2006: Memories Kept In Me

'The day before, the day itself and the day after.. does it matter?'

This is what I say to people who ask me about the coming year. To me New Year is just another day in the calender, no difference from today or tomorrow.

The year has been both good and bad for me.. seeing me through my best and worst moments. Things are just not the same anymore.

I lost..
I gained..

Maybe that's just how the world is supposed to go.

But deep within me, I hope for the best in everything. To know that things will get better, even though it takes years or a lifetime.. I want to know that things will get better.

Scrambling to remember the past,

as the next year approach fast.

Smiling to every fond memories,

frowning to better-forgotten histories.

Wishes abound, fireworks seen,

get ready as the countdown begins..

10..9..8..7..

6..5..4..

3..2..

1

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Clouds

The pics were taken in Sentosa. It was truly a breathtaking sight as people stopped to awe at its beauty.

Could this be the lenticular clouds?

{"Have you not seen how God makes the clouds move gently, then joins them together, then makes them into a stack, and then you
see the rain come out of it..."} (Qur'an 24:43)

{"... And He sends down hail from mountains (clouds) in the sky, and He strikes with it whomever He wills, and turns it from whomever He wills. The vivid flash of its lightning nearly blinds the sight."} (Qur'an 24:43)

Band Camp

~SPECIALTY~
POEMA ALPESTRE

-INGREDIENTS-
D-flat major
7 pages
7 movements
25 minute
Triplets
Quintets
Sextets
Chromatic scales

Peddle B-flat

Bon Appétit

Caught Eragon earlier today because apparently the seats left for Night at the Museum are sucky ones. Was so long ago since I last saw something.. I think it was Monster House.

I had to say I was a bit disappointed with Eragon as I was expecting a more action packed show but it felt more like a B grade kind of movie. When Eug told me that the story was adapted from the book, I knew it would be another 'Harry Potter'. As it turns out, it was. Magic, evil rulers, mystical dragons.. ingredients for a draggy movie.

I was seriously expecting so much more from the movie.. the lines were bad, the special effects were okay, the coherence bad. At least Sienna Guillory managed to save the movie, the equivalent of Arwen in LOTR.

Haha.. and Eug pointed out the similarities..
LOTR: Aragon... Arwen
Eragon: Eragon... Arya
More people in the creative department please!

And the endning saw the demise of the King's sorceror (a shade), who got killed by the young rider.. when the sorceror was so powerful initially. They could at lest do a better fighting scene.

And the ending was the King revealing his dragon behind a drape.. so cliche..

okok.. I shouldn't waste my time reviewing this kind of movie..
I seriously don't recommend the movie.. there are better ones out there..

Then it was dinner with Su..
had a super fun time..
chocolates..
rain..
teasing..
back to JC days..

Have to have a good rest today.. results out tomorrow.. band camp tomorrow.. bidding tomorrow.. tough week

Imponderable

Recently there have been an increase presence of 'Useless Information' books out there, be it in the library or the bookstore. Curious to its contents, I borrowed 2 of it; 'How does Aspirin find a headache?' and 'Do elephants jump?'.

I was thrown off by just how many people are into these sort of stuff. For starters, most of the questions are from readers themselves. This I got to see..

And so I flipped, reading the ones that caught my interest. I must admit that some of the questions I myself once asked but couldn't be bothered as I saw no one who was capable of answering.

I found myself laughing to the witty answers that they wrote..

See if you've been pondering over these Imponderables..

Why are carpenter's pencils square?
Why don't windshield wipers in buses work in tandem like car wipers?
Why do peanuts in the shell usually grow in pairs?
When do kids turn into goats?
What's the deal with the grades of architectural and art pencils? What do 'H', 'HB', 'F', 'B', and 'E' stand for?

Why do many blind people wear dark glasses?
Why do hardcover books have exposed, checkered cloth as part of their binding (on top and bottom)?
Will superglue stick to teflon?
Why are McDonald's straws wider in circumference than other restaurant or store-bought straws?

Why does the heart depicted in illustration look totally different from a real heart?
Why does Monopoly have such unusual playing tokens?
Why are newspaper so effective in cleaning windows?
Why is there no light in the freezer compartment?
Why do white styrofoam picnic coolers have blue specks in them?

My favourites:
Why do most staplers have a setting to bend staples outward?
Why does chewing gum get hard when you drink water while chewing?
If all time zones converge at the North and South poles, how do they tell time there?
Why does orange juice taste so awful after you've brushed your teeth?
Who was Casper the friendly ghost before he died?

Ubin Trip

Now I can say that I've been to Ubin. Had a cycling tip at Ubin. Initially the plan was to visit Chek Jawa but we had to cancel it due to the fact that we have to register to enter with the guide and the registration is fully booked all the way till March. And the window for registration for the 2nd quarter of next year only begins in March. Nonetheless we moved to Plan B.. cycling. For 5 bucks, we got to rent the bike the whole day (for them whole day ends at 6pm). For one thing, the bike is way better that those pathetic ones at East Coast.



We had to be confronted by oncoming dense, grey and heavily clouds loaded with water. Soon after I took this photo, rain started pouring.. But thank goodness it lasted for 10 minutes before we have to cycle to the other parts in muddy and puddle waters.


Mamam beach view. I don't exactly think it qualifies as a beach because there's technically no sand leading to the waters. And the whole stretch is perhaps 100m long only. Beach or not? Doesn't matter.

And so we cycled along roads, horned by passing vans, rode upslopes (which nearly killed me), whizzed downslope (the best part.. makes your shirt dirty), hear the slushing sound when riding through mud, ate chips for lunch.. and had coconut before we rode back by bumboat.



Expecting major leg cramps tomorrow..

CFA Night

So tonight was CFA night. Didn't know what we were going to do and there's only 4 of us representing band. But we know there were food; at least we got that correct. It turned out to be of a gathering where the different groups introduce themselves while promoting upcoming events and concerts.

And we got a shock when we have to play for a combine item with the dance group. Thank goodness PK helped to transpose the score. So in the end we have a trumpeter, a soprano saxophonist, a percussionist and a euphoniumist. And playing in unison made it less scary. Half an hour of sight-reading.. really commendable. Haha

And the food was great... especially the eclairs.

After the whole food galore was over, XiaoXuan intro me to the killer bunnies. Don't be fulled by the cute pictures.. these bunnies are anything but. Cool game.. not sold in Singapore by the way. With cool cabbages and water to buy, weapons to kill the opponents bunnies, viruses to avoid while accumulating carrot cards, the game had me laughing as I read the description of each cards. Haha.. and theres a cool 20-sided die (does that make it didecagonal die?) in the game too.

I think I'm getting high now.. too much fun..

Ubin trip tomorrow.. just hope I can get to Chek Jawa

What to take?

Thought we could get away from nasty timetables for our first sem. But it turns out, we got one for the coming sem. And nasty it is as some modules had to be turned down due to clashes. Argh.. how fustrating!

Core modules:
LSM1101 Biochemistry of Biomolecules
LSM1102 Molecular Genetics

Die-die must take:
LSM1202 Human Anatomy

Rejected:
LAG1201 German 1 (need to run from arts to sci for lec in the morn.. no way jose)
PC1322 Understanding the Universe (clash with prac.. unexaminable some more.. wasted)
GEK1038 Scientific Methodology (not even available this sem)

Current considerations:
GEK1542 Forensic Science (HOT!.. sure high bids)
GEK2506 Drugs and Society (only lec.. on monday morn)
PC1326 Physics in Life Science (looks decent.. 4 quizzes)
SP1202 Communicating with the Academy (skills skills)

Well, I'll see what the rest is taking..

Rebirth

Yeap, Roland is back.. in comic this time. But I'm not jumping for joy yet as the comic starts making its way into the comic store in the US in Feb next year so it'll take a while for it to get here.

I'm not exactly a fan of comic books except for The Archies so it'll be a new experience if I can lay my hands on one next year. Well it took me more than a year to finish reading all 7 volumes (and I say thank-ya), and I must say that the epic journey was worth travelling with inevitable deaths, macabrely detailed left to the imagination and page turners that griped me.

I just can't get enough of Stephen King's horror.. it helps exercise 'imagination'.

'Or one might take the tip of a pencil and magnify it. One reaches the point where a stunning realisation strikes home: The pencil-tip is not solid; it is composed of atoms which whirl and revolve like a trillion demon planets. What seems solid to us is actually only a loose net held together by gravity. Viewed at their actual size, the distances between these atoms might become leagues, gulfs, aeons. The atoms themselves are composed of nuclei and revolving protons and electrons. One may step down further to subatomic particles. And then to what? Tachyons? Nothing? Of course not. Everything in the universe denies nothing; to suggest and ending is the one absurdity.

If you fell outward to the limit of the universe, would you find a board fence and signs reading DEAD END? No. You might find something hard and rounded, as a chick must see the egg from the inside. And if you should peck through that shell (or find a door), what great and torrential light might shine through your opening at the end of space? Might you look through and discover our entire universe is but part of one atom on a blade of grass? Might you be forced to think that by burning a twig you incinerate an eternity of eternities? That existence rises not to one infinity but to an infinity of them?'

The sun is up..

Warmth

Yeah the sun is up, the birds are chirping again and it's warm. Too bad the Gombak Stadium is closed for maintenance till further notice. Shouldn't they post this up somewhere to avoid disappointed patrons like us? They should.. and 'till further notice'? What's up with that?

Well at least I managed to get 'Back to Basics' from Yi Hua. Woot!
And PR is on today.. and JC Band Fest up tomorrow (I think still can get tix).
I think I'll finish Everything's Eventual today and continue with Train Man.

I could use some warmth

Lone-post

And the rain continued its pattering on the windows; sweet melodies exudes, rocking me to sleep.. to slumberland

It was pouring when we cooked our meals.
It was pouring when we ate together.
It was pouring when I played the keyboard.
It was pouring when we left for dinner.
It was pouring when I said goodbye to them all.

***

I've learnt to let go.. I've learnt to say goodbye.
I knew you'll be next.. so I won't question why.

View from the 23rd

You can never go wrong with chocolates

Today was one of my uncle's tunang ceremony. Don't really know the english word for it. Ha.. Actually this is maybe my 2nd or 3rd tunang ceremony I participated in and today I finally knew the purpose of it.
Today was when they send lavish gifts to the girls side and ask for their hand for reservation for marriage in the near future. Haha.. sound so crude. I got to realise how delicate the procedure is; the preparation of the gifts, the speech presented to the girls side all carefully planned. Not to mention all the nice food I stuffed down my gut today.
And I simply love the smell of bunga rampai.

And a final view from the 23rd.

Wheels

Around and around and around it goes..

Just riding it, not wanting to let go

Pretentious

Falling Stars

Catch falling stars
make a wish upon them...

Of memories..
the past we cried
the days gone by
and forgotten paths
we left behind

Of struggle..
we wished we were older
we wanted our own
but now we're free
why is everything still wrong

Of pain..
hurt is common
pain inevitable
for this kind of feeling
is what makes us human

Of love..
hugs and kisses
cuddles aplenty
been waiting too long
to fill up that empty

to alleveiate all misery
even if for a brief moment.

Of staircases

***

Finally ended my one week assignment with Kuehne+Nagel. This one week seems like forever as working hours was 8 hours long. Thank goodness Rus was there to accompany me or else I'll simply die from boredom and tireness. Yup, I mentioned tireness, a feeling I had never experienced for a long time, dating back to Army days. I was so tired that I slept at 11 yesterday; that was how tired I was.

Ha, but I guess the monetary reward was well worth it. I try not to think about my friends having fun outside, going on holidays or just resting at home while I work my ass off. I'll do anything to relief my parents from the burden while gaining work experience though it's so unrelated to what I intend to do in the near future.

The funny thing however was that the workers there assumed both Rus and I are waiting for our O level results. That's so hilarious. We look that young huh. Haha..

Now I can finally finish Stephen King's Everything's Eventual, visit Chek Jawa, catch a movie, and clear this sem stuff and prepare for the coming year.

Looks like an early winter

Life as a warehouse assistant

Warehouse prose..

Mountain of recycled paper

Light at the end of a cardboard tube

Loner

Peeking at plastic

Frames

I saw scores of people walk by.
Never once stopped to ask, to question and ask why.
As long as I'm strong I will continue to try.
But when resistance is futile, that's when I say goodbye.

Christina Aguilera: Hurt

Christina Aguilera: Hurt

Seems like it was yesterday when I saw your face
You told me how proud you were but I walked away
If only I knew what I know today

I would hold you in my arms
I would take the pain away
Thank you for all you've done
Forgive all your mistakes
There's nothing I wouldn't do
To hear your voice again
Sometimes I want to call you but I know you won't be there

I'm sorry for blaming you for everything I just couldn't do
And I've hurt myself by hurting you
Some days I feel broke inside but I won't admit
Sometimes I just want to hide 'cause it's you I miss
You know it's so hard to say goodbye when it comes to this

Would you tell me I was wrong?
Would you help me understand?
Are you looking down upon me?
Are you proud of who I am?
There's nothing I wouldn't do
To have just one more chance
To look into your eyes and see you looking back

I'm sorry for blaming you for everything I just couldn't do
And I've hurt myself
If I had just one more day, I would tell you how much that
I've missed you since you've been away

Oh, it's dangerous
It's so out of line to try to turn back time

I'm sorry for blaming you for everything I just couldn't do
And I've hurt myself

By hurting you

The one

Today was the season finale of Ghost Whisperer and the continuation of last week's Free Fall episode.

Well for those who didn't catch the the Free fall episode, Melinda got visited by the dead pilot of the plane that is still flying. With all the crew and passengers frozen dead, the plane was just waiting to crash. And it did, and soon enough Melinda was tasked to help the hundreds of people cross over..

So today Melinda had to face the wide brim hat guy. And when it seems that the guy was successful in coaxing the dead into staying, Melinda came out with a covincing speech. By the time she completed, there was this bright light that even Jim could see. I guess when the force is too great, it transcends dimensions. And at that, I felt a tear ran down my cheek, as the dead crossed over. Episode after episode I have been waiting to cry and finally got to.

Seeing Melinda breaking the news to Andrea that she is dead did it for me. Imagine telling your best friend that they're dead; the pain of letting go will sure be overwhelming. Sad, sad, sad...

The show had to end with the hat guy creeping behind Andrea, hanging the whole show till season 2.

I'll jus have to mark my calender for that day then.

DCI Blast Oficcer Krupke

Good things ought to be shared..

400th and counting

Didn't realise it was my 400th post. What a long way.. but today I'm not going to sulk on all my miseries as I had been complaining about at every 100th post.

Not today.. not today.

Was too shagged to blog yesterday... well not exactly shagged from the weariness but from the excitement. I stayed up till 3+ because I can't fall asleep. Couldn't remember when I last stayed up that late.

So yesterday Toms and I celebrated Kels birthday. We rounded Orchard Road like lost ants. Haha.. then we got our free Starbucks drink along with tens of other curious Singaporeans, queuing and wondering why Starbucks was having this freebie. And it seems we can order a tall for any drink they offer. Woot!

Then we settled for Seoul Garden for Kels treat. I mean he treated us.. don't get it wrong. I think after yesterday, I won't be eating Seoul Garden for another year. And the coffee chicken taste (blech!). Ha.. but aside from that the food never changed at all. And so we stuffed ourselves, like we were going on a hunger strike the following week.

Then at 1015 when we should be heading home, we ended up playing a round of DOTA. Haha.. I can't believed I played a game yesterday, though we quitted halfway. Well, broodmother had its day yesterday with her spiderlings. Haha.. quite enjoyed myself actually.

But I guess all good things have to end.. and soon we headed for home. I had to cancelled the run today or I'll be pooped out.

I think it's just me and the Sisters Of Eluria today.


And that concludes the 400th.. no nasty stuff to comment.. checked.

Woohoo.. I survived today.. thought I'll really succumb to tireness but I proved to be stronger than I thought.

So woke up dreading to go for a run but since I promised Eug, I had to (I'm a man or promise after all). Haha.. but we only ran 6 rounds (outer ring mind you) instead of the usual 10 to save up energy for the shopping later. Haha.. but we still managed to do some time in the gym and left when we felt bored and of course shagged.

Then we made our way to HSA for blood donation. It was surprisingly more packed than I'd have expected. But nonetheless the service was still excellent because I got a super-friendly nurse who asked me tonnes of questions. I think I settled it in 6 minutes. I think la... hope to be faster next time.

Then it was after-exam shopping for presents at Bugis. Went to a Icon at Bugis Point and went to this shop called miniature handicrafts. And saw this gorgeous wooden box that has a baritone in it. I was like WOW! But it was priced at 50 bucks.. and guess what? Eug bought it for his friend.. Argh!!! and for 45 bucks some more.. Gonna get him for that man. Haha..

And we saw girls best friend on display at Bugis Junction.. ya.. you guessed it, DIAMONDS.. and 913 carat of it, totalling more than 1.5 million dollars worth of diamonds.



Here's the diamond tree... Should look even more expensive at night.

Then it was off for more shopping and I found the perfect after-exam gift for myself..



For those blind bats out there.. that's Gwen Stafani.. my ultimate favourite, even when No doubt is but no more. But I can always depend on Gwen and Tony Kanal to make beautiful music. Catchy and totally upbeat. I think I'll have to update my jukebox soon.

To think I was done for the day. WRONGO! Still more walking and shopping, this time for the bdae boy. Haha.. so hard to find a suitable gift. But still we managed to find one; and nicely packaged too. Haha.. won't he be surprised tomorrow.

Then me and Toms managed to catched an indoor Xmas concert by a pianist and a flautist at the esplanade. So refreshing. Though I don't celebrate Xmas, some of the songs just takes your mind of stress. Left me smiling and imagining of a white Xmas.

Somehow I sound so upbeat today. Haha.. I think I'm high right now.. having a hunger pang right now.

Well, time for project runway.. Ciao..

Over

Phew..

It's finally over

Cheat sheet

Only got 1 side of my cheat sheet done. With only hypothesis testing to write down, I hope I have sufficient space. Can't wait for tomorrow.. last one!

What a day...

Today seemed like an eternity..

I arrived in school a bit later than usual.. around 10. Nonetheless, it wasn't as packed as I expected. Got a nice seat, with my cookies and nescafe handy in case the zzz monster attack.

But I managed to cover what I intended to, along with some hair pulling.

8 pm came.. and I realised I had to go home. Then realised that the shuttle bus is no longer running after 7. So I walked all the way to the engin side, with the moonlight as my only company. Ocassionally, cars and buses drove past, but I took no notice. I just drowned myself in the loneliness that I yearned for so long.

To walk the path alone, the silence, my music.

Then it was some shopping for tomorrows breakfast. Got some salad, tuna and ribena. I so need mum. Ha.. but all is good; not the first time I'm all alone in the house for days. Just add a few more chores to the list.

So agenda for tomorrow:
1. Settle breakfast
2. Wash clothes, hang clothes, fold clothes
3. Clean up the house
4. Settle lunch
5. Finish off stats
6. Settle dinner
7. Last clean up
8. Some tv
9. Sleep

Come Monday when I'm released from the exams, that's when fun begins..