Genemics Nation

2010-06-15T14:55:00.005+08:00

Genemics Nation has officially closed.

Visit my new space @: http://reksim-ugyn.livejournal.com.

See ya there! =)

2010-03-14T12:38:00.002+08:00

Hey y'all, I'm finally back again, SURPRISE SURPRISE! Have to give a shoutout to my dear housemate, Kelly, for alerting me that I have a blog that still breathes, though running out on content. Thanks girl. =) After so long of an absence from my venting space, i'm back to talk about my daily, weekly, monthly happenings (that's if there's even anything interesting going on in my life now)... but I wouldn't promise religious updates... have to see if time and schedule allow.

So here I am, back in Brissy. Weather was really quite warm when I first got back. Now, it's been almost 2 weeks and more, the weather's getting colder. Autumn's here! Wonder if the leaves on the trees would turn colour, but there's no evidence of any transformation yet. So we shall see. School has been quite boring right from the start, prolly its got to do with the equally boring subjects. 2 laws, 1 statistics and an accounting module. Someone please hand me a rope, thanks. But on second thought, I don't wanna die just yet.

Last night, I got to know from Yihan that there's this networking chat site called "Chat Roulette", it is a text-to-text, cam-to-cam chat site where you get to chat with strangers from all over the world and if you don't like what you see, you just have to hit the "next" button and the next person comes on. It sounds pretty interesting to me, but I wouldn't engage into chats with random strangers just yet. It's quite weird actually. But well, perhaps you guys could give it a try if you wanna see what it's all about.

Ahh... I should actually be studying now but i'm so bored. However, I couldn't afford missing another word in the sentence that I started reading some 1 hour ago. So I guess it's time to lift my 10 fingers off the keyboard and lay them on the books. Will return soon. God Bless y'all!

2009-12-02T12:09:00.005+08:00

I'M GON' GIVE PRAISE!
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So last night was really nerve-wrecking. Spent almost 2 frigging hrs trying to log on to UQ.si.net. Rooted myself right in front of the comp at 10pm, clicked multiple times, got so frustrated, decided to stop clicking, and went to watch some HK dramas instead. 11pm, went back to si.net, server still down with a huge "SERVER ERROR". Frustration rocketed till sky high, continued with another episode of drama. 11.30pm, back to si.net, finally login page appeared, typed in username and PW, page loading, but 2 secs later directed me out of si.net to a "Internet Explorer Error". *$#@%^&*(*@#$%^&*(&^%$$%#@#!!! 11.45pm, LOGIN SUCCESS! Heart banging against rib cage, almost crashed out of my chest. Clicked "View Results", and this materialised...
.

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THANK GOD THANK GOD THANK GOD!!!!!!!

Really so relieved and overjoyed for this blessing! I know I could've done better for the credits, but seriously never expected the distinctions. Very surprising I must say. But afterall, I've worked my arse off and thankfully my hard work has been paid off. THANK GOD REALLY!!! If not for my parents' and a couple of my friends' encouragement, this wouldn't have had been the case. THANK Y'ALL! Studies aside, now it's time to PART-AYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!

2009-11-01T11:34:00.004+08:00

BOM BOM PAW

Exams crisis.

Period.

Brain's not working as well as before.

Perhaps it's to do with age.

Distractions played a part.

Too.

Couldn't bully myself back to the volumes.

Soul's somewhere 7000 miles away.

Wish I could go back in time.

Just for a while.

In need of miracles to happen.

*throws hands into the air*

Please spare me mercy,

OH LORD!

These all shall pass. =)

2009-08-24T09:17:00.002+08:00

I LOOK TO YOU

I have my earphones plugged in my ears and Whit Whit's melodies are flowing in and geeeeez, Ms. DIVA is BACKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!! Though there's a huskier tone to her voice but oh my Lord, it's still really powerful! I'm loving these tunes I'm tellin' ya! She'll always be my greatest idol of all time. Even my mum sings to "I Will Always Love You"! To me, Whitney's like the female incarnation of Michael Jackson. Not that she can dance crazy like MJ, but her delivery of music touches and lifts the soul! (I don't know about you, but her songs did justice to mine!) I'm really really so happy to hear Whitney's voice again after 7 loooooooooooong years and she breakthrough and proved to the world that she still has quality. This is just a new beginning for my girl and I anticipate more great Whit Whit products to come our way!

--------------------

Idolism apart, sch's been fine for Eugene. He's been trying to immerse himself into the textbooks every now and then, and sometimes finds himself caught in a daze whenever too much's cramped in. This happens all the time when books are of close proximity. Worry not, Eugene's coping fine and he hopes his hard work pays off though he thinks his memory is failing him nowadays. His brain is still quite rusty with 2 yrs of immobility of the nerves in the neurosystem. He's finding ways to oil it up and hopes that in no time, it'll regain full decency again. Mid-terms are round the corner and he's trying hard to focus. He met some new and really nice people here and he wishes to send kudos and thanks to his bud, Yihan, for bringing him some good company. =)
Well, here's as much as Eugene could say coz' there's class in less than 20 mins' time and he has to run already!
So goodbye for now peeps. Till next time. TC!

With Love,
E.K.

2009-07-31T21:38:00.003+08:00

oh gosh! I didn't realise till I came in that I haven't been updating for at least 2 mnths!?!?! Let's just say time really flies and it doesn't give a damn about you living life like a turtle yeah? Ayte, so here's an official HOLLA from me from where I am right now - you guys should KNOW DUH. Life's been really fine and I'm kinda fully settled into place. It's gon' be Aug in a couple of mins time and I was just telling Joyce how I couldn't believe it. We're aging guys! Not to mention, I still have really good skin kudos to my dermatologist \lm/ . Sch has officially started for me but it's just lects for the first week with tutes starting from next. So much to read-up you cannot believe how much hair i've lost within this period from the moment I popped open the books till this moment i'm typing this line... and its not gonna stop im afraid.
If you ask what I'm up to these days I'd say home is where I was, am, going to be at, most of the time cos' there's just so much to revise. Oh well, that's the reason why I'm here so ain't gonna let time tick away.
If you wanna know, its 2 hrs ahead of SG here meaning its gonna hit 12 real soon, hence giving me to reason to cut short my say and I promise I'll come back to bring you guys more news. I'll TRY my best.
Meanwhile, take care guys, and GB. =)

Cheers,
Eug. K

2009-05-11T22:43:00.002+08:00

Crossroads

Things look alil confusing recently.

Life's been ok.

Have been wishing to unwrong some stuff.

If only I could turn back time.

Wouldn't have seem so messy.

To me at least.

Lost.

Where does it lead to?

I need to walk it right.

I need.

My GA.

To shine me my way.

2009-03-27T01:03:00.002+08:00

There's so much that I wanna say... but I've never found anywhere ideal to channel them to... the ceiling has always been a good source though.

2009-03-23T20:07:00.009+08:00

I AM NOT MY HAIR

My love for India.Arie is so rocksteady that I'd really wanna blast her music for everyone in the whole world! With such inspiring lyrics and uplifting melodies, India never fails to thrill me with all that she can do with her God-sent abilities; from writing her own songs to producing those 'pump-your-hands-up-in-the-air' tunes, her music has tackled on the world issues with regards to life, relationship, love, politics and death.
All of her songs mean so much and this is one of my all-time favs ~

I AM NOT MY HAIR
.
.
.
"I am not my hair,
I am not this skin,
I am not your expectations.
I am not my hair,
I am not this skin,
I am the soul that lives within!"
.
.
And I love this particular bridge very much:
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"Does the way I wear my hair make me better person?
Does the way I wear my hair make me a better friend?
Does the way I wear my hair determine my integrity?"
.
.
.
India.Arie is my inspiration.

PS: So peeps, don't be afraid to do crazy to your hair, RAWK EET!!!

2009-03-21T23:32:00.004+08:00

Heart Matters

I'm learning to forget.

Used to be locked in my mind.

Unable to shake off.

Can't get outta my head.

I love to hear.

And I miss to hear.

But the silence sometimes makes me weak.

It makes me think more.

It also makes my heart shrink.

Sink.

Makes me shake.

Vulnerable.

But I told myself,

Can't let it get to me.

My heart.

My soul.

Because how I feel differs.

I don't know,

if it's real.

But it doesn't feel otherwise.

I know, cos' mine is.

I'm so afraid,

to take the next step.

Cuz it's impossible.

Silence rings,

so blasting.

I could take it no more.

I'm getting tired.

So tired.

Still.

My mind wouldn't let go.

My heart's still clinging.

Onto hope.

2009-03-19T18:15:00.001+08:00

LOVE, where are you?

2009-03-11T18:59:00.003+08:00

Something About Me I Think I Know
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I took a personality test on http://www.quizbox.com/personality/test82.aspx and I personally find that the results are kinda spot on! Try it and find out for yourselves!

.

Your view on yourself:

You are down-to-earth and people like you because you are so straightforward. You are an efficient problem solver because you will listen to both sides of an argument before making a decision that usually appeals to both parties.

The type of girlfriend/boyfriend you are looking for:

You are not looking merely for a girl/boyfriend - you are looking for your life partner. Perhaps you should be more open-minded about who you spend time with. The person you are looking for might hide their charm under their exterior.

Your readiness to commit to a relationship:
You prefer to get to know a person very well before deciding whether you will commit to the relationship.

The seriousness of your love:

You are very serious about relationships and aren't interested in wasting time with people you don't really like. If you meet the right person, you will fall deeply and beautifully in love.

Your views on education:

Education is very important in life. You want to study hard and learn as much as you can.

The right job for you:

You're a practical person and will choose a secure job with a steady income. Knowing what you like to do is important. Find a regular job doing just that and you'll be set for life.

How do you view success:

You are confident that you will be successful in your chosen career and nothing will stop you from trying.

What are you most afraid of:
You are afraid of things that you cannot control. Sometimes you show your anger to cover up how you feel.

Who is your true self:

You are mature, reasonable, honest and give good advice. People ask for your comments on all sorts of different issues. Sometimes you might find yourself in a dilemma when trapped with a problem, which your heart rather than your head needs to solve.

2009-02-25T22:34:00.003+08:00

GUEST HOUSE
.

This being human is a guest house

Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,

some momentary awareness comes

as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!

Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,

who violently sweep your house

empty of its furniture,

still treat each guest honorably.

He may be clearing you out for some new delight.

The dark thought, the sham, the malice,

meet them at the door laughing,

and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,

because each has been sent

as a guide from beyond.

-Rumi

2009-02-24T00:09:00.003+08:00

Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams

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.

This is a good read which teared me up to the end. I truly recommend it.

Someone so passionate about life and stuff beyond. Randy Pausch, Professor of Carnegie Mellon, passed on last July 25th, losing fight to pancreatic cancer at the age of 48.

You can also watch Prof. Pausch's last lecture on "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams" on YouTube by just keying in the exact words as mentioned.

P.S.: Read it before you watch it.

2009-02-10T00:45:00.005+08:00

Last night the music industry came together and celebrated at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards and though I only watched half the telecast, all I ever wanted to see on the show was Jennifer Hudson (plus maybe Whitney presenting the 1st Grammy of the night to J.Hud herself for the Best R&B Album).

I hafta say, Jennifer really soared through the entire song "You Pulled Me Through" as every word to the song was so real, reflecting to the situation she's in and everything about it was so heartfelt. It moved me. It's obvious she's still in deep pain but we all can see that she's mustering all the strength to pull herself back together. From American Idol till this very moment, she has achieved so much and I'm really so proud of her. She is my idol. I hope she continues producing good music for the people and I'm quite sure she'll be around for a very long time.

2009-02-02T23:46:00.004+08:00

A True Star on The Star-Spangled Banner

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This is so good. The best I've heard so far. God Bless the vocals. And everything about her. I literally teared on this one. It's really good to see her back. Although she seemed alil distracted in the beginning. But im sure she was prolly thinking... I'm so proud of her. And I'm very sure her Mom, Bro and Nephew would be having the same sentiments too no matter where they are.
Welcome back Jennifer, you were missed.

2009-01-24T16:18:00.003+08:00

OH HAPPY DAY!

Oh my tian! Finally I could log in to Blogger I'm so happy right now I wanna dance with somebody anyone would love to waltz or tango with me please kindly step out so I could see you from where I'm standing and take your hands??! Seriously the older version of IE had been getting on my cool nerves for the past few months and so I heed the advice from my buddy and decided to update this gawddamn thang and praise the Lord it worked handsomely im really so happy I could blog again hurrayness!

I know you guys out there have been missing me quite abit so right here right now I'm promising you that i'll deffo stay with y'all for a long looooonggg time till death do us part! Okay I know I shan't be saying such inauspicious words since its gon' be CNY soon and O! talking the latter makes me really excited too!

Oh! I know this is random but I should really tell you guys how AWESOME it feels to be on a bike!!! You've gotta try if you've got a chance to!!! I mean SERIOUSLY. I was in camp till late one day and my friend offered to ride me somewhere near home and though initially I hestitated thinking of the risks, I'm still abso gladified I took the offer! I thought it'd be really scary like a rollercoaster ride but you've gotta try it to believe that's not how you think it is! What's thrilling about the ride was how fast this 2-wheeled machine can go and ... THE WIND!!! The latter is OMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!

Like seriously, I've never ever enjoyed wind brushing against my face like this before... I almost did the unthinkable of spreadng of arms like that of Rose's on Titantic but I thought I'd rather keep mine down because just so right, 2 TPs thundered past us like rockets before we could even noticed. Apart from that, I really loved every part of the ride and it's definitely worth another try if I ever get the chance again! (I'm sure I will! ^.^)

It's not even the Year of the Ox yet and I'm already feeling that it's not quite a pleasant one to begin with given the little incidents which occurred to me recently. The most recent being me receiving a bleeding scar near the mid of my head after carelessly bumping into a sharp metal edge of a staircase, next was when a heavy plastic log crashed down somewhere near my jaw giving me a hump to the side of face, coming on was when one of my fingernails tore halfway exposing some flesh whilst attempting to overturn a sackful of rubbish. Oh and also... getting frequent sexual harassment at work almost every single day... it's really so sad!!!

I'm crossing my fingers and wishing for a GOOD year!

I need to be loved. Would you, or you, OR YOU give me some lovin'??? *blinks eyes*

2009-01-01T23:00:00.001+08:00

YOOHOO 2009!

HAPPY NEW YEAR YOU GUYS!!!

WOW! I cannot believe 2008 was just moments before and now we've walked ourselves into a brand new beginning! It's just so FAST! But believe it or not, we're in and I'm dropping by to wish all of y'all out there a blissful, purposeful and fruitful year ahead! Be blessed. =)

2008-12-29T17:00:00.000+08:00

Past. Present. Future.

I don't remember time flying pass so fast in the past as compared to the present and this, I'm afraid, is making me cringe quite a bit. I still remember the very first day my eyes broke open to this fascinating world and the very first day I came to my senses as a human being... I was clueless about life then. Now, I wouldn't say I'm still as clueless but I do feel that way about the future. It's just that right now I'm standing at a different spot, looking at things with a different perspective. See, I always thought life was easy when I was little. You don't have to think that much, you don't have to do that much... all you do is... nothing. But as you age, you realise you've to take on tasks which go on from one level to the next just like that in the games and nothing comes easy at all. You get tired, frustrated, shrouded with all sorts of emotions from time to time. Sometimes, you find yourself stuck at the T-junction and you have no idea which way to choose. You get confused. And all you wish for is to be rescued. By someone. A guardian angel perhaps. Anyone. However. There's times when there's no one. Not a single soul. And that's where you learn to save yourself. And be your own hero.

We fight our own personal battles. But we know we're not alone. People walk in and out of our lives. And these individuals somehow shape up our lives in one way or another. Some good. And some, not so good. But we need them. Because only together can we make our short time on this planet mean something. Only together can we learn to be the stewards of our own destiny.

And though I've said this many times... I'm still gonna say it again and again... And that is; I am really thankful for those who came into my life. No matter who you are, you've made me who I am today. With y'all, I've seen through life in different aspects (though there's still ALOT more to that) and I'm so glad to have learned so much all these while. Though there's good and bad times, nothing has stopped me from moving forward. There's so much more right in front.

Right now, I am so ready to charge on the the incoming year. My well wishes to y'all, my people.

2008-12-02T14:20:00.003+08:00

Hot-Air Balloon

I swear I've never farted so much in my life before that if you were to pass me 10 balloons I could like inflate them in like... 1 minute. I'm serious. So very. I ain't exaggerating but it just feels so bad to be pregnant with air. I recall that night I woke up and attempted to get out of my bed to the toilet... and that belly was so much of a hindrance (that I really wanted to cut it open and release all that toxic in just one go). And my fart... "WOOOOOOOOOO!!!" ... it's deadly. I've warned you.

Seriously, I've gotta get out of this den like RIGHT NOW! I've not been out since last Sunday ('cept trips to the doc's) and somehow I can totally relate myself to a toad in the well. Only I'm way better off than eet. However something disturbing occurred some moments ago. A fly hovered and landed beside my cup. No matter how I shooed and booed and blew it just wouldn't go off. Instead, it kept fluttering it's wings (which somehow appeared to be dancing) then laid still at the same spot. For a moment I wondered whether it was trying to catch my attention so that it could laugh at me cos' I'm stranded and it's free to fly. I thought I was hallucinating. Then this thought came. Spare it not. And just nice a ruler was right next to me. "DIE YOU BITCH!" was what I said. And we had a whipped fly. So I guess I should be doing the laughing now.

P.S: I'm not mad. Yet.

2008-12-01T22:29:00.002+08:00

Put Ya Hands Up!
.

Hoooshitt.. I've never seen anyone sing and dance like that in my life (not that I've lived long enough to make that statement) but Ms. B... or rather Ms. Sasha Fierce really had me wondering what heaven sent powers the mighty Lord above has actually given her that she possess which enables her to do what she did so flawlessly. You must be having that puffy cloud above your head like I do. Here ya gooo, she said it, Single Ladies; Put Ya Hands Up!

Well I'm no woman... but that won't stop me from putting mine up just for a phenomenal talent like Sasha!

2008-11-30T19:50:00.002+08:00

PROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT.
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Screw this virus that's inhabiting my systems. It's driving me so nuts that I would so be pleased to be wearing pampers so as to ease the chore of me making countless trips to the seat in the bathroom. It doesn't feel good at all I tell ya. And I fart the foulest gas in the world that Sung Nila Utama might rise from his grave. I really wanna get well and I wanna go back to work! People say I'm crazy but i'm just attached to that place. Even though it seemed mono these days... But that's becos' I'm not there to inject entertainment right?! LOL.
Oh gawd someone please tell me I'm shameless...
.
So my time on the infamous island came to an end. Eventually everyone has to return to where they used to be. It's sad. On the brighter note, I'm very happy. I met some really authentic people and made myself some really good friends. Before I went, people kept telling me it's gon' be a breeze and somehow they're absolutely right and I'm so glad I've enjoyed myself so much (except the very last day I fell ill) throughout this period of 7 wks and so much happened in and out of bunk (esp. IN)... so many stuff can happen right there just like blanket parties and TOU POK... but of these, I never thought I'd be a "gangbang" victim. Getting pinned down by so many people. Hands and legs tied up. Shorts pulled down. Torch up arse. (Thank God they kept my undies on!) Not once. Not twice. But 3-4 times daily. Everyday. Cruel you must say. I know right! But it's all very funny. I just couldn't stop laughing. Screaming of cos'. See, this kinda fun, you'll never get outta Army. Well maybe yes, maybe no. I don't know you. But for me, I enjoyed every moment of it. Call me psycho. I think I am! Cos' if you never tried it, you'll never know. I did, and you can tell from the faces of everyone who played along... that's the way we bond.
And though one of my bunkies told one of our galfriends that I'm "scarred for life" ... I should in turn thank them all for the joy and laughter they brought.
.
Only now, such will be kept as memories... always in my mind.

2008-11-23T00:08:00.002+08:00

DRAG.ON!

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6 weeks have passed and training is almost over. But the fun is definitely NOT! I don't know but I never thought the infamous island would be such an amazing escapade. Not that the island is of any adventure land of a sort, but the people are all that mattered! Everyone is just so crazy and being really so crazy a lad myself, I find that we'all actually belonged together! LOL! I can't tell you what crazy stuff we do but we really did ALOT of crazzaayyyyyyyyy stuff EVERYDAY! (Apart from the unimaginable napping hours awarded to us people of "special-needs")

I love my section mates! (some of them that is). I have one whose a medic and we find each other so interesting that both of us just couldn't get our hands and bodies off one another. I have one who resembles a DUCK and whom I think has tremendous talent in photography: who always attempt to get his fingers all over me whenever he gets his chances to.. I have another who used to be my MI mate and now my bunkie: who never fails to brandish his piece of tool to whoever he deems vulnerable and whom i'll never forget... (...scarred my life FOREVER just because he.... he... *SOBS*) Also, there's one from the other section who says "HUHHHH" the cutest way one could ever muster and has a face shinier than any of the SK-II celebs. There's another who waxes his limbs and is one of the bitchiest dudes I've encountered (but he's really nice and funny). These are just some of the prominent figures in my platoon but everyone is really fun a person I must say! And I'd always remember the frequency of me getting pinned down and..."gang raped" every single day! I always thought I'd take grudges against such stuff but I think it's just really really funny!... (not that I enjoyed it)... But I think I'll only get this in Army but nowhere else. I'm so happy to have been allowed this chance to meet these guys. In a few more days this particular chapter of mine is coming to an end.

How I wish this could go on longer because I just began to really know each and every one of them...

2008-10-26T15:55:00.003+08:00

BANG BANG!

It's been 2 weeks and life has been good! Too good to believe... but I deffo miss my main work nest very much though I've never heard of a recourse slack-ier than the one I'm having. I hope this continues and in no time, I'll be back to the formal with a "BANG". Watch it, y'all.

---------------------------------------

My deepest condolences goes out to Jennifer Hudson and her family for the tragic incident involving the death of her mum and bro and a missing nephew which occured just a couple of days ago. I couldn't believe this actually happened... and the victims related to none other than JHud herself. Really very shocking news. Not to mention, these couple of weeks I've been crazy over JHud's songs and I was literally listening to one of hers when I read about the news online yesterday. Let's hope Jennifer will stand up strong and that her beloved nephew will be brought back to safety very soon. Though what I'm pretty sure now is, Ms. J wouldn't be near the spotlight anytime soon.

2008-10-13T00:45:00.002+08:00

Sailing Away

I'm going on yet another vacation. Will be back next week. Miserable. But i'm looking on the brighter side. Wish me luck. Miss y'all!

2008-10-12T13:14:00.003+08:00

WOMANIZER

OMG. Brit Brit is BACK y'all! And she's so HAWT! I'm not really a big Brit fan since her absence from the industry but I remember how my friends and I used to croon to the melodies of "Baby One More Time", "You Drive Me Crazy" and blahs and all along Brit's songs have been very catchy. Womanizer is now one of the most played songs on my iPod and I didn't believe that when Britters mentioned she's back for good, she actually meant it. This vid I LOVEEEEE! Brit's looking dups faboo and everything in the vid just comes into place. Very intelligently choreographed. I'd say Britney's 2nd comeback is gon' be a full-swing mega success and I'm looking forward to incredible treats from Ms. BS. Meanwhile, jive to the mega hit!

2008-10-08T23:50:00.012+08:00

I AM NOT MY HAIR

Hey you guys! I know this may sound alil... or perhaps severely insane but... ...

I JUST CUT MY OWN HAIR!!!

LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!!! OH YES I DID!!! LALALALALALALALALA LA...LAAA!

Don't ask me how I did it but I just did! I know right?? Really nuts you must think! But not to mention, I was totally grinning West to East whilst admiring my very own creation after the almost half-an-hour process in the bathroom during shower. This is how it turned out:

.......................

I don't have the BEFORE peektures but these are the side, front, back and front-again views of the end-product. Definitely it's no professional quality if you look close but it's still very presentable I think? This was the tool I used:

And I was parading myself in office today and no one could tell it was D.I.Y! Even my folks couldn't! My I.C said it's NICE. HEHEHE. I must say I'm really proud of MAself and still couldn't stop smiling at the sight of my hair! *gives himself a round of applause* What's more... it's FOC and I saved myself a trip to the salon! Crazy to say but this is one of my achievements and I'm very happy to have done something I thought would be insane if someone else had done it instead. Okay that last sentence just made me sound psychopathic. But it's ok. No one on this planet will ever think the person next to him is perfectly normal top to bottom. Oh geez I couldn't stop touching my head! I'm so gonna WERK-EET oh yes baby I will! LOL! I know I know! I just couldn't help it! And BTW, anybody needs a snip-a-choo-choo??? Yours truly saves a bad hair day... *Smirks*

2008-10-05T00:38:00.003+08:00

The Next Chapter

Home on a Saturday night. Nowhere to go don't wanna go anywhere. Weekends are kinda getting pretty boring recently. Everyone's busy and that's no excuse to not stepping outta da nest so it resorts to me dating me most of the time. Pretty sweet no? LOL. I know yeah. Work's been really smooth these days and I'm having a real good time in camp. I dunno if the others feel the same but I do. It doesn't even feel like army already. LOL. I'm serious.

In about a week's time, I'd be sailing away... Sad to say but the time has come. It's just another phase. I hope this time it would be better. Good thing it's short. So I guess it'll end a lot faster than one could ever expect. Looking forward to the END of it.

This year is a blast. As though everything just happened last night. 08's tail is within our reach. I'm so happy with where I am right now. However as for now, I really hafta get the stuff I need before it gets too late. Will deffo miss them guys.

Till next time!

2008-09-20T18:59:00.002+08:00

Crush

More Videos

2008-09-07T23:55:00.002+08:00

Blastpast

So much happened past month. So much to do in and outta work. Sometimes I'm afraid I won't be able to catch up with time. Everything's coming up so quickly that I don't even have time to look back, yet. I've tried. And I'm really glad I didn't let those important moments slip off my bare hands. Still, all my love goes out to the people who were with me throughout this period. The time spent with these folks was so worthwhile. I feel very lucky to have them stepped into my life.

2008-08-21T22:10:00.003+08:00

This was why...
.

.
Whitney was so great. This was why millions adored her. This. My favourite song of all time. Greatest Love of All. "The greatest love of all, is easy to achieve. Learning to love yourself, it is the greatest love of all." It means so much.
Will Whit Whit's comeback be a mega-success like Mimi's? We'll see.

2008-08-08T23:35:00.003+08:00

Bonding

I'm so happy today! Actually I was still feeling ayte first half of the day (perhaps the fact that we were required mundanely to stand under the scorchy mr.sunny for the national day crap) but everything went sky high gradually... not before I got tipsy downing a few glasses of beer at the mass and started being someone else ... singing away and smiling to myself (and strangers). I also have no idea how I manage to sit myself down playing Battlefield and DOTA consecutively but I must say I'm totally unbelievable on my debut. F***ing noob lah! I got killed 16x in DOTA and what's funny was I thought I was attacking my opponents cos' I was clicking my mouse so frantically but truth is my hero was totally floating around aimlessly waiting to be slaughtered. Oh my tian. But what made me smile was to see how we can actually bond so well like this. It's first time I see all of us enjoying each other's company so much as a branch. It's really nice.
I hope this continues and such occasion shall deffo happen AGAIN x infinite.
.
OOh. And Happy Olympics!

2008-07-29T23:14:00.002+08:00

Busy Bee

I know I haven't been updating much at all and oh I know how much you must've missed me all these while but fret not, I'll try must greatest best to keep you guys on track with my boring life. I'm really exhausted because I'm either in camp, in camp or in camp. So basically, I am in camp almost every day and night and that is something not very nice because I'm becoming more of an insane person and almost everyone I know in camp thinks I should seek help from a psychiatrist (which I think it's totally THEM who need the latter more than I do for being more insane than I am to think I am insane... OH how SANE is that!). Seriously events may soon take their tolls but what I'm more concerned of now is to get things done, have fun and then go home before nightfall because seriously the base I work in is insanely creepy at night, esp some places which I don't think I wanna mention. *Chants*
On the brighter side, I'm really having a blast with the people around me everyday. They are just so fun! From filthy jokes to caressing bodies to role playing of bizarre characters... such simply cause me stomachaches pretty often. Today I drew a picture of one of my colleagues on the whiteboard whilst he was sleeping on the couch and the end result was truly a knee-slapper. It's not that I'm praising myself but the drawing really looked so much like the real person esp his mouth and teeth!!! OH MY TIAN! It was soooooooooooooo funny all of us couldn't stop laughing and what's really missing was a CAMERA! Dammit!

2008-06-26T22:00:00.002+08:00

VIEW TO THRILL

So I said I'd talk about my trip to "The Beautiful South" . It's the Southern Ridges I'm talking about. If you've read the papers, one of the Sunday Times, you'd have come across this 2-page article on this remarkable landmark which stretches 9km across from Mount Faber to the West Coast Park. I started my trail from Harbourfront MRT station, trekked up Mt.Faber (the short walk of many many MANY steps up to the top was really exhausting!) I started out at 5.30pm on a Monday (took off that day and in order not to waste it, decided to explore this new addition) and I wasn't alone. I was joined by a mother and a son and though they started out earlier than me, I advanced them and reached Mt. Faber before they did minutes after.

Steps to heaven.If you look carefully, you'll spot something on the hand grills. UH HUH! That's a squirrel! A really adorable one! But it ran off too fast for me to even go forward to say "HELLO". What a piss.The sun rays was pouring everywhere and that made the whole place look really enamelled. It brightened up every piece of living thing right there and you know, when you walk through a place like this, you don't even wanna come out. And that was how I felt then.

You can't really see much on picture but the actual view is so much different. The small little dots at the middle arch are actually cable cars flowing towards Sentosa.

There you see them!

Greenery!

That's where Mt.Faber is. The resting tent as you can see. The scenery here is really nice. Especially it was about 6pm then and the sun was plunging minute by minute. The above picture is the last I took that day. Wanna know why? Because. My. Stupid. Cam. Died. On. ME! I was so pissed! Because I pointed the lens directed at the direction of the sun, the entire machine shut down on me totally. I even tried hitting it so many times on my palm, tummy, head, and other harder parts of my body, but to no avail. I missed out on so many beautiful spots!

But anyways, I continued my walk from Faber. The pictures above are views from one side of Faber. The other side were completely covered with buildings. But oh, how I love the view at the other side (which I didn't manage to take), all the buildings were clustered so closely to one another and you can see an array of HDB flats, offices and other fascinating buildings. It's like a beautiful collage. I wanna be there to see that again. The next stop would be Henderson Waves and I'd say that's sorta the main attraction of the nature walk. At 36 metres above Henderson Road, Henderson Waves is the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore. It was built to connect the two hills of Mount Faber and Telok Blangah Hill.

(The peektures below are courtesy of Flickr.com)

Look at the height of the bridge! OMG! I never thought this was possible in Singapore but now look, there it is! It's magnificent I tell ya! So was the view on top! From Henderson Waves, I proceeded to the Hilltop Walk and then to the Forest Walk (pic above). I think this Southern Ridges Nature Walk is absolutely cool. I took myself an hour strolling and stopping every now and then, taking in the freshness of nature and the breathtaking views. I'd say you should take a stroll down the "Beautiful South" sometime soon if you haven't. In my opinion, it's all worth the sweat.

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One morning, I opened my door and was getting ready to go to work when I saw this.

Magical, aint it!

I mean c'mon, I've never seen the sky looking so beautiful before!

How I wish the sky would remain as it was like that. I just love looking at the sky. The clouds. Look how spectacular they look. So damn neat. Just wanna smile so wide whilst looking at it.

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Academy Award Winner Jennifer Hudson released her debut single Spotlight a couple of nights back at BET Awards. I hafta say I'm quite a fan of hers right from the start she appeared on Amercian Idol till she got the boot till she landed a role in Dreamgirls and most recently, Sex and The City. I love her voice! She was known to have over-the-top vocals but now she belts just fine with the right gusto. Plus, J.Huddy's looking real faboo! Here is a music vid of Ms. J.Hud. She's gonna be the next Whitney I tell y'all. Enjoy!

"Well I don't like, living under your S-P-O-T-L-I-G-H-T... ...!"

2008-06-22T22:28:00.005+08:00

Appréciez

My mother came to know this 90-plus year-old Aunty in our neighbourhood. I've seen her quite a few times sitting around coffee shops all alone or if not, with different groups of people round the table (where it seemed to me that those peeps don't know who she is and vice-versa). You can tell she longs company.
Just, my family and I had dinner at one of the quieter coffee shops and while Mom and I went to buy drinks, we saw Aunty. She tapped on my Mom's shoulder and was all smiley and asked how my mother was doing. My mother bought Aunty a drink, spoke a few words before leaving for our table.

While we were filling ourselves with the good food, Aunty was going home. She passed by our table, waved and wanted to say "Bye". Then, she stopped dead in tracks, turned around (mind you, she has difficulty walking), stuck our her arm, and shook our hands one by one.
You may think it's nothing. But I was really amazed. Imagine an old lady. 90 odd. Standing on two enervating limps. Shaking your hands. Just to acknowledge that she appreciates. I'm not saying it's the drink that made her do that. Rather, it's the whole thing. How my mother actually spent time talking to Aunty when they bumped into each other at the neighbourhood central not once, but on several occasions. Mom quoted from this friend's of hers who said "Why are you even talking to her, she's crazy!" Mom ignored her remarks. After all, Aunty is human. She is just like anyone of us. So what she's old. We grow old. We will lose charm one day. If you think like what my Mom's friend does, then when that very day comes, you're gonna be very sad. Because the words that came out from that mouth of yours are gonna hit you. Hard. Very hard.
Putting that aside, all I want to say is, I'm amazed. Very amazed. The little gesture of Aunty's. Shaking all our hands. Showing that she appreciates. It made me smile. It's so nice.

It's not hard to tell someone, whoever, that we appreciate. For what they've done for us. Whether big or small. It doesn't matter. As long as we learn how to appreciate, we'll learn that this world is actually a wonderful place to live in.
And that. Is something which sets Aunty aside from the others. She did not forget to appreciate. Even when she's about to hit the century mark.

The colours of the rainbow,

so pretty in the sky.

Are also on the faces of people going by.

I see friends shakin' hands,

sayin' "How do you do?"

They're really saying "I love you" ...

Verse from "What A Wonderful World"

Pity it's not a culture nor is it a common sight to see people hugging here. If not I'll be hugging everybody.

2008-06-17T22:23:00.002+08:00

B'DAY CELEBS

So the weekend came and gone and last Friday, we had a combined celebration for the June babies and of course it was specially for Teresa and Muah. Von, "The Greatest Bitch", was the main organiser and really without her, we wouldn't have gotten sucha great deal at Conrad and not to mention, the room rate for that day (it fluctuates everyday) was SGD 370 but we only paid 200! It was all so worth it!

The Suntec towers' just across.

The view from our room was spectacular! I could even see the DHL balloon when it took flight!

That's like a 40" Sony Bravia plasma! And the sound system was BOMBASTIC I tell'ya!

Oh Lord, I love this bed! It's really really REALLY soft and once you sink yourself in, you don't even wanna come out! You bet!

Immaculate.

HA! I love this peekture! I mean look at Jen, she totally owned the mirror and Von was so acting cute right there!

Let me tell ya, the bathroom was FANTABULOUS! It has a really big bathtub and a stand-shower cubicle. And that said, it means 2 persons can bathe totally at the same time! But of coz we'all did it alone.

And so the cam-whoring sessions kicked off with Jen and Von both being the VAINEST person I've ever met!

Plain crazy!

Getting cosy!

This is a Conrad Bear. And its free! Plus, the hotel has really good service I must say!

Look at these hangers! It's like the LOVELIEST ones I've ever seen!

And night fell.

That's Rey getting all sneaky behind me!

I really don't know how long it had been that we've been stuck in the bathroom snapping our lives away because SERIOUSLY, that place is filled with mirrors and you know given such situation, we just can't help! (Not even you, I bet!)

And it was dinner time! That's Pokoh with Teresa!

Our all-time fav and BESTEST MOM in the wholewideworld, Ms. Jiayi with chomel Suhana!

Lovely Joyce seated next to Mr. R. Gay.

And the bootylicious Vonnie with Ms. Tan right there getting their hands on the scrumptious Mexican nachos!

So we had our game of Twister and I must say it was my 1st time playing it and I seriously got TWISTED by the end of the game but it was all so fun! Though we were all over the place and some positions looked alil wrong!

Look how crowded it was on that small piece of Twister sheet! Everybody either had their legs or hands over the other person's body and there were a couple of times where Von's ass was totally facing all of us and all we prayed for was that she DID NOT consume onions beforehand.
THESE ain't nothing ordinary. THESE are home-made cupcakes by Suhana and her lovely sister and I must say they were absolutely DELICIOUS!!! They're really soft and I love the creativity! I expected this round thing to greet me when the girls came out with the 'candle-lighted' box. This was a SURPRISE. Very very NICE!

Wishes.

Then the blow job. Wanna join the eightsome???This is Shu Rong! She's damn CUTE can! She's so funny and I simply LOVE playing Taboo with her!
We were playing, it was her turn, and she picked out this card.

Shu Rong: "heh heh...PENIS!"
All: "??? ???"
Shu Rong: "Err... another word for penis!"
All: "Dick??"
Shu Rong: *Nods* "it has a surname..."

silence... ...

Me: "DICK LEE!"

LOL! MYGAWD! It was really really funny! Like knee-slapping funny! Everyone was literally rolling off their asses everywhere on the floor! There's alot more, and so much laughter involved. I totally couldn't control myself. Same for everyone else! Classic!
This was some random game Rey taught us and we actually played it once last year during our K.L trip and it's acutally played with poker cards and involves drinking. Each and every card has a meaning behind it and there was this card where the one who picked it can set a rule and everyone in the game has to abide to it and do the action. And how the hell did the card land in Von's hands, I don't know... but I've to say she was a total BITCH becos the rule she set was "Pinch your nose" and we had to stay that way throughout the entire game! We'all had sucha hard time breathing, and what's more, she's not spared herself! WTF right?! So silly la! But still, she's a doll and we love her. =)
We stayed up the entire night playing all sorts of games and not to mention, I got really tipsy after downing cups after cups of the whiskey and baileys mixes. I was so sprotuing nonsense and singing to myself at the corner. Extreme retard. Totally SEH!

All in all, it was a BLAST!!!!!!

These are the people who made it happen.

They are the ones who made everything possible. They brought about so much joy and laughter that night.

Not only that night. That's an understatement.

All the time.

I feel so lucky to have them in my life.

They are some of the greatest people I've met.

They bring me life.

Never fail to make me smile.

They make me feel like ME.

Thank y'all for everything, my lovely friends.

2008-06-14T23:22:00.002+08:00

Happy 1st Anniversary!

Hurray! It's 365 days down and just another 365 more days to go! Today marks the end of my 1st year in Army. Hence, 1 year to ORD! YESNESS!!!

2008-06-06T23:00:00.008+08:00

Footprints in the Sand

Being 21 feels normal. And today feels like any other day.

Nothing more. Nothing less.

Just like the usual.

It's a day where you just wanna sit.

Around somewhere and think.

Think about what you ask.

Life.

The road ahead.

A lot.

People have been asking how and with whom was I gonna celebrate this 'BIG' day.

My reply.

At home; with my folks.

Even for the previous years, this has stayed the same.

I hadn't been out on my BIG day.

Home is where I wanna be.

And the only persons worth spending time with the most on this day.

Are the ones that gave birth to people like me and you.

I am.

The joy of my Mom and Dad's love.

I am theirs.

My life belongs to them.

They gave me life.

They made me happen.

They are the reasons I am loving my life.

They are the ones who know me best.

They are the ones who walked me through the years.

They are the only persons in this World.

Who shower unconditional love unselfishly.

They are.

My all.

That is why.

This day.

Is dedicated to them.

For their love.

Because of that; I blossomed.

From nothingness.

Friends play big roles in our lives as well.

Though nothing compares as much to kinship.

The former are people who keep us sane in this insane world.

They are the ones who make the difference.

Who bring us laughter.

The ones who remind us every now and then.

That no matter what happens.

We always have their shoulders to lean on.

They are.

Friends.

And I.

From the bottom of my heart.

Sincerely thank you all.

Whoever you are.

For being part of my life and allowing me to be part of yours.

Y'all are the reasons why I'm still learning.

And striving.

To be a better person.

Not a different one.

But just

Myself.

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Thank you all for your wishes.

You know who you are.

To my camp mates; thank you so much for waiting an additional hour (though you guys could've gone back home way before) just to sing that infamous song and to witness on my cake-cutting "ceremony".

Thank you y'all for remembering today.

Cheers.

2008-06-02T23:33:00.005+08:00

BrokeHead Mountain

WHOAW! MAN! GEEZ! I feel so refreshed right now that I can totally conquer Mt. Everest right away! OH YEAH! (Ok it's obvious I'm lame and over-exaggerating) But I must say I feel really really good right now kudos to the essence from the PassionFruit scented shower gel I just acquired from The Body Shop. The scent is so overpowering that if I was a mad person I'd've licked myself all over north south east west.
Seriously, I'm a total noob for stuff like that and not to mention at all, I've never bought anything from that latter before and I because I was curious I made my way into one of the outlets and was bewildered by the astonishing variety of products the shop carries. Call me SUAH KU as much as you like but I think it's duper cool! Well, we're "virgins" to hell lota things, no?
And OHOOHOOHGAWD something happened moments ago in the bathroom and I'm wondering whether I should say and whether it's meant to be categorized as a tragedy or not but oh FUCK idroppedmyshaveranditlandedandsweptagainstmychestandslicedmynippleohyeshelp. I'm not gonna tell you which one of the (twins) got beheaded but someone please call the paramedics because it just couldn't stop bleeding! Heavens, what is going on I cannot believe such a thing is happening to me and I actually tried applying techniques I learned from Army like what they always say "APPLY PRESSURE ON WOUND!" but to no avail! I also cannot believe of the accuracy of how (the shaver) actually managed to come into contact with the peak of my (ahem) and though the wound looks somewhat small, blood's spraying like fountain I tell ya! Hence my last resort - Hansaplast. O'man I know this is absolutely embarrassing but I think it's really funny I mean have you even had that happen to you before???

You know I still have a lot more to talk about specifically on my trip to "The Beautiful South" but I guess I've gotta postpone that because right now I really have to go check on my... AHEM. *Sobs*

2008-05-27T23:56:00.001+08:00

To Rice, With Love

Today I made my way to the agent for an interview session with one of the representatives from Monash and funny thing is, I told her I'm Eugene and she grinned and said her name was Eugenia and we started laughing away. Such coincidence! Eugenia is such a fine lady. I've to admit I can't stop looking right into her eyes because you know... she's really so pretty and she's Malaysian but now an OZ PR who lives in Berwick (pronounced Bear-rick), Victoria, the town where (I think, most likely) my future-school-to-be is located at. Something cool I learned about Monash other than the fact that the university comprises of 6 campuses in Melbourne itself and few others in South Africa, Italy and the UK; one who is a student at say Berwick campus can totally gain access to all facilities (except accommodation) at other Monash campuses around Victoria itself! And I was given an example like if I were to be caught in a scenario where I've got a book in mind but the library in my campus doesn't house that title, I can actually go online and put that particular one on hold under my student ID and will actually have it sent over to me within 24HRS! How cool is that! If you know me, you know I love the suburbs. And the town of Berwick is totally suburban! Though that's what it is, I was told there's actually a really huge mall nearby and there're a few very nice Asian restaurants around there and what's more, there's a 24/7 clinic right in the town itself. Initially I was really dubious about the place itself because since its rather small but growing, I thought there wasn't any medical services available around, which is in my opinion, something very important. But WOW, I'm pleasantly surprised! We don't even have that many 24/7 clinics in S'pore, given the fact that businesses in most parts of OZ close at round 5PM daily.
There's so much more to say but I wouldn't put them all down here. However Eugenia gave me a real good insight on the university and beyonds and I'm really appreciative of that because finally I could (at least) tell myself I've got a conclusion to what I'm looking for in mind.
GEEZ, CAN'T WAIT ALREADY!

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There's news that US Secretary of State Ms. Condoleezza Rice is touching down on the airbase sometime this week. Man, did I tell y'all I actually have a crush on that woman? I love her poise. She's so professional and such a role model I'd really look up to every now and then. I love women who wear bright CHILLI-RED lipstick. Totally brings out the hawtness. Ms. Condoleezza is no exception. And I really can't wait to take her hand right after she lands this week.
To Rice, with LOVE!

2008-05-26T23:16:00.003+08:00

Jones fades

So I caught the latest installment of Indiana Jones with a few of my army dudes and I must say the film was just BLEH. Maybe it was the timing or maybe I didn't get much rest kudos to the day's event which drained all the fuel outta me that I just couldn't help stealing occasional snoozes in between scenes. I thought what really caught my attention was Cate's (Blanchett) bob. And maybe the ants. Or perhaps the part where the disc took flight before everything went crashing in that pit. I don't really get the whole plot and not to mention, you call that a crystal skull? Looks more like it's made out of glass and stuffed with aluminium foil and everything about that skull is ridiculous. Really. This movie is worth watching if you still consider yourself an avid IJ fan after almost 2 decades since the previous installment, and to the fact that it's still quite action packed and seemingly long. Other than that, the storyline's just okay and it's not that kind of film that I'll expect someone like Spielberg would make (though he did), and certainly it's one of his mediocre production. Not something I'd wanna watch again.

2008-05-21T21:01:00.003+08:00

Taj Mahal: Do Not Touch if... ... unless .. ...
.

.
I wanna share with you an encounter that my friend JW's friend, let's just call him 'Santos', had while his family was on vacation in India, visiting the Taj Mahal.

Santos was taking in the magnificence of the garden before he advanced to a plant, merely touching the flower when a guard across shouted: "What are you doing don't touch it you dirty INDIAN!" Santos stayed rooted while his mother, who stood next to him raised to attention in utter shock. Santos is an Indian. The guard? Indian.

Santos' father, who was nearby, caught glimpse of the commotion and walked over, confronting the guard: "What do you mean by what you said? Do you know we came all the way from Singapore just to see this building?"
The guard: "Oh you're from Singapore? Oh please touch as you like!"

It's said that the people over there are racists to their own people. Funny isn't it?

2008-05-19T23:13:00.005+08:00

Let Me Stand Alone

"I'm building the world myself and

putting new hats on everybody one by one...

Before I go out I'm gonna have people in tutus,

cops wearing sombreros, stockbrokers with viking hats,

priests with panties on their heads.

In the world I'm building,

everybody shouts HELLO

to everybody else from their car windows.

People have speakers attached to their chests

that pour out music so you can tell from a distance

what mood they're in,

and they won't be too chicken to

get naked when the rain comes."

- Rachel Corrie

What a beautiful world that would be. However, Rachel Corrie did not live to build that world herself. In 2003, while attempting to block the demolition of a Palestinian family's home in the Gaza Strip, Rachel Corrie, was killed by an armored Caterpillar D-9 bulldozer operated by a member of the Israel Defense Forces. She was only 23 years old. A poet, writer and a nonviolent human rights activist, Rachel always harbored the thoughts of bringing peace to make the world a better place through social activism. Unfornately, a freak accident or some may call it "a delibrate act", demolished her lifelong "ambition", at the same time, taking away her life.
No man can change the world just by himself, let alone build the world with just their two bare hands. It should involve the spirit and strength of everybody. I am sure everyone, like you and I do, wants to see everybody living in peace and harmony. No war. No brutality. No more hurt and struggling. Free of atrocities and suffering.

"If we loved each other, we would find victory". - Mariah

There's got to be a way to build that world that we'all want to be in. We just need to go that extra mile in bringing that to reality. You and I have the ability to do that. By starting with small steps.

2008-05-16T23:32:00.004+08:00

Oh Heavens...Why?

Earth, what is wrong with you?

2008-05-15T21:49:00.003+08:00

Give me a break, please!

Oh Lord please help me I'm so dying right here. My head's spinnin, my nose's leakin', my throat's itchin', my body's achin', my bones crackin', my chest's rippin', my eyes are poppin' ohmygawd I'm on fire! I'm having my head in my hands and I'm currently typing with my tongue oh yes that's how bad it's hurtin'! I'm feeling so fragile I'm not surprised if my body just gives way and break into pieces anytime soon and if you happen to find pieces of me maybe my right arm or left leg or torso or large intestines or perhaps even my gorgeous head lying anywhere on the sunny island, please kindly return them to me A.S.A.P thank you very much! I'll owe you one!

-----------------------------------

??????

C'mon guys spot to differences amongst all pictures above. Duh! Of course there isn't any because all of them aren't similar. None of them are churches or cathedrals if you thought so. UGH I'm so confused! Alright, these are photos of campuses the 1st being The University of Western Australia, followed by Monash University, Uni of Sydney and Uni of Adelaide. It's totally not about how magnificent the buildings or campuses look but I cannot decide on which one of them I should pursue my degree in given that all of them have accepted me. I've been doing considerably a fair amount of research on the international standings, the popularity of the discipline I'm taking and other factors like employment rates and outcomes achieved by the graduates from these universities. And thankfully, I'm awarded advance standing so that means I'm expected to complete my degree in 2 years instead of 3! Geez, I'm really having a hard time choosing I'm already pulling my hair out I need advice please help me thanks!

2008-05-14T22:21:00.004+08:00

Realize
.
You know, I really have to praise myself just this time round for being able to refrain myself from taking cabs back home almost everyday after work for the past year (not inclusive of the during poly-days) and not to mention, I actually enjoy taking buses because first, you can totally snooze once you're on board (provided you've a seat), second, there's really ALOT to see... you know, places that you've never thought existed on this island, popular spots that you see on TV and one day the bus you're in passes by the place and you go "OH! So here it is!" and third, you save MONEY! You see, I was doing the math one day and if I were to go with cabbing, I'd needa fork out abt 10 bucks a day and that'd be $200 a month and this could add up to $2.4K a year! With that money I can absolutely use it for other purposes which could in turn change for something/s better than those cabbing sessions that allow me to get home earlier by merely 15 minutes (the most). And if I buy the unlimited-rides bus concessions that costs $61, I'd save up $139 a month, that's about $1,668 a yr! Just these 2 yrs I can actually buy myself a brand new laptop! I'd even have remainder! In times like this, it's very wise to save up more or less unless you're filthy rich. And because I'm NOT, I'll have to watch my expenses very closely.

I'm also glad that I've cut down on my very-frequent visits to the malls for RT because I thought, clothes are clothes... no matter how unique they seem to look, they're just clothes... maybe the collars are different, or the colours, the designs, shapes... I was looking at the amount of clothes in my wardrobe and I realised I didn't even know I actually bought some of them and haven't once donned them on at all! It's really funny cos I don't even remember! And I think it's rather pointless for a guy to have so many clothes cos it's either tees, long sleeves, shorts or pants unless I include dresses and skirts into my collection. I'd look pretty, no??
Fact is, I don't think it's wise to splurge on all these because I'm no celebrity so no one's gonna look at me and care about how I dress and it's simply cos I'm not the Dolce & Gabbana shirt or the Gucci pants, or the Prada bag or the Giorgio Armani shoes I wear. These are objects. And no one wants to be seen like an object. It's artificial. It's fake. It's plastic. Not authentic. And obviously those I can't afford. I won't deny I used to go for the branded goods and if I see something nice and if I want it, it meant I'll get my hands on that something without question and you know, expecting others to notice the new additions. But I think it's silly. Look, I could've saved so much and I actually feel really bad because those are my parents' hard-earned money and I'm spending as though they dropped from the sky. Although they neither nagged nor screamed, I can't help but feel the guilt. However, I'm really thankful to my folks for I feel very fortunate with what I have. I'm very happy to have learned not to take things (not just money) for granted.

Things in life don't come easy. And if you don't cherish them or take control of what you have right now, it'll never come back once they slip off. Ever.

2008-05-12T19:57:00.003+08:00

ARGH. I was assaulted by a mozzie just moments ago and it feels like it has planted hundreds and thousands of "kisses" all over my body that now I'm scratching like a lice-invaded chimp and that feeling is no good to bear. But neh mind, I'll prolly apply Mopiko over the lumps and humps later.
So over the weekend I brought my Mum to the Jenny Tseng concert (and if you guys don't know who that is, she's a veteran powerhouse and not to mention I'm actually quite a fan of hers because she's totally gorgeous for someone her age and ohmydearlord does she have flawless vocals but I guess these doesn't really concern most of y'all cos y'all'll be like "who cares?" so yeah...) and my Momma was really ecstatic over the fact that her son actually sat by her singing along to all the songs she loves throughout the concert.

You know, the first thing you wanna know is that your loved ones are happy. I mean hey, after all these years... look at how much our folks've done for us. You and I know that they have to. But just see for yourselves how much they've changed themselves from time to time. Trying to strive for the better each time. To tell us that they're doing their very best so that we'd live fortunately just like the rest. The love they unconditionally showered upon and the morals and values they taught us unselfishly, shaping us into the person we are now. They never complain. All these didn't happen just with the snap of our fingers. These happened because our Dads and Moms made them happen. A 'Thank You' is never enough.
The least we could do is to give them a hug and tell them we love them. I thank God for my Dad and Mom.

2008-04-28T23:45:00.002+08:00

Sometimes I just don't get it. It's never right is it? You think I'm still a kid and hey I need to seek your approval in everything I do? I'm just doing what a kid, a child, a son's suppose to do and no, you disagree. You always disagree. Ok. Not always. Most of the time. You just don't see my intentions. The world revolves around you. You. You. And You. I love you. But I also disagree with you at times. Like how you do.

------------------------------------------

Apart from whatever shit that happened earlier, I'm so glad that I'm always anticipating for something nice to happen the very next day. Just thinking about the mirth to come from this person actually makes me happy. =)

2008-04-19T23:59:00.002+08:00

Dang, how long more?

Oh how time has gone by... It's already April and geez May is coming near. Its been so long since I spoke in this place and you have to look at the filth that's left behind... gosh mould-ridden it is! I hope I can breathe new life into this place provided I've got the time to update religiously if that's the case. Life in the army has been fine but I can see myself getting more busy in the months to come. Personally I still think it's dreadful given the fact that whatever that's done in there is totally redundant and it doesn't apply in the life outside except the networking part. However, I'm not gonna complain further given that it's clear that a hundred thousands of Singaporean men has brushed through that phase and endured till the very day they were presented with the PINK token so I guess it's normal considering that such is deemed integrated into the life of a male the very day he's given birth to in the Lion City (unless otherwise).

Putting that topic aside, things have been going real slow in life. Not to mention that though we're already in mid-April, the fact that army is still in the way makes hours seemed like years. Still I'm really thankful to have my bunch of friends to occupy the weekends. If not, I always keep in mind that home is where I belong. Peace, y'all.

2008-02-27T19:29:00.003+08:00

IMAGINE

People sometimes wonder why I still watch American Idol when all they think of that show is just atrocious crooners who're always making a fool of themselves behind the screen. But I must say that if not for that show, I wouldn't have known those hundreds and thousands of songs that I from time to time conveniently belt out as the titles roll through my head. And THANK GOD for that show, I found my love for music. Praise the Lord for the chemistry. For I feel like i'm soulfully married to music. Though not an entertainer, I'm proud to be a music lover. I live through music. As so many as millions of people would say - "Music IS MY LIFE!" And it always will be.
And AI do mould some really decent singers. For instance, take some of the Idol winners and put them together with some of the household names in the industry such as John Mayer, Fergie, John Legend, Justin Timberlake, Kylie Minogue or even Amy Winehouse. Some of them even Grammy winners, but to me, some of their music's just senseless.
However, thank goodness these days, the young is on the rise. Bless this young soul right here. He's David Archuleta. Crystal vocals. Adorable as a whole. I fell in love since his very first studio performance. Hit on the play button right away if you missed it on TV!

2008-02-23T13:02:00.004+08:00

SHINE AWAY

Hey guys, how's life? Decided to drop in to HOLLER. Geez, life's been busy for me. Lotsa work. Army. What do you expect. Bummers. But putting that aside, I should say I'm already quite accustomed to whatever this new place has installed for me. Although there's still lots of activities that's coming our way, I should say its a pleasant environment all in all. Hence I hope this work year's gonna be a blast (in the good way). 4 more mnths and I'm gonna hit 21, but it already feels like I've reached there. Well for me age doesn't really matter at all. I guess a person grows with life. With experiences. Age is just playing with numbers. It just states how long you've been in existence. Nothing much. I was looking back and sniffing the nostalgic moments that came wafting to my mind and gosh, it's been such a long way till where I'm standing right now. It's been one heaven of a journey. Praise the LORD! Really, I'm so contented with so many things that happened in my life. Even if some of them meant HELL somehow, I take it as lessons that mould a person overtime. The best essence in life - is to stay HAPPY. So c'mon ppl, LOOK TOWARDS THE SUNSHINE, AND LET THE BRIGHTNESS OF JOY TAKE CONTROL!

2008-02-06T01:23:00.000+08:00

Let's all just say "LALA!"

Indeed, a new beginning for me for '08. New place, new people. The place's good, the people, pleasant. The work's plain overpowering. Schedule's overloaded. So many events this year. Deff no break for us. Throughout. None. Shorthanded - us. Shagged, totally yeah. GOD. Please. Help. Oh. Please. Again. But one thing's for sure. Days are gonna really thunder past like the F16s above us all. Things this year are gonna be loud and big. You bet. Gosh, I can't wait for 2008 to end already. I vant me PINK IC! But oh wells, that's so gonna happen only when I finish my walk on the Great Wall of China.
Now I hope I find happyness in my work. Singapore is murderous. In many sense. Go figure.

2008-01-22T22:28:00.000+08:00

I May Not Reach There, But I Can Look Up and See It's Beauty

You know, when I'm down, I look up. When I'm happy, I look up. When I'm feeling hopeful, I look up. When I'm bored, I look up. When I'm tired, I look up. When I have nothing better to do, I look up. Where's the 'up'? Where else but the atmosphere above us all - SKY.

I was actually gonna take a bus home just now, but I chose to walk because of the SKY. The moon was just so WOW, and the breeze was just really WOO. As I strolled, the sky was all I paid attention to. Everything up there looked so radiant. So beautiful. It was as though the moon was interacting with me. I thought I saw lips that curled into what looked like a smile (on the moon). So enchanted. But it's all so real. It felt as though the sky lifted all troubles from me. I feel so renewed now. So fresh. I was actually smiling to myself all the while. It's so strange but it just came from within. The explosion of emotions that overwhelmed me about an hour ago was just unexplainable. I was thinking of the past which fades with each and every step I took. The present, the position I stood where every step took me to, and as I looked on to the path ahead, I thought about the future. My future. Long, winding and mysterious... just like the path I took on my way back home. And every time I stood out from the silhouette, it felt as if I was inspirited. I guess this tells me that when life throws us something (that we have no idea of), we just have to embrace it. Whether its good or bad, something that makes life suck, going through with this something will perhaps make us see life in a different light. I don't deny that I've turned my back on many things in my life and I'm not saying I regret not facing them now but rather, I wish I could've dealt with them with open arms. Sometimes we tend to step away from things that bring us uneasiness. And that, is what I'm stepping out of. I guess it all boils down to bringing out the real person in you.

The sky is where I turn to when troubles come creeping my way. Just look up and it'll all be washed away and you'll be locked in this semi-philosophical state of mind. Everything just makes sense.

2008-01-03T19:00:00.000+08:00

PEST INFESTATION
.
Let me tell you, I fucking loathe people who boast. About anything. About themselves especially. Hey, what's with that? I don't need to know how great a person, or how great your abilities are. I don't need you to sing your own praises in front of me. Don't ever include me in your audience list. I'll never be one. If you're good, YOU ARE GOOD. There's no need to even spill a word. What? Praising makes you immortal? Oh or what about praising makes people like you? Well, you may not know this but I DON'T. And ALOT of us don't. Even though we know that's your nature, but STOP IT ALREADY BITCH! That's enough! The daily routine is already a murder. I don't need those reinforcements. It's unnecessary. It's redundant. It's insane. It SUCKS. And look at the way you try to wriggle into people's good shoes. ERK, an eyesore so is. You make yourself look so SMALL. Pet or pest? You choose.
If you love this hobby of yours so much; FINE, do it at your own expense. Do what you love doing. But you'll only make us loathe you more. SO MUCH MORE. Sometimes I just wish you could stop talking. QUAK QUAK QUAK QUAK! I don't even wanna look in your direction when you open your mouth. EW, WHAT'S THAT STENCH? Oh, we haven't forgotten. It's all over you. Look, I may sound mean but this is what happens when someone tries too hard. Good try boyfriend, but just save it. You make me wanna buy voodoos.
Oh Lord, HELP!

2008-01-02T19:05:00.000+08:00

Way to go 2008!

Happy New Year guys! I must say my New Year's celebration plans plunged right into the pits as I was really "fortunate" to have spent the eve in camp. Yes. Fuck the guard duty I tell you. Fuck the persons we had to replace. Nah beh. But whatever, its over and I'm over that bitch-fit phase; provided the person whom I replaced cover my fore casted duty for this or next month, or not I'm so breaking into his house to break his prick oh yes I will.

No NY's resolutions whatsoever; what's the point people? It's cool if you stick to that and do whatever's written on the list but hey, I'm not that sort. If you really wanna change or do something, you don't need pen and paper to aid you in that agenda. You don't need to tell and show off your list flooded with hundreds of uninteresting stuff which only concern yourself but nobody else; especially a few of such I always come across "Wanna spend more time at home with parents", "Wanna save more $$", "Wanna party and drink less", "Wanna be more responsible", "Wanna this wanna that..." ???????????????

Erm, HEY THERE, are these even resolutions? Do you even need to wait till the New Year to do these? OOO, so are you gonna recycle these so called "r.e.s.o.l.u.t.i.o.n.s" for the following YEARS? Hmm... I wonder what comes out of them. I mean, you don't need resolutions to make oneself a better person; you don't have to say it, you don't need to write them down, you don't need to show them to the people around, you don't even need to formulate a list. What? You're telling the others you need prediction to what you're gonna do? Damn it. You just do it. From within.

Well, for me, I just have one wish for 2008 - NO GUARD DUTY ON 31 DEC 2008, PLEASE! And to a beautiful year of course. New beginnings :)

2007-12-13T22:43:00.000+08:00

Taking the next ride.

WOO YEAH! I'm finally back for an update since I last left off like who knows when... I don't really feel the need to blog religiously as I thought somehow, I'd rather keep stuff to myself than to announce them to the world. However, at this point of time, I thought it'd be cool to tell everyone I'm well and kicking harder than ever. For this past month, a series of events occurred and I've gotta say the most recent one meant quite a bit to me as I get to once again, see my lovely friends. They make me feel so natural. I feel so easy with them around. Though it's only a few months, it seems like we knew one another forever. So much to talk about, so much more to learn from each other. Sadly, we're separated into different zones and camps. Of course I'm not complaining about my current posting but I just wished we'd be working together... which isn't the case now. I guess I should be able to adapt to the new environment but it definitely takes time. I never thought I'd enjoy myself at ARC. Not to mention, the people I met proved me wrong. They are the ones that made the difference. We went through the same things together, we ate the same cookhouse food, we smiled and laughed together, we bitched and whined together... it's just hard to say goodbye (though we're still gonna meet up).
.
But I must say... I really miss them. Very much. God Bless y'all.

2007-11-05T18:50:00.000+08:00

My Carnival Ride

It has been a smooth ride these days. No bumps, no humps, no obstacles.

Except the fact that my stomach's been quite active lately and it's not really giving me a good time. Other than that, I should be very thankful.

I am.

You know, how great to be living in this world whilst at the same time, looking for the one purpose of life. I think I'm getting there.

I'm feeling the tranquility of life.

Anyway, I'm loving the Army as of now.

The people, the place, the craziness.

Everything.

Geez, I really wish all these won't be ending that soon.

2007-11-03T17:05:00.000+08:00

Can you stand THIS??
.

Seriously, FUCK these 3 Britons. Just look how this Uncle had to endure not only their fat asses on his tri-shaw, on top of that, the humiliation and mockery these bastards exhibited. Why ever did God create such assholes in this world? I feel really bad for the Uncle; to be placed in such situation is never ever what he'd thought his day would've gone. No words can describe what I'd (I'm sure all of you would as well) love to do to these fuckards.

Only God knows what to do with them.

2007-10-15T01:37:00.000+08:00

FOUL WIND.

Fuck the cough.

Fuck the throat.

Fuck the stomach.

Fuck the wind.

Fuck the virus.

Feels so bad.

FUCK.

2007-10-04T20:07:00.000+08:00

"I must learn to love the fool in me -- the one who feels too much, talks too much, takes too many chances, wins sometimes and loses often, lacks self-control, loves and hates, hurts and gets hurt, promises and breaks promises, laughs and cries.

It alone protects me against that utterly self-controlled, masterful tyrant whom I also harbour and who would rob me of human aliveness, humility and dignity but for my fool."

- Theodore I. Rublin

2007-09-23T10:37:00.000+08:00

Bring out the BANANAS. My toy's famished!
.
OK. So last evening I went for shopping alone (Yes, ALONE again as some of you might exclaim) and I bought quite abit of stuff which I am really so happy now that I have them but of course for what you guys might not think, I'm not someone who likes enclosing and announcing each and every item I've acquired because I really don't see the point as what many of the bimbos and bitches (if you think you're not one of those, then I'm not referring to you) out there do and I think that is really a silly thing to do because no one's gonna come up to them and say "OMG, you bought that and that is absolutely the coolest item you've got in your hands" and the next thing you know, the very person will try his/her/shim's best to get that and the next thing you don't, whatever item you have isn't that exclusive as you thought it was anymore. And never get me wrong as I never mean I have stuff that many people will die to get their hands on but just by displaying your purchases DOES NOT mean anyone will sing your praises and that is really so boring to be showing your readers that you've yet again bought another shirt, pants, dress when that is just a piece of cloth with random designs. Ok, whatever it is, I think I've said my words and I should really get to the point of what I really wanted to say.
.
So I didn't have dinner the whole night until I realised most of the dining areas were shutting down for the day and I'd to resort to the only fast food outlet that's still opened at my neighbourhood complex. And what distracted my in the midst of my meal was this couple right in front of my seat. The guy seems perfectly fine to me. But the girl. She actually took out her toy monkey which was donned in a blue costume and a captain cap (the soft toy was extremely mouldy and had grayish marks on its face) and this girl, whom I think is about 2 years my junior, implore her BF to kiss the monkey and he actually (perhaps reluctantly) obeyed. Next thing I knew, she was talking to it and this was what I thought I heard "Woooo... cute cute boy boy, I give you a kiss kiss too... Muahx Muahx...Hehehehehe..." and she rested the soft toy at the edge of the table and asked it to be "Guai Guai hORx".
.
Can I please say something? O.................................................M...............................................GOD.
I don't mean this isn't right because I know we do need an imaginary friend sometimes and to be frank, I have friends who revealed their chitty-chatty activities with their very own whatever-they-are creatures and I too, communicated with my bolster before tertiary school and the most I'd say was telling my bolster to take care of itself and be good because I'll be away for school and will be back to play later. But I must confess such actions had been terminated. However, exhibiting such in the public, when there's normal beings around, is wildly strange. And saying those words in front of the public, to a non-living item, it's very wildly strange beyond words. I really really so REALLY wanted to laugh so badly but I sucked that emotion all back in and just merely stared at the back of the girl. Good thing that's just a dumb toy, wonder if all would ever be the same if it was a real hairy monkey she was carrying. French kiss the mammal? You bet!

2007-09-16T14:46:00.000+08:00

CrankSpot

Something funny I read:

"There were two drunks on an elevator.

It was in some hotel..."

"A woman got on--she was completely nude. They just stood there and didn't say anything.

After she got off, one of them turned to the other: 'You know,' he said, 's'funny my wife has an outfit exactly like that.' "

2007-09-15T18:14:00.000+08:00

Can't Smile Without YOU

That's right! You can't smile without it! I remember me being really excited when I came across the Stylebeauty column in the previous issue of Oprah's mag where it advertised the product of the month in which a couple of O's beauty editors fell in love with. "Sniff this bergamot-pralin-musk-scented stuff and see if the day doesn't suddenly look a little brighter, the evening a little more - oh, God, we can't help ourselves -- MAGICAL." And truth is, it really IS! How good it is you ask. I asked for a sample and the promoter actually sprayed some on my (right) hand. The moment I stepped out from the shop till the moment I stepped into my house, and into my room, and into the bathroom, and into bed (yes, you read it correctly), I never stopped sniffing my hand and the scent just wouldn't really go away! That's how good it is! And whilst on the train, I felt extremely confident as I knew I was probably one of the BEST-SCENTED passengers in that cabin... and I was practically smiling to myself! That's how good it is!

If you wonder what the product name is, it's SMILEY. It's an EDT imported from France and it's infused with molecules proven to have a mood-boosting effect as stated on the package "Pyscho-tonic perfume with micro-nutrients to activate happiness." And I think it's true. It's strange but I seemed to enjoy the sunniest of summers when I wear SMILEY. It's really unique and creative!

There's only 1 place that's selling SMILEY and that's Apothecary+CO at Raffles City. Get SMILEY if you wish to GET HAPPY!

2007-09-10T23:28:00.000+08:00

Have You Ever?

Have you ever walked past someone

And thought,

"I really wanna know this person"

Whilst the both of you look at each other in the eyes?

I smiled. Inside.

2007-09-09T23:52:00.000+08:00

Silence is everywhere.

It seems like I've really shut out from this world to the furthest that I could. Frailness has overwhelmed my senses. It's like someone invincible has planted a barrier around me and made it so hard to even break through. Unbreakable. No matter where I go, whichever step I take, there's always this ringing silence running through my head. It's so loud. Alarmingly loud. That I feel one fine day I might get blasted into nothing. I cannot let this happen. This will never happen. How do I know? I know. Because it isn't time yet. People always say time is running out. It's not. It never will. Time is all around us. But somehow, somewhere, somewhat, we get stuck in timeless moments. Moments where we don't know what to do, don't know which step to take, don't know which direction to head on, don't know whether to consider the people around us as friends or foes, and the don't knows go on and on...

Sometimes I wonder what makes someone so contented with his life and the other being thrown into such despair whilst trying to seek happiness and then there's this third one who's left in the middle, attempting to decipher the meanings behind the various happenings in his life, one who's left wondering whether or not he should be awarded with happiness or unhappiness.

I guess I belong to the third and last person. I am happy with who I am. I am happy with the life I've been given. But I feel so empty. Sometimes this emptiness' making me hollow. A hollow man. Invisible. Nothingness. It's horrible to feel nothing. Nothing is dead. That isn't what I want. That isn't what anybody wants. Perhaps I'm too afraid to walk my next step. Ain't ready? I'm dead in my tracks. Help. I need my guardian angel.

2007-08-28T22:20:00.001+08:00

Life is contemptuous of knowledge. It forces it to sit in the anterooms, to wait outside. Passion, energy, lies, are what life admires. Still, anything can be endured if all humanity is watching.

There is no complete life. There are only fragments. We are born to have nothing, to have it pour through our hands. And yet, this pouring, this flood of encounters, struggles, dreams... one must be unthinking, like a tortise. One must be resolute, blind. For whatever we do, even whatever we do not do prevents us from the opposite. Acts demolish their alternatives, that is the paradox. So that life is a matter of choices, each one final and of little consequence, like dropping stones into the sea.

2007-08-25T22:15:00.000+08:00

Invisible.

I'm out. And in. A new phase is about to materialise. But yet to. The path isn't straightened out yet. Isn't visible yet. However, I know it's gonna come. It's gonna happen. But how to go about with it, that's the intriguing part. That's the section where I'll have to touch the water to determine whether the temperature is just suitable for me.

"It is human nature to look to the past.
To the road we've travelled.
To what has so far defined us.
But only by leaving our past behind,
can we then push onward.
Into an unknown tomorrow.
Into a dawn of a new future.
Into the light of a new beginning."

This is so true. To me. It is what I'm waiting for. This is what I'll be doing. This is my now. Some things may remain as they're. However, there're some that one couldn't hold on to forever. It isn't a burden. No. But perhaps such aren't necessary at the moment. For now, it is better to make a clear path. For myself. And with that, it also means stay off my path. As this will be a new journey for me, I wouldn't want anyone to tamper with it. I'm gonna walk this road alone. And I'll then be collecting treasures along the way (if there's any).

One thing. If by any chance you're thinking that I'm having quite a crisis now, you've gotta set your mind clear. No. I'm so very happy now. Life never felt this good. I'm so excited for a new chapter. I can't wait for the last one to end. Or perhaps it has already ended.

2007-08-12T13:14:00.000+08:00

Face the mirror.

You know there's always this period of time where you just feel like shutting yourself out from the bustling world and you just tell yourself that this is the period where you want to "re-generate" yourself. You don't know why. But you just feel like it. Your instincts tell you that. Perhaps this may be a fantastic time for reflection. For you to place justice on your own life. On your past doings. On steps to take on the road ahead. Sometimes it's confusing. Or rather, it's always confusing that one seldom always gets it. This game is never easy. But you and I have to play it. Differently. Occasionally, you ask yourself the reason for your actions. It's dubious. You contemplate your next step. And when you do it, you ask yourself yet again - WHY. But no one is ever that kind a soul to leave you a noble answer. And then you realise - Oh YES, I'm living in my own universe. An invisible globe where no one can penetrate, this is my life. I'm alone. It's funny to feel that somehow you don't belong to nobody else but yourself. Even though you know that you've got companion round you. And then you tell yourself - So what? Whatever it is, their lives don't bother me a tiny bit. They live in theirs, I live well in mine. No one crosses the line. I wouldn't want to myself becos' I don't see the point unless I pry. But that isn't my hobby. Then you wonder - Perhaps I'm feeling disconnected. Maybe I am disconnected. And in my opinion, this isn't a bad thing at all. Becos' all along, I've been so connected that I feel selfless. That someone else's life has taken over mine. Stripped. Empty. Soulless. And then the question evolves - Who Am I?

It's never at all so simple to reply to that. Nor is the task. Then you get a sensation. A message. Perhaps it's time.

2007-07-30T23:46:00.000+08:00

You'll know when to call yourself Silly.

OKAY. I know this should be damn EMBARRASSING but KUDOS to Ms. Von WHATEVER-SHE-IS thing here, I'm obliged to share a bit of what she'd summarized at my tagboard. It started like this. It happened back then when I first enlisted for NS. We were provided with this sheet of paper that had this list of items that we were supposed to be bringing and those that we can't. And as always, I have the habit of leaving stuff to the very last minute because I think that's when the adrenalin runs high and that's the moment where you power-up everything with 101% of alertness. Hence, the night before the enlistment day, I only started packing when it was almost midnight and not to mention, I absolutely followed the list of "Items you need to bring" RELIGIOUSLY and neglected any other stuff which wasn't on the list as I thought those should be deemed illegal as you know, during that time, I had NO freaking idea what to expect of the Army. And what intrigued me was this Item NO.2, and it was written [Basic Toiletries (Shampoo, Body Foam/Soap]. That was all. So I was wondering, what about the rest? Like toothbrush and towels? Of course in the end, I brought those cos' they are the essential items that's not to be left out unless you wish to stink the entire platoon. And of course, thinking of toothpaste, I thought I didn't really need such a big tube so I just grabbed the SIA travel pack which I took from the plane and chucked it into my bag.

Then came the second morning. Reveille (wake-up) timing was 5.15Am but everyone scrambled up at 5 and the toilet's like the HOLY place in the morning. I remember taking my toothbrush, face towel and the SIA travel pack and headed for where everyone was going. Everything on mind my was home, home, home and HOME. Parked myself by the basin, took out a small tube, squeezed its contents onto my toothbrush and started brushing. Wait a second. No. Hold on. It tastes weird. Really weird. No foam. NO bubbles. I tasted no fluoride. So I turned over the small little tube and printed in the tiniest font, it read "SHAVING CREAM". Omfg. And no, I didn't stop. I carried on brushing because I knew it'd really be so down-right embarrassing if I were to turn to someone next to me borrowing toothpaste just because I unconsciously mistook a shaving cream for the other. Never to mention (but now I am), I only found out that we were given a Toiletries Kit (which consisted of Toothpaste (PHEW!), toothbrush, shaver and soap) the next morning. I KNOW. Stop laughing already you fools. Ain't funny.
But oh my dear Lord and for crying out loud, I was actually shaving my teeth! And fortunately I was still quite awake that time to differentiate a toothbrush to a shaver (if not I could really have shaved off my darlies.). One of my friends was suggesting that I should consider using toothpaste when I wanna shave. -_-"

That should be the dumbest jumboest thing I've ever ever EVER done in my entire life so far. However, thinking back, I find it really funny that I've kept this quiet from my bunk mates that I did not actually bring a toothpaste at all to brush my teeth. But THANK GOODNESS to Army that it was provided! If not, I guess I won't be opening my trap until the end of the confinement period (which was 2 whole weeks!).

Speaking of which, my MC ends tomorrow and I'm going back to the island on Wed. Now I'm really dreading it.

2007-07-29T18:42:00.000+08:00

Europe : Part 4 : Switzerland - Berne

Hello there! OH YES, I know the gap between this and the previous post on my Europe trip is like who-knows-where-the-hell-that-is miles away. BUT. Here I am. Devoting time again to post yet another destination I've (or rather, WE'VE, inclusive of my folks) hit during the fantastica holidays dated 2 months back. That's right! It's already been 2 months now that I realise and not to mention, look where we've landed ourselves at presently, it's gonna be AUGUST for crying out loud and before you know it, 2008 will be creeping in our lives!

So it's the city of Berne that we're talking about now. As you know, Berne is the capital city of Switzerland and in my opinion, a rather quiet town city amongst the others in the Swiss region (Or perhaps that's because it was morning when we dropped by during that time that's why!). Nevertheless, it's a pretty place no one (I think) would resist to live in. Low traffic, the fresh air, the clean streets, the simple life and the gift of nature's beauty... only places like that could proudly exhibit without much exaggeration (which I think they should stop erecting buildings on our tiny island now that it's almost overcrowding and making me claustrophobic). Now, don't you think this thing's here quite cute? It caught my attention when I walked into the souvenir shop. It's chocolate anyway. So here we were at the hill top park called The Garden of Roses in the heart of the city of Berne. It's one the most-ideal parks I've ever seen (not forgetting the Hyde Park in London) but I guess this park appeals to me more that it's on top of a hill and the scenery's just amazing. What's more, there's absolutely no one at the park during that time. Yes, NO ONE. So desperate for hanky panky, here's a great spot (not that you'd like to travel all the way there just for that!). It's a rare chance where you can get to lay yourself on springy grass like those treating that like a carpet. The entire area appeared really clean and you really wouldn't mind even sleeping on it through the night till dawn. Whereas, ask me to lie on a patch somewhere near the ECP I might as well plunge my head into the toilet bowl. Can someone PURLEASE tell me how adorable my parents are? Like, I don't even do the "peace" signs in photographs. I guess its still possible to bring out the kids in them sometimes, just watch out for your folks, they might be sucking their thumbs before you notice. WORLD PEACE Y'ALL! Life's just a game. All you've gotta do is to play it right. Exactly what the HECK I was doing, I'm not to explain. But one thing's for sure... that's quite a lousy imitation of the TAI-CHI practise. Damn right it was! Oh before it slips off my mind, I've yet to mention that in the books of History, Berne is actually known to be the City of Bears. Exactly where the bears came into the picture, don't ask Muah. Perhaps it's just another Sang Nila Utama kinda tale who came about the island discovering a lion thus now the Lion City we're residing in. So I guess same goes for Berne, someone must have had discovered a bear lurking somewhere, somehow. AHH! The Zytglogge tower right in the city centre of Berne. It's a medieval object and has been rooted to its spot for almost 800 years. And it's said that this clock tower aided Albert Einstein in some of his work. Now just look at that! Oh yes it is, it's a garbage truck can you like believe how pretty it is?? I mean look at its exterior and compare that to ours. And not to mention, I was actually quite near the vehicle and I practically smelled nothing, at all. Not a waft of foulness. Unlike those we have over here that you do know its existence even if the truck's at Tampines and you're living in Pasir Ris. A city tram that is. I simply love how things over there are so neat and tidy. So cleansed. So fresh. A Swiss Bank. Don't you just marvel at the product of the Swiss? Or even, the Europeans altogether? To them, a building isn't just a squarish or retangularish object as like those we've right here that's constructed for the sake of shelter but from their point of view, you've gotta give it some taste. A taste of art. And look at the trees planted at the sides, just look at their shapes. Those need to be attended to as well so as to beautify the city for a much more appealing texture. Here's the city centre of Berne. It's something like the Orchard Road of Berne where the big departmental stores, shops and supermarkets are. Don't be suprised, but there's quite alot of shops there despite the fact that the street's quite short. DO YOU SMELL THEM ALREADY?? Strawberries, fresh and AWFULLY RED! I know I've been appearing to be quite GAGA over strawberries that sometimes it kinda gets silly. But well, how can you ever resist tantalising fruits like these?? Now that the strawberries in town aren't that appealing in physique and taste, I'm quite over them for the time being and GRAPES've taken their place. And not just ordinary ones, but only those my Mummy chooses. =) WOOHOO! OH YEAHHH! H&M is just one place to DIE FOR if you're looking for the RIGHT-NOW pieces to don on. Now that Madonna and Kylie are doing H&M, no wonder the store's such a big hit in the US and UK. And what's more, the prices are SHOCKINGLY affordable! H&M's the real deal if so you say! That's one of the city trams that travels just round about the heart of Berne. It's quite cool if you ask me.Now there, do you see it? I was quite surprised myself to find a The Body Shop outlet over at Berne. However, come to think of it, The Body Shop was actually originated from the UK. So after we were done with Berne, it was time for the next destination which was Zermatt (which I will come into details on the next post, whenever that'll be) and en-route, we dropped by a Marche restaurant along the highway and GAWD was the scenery at the outdoors spectacular. Well, if ever there's a chance to go back to that restaurant again, I wouldn't mind just flying back there to savour the food as well as the panoramic surrounds of the area. In addition, the food over at their Marche is totally different from what we have over here. Just look at the scrumptious turkey wing 2 peekures above, that's like the best thing I've ever tasted!

Alrighty, Berne's off. Zermatt's next!

2007-07-27T18:26:00.001+08:00

They're OUT!

In case you guys are wondering what the HELL that means, I'm actually talking about the stitches on my toes - THEY'RE OFF! I know right? It's like FINALLY OUT OF THE WAY! However, I should say that I won't be revealing them until I'm sure they're qualified for the public's eyes (I still cringe alil at the sight of them, alryte). Initially, I thought I'd yell during the occasion when the nurse attempts to pull those blue strings out, but before I knew it, she was done with one of my toes and had proceeded with the other. Efficient she was. She's not the exception, but I guess it's the service that people should be talking about.

Just now, when I was sipping tea at the hospital's Delifrance, a thought walked into my mind and made me wonder what the life of a doctor's like (whether as complicated as those at Seattle Grace - LOL!). I think doctors are really important people within a country. It's them that we need in times of crisis like an epidemic or war (though unlikely the latter's gonna happen, but some may disagree that that's an incorrect perception). And funny how the higher power from above created us with a body of complexity and how ever did those people from the past came about the idea that certain humans could also take on the role of the "mechanic" for another human's body, just like that of a machine. Sometimes we just can't help but wonder how things like these started. Where and when did these studies originate from. Questions. Intriguing issues they're.

All in all, we should all be very pleased and count ourselves extremely fortunate that we're living in a world, in a country where stuff around us are gradually improving with transcendent advancement. But these aren't enough. We need people, to make the difference.

2007-07-26T21:36:00.000+08:00

Be your MAMA's shield

If ever one day, someone were to insult your mother.
Simply tell that person... "YO MOMMA's so ugly that even Ripley can't BELIEVE IT!"

2007-07-24T23:57:00.000+08:00

The Final Chapter.

Done with the Magic Bible. The tale of the Magical World has finally come to an end. No worries for those who has yet to finish (or perhaps, even) laid their hands on the first page, there's no intention of spoilers right here. However, I'd just be expressing my feelings for the book, or even, on the entire series if so. But first, we must really give props to Ms. Rowling for her remarkable feat in churning out such a wonderful idea of Harry Potter, that we (Muggles, as of what we're supposed to be labelled as in magical terms) could not help but to be held, entranced. Brilliant, many would say, of how J.K managed to envisage such a magnificent plot, not to mention, the incredulous twists, or even, the intriguing relationships amongst the characters (I'd say I'm really pleased with how the characters materialise themselves one by one and not one of each hasn't had a bewildering history chained behind them), that J.K no doubt had masterfully combined the once-broken-pieces of the plot and pieced them up to form this marvelous "jigsaw puzzle". Extraordinary, I'd say, for 7 books is absolutely not a simple agenda, but nevertheless, seemed an effortless task for Rowling.

It is, indeed, very sad that the story has reached its final destination. However, the "enchantments" of the magical world that were witnessed has took us far, beyond imagination, and will assuredly be in our minds as we age on. Indisputably, the author had chosen a perfect spot to place the eventual full-stop.

2007-07-14T13:06:00.000+08:00

Open Toes

It's been exactly 10 days since my op on my once-swollen-with-pus-and-bleeding-toes and I've been bored silly since the 2nd day but on the other hand, I really don't mind that because it means more time with my folks. =) I should guess that my toes are healing by now but what's bothering me is that I still can't seem to walk FLAT on my two feet (been toddling on my heels all the time!) and still experience sudden sharp twitches from time to time! Not to mention, the rollerchair is still the ultimate device which acts as my mode of mobility. Thanks to that I feel like a fool rolling all around the house to the kitchen, toilet, bedroom, dining table, couch and places which accomodate the entry of that chair.

And so if you wanna know, this is how mummified my both feet looked just after the surgery last week and if you scrutinise, you could actually spot a stain on the right toe-head area which I'm not going into much details about that but I must say much blood was lost during the process.=(

An artist (ME) impression of my toes.

So I went to the hospital for a change of dressing early this week and when the bandages were off, there they were - MY TOES! I couldn't get a picture of the real thang and PARDON ME for my lousy art but that's how they looked... with 4 blue stitches on each toe. The consultant said it looked good but I cringed at the sight of them. First, my toes shrunk quite a bit (some of my flesh got burned off). Second, those blue threads/strings/wires or whatever they're seemed like they grow in my flesh...so attached to the skin. Now I'm just wondering how the MO's gonna remove those stitches next week (the surgeon's off to Canada for a conference and won't be back till EOM) and to prepare for that moment, I'm so gonna gulp down as many painkillers as I could that morning so that I won't feel a twinge whilst my toes are being plied on in the afternoon. SOMEONE, PLEASE SAVE ME!

----------------

Here's the music video for "Love Story" which is Katharine McPhee's 2nd single off her album. Though the lyrics are corny, the tune and tempo are catchy. I should say I quite like this song despite the fact that Katharine looked like she's doing an ad for Head & Shoulders in this video. Apart from that, Kat's sizzling HAWT at every angle and I'd say is one of the most appealing idols. FIERCE BEAUTY! Enjoy!

2007-07-10T20:10:00.000+08:00

Be as busy as a bee, but never a busybody.
.

"Funny, how one adores taking on the role of a SNOOPER

Rather than keeping their noses uncluttered."

2007-07-05T10:18:00.000+08:00

Tekong Blues

If you guys are wondering about my whereabouts, here's what I'm gonna tell you ..."SAVE IT!". Cuz all this while (with the exception of the last 2 weeks), I've been stranded at home. And you don't have to wonder why because I'm going to tell you later. As for now, I bet you would really wish to hear about my 2 weeks experience of Army life.

I will be frank to admit that I've gradually been accustomed to the routine lifestyle of Army. Initially, the regimental lifestyle presented me a tint of cultural shock which made it rather dawdling for me to be able to incorporate and digest everything all at once within this abridged period. I guess everyone would agree with me to the fact that Army is deemed an interminable sort of thing that even when one ultimately shows symptoms of reluctance to it, one does not have the choice as we (hey you fe-Males, what the heck!) are obliged to serve our country in one way or another. But hey, I find it amazing that I was able to accomplish things on time especially waking up at like 5AM everyday, having breakfast at like 5.45AM and stuff like that there. Not to mention, it's true that Army does somehow change you. Both physically and mentally. Apart from that, I count myself lucky to be slotted into a platoon of people with an assortment of interesting personalities. I guess it is the people that matters much and more of what it is, they are the ones who keep you sane from some of the insanity substances. If you ask, the commanders are rather nice with the exception of a couple (who really don't have an issue of being loathed).

On top of all that, you must've been wondering what the heck I'm doing right here when it's a bright weekday.

Alrighty, so here it goes. First, I sprained my right ankle after a 3KM route march (which I'd say wasn't really a march at all because the people at the last few rows were practically running almost entirely, with me being one of them, and my dear ankle already wasn't feeling that good before that.) "Kudos" to that, I'd to fall out (but did that after completing the entire march :)), and I'd to wear sandals, which led to the point where one of my Sgt spotted both my infected big toes (bilateral in-grown toes if you ask) and he reprimanded that I MUST get those checked on top of my injured ankle. So, BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH and BLAH... I ended up having a surgery done just yesterday and now I've both my feet mummified and what's more... I'm awarded with 17 days of MC! WTF!!! You know what, I don't wish to say this, but I REALLY HATE MY LEGS!!!!!! Now that I'm so ready to do my part in the Army, things like that happen. Plus, its something to do with both my feet which absolutely hinders everything I do now. EVERYTHING! Going to the toilet has became such a demanding task. This isn't all. Now that I've been excused for so long, it's deemed that I'm going to be out of course quite soon. Yes. OUT OF COURSE! In other words, REDO BMT! OH WOW.. I'M SO HAPPY...

I'm extremely pissed to be exact. If that's the case, I'm so gonna have to leave my COY, and for the first time, I'm reluctant to. I wanna stay. I wanna do what the others are doing right now in Tekong. At Mohawk. I wanna GO BACK! Oh hell yeah, I'll be heading back when the actual BMT phase kicks off and I'm so going to be out of touch with almost everything that's going on right there right now and when I'm there, I'm so gonna be told something like "thank-you-very-much-you're-out-from-here-bye-bye" and sent back to mainland again till further notice or whatever it may be...

Just so you know, I actually miss Tekong (yes, though it's been just 2 weeks). Sighs.

2007-06-15T00:59:00.000+08:00

Leaving on a ferry

In a few hours time, I'd be going on a vacation. I'd be heading towards Far Far Away. So far a land that I doubt anyone would even wish to tilt their heads over that direction. But still, I need to. I have to. Perhaps this vacation trip will change my life. Change me. Change my perspective of this world. Every step we take, we're setting foot on reality. Sometimes, we change the reality in hope that things will go our ways but not to mention, reality may change us in different stances. However, I'm not in position to expect whatsoever. I'll take it as it is and deal with it.
Well, all I wish is that this trip will change something in me. And it will be a good one (I really hope!).
Thus, never forget this space and what's more important, remember I'm still in existence!
Till next time, AUF WIEDERSEHN!

P/S: This song is one which will remind YOU of ME. HAHA! I certainly think the lyrics' rather funny. Enjoy!

2007-06-11T23:21:00.000+08:00

Grab your treasures along the way

Today's graduation day! And now, I'm proud to announce that I'm not longer a Polytechnic student! But seriously, these 3 years in this school were absolutely enriching. Because I've been given the opportunity to step into the grounds, I've came across so many splendid stuff that happened within this period. Not forgetting even, the wonderful people I've met... the friends especially, whose been with me at highs and lows, through thick and thin... and the moments spent together were some of the most precious sections that coloured my life with bliss, the teachers who pumped us so hard with encouragement that was so overpowering that we thought it'd be unfair if we didn't do our parts well to exhibit our gratitude.

In addition, the brilliant opportunity to work with a bunch of amazing people during my stint at MTI, which I'd say, was priceless. To recall those days, it makes me rather broody to realise that the beatific part of my life has already come to an end. However, this definitely means something new and exciting awaits me somewhere ahead. It's a mystery waiting to unfold itself, and I, will be the one candidate to walk right through it. To ask if I'll be seeing the light at the other end of the tunnel, it'd be greatly dependent on what has life in store for me. Because life gives us no clue.

What happens today, doesn't quite likely going to determine what life's going to be throwing at us tomorrow. Our joys, sacrifices and sorrows are just emotions that tell us what we will be experiencing if we execute the way we did. The fact that at times, things don't always turn out like we think they should, makes life seems so hard. Life, to me, is not like an examination, where we know that if we studied hard, we may get the answers right. Instead, life, to me... is like a blank sheet of paper sitting out on the open field. Over the days, months, years, that paper gets to experience sunshine, rain, lightning, thunderstorms due to the unforeseeable weather... Just like us, we get happiness and sorrows and an assortment of emotions, which most of the time, comes out from nowhere, when it’s the last thing on your mind, or the last thing you would expect to happen. Then, that paper gets seasoned and tattered, and that's where we age on. And over time, the paper loses its battle against the erratic weather and gets torn into bits. That's most likely the time when you put a full-stop to everything.

Life, is like a book. And we are the authors for our books. Every book contains exciting and boring chapters, it just depends on what the author fills the contents with.

2007-06-11T02:09:00.000+08:00

PINK IS...

THE NEW ME!

HEY! Look you guys! I'm featured on PINK IS THE NEW BLOG!!! All HEARTS to MJ for this astounding gesture. This, I would say, could be one of my BEST B'Day gift ever a friend could do for me. Of course, you're more than just a friend. So *Double HUGS* with NO earlobes harassment whatsoever! PINKISTHENEWBLOG is one of the most-applauded blogs in the world where millions of readers across the globe swamp the site to celebrate the daily juicy news on superstars from all over and not to mention, even many celebs themselves like Madonna, Lindsay Lohan, Hilary Duff, the infamous Paris Hilton and etc... read the blog from time to time! Hence, I guess having a picture up there means many many people will be seeing my face (for quite awhile till it fades with the older posts) and OH GOSH, does that mean I'm gonna be FAMOUS?????? *HOLLERS!*

P.S: Pardon me for my psychopathic attribute but I'm just agape and pleasantly surprised. Plus, I must admit that I IRKED at that picture of myself. But heck still, Much THANKS, MJ! XOXO~

2007-06-08T03:00:00.000+08:00

Europe - Part 3 : Switzerland - Jungfraujoch

On the 4th day (which was supposed to be a free at leisure day), we had a wake-up call at 6.30AM and departed the hotel at 8AM sharp right after the standard American breakfast with the rest of the group for one of the optional tours, the Jungfraujoch (pronounced as Yung-frau-Yoch) experience. Jungfraujoch is one of the world's renowned Swiss Alps. From Interlaken, we coached for an approx 15 mins to Lauterbrunnen, the furthest point where vehicles could stop.

This is the Lauterbrunnen train station. It stands at about 796 metres, 2613 feet above sea level. It was 8 plus in the morning and I remember it was really quite chilly (say 10 Degrees. C) given that the sun was already pouring rays all over the area. From here, we'd have to take a train called the Wengernalpbahn right up to Kleine Scheidegg which serves as an interchange station where passengers had to transfer to another train by the name of Jungfraubahn that charges right up to the Top of Europe, Jungfraujoch.

Not long, we boarded the Wengernalphorn and this was the first series of scenery that caught our attention. By the way, as I mentioned before, we were contemplating back at home whether or not to go for this optional choice as it costs rather expensive (CHF 180) for a 2 way ticket per person. But well, there we were. I mean seriously, it's rather unworthy if you were to miss such a great spot of Switzerland, because how soon before long are you gonna go back there again... Hence, we decided, since we were there, then GO FOR IT! No regrets whatsoever!

If you're wondering who this is, she's the train conductor who went around punching our tickets. I thought this was quite rare and we don't usually see this in Singapore, so I decided to post this up.

So, how do you guys find the scenery? Stunning right? I think it's simply gorgeous! The entire train ride took us 1hr 45 mins. And as I've mentioned, Jungfraujoch is only accessible by rail and has the highest railway station in the whole of Europe. What's more, I should say the train's really really safe even though it ascends to such great heights. It goes by the mountain edges and that's the reason why passengers are able to catch a bird's eye view of the buildings below and an awesome view of the the alluring alps. More enchanting views of the Jungfrau region right below!

I find this picture above rather funny that's why I decided to post it up. The lady behind me is Margret and she's one of our fellow tour mates and a Nurse too! Well, I was just cam-whoring (or perhaps this is what I call self-admiration. Or just the way to love yourself and so it is!) and I just didn't expect someone (in this case, Margret) to be watching me and I find this simply unexpected yet hilarious because I didn't know she was looking at me do such an embarrassing thing in front of the entire train!!!

Okay, so we've reached the Kleine Scheidegg station which stands at 2061 metres, 6762 feet above sea level and is considered a middle point away from Jungfraujoch. And over there, I spotted this beautiful dog which I fail to recognise which breed it belongs to (if anyone of you knows, please kindly let me know). Not to mention, it's really quite big in size! Dogs are just so adorable.

Chart for departure times throughout the day from Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch. Duration of ride, 45 minutes. The Jungfraubahn heading uphill towards the direction of Jungfraujoch. Not to mention, the journey on the Jungfraubahn was rather boring because passengers would have to endure 45 minutes of a ride without scenery but walls as the train makes it's way through the tunnel. Another thing Switzerland is famous for, their tunnels. My dad told me that in the past, Singapore sent a few of their Ministers to Switzerland to learn of the techniques of constructing tunnels, and that's how we got tunnels on this island. Singapore even adopted the idea of building the MRT system underground from the Swiss. And not to mention, the Swiss need not panic if they're being attacked because there's really ALOT of tunnels in the country and most of them are hidden. Thus, if anyone wishes to invade Switzerland, they'd have to think twice. In addition, Singapore Armed Forces adopted its training procedures and sorts from the Swiss as well. So now you see how strong the Swiss really are.

I was actually toying with my camera until I spotted this mosquito sitting on the other side of the window pane that I'm sitting next to. So I switched the mode to Macro and I should say, caught a good shot of this thang here. I bet this pal here had gotten no luck in his agenda for a blood bank as everyone was really wrapped up, leaving the head as the only zone for invasion. But I must say he's different. Why so you ask. Cos' he's a SWISS MOSQUITO that's why!

'WOW!' was all I had been saying throughout the ride.

In the cabin of the Jungfraubahn. The seats were really comfortable and I was really amazed (and still is) of how they actually build tunnels in the mountains like that without triggering a collapse or disaster or any sort. For this, I salute to the Swiss for their wonderful architectural skills.

In between, there were 2 short stops at the Eigerwand and Eismeer stations where passengers may alight from the Jungfraubahn for some stretching and at the same time, view the glaciers at the respective viewing points.

Glacier at the Eismeer, standing at 3160 metres, 10368 feet above sea level, almost the same height as Mt.Titlis. I must say the feeling there was magnificent. Eismeer is the last stop before Jungfraujoch.

Do you know, that at Jungfraujoch, you can name most of the things you see as those that are located at the "Top of the World". Okay, what exactly do I actually mean by this. For instance, this urinal, or rather, toilet in a whole... it is the HIGHEST toilet in the world (because as y'all know, there isn't any restroom at Mt. Everest). What's more at Jungfraujoch? The highest ATM machine, the highest Caffeteria, the highest point humans can survive without oxygen tanks. This is a joke. The moment I came out of the restroom, I saw this! Bollywood in Switzerland?? I think there's some other meanings behind this. But I really wonder what it really was... and no, I didn't check it out because we were famished and lunch was on the way! After "Bollywood" caught my attention, I saw Jenny. I don't know what the hell it really is but it's called Jenny. If something like this can have names like Jenny, then I guess most of everything in this planet can be named Eugene as well. If that happens, it'll be quite cool, don't you think? I should consider naming my toilet bowl Eugene. (But that doesn't mean I'm that comparable to a toilet bowl if you wish to think so.)

This is where the viewing point is. It's called the Sphinx (3571 metres, 11,760 feet) and is an outdoor observation terrace where visitors gather to marvel at the astonishing landscape of the Jungfrau region, including the neighbouring Mt.Monch (4107 metres, 13,475 feet). However, as we got to the top, it was rather foggy and really blowy, thus everything we saw was white-ish. If not, this is what we could have seen that day if the amount of clouds above wasn't that excessive.

The arrow points to the location we were standing at. The entire building emerging at the top is The Sphinx. This, as you can see, is the "floor" of the observation terrace. If ever this structure were to collapse, it's the end for anyone who stand right on top of that because right below, nothing will break the fall and once something drops, its an 11,760 feet direct plunge. However, we believe that we shall always stay optimistic wherever we are.

I really love this picture alot. It was taken by Jason (our tour leader) with the first being a normal shot and the other a fun pose shot and both turned out great as they are! Talk about Jason's commendable photographic skills and not to mention (at all), the persons who appear in the photographs eventually. Okay, I get it. HAHA!I must admit I'm a sucker for Korean dramas and hell no do I know who are the actual Korean celebs (with the exception of the 'Rainy' man) and I think Koreans somehow look the same, hence, I was actually quite confused as to whose board figure I was standing next to, but by the way, I think this is Lee Dong Gun (as written on himself) whom I guess isn't that popular a star in his home country which is why he hoped to kick start his career all the way in Switzerland? I think this is a really cool ice-cream if you ask me and I like the fact that it has the Swiss flag stamped on it, which made it look absolutely appealing. Before dessert, we had bread, soup and pasta. To be honest, the Swiss can't really make good pasta (based on what I've tried those days) but I LOVE their soup! There would be soup for every meal and each time, they're different and those I tried tasted really really good. Great. Awesome. WOW. So after filling our stomachs, we went on to explore the Eispalast, in other words, the Ice Palace. For me, I wouldn't really name it a palace but perhaps, a museum of a sort. It was quite a distance from the restaurant to the Eispalast and given that Jungfraujoch stands at such great height, no doubt the oxygen level is low and visitors would deff experience symptoms like giddiness, fatigue and nausea. I couldn't actually walk straight on my way there. In the Eispalast, one need to be cautious as everything in it is made of ice including the floor. At that time, one of our tourmates actually slipped and sprained her already-sprained back, again. Oh well, wherever we are, it's accident-prone. We just have to be aware.

We're stepping on ice! You don't get to do that often. Again, an amazing creation by the Swiss. How ever to build everything with ice. The walls to the Ice Palace were really smooth and if you ask me, I didn't notice any humps or bumps on any of the surfaces and this truly shows how precise the creators of this place were when they constructed it. Unbelievable.This was at the Ice Gateway. As you can see, the weather wasn't that favourable for an outdoor play and the wind was really strong plus the floor was very very slippery. I attempted a few steps out there and could almost felt as though I might fly if I were to go on further. Some people were really funny because they literally leaped out in great steps and then hopped back in after realising the temperature was unbearable. It was - 6 Degress.C out there I tell ya. Yes, Minus 6. I'm not surprised that if you spit, it'll freeze in no time.

The temperature was fluctuating below O Degrees.C and we could even feel the chill at the railway station which is located within the mountain itself. At around 3PM, it was "Auf Wiedersehn" to the amazing Jungfraujoch. The scenery was still as charming as it was before when we descended the mountain and that above is a clearer view of the Kleine Scheidegg station in whole. And that as you can see, is the Jungfraubahn, or in other words, the Jungfrau Express. Kudos to the natural landscapes and jaw-dropping beauty of the alps, such contributed tremendously to the exuberant inflow of tourists to the country and that partially tells us why though the Swiss Francs is small as compared to the SGD, the price of living in that country is certainly quite terrifying (well, not to the extend that it'll lead to death).

I would say Switzerland is a very rich country and based on the records, there's very minimal crime rates because most of its people can afford.

I really like this picture of my Dad that I took without him noticing. It's so natural. Just like he's deep in thoughts. Which I certainly think he was because not to mention, my Dad is someone whose quite into philosophy and he's always telling me that sometimes, we should all reflect on the things we've done in the past that led us to the future, of where we are now. It's wrong to never look back, because by doing that, we wouldn't be learning from the mistakes and for doing even better for those that we've done good right before. But of course, there're other factors to such, but I think my Dad's right. And that's why I love him. By the time we returned to Interlaken, it was near evening (though the sun was still shining really brightly as though it was 3PM), we were really hungry and was craving for some Chinese food, but to no avail. Hence, we decided to park ourselves at McDonald's and I tried the McRosti, where I was told that it was a Swiss special (do we have a S'porean special??) and I would say it tasted really good. In between, there's ham, baked potato, melted cheese and lettuce. Something quite different from what we've got here. After dinner, we went to the minimart next to our hotel to get more food. There's something quite funny about the Europeans (I don't know about the others but especially the Germans, Swiss and Italians) fruit sellers DISLIKE and LOATHE customers touching their fruits. This means if you wanna buy fruits, you've got to buy it verbally. You CANNOT choose and you CANNOT lay your hands on them at all. The fruit sellers will get really offended as though they've had their private parts touched. Funny, don't you think?That, was considered my last shot at Interlaken. Bern's next!

2007-06-06T00:52:00.000+08:00

The Reason

This is my 20th. My parents are the reason I am able to wake up everyday to witness the beautiful world roll by. They are the reason I breathe a pleasant life. They are the ones who remind me constantly of my presence. They remind me of who I am. They made me proud that I am able to walk this Earth with the others. They gave my life a reason.

Now, I'm overwhelmed, with happyness.

2007-06-03T20:00:00.000+08:00

Europe - Part 2 : Switzerland - Mt. Titlis, Interlaken

Alrighty, I'm back with more uploads from the trip! So you guys should really know Mt. Titlis if mentioned? Yes, I bet. Mt. Titlis is one of the very famous moutains in the Swiss Alps located in the canton of Obwalden in Switzerland, overlooking Engelberg. The mountain stands at 3238 metres, which is about 10,267 feet above sea level. I must say, the scenery over there can really make you go speechless. Just so spectacular!

Just look at the progression of the scenery as the cable car ascends. The cable car system connects Engelberg to the top through four principal stages (Gerschnialp, Trübsee, Stand and Kleintitlis (3,020 m). And in order to get to the peak of the mountain, you'd have to change 3 different cable cars. One being the ones you often see at Harbourfront - Sentosa Island, and next, a rather spacious rectangular one which fetches about 60 persons and lastly, passengers board the world's first revolving cable car at the last station. That cable car has the ability in housing a capacity of approx 80 passengers per trip. Fascinating har!

The 3 different stages of the cable car rides took approx. 15 mins each and just like that one could easily get to the top of the mountain like Titlis in just about 45 mins! Isn't that very fast?? And as you can see, at different stages, the scenery changes and as you ascend higher, it just felt as though the world is beneath your feet and you just feet... AWESOME!

The glacier experience! Honestly, this is the first time I came into contact with snow. And the experience was just great beyond words. But one has got to be careful while stepping on glacier, it's damn SLIPPERY!

On our way down! Above is the platform for the 2nd stage of the cable car. If I'm not wrong, it is about 8,000 feet above ground.

Right after the excursion to Mt. Titlis, we were on our way to Interlaken. And along the way during the ride, we were treated with splendid views of a mega lake. The water was really a clear blue-ish-greeny and what more can I say about the scenery yet again. *Drools*

En-route to Interlaken, we made a little stopover at this picturesque lake. I don't know which one is this (possibly Lake Thun), but all I can recall is that it is one of the lake that links with another at the other side of the mountains and in between these 2 lakes (Lake Thun and Lake Brienz), there's this piece of "land". And this piece of "land" is where Interlaken is. The meaning of 'Interlaken' suggests the location of a "land" in between 2 lakes. Yes, that's how it got its name. Interesting, no? I certainly think it is! And not to mention, this is one place I'd never forget. Just look at the vast plains that surrounds the lake and straight ahead, one can easily spot the Swiss Alps protruding above the forested mountains.

Alrightie, from here, you can see the scenic view of the lake from uphill. Doesn't it look like an exquisite piece of drawing? Somehow, the second picture above from here reminds me of the Norwegian valleys. I really love this place so much. Look at how the houses gather around the lake. I was kinda wondering how these residents even get their groceries when they're at such a rural portion of the country. Well, most of them are farmers. So why do they even need a supermarket? And a question was raised - "How do pregnant women even get to the hospital on time for delivery?" The answer's simple. They will do the math with regards to which month they will be "flushing" their "fruits" out and they will make their way to the hospital ONE MONTH before the predicted date of delivery. And Swiss Mommas don't do caesarean. They reckon that REAL moms are the ones who endure the pain giving birth naturally. Now, that's what I call Girl Power!

After about an hour drive passing by Lake Thun and the spectacular scenery that you've seen so far, we finally made our way to Interlaken. The first thing after checking in to the hotel was, DINNER! We were really famished by then! And the specialty of the night for dinner was, what else but the Swiss Fondue Dinner! At first I was like... erm... are we gonna have our airy stomachs filled with just chunks of fruits or whatsoever? But well, our tour leader, Jason, brought us to a traditional Swiss restaurant. And over there, they offer one of the best Fondue meals in the town of Interlaken. I was surprised to learn that there's not only chocolate fondue, but cheese fondue and MEAT FONDUE! Like WOW!

Now look! This is meat fondue. There're choices of chicken or beef that we could choose from. And what we just need to do is to dip the raw meat into the pot above (which is filled with this amazingly tasteful HOT soup) and after a few, we could put them in our traps! There're also various sauces that can go with the meat. It was fantabulous!

Not to mention, the cheese fondue tasted rather bitter at first. We dipped chunks of baguette into the hawt cheese that's how it's eaten. But once the cheese hardened, it became something like that of the picture above and the boss of the restaurant actually came to our table and scrapped off the remains of the cheese for me! And oh gawd, it was probably the BEST thing I've tasted so far. IT'S REALLY CRISPY! So GUT!

The boss told me he got his muscular frame just by eating THAT everyday. Not to mention, he's really BIG. But OH, this piece of food is HEAVENLY! Well, no introduction needed. Chocolate Fondue! Great as it tasted!

This, as you can see, is an Alphorn. It's a curved wooden horn, sometimes as long as 6 meters (approximately 20 feet), used traditionally by herders in the Alps to call cows to pasture. Well as of now, it's definitely to entertain tourists like us. The boss demonstrated a blow and it produced a "BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO" sound. It kinda sounded like the tune produced by a Didgeridoo, a wind instrument of the Indigenious Australians which is made of hardwood. But well, I certainly think the Alphorn looks rather magnificent and seemed more interesting than a Didgeridoo. No hard feelings, Aussies.

So there will be one person who'd be pulled out for a little performance with the Alphorn and there you can see so very crystal clearly, that's ME! Yes! I was asked to try blowing the Alphorn. It was really really tough if you ask me! You need to muster the technique and you've gotta collect as much air from the point you're standing at and push your lungs to the furthest in order to make the Alphorn "SING" it's tune (regardless of whether it's out of pitch or not). I tell you, I failed. I almost farted while blowing that piece of thang! That's how bad! But it was all so funny!

While we were enjoying the knee-slapping performances by members of the other tables (there was this lady from the other tour group who volunteered to give the Alphorn a try and seemed rather smug initially, as though signalling that she's really gonna succeed in her agenda. When she went near the mouthpiece, all I could say is that she looked like a Pufferfish as she attempted to blow the horn! I was really hilarious and everyone in the restaurant was almost in tears! It was that funny!), I also spotted this. No, that's not a parachutist, but rather, a mountain glider! There wasn't just one, but a few of them! That's a really cool sport if you ask me!
So after the scrumptious fondue dinner, we decided to take a stroll and explore the small yet wonderful town of Interlaken. Interlaken is really just a tourist hub and very little locals actually reside in this area.

Never have I thought I'd see Credit Suisse in such a place like Interlaken.

Mommy in front of our hotel! And our room is on the 3rd storey, 2nd and 3rd windows from the left (right in the middle). Yes, we our room has 2 windows! But I must say that it was really noisy at night and we couldn't really sleep well all thanks to the nightgoers who were constantly parading down the street even at 12 AM! I really love these! The Elvis and the Scuba Diver cows! How cute are they?!?! I had a good laugh just by looking at them on the shelf.

A perfect view of Jungfraujoch's peak from Interlaken. Charming, aint it? By the way, that's the Hohematte park right in front. The locals love this place. I don't deny it's really nice taking a stroll at the park.

This is Victoria Jungfrau Hotel, the most exquisite and expensive hotel in the whole of Interlaken.

La Terrasse is a fine dining restaurant at Victoria Jungfrau. If I'm not wrong, it costs a whopping CHF100-200 for a 4-5 course dinner per person, and if you were to do the math, be ready to slash an approx. SGD 300 from your credit card.

I was really surprised to see Hooters in Switzerland! Yes, you see it right, it's HOOTERS! The waitresses for Hooters over here at Clarke Quay should consider putting pails over their heads and bind themselves with cheongsams becos' not to mention, the girls over at the Swiss' franchise command the restaurant with their beauteous assets that are to DIE FOR!

Chocolate bars! They looked really great but too bad as it was, the shop was closed when we passed by.

After the little tour around Interlaken, we decided to stop for some cheap and reasonable snacks and so McDonald's was the best choice as it's the only so called 'restaurant' that was still opened. And if you scrutinise, you could see a rather interesting burger by the name of "Chicken Mythic" to the left and the rather protruding Ad in the middle, McRosti. No, I didn't have any of them. I decided on just a McFlurry, M&Ms! They even have Orange McFlurry, which I think is rather cool

Alright, I don't mean to sulk that bad and NO, the McFlurry M&M's tasted really good. I was just sad that the day was going to be over soon...

As you can see, the street was really quiet and after finishing my McFlurry, that's when the day was really OVER!

2007-05-27T23:56:00.000+08:00

Europe - Part 1 : Germany, Switzerland

Right so, I'm back from the amazing Europe! Hence, I'll be talking much about the trip in this post and of course, if in any case you feel uninterested or whateverso, always feel free to close this window and move away to the next. Anyways, I'm thinking of keeping this post short with less words and more peektures... but who knows what, cause' im feeling alil bit cranky now thus I might be writing much more than I think I'm supposed to and if so, please bear with me for I'd just spit out what comes through my mind. But no worries, I'm gonna divide whatever I'd have to say into a few portions.
So there goes, almost 2 weeks of fun and this one good thing has come to an end with simply a *snap*. Really, many times you'll never realise how fast the world goes by when you're enjoying and your senses will only come back to you at the end of everything and once again, back to reality.

May 10th was considered the 1st day and it was a 12-hour flight to Frankfurt, Germany. Initially, (unsurprising to many as well) 12 hours of direct flight is quite murderous especially you're locked in economy class. However, I was amazed that 12 hours seemed nothing. Technology no doubt makes the world a smaller place. It felt as though Europe is just a neighbouring country, or rather, continent. I won't be surprised if 50 years down the road, one can make it to Europe in just less than 6 hours.

So yes, first up was Frankfurt, which we only spent a day over there, visiting the Black Forest (which isn't a forest with black trees or whatsoever, but rather, its a small town surrounded by a forest perched on the hills overseeing Lake Titisee. Over there, it's famous for its cuckoo clocks and Pork Knuckles.

Oh yes, we had Pork Knuckles for lunch that day. Just look at that! Looks like a whole chicken right?? It's really quite tough and no one at our table finished it. But the fries were good! And those green stuff at the side tasted like GIAM CHAI. Well, I really have no idea what it is. A German food perhaps?

Next up, it's the Rhine Falls or in other words, Rheinfall located en-route Switzerland round the German border. It is said to be the largest waterfall in Europe. However, it'd be a big contrast if you were to put it on the list next to the Niagara Falls in North America. But well, at least it's part of nature, which our country lacks of, sadly.

Not far away, we made our way to the heart of Zurich. I'd say the city's quite nice, albeit alil quiet, but some of the buildings look rather contemporary in the mix.

And not too far away from the city of Zurich comes the city of Lucerne, one of the less popular city by name but houses one of the most talked-about mountains in the world, Mt Titlis, which stands at 10,000 feet above sea level and is approximately 45 minutes away off the city area.

I won't have to tell you how awfully sweet those strawberries to the right were. Just look for yourselves and you can tell how fresh they are! No? YES! They're the BEST, I repeat, THE BEST strawberries I've ever crushed in my trap thus far. They tasted OMGISHLY AWESOME! Smooth and crunchy and juicy and whaaalalalafully GREAT alright!

It's a cheese galore! I know you can also see as many cheese in leading supermarkets like MarketPlace or such, but these are Swiss Cheese! And I've laid my fingers on quite a number of them. Unfortunately, none went into my mouth.

My mommy and the smiley cookie that she's clutching! I find this picture really cute! I love my cute momma!

Please look again and tell me how big a contrast these strawberries are as compared to those imports we have here. They're just WOW! No doubt gave me the URGH-ness.

Alright. You must be wondering what the heck I'm wearing and what the more heck would I post such a fugly pic of myself right here. Yes! I'm wearing tights! Long Johns to be exact! Well, obviously those need to be tight in order to keep oneself warm. But I think I look good in it. HAHA!

That's Bertel Thorvaldsen's famous carving of a dying lion namely the Lion Monument, which is found in a small park just off Lowenplatz. The lion sits in the middle of the rock wall which stands quite tall. The carving commemorates the hundreds of Swiss Guards who were massacred in 1792 during the French Revolution, when the mob stormed the Tuileries Palace in Paris.

So this is Lucerne. And that's the famous Chapel's Bridge left behind from the 14th century. I personally like Lucerne very much because I think it's a really charming city kudos to the beautiful mountains and lakes it has. If there's a chance, be there at Lucerne. It's a breathtaking city.

My greatest friend and love of all!

Look at the pair of swans! They were absolutely LOVELY! If I'm not wrong, I thought I caught a glimpse of them smooching before I could even snap a shot of that romantic action. Sweet birds!
Also not forgetting, Switzerland is the one and only place to secure yourself the best timepieces in the world and not to mention, the bestest place to get those masterpieces is from Lucerne. The building above is one of the more-known-about places in Lucerne for the Rolex watches.
And after exploring the city centre of Lucerne and with ample time left before our next meeting time with the tour group, we landed ourselves in one of the cafes, that's Movenpick. Sounds familiar, no? Yeah, its a franchise of Movenpick Marche and I'd say the Cappucinno tasted good and it comes with this cutey little love letter that you can see my mum's holding below.
Hello Mom, whatchudointhere'!

The greatest man, husband and father one could ever ask for!

Just opposite at the other side of the road lies Lake Lucerne, a lake located in central Switzerland and is considered the fourth largest one in the country.

Could you not agree with me that the scenery is just so beautiful? It was (I think) a Saturday that day and there were quite a number of people picnicking along the shore of the lake.

Right after the city tours in Lucerne, we headed straight up for the most-talked about mountains in Switzerland, namely, Mt. Titlis!

Up Next: Mt. Titlis, Interlaken, Jungfraujoch, Zermatt and more!

2007-05-10T01:53:00.000+08:00

Take me to Heaven

HAW-LAR! Man, I didn't notice till now that I've abandoned my blog for about a week already but TAH-DAH, I'm here again!
Something occured last week and kept me occupied thinking much about life and all (but i'm never going to talk about it.) All I've always wanted is a simple life. One which I'd be living as far away from the blusterous city of urbanised life. I want to be a rural being. I want to be free. From so many things. Which hopefully, everything will turn out fine not just for myself, but for everybody else as well.

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Its 2.09 AM now and my whole family's still packing! Yes! We're burning midnight oil for luggauge-packing. LOL! There's really alot to bring, which I'm not surprised because the down jackets have taken up the space of an entire luggauge (it's quite a big one). Something really silly is the fact that shampoos, face-creams, cleansers and sorts need to be packed into Ziploc bags, which is just plain redundant. But I'd say Ziplocs are deff better than any other plastic bags. It's neater and keeps the luggauge grease-free.
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I'M SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!! I'm really wondering what to expect, but I'm ready for the adventure!
Oh gosh, I think I may have left out something that I need to bring. There's still alot to pack. Like OMG!!!!!!! Okay, there goes blogging for now. Needa double-check the stuff. Till then, Auf Widersehen!

2007-05-02T23:58:00.000+08:00

Hotdog?

This afternoon, I was out on a date with the love of my life (my mum) and we were stocking up stuff for the trip next week. I'm not going to dive into details on the shopping spree but rather, my visit to the restroom at Tangs (Orchard). I've to admit I was really urgent that moment and I must say I always have this habit of choosing which cubicle I'd wanna spray my wee-wee in but I gave up that chore today and went straight for the one in the middle. Shortly, someone stepped up to the one beside mine (to my left). Then there was this sound that gave me the impression that that someone just undid his fly. But it was something else that made me felt uneasy. As though I was being eyed. Incidentally, I looked over and all I noticed was that guy was frigging trying to stare at my YOU-KNOW-WHAT! He had his head tilted and his eyes fixed at the angle to the direction of lil' Peter (mine)! I guess he sensed I sorta knew be'cos he actually looked up, flashed a mild grin and then faced straight. WTF!!! If you were to ask, he's more of 30-ish - 40, looks human, seemed stout and the rest was who-knows-what as it was a mere glance, but it was so OBVIOUS! After which, all I knew was finishing my pee-wee AFAP and walking straight out. I even forgot to wash my hands!! Ghawddham. Already, this isn't the first time. Really what's got into these men?? SI BEI BIAN TAI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And WTF again.

2007-05-02T01:20:00.000+08:00

Do You See What I See?

This is why I'd always say I LOVE kids. I'm sure this lil' boy will grow up only to laugh his butts far off till who knows where when he sees this.

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There was this day while I was at Great World taking a break at McDonald's for a meal when across my table sat this boy of say 2 years who was all worked up when his granny landed her bums next to him while she brandished a vanilla cone right in front of his eyes. He was so happy that he grabbed the whole thing and started licking here, there, everywhere! I really couldn't help but drop my McChicken and all my attention was on him. SO CUTEEEEE!!! Then he started chewing on the waffle cone and in no time, everything was gone and he was licking his fingers already. Frankly, I almost melted. (it was quite hot that day, but you know it's not the weather I'm talking about.) DHAM! I could've taken a picture but I didn't! But OH MY GHORT. Can I please say this one more time, I LOVEEEEEEEEEE KIDSSSSSSSSSS LARRRRRRRRRR!!!

2007-05-01T11:39:00.000+08:00

Earth the 2nd?
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So just a few days ago, I read on the front page of the ST about the mystic discovery of a new planet called "Super Earth" (the name sounds really dumb, don't you think?) outside the Solar System. Astronomers claimed that it's an Earth-like planet orbiting a star, Gliese 581 (which is believed to be the planet's Sun), about 20.5 light years away with the mean temperature that lies between 0 and 40 Degrees Celsius, which lies in the so-called "Goldilocks Zone" where conditions are 'just right' to allow the existence of liquid water and ingredients for life. The exact length of the light-year is based on a reference year of exactly 365.25 days (each of exactly 24 standard hours). And one light-year is roughly 63,240AU (One AU is the distance between the Earth and Sun, which is approx. 149 598 000km). So imagine making your way to this planet covering a boundless distance of (20.5 X 63,240 X 149,598,000 km)! Thus, if I were to be an astronaut and fly to that planet, I'd be 40 YO by the time I land on its soil (given that the journey's incident-free) and thinking of that, I might as well dig myself and my colleagues our graves be'cos it won't be another 20 years before we return to Earth again, or NEVER!

You know, this kind of stuff excites me, but at the same time, seems intriguing as well. In the past, our ancestors came to this place they knew so little about, (or did they even know they're living on something in existence called "Earth"?), and not to mention, as time went by, humans didn't really look as far beyond as to what they can see. These days, space seems like a real place, although of course we can only really think about it, look with the aid of scientific means but not touch. I understand the eagerness of those Astronomers comes from the idea of being able to go somewhere new and create something from scratch. But, have you thought of going somewhere new only to discover there isn't any need to create something from scratch already.

"Is there life anywhere else?' is a fundamental question we all ask." - Alison Boyle, the curator of astronomy at London's Science Museum

It may be strange to learn that if lives exist in the planet we're living in, why not the others? Come to think of it, I don't believe Earth would be the only place lives could be found, given that the galaxy out there seems endless and there may be so many other planets of such like Earth itself. On a stranger note, if humans, animals, plants, dinosaurs or living things of such could be created, I don't see how other species of life couldn't. (but to the exception that they don't exist on Earth.)

However, given the pro-advancement in technology, presumably the astronomers are going to run all sorts of tests and experiments and sciency-stuff to try and find out more about how likely it is that life exists on this planet.

2007-04-28T11:08:00.000+08:00

Queer's In The Room.

As many of you may not know (that's be'cos I've never told you, or perhaps I've and it slipped off your minds), I sleep on the floor everyday in the master next to my folks (God, HELP me already, I WANT A ROOM TO MYSELF!). Well, obviously I don't literally lay on the floor, but in between comes the TI LUM (in other words, the mattress). And as you may not know as well, my dad's the one who prepares my bed.

So last night I was really drained that I jumped right in and the next thing I knew, dawn's past.

This morning, I rose from the nest and found THIS behind my head:

THIS, has to be the GAYEST pillowcase I've ever come across in my entire life. Ain't that?? Gawd damn! I've been sleeping on this for the past 10 hours! I confronted my mum and apparently, she told me this was meant for herself, but be'cos it doesn't match with the entire bedsheet set that she and my dad sleep on, I've gotta take it. Well, I don't mind cuz it's just another pillowcase afterall, since stuff nowadays are universal as they're. BUT, SERIOUSLY. The pillowcase above would do great if it doesn't have "tatoos" of those FLOWERY prints and awful frills round its perimeters.

Tonight, I've gotta conquer the thought and lay myself on it once again without feeling all PRINCESSY and UNFETCHY. Boohooo.

2007-04-26T00:13:00.000+08:00

You'll Never Walk Alone.

I was just watching American Idol a couple of hours ago and I must say I am ecstatic and proud at the same time, as this week, the show has teamed up with Charity Projects Entertainment Fund (CPEF) venturing on an historic television event – IDOL GIVES BACK, a two-night special raising awareness and funds for organizations that provide relief programs to help children and young people in extreme poverty in Africa and America itself. In between breaks during the show, public snippets flashed of the Idol judges and Ryan Seacrest visiting the poverty ravished young children in Africa where the latters gathered for their "sponsored" meals of the day and Ryan mentioned the kids themselves actually made sure everyone else (their siblings and friends) got their share before they start feeding on their own famished tummies. You could tell how much simple meals like that meant to them, and these are all that matters. Footage of areas hit by the Hurricane Katrina were shown and fact is thousands were left homeless and I believe Simon mentioned that about 9 million children in America are suffering from hunger. I should say the images were rather moving. I'm as amazed as how Simon was about the existence of Food Banks in America and they showed him visiting one of them somewhere near his residence area in California. In it, there's really ALOT of food packages. It looked somewhat like the IKEA we've here, while ours are filled with DIY furniture, the Food Bank has elevated stalls of boxes of burgers, meat, canned food, fruits, fresh vegetables and sorts more. And you've got no idea how much food could be exchanged for with just $1 from the charity fund.

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“Having witnessed some of the appalling conditions in Africa firsthand, I’m especially proud that our show is offering Americans the chance to help those most in need. Ensuring that American charities will equally benefit from these efforts was one of my priorities, and I’d like to thank our sponsors for their support and generosity in making this possible.” - Simon Cowell

This "gives back" campaign could just be a plug for good will, and the donations being made may just be a "drop in the bucket" in the context of the amount of profit the show ultimately generates, but it is nevertheless a good deed that is worthy of recognition. American Idol has become a phenomenon that translates into big business and millions of dollars in profits. I think people should appreciate the fact that American Idol is using the show as a platform to raise

awareness about, and money for, hunger. Moreover, given the fact that the show involves audience participation. Given that the many young people who watch American Idol, last night's show sent a positive message that giving back is an important part of being a success in business or otherwise. Hence, regardless of what one may think of the motives, I applaud the show's efforts to use even a portion of its success to try and impact issues of social and economic significance. On a personal note, I believe there's greatness in each and everyone of us. Let's just say even in Singapore, I believe they're homeless individuals who often scavenge the streets for leftovers and pray that a better life would come their way. If possible, reach out and help in whichever way you can. Somehow, a little gesture would mean alot to that receiving individual.

"We'll see worlds collide when Africa appears on America's most-watched TV show. This is a big deal, a little bit of pop history ... I wouldn't underestimate the reach of this show or the impact its audience can have." - Bono (U2)

"I thought I was prepared for what I would see in Africa, but the level of poverty was beyond anything I could have imagined. You see it, you smell it, you taste it. However, despite the extreme conditions, you feel an incredible sense of hope from the people ... especially the children." - Ryan Seacrest

"I'm so happy and proud that we are part of trying to get all of America back on its feet and tend to the problems here at home, in addition to those abroad. I grew up in the proud state of Louisiana and it breaks my heart every time I think about the devastation to both Mississippi and Louisiana. I’m looking forward to taking part in making a difference and helping to create awareness for the devastated areas." - Randy Jackson

Do remember to catch Idol TONIGHT, as it's gonna be a 2-hour special show where Ellen DeGeneres will host with Ryan, while many celebrity actors and performers, such as Keira Knightley, Hugh Grant, Michael Bublé, Helena Bonham Carter, Forest Whitaker, Teri Hatcher, BORAT, Helen Mirren, Jack Black, Pink, Gwen Stefani, Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean), Daniel Radcliffe, Kelly Clarkson, Rascal Flatts, Earth, Wind, and Fire, Celine Dion, Annie Lennox, Josh Groban, Quincy Jones, Carrie Underwood, Deborah Gibson, Il Divo and Babyface will grace the event for a give back to the world!

(Photos courtesy of Fox.)

2007-04-24T22:26:00.000+08:00

Jungfraujoching or Not?
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Just came back from the tour briefing and I should say after the session, I'm so wishing that I'd be flying off right away! I should talk about this attraction that caught my attention when the optional tours pamphlet was given to us. There's this place, Jungfraujoch, on the list. In case you wonder, Jungfraujoch is in Switzerland, located above Interlaken, elevating about 11,000 feet above sea level and is home to Jungfraubahn, the highest railway station in Europe. And as mentioned, it is only accessible by the Swiss Rail driven up on the shoulders of the mountain. What's more, right on top stands Eispalast, the highest-altitude Ice Palace in the world! And truth to be told, it's actually hewn from Europe's longest glacier, which simply means, the entire palace is made of ICE! OMFG! How really cool is that, no??

However, one thing left the room murmuring. It costs CHF180 (SGD 228) per pax for the railway tickets. WOOOH. That's already $700 for my family, just for a freaking train ride! Not to mention, there's certain ways one may think about how such moolah could be put to use. Well you see, Apple may say "You must be kidding, 700 bucks just to go up there and back down again, NUTCASE! I could possibly use that to buy myself a Prada bag in Milan, and it's tax-free!" Then, Banana may protest "No, I don't think so! Now that you've come so far, why not go further? How often do you think you're going to come back again, or perhaps even not! I say it's worth going for it!" On the other hand, Cherry may think "I think it's more than enough to be given this chance to travel this far, I'd save up the $700 for meals and daily supplies." If you were to choose, would you somewhat think like Apple, Banana, or Cherry? A,B or C? Frankly, my mum and I went for C. However, my Dad thought B is wise. Well, I thought of that too, but for me, I wouldn't. And moreover, there's some health issues to be taken care of (given the fact of oxygen lackage {sp?} on such altitudes). So we'll see.

Whateverso it is, I'm still very much looking forward to that one day. This period where I can really craze myself up before walking right into the infamous battlefield. Grrrrrrrrrrr. I hope this never ends. Not the latter that is!

HOLLA U-ROPE!

2007-04-19T12:30:00.000+08:00

Sparks soar on broken wings.

Wow. At this tender age of 17, this lady here, Ms. Jordin Sparks never fails to blow me away each week with her performances. "A Broken Wing" is one of my favourite Country songs and I really love this rendition of hers. Not to mention, Martina's version is really good too. Probably the best 17 yo contestant that ever rose to the stage. And she's really adorable too! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for her to be crowned AI this year. GO JORDIN!!!