:: Tossed Salad and Scramble Eggs ::

:: Monday, December 29, 2003 ::

To the people that really mattered

Finally, I was rushing through the last of my presents. I had a long day today, but I shall tell you my highlight for the day first.

I always look forward to the annual gang gatherings where we'll either have dinner at a nice restaurant (which is halal) or potluck at someone's house (normally mine), before a round of gift opening and much laughter.

Today was just that. Potluck at my home. Its been 2 years since we last stepped out of Secondary school, and I'm more than grateful that everyone is still together, and EVERYONE turned up today. Lovely. The atmosphere wasn't one of being there for the sake of being there, but rather, an atmosphere bustling with nostalgia and warmth. And I'll tell you why at the end of this entry.

Started dinner just before Shit arrived. Everybody chipped in to cook something up, so there was more than enough food to go around, and still some more leftovers. Then it was upstairs to open presents.

I always love this part. Not just the presents, but the idea that everyone has something nice for someonelse be it something handmade or bought or just something sweet to go around. Today, I've never laughed so hard in my life. There was just too much merriment and laughter, we had to pause for awhile to catch our breath. It was just so funny so see what stuff everyone got. This year, Zuck and Els shared gifts. They got Thara and Nad matching santa claus hats with blonde pigtails. I must put that pic up on my blog soon! I got a picture from Pre U sem taken of me, Jay and Zuck taken quite long ago. Zhan got a pink pillow for them to use when they go over for their risk slumber parties. Oh and Tat got a 'Eng Tat from the Shire' cup. Another short joke to open the new year. I think it was really cool when Els surprised Zuck with a letter. Now I'm wondering whether they were actually twins of racially diversed parents, who have been separated by birth.

Shit's handmade personalized doorknobs were pretty and all of them came with personal messages. Everyone had so much fun reading them because every sentence ended with a ...haha...(don't ask me why). It wasn't really funny, but we almost died (literally) laughing. Sam forgot to take the price tags off his stuff, but oh well, the poor guy has been working 9 to 11, so give him a break. I got a stuff toy!

Ruhan also handmade some stuff for all of us. We've got a budding artist in the gang. It almost looked professionally handmade. I got another photo taken with him during grad night, and its so nicely crafted. Nadiah wrapped home bake brownies for us in pretty orange and yellow paper. Jay, Zhan and Khairul bought chocolates to go around.

Taiwan boy, tat bought everyone stuff from Taiwan. Nadiah got a dustpan for her housework chores, Els got that Hear, see, speak no evil monkey (made in Thailand). Zuck got a poster full of innuendo, whatever for, I do not want to know. And I got another photo frame! The one I wanted to get at Igs Heaven, except that this one looks better. Personal ESSAYS for everyone too, although his handwriting was abit hard to read.

And finally me. Spent the last few weeks in a flurry of double sided tape, magazines and old photos, digging for ideas to personalise everyone's notebook calander. It was worth it. It was worth time. .Personal photos (some at their best and some at their worst) and messages, just what I've always been wanting to do for years. But I suppose, with work and all, I never got down to doing it until this year. And just for me to remember in time to come:

Nad - An oprah winfrey guide to men
Thara - A look at all her boyfriends for the past 6 years
Zhan - A spoof from a Shell advert about all those years crashing his house
Sam - Flying the friendly skies (planes and guns)
Zuck - the shape of things to come
Jay - a bit of choir
Ruhan - scouting
Shit - shit happen jokes (their so funny)
Zhi - comic relief
Els - I almost forgot him...oh man...Cover girls and pictures of himself

Well, the best part was yet to come with Vik's letter all the way from the US. He wrote short messages to everyone, it was so fun reading it out. Thanks Vik, and yes we miss you dearly!

I've never seen so much hugging and handshaking, I though it was a pretty sight. We hugged so much that we broke my mothers glass lamp stand. We're getting a new one tomorrow at Ikea or Barang Barang. She wasn't angry when I told her about it. Whew. (you know what I'm going to say next, reminds me of that ending scene in Love Actually with all the people hugging)

Dear reader, these are the people whom God has blessed me with. And they have been second nature to me ever since I've known them. I was talking to Jerm last night after class gathering on our way home. I think that it takes two to dance out a waltz and make it beautiful and unforgettable. It takes commitment and effort. Thats what friendship is, isn't it? The ambience was perfect, different all together. But different does NOT mean that it was no less or no more wonderful than any past moments that all of us shared. It is a celebration of friendship in its essence.

:: Stuffy 12/29/2003 10:47:00 AM [+] ::
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Thoughts I should pen down before going to bed

For a long time I've stopped watching and listening. If theres one place I've not been for a long time, thats my roof just outside my window. And for the first time, in a long time, I'm there today. The year-end breeze is just beautiful and I could hear the wind and the crickets. A long time since I last watched the clouds pace themselves across the mass of faded redness. It wasn't a long soujourn, but a long abandonment.

I remember when I was years younger, I use to watch the clouds and the stars when I couldn't sleep. Tracing the constellation with little understanding of what they are or what they symbolised. I now know what some of them mean, but I would rather be ignorant. I'm there today again. Not sleeping but watching. But its not the same. My reflection is a bark of a tree hardened by years of history, of memory. There is still a softness and blemish scars which will roughen in the future. But my brow is heavy, not of age but of tiredness.

I will sleep.
Watching phantoms, watching placid darkness, watching nothing.

:: Stuffy 12/26/2003 11:32:00 AM [+] ::
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This movie really made my day.

I'm currently listening to track 17 on my Love Actually soundtrack. Its so sad. Its the Glasgow Theme by Craig Armstrong (instrumental). I think it was played during the part where Peter's friend (named whatever) showed Juliet his personal tape of her. I think anyone who hasn't seen the movie would have thought it sad, maybe almost to the point of being melancholic. It reminds me of the theme song on the Band of Brothers' soundtrack, except that this one is really sad. Theres really no better word to describe it since sad is the most basic and elementary word to describe an emotion so profound. Its everything. Depressing, gloomy, cheerless, sorrowful, poignant, moving, but most of all; heartbreaking. (especially if you've seen the film).

I was reading the commentary written for the soundtrack itself by director, Richard Curtis, he said, 'Without its music, Love Actually wouldn't work at all, I know - because I saw the film without the music and it was a shocker.So this soundtrack in your hands isn't a few songs stuck together.It's the life and soul of the film.' I particularly liked the film not because its sappy. Love Actually, in two words, would have been quite misleading in terms of its romantic connotation. But the phrase 'Love Actually IS all around' tells you that there are many different facets of the term 'Love'.

Curtis on Love Actually

I'm very haunted by what constitutes being 'realistic' if I had to say to me - The Sound of Music seems to be quite a realistic piece of work. That film, which is accused of being totally saccharine says two things: that good people hated the Nazis, which they did. And lots of people fall in love and love their children, which they do. So there seems to me to be more truth to that, than something thats called a searingly realistic drama, because all over the world, every minute of everyday, people are falling in love. I say no matter how dark the world gets, the actual texture of life has alot to do with love.

General opinion's starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed - but I don't see that - seems to me that love is everywhere. Often, it is not particularly newsworthy, but its always there - fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, friends and strangers. If you look for it, I got a sneaky suspicion that Love Actually is all around.

:: Stuffy 12/26/2003 10:41:00 AM [+] ::
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Christmas day
Went out with Jason and Kevin after first service. Bleah, my class ppl slept late, so most of them went for 2nd service. Watched Love Actually again! This is the first movie I've watched twice, willingly. Its so good that I even bought the soundtrack! I so love it. Kevin went all mushy after the show, he wanted to watch the 430 one. Hah, I saw Elson again! Most frequent person I've been bumping into this year.

Boxing Day
Spent the morning sleeping in before rushing my 29th presents. I am so dead, I hope I can finish in time! Yes, yes I have to get paper plates etc... By the way, Jay and Elson, if you guys are keeping up with my blog, HAVE YOU DECIDED ON YOUR POT OF LUCK? *smiles Tell me on the 28th okay? If not, surprise me.

Met Emerald and Terence for branch at Marine Parade. Its changed so much, very metropolitan and classy. I should hang out there more often. It was great just hanging out and talking about all sorts of stuff that came around. Had dinner with Shit, Tat and Zhi at some italian restaurant, my pasta was terrible, I could only taste the olive oil, which didn't really have much flavour in it to begin with. But I liked Tat's sauce. Pizza was too salty. Sat around Pacific Coffee club waiting for those red velvet seats with no luck.

Shit asked me this question, a very interesting one: Would you go out with a guy younger than you? I'll type out a long opinion on it some day. But really, if its something as far fetch as Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore, I think its a little hilarious. Well, that happens only in America.

I finally found a bunch of people to go restaurant gallavanting with. Shit and Tat. We should go restaurant hopping in Jurong and Holland V someday soon.

:: Stuffy 12/26/2003 10:19:00 AM [+] ::
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I'm so happy, we've got an ideal date where everyone can make it. Dinner will be late though, we'll have to wait for shit to pass his drivers' test thing. So we'll start around 830.

DETAILS:
7pm Tanah Merah mrt 29th MONDAY
830 dinner

Potluck list:
Tat - 2 Pizzas (pizzahut)
Shit - Cake
Khairul - KFC Chicken
Sam - MacDonald's nuggets
Ruhan - Drinks (sparkling grapejuice)
Zuck - home cook mee goreng!
Nadiah - cocktail
Thara - curry puffs
Rueben - otah
Zhi - ice cream (to go with Shit's cake)
Zhan - soup
Jason -
Els -

Anyway, heres the invitation list for the 29th Dec MONDAY: 14 people in all.

Elson (coming)
Engtat (coming)
Jason (coming)
Khairul (coming)
Nadiah (coming)
Reuben (coming)
Ruhan (coming)
Sam (coming)
Stephanie (me)
Shit (coming)
Thara (coming)
Zhan (coming)
Zhi (coming)
Zuck (coming)

SMALL PROBLEM, my parents just told me that you guys can't stay over because theres too many people and we'll make too much noise. So if you want a stayover, then we'll have to change venue.

:: Stuffy 12/24/2003 05:06:00 AM [+] ::
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This week has been a whirlwind of events. Met up with Jeanine and restaurant hop with Ming Hui. Haven't seen those two in ages, and it felt great meeting up to catch up on things.

Yesterday. Met Kev and Jason for dinner before going to church.

Was our last Bible lesson with Adrain and Teng Ngan. So sad! Hope i'll see them often in church next year when we're all in YAG. Adrain is getting married and Teng Ngan is uh...riding off into the sunset on his motorcycle. I respect them for their commitment in being a pair of great sunday school teachers who have guided us through God's word this year. Everything ended on a good note as we closed with the final chapter of Hebrews (the exhortation) and went to cafe cartel for supper. 2nd time this year that we ordered the 10 scoop icecream treat. O well, Joel is going in NS right after christmas and jason soon after, so our class is going to be quite small beginning of next year(for a while).

:: Stuffy 12/24/2003 05:01:00 AM [+] ::
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Musings

Reuben, I just read your last entry on starting and ending a novel. Well, I do believe 'too each his own', when it comes to doing things in the manner which works best for us. But I believe that in writing anything; be it fiction, biography, poems or whatever, the best thing to do is to start and follow through the whole novel as if you were reading a novel yourself.

Unless of course you're the kind who read a novel by looking at the start and the ending before finishing off the middle section...well, okay *rolls eyes, but its really no fun. Then again, at least you got somewhere with the start and the ending, so I suppose you have to develope and build upon the plot. But really, the key to a good story with a twist is to be flexible with the way you end it - but who am I kidding, I've never written a full novel myself!

:: Stuffy 12/23/2003 07:21:00 AM [+] ::
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I realised that the only jokes I laugh at is 'shit happens jokes'. Sad, but true.

:: Stuffy 12/22/2003 05:52:00 AM [+] ::
...

I'm so happy, we've got an ideal date where everyone can make it. Dinner will be late though, we'll have to wait for shit to pass his drivers' test thing. So we'll start around 830.

DETAILS:
7pm Tanah Merah mrt 29th MONDAY
830 dinner

Potluck list:
Tat - 2 Pizzas (pizzahut)
Shit - Cake
Khairul - KFC Chicken
Sam - MacDonald's nuggets
Ruhan - Drinks (sparkling grapejuice)
Zuck - home cook mee goreng!
Nadiah - cocktail
Thara - curry puffs
Rueben - otah
Zhi - ice cream (to go with Shit's cake)
Zhan - soup
Jason -
Els -

Anyway, heres the invitation list for the 29th Dec MONDAY: 12 people in all.


Elson (coming)
Engtat (coming)
Jason (coming)
Khairul (coming)
Nadiah (coming)
Reuben (coming)
Ruhan (coming)
Sam (coming)
Stephanie (me)
Shit (coming)
Thara (coming)
Zhan (coming)
Zhi (coming)
Zuck (coming)

SMALL PROBLEM, my parents just told me that you guys can't stay over because theres too many people and we'll make too much noise. So if you want a stayover, then we'll have to change venue.

:: Stuffy 12/21/2003 07:09:00 AM [+] ::
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Nothing smart to write about

I think the actors of Lord of the Rings look weird without their middle earth make up and costumes. The only actress who looks likes shes got pointy ears in real life and in reel life is Liv Tyler. Orlando Bloom is the perfect Legolas, but he looks forsakenly horrid in his other photos without his long blonde hair and clean shaven chin (and of course pointy ears - no, its not phallic). No wonder he never made it big as a star until his makeover as Legolas. The same goes for Viggo Mortensen. I mean he looks like Clay Aiken without his dark shaggy locks, you can't really see the Aragorn in him.

I don't have much to write about these days, and I haven't really given much thought into reflecting upon the year as it comes to a close. Partly because I've been running around meeting people, people and more peope. Partly because I've been sleeping on a 12hr basis.

:: Stuffy 12/20/2003 06:04:00 AM [+] ::
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Its a rainy day today. My toes got wrinkled from playing in the rain. Its a nice feeling to be out in the rain, then down to a hot bath, and finally on the computer with a nice cup of hot chocolate and Nat King Cole crooning 'Silent Night'. Christmas is a week away and I still have 8 more hand made presents to go. I should be able to finish in time.

Met up with Jeanine and Nad for Fish & Co. for lunch. Nad had to leave early, so me and Jeanine went to Starbucks millenia for coffee. Talked for a whole 3 hrs. There was just so much to catch up on; people, friends, life.

Sad, this year they stopped playing Christmas carols. Anyway, I saw Minghui there. Reminded me of the time we studied together for JCT in J1.

:: Stuffy 12/20/2003 05:48:00 AM [+] ::
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Ok, just got off the phone with Reuben. Haven't spoken to him in the longest! I can't remember what was the agreement like when I was talking to Shit and Tat about the invitations, but since he was on the phone, I invited him. Objections no?

Anyway, heres the invitation list for the 31st Dec: 14 people in all.


Elson
Engtat
Jason
Khairul
Nadiah
Reuben
Ruhan
Sam
Stephanie (me)
Shit
Thara
Zhan
Zhi
Zuck


Please msg me if you have any violent objections or any other additional kinsmen to be added to the list. I'll be calling everyone to confirm around next week just before Christmas. Please think of what you're going to bring to the potluck dinner.

Potluck list:
Tat - 2 Pizzas (pizzahut)
Shit - Cake

*this is a first come first served basis so msg me asap

:: Stuffy 12/17/2003 08:52:00 AM [+] ::
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Lord of the Rings - The Return of the Kings

Watched the gala premiere of Lord of the Rings yesterday. The whole family was looking forward too it, especially since it had been a long time since we last went out for something like that.

It was wonderful had it not been for the producers trying too hard to create a little humour. Dear readers, if anyone of you decide to produce or direct your own movie in the future, try not to incorporate humour if you haven't the wit to do so. Most of the humour was of course from Pippin and his other hobbit friend, whose name was too insignificant for me to remember, and Gandalf. Why Gandalf? They should have preserved his dignity and wisdom, but they degenerated his character into an insecure wizard coupled with slapstick humour. But all in all, its a good movie to watch, especially if you've been following the trilogy. The detailed paid to crafting the set makes me wish that I was part of the Middle Earth era - wonder what it would have been like. I should plan a trip to New Zealand one day.

:: Stuffy 12/16/2003 07:43:00 AM [+] ::
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'Sometimes you wanna go, where everybody knows your name'

Spent the day lounging at Zhan's house with part of the gang, watching them play risk and finishing three tins of Zhan's sister's cookies. THEY ARE FANTASTIC! A whole bunch of them turned up today. *A Note on Zhan's house - Its always been an after school thing back in Secondary school, and the best part is, nobody gets tired of dwelling there. A day care centre especially for the likes of Zuck and Elson. Come to think of it, its quite like the kind of atmosphere you find on 'Cheers' - the place where everybody knows your name.

Got bored after none of the risk pieces were advancing at a menacing rate, so half of us went to Zhan's room and started oggling at Shit's prom photos. Then we started surfing the net on Zhan's cool laptop. I can't believe that there are people out there who have so much time to put up every other JC's prom photos online. Surfed around somemore like a bunch of internet junkies...

Anyway, tagged along with Shit and Tat to watch Infernal Affairs III. I could catch most of what was going on with a little help from Shit since I haven't watched Part I and II. Interesting, especially since this is my first time watching a Chinese film in a cinema. Well, theres always a first time for everything. I must borrow the first two from tat soon. I found it hilarious when the two police departments were just standing there waiting for the inevitable, ie:main actors to shoot each other. Tat said that it was to create an atmosphere of tension and Shit said it was to enhance the helplessness that everyone felt, since the main character had a gun and he was mad. I thought it was just plain stupid to have too many extra actors around in the scene. Too many redun-dees makes it easy to lose focus on the main characters. Its like seeing Neo fighting a gazillion agents. In short, its pure bathos.

Went for coffee at Starbucks after the show. We were all contemplating what to get for gifts for the new year's eve party. Shit and I agreed that we should make something instead of buy something. Its the effort that counts, and its always warm to receive something handmade. I suppose I had better do something like that this year, if I don't, I don't know when I will ever find the time to make something for the following year. There'll be NS for the guys, Uni for me, Nad and Thara. Yep, this is the best year to make stuff - now the only contrain is time. So I hope to start getting down to work sometime this week.

:: Stuffy 12/16/2003 07:37:00 AM [+] ::
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Movie Mistakes

1 Star Wars When the stormtroopers break into the control room, watch very carefully and you will be able to see a storm trooper nearly render himself unconscious by smacking his head off a door frame.

2 Commando One of the most blatant mistakes ever committed to film. The yellow Porsche is totally wrecked on the left side, until Arnie drives it away, and it's fine.

3 The Rocky Horror Picture Show The criminologist describes the events of the movie as taking place "on a late November evening". In the very next scene, Brad and Janet are driving in Brad's car, and Nixon's resignation speech is playing on the radio. Nixon resigned in August of 1974.

4 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone When Harry, Ron and Hermione rush to Hagrid after end-of-the-year exams, and Harry is saying something that ends with "why didn't I see it before", Hermione is mouthing his lines.

5 Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines One of the most blatant mistakes ever seen onscreen - in the scene where John & Catherine are in the hangar at the runway, the Cessna's tail number is N3035C. When the plane is shown in the air, the number is N9373F. When they land, the tail number has changed back to N3035C.

6 Charlie's Angels When the angels are fighting the "creepy thin man," right before Drew Barrymore lifts up Lucy Liu to spin her around and kick the thin man, to get Lucy's attention, Drew hollers out "Lucy!" even though Lucy Liu's character's name is "Alex."

7 Gladiator After the battle with the Germans, the next morning after the tavern, he is walking in the army camp and he feeds a horse a piece of apple. If you look closely between Maximus and the horse, there is a crewman wearing a pair of blue jeans.

8 Spider-Man In the scene where Mary Jane is being mugged by four men, Spider-Man throws two of the men into two windows behind Mary Jane. Then the camera goes back to Spider-Man beating up the other two guys. When the camera goes back to Mary Jane the two windows are intact.

9 The Matrix In the scene where Agent Smith is interrogating Neo, after Smith has sealed Neo's mouth shut and he is backed into the corner, when the camera cuts back to Smith you can clearly see a reflection in his glasses of Neo still sitting down in the chair.

10 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets At the beginning of the scene near the end of the movie with Lucius Malfoy fuming at Dumbledore in his office, Malfoy's hair is fanned back behind his shoulders. The lighting in the room illuminates the back of his neck, where you can see his real, short brown hair.

11 Black Hawk Down Near the end of the movie when the convoy is heading back to the Pakistan Stadium, a Humvee stops briefly to allow a man to walk across the street with a child in his arms. When the shot changes and the Humvee begins driving again, a crew member or cameraman is seen inside the Humvee wearing a white shirt. All of the men who entered the Humvee were wearing fatigues.

12 Pearl Harbor When Evelyn first enters Pearl Harbor, there is a tall building that clearly says, "Est. 1953." Obviously this is a little ahead of the times.

Some people have all the time in the world...

:: Stuffy 12/14/2003 07:55:00 AM [+] ::
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All in a day's work

With part of the gang this morning over kaya bread and kopi o' at the killiney kopi tiam. It was a good, solid conversation about life, the traumas about 2003 and the people around us. Yes, and for once, not about a soccer match. *laughs, I suppose most of it could be attributed to the dynamic energy of zuck and tat - yappers unite.

I commited sin of all sins from the 'Handphone for Dummies Guide' by allowing my phone to slip unintentionally into the toilet bowl in killineys. Its not working now, so I'll have to get it fixed tomorrow. Made me realised how dependent I am on my handphone. Actually, I was more worried about not being able to keep track of the time, than about the phone itself and its wonderful gadgets - half of which I don't really use. But thats besides the point. Point is, I should start wearing a watch. Point is, I should remember important phone numbers, should it ever happen again.

:: Stuffy 12/13/2003 08:50:00 AM [+] ::
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Curtis on Love Actually

I'm very haunted by what constitutes being 'realistic' if I had to say to me - The Sound of Music seems to be quite a realistic piece of work. That film, which is accused of being totally saccharine says two things: that good people hated the Nazis, which they did. And lots of people fall in love and love their children, which they do. So there seems to me to be more truth to that, than something thats called a searingly realistic drama, because all over the world, every minute of everyday, people are falling in love. I say no matter how dark the world gets, the actual texture of life has alot to do with love.

General opinion's starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed - but I don't see that - seems to me that love is everywhere. Often, it is not particularly newsworthy, but its always there - fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, friends and strangers. If you look for it, I got a sneaky suspicion that Love Actually is all around.

:: Stuffy 12/12/2003 06:54:00 AM [+] ::
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I spent a lazy afternoon sleeping and trying to think of what to get everyone for Christmas. I haven't thought of what to buy yet, but I think I'll have to try my hand at making something. Repeat, Something!

I should start going for my basic drivers' lessons next week. Signed up with Emerald this afternoon. To bad she had to leave so early. How boring. The whole world is busy today. I dont' know if you call it withdrawal symptoms, but its unlikely so. I have quite alot of things that I should be doing, but I'm not doing it. I am degenerating. Starting next week, I better start putting things together and making sure I get down to doing a couple of things.

Like...

Anyway, I wanted to write a meaningful, thought-provoking post, but I lost it while reading some emails. Reminds me, I should write an email to Vik soon.

:: Stuffy 12/12/2003 04:37:00 AM [+] ::
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I've been watching quite a few happy-ending movies. Frank Capra's 'You Can't Take it with You' is heart warming. Then theres Love Actually, another Huge Grant film. The movie is so British, so Huge Grant, and a direct insult at George Bush at that.

:: Stuffy 12/12/2003 04:18:00 AM [+] ::
...

Thanks Leish for sending me the pics. I'll probably upload my photos when I can find someone with a scanner. I'm going to photo trade with tat and ruhan tomorrow.

:: Stuffy 12/09/2003 06:26:00 AM [+] ::
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Fries, Cheeseburgers and a coke

I took away a double cheeseburger plain from McDonalds and realised how desperately they wanted to change their image. 'Special Order' stickers are replaced with 'Premium' stickers, and just for the record, they are in italics. The simple kiddie yellow strips across a plain white uniform has been abolished in place of smart black polo-Ts and colourful bandanas. *note black is synonymous with teenage growing years, a kind of cool gothic look. At least thats what a psychologist told me.

Three words: I hate it.

I brought up this topic while having sushi with Sarah the other day. We agree that McDonalds should stay with its clean family image and promote good family values instead of keeping up with the swanky retail-coffee generation. We HAVE enough Starbucks, Coffeebean, Coffee club and what not, we do not need a Mc Cafe to keep the competition going. In cases like these, the government should just put a ban on the proliferating monopolistic competition.

I don't know about you, but if I have kids (hypothetically), I would bring them to McDonalds for treats. I mean my parents brought me to McDonalds on their 2nd anniversary, when I was a year old. I don't think this new advertising strategy will fail, but its just a preference for the family image, as opposed to the teen funky image.

:: Stuffy 12/09/2003 06:23:00 AM [+] ::
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Met Sabby today for lunch, tried out that new place on the first floor of Wisma Atria. Can't remember the name of the restaurant, but its the one which replaced Breeks. The food there wasn't all too bad, and despite its rather posh and metro-modern atmosphere, the food there is cheap. If any of you have buisiness dates, or just place social dates, go there.

Sarah dear was bored, so met her for sushi.

Theres something I don't get, you've been eating sushi for quite a while, but you're not sick of it yet? Hmm, I had a sushi craving about a week ago, but not right now, though I think sashimi once in a while is good for the health.

Haven't spoken to her - heart to heart - in the longest, and it felt great. Can't wait for Sarita to get back so that we can go sign up for relief teaching.

I'm still in the midst of wondering whether I should take up relief teaching or work in the bank (sales) or work in law firm. My ol' senile father was encouraging me to find out what law is about on Saturday, so he offered me some law firm job. Then on Sunday, he changed his mind about the offer, and told me that the law firm just wanted cheap labour. I'm sorry but I can't help rolling my eyes now. I should give myself a deadline and just decide on what I want to do. I don't mind doing sales as opposed to an admin desk job though.

:: Stuffy 12/08/2003 04:05:00 AM [+] ::
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Did you know that taking up a SAF women's scholarship means that you have to do 3 months BMT. And no, you have to apply as a provisional candidate and take BMT in January before the results are out. If you miss the provisional, theres a second one after the A level results, and guess what, you have to fulfill BMT this year and start studying next year, which is the equivilent of doing a year of NS. I might as well volunteer to do 2 and a half years while I'm at it. This is ridiculous.

I bought two Frank Capra films for $9 each, they were having sale at Tower Records. I've got Clarke Gable's Oscar winning 'It happened One Night' and 'You Can't Take it With You'. Pity they don't make movies like that these days. I should go down to gramaphone one day to pick out more. I hope they have a Christmas sale soon. I finally got John Grisham's 'The Rainmaker'. Didn't buy Chariots of Fire because the DVD wasn't on offer.

:: Stuffy 12/07/2003 03:57:00 AM [+] ::
...

In other news, I can't wait to meet you guys (my ol' gang) soon! And YES!! Sam, we must have a gathering at the end of the year before you guys go into army. So keep your 31st free. Hmm...think Ruhan and Zuck are the first ones going in right? Well, we'll meet up and start planning soon.

:: Stuffy 12/05/2003 05:02:00 AM [+] ::
...

Camp

Glad to be back from Sunday School Camp. Energy draining, I slept 4hrs on average over the last two days. I'm feel contented after having reconciled some spiritual matters, quite like the way John Donne reconciled his. *beams. We learn so many new things everyday.

I felt old be around younger, and more energetic kids. Spontaneity, you seem to lose it as you get older, and Emerald and Joel (bo) shared my sentiments. Of course, I enjoyed the company of Timothy and Gavin, two very interesting juniors. Ironically, team-bonding took place within our sunday school class. Adrain, Andrew and Terence came by in the evening, so we sat at the canteen and talked for hours on end. Hah! I suppose you never really appreciate things lest it be placed in relative to other things. But I'm glad we bonded well as a class. Teng Ngan was right in saying that we shouldn't worry about YAG next year. I suppose we should just give it a shot right? I couldn't agree with it more when he said that it all depends on your personal spiritual well-being as opposed to the circumstances or the prospects of anything. So don't worry, God is faithful.

:: Stuffy 12/05/2003 04:58:00 AM [+] ::
...

Grad Night

I'm back from Grad Night. Everything was just fantastic. Glitter, Glamour and Dazzle.

I got my hair done with Sarita. Special thanks to Kevin who recommended a wonderfully talented hairstylist who made my hair fan-tabulous. Something unique, sophistacated and something that nobody else had, hee~ . The make-up artist however, was another story. First of all, I had problem communicating with her because shes a Hong konger who spoke chinese. Secondly, I annoyed her with constant flinching, I'm sure she got pissed. Now, I am quite bias against makeup artists from hong kong, or any working salon stylist from Hong Kong for that matter. I suppose I would attribute it to bad experience. She plucked out my eyebrows and the pain was so excruciating that I almost fazed out for a moment.

Anyway,

Bimbo mode: People you should try out this hair salon if you're free, shes at St33 (near Ngee Ann Sec), blk201 no. #01-64. Mind you shes no B-grade stylist.


The phototaking was the highlight of the day, we went over to the Ritz Carlton waterfall lounge to take a few pictures. Kinda sad we didn't take one as a class though. I suppose everyone was in a caught up in the frenzy of the moment and it was easy to forget.

The dinner was alright, except I thought, the intervals were a tad too long for my taste. Its banquet strategy: To make sure that you don't go off early until the grad night couple were announced. Probably also a ploy to keep us there with the IRRITATING and NERVE WRECKING MC. I mean, I know that the council was on a tight budget, but we could jolly well cater a 6 course meal, instead of an 8 course with terrible sago desert, then channel the rest of the resources to some agency which offers a better MC. I mean, he wasn't only boring, he was just trying to hard to be normal, so much so he turned out into a ridiculously hokkien rattling Ah Beng. I mean for Pete Sakes! People like that should be eliminated from the face of the earth.

Anyway, after loitering for a couple of minutes at the lobby, we walked to the esplanade. The guys and a few others when clubbing at Embassy and I gave some of the girls a lift home. Well, my parents being the nice and parnoid people that they are, drove all the way to pasir ris and back. Hey I didn't know that Debbie stayed so near me, funny how I never bumped into her before.

Well, I really loved the atmosphere tonight. I loved being with my class, and I suppose this is the last time I'll see so many of you together, until possibly the next class gathering in a month or two. Even then, the guys will be going NS, so it'll probably be really hard to meet up. Of course, I'll see you guys when we collect our A' level results, but thats a different atmosphere altogether, and it'll never be the same as the one we had tonight.

Everyone looked pretty!

:: Stuffy 12/02/2003 11:13:00 AM [+] ::
...

Okay I'm back from that PDP screwed up meeting, finally got everything fixed and hopefully it'll go just fine. I hope I'm not being stupendously optimistic about it.

Went to Macs with Sarah and Tat for branch, and discussed Sarah's plans for her musical next year. The story idea sounds cool. I suppose they'll be working really hard over the next few weeks getting props and actors ready. *Snigger, Tat's role is SO him.

Its ten minutes to 1, I'm going to take a nap, have a bath later in the day, and then go down to meet Sarita and get our hair done at a salon. Yes, not forgetting the makeup too. Sarita is bimbotically excited, I'm half way there except I'm too tired now to show my enthusiasm now.

Off to recharge

:: Stuffy 12/01/2003 08:51:00 PM [+] ::
...

I feel annoyed. Highly annoyed. I can't use Ebay until I get a credit card, and my dad will flare up at me if I ask him to lend me his credit card no. Irritating, I don't even have the alternative of a signed email account. I need to think of more alternatives and fast. But it isn't too bad, I made $20 in a period of 4 days, but I suppose I could earn more if I had ebay. Yep, that'll help offset part of my driving fees, but I need to find a job as well.

:: Stuffy 11/30/2003 11:09:00 PM [+] ::
...

I just logged on to Friendster, and I realised that the whole things is just slow and irritating, almost to the point of being gross. ICQ is still my one and only. I feel like closing my account down now.

Went shopping and didn't really get anything for grad night. I realise that I lost 2kg, the suntan from June is gone and I'm left pasty, gaunt and debilitated. I feel like I just came out of the Holocaust or the Great Depression.

I'll go to paragon tomorrow with Kev

:: Stuffy 11/28/2003 09:18:00 AM [+] ::
...

In light of only having 4 days to find a grad night dress and because my last paper ends at 1730 that day, which means I only have 3hrs to find a something with Hui and Thara, I did some online shopping via Catcha Singapore search.


So far the most cooperative site and idiot-proof click-ons comes from Wisma Atria. Its so convenient and easy, no wonder I'm turing into an internet potato.I could just well do all my Christmas shopping online.

Anyway, this so hilarious. I never knew they had such things around.*hint, shes always an ambassador for something.

:: Stuffy 11/24/2003 01:06:00 AM [+] ::
...

Music: Someday - Soundtrack of Hunchback of Notre Dame

Thought: html is so irritating. I'm half way up, but its just so annoying. Scripts are mean.

All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth

I was watching MTV yesterday and Clay Aiken was singing Invinsible. Hes got good pitching. Its quite a hard song to sing, trust me, no one can sing that song without going off beat unless you've heard it a thousand time, save for the first five words. Its not exactly rhythmic, but he makes it sound pretty good. I just can't-stand-his-porcelain-face. He reminds me of those teary-eyed Precious Thoughts doll.

O I picked up a new hobby. Actually its not that new or surprising. I got really nice chocolates from Marks and Spencers after walking around THOS and Chocolate Box. Its so fun reading whats inside each and every chocolate. I had to share each chocolate with my sister since they only contain one of each and shes the other shareholder since she paid for half of it. Problem is,each box costs $17. Of course if I get two jobs next year I should be able to pay off for more chocolates and violin lessons.

:: Stuffy 11/20/2003 08:39:00 PM [+] ::
...

I'm currently in the making of a new blog layout, but my html is so bad that I have to start reading up on stuff. I didn't quite like the skins around the web, so I thought I'll just make my own, really, you should expect it in like a months time.

Anyway, I went to town with my sister today. I decided not to call on anybody until all my papers are over, for fear of losing track of time and staying out too late. I suppose I'll do just that after i'm done next week.

Ate at Raffles Cafe (POTATO SKINS), walked around. I think I went back and forth from City Hall to Suntec 3 times. Felt hungry again, so went to eat Japanese. (The one at Raffles City basement doesn't charge 10% service, and its cheap too). Bumped into Sarah on the way back, which quite reminds me, when are we going to slumber party and when is Vaidehi coming back from her trip? We going to do it before or after Vai comes back?

I went back home at 5. Felt bored, so went to east point at 7.

I came back dead tired. Its now 10mins to 9. So...I'm going to watch TV and turn in. I'm too tired to think, so this is just me reporting live from behind the computer.

PS: Thara, I tried tagging on your board like about 4 times and it didn't work. Can't wait for you to get back on the 23rd. Hey, are you free on 28th? Suppose to accompany me and hui to get back grad night stuff. And don't worry, I'm flying off on the 13th and will be back in a week, so got LOTS of time to spend with you and hui. See ya when you get back.

:: Stuffy 11/20/2003 04:46:00 AM [+] ::
...

Yes, I guarantee you dear reader that I will make-over this old and dusty blog as soon as possible. It will be different. Of course I need to brush up my html. VAIDEHI I NEED YOU!

:: Stuffy 11/14/2003 07:33:00 AM [+] ::
...

I meant to have that previous post up 2 weeks ago, but i didn't hit the 'Post and Publish' button, I forgot what I hit. Well, Whatever.

I also forgot to put a three week away notice. But thanx to jinghua and tat for noticing the debilitating state of this blog. I- am-a-mess. See, I can't even list down what i'm suppose to do now because I can't even remember the points in order. I will get to it once my exams are over. Then I'll make a new blog layout and start networking again.

:: Stuffy 11/14/2003 07:16:00 AM [+] ::
...

LONDON (Reuters) - A British couple have been forced to move house because of the shame caused by the name of their street -- Butt Hole Road.



Paul and Lisa Allott sold their $250,000 bungalow in Conisbrough, northern England after living there for just 15 months, fed up with the constant leg-pulling.


Taxis and pizza delivery men would fail to turn up, thinking their order was just a prank, and they grew tired with groups of youths posing for photos by the nearby street sign with their buttocks bared.


"I like a laugh, but it was beyond a joke," Allott told the Sun newspaper.


Attempts by Reuters to contact the new residents were unsuccessful -- they have taken a confidential telephone number.

:: Stuffy 10/31/2003 03:18:00 AM [+] ::
...

This week's theme: Words originating in Australia

fossick (FOS-sik) verb intr.

To search for mineral deposits, usually over ground previously worked by
others; to search for small items.

verb tr.

To search; ferret out.

[British (Cornish) dialect: fossick, troublesome person; fussick bustle
about, from fuss + -ick.]

"But you need not fossick through old documents for examples."
Apostrophically Your's; The Economist; May 11, 1996.

"This is, admittedly, not Ackroyd's field; he much prefers to fossick
around with ecclesiastical architecture and cross-dressing at
early-medieval festivals."
Christopher Hitchens; That Blessed Plot, That Enigmatic Isle;
The Atlantic Monthly; Oct 2003.

:: Stuffy 10/14/2003 05:40:00 AM [+] ::
...

There probably wasn't a CG without a camera today. I suppose everyone was in that nostalgic mood since its officially the last day of school (someone tell me why am I suppose to come back for Bala's lesson tomorrow at 9?).

Anyway, the atmosphere in the audi was just fantastic, it felt like a football stadium. The whole audi was just FULL, so much so that students were seated on steps. Quite a pity that the Arts Fac teachers didn't put up a performance this year. But it was fun seeing Mr Ho and his harmonica. I would so much like to see him playing the Er Hu. I must ask him one day if he knows how to play it. Okay, I admit that I was somewhat bitten by the nostalgic bug which went flying around like a the Sars disease.

Me and Vai said that Tony Tan looked like Eng Tat ten years down the road if he ever took an MOE teaching scholarship and ended up in TJ. His message was - expected, but it was sweet. He was quite right to say that our batch went through alot more than other batches - both good and bad.

The best part came with the school cheer. Just had that sweaty and warm orientation feeling to it. 1st O, 2nd O, Yr 1 2003 O, ldr camp, pre U sem. How many times have I cheered that cheer?

Later went for lunch with Sarah, Vai and Nigel at simei then went over to Marine Parade for class lunch. Then the Gulab J. gang went to coffee bean to listen to boy band songs and just hang loose. Hey I saw Elson studying too!

I will miss my time here once its over. I suppose I won't miss it as much now since I'll still be back in school tomorrow and the whole of next week and the next and the next till the A levels are over. But just for now, I'll miss having to rush into line at 0735 just in time for assembly in that comfortable order of Sarita and Sarah infront, then me and then Vai (when shes early). I'll miss seeing that crowd of familiar faces. Faces whom I would recognise, some of whom I'd say hello to, some of whom I've loss touch with after awhile.

When I put TJ as my first choice, I suppose I did not regret it, and alot of it lies with being in 3402. We asked Ms Loong how she would remember our class. Her response : SEX (only coming from Sarita) AND DIVERSITY.

I shall continue this some other day. For now, let me savour and finish what is left of the next few weeks.

:: Stuffy 10/10/2003 03:59:00 AM [+] ::
...

boondocks (BOON-doks) noun
1. An uninhabited area filled with thick brush.

2. A rural area; backwoods.

[From Tagalog bundok (mountain).]

"Once in the boondocks following the slump in industrial activity
in the last few years, the company is now on its way back to
profitability."
Cookie Combat; Business Standard (New Delhi, India); Sep 18, 2003.

"Even if upstart Espoo has taken over the mantle of the second-largest
city in Finland, Tampere has at least been fairing better than Turku
and the other West Coast cities, let alone those places in the
boondocks and in Northern Finland, many of which are suffering
negative growth."
Saska Snellman; All Rise, Please, For the Creative Classes; Helsingin
Sanomat (Sanomat, Finland); Aug 26, 2003.

:: Stuffy 10/04/2003 07:22:00 AM [+] ::
...

If theres one thing that God wanted me to learn this term, it was to have faith in Him, to take my prayers seriously, and never underestimate His power. It seems quite frivolous when you think about it because its just a math paper. But I suppose the message behind it will stick with me for a long time. The point being that Faith in God is essential, but sometimes we doubt our faith. But imagine if you put your full confidence in God. He will manifest you rightly, and then you will be able to fully experience the miracles he has bestowed upon you.

When I heard my math grade I was upset for a while, but then I remembered what I told God and theres this saying that God never lets his servants down. And God was gracious(they forgot to mark one whole question), he didn't let me down, simply because I knew He wouldn't. But more so, I suppose if I had doubt and didn't believe in the commitment I made with God, then I would have been disappointed even if it happened because I would have disappointed God again. I would have been as disappointed as Peter when he tried to walk on water and fell in because he was suddenly overwhelmed with doubt.

This was the passage I was reading about 2 weeks ago. And I think its one of the greatest passages in the book of Luke.

Luke 7:1-10 (King James ver.)

1. Now, when he had finished all his words in the hearing of the people, he entered into Capernaum. 2. And a servant of a certain centurion, who was very dear to him, was ill and near death. 3. And when he had heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, to entreat him, that he would come and heal his servant. 4. And when they had come to him, they entreated him earnestly, saying, He deserves that though shouldest do this for him: 5. For he loveth our nation, and himself hath built a synagogue. 6. And Jesus went with them. And when he was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, and they said to him, Lord, do not trouble thyself: for I do not deserve that thou shouldest enter under my roof. 7. And for this reason I did not reckon myself worthy to come to thee: but say in a word, and my servant will be healed. 8. For I am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh: and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. 9. And having heard these things, Jesus wondered at him, and he turned and said to the crowd that followed him, I say to you, no even in Israel have I found so great faith. 10. And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant, who had been sick, in good health.

:: Stuffy 10/02/2003 01:00:00 AM [+] ::
...

This one is 1 day overdue.

Sunday was a rush, but God made it blesssed, despite time being factor, God was gracious.

I was happy to spend time with Kev whom I haven't seen in ages since he went to NS. Then there was class at Adrain's house, one day I shall tell you what great teachers Adrain and Teng Ngan are. The cake was really lovely, thanks to Emerald for choosing it.

Save the best for last.

Poor Shit broke his leg and couldn't make it. But I was really glad that Nadiah was there. I suppose its refreshing to have another female and delight in female solidarity. Sounds feminist? You bet. But I'll tell you whats behind that statement some other time when I have the time to tell it to you. I still enjoying basking in male camaradie though.

I didn't feel that nostalgic sentimental feeling this time, even though practically the whole gang minus Shit and Ruhan were there. I suppose its because I was dead tired and exhausted, but everything just went along just fine. I especially liked it when we walked down from Orchard to City Hall. Like how many times have we always done that, I couldn't count!

Dear Tat,
Thanks for organising this. If theres one thing I'd like to tell you it'll be this: Everybody appreciated it, not just organising it, but taking the time to do so. You have been a faithful friend. (Of course the second thing I was about to say was that if ever I have my own MNC, I'll be glad you get you over as my events planner) And despite frequently being vertically and verbally marginalised, we're all still on your side man *wink

Steph.

:: Stuffy 9/29/2003 06:49:00 AM [+] ::
...

The Real Hussein
This is just funny

:: Stuffy 9/27/2003 03:44:00 AM [+] ::
...

Sarita couldn't come today, but I had a great time with Sarah and Vai at city hall. Went for lunch at Crepes then to Rocky. I got to choose, correction, I got all four slices of cakes on the menu as a birthday treat. Walked down to the Esplanade and Clarke Quay Roman style. Bumped into Mrs Lim (Principal) along the way, she was with her daughter. Went to Asian Civilization Museum to admire Art.

Dear Sarah and Vai, you girls just looked so hilarious pressing every button on the screen that you could find. But I think Vai has a better knack at button pressing ( the screen can't help being racist right). I shall take you girls to the science centre one day.

I can't write much now, I'm off to Fullerton for dinner.

Tomorrow, my day shall start off at 10 am with Kev and Jason for breakfast at Cartel. Then to Church to Praise the Lord. After which, I shall join my Sunday School class at Adrain's house for whatever. And then if I can beat the forces of time, rush back home to change then to C. Leisure promptly at 3 to meet the guyz for movie and dinner. I must remind myself to be home at 11 because I have school the next morn.

:: Stuffy 9/27/2003 03:35:00 AM [+] ::
...

Forest Gump's favorite phrase "Life is like a box of chocolates" has entered
the language as a way of explaining that one never knows what the next
experience will be. It's no wonder the screenwriter chose food imagery to
convey his philosophy. Food peppers everyday speech to such an extent that
it's practically unavoidable. We fish for compliments, beef about
injustice, butter up the powers that be, and ham it up to get a laugh. A
pretty woman's a hot tomato, a brainy student's an egghead, a muscled he-man
is beefcake, and a coward is just plain chicken. We table discussions, tap
sources, cook up new ideas, pull down menus on our computer screens, and
offer recipes for success. We toast the bride and groom, roast our fellows
at honorific dinners, cajole people who are slow as molasses to wake up and
smell the coffee, act cool as a cucumber when we get caught with our hands
in the cookie jar, and turn beet red when we are obliged to eat our words.
Dollars to donuts you can bet that this week's selection of terms is by no
means the whole enchilada. -Edythe Preet

:: Stuffy 9/23/2003 07:05:00 AM [+] ::
...

Frank Sinatra
Too Marvelous for Words

You're just too marvelous, too marvelous for words
Like "glorious", "glamorous" and that old standby "amorous".
It's all too wonderful, I'll never find the words
That say enough, tell enough, I mean they just aren't swell enough.

You're much too much, and just too "very, very"
To ever be in Webster's Dictionary.
And so I'm borrowing a love song from the birds
To tell you that you're marvelous - too marvelous for words.

[Musical interlude]

You're much - you're too much - and just too "very, very"
To ever be, to ever be in Webster's Dictionary.
And so I'm borrowing a love song from the birds
To tell you that you're marvelous;
Tell you that you're marvelous;
Tell you that you're marvelous - too marvelous for words.

This is how songs should be written

--------------------------------------------------
On MTV Awards:
Justin Timberlake walks up to receive three awards for Cry Me A River and all he could say is 'Uh...Hey Yall...Uh, yeah I wanna thank (tom,dick and harry)...and yeah, I don't ...uh...don't deserve this...uh...yeah and I wanna share the award with (tom, dick and harry)...yeah' - Someone send him for speech therapy please.

:: Stuffy 8/30/2003 09:33:00 AM [+] ::
...

Tony Bennett - The Good Life

Ms Loong was showing us some of her wedding pictures on friday, one of her last life story lessons. Her point being that nobody is perfect and we will, along the way, become disillusioned and disappointed with life, be it in marriage or friendships or careers. She said that the important thing was to keep it going, and its the effort that counts. The effort to compromise and the initiative to meet up for no good reason at all. Just to keep it going.

I did say something about this in some long ago entry, something about friends and company and blah, but I never really put it in perspective. Ms Loong said that people will change, and as time goes by, we will eventually get further apart because of the different circumstances that we face and the different paths we move into. And I guess thats very true. The people whom who thought will always be your bestest best friends in primary school seem to be the very people you hardly talk to, let alone know anymore. Some would say that the best buddies they've made were during secondary school and JC days, and that speaks for me too, but I suppose that whole atmosphere upon meeting them ten years down the road wouldn't be the same again. There will be differences that will make conversation hard.
So what makes bonds stay forever? The effort to send a short note through sms just to keep in touch, the effort to take time out of your busy schedule and make time for those you hold dear in your heart, the effort to pick up that phone and call, but most importantly, the effort to compromise.

Ms Loong told us that the reason why her marriage worked despite the different interests she and her husband have,was the ability to come to a compromise; to do something that you may not like doing, but you do it anyway in the interest of the other party. And I suppose it works the same way for friendships. Your friendships are built from way back and its the foundation that exists which is sufficient. Friendships which were once based on common interests may not exists forever on the that element alone, if it did, that I suppose its just not worth keeping in the end. What makes it stay forever is that willingness to do something which may not be in your own interest. Be it going shopping, watching a football game which you probably can't keep up with where the ball is going, playing pool or boardgames, or anything under the sun. Not that I don't like doing all these things, I don't mind them one bit. But if you asked me, the only interest I have is sitting at the nearest Starbucks with a comic book, or watching disney films at home. But the sake of being there becomes the sake of wanting to be there because of the very people who have at one point in my life made it so incredibly sweet.

Well, I suppose I have some 'working at it' to do as soon as exams are over.

:: Stuffy 8/24/2003 10:20:00 AM [+] ::
...

Was walking home with Vai today after PE and she was telling me about how school is just ending in about 3 months. Thats pretty darn fast. I can't help looking forward to doing a whole lot of things that I have been keeping on the shelf for the past two years, but then again, wouldn't I miss being in TJC? Missing long lunches at siglap or just sitting around under LT1? I haven't got down to thinking about it in a nostaligic sort of way. But everytime something passes theres a sort of momentary vaccum.
JC life passes too quickly and theres just too little time to absorb everything around.
Yesterday, I just got back my JTC results from Ms Kwan and she was telling me how happy I am this year as compared to the year before. I wanted to tell her sing to her 'I've got the joy joy joy joy down in my heart' song, but she didn't have the time to talk to me about everything under the sun, there were approx 18 other people behind me, so I decided not to hold her up.

Anyway, i'm too tired and I shall continue this some other day

:: Stuffy 7/31/2003 08:31:00 AM [+] ::
...

"When I read some of the rules for speaking and writing the
English language correctly...I think-- Any fool can make a rule
And every fool will mind it."
-- Henry David Thoreau (1817-62), American writer,
author, naturalist, "Civil Disobedience," "Walden"

:: Stuffy 7/29/2003 03:25:00 AM [+] ::
...

Kevin's last day today before he goes into NS tomorrow. I guess its not such a big fuss when you think about it since hes only going in for a week. But then again I'll be probably seeing him and Mich less often than I already do.

Went to town with Jason to get a few things done. Later we sat down to study for a meagre 2 hours before going to meet the rest of Kevin's friends (YAG) for a 'surprise' gathering. It sure was a surprise for him when he answered the door and ask 'what are you all doing here?' I think that was the 5th time I heard him say that as far as I can remember.

There are two things I learn:
1. To my amusement, Mark (YAG) has a very good habit of keeping his face blemish-free and pimple-free, armed with tissue paper and Oxy5. Place me next to him and I am condemned to the position of a reckless, unkept and grubby five year old. As if that was not bad enough, my eating habits aren't going to help me redeem myself (many can attest to that). Reminds me of Jasmine(TJ), her prime and properness, her time spent paintakingly combing her hair and using i-have-know-idea-what on her face. I think its a discipline, and one which I simply do not have.

2. Its hard to believe that generation gaps exists among people just 5 years older or younger. Not in conversations where ideals and ideas are discussed, rather the childhood experiences seem to vary for each batch or two batches. Possibly two batches. No wonder people seem to think that each batch seems to have distinct qualities of their own, and over time the gap just becomes wider.

Well it was fun and the conversation was enjoyable. Reminds me alot of all the rubbish we use to talk about with my secondary sch gang. It won't be long before they start trodding off to NS too. I wonder how big a fuss we'll make before they disappear behind the barracks for 3 months (except for tat, saved from physical training). The idea of a farewell before NS or going overseas for studies or going off to Timbuktu has never really occured to me, till now. Kinda sad when you think of it.

Why is everything on Global Economy not net-friendly...sigh
*Tired going to bed.

:: Stuffy 7/27/2003 09:21:00 AM [+] ::
...

Finally I was able to get my villagephotos up and going and some pictures. Hmm...I should redo my whole blog someday.
Yours, Lazy bum

:: Stuffy 7/24/2003 04:50:00 AM [+] ::
...

I felt so infuriated and rebellious, staring straight into space with no purpose and reason for even wanting to be there. When we cannot understand rationale, frustration creeps in, and fury takes over like the metronum pegged down at pesstissimo. My eye muscules felt liked it were being gorged by some internal creature. Logic, what we fail to understand we loathe and we, in all stubborness begin to rebel upon it.

But even that is conflicting.

Extremely sick, tired and weary from conjuring all sorts of theories, Rachael reminded me that God is always there.
Home. I turned to Corinthians 1:4-9, on Thanksgiving:
"I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way- in all your speaking and in all your knowledge - because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you......He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful."

Can I live up to that? I need obedience, not rebelliousness.

:: Stuffy 7/21/2003 06:25:00 AM [+] ::
...

To make a statement

1.Either Zong Zeng is an exceptionally good salesman or hes just unassumingly earnest. I'm beginning to feel painfully guilty for having to tell him that I just can't go to his piano concert. Wait, I'm feeling terrible mean, sigh. Worst of all was diverting his attention to Mich and I think she felt the same way too. I mean, what would you do if you saw a girl scout selling cookies for charity?
Buy more than you were willing to buy.

2. There comes a point in everyone's life when they realise that they're parents are starting to get senile. It comes when your dearly beloved father, in a fit of irrationality, decides to waste $180 worth of Crabtree and Evelyn's soap just for the free almond biscuits and limited addition giftbox.

3. I was feeling terribly stuffy nosed and half dazed this morning. Julian sat by me today in chapel, but I couldn't think of anything to say to him accept that Joan looked like she blended in with the senior 1 girls. Then came a monstrous silence which drove him off. It got me thinking how exactly should we start a conversation with young juniors whom you only meet weekly and really have nothing in common to talk about. Now I am sure that if strangers can strike up a conversation based on mutual willingness of both parties, I could do the same. But on what? hmm... likes wheres Mark Chai? *rolls eyes

:: Stuffy 7/20/2003 08:28:00 AM [+] ::
...

On Jason dancing
In honouring the hype over jason's dance performance this friday, I have decided to write a short commentary on this. (Yes, I have also notified Jay about this too, look below at tagboard for all comments- don't worry, no one said anything nasty.)

I msged Sam and Nadiah the other day about how NASS Choir has brought out the full potential in all its choir members, both in song and dance. Yes, what is song without movement? What is life without breath? To quote from F. Gump, song and dance is like 'peas and carrots'. So I'm sure theres nothing to be suprise about Jason being a multi-talented artiste. I don't suppose its really hard to imagine Jay dancing, after all, the choir musicals which were staged last year and the year before did require some form of bodily expressions. Sadly, I couldn't make it for the performance and that stupid Tat didn't want to go because no one would follow him. Sam is sick, so Nadiah, its up to you to relate the events. (Which reminds me to tell Nadiah that i have a blog) Question which is bugging me right now: Is Jay dancing to Rock, Pop, Jazz, Broadway, Hindi, Rap? How flowery are the costumes?

Anyway, break a leg Jay;) You could be the next best thing in NS Drama and Dance!

:: Stuffy 7/18/2003 03:31:00 AM [+] ::
...

Help Wanted
Printer has broken down, need a new printer. Seeking advice on which printer is better, the Cannon BubbleJet or Hewlett Packard Deskjet 5550.

:: Stuffy 7/09/2003 07:30:00 AM [+] ::
...

Just writing about...

This pass six days have been absolutely wonderful. And I wish to disregard my previous two entries. What Adrian said on Sunday was right. Why look for miracles when you haven't even embraced the blessings God so abundantly gave to us, so right in front us? And how blessed I have been, not just this pass 6 days, but every day of my entire life and the future of it. Yesterday, today and tomorrow. Everyday

I realised that it wasn't really the conversation that mattered or whether it felt bonding or not. As I recall Ming Hui saying in some Friendship Day message, 'Thank You for your time'. And thats what counts. The time you take from your daily living to be with the people you cared most about. (Just as the time God gives us whenever we call to him in prayer).

Days go by so fast, but I'm glad to have absorbed all of it to the fullest. Yesterday was lovely, the guyz came over to my place for bridge and Wimbledon. It quite reminded me of the other time they came over for a belated-belated house warming party and almost every New Year's Eve spent at my house. After they left, I still had the energy to read my unfinished Wuthering Heights and then proceeded to taking out old photos for no apparent reason. I didn't have time to look back on all of them, but I just took out the house warming photos from last year. I guess its because they were well taken that the memories seemed more vivid. (Thanks to Zhan's camera and his commendable photo shooting skills) It warmed my heart. A good lot they are.

Today, I admit being abit reluctant to pull myself all the way to Sentosa to join the class for beach-outing. But after rattling on and on about my dilemma to Zuck and Zhan while playing bridge, I decided out of female solidarity to the Gulab Jamun sisters' clan, that I should go. It was wonderful, especially when we started playing Captain's ball and everybodyelse joined in. I think too, that I have a very wonderful class with loving classmates who could win the Nobel Peace Prize hands down. (Of course, not all of them.)

Reminders to buy my own hammock.

It makes everyone cringe to think that school starts tomorrow and everyone will be going back to their intellectual studies. But let it come 'as merry as the day is long'.

"What does the worker gain from his toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil - this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does so that men will revere him." Ecclesiastes 3:9-14

:: Stuffy 7/07/2003 07:07:00 AM [+] ::
...

Speculations
Mood: Caffeine high and perplexed. Perplexed and Caffeine high. Which one sounds better?

I was sitting at home today enjoying some 'me' time and 'sisterly' time when it just came to me that I'm 17 going on 18. When I was young, my cousins like Alvin and Jason and Kenneth just looked older, and bigger and heavier. How come I don't feel older and bigger. Wait...I take that back, I do feel older, but not any bigger. (Unless I'm infuriated by weasley kids which I want to stomp on) I feel childish now.

I think Vai said something like she wanted to settle down in India and Elson was saying something about getting married at 21(good luck Els). Whoa! The thought of even settling down just about scares the ants out of me as much as Kevin complains about heat. Question: How do you stand seeing one person 24hrs a day and even share the same bed? I can't even stand any breathing being in my room for more than 30hrs. (That includes reasons why I don't let my sister bring Feathers into my room, apart from it shitting around.) People need 'me' time, but thats disregarding the fact that we all need 'people' time too. But we can't have 'people' time all the time. Okay I'm starting to sound like that Fish called Marlin. Question: Is man really a 'giddy thing' as Shakespeare would have him be?

Er...Whatever.

Things to get/do tomorrow:
Hag. Daz Ice cream at Cold Storage going for 2 for $16
Cards for tomorrow night
Remember to keep an eye on phone and not forget to pick the guyz up
Remind dad i'm taking the top floor
Chinese Oral coming soon
Read Hebrews 3 and 4
Ask Adrain about census
Return Ruben's call

Okay, Dad just came home

:: Stuffy 7/05/2003 08:38:00 AM [+] ::
...

People are just getting weirder and weirder by the day, Ruhan just sent me some pictures taken during our June Common Test trauma...geeez, I didn't even realise a camera being in existence during that week...

:: Stuffy 7/05/2003 07:49:00 AM [+] ::
...

Music: What a wonderful world(Instrumental) - Meet Joe Black Soundtrack
Thought of the day: G. Crefield is a me-andering be-ach, argh! Justice to break her sword! Andre D. Cruz should be on Joe the Millionare, Howard Cheung looks like an ostrich without facial hair.

On Conversation

I just finished my paper on Wenesday, so since then I've been going out quite a bit, with vai and gang, my cousins and jason, joyce and gang, and the guyz(today). I don't know why I feel so...disappointed. I think I was looking for a good conversation, a nice long conversation about anything under the sun, I mean the kind that bond people together. But since wenesday, its really been...disappointing, or at least time passed too fast to do quite about any talking.

Somehow nobody likes to sit at cafes for hours on end talking about stuff anymore. I miss lazing at Starbucks with whoever(mostly Sarah and gang) talking rubbish. I miss those days when I sat with mich at the balcony looking at stars talking rubbish. I miss those days when I hung out at cheap fast food restaurants with the guyz, just sitting there playing dai-dee and what not (now that I know how to play bridge, we'll probably be playing till closing time). Talk about rubbish and more rubbish. Though I always feel a sense of impending doom playing cards at Mc at this age. 16, you're excusable, 18, you're under a different law.

I guess thats because its the middle of the year and everyone has alot of things half-way done; tests, exams, school attachments, opening sch term. Who am I to say I haven't been a victim of time? Rushing from one appointment to another, here, there, up on the roof. But I guess today hasn't been all that bad. It almost was in the afternoon before watching Dumb and Dumberer (retarded show, but Bob S. was good hah.) Everyone was just sitting there reading newspapers, waiting for whatever is to come. Dragging,dragging, it was probably only later when we were at Galilee that we just sat down and started talking like good ol' times. (without the cards). Yeah, I need more of that, more often. But when?

:: Stuffy 7/04/2003 08:24:00 AM [+] ::
...

And then I took out my CD collection of ol' 40s and started playing them, trying to recall the last time I played those...last year, Christmas. Where have I been drifting too? I know the answer, you don't have to tell me.

Its one of those nights when you look at the stars and you wonder of how many thousands and millions of names that God created for his angels and named the stars after them(can someone tell me the verse reference? I can't wait till Sunday to ask Adrian)

"And Billie holiday croons "Blue moon...you saw me standing alone, without a dream in my heart, without a love of my own..."

Imagine

Old portraits on the walls, paintings of countryside. The smell of wood, liquor chocolates and faint fruity smell of champagne, wine glasses tinkling, women in evening gowns and men in tuxedos. The Chandelier brilliantly capturing the the mood, the sea of smiles and the glamour of ladies dripping with diamonds. The sound of saxaphone and light fingers on the piano passing its way slowly through the ball room.

And all you need is Ol' Blue eyes and his warm, rich resonating voice,
"Yes, you're lovely, with your smile so warm and your cheek so soft, there is nothing for me but to love you, and the way you look tonight..."

:: Stuffy 6/26/2003 09:33:00 AM [+] ::
...

postdiluvian (post-di-LOO-vee-uhn) adjective

Pertaining to the period after the Biblical flood or any great flood.

noun

Someone or something in the period after the Biblical flood or any
large flood.

[From Latin post- (after) + diluvium (flood), from diluere (to wash away),
from di- + -luere (to wash), combining form of lavere (to wash). Other words
derived from the same root are: deluge, dilute, and lotion.]

A related word is antediluvian (related to the period before the Biblical
flood). It is also used to apply to someone or something very old or
old-fashioned, e.g. antediluvian CEO or antediluvian ideas.
-Anu

"But that was in the good old days. Now, our postdiluvian world is swamped
with hundreds of different kinds of the things ..."
Poseur Index: Rubber Place Mats; The Guardian (London, UK); Mar 20, 1998.

:: Stuffy 6/26/2003 03:18:00 AM [+] ::
...

To the Virgins, to make much of Time

GATHER ye rosebuds while ye may,
Old Time is still a-flying:
And this same flower that smiles to-day
To-morrow will be dying.

The glorious lamp of heaven, the sun,
The higher he 's a-getting,
The sooner will his race be run,
And nearer he 's to setting.

That age is best which is the first,
When youth and blood are warmer;
But being spent, the worse, and worst
Times still succeed the former.

Then be not coy, but use your time,
And while ye may, go marry:
For having lost but once your prime,
You may for ever tarry.

dedicated to Sarah (Megs)

:: Stuffy 6/22/2003 07:46:00 AM [+] ::
...

New Songs from Matchbox20
Unwell

All day staring at the ceiling
Making friends with shadows on my wall
All night hearing voices telling me
That I should get some sleep
Because tomorrow might be good for something

Hold on
Feeling like I'm headed for a breakdown
And I don't know why

[Chorus]

But I'm not crazy, I'm just a little unwell
I know right now you can't tell
But stay awhile and maybe then you'll see
A different side of me
I'm not crazy, I'm just a little impaired
I know right now you don't care
But soon enough you're gonna think of me
And how I used to be...me

I'm talking to myself in public
Dodging glances on the train
And I know, I know they've all been talking about me
I can hear them whisper
And it makes me think there must be something wrong with me
Out of all the hours thinking
Somehow I've lost my mind

[Chorus]

But I'm not crazy, I'm just a little unwell
I know right now you can't tell
But stay awhile and maybe then you'll see
A different side of me
I'm not crazy, I'm just a little impaired
I know right now you don't care
But soon enough you're gonna think of me
And how I used to be

I've been talking in my sleep
Pretty soon they'll come to get me
Yeah, they're taking me away

[Chorus]

But I'm not crazy, I'm just a little unwell
I know right now you can't tell
But stay awhile and maybe then you'll see
A different side of me
I'm not crazy, I'm just a little impaired
I know right now you don't care
But soon enough you're gonna think of me
And how I used to be

Yeah, how I used to be
How I used to be
Well, I'm just a little unwell
How I used to be
How I used to be
I'm just a little unwell

- Matchbox20 fan ( this one doesn't sound like their other songs, thats why it sounds better, esp the guitar intro ) =D
Being unromantic again - How do people know that they're becoming mad? I never understand. If you're mad you won't know it because you are irrational. Well, I know I'm not mad.

:: Stuffy 6/21/2003 09:35:00 AM [+] ::
...

Musings: I know, I haven't been blogging, well...
Mus|c: Unwell -Matchbox20 & Night and Day - Frank Sinatra 'Like the beat beat beat of the raindrops...'

This week has been fast. Wenesday met up with Xiu Hui to watch A Beautiful Mind at the Stella Artious Open Air Cinema. And Saturday Bus Rally. Just sat there at Labrador Park doing quite about nothing with some ppl from YAG. Scouted around the area, hey, I didn't know they had old forts and bunkers over there too! (slow) I felt a slight teeny-weeny sense of curiousity when I looked at that foreboding tunnel. Too bad its locked. Mich, if I happen to ask you to go to Labrador Park with me one summers day in December, remember to bring some tools. Kelvin (YAG) said that it led up to Fort Siloso. Sounds fun yah?

That aside, it came to me again that I HAVE to decide what to do after A levels. (I'm not quite deciding what to do now anyway, I'll procrastinate). But I quite admire the way Jason can skip school without feeling an overwhelming sense of guilt. Not that I don't feel guilty when I skip school, but sometimes I tend to get paranoid. It depends. But I really admire people who have that ability to take it so free and easy about everything. Michelle was telling me about Jonathan (her friend) and how he walked out of JC lecture and opted for poly instead. Sometimes I wonder what I would be had I gone to poly. Not that I'm unhappy, I love my course, my funky GJ gang and school in general. But despite the grass looking quite about the same on the other side, (I can never tell if it ever has a different shade of green) its just the concept with being bored, and just wanting to know what it'll be like over there. I think hes got a relatively cool life, the kind of life I would like to have if I weren't so uptight, or constrained with 'whats the next test tomorrow'. Kenneth too made decisions he never did regret, and it didn't matter to him if he made the wrong choice, I'm glad hes happily doing what he likes best in Havard. Even when he comes back in July, I know that he'll do something that he alone enjoys, no compromises. Ignoring the consequences, thats something most of us can't do, its a gift and maybe a skill? All that talk about being a tourguide in Disneyland or conquering the Russian market is just as fraud as the Dumas in Tsarist Russia. I would like it to happen, but at the same time, there is so many concerns to think about.(the consequence) How daring would I be to even accomplish such a feat? The 'What If' Syndrome should be used to label my generation. I think this streak runs in my batch, or at least spans over a few years within my generation. Everybody is uptight about almost everything, and when they are, you tend to let yourself be pulled by the tide and conform.

I think being an Arts Student can be hard, not because your job options are limited, actually they really aren't. But, with no remorse in saying this, its quite easy to chose what you want to be with a double math and double science combi- simple- an engineer. Even better, if you're innovative enought, you find the golden pot at the end of the rainbow. So I wasn't pratical when I chose my combi? No, I wasn't. Hmm, maybe thats a start. I don't know, and I can't be bothered actually.

I digress, I'm pondering over the 'What IF' generation. Why is everyone born from 1985-1989 so uptight about everything, from homework to decision making. Its...sad. Last Sunday, Jocyln broke down while we were sharing during church class, I guess it had also been the stress from work, and I sympathised with her. She felt sorry for breaking down, and I wanted to tell her that it really was okay to cry, my class (school) has at least someone who does it every week. Terrible isn't it?
*I must stop here, i'm tired.

:: Stuffy 6/21/2003 09:05:00 AM [+] ::
...

MusIc:
Musings: Since when have I started living in this African heat.

I was under LT1 today with Sarita when we picked up the topic on student relationships(BGR). She was telling me how secondary-JC life isn't the right time to be having relationships. How true! We both agreed that theres so much more to do, so much to learn within these 6 years, why waste it on something so risky, something which may not even have the potential to last in the long run? (Sometimes I wish we could agree on things more important like S paper History project conclusions!! lol, of course theres the argument that the world needs opinion and diversity)

School life is about expanding your contact base for future use and reference,(Eng Tat would agree with me) its about knowing all sorts of people, learning from them, enhancing your communication skills and intellectual ability. In such an integrated community as an institution, I think its a good oppurtunity to get to know as many people as possible. Its about establishing a strong social net work (good friends and acquaintances), I'm not saying that we should embrace the whole of humanity, but theres this saying that the people who come from way back are normally the ones who would be still there with you/for you 10 years down the road (thats provided you treat them with respect and don't abuse them). I don't see how investing your time in a relationship would help in that, think of the oppurtunity costs and the risks involved. But of course if you could do both, relationship and socialising beyond the concept of two people, thats something to be commendable.

Of course, isolating yourself from the student population to the extreme is severely ridiculous since you'd be throwing away an oppurtunity that could benefit you for a life time - yes of course, me and sarita are true blue capitalists, i'm sure you've figured that out by now - if you really wanted isolation, then the best recourse would be to quit studying in a government public/private institution and just do home school.

*Off to dinner, pick this up another time

:: Stuffy 6/03/2003 03:28:00 AM [+] ::
...

Manage to squeeze The Matrix: Reloaded into my tight friday schedule. Met up with vai and junita at TM Mall. I seriously shouldn't have known that Keenu Reeves is gay - I admit, I am homo-phobic-(I just think its ...ugh..) The visual stunts were very well carried through all in a single take. Well done. But that was interferred by thoughts of gay man pulling steel bar out, gay man doing kungfu, gay man doing superman thing And then when Vai said 'ooh hes so cute.' I had to chip in with the 'but hes gay' bit. Ugh. I need psychiatric help.

I think the philosophy was quite easy to absorb, its quite common sensical but something not worth pondering on. I just have one question which I hope someone can help me out. Is Zion part of the matrix? If it is, then the world that we live in according to the producers is the one within Zion itself. And of course we have our very own little and unsophisticated system of the matrix called the server. Hmm, I wonder if servers have a 101 matrix system within them.

:: Stuffy 5/31/2003 04:19:00 AM [+] ::
...

Everyone's blog seems to be progressing day by day. I wonder whether I have more to think about than write about, or more to write about than think about. Or both. I choose the former. Poundering on one thought for a moment seems irrelevant in the next. Its something like zeigeist. Oh well. Let me see...

A day at school
Rush into line at 7.35. Nothing really changes in the order of the way people arrange themselves. Its like a permanent permutation of some sort. First Sarita, then Sarah, if Divya's around shes infront of me and then Vai at the back, followed by Jane or Melanie whichever comes first and so forth.
I never like entering LT4 for Math when I'm welcomed with a pungent musty smell. Not that I mind Math as a subject itself, but its one of those lessons where following the second needle of the clock is more interesting than copying numerical sums. Thats when I wonder why didn't I wake up late for school this morning and trot down to school during break time, happily picking up math lecture notes and copying them for the sake of copying them from one of those poor innocent souls who actually bother to come for math lecture itself.
The rest of the day is filled with the usual banter of jokes from the Gulab J and I can't remember what lessons. The weather in TJ always seems too humid and terribly hot so much so that it energy wears out even before noon. Sometimes I contemplate climbing up the mango tree to get afew ripe mangoes to bring home for supper when no one is looking. Unfortunately, these trees are placed in a very convenient location outside the HOD offices, more specifically Mr Bala and Mrs Than's office. How unfair, you know they go to waste just hanging there. Its not like Mr Bala eats them or anything, or does he?
To be continued some other day.

:: Stuffy 5/16/2003 08:49:00 AM [+] ::
...

On Traumatizing Mr Thompson
I sometimes suffer from tremendous guilt or remorse when I see Mr Thompson getting so uptight about Me and Sarita's name-calling spree. Does he really feel so paranoid about us accusing him of Imperialism,Communism(Sidenote:yes hes a strong and faithful follower of Hobsbawn), Fascism, Racism...I think we just raided the whole dictionary of -isms. Maybe if he didn't take those terms so seriously I wouldn't be having such a guilty conscience, after all, Mr Thompson is a nice and sweet history teacher. I think, Sarita, we should write him another apology letter and declare a rightful end to our name-calling spree, once and for all. Especially, for calling him an ardent follower of Peter Pan. Hey, I mean having a name like Michael John and a sister name Wendy AND a son name Peter really does make you wonder whether hes heard of the Peter Pan story. By the way, did you know his daughter's name is Pam( I heard that from Vasu). I wonder if there are any underlying connotations to it, linking him to the Peter Pan myth.

:: Stuffy 4/24/2003 04:56:00 AM [+] ::
...

"And even a longtime Adamophobe has to admit that Sandler is an agreeable presence here, and that the film has some funny filigree work to offset the oppressive schematics. It should make audiences happy. But then so did most of his earlier movies, and they were lame, gnat-brained pieces of demagogic doo-doo." -Time Magazine on Adam Sandler's latest film Anger Management (co-starring Jack Nicholson, yes Jack Nicholson)

:: Stuffy 4/22/2003 04:38:00 AM [+] ::
...

Ok, so I was reading Vai's blog and her entry where she gratefully thanked tat for whatever relief he gave her from some drama job, when I was about to click the little tiny X at the top right hand of the page. Then just suddenly Sarita came into the picture and she was telling me about how she had a whacky dream that she was married to eng tat. Rocks back and forth laughing. Like when she told me her weird dream this morning...Rocks back and forth laughing...and then told eng tat about it... it was just hilarious. I'm so sorry, but there isn't much to laugh about these days. Too bad I don't get ridiculous nightmares like that.

I wonder if Redhuan had some weird dream about being married to Maggie Goh. I should ask him one day for the kicks.

:: Stuffy 4/17/2003 08:45:00 AM [+] ::
...

Hee Hee, I finally got a letter from Vik. Shall go reply.

:: Stuffy 4/17/2003 08:32:00 AM [+] ::
...

I am resorting to narration for the time being to fill up the space on my blog.

Sarah fell sick yesterday with tonsilitis, thats what I had 4 days before, I'm not sure whether she caught it from me though. Now Sarita is down with slight fever and a sore throat, and probably soon to be tonsilitis. Lets hope Vai and Div come down with tonsilitis too!! =D ok, this is a sore joke. Don't hurt Vai.

On Birthdays
For one reason or another I'm just down right bad at remember all those numbers and dates. Feeling terminally bad right now for forgetting 3 of my friends' birthdays this month. Note, not 1 but 3. This just isn't working for me, I need some form of brain surgery which will help me to remember and recollect all those dates, dates and more dates. --Ok, Mich's birthday is coming up soon, which i quite about forgotten when, but vaguely remember that its suppose to be end of April...er...which is like a weeks time. Now, I must not forget that or it'll just be quite about the end of my already deaccelerating brain.
Its just one of those things which no matter how hard you try to make up for a belated birthday, it just doesn't feel right anymore, then you pray that the next time round you won't forget it. And when the following year comes around, dejavu happens. Its a vicious cycle.

:: Stuffy 4/17/2003 08:30:00 AM [+] ::
...

Post Common Test. Stagnation
New Juniors in Debate. No interesting souls
Friends. No exciting gossip
Home. Hasn't changed one bit, still living in a junkyard
People. Please humour me

:: Stuffy 4/16/2003 06:46:00 AM [+] ::
...

"Why are the simplest gestures often the most profound? A young scientist reaches out to one of her subjects and, with a touch of hands forever changes the relationship between the two species." --National Geographics

:: Stuffy 4/11/2003 05:53:00 PM [+] ::
...

"He that hath a beard is more than a youth;he that hath no beard is less than a man:and he that is more than a youth, is not for me, and he that is less than a man, I am mot for him:" - Beatrice, Much Ado About Nothing.

:: Stuffy 4/08/2003 02:44:00 AM [+] ::
...

On Half boiled eggs
I've been eating 3 half boil eggs for 7 consecutive days, and I'm not tired of it! There are two words to describe the joys of eating half boiled eggs, fun and nourishing.

Place two eggs at a time in one of those specially designed half boiled egg containers and hold on to the 'push' button of the water flask. See the steam rise as the water level rise and feel the hot steam press against your face as your pores open and sweat glance start to form on the tip of your nose.
The beauty of making half boil eggs comes with estimating the amount of hot water needed and the time involved. Remember, that every egg is different in shape and size, every egg is unique just like no two snow flakes are alike. Hence, the amount of water level required for each egg is different. The fun starts when you have to use your intuitive gut feeling to estimate the precise amount of hot water needed for each egg. Left too long in hot water and the egg will be overdone, left too short in hot water and the egg will be barely 'half-boiled'.
It is essential to ensure that while making half-boiled eggs, one must make use of existing economical means, such as reusing the water twice or three times over. But remember that with each successive round of reused hot water poured into the container, the temperature of the water is likely to decrease by ___celsius depending on the climate you're in. (Mich, if you do have the spare time, which I'm sure you have, you could carry out this experiment for me.) If your estimation happen to be incorrect and the cracked egg did not meet your expectations of a perfectly 'half-boiled egg', do not be alarmed. There are other options, however less favourable. The egg could be transfered to a frying pan and done pouched-style within seconds or perhaps a sunny-side up.
There are many ways to eat a perfectly half-boiled egg. I like it done preferably with half a table spoon of soy sauce and lots of pepper. Some people it it with ketchup, bread, jellybeans, peanutbutter, whatever...all eggs done are based on individual free choice anyway.

Eggs are nourishing for the bones. And in my case, it helps prevent my already receeding hairline from receeding further. One note of precaution. If you ever have chicken-pocks, however ironic it may be, one is advised not to eat any eggs. This may exacerbate the itchyness in the already disease-ridden skin.

:: Stuffy 4/08/2003 02:41:00 AM [+] ::
...

Annoying, Vai, I think you really have to help me with this html thing one of these days...its so infuriating, I can't get pictures onto it...and it doesn't seem to work out in the right places...oh well...I see a loserly, 'Image not Availabe - Boy that Sucks'. geez

:: Stuffy 4/05/2003 06:51:00 AM [+] ::
...

So I was surfing through as many blogs as I could find and I wonder to myself how unexpressive I've been. I mean I meant to give a little more detail to what I write but somehow radiation from the computer is absorbing my brain cells. See I can hear them screaming 'eek noooooh, the waves are coming, run! hide! eeeekk'. And then all goes blank. I'm so uninspired.

:: Stuffy 4/02/2003 02:21:00 AM [+] ::
...

ok Tat, you're eating up my blog space. If you want to post anything in opposition to me do it on your own blog, or on my tag board below. If not, i will obliterate you from the surface of the earth.
er...I don't mean to be nasty really, we shall settle this on a diplomatic and gentlemanly basis.

*****
Music: Theme from Oliver!

Hmm, how amusing, JC students are starting to petition for school to be open at an earlier date...thats so gross. But I won't mind if the petition was accepted. I'm dying of boredom and its only monday!

:: Stuffy 3/31/2003 03:50:00 AM [+] ::
...

who gives a hoot about the UN HR charter?

i can and i will. *heats up oven*

:: pike 3/28/2003 09:51:00 AM [+] ::
...

You can't. Its a violation of the UN Human Rights Charter.

:: Stuffy 3/27/2003 07:27:00 PM [+] ::
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"Caught up with Tat and the lastest updates in school and out of, sometimes its so interesting listening to that small little mouth gap gap gap. How educational!"
hmm...steph, ever wonder how i'm gonna roast you after you've said that? argh.

:: pike 3/26/2003 11:44:00 AM [+] ::
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Music:Go the Distance - Michael Bolton (Envision the golden curls falling of the back of his shoulders) "I'll be there some day, I can go the distance, I will find my way, if I can be strong"

=) I just stuck the card that mich gave me yesterday onto my bulletinboard. I guess sometimes its nice to pass small little things to people for no reason or rhyme. When I stare hard enough at the front of the card, I get lost into a nice simple meadow with a stream running through the middle. Lovely.

Just came back about 2hrs ago after meeting up with Zuck, Elson, Ruhan and Tat. Unfortunately the poly dudes have school tomorrow so they couldn't join us for a small reunion. It just feels like the post-Olevels all over again when my mind was alot more carefree. Caught up with Tat and the lastest updates in school and out of, sometimes its so interesting listening to that small little mouth gap gap gap. How educational! Of course coming back to reality, I need to focus myself on what I am suppose to be doing and my purpose of doing it at this point in time. (When I think of it, it isn't that bad, really)

Had a nice bowl of two half boiled eggs and some Kaya toast at Killineys. Elson suggested going there, and I thought it wasn't such a bad idea. I guess going to classy cafes too often gets you jaded to the point that all that iced mocha to cappacinos to whatever stylish designers coffee they have on the menu. I've been patronizing Starbucks one time too often. (I almost feel that I can write freely given the next week ahead with no school...write until the server runs out of bytes, I wonder if they would take the ban off tomorrow hmm...wonder how many more people would be going to the hospitals...)

***
I was walking back from studying just a few days before the march common tests started, and I couldn't help but take notice of a few kids about 13 at a nearby playground. Its all too familiar. Just five and a half years ago (which seems like ages) I was there doing the same thing. Except probably more boldly armed with Super-soakers and fart bombs stationed at the playground opposite Aaron's flat Diagonally opposite, about few meters away, my rivals camp-out would have about 6 to 7 'soldiers' on ground about 3 of them on the top platform armed with the same ammo as my commrades. It was so fun! Taking hostages and tying them with raffia strings to the see-saw until the ransom was paid. LOL When I think about it, it isn't one of those things which lifts my spirits, rather its a mixed feeling of sentimental nostalgia coupled with layers of vague heaviness of the heart. As much as I would like to go back to a playground and do what I did that 5 and a half years back, I can't. (This is where I would go onto a long rhetoric on Time and its essence, but I think its quite about retarded to do so)

But really, everytime I see a bunch of young teenage kids at a playground, I feel that sudden urge to tell them to be more adventurous to play that game of playground-warfare, or so thats what we called it back then. I'd gladly join them or sit by the sidelines to watch. Back then, how old am I know. Its almost appalling to say the words 'back then'. Makes you sound so...aged. Sometimes I wonder where Aaron and company (Rob, Tze Siong, Zhi etc...) disappeared too. I see them around sometimes, but I don't recognize them anymore, or maybe I don't want to. I guess the only person who has known my 'that kind of childhood' would be zhi. Haven't seen him for quite a while since hes been to poly, but I'm bound to see him at some next gathering. Just wondering if he still remembers all that.

:: Stuffy 3/26/2003 10:09:00 AM [+] ::
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