were still unable to get the spare tyre on, and found that it isn't just a problem with the wheel, but the wheel "tendon", the turning piston of sorts, has snapped, so we can't drive even if we could get the wheel in (the metal around the wheel bent too, so can't get the wheel in)

I don't know if its because i was tired from changing the tyre, or maybe i was a little shook up, but giddy spell hit, and a little short of oxygen at that point. thank goodness that the highway rescue team came, towed our car to Toa Payoh, letting us settle down, get some lunch and get someone to come tow our car to get fixed.

I'm utterly utterly blessed and grateful that no one got hurt, and tough i wish i didn't get into an accident in the first place, but glad that since it happened, there was a lot to learn from it, and the price paid was minimal.

++ My Take++
this month (thus far) i've had my fair share of (mis)adventures, but i guess this is what makes life interesting! i'd rather have all these than mundane routines anyday.

I've got a lot to be thankful for! now to move forward and continue this spirit!

Mobile Mariachi

2010-04-10T20:53:00.003+08:00

After telling people around me so much about my Malaysia trip, I guess a blog post is in order! Haha, will find a way to put up the pictures too!

while most of the others might title this "LSC Lg. Sg. Chin" or "Horse! Horse! Horse!" I remember my trip more for the on the road singing and random public performances which were totally awesome!

It all started one Sunday while at Canoe Polo, I happen to mention to Nor, I want to be going out and doing more things, then she calls me on a trip to go Whitewater Rafing in Perak, Malaysia with a group of her friends. And thanks to a spontaneous spirit and supportive parents, I'm at Lavender Rd on Good Friday morning with 8.5 strangers (Nor is a half-stranger) about to go on a 2 night trip to Malaysia.

The whole of the first day was travelling. A coach from Lavender Rd to Second Link and into KL. Competing with the insane crowd going for Sepang F1. Then into KL, Ezen and Nor go collect the rental cars, and the evening was spent navigating to Tg. Malim.

We warmed up a little on the bus, a little more in the car. But the breakthrough moment was sitting in our little homestay, singing our hearts out with such classics as With Or Without You, I'm Yours, or my personal favourite, the 4 chord song :D

Still, all off to bed by midnight, cuz we had a packed day ahead!

7 am is not so hard to wake up at when you get up for camp at 6 every morning. Out the door by 8, and breakfast at the same place we had dinner. The Chanai was Shiok! Lift and fluffy, Malaysian goodness :P why doesn't Singapore do it the same?

Then finally, the main event! Whitewater Rafting! A bit of a drive down to the place, we reach, and kill time waiting for our Rover by taking silly pictures and making lots of noise!

The Rover ride was absolute pandemonium! Squeezing at all angles to fit into the photos taken. Haha, best was seeing Nor dangling out on a limb to get more room to take the picture!

then of course, the Horse! Horse! Horse! I think the video says it all:

Whitewater rafting was excellent, but I think my raft had a weight issue, all the M, L and XL happened to be on the same boat, so probably not as much tumble and tussle as it could have been.

When we reached the half-way point, taking a break and having a snack, I realized that the seat of my pants was a little more drafty than usual.

Eh, what you gonna do? Once again wearing boxers have saved the day, by protecting my modesty! :D

Waiting for us back at the 'base camp' was a sumptuous lunch, included with the whitewater package. By this time it was nearing 3, so we had our fill, and made our way towards the Felda Hot Springs too relax our muscles and chill for the day!

Water makes people playful, and I got a chance to reminisce on our cheerleading outings in our TJ days.

I'm still not a big fan of hot springs, mainly because I sweat ever so profusely even while in the hot spring and also, I don't really get the "relaxation" feeling after doing all that, haha, but that's just me.

Fulfilling lah my day in Malaysia, and had so much fun with these crazy people, didn't really want to go back the next day. Little would I know leaving the next day wouldn't be as easy as I we would like to either!

So we try to squeeze in one more little activity before we return home, and end up at a little SEA-s largest indoor rockwall place called Camp 5 @ One Utama. now I haven't done climbing in years, and being the fat kid always afraid of being a burden to someone, now I finally get a chance to try it once again. I did! And it was crazy fun! No doubt, I'm still terrible, but at least now I can climb! I've got more strength, less weight, and more confidence! It was such an accomplished feeling to finish just that first wall. It even warranted a second outing to Climb Asia @ the Civil Servants Club on Friday night!

But due to our rock wall adventure, we ended up missing the 4 pm bus back to singapore. Yet we were unfazed. No 4pm bus? We'll just take the midnight one then!

So we go on to deposit our belongings at one of those safe keep for luggage places, and check that they are open till 11pm. We then head off with Khim's friend, Tareh, as our guide, to let us go gallivanting in Kuala Lumpur. Our morning/afternoons are usually quite strenuous and by nightfall, we are tuckered out, and find lots of relax and chill activities. This day was no exception! As we sat around talking to Tareh and chillin'

What better way to end it all off, than with a massage to work the kinks out our legs and bodies. The full body massage doesn't work for me the same way the hot spring doesn't either. So opted for the leg massage with 10mins on the shoulders and back.

I simply love these people I travelled with, because while waiting for the rest to finish their massages, we break into song, and hold our little concert in the massage parlour!

Now is as good a time as any to let you know that I was the youngest there. My bday is in December so I'm still considered 19. The next youngest would be 25, the bulk of them at 27. The oldest was good ol' Mike, at 32. But there you go! These people were much older than me, but I had awesome fun with them, hardly thinking about our age gap at all! I was super lucky to be on this trip!

Anyway after the massage, we manage a quick dinner, then we rush back at 10:45 to collect our luggage. And Lo and behold, the stupid shop has closed for the day, leaving our group of 10 and one other stranger, mighty pissed off. Thank goodness I had my passport with me. Nor, Mike and Lock weren't as lucky. So the 3 of them extended a night of stay while the 7 of us went back first. The rest of our luggage will follow the 3 of them back the next day.

Left KL at midnight. Stopped for a break at 2 am. Then the Second Link at 4 to 4:30. Home by 5:30. Bathe change and off to camp I go. Just died the whole day in camp. And pretty much pooped the whole week, but definitely an experience I wouldn't want to ever trade up :)

to the gang of Lg. Sg. Chinnoh, much love, and thanks for letting me be a part of it!

for all the photos, check out:
Pearlyn's (Mike's Cam) photos
Lock's Photos

The Lg. Sg. Chinnoh Trailer:

Brick By Boring Brick

2010-03-14T19:56:00.002+08:00

I have added a new member to the small list of Celebrity Crushes!

Let's see who is currently in the bag:
+ Janet Hsieh - violinist, model, TRAVELLER
+ Kate Miccuci - awesomely cute Singer!

and the new addition to the team!

Ba da pap, pa da pa pa da
Ba da pap pap, pa da pa pum...

HAYLEY NICHOLE WILLAIMS!

Hell yeah! lead singer of PARAMORE

speaking of raising in status, Paramore has joined my list of all time favourite band/group/artists, with the likes of Fall Out Boy, and John Mayer!

Hello all! Been trying to keep up with my emails, whole bunch to reply, haha, but its so much better cuz i can take my time, and can keep the emails for long periods of time, just hope they aren't decaying in my inbox. but no worry, they are all safely Starred away, for easy reference, and hopefully prompt replying.

depending on what time you read this, i may or may not have finished changing my blog layout, will get right to it after this!

Paramore is coming at a great time when i'm totally filled with raw restless energy. really wanna get out there and take the world by storm. haha, i love "Riot!"s explanation "a sudden outburst of uncontrolled emotion" nice!

Let's recap the week!
Monday - Gym with Jeremy, finally a chance to talk to him! but sadly, the gym wasn't as well equipped as hoped, will have to get back to SRC soon...
Tuesday- Japanese Lesson 2, its starting to get interesting, but since its only once a week, i'm getting a little impatient.
Wednesday - IPSC ended on Tuesday, so this would be my first day back in camp in a while. woo~ what a truckload of things to deal with. so just went home and rested for the night instead of usual wednesday night soccer.
Thursday - i'm truly lucky to have friends that respond to my sudden whims of movie watching, thanks Theo! great company to watch with :)
Friday - another day of rest!

The weekend was an interesting one, leaving me with a few things to think about.

Here was the plan -
Saturday
Morn - NUS Open House
Afternoon - Patapon Mission
Night - Help mum with Make-A-Wish Flag day money counting stuff

Sunday
Morn - NTU Open House
Afternoon - Canoe Polo
Night - rest

Saturday i went for the NUS Open house, to figure out that NTU Open house is only 1 day, so i missed my chance to go. but i guess its okay, since i was there mainly for the people, got a chance to talk to Jane Nad and Sian, and Wendy later on. they really are making me consider BlueBlood, just because, haha. Then got the time for the flashmob wrong by an hour... an hour late... oh well, so straight to Make-A-Wish Flag Day money counting, and helped out there, got to know a few new friends! So it was all good!

Lazy sunday morning with alot of FlashForward watching. Then down to town to meet Varun and Fidot to shop for Var's Comms Ball, and found that Fidot is interested in Scuba Diving in Malaysia too! looks like the May plans may actually materialise!

I found myself starting some conversations, but my eyes couldn't help but stray away and look at faces of strangers walking by. I'm not sure why, but it seems like something i have been doing alot of recently. Almost like i am looking for someone, but who? hmm...

stupid Jon Chan, "I need a chick"-rubbish.

What am i doing man, why do i feel so restless despite doing things that i want to do. i'm not unhappy, just unsatisfied.

I wish my Paramore Passion came earlier!!! dammit, Paramore just came AND LEFT SINGAPORE! don't know when they will ever come back again :'( but i shall pacify myself with their new album Brand New Eyes, if my budget allows for it.

Upcoming for March!
Makan Drama
Kayaking Expedition
KR Hall Production

I hope i've got some direction and not just flailing around >.< sigh

Little Men, Big Generals

2010-03-05T00:01:00.000+08:00

Bus trips home are a great time to get my blogging done, especially when the night is still fray in my mind.

Tonight was Dinner and adventure with Bernice! Dinner was some guidance from hungrygowhere.com, but a little side-tracked to a nice little Thai place at Sunshine Plaza.

It was a nice dinner, but a little hard to eat with this great big swollen lump on my lip >.< went to play soccer with the camp guys yesterday (always fun as always) but a little uncontrolled runnig, sudden stopping and face planting into a concrete wall, left me with a cut on my lip, a forth finger on my right hand unable to close, toe pain and back pain. Still... Totally worth it, lol.

Anyway, surprisingly filling dinner for a reasonable price, but had to save space for Rochore Tau Huay! Just had it with the ORD personnel on monday, but I was thrusting for a second round, so thought'd i'd bring Ber there too, and explore the general Dhoby Ghaut area in the meantime :)

But that was part of the killing time before going to check out Jackie Chan's latest movie (that doesn't suck, I'm looking at you 'Spy Next Door') Little Big Soldier.

1) I love Jackie Chan movies :) the fighting is always creative and hilarious
2) I love Olden China type films, so grand and usually uses history to bring out meaning and emotion
3) I enjoyed the movie thoroughly, and was glad to share it with Ber :D

What a fun night! It usually is with the 2 of us, let's expand our 'Adventure Gang'! Next up: may travelling plans!

Such a small Island

2010-02-28T22:27:00.001+08:00

Have I ever said what a small island Singapore is? I'm sure I have, but man! Did I feel it tonight! What a night! WHAT A GREAT DAY!

My legs are totally cui now, and slowly turning to jelly, but totally worth it!

Let's start with the evening. Do you know "What Happened in the Island?" haha, through the wonders of Facebook, I came to know about Shaowei's Hall Production, and since I haven't seen the guy for so long, and itching to play watch again, gave it a chance.

With the mindset that it is a hall production (hence not taking it too seriously) it was really enjoyable, despite the cringing and the guffaws, some parts had potential for alot, so I may have filled in some gaps on my own :)

It really made me itch to be in a production again! The people, the atmosphere, and the possibilities of entertaining a full crowd! I dream a day of my directorial debut!

Now to the Small Country
Shaowei - knew him when I was in TA1, Drama Nick's friend which I got to know
Jiawen - Shaowei's sister (I can't even remember when I found out, but I know it wasn't early) and my TA junior!
Chengfeng - Jiawen and Shaowei's cousin, also a TA junior
Chengyi - Director of RnGad and elder brother to Chengfeng (and hence cousin of the first two)

Now that the family tree is out of the way...

Crap, I seriously can't remember his name - he's a dog handler at my camp, just had duty together not too long ago.
Natalia Tan - or better known in primary school as NAH-TAH-LIA! heh, now girlfriend to that guy from camp. Man! So long since I've seen her, hehe, but the "you look so different now" was awesome :D

Totally worthwhile coming for tonight musical :)

That's not all that made today awesome! Spent the whole morning with Zenia at ECP! Met her at 10ish and walked to check out the Swaveboard, at $2 an hour and $4 for 3 hours, it's damn worth it. But an hour was all we needed, it's tiring stuff trying to balance and 'swave' haha, but very proud of myself that I managed to learn it all in that hour :)

Then after a little recuperation, we attempted the Trikke, this funny looking third-kick scooter third-bike third-elliptical machine contraption, that though not very fast, was very interesting to maneuver.

So you can imagine after a whole day of such awesome noveu modes of transport, how jelly like my legs are now. But TOTALLY worth it :D

If only all Sundays could be as awesome!

Soon Kueh

2010-02-24T23:36:00.002+08:00

Hello! i'm sure a post is long overdue, but i've just been so addicted to my iPod! so many videos to watch so little time, hur hur.

I will try to say something soon, but i also want to change my blogskin! maybe this weekend. can think of what to blog about on my iPod too, haha.

Soon young Padawan, soon...

Glee

2010-01-30T14:58:00.002+08:00

Hello Everybody!

I'm totally suffering from Glee-withdrawal symptoms at the moment. Just finished watching the episodes available for Season 1, and now i can't wait for April to roll on by, and for the next 9 eps to come out! Meanwhile, to fill this gaping hole, i'll have to turn to 2 things. 1) HIMYM and Pushing Daisies Eps, 2) the end of my groundature, and FREEDOM to go meet friends once again! ... if they will meet me :(

I realised that i have been seriously over eating for the past few days. i'll still do my gym and swim occasionally, but i'm eating a lot more too... that's not a good thing. must find away to distract myself, and focus on the weight loss!!!

January will be over by monday. wow. Feb will bring Ex Odyssey, Chinese New Year (+ CNY eve duty >.<) and should roll along quite fast too. I dunno why i feel so tired >.<

I had a good Project in camp recently. it really made me feel accomplished, and like i'm stepping up to fill the role as a senior in Ops Section. It was tiring as heck, but it felt rewarding when everything was finished. though i also know there's alot of follow up actions with the conclusion of the project, but work that i'm willing to do, and will make this year be more meaningful.

January felt like it slipped through my fingers. i wasn't really in control. i feel in control when i do things, when i initiate and finish things on my own. Janaury felt routine, like i've just continued to do what i usually do... hmmm... i don't really like that. maybe i'm just too restless.

By the way... I've passed my Driving Test! 10 Demerits only, and no immediate failures! so my license (the card) will come in a month, but i'm allowed to drive already! allowed in the sense of the Law, but not allowed in the sense of my parents >.< I know they are being concerned parents, and worry about my safety, but the initial feeling is still crappy, that they would like to instill such strict conditions for my first year of driving. hopefully i can show them that i'm a good driver, and impress them enough to let me drive on my own and subsequently with friends.

Nua-ness is returning... not a nice feeling

SYAK IS BACK. have i mentioned that already? hmm... still she's been back for about 1+ weeks now? still haven't met her. gotta plan something!!! miss her so bad. wish i had more time... but wait! i've got a day of Off from the Project! yes... maybe i'll use that soon :D then try to sneak in a bit more off with duties and such... yes yes!

okay, while i'm still on a high on planning what to do. let's try to meet Varun this evening!

GLEE
Fave songs at the moment:
No Air
Somebody to Love
My Life Would Suck Without You
Take a Bow

Square Brackets

2010-01-24T22:19:00.002+08:00

Its the 24th of January.

wow really? already! woohoo, Jan is almost over, which means my grounding will soon be grounded! yes!

Though i must admit, it really gave me time to spend focusing on myself, and figuring out what 2010 is gonna be for me. [and watching ALOT of HIMYM LegendARY! (its so awesome when you know other people who watch it too!)] <- see how i had to use both regular and square brackets! this is not good, i need to learn to start using commas and using less brackets >.<

anyway. Sergeant pay countdown: 17 days.... oooh, i can smell it now. but most of this has already been spent, with Japanese Language Class costing me a hefty $300, and i think if i start dance in feb, that's another $100 gone. not to mention the Music i have been buying. and clothes i intend to get. oh god, i've turned into a big spender >.< may He have mercy on my wallet/bank account.

still, i've gotta think about what else i want to do. Feb, sounds like a busy month, with 2 weeks i believe will be stay in. (Ex Odyssey) it couldn't have come at a worse time, since SYAK IS BACK!!! just want to meet up with her as soon as possible! can't wait for that!

Oh yes... Swaveboard, i owe someone an appointment! haha.

hoping that my obsession with American TV will pass with January (though i will still be tuning in on my iPod) dammit, commas! it will have to at least dial down, so that i can go out more and go experience the world beyond my 3.5 inch screen.

I've been neglecting my phone, and my email. hmm...

BUT FIRST! i've gotta get my driving done!!! erk, i hope i pass >.<

I've learnt that i've got to give things, people and myself, time and space to breathe. So to a better February, i anticipate!

January

2010-01-16T23:23:00.002+08:00

Hi.

January has all been about driving lessons

and swimming/gym

and GATO

and staying at home (i don't count the 1st week, that is New Year Celebration, not really January)

and watching Shows

and learning to focus,

and knowing i'm not quite there on the focusing bit.

ahh January.

Legend... wait for it... ary

2010-01-10T19:45:00.003+08:00

Just spent my entire (grounded) weekend watching HIMYM Season 2. and it was Legend... - wait for it - ... ary! haha. dammit, makes me wish i stayed in the east with Kenneth and Eugene, then could have joined them all those times for HIMYM Marathons. but WOW, the show is great.

Its gonna be my new FRIENDS :D

Hand Doodling and simpler times

2010-01-06T21:07:00.001+08:00

Today while sitting in camp feeling bored, I pulled out my black marker pen and started doodling on my backhand. A nice little doodle I might add! Very tribal, will post it on my blog if I bother later, heh.

It reminded me of a time in TJ, when me and Varun (Varun and I!)were playing around with our markers and pens and did simple 2-hand combo doodles.

2-hand Combo Doodles

2 simple pictures, one drawn on each back hand, that when revealed would pair each other in theme.

For e.g.

Hand #1: red and orange striped umbrella
Hand #2: raincloud

Hand #1: Green Chocmint icecream (with cone!)
Hand #2: puddle of green with chocolate bits

You get the idea.

It was so simple but yet so pretty :)

Life was so much simpler in school. Lots of free time to kill and lots of friends surrounding you to kill time with. So many times humming around the canteen, or in the classroom and filming riduculous videos, ah, good times, goood times :)

Then I thought about this isn't the only thing that has changed. When I used to see everyone in school (and because I know all of us stay late in school) we wouldn't need to "meet up" and a simple telephone call would suffice.

Oh how we loved to talk! Talk straight into the night, until our ears got hot from being on the ear peice for so long, and our throats slowly getting drier.

And some how we slowly traded them for meet up sessions, which are great too, but it takes too much planning and effort for each instance, such that we don't catch up on regular days any more.

With a whirlwind which was 2009 I'm ready to try and slowly take at the reins of my life again and get off my lazy ass to do what needs to be done to stay in touch.

One of my new year resolutions: to learn how to use the phone again :) keeping in touch is more than grand events and outings, I've got to keep things simple!

One liners

2010-01-04T21:14:00.003+08:00

I've got a truckload of emails i want to reply... but i'm lazy. like too tired to think of a nice reply lazy. bleargh.

I like watchin 1 Litre of Tears on my iPod!

Wednesday is cooking/baking/catching up day.

I would like someone to talk to, like sit down and talk for loong times.

TA Batch Gathering was gorgeous :) i'm jealous! wanna do something cool like that too!

I went for Canoe Polo again! good times, good times.

but tired, lah.

I'm grounded for the month of January :( sort of.

I met Stephanie Sim at City Hall today! Talk about COINCINDENCE (oh, and another person to email!)

Its 2010! what am i going to do thsi year? o.O

playlist: Navy (BlackBlue)

2010-01-01T21:41:00.002+08:00

Top 3 songs i'm listening to now:

Warwick Avenue - Duffy
Dreaming with a Broken Heart - John Mayer
Clockwatching - Jason Mraz

such nice songs. very lull-y haha, songs to help me unwind. i should really get down to doing my ipod playlists, but for now i shall be content with my shuffle function.

Happy 2010. i want everyone i know to be part of my new year's resolution. i haven't quite firmed up what it is yet, but i know it involves you :)

The iRony of the iPod

2009-12-29T23:01:00.000+08:00

I'm on the train with my earphones plugged in typing on my iPod. My new favourite acronym: ASD ; Anti-Social Device.

And I'm not the only one. At least 40% of the people on the train are either plugged into a music player of sorts, or thumbs twiddling away at joysticks or keypads playing their portable console.

This iPod is awesome but it has increased my douchebaggery level by umpteen times.

Aside: an old grandma totally flipped open her techno ringtone phone and show her tech savvy street cred. Word to your grandma.

The iPod is a frikkin portable ultra computer. But it is the no. 1 killer of your social skills and your ability to think in peace.

I want to upload all my movies before my Wednesday duty! Woo!!!

I've got to relearn all my social skills again. It's like relearning to walk with a prosthetic leg. I used to spend boring train journeys thinking and maybe pulling out my phone to give surprise messages to people I haven't talked to in a while. Now I'm playing some bubble game or some other weird app. MY SOCIAL SKILLS ARE DOWN THE TOILET!

Haha, but it will be easier to blog nowadays. Can type what I'm thinking on the go.

Look outside your window once in a while. When you are on a train or at home. The world is beautiful :D so get your head out of the console for a while man...

Learn:
When to use and not to use my iPod

Letters from Macau

2009-12-24T17:50:00.001+08:00

Well i guess it is a good thing that i only fell ill after i came back from Macau/China, but then again, i only got a stomach ache after having lunch, so maybe it wasn't china, maybe it was SFI FOOD THAT POISONED ME!!!

in any case, i was too lazy to do any journal entries in the China bits (Zhu Hai and Guang Zhou) but i was writing an email to one of my friends, and it pretty much summed up my Macau trip!

+++

Hi ______,

would have emailed you sooner, but who would have known you'd have to spend so much to get a decent Internet connection in this place >.<

actually had Internet in zhu hai, but wasted all that online doing useless stuff like blog surfing and what not. Haha. Anyway, Macau hasn't been to bad, though it is pretty much a tourist trap, things are either all branded and expensive or have a crazy range of prices, makes souvenir getting very difficult!

+++ end of day one +++

typing this in my iPod before I email this (just playing with my iPod, whee!) anyway, Day 2. It's been a decent day, went to check out the ruins, which had too many people, I prefer places where people don't know about, feels more special that way.

Portuguese egg tarts done properly are GORGEOUS! if they were not so expensive I'd buy a whole box and just sit in my world enjoying them :D

But other than some of the gardens and old ruin sightseeing, spent a good part of the day just enoying the room at the Sofitel, or Ponte 16.

today was COLD (not freezing, but not just chilly either) I like :) perfect scene for Macau, cold night sitting in Senado Square, oooh...nice...

+++end of day 2+++

BRRR! it's getting mighty cold here! Heh, but I love it! I probably wouldn't if I had to live like this for months and months but for this short period it is awesome :)

because it was so cold, when we went to Hac Sa beach this morning; it was roo cold to really enjoy the place... Though, it was not cold enough to stop me from having an ice cream. Lol.

our mornings in Macau are usually activity packed but by lunch. (late lunch, usually @ 2 or 3 pm) we are usually quite pooped, haha, and slowly find our way back to hotel.

however, today i decided to hit the casino with my parents, to see what all the fuss is about. My parents are quite into the slot machines, something about the flashing lights and the small wins must excite them. I found that I would rather play the tables (not that i did, don't have the capital at the moment) better odds and presumably more skill involved, heh.

I only found Jackpot Street on the last night :( Jackpot Street is what i call the street or streets with awesome foodie places and little dinnig areas lining the street. Worse part of it was that I wasn't going to have dinner there, was just getting some additional bites to accompany cup noodles at the hotel :(

Well this concludes my last night in Macau, tomorrow I'm heading to Guang Zhou, hopefully I can do some last minute Christmas shopping!

Oh! And I hope you don't mind if I put this on my blog. Typing the email each night has been a good way of recounting my holiday in Macau :)

Take care!

As sweet (but hopefully not as flaky) as a portugese egg tart, much love from
Jonathan

The Red-and-Black theory of gambling

2009-12-24T16:42:00.001+08:00

The Red-and-Black theory of gambling

I like to watch people at the casino and see how they play and strategize what they bet on. I particularly like the tables, where games such as Baccarat, Roulette, Blackjack and Big-Small are played.

One day I want to come to a casino with my friends (a la 'The Hangover'-style) and put my Red-and-Black Theory to the test.

First, find a table that plays games with a 2 to 1 returns. In other words, I play $5 worth of chips, if I win I get $10 ($5 won) usually such odds are indication that the chance of winning are close to 50% hence the returns are relatively small.

The perfect example of this theory (in fact this is where the theory was derived from) is Roulette. It starts like this:

Have a set amount of capital you want to play with (I.e. $100)
Start with $5 on a colour (letsay Black)
if you win, collect your $10, and play $5 again
If you lose, put in $10 on your next bet
If you lose again put in $20 on your next bet
If you lose... $40...
If you lose... $80...
And so on...
If at any point you win instead of losing, go back to $5 and start the cycle over.

Here's the thing, the whole point to this theory of gambling, is to minimise losses. Why do people usually not play this way? Because it is boring as hell, and for each time you win, no matter what you bet for that round (assuming it's $80 because you lost 4 times) you only earn a net win of $5. And so you slowly creep your way up.

But I guess you could tweak this theory if you have a higher capital. If you have more to start with, and are able to keep betting up to save your ass if you lose , then this COULD (not WILL) minimise your losses.

It works for games like Blackjack too, where the focus is no longer on the hand you have each round, but on the wins and losses of each round.

Requirements:
a game where the rate of returns is exactly 1 to 1
a decided sum of capital
a lot of patience

I want to try this out one day, any takers?

Thanksgiven

2009-12-06T11:09:00.004+08:00

TURKEY! what is more awesome than having Turkey in December :D

Organised a Birthday Dinner on Saturday for the TJ people, small group, the closer ones. and it was BEAUTIFUL. haha, don't pretty pretty and emo like i had imagined in my head, but awesome like the way we are/were/will be as friends :)

The night before (friday night) went for some BBQ Buffet thing, so had packed on the Beef and the meat like crazy, so woke up Saturday morning knowing i MUST get some exercise or else i sure go back to me phat ways >.<>.<)

Around 1+ we went down to play tennis, and it was awesome fun as always. and then about 3, Eugene Came, haha, he came.

Tennis between Gene and Kenny!

came up to get surprised by.... MARCUS.

heh, the gang was getting here!

Just chilled the afternoon away. at 5.30++ we were still dancing around with no pants, to eugene's IPOD and my speakers, Chinese Songs are awesome when your chinese sucks, haha.

7ish, the girls arrive = pants-on time = time to SUIT UP

This would be a good time to tell you everyone who came.

In order of Appearance:
Kenneth
Eugene
Marcus
Hui Min
Nadiah
Jia Yun
Jane
Gavin
Kerry
Varun
Isaac

Isaac came really late, like 10+ but the rest were here by about 8. so it was dinner time!

I'm real proud of my mom, she never ceases to wow and amaze every time my friends are over. Dinner was gorgeous, with the Lamb Minestrone Soup, the Viet Salad, Mash pumpkin/potato, Broccoli, and who could forget THE TURKEY :D quite surprised that we managed to wipe off the whole turkey, haha, too bad it didn't sit on the table as we watch it disappear.

It felt so right. just talking and eating, laughing, stories. it was picturesque :)

And Great cake, White Choc Macadamia, only pity is that Best Friend couldn't be there.

And as it seems to have become a tradition of sorts, the guys stayed over, haha, but this time not so crazy, no staying up till 4 am. but till 2 am wasn't bad, haha.

Just sent the guys off in fact (okay sent them off then watched South Park and HIMYM before posting, but close enough) feels good :)

Here's a shout out to people who couldn't make it, but we wish you were here:

Sze Sian
Syak
Dim
Raghav
Wendy
Sarah
Olivia
Sean
Bernice

and a whole bunch of other people i'm sorry i didn't invite. we'll think of something next year :)

To a wonderful birthday, i hope my wishes come true :)

the 3 candles:
wish 1 (the whole wish) - I hope i'm always surrounded by awesome friends (such as last night)
wish 2 (The half wish) - I hope to meet a girl with big-
wish 3 (my private wish) - *cannot say, but i'm pretty sure, if the other wishes come true, this will too :D*

I will put the (few) photos i got on FB soon!
Have a good year people!

Today is the Day

2009-12-03T14:09:00.002+08:00

I'm blogging this in camp, because it will prolly be the only chance i get to do so if i want to blog about today... well today.

Today is my birthday :) yay

Didn't think much about today at all, afterall, just had a nice evening with Ximin catching up, its not like i have been planning for my birthday to come. in fact, this morning, the converstation at home was like this:

Dad: Morning Jon, happy birthday!
Me: Thanks Dad.
Mom: Morning, Happy Birthdday, you are not coming home for dinner right?
Me: Yup, going out to watch a Musical.
Mom: Okay Ati! tonight no one eating dinner at home!

Apparently, my mom and Mat will be at Aunty Jane's for Mat's Tuition. Dad has some function/dinner to attend, and i will be at W!LD RICE's The Beauty and the Beast with Best Friend. So, not much happening today, haha.

but was happily surprised by a whole slew of wishes from people on Facebook, and a whole bunch of sms-es throughout the day :D

Theresa (from Flashmob) totally surprised me by calling (the only one to do so, haha) to wish me, and people i wouldn't have thought remembered my birthday, dropped me a message to wish me, which was wonderful :)

Next Surprise! BSO, Maurice, called me to come meet him at the cook house. Apparently, Jeremy, the sly devil, got me a birthday tart as a present from the HQ people, and man, i was totally stunned.

I've never been good with Birthdays, Ber should know, hahaha. I can never remember them and i never know what to do to make it special. most of the time, i even forget to wish them, till days later. So when people put in effort to remember mine, i feel kinda bad, but immensely immensely grateful. Thanks everyone!

And for this year, i have so much to be thankful for, all the growth and the changes this year, so much i have learnt. it just has been an awesome year, and i can only hope that my 20th year will be just as rewarding.

Happy Birthday to Me, it may be my birthday, but the 'happy' is thanks to all of you :)

Familiar but new, likethe Kueh Tutu Eraser

2009-11-26T09:44:00.003+08:00

Been meaning to recount the things that have been going on in the week, but kept putting it off, let's see what we have got here...

Saturday- Flashmobbing is the best! met so many new people, and had a great time. not 100% sure if i want to do a Take 2, but it may go just to see everyone again :D

our 'performance' at the esplanade concourse was hilarious, and awesome to those who saw it, but sad to say, all our photos/videos had to be deleted by the esplanade security... sigh. BUT! whoever is up there ^ is fair and kind! for then we all performed a second round, for a guy..... who was proposing to his fiance. Very nice, completely spoiled the market for all us guys out there, but very sweet nonetheless.

Sunday - finally i'm back to canoe polo! a little terrible that i wasn't careful, and made this girl panic during our eskimo bow rescue >.< but other than that, it was satisfying to be back in the water :)

Monday - and now back to gym! yes yes, haven't been going for quite a while, need to get back into the flow of exercising again!

Tuesday - Picnic girl: Episode 2! hahaha. it was sorta like a picnic! and though it was a short 2 hours, and you have exams the next day, it was fun just sitting around, talking and having fun like we always do. Happy Birthday :)

Wednesday - and so begins my long period out of camp. but yesterday was only a half day, today full, friday Hari Raya, and the next 2 weeks MAATT, followed by a week long holiday!

took a half day yesterday to have lunch with Xiao Bao, Zenia! i've met the 4 baos before for lunch and stuff, but this would be the first time i met just zenia alone, but i only realised this after we met, heh. So lunch at Bugis (all sorts of eateries there!) and then we spent hours at the National Library walking around and exploring, and just talking bout almost everything. It was great getting to know zenia, like a chance to really get to know her personally :)

For some strange reason, we both had no plans whatsoever for the rest of the day, and so we spent THE REST OF THE DAY together, walking around checking out the sights and sounds around town. it was like being on holiday in our own country! another interesting place to note is the old supreme court building, right now there is a Singapore Design Exhibition till the 30th of Nov, and it is awesomely fascinating!

Very Fresh experience with zenia yesterday, lets do this again soon aye!

Now- Today will be a wonderful (extended) family day with faimly at The Mind Cafe, it has always been fun, and i'm sure today will not be any different!

This year has been good to me, so much to be thankful for!

I Blog like a girl

2009-11-18T21:44:00.002+08:00

I blog like a girl. realised this in camp when browsing my blog.

the way i blog is much like a fire-and-forget missile. put up my post, and never read it again. haha. not true, i may read it months and months later, but most of the time, it just sits in my archive, not to be stirred.

Is there a 'guy' way to blog?

"like a pornographic M18 teen dream, of bitches smothered in margarine. Ha! ha! ha! pkoow! pkoow" - Brett, a.k.a. Rhymenocerous, FOTC

Driving today was Baaad. terrible safety, never check blind spot and all that shat. how am i gonna pass my TP?!?!?!

I'm tired, should prolly go to bed at 10 sharp, which i should be doing, but haven't for the week. okay. Route March tomorrow. Tired!

Janda Baik Baik Baik

2009-11-17T23:03:00.002+08:00

Tuesday is here! which means i came back from my weekend holiday to malaysia just yesterday!

3 days of quality time with the family in the hills of Janda Baik! if you do get a chance do check out the place, it is beautiful, with lovely crisp air, and great clear rivers. it was nice spending the weekend there, just resting, playing Mahjong and Cluedo with the family, talking, and sleeping and taking a break from the hustle-bustle of life.

I guess me and Mat must be growing up, because i think we have become a lot more civilised with each other. Maybe because we have things in common now, and we have more things to talk about. Taking it slow works well for my family, and the time spent by the river, or walking around the gardens was soothing for my family.

long car rides give me lots of time to think about things, and clear my head on some stuff :)

The FOOD! Grrreat! damn! i ate a lot... too much at every meal >.< now have gained weight D: sadness... must find away to lose it all, especially with Macau coming up and with Christmas round the corner! oh no! But Malaysian food is so much better (less hygiene = better taste) and a lot cheaper than in S'pore, haha, or maybe because mom knew all the hotspots to check out. still, good food! yumm.... xP

Well now back to the routine of Army, not that routine, afterall, i did go for Hip Hop Dance Lesson with Yeong Chyun after camp today, was fun! let's do this again soon :)

am i glad i can take breaks like this, its restorative for the soul! Love my family, and can't wait to go Macau in Dec!

You know that i could Use Somebody

2009-11-13T22:43:00.002+08:00

2 tracks in my head as i go around today!

1) Use Somebody - We are Kings

Someone like you and all you know and how you speak
Countless lovers under cover of the street
You know that I could use somebody
You know that I could use somebody
Someone like you

Croon! oh croon, good to walk to, and just play in my head :)

2) You're So Beautiful - Flight of the Conchords

You're so beuatiful;
Like a Tree
or ceramics or something
You're so beautiful;
like a high class prostitute
You're so beautiful!
You could be a part.... time... model....
spend part of your time modeling,
and part of your Timmmmmme.
Next to MEEEEEEEEEEE
...
...
and the rest of your time at your normal job

My title was almost "you're so beautiful; Like a Tree" because its a nice line!

Today was GOOOT! so good that i replaced the D with a T. 3 planned meetings and 2 happy coincidences!

Half days at camp are great when you make use of it!

Planned Person #1: like Traveling to Tampines to meet Piggy!

Planned Person#2: but stopping by Kembangan to see Chiaps for a bit!

Happy Coincidence #1: At Kembangan met Vanessa, the Guitar Senior, and chatted our way to Tanah Merah.

After talking with Piggy and friend for a while, went for lunch, before going in the direction of Novena

Planned Person #3: SamBran has found a study place at TTS Hosp, and chatted over forgetfully unpaid Brownie and Ice Cream! haha!

Happy Coincidence #2: On the way home, bumped into Sendy as we got out of the train! and always a great pleasure to speak to!

Things just fell into place today :) everything went right, and tonight i'm gonna get some sleep, and travel out to Malaysia Tomorrow! woo~ Malaysia Holiday weekend :D Family time FTW.

Gonna go pack! see you on tuesday!

A Family that Games together

2009-11-11T20:01:00.002+08:00

Too bad Dad couldn't join us today, as we concluded another awesome trip to The Mind Cafe! this time we went to the prinsep St. one, near Dhoby Ghaut. and instead of Dad, we were joined by Heng Hwee, who is a silent killer when it comes to games, haha.

The long games are fun, the more you invest into a game, the more rewards you get out of it. Though it was fun to have those short games where you can just go crazy! Slap-a-gory is still on my mind! haha!

Can't wait for the next time i get to do this :D i usually spend my off days on it, so maybe Jan we can go again? its good to spend quality time such as this with the family, especially when i'm out almost every day of the week. Family is important and must find ways to connect.

Good week ahead! and to end it all off, going on a Malaysia trip this weekend!

Anyone wants to come to my house to bake cookies for Christmas? Mom has started her Fruit Cake Spree, maybe i should sneek in some baking time too!

Saturday Duty

2009-11-09T21:39:00.001+08:00

I don't like saturday duties.

it makes me so tired! and then i go home and Sunday and sleep. then its monday >.<

Dammit. its Monday. oh well, get on with the week.

Got the weekend to look forward to! plus i've got off on wednesday and friday! whee!

WEEEEEEEEEEK (its been a long week)

2009-11-04T22:39:00.002+08:00

ITS BEEN A LONG WEEK. and its not even over yet >.<

but it has been a GOOOOOOOD WEEEEEEEK (thats a good long week :D)

Picnic Monday was fabulous, and oh-so-right! - I Love have such a spontaneous Best Friend :] totally awesome randomness and Beard Papa and weird looks as i carry a real picnic basket on the bus. haha. PICNIC FTW!

House Visit Tuesday, was very little house visit, a lot on getting to know Melee, and all round awesome. Stories have been spilled, but in all confidence, and hopefully evenn after Melee ORD's we'll keep in close contact. Friends such as these are definitely worth having :)

RP BP (Regimental Police Basketball Players) TIRING! but fun to get out and play games again, itching since i didn't get a chance to play canoe polo on Sun. i'm still learning how to be a good team sports player, but for now it'll suffice!

Thursday Duty till friday, I'll prolly be shagged out on friday, following which there will be Duty on Saturday TOO! but i'll be home on Sunday to celebrate Botak/Ah Boy's Birthday! he'll be 3-years-old now! haha, little bugger :D

But damn, this week seems just WAAAAY tooo long. damn tired already >.< how to survive to the weekend? HOW?

Flow Charts

2009-11-04T22:34:00.003+08:00

Because everything is so much clearer in a flowchart!

Legged Out

2009-10-25T21:42:00.003+08:00

Boy am i pooped! that's my favourite way of saying i'm tired at the moment. its so much nicer to say 'Boy! i'm pooped!" than 'Wah Damn Shag' or the plain 'i'm tired'

Anywhoo, came home from another brilliant day of Canoe Polo. i really have no 'Court-Sense' whatsoever >.< makes it tough for me to play team sports. but here's the conundrum.

Don't have a 'Court-Sense' --> Bad at Team Sports --> Play less or even don't play team sports

instead i've got to change this! and break from this spiral!

Keep trying to play and learn (might step on a few toes!) --> get better --> play more team sports!

haha, let's hope my Canoe Polo will help with this :D

I've spent many an hour on foot in the past few days.

I went on my own little adventure on Saturday. my only objectives were 1) Go check out the courses at the Jap Association. 2) Check out some Dance classes.

855 Bus - travelled to Jap Assn, missed a stop, took a bus back

ClubBus - took the Assn Bus to Orchard Road, and decided to walk!

Orchard Road Walk - walked down orchard road, taking in all the people and roadshows and miscellaneous things going on

Emerald Hill Walk - here's where my adventure begins! at somerset station, decided to turn off and check out the Alley with Acid Bar, and other old fashion housing. Ended up walking Emerald Hill, and green eyeing with jealousy, all the expats that have rented the gorgeous old fashion housing at Emerald hill. i want friends there, haha.

Newton Walk - got obscenely lost, and while trying to find my bearings, walked all the way to Newton MRT Station.

MRT- oh wait, nope - WALK - to Orchard Road again! and this time walk on the opposite side of the road, to check out the WiiResort Roadshow :D, they got Singapore National Bowler to play the public in Wii Bowling. i don't think he did very well, but enough to win i guess.

Dhoby Ghaut Walk - walked to SMU, to check out Studio Wu, a possible place to go instead of O school, nearer home too! (and straight bus 65)

by this time, its 5 pm, and time to join Family for dinner at Jurong East!

City Hall Walk - through SMU, to Raffles City, to take MRT from City Hall

MRT City Hall to Jurong East - meet family for Dinner and FINALLY GET TO SIT DOWN! haha, it was fun walking around town!

then to compensate for upper body, my hands are pooped from rowing so much. we played with nets today! and it totally changes the dynamic, played first to 5, but tied at 4:4, too tired to continue, haha, hopefully Esther and June come agian next week! Time to pull ZT and Milks to go!

now i'm just gonna bum on my com till 10 pm, and go sleep :) my weekends are no longer boring, i'm getting my ass out and moving!

Epicsode I: The Umpire Strikes Beck

2009-10-22T21:59:00.003+08:00

Yes! that's right, that's one of the ways to spend and off day!

played tennis and swam with kenneth today, and totally made use of the Hot Sun, Weather Forecast: Thuderstorm MY ASS! hahaha

if e-stalker is reading this, do tag! you know who you are!

But yes, it was a fun day today, got to do an activity, watch TV, and swim in awesome! haha

I'm slightly sunburnt and i'm tired, best feeling ever!

Me Myself, and my thunder

2009-10-16T22:03:00.002+08:00

hmm... people seeing this post before i officially post it will wonder why i posted with a title and no contents, haha, MY MISTAKE! accidentally pressed enter, didn't think it would just post my post like that >.<

I had a good day today! afterall, it was my off day, and i always have to ensure i make it good :) woke up to the smell of rain, which kinda ruined my plans to go swimming, i like the rain, so i don't blame it! but it all cleared up soon, which allowed me to take a dip and do a few laps.

came home and thought about how to spend my day, and decided that it would be a day dedicated to myself, no need to rely on others to make it work, but just learn to spend some quality time with good ol' me :D so first off, i went to Queensway shopping center to look for my sleeveless hoodie!

2 things came out awesome from this

1) i got myself a nice sleeveless hoodie and a short sleeve hoodie all for only $55! i will definitely be going back to look for more clothes soon.

2) i met Amelia! haha, she is such a doll :) Amelia was in the 29th Council along with Nick and Yin Wei, and i was so stunned to see her at Queensway shopping center, especially since she stays in loyang (Changi), and especially especially because she looked so cute! hahaha

so walked around with her, met her friend Jinn (i think that's how its spelt, but it my mind its spelt Djinn, haha like Genie XD), but left them to go get my hoodies, and split up with them at bout 2+

next stop! TJC! travelled from Redhill to Bedok, one of the few time i go to bedok instead of Tanah Merah, cuz i wanted to grab a bite before going to school. And when i did reach school, didn't spend very long there, as Mr Hsi wanted to go Katong too! Off to HobbySg we go, and i want to lease my hands of Sorin Markov at a pretty price of $30! haha, meanwhile, watched Mr Hsi draft, and got my self some Unhinged packs to draft with Mat tmr! ++ Magic fix for the day DONE ++

Mr Hsi sends me home, which leaves the only thing i REALLY wanted to do for the day. and that was to watch (500) days of Summer. I've been thinking/talking/obsessing over the movie for so long that i would have hated myself for not watching it just because i couldn't find a date. i still wish i had someone to watch it with, but it was good as is :)

I get it. the movie was just... right. it sat just so well with me. my word after watching is 'Just' haha wierd word. but it was just so right! i can't explain it. but it seems to put away all my fears and concerns and obsessions for the moment. it is the right time to watch it, and i left the theatre and went all the way home with such a smile on my face. to whoever was so inspired to do this movie, thank you.

Zooey Deschanel is awesome. crush. haha

next on my movie list i must get down to watching that Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and Juno... yes i know i'm horribly backdated, but i really want to watch that :)

if there's anything i've learnt is that i've got to find who i am, my own interests and my own personality, that is how i'll need to live life, not leeching of others anymore.

today was a good day.

i've been hearing this song in my head the whole day:

" your voice, was the soundtrack of my summer,
and unlike any other
you'll always be my thunder"

haha, silly (500) of Summer.
AWESOME.

2 duties and an Off

2009-10-15T23:04:00.002+08:00

Just finished a slew of alternate duties! that means Monday was in camp, came back on Tuesday, to go back to camp on wed and return thurs. but its all good, cuz i know when i return on friday, i'll get all the rest i need since i took off on Friday! WOO! OFF FTW!

haha, though without Jeremy in the office this week it has been.... quite the rocky week. some days no regulars, i don't get anything done, but towards the end of this week, have had to clear up alot of shit that i caused... sigh... its all part of the learning process, i know, but still is tough to go through it. if you wanna know, will tell you all about it if we meet up, not good to post all over the WWW with the whole security matters and such.

I'm gonna sleep at a good time tonight, then can conserve energy for tomorrow! haha, even though i haven't got much planned, i still intend to have a good off tomorrow! the only worry is being called back to camp >.< hopefully not.

I forget that even if things are not the way i want them to be, it takes patience and efort to turn any situation better. and most of the time i'm just being short sighted, i must learn to give thanks for the things i have currently :) Thanks!

Duty makes my head throb

2009-10-08T21:12:00.002+08:00

When i resolved to be quiet with my thoughts more often, i'd never thought it'd get so noisy up there. even when its just my thoughts, i'm not very coherent! that's not good >.<

made a wasted trip to BBDC, because i thought i had driving lesson but apparently not. but on my trip home, my head was buzzing away with things i have to do/check/attend to, and for some strange reason i feel a little unsettled, like i want to burst out and settle everything, haha.

Whatever it is, i've got to get some of it off my mind!

8.5 days of leave left
6 will be used for Family Macau Trip in Dec
1 for 16th Oct, i deserve a break
half for 24th Nov :) i won't forget this year!
half for 29th Dec to go for driving

and a whole bunch of off to spend! woo!

then there's the matter of 16th. i want to find someone to watch 500 days of Summer with! its kind of a bummer that i haven't been able to find anyone yet >.< all of them having exams of some sort... shucks... demoralising. but i shan't give up yet!

got a whole slew of duties next week but at least i've got Deepavali duty to get a day of off! woo!

-bleh-
-bleh-bleh-bleh-

why? why aren't i satisfied! must be thankful for wht i've got!

Skype on Ubuntu

2009-10-04T17:25:00.002+08:00

Hello people who visit my blog!

if you happen to have Skype, add me on Skype: Jonathan Heng, Singapore or 'folioglitz'. after a whole day of fiddling with my Ubuntu (hopefully i haven't corrupted anything)

+++

screw that... just had my first test call with Dad, and looks like the Mic Problem still is there. now i have to go get an external mike or something to get it working. but we will get there! Very soon can have Webchat with my friends!!!

haha. other than that, i think today was kinda unproductive. Didn't do anything to particular interest. basically woke late, fiddled with my MTG Decks, and getting Skype on my Ubuntu system (much much more troublesome, but still UBUNTU RULES!)

I've been thinking about what i can do on my own... some personal hobby so that i can do in my own free time... any suggestions?

Mythic Rare

2009-10-04T00:32:00.002+08:00

WTF!!!! only raghav will understand this next sentence:

I've got 2 Kalitas the Blood Ghet... and...

a SORIN MARKOV FOIL!!!!! WTF WTF WTF!

maybe i'll sell it... the price is like $40+ at the moment i think! better sell before its too late!

Calling in Sick

2009-10-01T12:45:00.002+08:00

Hi ya'll! finally got down to changing my blog skin. no more stupid "BAKEDPOTATOE has not logged in for 90 days" crap anymore. the reason i've got the time to do this is cuz i'm at home, sick. stupid Haze finally got to me... grrr....

oh well, at lease it give me some time off from work to rest and recuperate, and think about/plan what i'm gonna do with the rest of this year.

I've finally got my Corporal Rank! woo! (}} or (>> haha that is sort what the rank looks like look for me and i'll show you! woo. that means higher pay next month... AND BACKPAY! for Aug and Sept! feels like enlisting early was all worth while ;)

because of that, there's 2 things coming up at the end of the year. 1) MAATT, basically the Spec Course which allows me to become a 3SG! only problem? its in Dec, which means i won't get to go on holiday with family... sadness... 2) Ex Odyssey, this bomb is totally screwing up my plans. >.<>.< argh... will just have to see how the plans go and maybe do a short trip somewhere. afterall, it is all about the family, not so much the place.

Despite the inclement weather (i don't know why, but 'inclement' is one of the buzz words for Army, 'please take care of your health, and watch out for inclement weather', like huh? what does 'inclement' even mean anyway?) i've been spending quite a good week so far. Duty makes the week fly by. Tuesday had Driving lesson, and yesterday evening met Ber for Dinner. and even though i got 2 days MC i'm not gonna waste it. got Movie with Varun tonight, and not sure about tomorrow, but shall take things as they come.

oh well, better go get some rest, oh and take my medicine, i'm awfully forgetful when it comes to such things... oh well.. toodloo!

Treasure Hunting

2009-09-26T22:33:00.002+08:00

My Blog skin is totally screwed up! but am too lazy to do it now, so will get down to it... soon... haha.

I have a tendency to only blog when i'm happy or in a good mood. that's good! cuz it makes sure my posts are filled with joy and good feeling, but sad when i don't recount everything i do :(

Today was such a fulfilling day out! started in the morning by meeting Varun at Vivo, where he participated in some Singapore Treasure Hunt thing, where i helped out by finding 2 of the Chosen People, but too bad he didn't manage to win $10,000 haha.

Had to leave before it ended, cuz i had an appointment with Uncle Sebastian. woo, i love getting my hair cut! i look better, and i like the hairwash, haha, feels good! and helps me relax :D Since i was all the way in Serangoon Gardens, decided to check in on Kerry and see if she was at home ( i always do this when i'm in the area, but usually she's not home) and lo and behold! The Great Kerry was home! she was going to church, and i was going to the MTG prerelease party, so we had lunch together, and talked and talked.

Its awesome talking to Kerry, she's such a good conversationalist, that i'm sure we could talk for hours, if only time permitted! haven't seen her since Rag'n'Flag, and even though its only been a short 1.5 months, it feels much longer, maybe since so much has happened in the past month(s). Hopefully, can do up a TASC gathering again once schedules free up (HAR HAR - schedules never free up! lol) or at least try, and touch base again, because we make awesome friends :)

Off to Suntec, where i got to indulge in another thing i haven't done in a while, play some Magic! haha, i'm not as hardcore where i follow every card, but its nice to go play a prerelease once in a while, check out new cards, and play a few games! brought back 7 boosters worth, but not sure how i'm gonna deal with them now that my collection is expanding again. hmmm... maybe with 3 blocks, i can go into standard! but we'll see.

hmmm... my deck was quite bad, but i made do. lost all my games so that was kinda sad >.< Hey raghav! i'll go get my webcam (or use my parent's one) and let's throw down a few! heh, our Online Magic might finally work XD

So a good day, and to top it all off, i've got Kayaking with ZT and Varun Tmr! so its all good, i'm set for a good weekend :D

now... to figure out how i gained so much wait in 2 days :'(

Shot and wounded

2009-09-19T10:55:00.002+08:00

I really should get to updating huh? haha, but the laziness bug has bitten again and i'm lazy to get it done! haha.

recently had a slew of late nights. Thursday was at Kevin's place with guys from the unit to play a bit of Texas Hold'em. i'm still a little conflicted as to how i feel about that night. well, i lost $50, it should have stopped at $30, but the inner gambler made me play on and lose more money >.<>.<

The game itself was awesomely fun. i really got a taste of how to play, and i'm itching to play more! but i don't want to play with money, its just waay to expensive, and i don't think i could take it >.< and i learnt a lot from that night. like how easily influenced i am, what kind of player i am, and just a whole bunch. yet on the other side of the coin, i think i really let my parents and myself down. my lack of control when influenced by peers is quite unnerving, i've got to work on a greater sense of Who i am.

Then next day awoke at 5+ in the morning because i had to rush to camp early. Friday was Familiarisation shoot! had IMT on wednesday, so met up with many of The Worst A-Tech Batch at SOA, ATT 26! haha, we may be the worse in pong cai's eyes, but i do belive my batch is freaking awesome. and it was great hanging out with everyone again on Friday.

the range itself was quite annoying, twice my detail had to fall out due to the rain, and it wasted a lot of time, and i do believe that is why i'm with the sniffles today. The night shoot wasn't very long, but after waiting for arms to be cleared, i only left camp past midnight, which kinda suck balls...

i think i shoot slightly better with an M16 compared to a SAR21, so maybe i might get that Marksman Badge afterall! but till then, will just have to wait for the next live range to come by.

ATT 26 guys were funny as hell. some of the people i really miss are Milks, and Bai. damn we could sit around and talk all sorts of random crap (BEEF) for hours. and that is precisely what we did yesterday. There are plans for a gathering on 3 Oct!

i'm supposed to have Kayaking today, but Jessica is sick, and anyway it rained this morning so it would have been cancelled anyway. now i have to find a way to make use of this long weekend, lest i waste it.

i need to think about why i keep finding things to do. what really makes me happy. because if not i might just be filling up my time to escape from myself. there are a lot of fundamental questions i have not been able to answer, and i need to sit myself down and figure out who the hell i am, and what i want out of my life. sadness, so DIFFICULT!

Its all in the Mind

2009-09-08T21:21:00.000+08:00

Woah! what a day! off well spent i must say! Yes, it burns my off very early in the month (i just earned it in on Sept 1st!) But after all that was done today, it was worth it!

Started of with a morning at East Coast Park. First had breakfast at Changi Village, too bad its ramadan, so many of the shops are closed, but still a decent breakfast. Then East Coast Park for a bit of biking!

GkuGku, and Heng Woon was with My family (MomDad, Mat and I) but the main bit of biking was with the family. i think we made it quite far, past Tanah Merah i believe, about 10km from the end? the but was a little sore, and after yesterday's run, the upper thighs are kinda tight, but good fun, and talking as we rode was a good chance to make plans and discuss stuff.

Back home for a quick shower, and out for Lunch at The Mind Cafe! I think games are the one thing that my family has in common. i'm kinda sick of the same old movie or meal with the family, so decided to spice things up a little with a trip to The Mind Cafe, for a good game fix!

The games were absolutely awesome. The family is a great bunch to play games with, and 4 people is the perfect number of players for alot of the games.

played a good mix of fast games and one nice long one, a train game, haha forgot the name... still, it was good bonding, and we can make plans to go there again for another family outing next time!

After spending a good 4 hrs there, we went to meet Godma and Aunty Aileen at the Balestier indian restaurant place. we've been before, but this is Mom's first time. Dinner was good, slightly better than the last time actually. but everytime i come, i get overstuffed >.< gah, this does not bode well for our weight watcher...

i think there's something about the conversations with Godma, but it somehow turns to me and how 'hardworking' i am, or rather, am not >.< Mom would build her frustrations about how light and frivolous i seem to be, while i try to defend that i've got to be optimistic and hopeful. its a usual struggle. i know what MomDad says is so that i'm not too naive, and am able to handle hardship, but on my end, i can't help but feel that they are being unduly worried.

I understand. i need to change, i need to learn to be more disciplined and train up my cautiousness. Easier said than done, but at least i need to set myself working in the right direction

I intend to work on it while i'm in NS. its the perfect place to learn. Jeremy is what i need to be more like. I need to have more cautiousness, more discipline, and more patient. but i should balance it with my current strengths as well.

I'm worried about my studies still... i don't know if i'll be able to perform the best marks the moment i get into the study system again, but its an effort i will have to make.

gah, i'm not good with this. CANNOT GIVE UP! will work it through. must start today (internal battle being fought, every sentence written is slightly more forceful then what i hear in my head)

haha, schizo! but yes. put my mind to it. its done wonders for my exercise, and hope it will spill over to affect my whole life positively!

Today was a good day! if only all my off days could be like this :D (note: Matthew couldn't handle it though, too much done today, he's quite burnt from all the activities! haha)

I hate running :)

2009-09-07T22:13:00.000+08:00

as i said in my previous post, i had no chance/mood/energy to do gym or go LIVE run the whole of last week. even today, Monday, Live run was eaten by cleaning arms and then duty rest.

since i'm in no shape to go gym, and didn't bring the stuff anyways (due to duty), i decided to go BBDC to go for the silly Theory Lesson, where i sit around for about 2 hours listening to some silly guy talking about somewhat insipid things. but i guess its all part of the 'education'. i wouldn't really mind if it didn't cost 18-FREAKING-DOLLARS!!! yes yes, a silly lecture which is a complete waste of my time costs $18, and if i miss it, that's $18 washed down the drain. Today i wasted $30 :(

why 30? the bus that ferries me down the hill was super late today, so i decided to rush down by Cab to BBDC. i reached, rushed straight up, to see the door closed with the sign "No Entry, this lesson has been going on for more than 10 mins" i look at the clock "6:25", what time did the lesson start? 6:15 :'(

WTF! i wasted not only the booking, but also the cab fare.sigh... oh well, i took a gamble with the time, because i know i'm cutting it close, and this time i got burnt >.<

so i went home with much frustration, and on the way back, was talking to ZT on the phone. we were talking about the many things we are doing and planning to do in the next few months, and all was good an exciting. what really stung was when he said he run 10km every sunday, and is consistantly shaving off his timing. i hadn't run for more than a week, and here he is, the Zai runner getting faster.

normally i wouldn't care. but i guess something clicked, and with the added frustration from my driving crap, i decided to do a Magdalene (hahaha, that sound so wrong) i decided to go run to relieve my stress.

i hate to admit it but it works >.< went off for a run... but i shan't disclose the details yet! not until i finally achieve my mission! hahaha. i call it Project End of the Rainbow. things always seem to have a heigtened sense of importance when you attach a name to it :) so... i hope to have a successful mission soon! then i'll blog about it again.

the thing that struck me was, when i came back home, the thought popped in my head 'i hate running' then i smiled :) so that's my thought for the day!

Rebel with a Cause

2009-09-07T22:05:00.000+08:00

another sunday duty! gah! well at least i've cleared my weekend for this month! now only 2 more duties to go! one late in the month, but one is giving me a headache, hard to find a good day to do it >.<

I'm quite peeved with my duty tho. 3 duties within 8 days! 2 sundays and a tuesday, which makes for an alternate duty on the first sunday :( because of that, and cohesion on friday (tho i must say was awesome fun) i haven't done ANY live run nor any gym for more than a week. that's not good >.<

well, i could have gone gym on fri, but i had made prior plans, this time with good ol' friend Jackie! he jio me to go Clubbing with him on Friday night with his pals, and i guess you could say i was ready for a change of pace, so i went to see what this clubbing thing is all about!

We went to Rebel at about 10+, almost 11 pm. when we got in, it was thunderous music and fog machines galore. met Jackie and his date, Jeramy, Mark and his date, Stephanie, Jon Lee, KC x 2, Anson, and i can't recall who else.

I have a personal policy, or maybe a better word would be principle, that i will not drink alcohol outside of the house. mainly because i want to stay in control, but also to prove that i don't need alcohol to have a good time.

More details you can just ask me in person. but what i did learn is this. alcohol really does 'relax' you and make you think less, but at the cost of losing control at times. i'm glad i went, cuz i was 'quite entertained', had a new experience, and made a good new friend :P overall i would say it was a good experience, but its not something i would do too often. once a month is too much! haha.

went home at about 2am, thinking about the night for quite a long time. hmmm... i wonder what i would do the next time?

ITS BEEN EATEN!

2009-09-02T19:27:00.003+08:00

WHY! Blogger just ate up my last 2 posts on my blog!!! first the blogger layout doesn't want to work, now they eat my posts >.< am angry with blogger. but have no choice but to stick to this, since everything is here...

So! have you seen the new design? is it better? not so 'chicken scribbly' and small fonted right? do tag and post your comments!

more posts shall come soon. lets hope blogger stops eating up my posts!!!

Hola Hola! its Council Day

2009-08-30T01:14:00.002+08:00

Just came home from Council Day, i'm quite happy with how it went! managed to talk to Steph, Claire, Edmund, and catch up with some of the new councillors, while making friends with some of the new councillors.

I realise that i may not be as good a conversationalist as i think i am. many a time i struggle to keep conversations running, especially when i struggle to balance the convo with 'a little bit of you, and a little bit of me'. but it takes practice i guess, and my whole life is filled with conversations to practice with :)

More importantly, i managed to get the contacts of the people i really want to stay in contact with! Steph for one, cuz we used to talk quite a bit before she got elected, but then, she became president, and mabye its part inferiority, and part she's busy with herstuff and people, then i approached her a lot less. but now is a good chance to start talking again! Claire too, was a pity i didnt get to know her as well when she was still around, but now through the wonders of email i shall make the effort to!

also got to know my grandjunior! Sherin! she's nice and enthusiastic, and i'm sure it would be fun to chat with her!

The 31st turnup wasn't too good, but its too be expected with the girls just starting out in Uni and most of hte guys busy with army. story of our lives huh? haha, but still, had a good time with all the people there. the food wasn't too bad, i would say the $20 was well spent.

I'm sure the photos will be on facebook soon (the girls are good like that) and you can go check it for yourself. for the meantime, my blogger has reverted to normal! lets hope it stays that way, so i can post photos in the future!

by the way! you've now seen the new blog design! what do you think? drop a message in the tagbox!

My routine is hard to follow

2009-08-29T13:17:00.000+08:00

Ahh! i'm getting lazy to update again! Not that nothing's been going on, because there have! but i'm just too lazy >.< emails too, haven't really gotten down to them but i did send mails to people overseas on wed, just to say hi, must make it more routine.

never thought i'd succumb to the whole routine thing. oh well, it is good though, certain routines are good for me, like gym and remembering to stay in contact, but there's still some spontaneity left in this body! haha.

I'm gonna change my blog template soon, getting a little tired of the design. hopefully can find something funky like the current template to match this one. hell, i think i'm gonna go look for a design after this!

Just a mention of Thursday, went to some gaming place in orchard to check out the games with David, clerk from my office (more about him some other time). It was awesome-o fun! 'Race to the Galaxies' was kinda hard to get, and i think even now i don't quite get it, but 'Dominion' was crazy fun! if i can, will try to buy a set before i go Uni, then can have late night games with friends :D

Haha, i might turn out to be like gavin, carrying Supe Fun games and organising play groups to test them out :D

Tonight i've got Council Day and Tmr have duty, so now i'm off to find a new blog template! ciao!

Life Rocks, then you get on a 20 hour plane journey

2009-08-23T20:54:00.000+08:00

Its Sunday already? i just pooped my pants at this realisation. have had a crazy weekend, such that i didn't realise it started, nor realising that tmr i need to go back to camp.

ahh! i wish my stupid blogger would just work properly, then i can properly upload my photos so that my silly blog doesn't just look like a texty POC. oh well... will have to settle for you to check it out on Facebook then!

I didn't sleep at all on Fri night. met ZT and Marcus at Simpang, Varun at Tanah Merah, and Kai Jie at Changi. all before 10ishpm. then we camped at the Coffee Bean at Terminal 3 (yes we know the flight was at T1, but there got no nice place to chillax) and waited for the rest of the gang to join us. Eugene joined us at about 11+, so did Balaji. then the last few were Kenneth and Gavin, at about midnight.

I can't say it turned out as expected, because i didn't expect so many guys to turn up, and i didn't think it would be so nice to just sit around and play cards. but that is what we did till 3 am the next morning. Did you know that the Sky train closes at 2.30 a.m.? and after that, there is a shuttle bus that brings you between Terminals! the whole tribe got onto the shuttle, and it put us in a real 'i-want-to-travel' mood. it was like being overseas, early morning, jump onto a shuttle bus to take us god knows where.

sending Raghav off was awesome. my goal for the entire thing was to make raghav cry. Sure, he may not have done so in front of us, but he did. he's just a big softie at heart. its times such as those, when you realise that the friends made really were awesome, and we can count on each other, even as we go on our own ways :)

Its great having friends :)

Virgin Off

2009-08-21T00:16:00.003+08:00

I just enjoyed myself a very rewarding half day of Off! :D

there's a certain super tremendousness in the freedom to choose when you want to take your hard earned off, and because i'm the type who wants to maximise the use of his off, i make sure i make plans and have a fulfilling day :)

i met raghav opposite TJC for lunch, and we went around school talking to teachers, saying hi to some juniors, and just swimming in the awesomeness which was our school. sure, the people may change, but as long as you have 1 or 2 people to go back and visit teachers with, it's super tremendous! and the nostalgia sweeps back.

i find out a lot of things when i talk to raghav. someone needs a slap... but am i going to be the one to deal it? hmmm.... but i've started thinking about it, and maybe i should...

Just came home from watching Invisible Children at Sinema Old School. Kimberly Chia is cute, hur. wasn't a bad film, but not my type >.< kinda wish i caught Carrot Cake Confessions instead, but oh well, had Driving Lesson. I've got to keep my eye out for good films! that and plays, but films cheaper lah. haha

okay, goodnight! tomorrow's another day out!

all you need is the time, the place, and the right people

2009-08-20T00:01:00.000+08:00

what a wonderful wendnesday i've had! sure, the TACS course was super boring. but i must say! with the EFO and the evening spent with Kenny and ZT, it was just awesome! and i'm topping it all off with half day tmr! :D

something i need to learn. don't plan so hard! just arrange the place, and let the awesomeness ensue. if it is the right bunch of people, no amount of work will make it more awesome, and no lack of work will make it less awesome. so just go with the flow! its less stressful that way :)

The Weekend blue

2009-08-15T10:42:00.000+08:00

My blogger is so messed up! the page is completely image-less save for the text box to type my post! sheesh... blogger don't like me anymore, can't even post pictures or anything like that... sigh...

haha. its saturday again! and "the Great Singapore Queue" i was so looking forward to, i'm now doubting whether i'm gonna go. Thing is, varun's supposed to join me, but he's stuck on a mission, so no show for him. Kenny hasn't replied, and i'm a little lazy to go, will tell you my final decision soon...

The weekend doesn't feel right. was building up to have a great weekend but somehow, it feels like things aren't going to plan!

maybe things will get better once i leave the house. No matter what, i'll be joining Mat at the Toys and Comics Convention at Suntec, hopefully after, i will go for the flash mob. that means, i'm not gonna prepare anything special >.< doesn't feel right without anyone else to show off to... haha

Tmrs another headache. not really sure what i want to do... I've got driving lesson at Bukit Batok DC at 12.20. which pretty much throws off ALL of my plans. Like morning cycling and the afternoon with the R&Gad-ers. I'm happy to go driving tho. i just wish i could attend the other stuff as well!

maybe it was a good thing i typed this out. gave me a chance to think! i might have a plan for tmr... heh.heh.heh.

okay, i'm off to prepare to go out! see you soon!

Not the brightest bulb in the lot

2009-08-15T10:34:00.000+08:00

Thursday! Dim came back on wed, but we could only meet her on thursday. I was so looking forward to meeting her and whoever else again. expected to have some crazy retarded fun, and needless to say, they did not disappoint!

There's a certain comfort zone hanging out with TJ people :) had a great evening talking to Nad, and playing "the Pyramid Game" with the gang till late night. ION is a place to go to feel poor. people don't go there with wallets, they go with Cheque-books! Even dinner was exorbitant, and we were eating food-court fare! haha. but its all about the people!

Simple joys like these are what makes it all worthwhile :)

its not what you see, but how you see it

2009-08-09T20:48:00.000+08:00

Happy National Day! HOT National day, but happy nonetheless! spent the day at home with family. expected to feel the usual uselessness of not getting out, but it was quite nice today!

It started with the Parade i believe. Somehow, being in army could have changed my perspective of the celebrations, a better understanding (and knowing what ammunition was drawn for what purpose XD). I think this year's NDP celebrations were well done! not too campy, but not too boring either. it was nice, especially the music, the medley of Singapore National Day songs.

I want to say something about this year's song What Do You See. when i first heard it, must say i agreed with the popular consensus that it seemed too slow, and very tired. but this is Electrico! they wouldn't let us down like that! and true enough, the live version was soo much better. something i could really rock to if i were part of the audience. So someone, POST IT ONLINE then i can listen to it again :D

Shall keep my National Day post short and simple, just like how i enjoyed my national day. Now to watch some Singapore Idol! (yes the whole Singapore-spirit thing is spilling over to idol too, haha) byee!

It makes Harold and Kumar seem like Finding Nemo

2009-08-08T22:40:00.000+08:00

Still filled with awesome! Despite reaching home late and not sleeping much, i've still been quite energetic today! getting lots done, and meeting many people :)

Woke up early to check out NUS' Rag and Flag day. once upon a time, it was a performance to thank people for contributing to the community chest, but now its become a crazy competition for Hall pride and faculty kudos. i'm such a crasher! haha. not even coming to NUS in 2 years time, so i'm quite the odd ball to go down today. but at the same time, its not about me, it was about the people i went down to support! the Raggers, and basically any NUS people i know involved in today's festivities!

The performances were great! Jane and Sze Sian were awesome as usual. but i'm really stunned at the work and effort (and prolly money) that the Hall's put into their Rag item. the Faculties are good, and the sicerity is definitely there. but the Halls just go Up, Above, and BEYOND with their display of Dancers and Floats. haha, i wouldn't expect Jane and Sian to be doing anything less that performing for the best of them :) the one that made me totally giggle with joy was Kerry! looks like all those years of Mass Dance has paid off :D she was awesome too! I must admit that i wasn't expecting much, but damn! Kerry can coordinate! haha. the Law faculty performance was good! and i'm very impressed!

Got quite the bad sunburn at the event tho, the sun was just beating down the whole day. such a nive change of climate the moment we got to Vivo! Had plans to meet the guys to do lunch then catch The Hangover. and that is precisely what we did!

Lunch at Marche was a good chance to catch up with Marc and Marcus and some of the guys i haven't seen for a while. the Marche at Vivo isnt too bad. as expected it cost quite the hefty price, but i would say it was worth it, considering i'm no longer the crazy guy who wants to stuff his face with everything (okay, less... but its still an improvement!) Then off to take up Marcus' offer of treating us to Haagen Dazs! The Fondue set is kinda expensive considering the serving size... but i guess we wouldn't be going for it unless we had the vouchers...

The Movie WAS EPIC. people told me that The Hangover was funny as hell, but i was not prepared for the awesome that was about to ensue. the show was absolutely crazy! not on drugs crazy like H&K, but more of the 'holy-crap!-that-is-unreal!-but-could-totally-happen-if-i-got-wasted' and the crazy China guy was insane! Heather Graham is Hot stuffs and i wouldn't mind marrying her :) and Alan is one insane retard (pronounces ret-ard not re-tard) I'm glad i caught this movie with this bunch of guys. it was just hilarious as hell, and would not have had the same insane effect if it were with anyone else.

all in all, i'm feeling super high from today! that's why i've been able to sustain so many blog posts. Its been awesome, and i'll update more soon!

Toodles Mothafuckaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaas!

Yello Jello Fello

2009-08-08T22:24:00.000+08:00

Friday was immensely enjoyable, as i got to see Yee Chuin, Woon Yee, Eugene and Lester, a mini-TASC gathering! Hui Min had Hall stuff to attend to, and Kerry had RAG! more about that in another (the next) post!

so dinner at a spanish restaurant, was good, with nicely done ox tail, and other dishes. it was quite simply seasoned, with garlic and olive oil being the main stars, but it was good, and had a fun time chatting it up with chuin, wy and gene (lester came later).

then we moved on to 'dessert' at Yello Jello. okay, so it wasn't really dessert, since we all went to a pub to drink. i'm glad that my choice to not have alcohol is not very awkward with them, like they find it weird, but they understand, much like another 'funny habit' of a someone i know. but its of course different, different sort of choices made. anyway. the highlight of the night had to be the Yello Jello house band, The Yellow TinTins (i can't really rmb the name >.<). we stayed for 2 segments (they had a long break in between the 2) the first was mainly requests by the floor. and i don't think they were at it for very long, prolly just warming up. the 2nd part was when things got hyper! cuz eugene pulled Chuin up to dance, and i and woon yee joined in. eventually even lester joined in, and we were rocking along to the likes of Mamma Mia, and other awesome tunes. it was just great and lotsa fun, so much that we didn't really wanna leave (but must catch last train/bus lah XD)

Bars are great places to watch people! and see the kind of antics that people get up to. Amongst the nights interests were Hot Girls (obviously), SPG (Sarong Party Girls), Cougars, and just general drinkers (mainly Ang Mohs). its no point trying to talk in such a bar though, you'd just end up getting a sore throat, haha, but its nice if you really get into the music!

Hopefully we can do this again sometime! i'll pass on the alcohol, but i'm in on the awesome :D

Normal and Routine can be good too

2009-08-08T22:16:00.000+08:00

I've said i'm going to do gym, and wednesday was my first shot at it. and though Wed and Thurs were not the 'spectacular spectacular' kind of days i usually plan for, it was good, and made me realise i don't have to keep doing big grand things, just running chores can be good too!

Wednesday was gym, and i think i can get used to doing something like that. it wasn't too strenuous, maybe because i'm in a conditioning period for the moment, but it wasn't too troublesome either. its in town, so it sorta feels like when i was going for rehearsals at TOPH, and i could always choose to have dinner at the club, or go home instead. So i've just got to get my lazy ass down for gym, and stop finding excuses to shirk it off! haha.

Thursday i had little planned, but i had the craving for Chicken Soup! so i was prepared to go and get all the necessary to prepare the Soup. since i was down at Tiong Bahru Plaza anyway, i planned to get Dad's Birthday gift while i'm at it! too many years i didn't know what to get Dad (actually... i still don't) and so i just go without, or forget. but this year, i wanted to make the effort. especially since im no longer sponging (as much) off him, with my NS pay and all, so i should make the effort to give back too :) what i got for him shall be a surprise! will tell you what he got and his reaction after i give it to him!

In the end, the Chicken soup didn't materialise till much later. In fact, i only just got it done, and now its sitting in the thermal pot happily cooking away! hopefully tomorrow morning i will wake to a great hearty chicken soup (for the soul!)

Sinema Showoff

2009-08-08T22:06:00.000+08:00

Monday Wednesdays and Friday are supposed to be Gym days, unless i make other plans. last monday i had duty, so no gym for me >.< so instead i looked forward to Tuesday night where i was going to check out Sinema Showoff!

Sinema Showoff is a platform for local filmmakers to showcase their work, as well as an editing studio for them to start off their film-making career. Also, it showcases Asian films in its very own theatre, to create a asian cinema culture of sorts, haha.

its a really quaint place atop Mt. Sophia (had to climb ALOT of stairs!), but it was worth the climb. got a chance to talk to some of the people there (one guy was an ammo tech, and used to work for Kwong Nam at SOA!) and they're really nice, and the cinema was quite cool too!

I'm quite the Cheapo, so the first one i went for was the National Day Special, 3 shorts, Free-Of-Charge, the shorts (short films) that night weren't anything great, but the potential was there, so i'm sure there are times when the audiences get a nice surprise from an aspiring filmmaker. However, after going once, i'm tempted to go for a proper full length film, like Invisible Children, or the likes of the The Insomniac. Maybe i'll catch one more, afterall, tickets are $8 which is the cost of a movie ticket anyway! so maybe i'll do that!

You should totally check it out! the website's at http://www.sinema.sg/oldschool/ If you're interested, drop me a message, and we can go catch a show together!

If there is more than one idea, say it in a another sentence.

2009-08-08T21:54:00.000+08:00

My uncle used to write for the newspaper, and he taught me that if there is more than one idea, you should either split it into another sentence, or, since newspapers are one sentence per paragraph, split the idea into another paragraph.

so in my effort to keep my posts more bite-sized (and less tiring to write and recount everything since the last post) i'll try to keep things short and to the point, even if i end up posting more than once a day!

Sunday Sunday Sunday Success!

2009-08-02T21:58:00.000+08:00

well in spite of my post yesterday, today turned out great! and to think, all it took was a little planning on our part to get things to fall into place! so after lulling around the house pretty much the whole day, i decided that we got to get the family out of the house, and do so we did!

morning had driving plans though, so popped down to BBDC for my first ever driving lesson! and it was good, very good! its a lot more things to pay attention to than i expected, but what surprised me was how natural it was to follow and pick up driving! sure, a lot of things are still foreign, but maybe all those years of being in Dad's car did not got to waste. even without reading the book, it was quite easy to follow the tutor's instructions, and before i knew it, i was sitting in the car, driving rounds around the circuit! so exciting! haha.

Mom was great, waited for me for the whole of 100 mins, cuz we had plans for the afternoon! we swung by home to pick Dad and Mat up, and went down to the club to start Gymming as a family. I was quite reluctant to go, cuz i don't really like gym and didn't really want to start. but like most of my PT endeavors, when i resign myself to fate, i try to make the best of it, so consulted Joseph (the trainer there) on a workout set, and have got myself a plan to go down 3 times a week (mostly on Mon Wed and Fri) and get my workout lifestyle started. i guess i've sorta gotten into the momentum of things, and i want my weight to keep going down. it feels good to be complimented, and feels good to achieve things that i couldn't before.

I'm hoping there will be spill over effects too (splash damage!) and maybe my new determination to excel in my physical fitness will also lead to my determination to do better in school and academics. haha, its a hope :D

after gym, we had lunch as a family at LerkThai, not too bad, got quite stuffed actually (danger!) haha. it was kinda wierd going out as a family. i felt most of my time was being annoyed at Mat (that's normal) but i guess i was too conscious about how we were interacting. once i learnt to relax, things just flowed, and turned out well.

following which we visited a museum i NEVER knew existed. the Singapore Philantelic Museum (Wha-?) yes, that was my exact expression as well! but apparently its the Stamp Museum, and its located just perpendicular to Armenian Street (Peranakan Museum and the Substation) the thing that caught my eye was the Comics and Superheroes section i saw in an events website. anyway by the time we reached the museum it was 5pm, so we spent about an hour there, and happily went on our way home.

its reminiscent of last time. i remember MomDad use to bring me and mat around all sorts of places, from children festivals to Museum exhibits, me and my bro are quite the youth culture vulture in that aspect, and i'm glad they did. only because of such, we were able to appreciate the museum today (the comics and superheroes helped too XP) but mainly it was the joy of spending time as a family, which ironically enough we don't do enough of at home.

Another thing that has gotten me excited, is the events website i discovered: TimeOut.com. its a good site with listings of interesting things to do! from the research i was doing last night, i've got plans for future family outings, as well as things that i want to check out on my own.

i.e.

WaterWorks at the Singapore Science Center. Ah boy is down with fever this weekend, so no chance there. but hopefully we can organise a trip soon, invite the extended family, and go and basically play water at WaterWorks, while hopefully teaching the kiddies some science. if that's good, maybe Wild Wild Wet might be our next destination!

Sinema Showoff! that's something i wanna explore on my own. its a place screening local film clips as well as asian theatre. the full length features are normal movie prices ($8 and $10) but there are free shows, and i'm intending to catch the National Day Special ones, maybe this tues? so if there are any takers, sms me!

lots of things listed on the page, and i can't wait to pore through them, and maybe attend a few events? i realise i'm not the sort which go for regular sessions, i like exploring new things, and hopefully meeting new people while i'm at it. the only worry is not to become the jack of all trades, master of none. or to such a rolling stone that gathers no moss. a balance i have to learn to strike. but for now, i'm still young! can go and do all the exploring i want :)

So yes, i would say that i have had a good sunday! time to catch some Shut Eye, and get rest for work tmr. tmr night's my first Sentry Duty for next month! woo... haha. better charge my Music Player. yes yes. goodnight ya'll. more excapades to come!

Think of something to do!

2009-08-01T20:22:00.000+08:00

Its good to spend time at home. but it feels like when i'm at home, i'm not really doing much. anyone have ideas on how to spend time with the family fruitfully?

I'm one for blogging when something interesting happens, for the sake of personal record, usually i don't blog out of boredom. but i will this time. haha. i got frustrated at my Magic cards, so now it is lying a huge mess on the floor. with no way to sort them nicely so that i can access them later. i don't really like poring over the many many cards i've got, its too messy, then i'll put off keeping it properly, then later i will just put them in one giant heap, and dump it in the Box, ignoring it till i want to make another deck. this is a bad habit of mine >.<

Also! i'm sick of 3 colour decks!!! argh. quickly Zendikar! come out so that i can play around with mono and duo colours again! M10 just doesn't quite cut it. too... vanilla, not synergistic or flavourful enough for my taste.

Anyhoo. haven't really got much done since the last post. Fri was dinner at the club, contemplating when to start my gym regime. i feel kinda bad about this week. haven't been following a strict diet/exercise routine. lazy to do the strength training at home each day, and i even though i attended all runs last week (wed was cancelled) i can't help but feel it isn't enough (also because my timing dipped) maybe its a bit of complacency on the successful clearing of my IPPT, maybe that's just an excuse for my laziness, haha.

well, at least i got one thing done today! i've passed my FTT, so now all that is left is to attend the silly tutorial things (some compulsory lecture i believe) and to start driving lessons! speaking of which, i made a hasty booking for tomorrow! so i'll be officially starting my driving lessons come tomorrow :) that is good!

i'm off to find something to do! i know if i sit in front of my com, hours will fly by and i won't get anything done! so till i think of something, goodbye!

Things are building UP

2009-07-30T21:58:00.000+08:00

Hello everybody! it really feels like quite a long time since i last updated, let's check... hmm... last thursday... well lots of things have been happening, but i guess i have been too tired/busy to update. but no worries! now is the time to do recollections!

reason i didn't post anything over the weekend was largely attributed to Duty on Saturday. Its a lot more tiresome, not tiring mind you, got alot of sleep that weekend, haha, and lots of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince reading done :D but still, it was a hassle being in camp for the weekend, and even though Saturday just flew past, i realise in hindsight that it just ate up my weekend.

Sunday was spent out the whole day. from R&Gad PPP at Rachel's (too many acronyms! Rosen&Guildern are Dead Post-Production Party!) then dinner with Godma. i thought i wasn't that tired from Duty, but i guess irregular sleeping hours does take its toll on the body, so by Sunday night, i was utterly shagged out, but satisfied.

I was actually expecting Dim back on monday! (speaking of which, need to pop away and send an email...*POP*...*POP* and we're back!) yes, i'm going to regulate my life a little, and try and make myself be more diligent with certain things! like tuesdays will be email-day. prolly wednesdays will be facebook day, and if i don't bother to post as often, i'll try to make thursday my blogging day. its good to keep updating snippets of life, it gives something to look back on when my life progresses :)

okay! tuesday was an excellently spontaneous decision to meet up with raghav and play MTG into the night, which i did! and ended up reaching home at 1+ a.m. in the morning, which though i bet MomDad weren't too pleased with, i think they know that i'm old enough to know how to take care of myself, my parents are awesome like that :D

Oh yes! Tuesday was a landmark day in my NS life! for the first time ever, i passed my IPPT! woo~ woo~ yea~ :D this opens up so many opportunities for me! can finally promote to CPL and 3SG, and can earn some damned respect for my self! that's one thing in the office. even though its not a very nice generalisation, the rank does say a bit about how experienced the soldier is, so i'm gonna earn respect deserving of my rank, and my my mark on the ongoings in GSAB :)

Then duty on wednesday was last duty for the month, and last prowling for me. next month its sentry, at a much reduced rate of 3 duties a month. hopefully that will give me more time to dedicate to driving lessons and gym. though i've passed my IPPT, i cannot be complacent (like i have in the past 3 days >.<) and must strive to get better, and maybe get a silver badge for myself :)

then just came back tonight, and went out for the movie UP. to be frank, today wasn't a very good day. my last duty was fine, but i was quite careless with things, forgetting this and being an all round klutz. then today, after duty rest, went back to office to find a troubled Jeremy, who obviously had not had a good morning, with the flood of work coming in, since almost all the key people were not around on wednesday, so their backlogged work flooded in on thursday morning. felt guilty for not being around to help him, and worse was that even when i was around, i didn't know how to assist to my best ability.

But all my worries seemed to be pushed away by the end of the day, and it ended perfectly with the screening of UP, which i caught with Mat. Disney has got their winning magic back. For so long we were under the torture of boring, lifeless CGI shows like Cars, or Barnyard, or the likes of those shows. but Disney-Pixar knows their stuff, and blessed us withe Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Wall-E and now UP. i loved it. it was touching, and had great story, and great character. anyone who has the chance please watch it with people you love. family, girlfriend, best friends, whatever. just go with people who are special and important to you, because i know you will love it. My favourite scene had to be the first part, no words, just music, and the life story. it was a minor part to set the stage for the later plot, but it kinda painted the life i wished to lead, if you have no idea what i am talking about, go watch the movie, then buy the DVD, and watch it over and over again. Carl and Ellie - <3 forever :)

I'm happy now. warmed up by a great movie, and i shall take this feeling to sleep with me, so that i can savour it hopefully in my dreams as well. well then, goodnight, and till my next post!

If you're pooping sunshine, sooner or later your ass is gonna hurt

2009-07-23T21:20:00.003+08:00

my blogger is super messed up. as i write my post, its a teeny tiny box at the bottom left corner of the screen. SIGH, things not working out today.

Just came home from sending syak off. and i just finished an email to her too. i'm missing her real bad now, and i think it still isn't that apparent yet. it takes some time to sink in. I'm a little emo, a little dispaired, yet surprisingly calm at the whole state of things. It isn't remotely near futtype (look at Eugene's blog for uncensored version of the same sound) because i don't think i'll ever (allow myself to) decend into that.

I don't want to discuss it so openly, till i figure out what i'm gonna do with this new information. Oh, right, haven't explained what happened. After sending syak off and sitting around with the girls talking about Uni, we went off, and i sat in Terminal 3, talking to Kenneth over the phone, just talking about each other, and about our friends. I couldn't begin to understand why things just aren't going the way i've planned them to be, and why does it feel like i'm left behind, when everyone else is finding a way to deal with their life.

Life doesn't suck. Not for me. but i think most others would beg to differ. and maybe therein lies the difference. that i'm too happy, that i don't understand the 'pain' of my friends around me.

Its so ironic. i'm the normal guy in a room of wierd people. That makes ME the wierd one.

So as i struggle to find a new place, to play with my PS2 platform. i'll just have to take a break from those playing the Wii. But it hard.

sigh. what to do. find a new way of life. (said with much melancholy)

Go Go Power Players!

2009-07-20T20:12:00.004+08:00

I guess now is a good a time as ever to talk about production. and boy, did it surprise me, in more ways than one, and i guess that is the beauty of the stage :)

PRE

To those who have heard me complain, this is nothing new, to those visiting my blog expecting some emo lovey lovey thing about the production, i might as well just come out and say that: "I didn't enjoy the days leading up to the play"

Why? because the honeymoon period was over, because it was taking up so much of my time, that i wanted to instead spend with the TJ people. Many a time, i felt so alone during rehearsal, simply because everyone seemed to know everyone else, and i felt like the only orange slice in the apple pie.

biggest reason of all, and i think it still strikes a sour chord, was the way our rehearsals were run. i shall leave it at that, no point brooding over a sour point.

THEN

then, the week of production came, and i was taking half day off everyday and going down to TOPH for rehearsal. even in the days leading up i didn't wuite feel it, but i think things rapidly changed Thursaday night.

Alot of realisations came at once. First of it, i remember, was when Sali said "Acting is a very clique-y thing, sometimes not all actors are not given a chance to shine". and i realised that it was true, and i didn't have to keep fighting the thought in my head anymore, hearing it from another, just seemed to make it all clear. sure it isn't the best of things to hear, but it was the truth, and it is something that i could finally come to terms with.

I stopped fighting, and gave in to the whole performance. had fun on stage and went crazy with the guys. Wang was best, we got connection yo, and even in the group i felt was hard to click with, i managed to find a comfort spot that made things awesome.

The growth didn't stop there, the love grew and the appreciation doubled, tripled, quin(tessance)tupled, with each Run. Each night i saw primary school friends i haven't seen in ages, and some surprise guests like Oli and Ryan. It made me regret a little that i didn't invite anyone to come watch, and that was a lesson in itself.

I iz hearts the life of theatre. i don't always have to be comfortable or like the process, but the rewards are definitely there. I'm so glad that I was brought into it again :)

POST

and now, i facebook tonight and i see the influx of R&Gad Withdrawal Syndrome (R&GADWS). I'm not surprised, because that is the kind of people we are, but what i am surprised is that i'm feeling it too. It wasn't that long ago, i went about spouting "Oh! i can't wait for the production to end! get back to my normal life" and now i find myself finally completed the run, and feeling R&GADWS too.

It could have been the notes, and it could have been the climax of our last night. In any case, it was a great run, and it was my honour to be part of it.

Credits:
This silly boy would like to thank the following people
Cheng & Isaac for bothering to get this whole thing done
The cast, for bringing life to the stage, our act, and to my mundane life
the production crew, for always letting me in on the backstage action (i like it there)
Wang, for loving power rangers

but most of all

Salima Nadira, for being the reason i dabbled into this whole thing, sure, it may not seem like much, but i think you helped me more than a few times in the course of this production, whether you realised it or not :)

It never really is goodbye, is it?
i always hope its see you later :D

Missing everyone - Jon

post production recollection

2009-07-20T00:56:00.001+08:00

Another short one, since its uber late night, and i've got to get up early for NS tmr. I'm enjoying much to the surprise of many, and actually a little to myself. Anyway, just finished Rosencrantz & Guildernestern are Dead (felt it deserved its title spelt in full) It's finally over. after all those months of labouriously rehearsing, and putting up with certain characters, i've made it through.

But i'm not as relieved as i thought i would be. in fact, i might surprise myself, and actually miss this production. Its the people i do believe, and when everything came together, it was sheer awesomeness.

will need to elaborate on this soon :) but till then, it is time for this Tradgedian to go nightie-night :D

Intermission production post

2009-07-19T00:30:00.003+08:00

Just finished the best run of R&Gad to date. SUPER TIRED. been back and forth this entire week, and couldnt wait for this show to finish its run, and finally, tomorrow will be the last show! woo!

OMG! I can't believe oli and ryan were at the show. I WAS COMPLETELY STUNNED! haha, but it was awesome! good to know that there were people i know watching, really gives a second wind, a burst of energy! but i was also quite embarassed to let them see me perform... heh, shall ask them what they thought of it soon!

The rehearsals were bleh, but now that we're finally performing, i'm really getting into it, which is absolutely awesome! who knows, maybe my sourpuss will fade, and i'll go back to doing this again soon :D

alright, more another time, i'm just so tired, and watching my colourful nails type is disturbing me a bit... haha, goodnight :) last run tomorrow!

Pictures of Me, Pictures of You

2009-07-12T23:43:00.002+08:00

Its Sunday night! and i haven't been home all that much to blog, i'll explain everything in a jiff, but boy am i tired... don't think i'll do live run tomorrow, i haven't had proper rest since thursday night... that can't possibly be good for me >.<

Friday was guard duty again! i don't mind it all. the only thing is reeking after each guard duty, but apart from that, i actually get to catch up on sleep, lose some weight, and get to experience my camp better, so what's not to like? haha, there's possibility its all denial, but hey, for the moment it works, and i guess you could say i'm quite garang when it comes to doing duty, so yeah, if i have to do it, might as well enjoy it :)

its a good thing i felt properly rested after guard duty, if not i would not have been able to survive saturday. Rehearsal in the morning as usual, we've finally come to the last week of rehearsals! woo! the play is coming (and GOING) and can finally get this done (and out of the way XD)

Afterwhich, i quickly headed to Serangoon Gardens to get my hair cut! my hair isn't that long, but i guess i wanted to keep it short and neat and easy to manage. and airier too! but mostly is because i'm vain, and i wanted to look nice for saturday night!

What's so special about saturday night? Saturday was Syak's Farewell BBQ, and it was great. it was so nice to see everyone having fun together, and syak getting all emo about going. but it was a time to celebrate, and to come to terms with the fact that we're all going our different ways. different doesn't mean seperate, because after Saturday night, i sincerely believe that we won't be apart for that long, and we will always find reasons and ways to cross paths and talk like we never split :)

Then after syak left, we spent the rest of the night playing games, first murderer/polar bear at the pavillion, then we moved things upstairs to Jane's place, and played things like Taboo and Indian Poker. I didn't know that Jane was so well versed in these funny games, but its awesome that she is! haha, games are best when not everyone knows each other. Speaking of which, i've got to get back down to finishing the game peices for 'The Factory Game' thinggum, haha.

I'm actually in a combi of tiredness, and really melancholic. i miss people already even when they haven't gone. i feel like i'm trapped but certain responsibilities, when i much rather be doing the things that matter to me right now.

I'm gonna go to sleep, and when i wake tomorrow, i wish to be happy. :)

left 4 alive

2009-07-07T23:07:00.003+08:00

Just got back from my first ever L4D experience! woo! funstuffs! to think, i was so hesitant on trying it cuz i've never been good/into the whole LAN gaming thing. but still L4D is an awesomely simple yet awesomely fun game which anyone could pick up in 5 mins :D i'm thinking L4D with friends soon!

I have been dying this week so far (yes i know its only tuesday, but i just know that its gonna be a tough week ahead) Monday was rehearsal at TOPH, and rehearsal was terrible :) haha, props was an epic fail, cues were terribly followed, space had totally changed, everything that could go wrong, did go wrong. but yet, i think i enjoyed myself on Monday! rehearsing in the space is so different! some people got stressed by it, but i simply fed of the excitement of it all :)

Today met Nick! he's back from UK, and popped by to say hello! managed to talk a little with him over dinner, but the rest of the night's conversation was made up of "HOLY SHIT!! I'm DYING, I'M DYING!", "Shoot the tongue! THE TONGUE!" "WTH! i didn't even do anything and i died!" and "HOW DO I HEAL?", etc. yes yes, my virgin L4D experience was given to Nick! haha, should give him something special since he's all the way back here :D I like how we can just talk like he never left, it doesn't feel that different. sure the circumstances have changed, but we're still the same kind of friends, its awesome :)

The rest of the week is responsibilities everywhere. Tmr and Fri are Duty days for me, so that leaves me with thursday, which i'm using to hopefully get my FTT evaluation out of the way. hmmm... if i fail i'm going to have a problem... since the damn test can't be refunded. oh well... i think i should be able to pass the FTT eval? if i can, then the test should not be a problem!

went to SRC to pick up my membership card, so that means once production is out of the way, i've got to hardcore my training and pass my damn ippt! i can do it! i know i can! after that, i can focus on driving! and getting that 2 Star Kayaking cert! haha i like how the plans are fitting along nicely :D for now at least.

Picked up a few fliers/brochures/pamphlets at Esplanade, i foresee some shows/events i would like to go for! preferably if the right people are available to go with me :) but that's still far away, most of the interesting ones are in Sept i think, so can brace for those. STOMP is coming to town, maybe can discuss with MomDad if the family can go? its a little on the expensive side... but see how first, that's in Sept too.

I've been so tired this week that i've been falling asleep in the office even when Master Chua and Staff Jason are around, that is not good >.< I better get enough sleep, if not i might just burn out.

well, i'm gonna struggle to stay alive! haha, see you on Thursday, if i don't completely collapse from exhaustion! haha.

1sies, 2sies, 3sies and Moresies

2009-07-05T00:01:00.003+08:00

"I find that even though it is easier to meet many people at once, its better to meet one on one to REALLY catch up" - Jonathan Heng

i really agree with what he says :)

haha, okay, so tonight was supposed to Transformers 2 night, and was supposed to meet the guys for Transformers, but before that! lets do recap of Fri-Sat!

Friday was my first duty ever, and i was super lucky to get a very good DOO and DOS, didn't disturb us with any Turnout at all! plus plus! i got detail 2! or fence 2, and its the best detail, since i don't have to prowl 3 times (Fence 1) and i get to skip staff parade! okay, so maybe i don't get the full duty experience since i didn't try staff parade, but i'm sure it'll come soon.

Duty wasn't too bad. found it kinda fun actually, like a stayover in camp. the only part is the walking around with the heavy rifle+LBV, but it kinda makes it feel like its really army, not just the cushy office job everyday. Even managed to get Pizza Hut ordered in :D So had to say my first experience of duty was good. Now i want to try a xiong one, to see how bad it can get. well, i think my wish may already be answered! i've got wednesday duty, and i hear that the DOO is a garang one. so wish me all the best!

Then this morning after clearing everything in camp, went straight down to Bishan/RJC for rehearsal. obviously i was late, but at least i turned up! and its gonna be the same for next fri too! Rehearsal was... normal i guess. was a little emo, but will touch on that later.

by the time i got home, it was 3+ had lunch, so 4ish, bathe, change, use com, suddenly its 5 >.< and i'm supposed to meet the guys at Tampines at 6.30. so instead i say i'll be late, and i took a 30 minute nap. i think maybe i just need to sleep one long sleep, not in spurts like guard duty (though i think i got quite a lot of rest last night, hur)

All the way to Tampines, and turns out, i'm one of the earlier ones (bastards) haha then one thing led to another, then it led to. RAGHAV BOOKED THE WRONG DAY. sorry bro, had to be said. he booked the prev day and didn't realise it, so we were now 5 guys at Tampines with nothing to do. But that's not a problem, put a bunch of guys together, and they can sure talk cock :D and talk cock we did :) though it was kinda reminiscent of that week where my outings were... less than ideal. still couldn't figure it out, till later.

the guys left about quarter to 10? so i was going to head back, when i started talking to raghav, then we sat on the stairs at the station, and just chat. Lots of things, mainly about people, hearing about how we've grown and all, and that's when it felt right. like this is the kind of bonding i was hoping for each time the guys meet up. but it usually ends up as too many people, and the conversation doesn't really go anywhere.

I was emo most of the morning, cuz it felt like even though i was working so hard with these group of people, i didn't click that well with all of them. and when we're in a group, i'm such a clown that people don't take me seriously. but that's because they haven't gotten a chance to talk to me on my own. I think Ms. Nor said it before. you got to let people get to know you for who you are first. and usually when i intro myself to a group, i don't usually let them see my personal side, cuz i put on the 'group face' and try to entertain and bring in as many people as possible.

Its about being an attention seeker. in a group i want everyone (or as many as possible) to look at me, and listen to me, but in a 1 on 1 convo, i already have the attention and focus, so i can talk about what i want naturally, without having to worry much about winning the other's attention.

point is, i realise that i've been trying so hard to organise these big events and include everybody, that it kinda falls through since not everyone is on the same page. I want to meet them to catch up and to hear thier thoughts and stories, but in a group we can't really do that, the dynamic is different.

So a little resolve i'm going to make. instead of forcing these big events, i shall try to meet more often, and in smaller groups, best if 1on1, and REALLY catch up. then save for the really big events later, no need to force something out when there is no occasion. it'll take more time, and i won't be able to meet so many people at one go, but the quality of our meeting would be so much more, and we can really just talk about how each other has been. that'd be awesome :)

July oh July, why are you so packed. August hopefully will be more forgiving. it should be since R&Gad will be over :D And then i'll get down to meeting on close basis more often, and doing my personal responsibilities and goals. yes. yes i will!

I'm le tired. heh. can't really express myself so well when i'm tired. but i'm sure this explains enough. will have the weekend to mull over it :) i'm feeling enlightened

Duty, Honour, Country, Guard Duty!

2009-07-02T22:20:00.003+08:00

I better get to sleep soon! tomorrow's my first guard duty! sigh. quite sad that my first month at guard duty has so many problems! haha. its mainly cuz there is production this month, so lots of dates have to be moved around. Whatsmore, i had the misfortune of getting 2 Friday Duties and 1 Sat one out of my 5 duties.

Here's how the Duties work:

weekday
12-hr duties. 2-3 shifts of 2hr prowl and 4hr rest
next morning, duty rest until 12 noon, then join work after lunch

weekend
24-hr duty, 4-5 shifts of 2 hr prowl and 4 hr rest
next morning, duty rest until 12 noon, then join work after lunch.

Now if you notice, in a stay out camp like mine, there are certain days that are worse than others

Friday - sure, its only 12 hours, but sad thing is, there is no duty rest, since the next day is saturday, so no skipping work for you!

Sunday - holy crap yo! its 24 hours!!!

Saturday - now this is the mashuggenna of bad duty days, not only is it 24 hours, but there is no duty rest since it ends on sunday morning! sigh, weekend burnt just like that

Yeah well, even though its kinda sucky to have duties, at least i get to earn off! its not as easy as ZT who gets an off for every weekend duty, but at least its better than no off at all! i'm already planning to spend my July off in August to See Raghav off. hopefully all goes well, and i can claim my off promptly!

they say that the thing about guard duty is that you get bored real fast, so finding a good prowl buddy is good. and its always best to stock up on movies on your player to tide you through the sleepless hours.

I'm a little worried about my energy. haven't done duty before so don't know how tired i'll be after. hopefully not TOO tired, then at least i won't burn out at Rehearsal the next day. yes yes, i'm going straight from camp to duty to rehearsal, and depending what time things end and how dead i am, i'm also catching Transformers 2 tmr with the guys!

Ambitious aren't i? but that sound like the right weekend for me, lots of things to do, let's just hope i don't tire out too much. gotta run on Monday!

Meeep Meeep, dashing around doing things

2009-06-30T21:44:00.002+08:00

Meep meep! so many things to do! i have effectively made my entire weekend and now days leading away from weekend, filled up, when usually it should be this time which i'm most free.

Just this week so far: Weekend was kinda no life, haha. Sat morn was rehearsal, and had the whole afternoon to myself! but due to others not having free time, i spent the rest of the day just reading SHAMAN KING! haha, well at least i'm almost up to speed with the series! i even had to write myself a note to stop wasting my time just reading shaman king, need to get on with the rest of my life! Sunday was pretty much all rehearsal, since it was pushed forward to 3pm, and lasted all the way till 8+.

Yesterday, guess what i did? REHEARSAL, again. haha, seems like monday is our designated weekday rehearsal. so down to SMU and rehearsed till 9ish. Its only 3 more weeks till production! i can't wait! haha, i want to see it all put together, in its entirety and profession, but also, i just want it to be over, then i can get onto the rest of the plans i have!

speaking of clashing plans... I just got my duty forecast! and man is it giving me a mondo-headache! first, i have a duty on production DAY (Fri, 17th) and i'd gladly trade it for other days, but i've got ANOTHER FRIDAY, and a SATURDAY on the weekend just before production.... sigh... the trouble. now desperately trying to get my duties swapped out.

Just in case you were wondering what Duty is. For me i'm doing Guard Duty, Prowling. so basically i stay in camp, get assigned a detail, and do 2 hours of prowling and then 4 hours of rest, and this goes on for about 2 cycles on a weekday, and 4 cycles on a weekend. prowling is just walking the camp area, with arms drawn of course. It actually sounds quite fun, since i get duty rest the next day and that means no need to do work for half a day, but this doesn't happen if i got friday duties (since next day is Sat) and Sat duties (since next day is Sun), paired with sunday also being 24-hr duty, these are the 3 worst days to have duty. sigh... i actually don't mind doing (i believe Ni3 De Jiu4 Shi4 Ni3 De, Bu4 Shi4 Ni3 De Jiu4 Bu4 Shi4 De, or translated to What is yours is yours, what isn't yours isn't yours) but this month is just messed up. I should have submitted my duty committments with more thought put into it... sadly, i didn't >.< now i gotta go clear the mess i made.

Along with Duty committments, the work at unit is starting to come in. as i learn more from Jeremy, i find that there is a lot more to know. I actually don't like the helpless feeling of always needing someone else's card, or needing Jeremy to approve and check whatever i'm doing, but it is part of the learning process, and it is this discomfort that will drive me to learn things on my own.

I actually prefer and education like this. learning on the job, and watching as what i learn immediately get translated into doing something, or improving a job process. I've always been this hands on guy, and i learn best by trying things on my own, making a few careful mistakes, and picking myself up along the way.

However, despite all this enthusiasm, the day still seems to pass very slowly. like i'm waiting forever for the clock to strike 12pm for lunch and 5pm for fall out, maybe because i'm still a dependant, still observing, and not really taking on the responsibilities full force. but hey, take it easy! its just the 2nd week, you still have a whole 1+ year to go!

Tomorrow's another day. Wednesday. damn, this week a bit the slow huh? haha. and this friday is my first Duty, coupled with rehearsal on Sat morn. woo. haha, i hope i don't burn out! (maybe i should reward myself with a nice breakfast on Sat!)

till then, army boy out!

Fighting Frog

2009-06-27T23:28:00.001+08:00

When you roll on the sugar like that,
it scares my fighting frog.
tweed is made from sugar crystals,
and i'm a smelly log.

wee. typed whatever popped into my head. that seems like a nice way to start my posts! haven't got much to update. weekends are gonna be pretty much 'rehearsal-rehearsal-rehearsal' 3 more weeks to production! woo. can't wait for it to be done :)

Post as i Digest my BBQ dinner :D

2009-06-25T21:45:00.002+08:00

MMMmmm..! BBQ! haha, haven't had that in a while, and every now and then we should use the BBQ pit here, to justify the monthly payments we are making. Afterall, i don't play tennis, and i hardly swim anymore, so the BBQ Pit is the only other thing i use, apart from the fitness corner everyday.

Haha, was kinda mean to Mom tho. kinda left her to rush and plan/do everything on her own today. Afterall, i was in camp, and i think we were unable to book for after Fri, so today was the only option! Mom got all the food ready, Fried Bee Hoon, potato salad, meats and all, PorPor brought some Curry that she made, and the spread was great.

I think i ate too much >.< sigh, and after all that effort to lose weight. oh well, at least i'm running 12km for Live run tmr! then i'll be able to feel less guilty, hur. My stomach's kinda bloated and bursting now. Haven't had so much carbohydrates for dinner in REALLY LONG. i kept exclaiming "I miss eating bread so much!" haha, yes yes, i'm a little ang moh kid, but i love rice too! but i just like bread that smidgen more than rice XP

My posting has been really good so far! sure, it may seem i got some lazy job, sitting in an office all day, but i'm actually quite excited about my job scope, got a lot of potential to do interesting things. I really wish i could say more about what i do, but i'm not really sure what i'm allowed to disclose and what i am not. so to be on the safe side, i'll just not say anything, you can ask me all about it in person :)

So life's been good. feeling a little lazy in the office, cuz i'm not actually doing anything. waiting for some clearance pass to come, then i can use the computers, but as of now, i'm just helping my stand-in upperstudy, Jeremy, get some work done. doing work passes the time much more than just stoning.

I signed up for the NS plan last night, so as of next week i should be able to access my UNLIMITE FREE SMS! haha, i think that's gonna be quite worth it, cuz i'm really spamming on the messages now that i'm in army. just feel that need to connect with friends, haha, you know, since there's no other way to, and sms is oh so convenient :)

I'm really counting down the days to production! can't wait to get it over and done with XD a little worried about my month of July and August. Duty Forecase should be coming out soon, and as of next month, i'll be getting my hand at Prowling Duty, shouldn't be too bad, since it has to be done, then do it lah. plus i get to earn off! woo! i don't mind that at all!

My worry for July is passing my IPPT. i really should get my ass down to passing the damn thing. i must pass, just once so that i can get my 3 SGT. that's all. i want it so bad. now Milks no longer around to push me, i must do so myself. need to go gym, it seems like that's the only way i'll make it in time. its gonna make me damn shag, but its only for 1 month. the only worry is balancing that with Production. yeah that kinda worries me.

Ahh... i've just got to spend some time and digest all that food, then off to sleep i go :) catch ya'll soon!

holla at Raghav who just came back from India!

Some Me Time

2009-06-23T17:22:00.002+08:00

Hello Ya'll, hmmm maybe i should have posted this earlier then it would be more obvious how early i am home today. heh. Anyway, got early fall out today, and was actually planning to go out and meet people, but seems like no one's free... so its okay i guess, some 'Me-time' to get reacquainted with myself :)

I had an early fall out today because this morning i decided to attend the wake of the army fellow that passed on recently. he was from my unit, but he was posted overseas, so didn't get a chance to know him, so when the news came, it kinda felt like, 'oh its just another guy' but i think my perspective really changed after the proceedings at this morning wake/funeral/cremation. The first thing that struck me was during the eulogy, when i heard all the stories told and all the good words put in. at first i felt that maybe its just what should be said, and it would be the same old cliches that we hear so often. But actually hearing how the commanders said their peice, i thought different, and started to appreciate more than just a soldier, but as an individual.

The other part was during the cremation. i stood outside as there was insufficient space in the viewing gallery, and i saw the tears flowing from the eyes of the many commanders that i was so familiar seeing around camp. sometimes when serving NS, with the ranks and the regimentation, i forget that we are group comprising of people, of individuals, and of friends. when i saw 1SG Daniel crying, i was seriously stunned. he usually has this cool and lazy look to his face, that it is hard to imagine him bawling his eyes for his lost friend.

And as i stood around looking at the people around me, i realised that so many of us who didn't know who he was, couldn't really bring ourselves to feel for the guy. sure, we paid our respects, but there's a certain awkwardness and a certain distance, when you don't know the deceased personally. such were the distinct difference it people i saw today. unfortunate but true.

Then i thought back to Ah Gong's funeral (Gking Gking's Dad) and realised that the situation was not that different. sure, in that case there weren't 50+ NSFs paying their respects, but its a similar situation as there are bound to be those who are not as close and familiar to the deceased, but what was important was the paying of respects, and the effort made to show the family that there was care and support from those who mattered.

I couldn't help but wonder what my own funeral will be like. I almost don't want to talk about this since its so cliche, and such an obvious thing to do at a funeral procession, but i guess its cliche because its natural. I wondered what mine would be like, what would be said? who would be there?

Let's see, this is the 2nd Funeral i've attended in the last 1+ month? and i'm performing in a play that is deals a little with death and existentialism, but no no, i'm not emo, just thinking. I thought about what happens in death. well, i would cease to exist physically, but what else? and i know this is only going to exacerbate my bad habit of constantly craving attention, but i hope to leave a legacy behind. something that people can look to and derive inspiration, to be a memory not a passive one, but memories that teach lessons, that inspire, and memories that are not easily forgotten. then at my funeral, the eulogies will be of joy, and sadness, inspirational and memorable.

i guess that's why i didn't want to stay home today. There's no one at home at the moment. maybe i'll spend this evening downstairs. (or maybe i'll spend it reading Shaman King! who knows, haha) I want to play an active role in getting myself off my lazy bum and be part of the memories of others. to organise events we can laugh about as we meet many years down the road. making connections that do not easily sever. And i want to be important to people.

yay, so i had some me time to think today. These times are good, but if i can i want to balance with more family time, and friend time if you please :)

Movie Junkie

2009-06-21T23:04:00.002+08:00

I was all prepared to go all ape over my new obsession of the past 2 days, but then it decided to go irritating on me, and now i'm a little fed up. Sigh. Good, but just not good enough >.<

Anyway! let's get to storytelling! Saturday had rehearsal in the morning as usual, and was going to meet the guys at Siglap for lunch. We were at KFC laughing over army stories, and congratulating varun on his OCS achievement (stupid kid is scared now! haha) and talking about Eugene's 'adventure'. heh, shan't give it away, go ask him yourself. Anyway, caught up just like we used to, and then left to go down to Parkway Parade to spend our afternoon.

We made a slight detour to Video Ezy (heh heh) and there was the $3 VCDs sitting there, calling out to me like a clarion call... at first i wasn't gonna get anything, even though it was only $3, but then! something caught my eye! Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan! after hearing how Gku Gku and Mom gush all over how good it was, i had my curiousity perked, and was quite intent on getting it! so since i was ready to get 1, why not make it 5? and woo, just like that $15 was spent, but getting some cool movies, like Batman (the Tim Burton, Jack Nicholson one!), The Girl Who leapt through Time, The Leap Years and The Singing Detective (it was mainly for the stellar cast of Robert Downey Jr, Mel Gibson and the likes).

At first i was thinking that VCDs aren't that practical now, since on the home theatre it won't have good quality picture and sound, and besides, the computer running it is kinda spoilt, so no point right? WRONG! it struck me, that i could finally install my mp4 player CD to convert the VCDs into clips for my Player! then i can watch movies on the go! just like those IPod/IPhone bastards :D Sure, my screen may not be as big, but its good enough to pass the time and take those long rides, its better than the same old music i've been hearing time and time again XP So Sat night was spent converting files and uplouding 1/2 movies into the player, 2.1 GB isn't that much space, especially when i'm trying to squeeze in songs as well...

By why stop at 2 GB? The brilliant thing about my MP4 player is that it can accomodate microSD cards as external memory as well! woo~ so this morning when we went out to run errands of settling Matthew's phone, and changing ownership of my number, i decided to pop down and get myself another microSD card! to chock my player with more space and MORE MOVIES :D Finally settled on an 8 GB microSDHC for a reasonable price of about $40 and couldn't wait to get back to shove all those movies in! (I found an old George of the Jungle VCD! i loved that movie, hilarious shizz XP)

And i've been home for quite a few hours now, and this is the turnaround point, the damn microSDHC doesn't seem to be compatible with my player >.< sigh... its not even compatible with my com! it can't read the card at all! so i dunno, may have just wasted $40. maybe i'll chuck it into the Wii system Downstairs instead, maybe it'll be more effective there? But before that i'll continue trying to get the thing to work. maybe with a little upgrade here and a filesystem update there, there's hope that the card might work? will just have to try tomorrow i guess, for now its a tad too late to do all that.

I'm quite the movie junkie i realise. no i wouldn't pay for the movies, and i'm not a crazy fan of watching online, but somehow i get wind of many movies, maybe i should consider investing more in getting VCDs to put into my player... hm... haha.

another week of things ahead, can almost count down to production day. Will have to make a bunch of arrangements this coming week, hopefully not too much clashes with other plans. haha, but it sounds like a tiring week already.

Oh well, gonna have live run tmr, so shouldn't sleep too late, gotta have the energy to go for it, especially since i haven't gone for a WHOLE WEEK, hopefully i don't collapse tmr, haha. my weights not really moving, that's troubling, need to go down further! especially if i'm not eating any carbo for lunch and dinner (oh, rice, how i miss thee!) sigh, must pass IPPT! haha, goodnight ya'll!

Shonen Jumpy Jumpy!

2009-06-19T22:31:00.003+08:00

Having spent the last 3 days at home instead of going out, i realise that i dont have the urge to blog so much when i'm not doing anything. but it seems to be somewhat of an obligation now, so i shall, and as i start this para, i'm starting to think of things to blog about!

Okay, so the thing is not really that i don't wanna blog, its just that now when i go online, the main thing i want to do is READ MANGA! haha, stupid Milks must have passed me his disease (not the dissentry one :D) So the past few days i've been indulging myself in manga on onemanga.com!

I already read/am following
+ Naruto
+ Bleach
+ Katekyo Hitman Reborn
+ Liar Game
+ Addicted to Curry
+ Yakitate Japan
+ No Bra
+ I"s

there are a few more, but i can't remember off hand

Adding to my list of manga i'm reading:
+ Ichigo 100%
+ Shaman King

Ichigo 100%! haha, that might seem like a wierd choice, but after reading I"s, i realise i like these kind of wierd, funny, awkward, sweet, perverted, romance, stupid kind of manga. i like to laugh out loud at the guys antics, feel a little jealous, but also ogle at girls :D haha, yes yes, go ahead and judge me, but if you ever pick up ichigo 100% i'm sure you'd get hooked and laugh along too :)

Shaman King was surprising for me. i watched the Anime when they use to screen it on the (then known) Central Channel, but i think it stopped at some episode and i never bothered to look for the episodes further online. So i randomly decided to see the first few chapters of Shaman King, and now i'm hooked again! But according to Milks, the story get quite bad towards the end, so maybe i should just follow the retcon and follow the second story when i get to it. hmm... shall think about it. now i'll just enjoy my shaman king :D

So yeah that's pretty much what i've been doing at home. not terribly exciting i know, but hey, i enjoy it! and its a good break from the previous slew of outings. Sat Sun will have things to do, but i think most of it will be eaten by rehearsals >.< Work-wise there's been HUMUNGO LOTS of changes! but i don't know how much i can disclose... hmmm... just the surface stuff will do for now. Well, i've officially finished my ATT course, and am now a certified (with certificate!) Ammo Tech! so with a little elbow grease to pass my IPPT, 3rd SGT here i come! So with Wed, we got our posting orders! the numbers were quite funny. Derek obviously disrupting for Medicine, so he's a LOBO now, 2 guys at SYS office, 2 guys OPS branch, 6 at CTAB (this was a unusually high number!), 10 at GSAB, and the most hilarious posting of the day goes to Lin Zhe Zhao, proud posting of the SOA permstaff HAHAHA, poor fellow, took us all completely by surprise. Funny thing, with his "wonderful attendance" and "great results" he still got posted to school, oh well, its That Guy's choice. Haha, good luck ZZ!

Then i was 1 of the 10 posted to GSAB, and with that info, i figured i was almost definitely getting PAD, afterall, it is closest to home, and my PES status fits perfectly with it. Thursday was our Induction programme, and we pretty much sat at SOA getting lecture after lecture of what GSAB is and all the things we might/will be doing, duty and whatnot. then the moment of revelation came as we got our GSAB postings. i'm thinking that this post will be traced, so as little revealed as possible is best, but whatever it is, i got posted to HQ! which was utter surprise for me! okay okay, all the other details ask me in person!

So now the next chapter begins! i've got a great stand in upper study, who's very on the ball, and eager to teach, and i'm off course eager to learn, so that's not a problem. I'm quite happy to start my work proper as an Ammo Tech, but i also must get my stupid IPPT out of the way. gah. well, i've got to work hard!

Next Month is gonna be... HECTIC. with Duty starting, and R&Gad going full force into the final stages of production, i don't even know if i can get my leave to be approved. hope all goes well on monday! but what excitement! i can't wait for all these to fall into place! i am making plans for the next few months already! i should probably get a daily planner, i need to see all my plans fall nicely into my calendar, or face possible trouble with my unit, or with other people.

Things lined up for June and after:
+ Production R&Gad
+ Studying/ taking my FTT
+ Start Chionging my Driving lessons to get my License!
+ 2 Star Kayaking and hopefully expedition after that!
+ apply to overseas Uni's (i really got to stop talking about it and just get it done)
+ make the 'Factory Game' ~ and possible hold a game night!
+ plan an overseas trip if possible. all the best for Varun's posting (Don't mess up our plans!)

haha, these are just the things off the top of my head. woo, i like being busy! the girls are starting school soon. sigh. syak's going away soon. Rag's going away soon. the only consolation is that nick is back in Asia! hope when he comes to visit it won't be in the middle of production >.<

after looking at my list, i'm getting a little wary, and a little dauted by my plans... but its the exciting kind of daunted! :D EXCITING!

haha, i wonder how i'm gonna sleep with this new found excitement, lol.

Too Much of a Good Thing

2009-06-17T19:54:00.002+08:00

Surprise surprise! I'm actually home on a weekday evening! :O haha, that's my mom's reaction anyway. haven't exactly been the good stay at home boy for the past few days. Or as my mom likes to put it, " I have no son..."
Sigh. haha, i know she's just kidding, though i did feel a little bad, so i shall try my best to be at home and spend quality time with the family for this week :)

I came home from Malacca on Sunday, due to NS and rehearsal, but the rest of the family stayed on for one more night. And when they did return on Monday night... I wasn't home >.< Monday was AngelMortal Dinner, at least i called it that, but can't really be considered such, since the only angelmortal pairing was ZT and Sam. It gave me a major headache organising it tho, started all nice-like with everyone able to go, and turned out with so many cancellations. It ended up a lot like the previous one though, the Glass House Fish and Co. one, where only Sam and Chiaps came rep-ping the angels, and 4 guys, ZT, Marcus, Gene and I repping the mortals. This time, the only difference was Eugene swapped out for Varun, he was bored, wanted to tag along. I kinda felt i let down those who went, since ZT was 'sian' and varun didn't really mesh. i was afraid the girls wouldn't enjoy themselves too, Marcus seemed quite alright, haha. But it was a chance to meet Sam and Chiaps i guess, though i realised i didn't talk that much to them, gotta work on that...

So with a little heavy heart, i went home mulling over what could be done to salvage the situation, or at least, lessons to learn so that i won't make such mistakes again. Thought about it long and hard, but didn't really have any answer to it. The other worry, of course, was that we were supposed to meet up the next day too, and i didn't want it to be a repeat of Monday night. what to do? what to do?

Surprisingly, a change of circumstance was what i needed to break out of the 'sian'-spell. Tuesday night (sorry MumDad for going out again >.<) was looking to be like the previous night, and i was actually quite uninspired the whole day, until going back time, when i got a call from Hui Min, to join the girls at Minds Cafe along Clarke Quay to play games and chill with them. Woo-hoo! (small teeny weeny part of the reason is because it was girls, but the bigger part was that it was a change of grouping, and! i was not the organiser anymore!) So rushed home and out again, and down to Clarke Quay where i was the first to join them, and played an awesome-shizz game called "Intrigue" but i think it was better known to us as the Factory Game.

Factory Game:
Game about betrayal, backstabbing, bluffing and bribery (note the alliteration!)
5 players
each owning 8 workers, competing to earn money in other people's factories

The game was supposed to be open table bribery, with offers and counter offers for other players to take our workers in, but we spun it into our own version! where more trechery and manipulation could be done, by organising it into a silent auction. sure it meant that during offers, those not involved were more bored, but it definitely heightened the risk of playing the game, and we enjoyed it very much!

So one of my new projects this year will be to remake that game (so we don't have to pay $3.50 an hour to play >.<) for us to play and hopefully finish the game this time!

The rest of the guys (ZT, Varun, Marcus) joined us later, but they didn't want to join the girls to play, and that was when i noticed it. It was an expectation to be entertained, but when they were not, they immediately decended into a 'sian'-ness they felt the night before. not that i want to talk badly about them, it's just that, it was tough organising something for them, if they were not open to just talk freely and have fun no matter what. I had fun with the girls, because it was loud and crazy, but also because we were open to each others ideas, suggestions and antics! so that increased the fun-ditude (fun + altitude = funditude!) of last night.

Another thing i realised, it could be due to the fact that i always meet the same people, it could be a case of 'too much of a good thing', without having enough time apart to grow and develop, when we meet, it can get boring to hear the same stories, while not having any common ground to chat about (like school and schoolmates). Abscence makes the heart grow fonder, if we are just gonna meet to chat, then we need to have more time on our own.

The other solution (IMO is better) is to go and do stuff together, varun sms-ed me later that night, and said 'if tonight was sian, its not your fault, we just didn't have anything to do" and that can easily be rectified if we go and do something! Ubin Cycling Trip was awesome fun, every beach outing was good since we do lots of crazy things, and it just takes a little effort to orgainise an event people will put thier attention to, to create shared experiences that pull us closer together.

I shall go back to thinking about activities like that. BBQs, Beach stayovers, weekend trips to malaysia, 2 star kayaking, expeditions, game nights, pot luck. just a few minutes and i'm brimming with ideas! i feel the excitement bubbling once again!

I'm glad i had these 2 days to contrast and learn from, its almost too coincidental! almost like i was meant to learn this lesson(yes yes, i've been talking to people about religion again >.<) But whatever the case, i'm glad i learnt it, i might take a break from organising events for now, but you can bet i'll be at it again soon! first gotta clear some things like R&Gad performance and maybe even my Driving License. Still! there are many years more of friendship! Many more opportunities to plan things :)

Tomorrow i start a new chapter of NS. Just finished my Ammo Tech Course today! will tell you more about GSAB once i find out where i'm posted to tmr!

A good thing

2009-06-16T23:36:00.002+08:00

its another one of those intermission posts, cuz once again, i'm home uber late, and MomDad say they have no son >.< they don't mean it lah... i hope. I've spent my last 2 nights out, and out till late. 2 nights with similar people but feeling quite different after. So be patient for a little while, and i'll tell you all about it soon :)

Gula Melaka

2009-06-14T22:06:00.002+08:00

Hello ya'll! i'm back from my M'sia Trip, and came back from rehearsal today, so though a little tired, still have the energy to note down what happened over the weekend!

I really miss going on malaysia family trips, its so rare that i get to catch up on sleep as much as when we travel! haha. that's cuz when we go malaysia, usually we wake super early like 4 - 5 a.m. thereabouts, and we all get into the car and drive off. From there pretty much everything was a blur, cuz i spent the whole time sleeping, waking only to show my face at customs at Woodlands and on the Johore side, then back to sleep!

Of course there's the usual few rest stops, but i must have been more tired than i think, cuz i pretty much slept the whole way to malacca, oh well. since we left so early, by the time we reached it was 9.30 going on 10 a.m already, and Mom had such a frust (short for frustrating) time finding our breakfast place, that we just gave up, and went straight to lunch. For Mom, Grandpa and I, it wasn't so bad, since Grandma packed for us SweetCorn to eat along the way, but according to Grandma, Dad is not a fan of corn, and Mat... well you know his picky taste, so he was left quite the hungry bunny too.

Lunch was in 2 parts. the pre-lunch was fishball noodles/soup. some yong peng fishballs... they were alright, no great shakes. Then the main part was a nonya lunch! Maybe the Xiao Niang Re after effects haven't worn off completely, so maybe that's why we die die wanted to get some authentic Nonya food since we were in Malacca. Pictures of the food shall be posted when the rest of the family gets back!

Went a little shopping, the supermarts weren't as super as we remembered, but i got a nice new bag which i will be sporting off at camp tmr, very ME with all the red and black, and useful, now i've got a suitable bag to go out with, but also to go cycling and adventuring with Varun as well!

Then Dinner was along Jonker Street, saturday nights are also pasar malam nights, so they had loads of food stuffs that were worth getting! HOWEVER, the major tradgedy of yesterday was my nose. couldn't appreciate all the food the best of its effect cuz my nose was running/blocked/flu-ish the whole day, and so spent most of my time trying to heal from it.

that meant that by the time we returned from Jonker Street, i was too 'out-of-it' to go for seafood supper at Portugese Square, right next to our hotel/resort place. oh well, gives me a reason to go back!

Bought a few cheapo model toys, the RM1.50 ones were hard to put together and not very nicely coloured, hopefully the Gundam Model is not so bad >.<

Had a good nights rest, and so glad that the flu went away the next morning! This time finally got to eat at Selvam's this great Indian Food place which was so hard to find and get to the first time! Well got to indulge ourselves in the good food today, and for me it was to have a last good meal in Malacca, before i set off back to Singapore.

I had to come back early for 2 reasons.

1) I had R&Gad rehearsal at 4 pm on sunday
2) i've got NS/work/School/SOA tomorrow, and so i've got to be back.

So i've added Bused home from Malacca on my list of things done, took a 4 hour bus journey home, to sweet Singapore, but would not have survived if not for my trusty mp4 player! just plug in and fell asleep close to the whole way. Even now i think i feel remnants of the crazy shaking the Bus did, i think something was wrong with the suspension >.<

I feel kind fat now that im back though. totally wasted all my efforts to lose weight in the past few weeks. oh well, back to the ol' low carb thing. sigh, it was nice while it lasted.

It's great to spend time with just the family, undistracted by handphones and committments, although had to sacrifice a few things, it was great to just be with the family again :)

I'm growing up, but its good to know that there are some things i can go back to and hold on to even now :)

A need for more time and space

2009-06-12T21:23:00.002+08:00

Hello! have not been updating that much this week because there were so many days that i came home utterly exhausted and lacking energy to update my blog. but now i'm back! well for a while, cuz tomorrow i'm going for a family trip to Malacca, M'sia, for a weekend of good food and reconnecting with the family :) its gonna be so nostalgic! just like when i was younger, wake up at 5 am, sleep in the car all the way to M'sia, yes yes!

I like having lots to do, but it gets tough when things clash. i originally thought wednesday would be free, since no plans were made, but Syak sprang a little surprise on me, with wednesday DINNER! the reason i'm so stunned by this is cuz Syak's curfew after JC has been really... tough, to say the least. so i haven't been able to meet her after SOA all this while, plus everytime there was an activity we were supposed to go together, either of us would be unable to make it. Sadness... but that's why seeing her again on Wed was so great, gave us a chance to reconnect a little, and make plans to meet for longer.

Blah, after a short dinner with Syak, Jane, Sian, Hui Min, Wendy and Sarah ($6!!! like seriously! that was cheap and good XD i should go out with them more often!) had to rush off for R&Gad rehearsal at SMU, and i guess my mind just wasn't there, felt like we have to meet so often because there isn't proper direction and structure to each rehearsal. if there was only some form of structure.... sigh... i should really bring this up to Cheng, but part of me doesn't want to come off as some arrogant prick telling him how to do his job, but the other part also can't really be bothered... sigh... maybe i should approach isaac? then it might be easier to break it for Cheng? i dunno. but i guess i will have a 4 hour bus ride back on Sunday to think about it. (Note to self, bring paper and writing materials.)

Was intending to plan a gathering for the POP boys on thurs, but with the last minute cancellations and the 'having errands to run' (i'm looking at you ZhongTing!) plans kind of fell through, and decided to move our plans to next tuesday! such that we can see both Nick Lau and Marc (if they don't PS me again >.<) and their newly fashioned botak heads :D looking forward to that. So instead of my plan, ZT decides to invite me and varun to dinner at Tampines1, just like how we used to (just that not in Tampines1 of course) and of course its fun laughing at varun, or joking about ZT's insecurities, or me being (not-so-) Fat (-anymore) :D and had a decent dinner at Carl's Juniors, yum. Mmmm... Guacamole *drools the Homer way*

A funny comment came from Varun, "i didn't really make much friends in BMT. I have BMT friends, and the pre-BMT friends, if i make more friends in BMT, then i will lose some of the pre-BMT freinds" or something to that effect. I kinda get what he's getting at though. i mean, with Syak going off in July, Raghav too, Dim's already gone, and in fact is going FURTHER, girls are starting school, we're all drifting in our directions, the true test of our friendships are just beginning.

Then another thing hit me. How we make such friends in the first place. I'm so close to the bunch of guys, consisting of Gene, Marcus, Varun, Kenny, ZT, Fidot, Gavin, just to name a few, is because we used to spend so much time together, we had all the free time in the world to do stupid things and create memories and get to know each other better, things we would like to know, and things we were better off not knowing, its a package, that can only reveal itself with time. I'm thinking that my event planning doesn't have to be as ambitious as doing some expedition or cycling trip, what is important is that we have the space and time to sit around (we don't necessarily have to sit, standing or running is fine with me too (: ) and talk and catch up and reminisce and make fun of Varun.

Good Friends spend time together, Great Friends spend TOO MUCH time with each other.

There's a need for more time and space, to meet up and just connect. without the luxury of school, and with the added weight of more responsibility, it gets tough to have much time to spend with the people we hold close. so that's why i must make time for them, friends, and for this weekend, its all about the family!

There's love that needs to be shared :)

A need for time and space

2009-06-11T23:52:00.001+08:00

Hello! just came home from Dinner with Varun and ZT, but its super late, tmr got Live Run, and i'm kinda tired, so i'll post tmr or something. for now, Sleepytime! :D

The Climb

2009-06-09T20:12:00.002+08:00

Damn Derek! its all your fault! now i feel all cliche and 'mainstream' haha, but its okay, there's a certain uniqueness from being mainstream when i'm supposed to be unique! haha (that sorta made sense >.<)

I mentioned before that i MUST get the Hannah Montana OST! AND I FINALLY DID! haha, okay, i can bet that a whole bunch of people are gonna give me weird looks about now, but its okay! I'm Happy :D I can't believe i did it though, almost like i was hypnotised by it, and seems like so has a lot of people >.<

Sunday, i couldn't help but have all the songs stuck in my head. The Climb, Butterfly fly away and the best was Rascal Flatt's Bless the Broken Road, it just kept playing in my head, even searched all the lyrics online so that it wouldn't just be tunes running in my head. Like i said, i'm a lyrics kind of guy, i like meaningful lyrics that say something, haha, Hannah Montana might not be the best example, but they have a nice ring to it, and Miley has a voice that just clings on to you :)

Monday, decided that after camp i was gonna find the damn CD! couldn't stand it anymore, i would hear my player and it still got drowned out by the HM songs in my head, so had to get them. Ever since That CD Shop left Tiong Bahru Plaza, there hasn't been any replacement, kinda wish i had made use of the place before it became a Wanko (that's really the name of the shop >.<). Next stop, Vivo! and i can't believe i took 2 buses, passed by home, just to go to Vivo! and even after travelling all the way there, went to the Music shop, and lo and behold... THE ALBUM WAS OUT OF STOCK. sigh... went home dissapointed, but that's not going to be the end of it!

Today, decided that i'll try a new way home, since i wanted to pass by Borders to see if they carried the CD. so when i finally got there, the CD was finally there! BUT, it was the LAST COPY! like seriously?!? i'm a little wierd so me getting is fine, but the tweenie crowd it is meant for doesn't have the income to get it.. right? hmm... maybe i have underestimated this Hannah Montana Franchise... and during the small talk with the cashier, she even said that the GUY in front of me bought the same CD! sheesh....

CONFESSION: feel so bad >.<>.< said it was for my cousin, but actually... you know... hahaha. oh well, at least i have confessed here right? so random cashier lady, i hope you see this, though you don't know who i am. I'm enjoying the CD very much :)

haha, i sound like such a teenie-bopper in this post. its just another side of me! or maybe it has to do with the fact that as i typed out the entire post, the Hannah Montana Movie Sountrack is playing in the background. (aside: Backwards by Rascal Flatts is a hilarious song!) Soon gonna put the album in my MP4 player! then can enjoy it for the days to come while the songs still ring :)

+++

:( i'm worried about the next few days, Wed has lots of things clashing, and so does Sat... sigh, can't be helped i guess, that's what happens when i over commit, so have to learn to balance, i'm still in a dilemma over tmr tho. SO LITTLE TIME SO MUCH TO DO!

haha, i shall just slow down and enjoy a little HM music first. check back soon :)

Country-fy it

2009-06-07T22:37:00.002+08:00

Hello all! yes i'm back! finally have my laptop working, so i can indulge in blogging again :) So first a short list for myself to keep track of what i've done over the past days!

Thurs: Josh came over for dinner
Fri: NE Trip
Sat: BTT and Mahjong and Movie
Sun: Rehearsal

++Thurs++

Joshua came over! Uncle Francis' Kid, just messaged him out of the blue last week and asked if he wanted to do dinner, haven't really met him in a while, and i hear he's been baking! so what better way to get to know what Josh has been up to, and the additional baked good was a bonus :D haha. He's been at MINDEF since he POP-ed, and having quite a senang life there, so like me he is using his time productively to pursue interests.
"Take half the time you spend on things and put it for Baking, the other half for knitting, and you pretty much have how i spend my time" - Joshua Heng
haha, great stuffs, Knitting is good! maybe you can make me a nice handphone pouch to rival ZhongTing's! haha
Oh! and Josh has got his license already! so he actually drove me back on Thurs, awesome-cool, makes me all the more eager to get my license!

++Fri++

Garh, NE Trip, even the sound of it sounts like a waste of time... and actually it was >.<>.< haha
The other thing was the KARAOKE SYSTEM, holy crap! its freaking fun! and everyone had a good laugh with my Chipmunk rendition of Superman, wish i knew more chinese songs, since that was what everyone else seemed to be obsessed over, oh well, they had english songs, but trouble was we discovered it too late, so we kinda had no time to play around with it, still hilarity for those that did take part!
the trip was... erm. yeah. But the guys made it funny, and enjoyable.
Racism: Embracing the many races is not living together as one race, but instead able to accept other races, in their practice, culture, and able to make jokes about them without them feeling offended :D
That's the only way to describe the fun we had with Sanji (the 'New' Xiao Bai!) also awesome just walking around talking cock with Milks and Xiao Bai, making the tour guide Laugh incessantly at Transvestites, and all sorts of other retardedness, all NAISE! (Sanji's 'nice')

++Sat++

woo~ this was a long day, to describe, because it actually felt quite short >.<

Morning: BTT day! finally get this part over and done with! walked in, finished the silly test in 10 mins and walked out to get my PDL, all done in about 1/2 hour? yes yes, so quickly have to get my FTT and practice done within 6 months! or else have to pay for the stupid extension, that would be a terrible waste of money. i'm thinking maybe i can do all my lessons intensive for 2 months after the production ends, then can take my TP practical early, before i forget everything i've learned. yes, sounds good.

Afternoon: itching to play mahjong! and i finally got my chance to on Sat! still, i lost TONNES of Chips to everyone, but as we call it "Jiao1 Xue2 Fei4" or 'pay school fees', not as painful as real money, but i guess bad enough huh? Still must practice! and train up, cuz i cannot be the only weak mahjong guy in the family, must be able to hold my own, so must play some more! hahaha

Night: now, we were all supposed to meet 6.45 p.m. at Somerset MRT, but EVERYONE ELSE was late, save for me of course, so by the time they reached, we decided to just catch the later movies, 9+, and go grab some dinner first. So sat around eating and catching up, hearing about how all the Sergeant trainees all are dropping like flies, all OOC or find someway to escape, sigh... oh well, be a Tech! and get your sergeant anyway! :D

More important was the movie! from the beginning we knew we were gonna split up, Eugene, Gavin, joined by Lester and Marshall, caught Monsters Vs. Aliens. While me and Kai Jie happily went off to catch HANNAH MONTANA: THE MOVIE! okay i know you guys will pass judgement and call us gu niangs or whatever, but! a Disney movie is a Disney Movie, and as long as the magic is there, it doesn't matter what others say :)

Hannah Montana: The Movie
i just had to do a review and my take on how it was! Sure, Disney is a Machine, taking young kids, and churning them through a life so littered with sparkles and glamour that many get caught up in it, and lose their way after (Stupid Britney, and Lohan, messing themselves up >.<) Miley Cyrus may be no different, but there is hope for her yet, partly because faith makes a difference (yes Brit used her faith too) but the other quality is her Dad. Miley is not alone in this business, her Dad has many years of experience under his belt, and hopefully he can help in steering her in the right direction.
Back to the Movie, it was a feel-good, tweenie love-type movie, and they pull out all the usual things with love, and dual-life, and friendship, and family, but they did it with the same ol' Disney Magic, and there's one person who made all the difference, Miley Cyrus. I really really hope she makes the choice of going into acting, because she has charisma, and is one charming girl, if she rides the acting wave like Zac Efron, she can go on to do better things with Music in them, much like our Christian, Ewan McGregor, from the likes of Moulin Rouge. To go down the music path would be much tougher for her, and as Hilary Duff tried to, Duff fizzled out, hopefully Miley doesn't go the same way.
If anything, the movie did 3 things for me, showcased Miley's acting and charm, but for me, i was enchanted by the landscape of the Countryside, and i think i've got a new found appreciation or maybe even interest in Country, culture, but more importantly Music!
So for me i usually rate movies by how much i want the DVD (whether i do or not is another thing) I prolly won't go out of my way to get it ( I STILL WANT MY SIMPSONS: MOVIE DVD!) but if i do it'll be nice :) BUT! I really want to get the OST, soundtrack! to this movie, great stuff by both Miley and other country stars.

i think i was caught at the Rascal Flatts Cameo, with their Bless the Broken Road acoustic, that kinda make me look at Country in a new-found light. as the pretty boy in the movie put it, Country Music is always about something, it isn't just fluff, it always tells a story, i like that in my music :)

++Sun++

Speaking of country, i got an awesome new shirt today! from Marks&Spencers, this lovely denim-washed shirt that cost $89 >.< but it's REALLY NICE, and it has that country-flavour which i have a new found love for. hopefully i can continue to lose more weight and i'll look even better in it :)
Rehearsal was good, i'm getting more comfortable with the people each day, and now that the rehearsals are combined for full runs, i get to see the nice Hamleteers like Rosary (Zhao Han, haha) and the other fellows, and even Darren, who has come back from BMT recourse! so the people are fine. the play itself-though... it still got ALOT of work to do, so yeah shall just go along with it i guess, hopefully it turns out good. maybe i should say something to the directors...

But that pretty much sums up my past few days, i've got another filled week coming up, with POP-boys galore, PAY DAY! and rehearsal lined up on Wed, i know my later half of the week is gonna be packed, i'm worried for my wallet again >.<

now i leave you with, Bless the Broken Road

Intermission

2009-06-07T13:27:00.002+08:00

Had my com down for the past few days so no blog posts from me recently. but don't worry, will be back soon :) but not yet, have to brace myself for rehearsal later, so not that much time. Maybe if there's time after rehearsal tonight i will recap what i've done in the past few days, not super active, but good enough :)

till the later post! toodles!

Contemplating, thinking about thinking

2009-06-03T18:55:00.002+08:00

The title is lyrics from Robbie Williams' song, Come Undone, i don't think that is the real meaning of contemplating, but i like the way it rolls of the tongue, and it was the first title i thought of when i thought about this post :)

i kinda promised kerry a more introspective post, much more like my older posts, but i realised i struggle to find something to go on a long thought train about, maybe it is due to my own shift in mindset, but i decided to figure out what has changed.

in the past, i use to have a strong thought, and i'd come here to rant it and talk it out with myself. I may not always have thought through the entire issue, but i'd come here and blurt it all out. however, my posts seemed few and far between, because it is not often that i indulge in thinking long drawn out issues, i'm the kind of guy who likes to live day to day, but of course the things that bother me, i come here to jot down.

Nowadays, i use my blog more like an events recap, of what i have done in the past days or weeks, and consolidating it, so that hopefully in many years to come, when i am bored or am feeling nostalgic, i can just come here, pore through the old articles, and relive the days of my youth. How quaint :)

but there are times where i still come and mull over thoughts. however, in the past few weeks/months, i realise that the things that are bothering me are pretty much the same. Though now reflecting a little on it, these issues might come off as a little superficial >.<

if you've spoken to me, i'm sure you know how concerned i am at preserving the friendships i've forged at TJ. Beleive it or not, i'm not very good at this, and hence the paranoia, and at times over-paranoia, at trying to keep people meeting and getting together. maintaining a friendship requires a little bit of luck, and a whole lot of working at it. if only others could see this and put in the extra effort too >.< afterall, we are slowly all moving in our different directions, what will hold us together then?

the other would be the new people we meet, the challenge is to properly interact with them, without neglecting the friends in the past, nor the people we are meeting currently. and at times i get so close to the SOA peeps, that i fear moving on and leaving the rest behind. haha, over-paranoia talking again!

other than that, maybe i can't post my old long posts due to my new lifestyle. doing so many things, and having such a great time creating experiences, i have subconsciously decided that i'm not going to mull over things that can't be helped. just take each day as it comes, and make the most out of it :)

so to the readers of this blog, thank you for reading, and following if you have, i'll try and find a balance between recap and thought-play in my future posts :D

doing something while not doing anything

2009-05-31T23:03:00.002+08:00

i really ought to count my blessings. even when i'm not doing anything in particular, it is doing something in itself.

i had a decent weekend. would have felt that i wasted alot of time this weekend, didn't have the usual barrage of things to do like most weekends (or maybe it just feels that way because there was no rehearsal for R&Gad today...) but i don't feel like this weekend was that wasted. was a good balance, not as hectic as most weekends, but not too slack, such that it becomes time wasting.

Saturday was kinda busy. There was a photoshoot for R&Gad, so had to be in RJ by 9 (was late >.<) and did all the make up and the costuming, took quite a nice photo, though i felt the drawn on facial hair was a little creepy for my taste >.< wrapped it up all nice and good, ready to go for Guitar Concert in the afternoon!

Aside: got into a little bit of trouble with Dad regarding the Play, he's worried that if i take leave to do the play, i'll be burning my yearly leave, which means it would be difficult to have a family trip at the end of the year. part of me think that there's still enough leave to do a 'not-so-far trip' like indon or m'sia, but the other part of me agrees with Dad. i can't say that i'm super into our production at the moment, it isn't really coming together, i don't know about the hamleteers but the tradgedians aren't progressing very well... so many changes, an we are but 1+ months away from the production... part of me really wants to back out, but out of guilt, i'll push on for the moment... maybe i should talk to Isaac (on of the directors)... but feel quite bad about it....

Anyhoo, joined kenny, marcus and ragurf for lunch opposite. nostalgia! should have bought biscuits so we won't fall asleep in class! haha. but yeah, talking cock, sharing stories, Varun joined us later in school. Our Hypothesis: Leopard coy people are retarded. Proof:

Mohawk: leopard would 'cluck' the word mohawk, like a 'mohak,mohak,mohak' sounding thing
Ninja: emphasis on the JA. so like.. ninJA! ninJA!
Leopard: emphasis on the 'lea' so like LEHpord! LEHpord!

imagine varun voicing all of this
Conclusion: Leopard is retarded. reTARded. reTARded!
(heh heh, sorry to any Leopard coy that see this, except Varun)

The guitar concert wasn't too bad. no more Magic maybe... the emcee was reTARded. couldn't speak properly... hmm. the music wasn't too bad, and for the guys hearing Kevin and Marcus Loh for the first time, i think they were pretty much enchanted by him. and if we were audience members hearing ourselves behave, i'd think that we were some assholes. that's cuz every portion of the performance we kept shouting 'GO EUGENE!' whether he was there or not :D ended with Dessert opposite, and went home to get some good rest!

Lazy Sunday morning, just the way i like it! weekends are prolly the only time i get to sleep properly.

rehearsal was cancelled, so followed MumDad to the Bookfair at suntec, got a new rubik's thingamajig! i think its called skewb? oops, just checked, its called a Square1, very fun, haven't figured it out yet... but i will!

then went to the club... where i just got time to play with the Square1 and just take a nap. a nice long rest before dinner with Gene, Kerry and Chuin.

this is where i say that i'm glad that even when i'm not doing anything its good. i just got time to rest and recuperate, something i know i wouldn't have done at home. partially because i wouldn't have switched the aircon on, but the other thing is that the com would distract me. so instead, i stayed outside, got some rest, and went to meet up with friends for Dinner.

I've got the admit, our council wasn't the best of organising teams, but as friends, these people are awesome. i love having all sorts of discussions with these people, cuz there's so many varying opinions. dinner was super filling, afterall it was a steamboat, barbeque thing. ate till i'm gonna explode, and have to do my no carb diet again. but well worth the company :)

hello kerry! i know you are reading this. maybe a more introspective post will come soon :) hello eugene, didn't know you read my blog too XD

okay, goodnight! how do i sleep with such a full stomach >.<

PAD week 1 -close-

2009-05-29T22:44:00.002+08:00

and so concludes my first week at PAD. all i can say is.... i'm tired. its not fun there, well, not completely true, i guess i talk a lot more to the guys there, and bond with my batch of ATTs well, but just task-wise? its kinda sucks hairy balls.

had an early day today, but i think i didn't make use of it. oh well, sometimes its good to take it a little slower, and catch up on some rest. so that is exactly what i shall do after this post. i shall catch my well deserved 40 winks, and wake to the barrage of activities tomorrow.

i can feel us drifting, which is kinda sad. but oh well, at least i meet up with some of the guys tomorrow! and catch up on life. holding on tight! but must admit there's a quaint comfort in the new bunch of guys i've met. even though i'm a fervent believer of the chinese saying "jiu4 de bu4 qu4, xin1 de bu4 lai2" or "out with the old, and in with the new" i believe somethings cannot be let go off, like family, and in many ways, the TJ people have become part of my family :) so yeah, gotta keep the ties that bind strong :)

Live Long and Prosper

2009-05-29T00:30:00.002+08:00

The past 2 days i have spent at PAD have been... terrible. all that education and the work we do has nothing to show for it. we are just extra hands part of the team of SKW at PAD. spent all the time, either sitting in uncomfortable positions waiting for things to happen, or doing some menial task that shows the lack of thought by our superiors. Sigh... what a sad place to be. and we even constantly fall out late due to the "speed" of the crew over there... i can't imagine doing this for 2 years.

But i have made sure i compensated by having utterly fulfilling evenings! the first was Dinner yesterday night at Bedok 85, sure the trip down was troublesome as heck, but it was well worth the hearty meal of Bak Chor Mee, Oyster Omellette, Sting ray and Ah Balling (Tang Yuan). laughing and going crazy with the SOA guys, these people are good stuffs, and we definitely had a 'Good Stuff'. haha.

Then today, the main thing driving me toward the end of the day was the thought of FINALLY going to catch Star Trek with Mom, Uncle and Aunt! yes, yes we caught a really late movie, all the way at 9.30. it ended only just, about 12pm? But very VERY good movie. not for everyone, and i think the Trekkies enjoy it just a little more than those unfamiliar, because the way some of these characters have been reborn were fresh and exciting, but with just enough flavour for the old, without it being silly or over-the-top.

Spock was good and all, Kirk was.... kirk, haha, Sulu is Harold, i'm sorry, but everyone just can't get over that >.< and Scottie was hilarious. I read a few articles about what some Trekkies think of the new movie, and i have to agree, i might be a born again trekkie! sure i didn't watch that much when i was little, i still remember flickers of The Next Gen, Voyager, never watched the original Enteprise i believe, but i loved Captain Picard, and had enjoyed parts of Janeway's Voyager, so maybe if i have the time i'll go back and check them out! To Venture again, where many men have gone before!

i realise i have kept tomorrow night free despite a possible ending early at camp! hopefully can arrange something with mom, and with dad's recent trend of ending before 9, maybe we can really make it a "family day" of sorts!

This reminds me of BMT >.< the week is crap, but i treasure the time out i have so much more :) i can't wait for the weekend!

Lesson Chapter: Insurance before Income

2009-05-26T22:14:00.002+08:00

This is a funny title, but didn't know how to capture the idea properly. Last Day at SOA! at least for now, tmr, we'll be attached to PAD, which i suspect is prolly just going there to while away our time before we get our actual postings... sigh, can't help but feel it'll be a waste of time.. oh well, will try to make the best of it. at least its still stay out! haha.

Some of the fellows went to have dinner, darn, wish i could have joined them, but not that much loss, because i went to the Pines to have dinner with Godma! Usually i'm quite afraid of meeting Aunty Elsie, because she's quite the strong-willed person, and can impose her ideas on me quite easily, but most of the time, its because she likes to remind me how fat i am, and that i need to do something about it, haha. But i think i'm growing up too, in the sense that she doesn't speak down to me so much any more, i'm able to hold my own, and show her that i can be my own person, and have my own opinions. hurm, its quite good to become a young adult.

I finally begin the understand some of the terminology and the considerations i should think about before going into insurance. i just took up a Life Insurance, but that is just general protection for my family, any other savings plans or insurance, i should wait until i've got an income before i look for a suitable plan. i kinda feel bad for not approaching Godma earlier, could have spared the confusion and the trouble, but i guess this is how i "live and learn" and as long as i don't fall into this trap again, this was a worthy lesson!

this week i'll be going out for dinner alot. tonight i did, tmr is with the SOA guys at Bedok 85, and i believe i might do something on Fri too. Hopefully can finally watch Star Trek with Mum, Uncle and Aunt this Thurs! woo~ can't wait!

oh and if all goes well, might be meeting Sam on Sunday too! haven't sat around and chat with her for so long! All the best for your remaining tests!

speaking of Tests, I still don't know if i can pass my IPPT. i don't have much time left. and i was only JUST able to do my FIRST PULL UP! but still seems like a long way to go before i can pass... and not to mention SBJ, haven't trained that at all... i'm not losing anymore weight, which is troublesome... am considering doing a special diet for a month with the same exercise, and see if i can do anything about the weight. Must... get.... started... argh.

the hot hot heat just got a little bearable with some rain today, still quite hot though, hopefully it dissapates soon. i can't wait till everyone feels bright and active again :D

I'm thinking, that since its so hard to do my own exercise on weekends, maybe i should make arrangements with Varun to go play games and such on weekends, so that it doesn't feel like exercise! though i think it'll get harder to do that now that rehearsals for R&Gad are stepping up, poof! there goes my saturday mornings... no more grandpa breakfast on Sat morn... :'(

okay, that's it for me now! will report back my first day at PAD tmr!

LONG HOT DAYS

2009-05-25T22:29:00.002+08:00

the weekend was LONG, HOT, but in some ways fulfilling, and thought-filled. today was just a LONG HOT DAY. Running in the morning was SUPPOSED to perk me up, but it didn't, and i just felt more tired and sleepy the entire day. STUPID AMMO PROJECT has gotten me totally blase, and i just don't care about it anymore. if not for the obligation to Yong Chyun who i feel has worked teh hardest on this project, i wouldn't have bothered as much. right now i just want to get it out of the way. no one really cares about it anyway, its a stupid project, it doesn't really mean anything to us.

Sunday was spent, morning at Ah Gong's Cremation (ah gong is

not my Grandpa, he's Heng Hwee/Woon and Chewy's Grandpa) its been rough on Aunt, she's had a lot to deal with this weekend. Then home to get some project done, before heading out to RJ for Sunday rehearsal for R&Gad. things are becoming a little routine, but routine is good too, it means i'm constantly active.

I want to find someone to talk to. like just unload a little of my day to day worries. haven't been speaking ot mum and dad that much... even though i am typing this in MomDad's room. haven't been at home that much.

Today MY Wang and Milks were supposed to come and cook. was hyped up about it last week, but today felt so dead, that had no mood to do anythign of the sort. oh and i wasted money at subway. I thought the promotion for the $5.90 meal was still on... apparently not. oh well, live and learn mom would (and did) say. I had a sudden craving for Veggie Patty, i haven't tried it before, but i have heard rave reviews from Raghav, so wanted to try it while it was still at a reasonable price. I must say that it really tastes DAMN GOOD, but a pity its so expensive...

Still a full week to go. meeting godma for dinner tmr, the pines... dinner is fine lah.
why is it so hot >.<>

The name Machu Pichu is funny!

2009-05-24T00:27:00.003+08:00

Just got home from a full day out! okay not totally true, i came back in the afternoon to sleep. but was out in the morning and night!

I haven't touched a Basketball in TOO LONG. haha, yeah can still shoot a little, but not under pressure, cannot calm myself to shoot properly in a game. How do i know this? today i went down to Singapore Poly to play some BBall with the SOA guys. Joel, Seah, Chris and Zhi Kai, all 5 of us played a little while on our own, but most of the time it was playing with other people in the court at SP.

Basketball is Helluva fun, though i wish i were better and had more ball sense >.<>.< didn't really work, but oh well... wouldn't have been the first time.

woke up with enough time to get this done:

needless to say, you can prolly guess who this is for, haha. all the years that i've been going for Band concert, i've always have had the same theme for my presents, maybe at first it started as some silly teasing thing, but now i'm glad to have my Piggy :)

i went for band concert with Zenia and some of the TA4/06 people (yes yes, its kinda weird...) Basically Zenia's batch of friends, had dinner at thai express, and talked and laughed, maybe because i already know them, but it seemed a lot less awkward that i had imagined in my head, haha. it was nice just hanging out with Zenia tho, i realise that i didn't really do that much with her when i was still in TJ, i'm glad that i can make up for it now!

also, i got to see Piggy in action :D for the 4th year running? haha, i dont know why i keep having the impression that i've only attended 3 concerts >.< maybe because i count by presents... let's see... piglow... pig mask... mud pig... did i give piglet cup at a concert? i can't rmb... still i felt the love today. i really am glad i've been a part of piggy's life all these years. from the very first day at Movie Mania (HAHA) till today :D

shall put up our picture when she uploads it!

also, i learnt 1 thing today (or rather, i thought about and had a mini-epiphany) its that, with XM, i want to go and find common things to do with her. its a little tough to always talk about r/s and the lot, so we should create our own happy experiences! i know she wants to get out of the house and do things! so maybe i could be an activity buddy too! but cannot distract her from A levels of course!

to the 2 great gals i've spent time with today, stay happy :) Love you :)

A Wake

2009-05-23T00:32:00.002+08:00

Whew! tired boy >.< had 3 km run today, had an alright SOA day, and then night was Choir Concert at VCH!

I think the runs are helping, but i still don't see the pounds melting away >.<>.< maybe its muscle that are degenerating!!! horror.

Choir Concert wasn't too bad. Lacking a little in energy, but maybe that's from a Drama standpoint... can't be helped >.< but if not, the music was good, and saw SAM! and got to know her Chris a little, nice guy, a bit funny, in more ways than one, haha.

on the way home, we stopped by GkingGking's Dad's wake (Mom's Brother's Father-in-Law) He passed away this morning, but had been sick for a while, so Aunt had the time to deal with it while he was still around, which is good i guess, helps with the letting go. Funerals are never easy, but it does make me think about many many many things. my death, parents, grandparents. about mortality, about where we go after, about how the kids react to it, to the whole concept of Family, and Tradition. haha, lots and lots of things.

to Uncle/other gonggong, Rest in Peace. you're family and relatives will miss you :)

Angels and Demons

2009-05-19T23:56:00.003+08:00

oop >.< got into trouble with mom... i have this bad habit of just going out without really informing my parents... like the house is some hotel.. haha where have i heard those words before?

anyway, went with KJ and Rag to watch Angels and Demons! and man, is it a damn good looking show! well maybe Dan Brown wrote it expecting it to be made to film, but he did so quite intelligently. I miss Italy much, especially after seeing all the sights on screen. Italy is just so filled with culture and history, and stories, i kinda wish i could go back and explore on my own once more!

maybe i'll tell you more about my Trip to Italy another time (unless its in my archives... will check after this) but it was damn good memorable one! :)

i better behave myself, if not i may not be allowed to go for Star Trek tomorrow! D: or worse, the rest of the events/performances this week! D: D:

Squirelly Wrath

2009-05-19T17:36:00.003+08:00

home early on a Tuesday! damn these weeks have been good! not to mention that yesterday was my last test! so no more stupid SOA tests for me! (unless i happen to fail my last one... but shall cross that bridge should i come to it)

Yesterday was doubly wonderful for a second reason! Yesterday was a Drama Reunion with the 0405 and 0506 batch of Drama! that means, Louisa, Terence, Gwen, Endi and not forgetting JINFU! joined Amanda, Cheryl and I at Shokudo's for Dinner!

I must say, that it really is hard to come across such a wonderful batch of people. even Louisa said that she hasn't really been in contact with her senior batch, needless to say, our 0506 doesn't really have much to do with the 0607 batch either. But there was such chemistry, in the care shown and the warmness of the year of 2005, i'm glad i was part of it all :)

At first was a little wary, because i haven't seen them for so long! was so worried there was nothing to talk about, but the ice was quickly broken, thanks to the antics of THIS character:

Yes! its the Amazing JINFU! with his hilarious A4 size squirrels and his "this is the second verse" singing, he brought bawls of laughter to the whole table, and some awkwardness to the photo taking, but all in good lighthearted fun! he's changed alot yet not very much since the JC days, i guess that's how we'll all be, much change, but very much the same :)

He very much reminds me of Joey from Friends! he's this aspiring actor who is willing to do all sorts of funny crazy things to get into it, and is completely animated about his job. AND at the same time he is so blur! and clueless about certain things ( i think he still doesn't get what is so funny about his pictures XD) But a heart of gold lies there, let's catch up more often Jinfu! preferably before you go off to China!

So the night was spent laughing away, talking about all sorts of things, reminiscing with Endi, giving and taking funny looks from aManda, and finding out where everyone has been. definitely not enough for us, and with so many people missing, we must have another one soon! i hear the holidays for Uni are coming up, maybe we can arrange for something then!

So to the batch of TJC Drama Club 2005, thank you for then, for now, and hopefully we'll keep seeing each other in the future! :D
(p.s. i love how Louisa has edited the Photos! for more of the photos, check out Louisa's Album here and Cheryl's Album here.)

Mommy's Boy

2009-05-17T20:43:00.002+08:00

Mom's home! okay fine, she was back on friday, but we only spent quality time together this morning when we went out for indian breakfast!

Mom came back from portugal, and got me this nice Anchor thing from a ship outfitters shop, very nice little dangly, but i don't really know what to do with it >.< maybe make it into a pendan-ish thing to wear around? would remind me to keep myself anchored no matter what i do, hur :)

so rehearsal as usual on a sunday afternoon. i can't believe how warm it was! when its warm, people go crazy, my jokes become unfunny (they're funny!... sometimes...) and everyone just feels so lethargic and unenthused. so today, it happened, but no great feeling from it, oh well.

But MAN do i have a full week coming up! Woo~!

Moday: Drama Gathering
Tuesday: Watching Angels and Demons with KJ and Co.
Wed: Watching Star Trek with MY MOM! :D really! and with GkuGku and GingGing too!
Thurs: nothing... for now, heh
Fri: Reflections!

and the usual Weekend committments. next weekend evenings will be filled with watching performances and supporting performers! i've got some special plans lined up again :D

can't wait :D sorry poor ol' wallet, looks like we have to work out something in the finance sector >.<

The Old and The New Skool

2009-05-16T20:08:00.003+08:00

I think i made mom and dad feel kinda bad today, thinking about it, it was as good as declaring that they embarass me. but really they don't! i'm proud to have such supportive parents :D

If you're wondering what all this is about, its cuz today was College Day! finally a year where i don't have to stand in a blazer and usher guests into the Audi, finally, its the other way round! woo~ haha.

MomDad went to collect a certificate of appreciation for being outstanding contributors to the Parents Support Group (PSG) i listened as i sat at the audi, and realised that much more people know my parents that i had expected. Concerned parents that share with MomDad at PSG meetings, teachers that have had the opportunity of working with MomDad, or at least buying her homemade salsa! haha, and of course the students that have seen MomDad at events like Chinese New Year Carnival, and Mardi Gras! so yes, MomDad does deserve the token of appreciation, they really have been appreciated :D

It was good to just be back in school again, and this time with more people from my batch. i hope to come back with them more often, they made the place what it is to me, and it would only make sense to come visit the place together. anyway, also got to see more teachers today (obviously! College Day!) and meet the little juniors running around doing the SKW - jobs we once did.

And it was nice to be treated like royalty (in the school sense) though maybe i felt i was a little undeserving, the rest of them sure earned their keeps, and i want to congratulate them all! Esp Gladia - WOW, so many awards to collect that she didn't even have time to sit down between awards >.<

Felt kinda bad that we had to leave, would have been best if i could stay, and get to know the juniors and talk with the rest of them, but i had an NTU Tea Party to attend!

Its quite weird going this year, when it seems like almost everyone else is enrolling this year and almost definitely will become my seniors, but at least i was lucky enough to meet some guys who had an early application too! so will at least know SOME people in the 2011 batch!

I think i met Hu Li Lin! haha, Primary School classmate, i think only Lincoln knows the significance of this! wahahah. still, it was good finding out about all the things offered at NTU soci, it's made me quite pumped towards accepting the place, with so many interesting opportunities, i don't think i'll have much problem getting into it, but the hardworking part still needs to be cultivated of course!

The old and the new, how coincidental that both fell on the same day! not to mention people-wise too!

A warm portabello, hearty and filling

2009-05-14T22:09:00.002+08:00

What a wonderful day i've had! did almost everything i wanted to do today, just excellent :)

This morning reported to Pasir Labah, for some demonstration thing, it wasn't too bad, just sat around, watched the demonstrations (things blew up!) and talked with people, AND IT ALL ENDED BY LUNCH! how cool was that! so the morning of fun ammo stuff, and the rest of the day to myself! Woo~

So i decided i would head on down to school and surprise those dear and close to me :) the juniors :) and head down i did! sure, took me a little time for me to pull myself down to school, but it was well worth it!

the security uncle was a little 'sian' with me, but nothing could spoil the day. i first caught up with Mr Lim, always a goo person to start a convo with, then headed down to my old haunt of the SC room, and dumped my bag (haha, nothing's changed!) from that point, it was just a matter of walking around school looking for people i know, and just checking up on them.

Got to see a whole bunch of my favourite people, not to mention Nadia, Zenia and Ximin! haha, spoke the most to Zenia, adorable girl :) wish i had more chance to catch up with Nad and XM, but work/responsibility calls, i'm sure we'll have more time soon! will book ya'll early, haha.

Met Raghav later in the day, roaming around school with him for a bit, before going off opposite (its been so long!) to play some Magic! yessiree, good stuff, very happy with my new decks XD Dragon StickBeat, Zombie Milling, and Jund Devour, beautiful! not to mention the deck i built with/for Matt, the exalted soldier deck! it works perfectly, hitting each turn for about 3-4 damage, and later on big guys come in at 6 or 7+++. excellent stuff! or rather exalted-lent stuff!

Saw ZT for a while, didn't catch up much, but talked with Mr Fun! haha, haven't seen the likes of him for quite a while, he's got that very friendly aura, makes him want to tell you things. so brought him up to speed with our lives, and just talked generally about stuff.

Speaking of Teachers! got to see Ms. Nor again! woo~ haha, caught her while she was going back, and no matter what is said about her, somehow when i speak to her, it just feels good, not so pretentious with people she's familiar with i guess. haha. i've always liked how Ms. Nor explains things to me, i get it, sarcasm and all, but afraid that the juniors don't get exposed to this side as much. but she's still an awesome teacher and SCTA, boy am i glad that i'm not working with her! but its awesome to talk to her outside of business (council-work that is)

And me, being me, feel so comfortable in TJ, i can do almost anything without shame. Just randomly spoke to this girl, Yuxin, who happens to be in SC, HC and band! Delta House Cap, and band, and XM's junior to boot! haha, so made a new friend, and another link to check out what's happening in SC!

Should visit school more often, its mighty fun. But as the people change and the familiarities erode away, i'll have less to come back for, the people change, my batch mates move on, its hard to retain the ties that once bonded us.

was just sharing with Mr Fun, that within the next 3-4 months, people are going to go all over the place. some will be starting thier new school life at Uni, locally, and some will be flying all over the place attending Universities all over the world. What will hold us together then?

For now, its time to make the best of what time we've still got free, and catch up and forge experiences we'll carry with us for long. Although we may not have tomorrow, we'll always have the past to look at and hold in our hearts :)

I want to go back and visit more often, maybe a Yazid type character, fo while there are still familiar faces, maybe the occasional Magic Game with HsiLow, haha. But if there are any activities where it won't seem like i'm TOO extra, then invite me down. I need to find reasons to visit my second home :D

TJ, the Mushroom

I'm no superman

2009-05-13T22:27:00.000+08:00

and it ends. sigh.... Scrubs, well done :)

What a difference a week made

2009-05-13T20:24:00.002+08:00

I've passed my BTT evaluation! woo, easier than i thought, but mainly coz i did the practice just before, so the questions were pretty much burned into my head >.<

anyway, on the trip back, i was just bopping along, in a good mood, and i thought about what a difference it was compared to the last time i came home from Bukit Batok Driving Center (BBDC). today just seemed good, maybe cuz i passed the evaluation, but maybe its more, maybe between last wed and today, there has been a whole string of great happenings i should be grateful for :)

Maybe its the Scrubs fix i've been getting! just need to wait for them to upload the last episode! then i will watch the finale at one shot! and yes, scrubs has been awesome, almost at the same level with Friends now, so that's saying something!

plus, the awesome weekend, with Drama peeps and the Brothers on sat, rehearsal and dinner with godma on sun, and the SOA guys on monday, what's not to be grateful for :)

haha, can feel my wallet crying away, but yeah, gotta learn to manage my money better, its all worth it if it is to spend more time with the people i care about! speaking of which, mom is coming back on friday! so i better prepare some belated mother's day gift! Think child THINK!

tmr's gonna be an awesome day too! disposal in the morning, so that might mean a half day for us! woo! have a few ideas what i'm going to do after, but will see tmr, and update you then :) see ya'll on the flipside!

Hey Ya

2009-05-12T20:56:00.003+08:00

I've been watching a lot of scrubs recently :)

just a short recap on my weekend. had a good sunday with dinner with Aunty Elsie, and i guess i'm maturing :)

monday was a good outing with the SOA guys, speed lunch at kuishinbo and then awesome fun at arcade. too awesome, these guys are great. :)

"Everything i do is more fun when you are doing it with me"

oh well... Te neneneneh! :]

The Gooch

2009-05-11T01:00:00.006+08:00

I just watched Scrubs episode "My Lawyer's in Love" and i just LOVE the way Ted and the ukulele girl work out. they're the cutest thing ever.

haha, and SHE IS SO CUTE! SO CUTE!

you guys should totally check her songs out, they are a little dark, but she sings them in such an adorable way.

haha, i think i've got a new celeb crush XD joining the ranks of Janet Hsieh.

Damn, now i want a Gooch of My own!

Mr. Moon

One day
The moon got tired of being
Up in the sky
He wandered
Down through the starlight
And landed on the oceanside

And he smiled while
He jumped in the water
And laughed about
As he danced in the sand
He put on
His swim trunks and snorkel
And guess what
Mr. Moon swam

Did I tell you
That moonbeams are heavy?
And therefore
Mr. Moon sank
He fell down
Through the seawalls of seaweed
And landed
At the bottom of a tank

And he sat there
With the starfish and jellyfish
And laughed about
The sharks and the whales
They drank lots
Of Miller Lights and Heinekens
And laughed about
All of their tales

Oh, Mr. Moon
The stars are shining for you in the night sky
Please come home
Oh, Mr. Moon
The sun is shining for you until it goes away
And then it's dark
And then it's dark
And then it's dark

Snikt!

2009-05-10T10:53:00.002+08:00

i like it when my days are packed, it let's me have all sorts of experiences to write about, and i feel like i'm making good use of my time :)

Saturday came! and i had a nice long-overdue outing with the 05 TJC Drama Batch, okay so not everyone came down, but most of the important ones did! Saw Amanda and Ais again, plus Leandra, Cheryl, and Raf! (huh, all the guys in my year are not around >.<) haha. had lunch at Siam Kitchen, good food! but some things a bit too spicy lah (like their spicy green mango salad... its nice but upon eating, would cough from over spiciness...)

Sitting around, chatting, making fun of each other as we always do, it was like being in a simpler time, no malice or bitching, just lots of fun :) haha immature fun (leandra!) but the kind of fun i really enjoy :D

then off to esplanade roof to play Bridge (Amanda's Obsession) and a little camwhoring. yes yes, i had to partake in it too, afterall i've got Team Spirit! lots of kooky shots and funny poses, check it out at Cheryl's Album. So we spent like an hour plus maybe even 2 hours playing bridge? haha, just like the ol TJ days eh? just that for me, most of the bridge playing was done in the council room, haha. or with isaac and kenneth! extreme bridge playing! Mwaha

Then at about 5+, i headed down to Plaza Sing, to join Rag, Varun, Bala and Fidot, to catch the Wolverine movie, can't say it was too bad, gambit was gay, wolverine was cool, but deadpool has got a lot of potential! i hear he's getting his own movie soon, wikipedia!

Hugh Jackman is a good actor, though i still prefer him in more grander and suave roles, like in The Prestiege, or in his Broadway shows, he's so cool and suave, not at all the Wolverine type, haha, but that's just me. and i don't like how Emma Frost's ability works >.<>.< it looks kinda gross.... haha

After the Movie, most of the guys left, Varun and I got Subway Dinners and went to sit in some park and catch up. wanted to hear about varun's field camp! but, alas, leapord disappoints, and he didn't have much to say. but sit test was slightly better, haha he and i are both rope guys, roping all the way!

most of the guys are in army now, all of our gang (except silly TOURIST raghav :D) and so we've still got lots to share with each other. this is good. haha, better not mess this up! Anw, should think about doing some trekking thing soon, am really getting a little pudgy around the sides.. garh... lol, i kinda sound like a girl huh? complaining about my weight? well, its time to find more activities and exercise when i can, any good motivators/personal trainer wannabes that want to help this poor soul! haha, wouldn't mind starting a group to exercise together! doing it alone kinda sucks...

well, another full day after lunch today! rehearsal and dinner with Godma, yes yes, gotta clear the poopy! but still, will be a good day of activites :)

Muddle Puddle Bubble

2009-05-08T20:51:00.002+08:00

I've learnt a lot these past 2 days, because i made one Huge Assed mistake yesterday, and now i'm sorta cleaning up the shit for it. at the same time, i don't feel that bad, because i feel like i'm learning. i'm transitting into the world of adulthood, and slowly learning of my responsibilities, haha, maybe you can say i'm breaking out of my sheltered life (a little bit lah)

So, what did i do? I stupidly signed up for an Insurance Plan, with AIA (My godma is an insurance agent there >.<), AND i paid for a deposit, without knowing what the hell the fine print was, hell, i didn't even know what the name of the plan was! so i bet even you reading this must be thinking, 'this guy is an idiot' i don't think you are too far off from the truth... >.<

Here's what went through my mind when i signed up. i thought that mom and dad would be proud of me, cuz i'm finally taking a more active role in my finances, and getting myself a savings plan! i guess its good to have more financial control, and sometimes it might take the breaking of a few eggs, but i should learn how to manage my money and plan for the future. But when i got back and told Dad, heh, his reaction was far from what i expected. He was shocked that i didn't tell him about it, and worse still, i did an exchange of money over something so big, without first informing him! so yeah, i guess he has the right to be dissapointed.

still, it was a very good experience for me to talk to Livia (the person trying to sell me the insurance plan) because she made me consider a lot of things i haven't thought about before. like savings, and the future, ideal salaries, supporting a family, having returns, growing my money, and etc. i guess mom and dad always handled it, and i never understood how it worked. well logically, i should have approached them first, but i don't always want to be under the shelter of mom and dad, i've got to figure out a few things on my own too!

Here's my first cracked egg. sure, this time its still salvagable, thanks to Godma and Dad, other times i may not be so lucky. but at the same time, i'm glad that i got into this 'safe trouble' as i did, because its things like this where i will learn the most from, and acquire a lesson i wouldn't have as effectively learnt if it was just another lecture by mom and dad.

As i clean up this shit, i'm quite a happy camper, i guess it was about time i saw GodMa again (she's gonna complain about my weight! damn damn)

i've got quite the packed weekend (again! haha) i can't wait to meet up with the Drama peeps on Sat, meet Godma and have got rehearsal on Sun, and Monday! Kuishin-Bo with the Guys from SOA, damn, they're a good bunch, i feel so elitist >.< but i'm not, i guess that JC people just have a different culture. Mac's today was good (unhealthy... bleh, but how often do i do it right?) the company, its nice to sit around and laugh laugh laugh, sharing 'Happy Times' as Sanji would put it, though not so annoying! haha.

long weekend here i come!

Wanted: Dead or Alive

2009-05-06T22:05:00.002+08:00

I figured it out. took some talking and some thinking, but i realised that after all the 'growing up' i was supposed to do, i still end up as this needy little puppy, craving for the love and attention from others. sigh... good job Jon >.<

its so terribly ironic at the same time. i realise that there ARE people who want me around and want me to be with them, i.e. Mat (to play Magic), the Family (to spend more time at home), some of the friends that contact me more often. but ironically, i don't have the same 'passion' to do things for them... i'm quite the terrible friend.

Its a magical feeling, to know that you 'want' someone as much as they 'want' you. to know that they aren't just 'happy' with your presence, but they really wish you WERE there, or are really grateful that you ARE there. i sometimes get the feeling that i invest emotionally in others, but my investment does not reap me the ideal returns, but in hope of a higher returns rate, i invest more, hoping to bail out the relationship, before it sinks.

i can't help but feel that no one's interested in my life. no one asks, "hey! how have you been?" spontaneously, or looks for opportunities to hang out. yeah, i guess proximity makes a difference, but doesn't the relationship count for something? there's no random message to perk me up, or the unexpected surprise. its just me, waiting, hoping, wishing, wanting, waiting somemore.

okay, i gotta admit, its a girl thing too. yes yes, guys are awesome, but i guess when things are going well, you kinda under-appreciate it. but nonetheless, i still maintain my efforts in keeping contact! the guys keep it all together for me, or i MIGHT spiral into depression (yah right, like i ever could, haha)

Have you ever been by yourself? shouting into the Grand Canyon, and the only companion is the echo of your own voice. "How are you?" "Fine thanks for asking!" "..." *mumbles: what a boring conversationalist.

i'm not wanted :'(

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i won't be so depressing in my next post. i promise!