Got Papaya?

1527hrs

2006-07-21T15:30:00.000+08:00

u2 - With or Without You

My hands are tied
My body bruised, she's got me with
Nothing to win and
Nothing left to lose

And you give yourself away
And you give yourself away
And you give
And you give
And you give yourself away

With or without you
With or without you
I can't live
With or without you

2255hrs

2006-05-01T22:57:00.000+08:00

2 more papers to go...

And why i am blogging then?
Well...during an exam, one does everything else besides studying :P
Anyway, was watching the election rallies on television today. It brought up a few questions in mind. Nah i am not going to hrap on intricate details and analyse the topics and positions of the individual parties. Rather, i am going to comment on the simple thing of presentaiton.

Yes. Presentation.

Its really weird. With all the money and expertise that they have in their teams, why is it that none of the teams actually bother presenting themselves in a manner truly capable of addressing the crowd in a rally? Why is it that most of the people standing up and speaking either dress real poorly or just look SOOOO nerdy??? I mean, some of them just look so "toot"! (Singapore hokkien dialect for a NERD). I mean apparently some of the candidates still think they are in the 60's so much so that even their hairstyle is 60s...so passe. Some parties should also take the effort to hire marketing people to advertise and at least dress them up better. The whole attire and get up is just so... gah!

Anyway, another issue is that why when they present or speak, do they have this droning voice.."blah blah blah" it makes lecturers in NUS seem so lively and fun! OMGawd... please speak with more life! It seems that these individuals can't even pass their basic oral exams in schools today! I have better tuition students under me that can speak with more enthusiasm!

Sheesh.

Even worse, when reading, apparently all of them are so rich that they hire people to write their speeches (which i guess is pretty normal) but the fact is, apparently they do not go through it first at all! During their speech, they have more eye contact on the script itself then on the audience! I mean come on! Wake up your idea! Its a rally! Its suppose to liven up the audience, stir up their emotions and feelings, gather support! Not bore them to sleep. If i wanted a lecture i would go to school! not to a rally...sigh...

If i had the chance to meet my minister, i would ask him to please get better charismatic candidates... please...

2144hrs

2006-04-28T21:45:00.000+08:00

Long Over Due Post...

heh.. its been a real long time since i blogged about anything... as ususal, the same reasons apply. Its been a long tiring and mentally draining semester and my exams are in mid way... ok ok i know sometimes i am just too bloody lazy to write anything... and for that i apologise :p

Anyway, i just can't wait for this semester to be over. Its been real bad... and tiring... its semesters like this that really make you think twice about going on to higher levels of learning. GAH! there has been so many incidents when i wanted to call it quits...

Oh well, it has been a weird semester... hmm, Arsenal are in the Chamipons League Finals (WTF???) , Real Madrid despite all their players are doing very badly in the La Liga (about time though, Sorry Javier and Xavi), I am actually worried about finding a job, friends are now celebrating weddings instead of birthdays, even the Opposition Parties are now contesting the dominant hegemon... What in the World is going on??? :X

Ah well... that brings about the final point.

For once, the elections or (the ELECTION) is actually on! For the first time since the 1990's our ruling party has not been returned to power on nomination day! (yes yes for all you people overseas, it is not weird over here that the ruling hegemon returns to power on the nomination day)

Heh. and for the first time in my life, i actually have the opportunity, nay privillage to vote!!! Yes ! Moi has the right/ privellage/ honour (put in your own word) to vote! Lol my election card with my full name and registration number came in the mail today! Dont worry skeptics out there! Voting here is SECRECT!nobody will know.

Oh yeah. Bloggers and fellow friends out there... Please be careful. As commenting on political issues here are sensitive, we have to register our names with the appropriate authorities for if we don't it might lead to messy reprecussions if the authorities deem our analysis . Unless of cause we blog from overseas, then its legal.

Anyway, yeah my area *GRC (now for this election only [due to too much jerry- mandering] is known as East Coast GRC) is currently contested between 2 different groups. Basically, the contest might be over even before it begun, but kudos for the group attempting to stand out. After all, it ain't easy playing against the big boys, but at least they tried.

Which brings me to another point, right now to May 6 (election day) is suppose to be the time they are rallying for votes, and thus all the alternate lampost in my area have posters! haha apparently they don't like to use all the lamp posts, so they like to squeeze all the different parties posters on the same lamp post. Therefore what we get is a really messy lamp post with a lot of posters on top of each other... really unprofessional and messy.

Anyway, back to my studies... i have 2 more papers left!!!

1227hrs

2006-03-28T12:28:00.000+08:00

*yaya lah*

1923hrs

2006-02-27T19:30:00.000+08:00

its strange.

Its strange when the place you regard as a home for the past 23 years of your life has been totaly changed. When every nook and cranny that you have become familiar with has totally been removed, repainted, re-decorated and shifted. It feels weird coming back home and everything is no longer the same. I get very stressed when there are strangers in my house doing weird stuff to it.

Its just wrong.

What's wrong in using the old proverb ,"if it ain't broken don't fix it"? it gets on my nerves seeing the place in such a mess. What's the point in buying relics and antiques when you don't even treasure the items that you have in front of you in the first place?

BaH HUMBUG.

only my room is my safe haven now. Only my room is my home. Its not that i dont like the new surroundings. Its nice indeed. (It better be with the !@#!@#! amount of money spent on it) But the point is, its just not my home anymore.

:(

2357hrs

2006-02-25T23:57:00.000+08:00

Sigh.

Am very disappointed. What is wrong with parents? When young, we always look upon parents as an oasis of wisdom, someone that we can look upon in awe and inspiration. But now as we grow older, sometimes we can never understand how our parents think.

What the hell is wrong with them nowadays anyway? They think they know everything, but the truth is they DON'T. They refuse to listen to you, chiding you for not being mature enough and understanding the whole picture, but the truth is, they are the ones who are not mature enough to handle constructive criticisms!

FRUSTRATIONS. Thats what i get for talking to them. they always winder what is going on in my life, but they never listen. They accept the fact that other people's children are growing up, but never their own. Well get this concept right, "WE ARE ALL FUCKING GROWING UP." I do know that parents usually restrain you for your own good, but sometimes, weren't parents kids? Why cant they understand how it's like to be a teenager or a young adult? Since they love talking so much about "when i was young" bull shit fuck nonsense, why can't they also understand the things that we have to go through now? They always said they had it tough, well the truth is FUCK IT MAN you have no idea how tough it is for a young adult now!

You try going through what we are going through now and you tell me if you can handle it. Get used to the fact for pete's sake that as time goes on, people change and people grow up. YOU CANT ALWAYS HAVE WHAT YOU WANT.

GROW UP.

Sigh. What kind of stupid mentality do they have? STuck in there own archanic and conservative thinking. Why cant they be really supportive and support us and encourage us with positive words and stuff rather than using a negative and pessimistic way in which to tell us things. Well after all, they are the ones that voted in the f!@#@!# gahmen who uses the same form of threats to its own people. GRRRR.. why cant they fucking just accept the fact that we are all growing up now. GET USED TO IT...

As one famous rapper said (i dunno who) "MOVE BITCH, GET OUT OF THE WAY."

0011hrs

2006-02-24T00:16:00.000+08:00

"Because maybe
You're gonna be the one who saves me
And after all You're my wonderwall"

1936hrs

2006-02-09T19:36:00.000+08:00

Is it normal to be depressed?

Is it normal for someone just to feel down?

Well i hope so, cause currently i really feel down. Almost as bad when i was 2 years ago. It just felt so demoralising, going to school and stuff. Feels draggy. I really dont know what to do. I just wish for this week to be over. Guess i feel that i need sometime with my close friends again. need their support and help. Current feeling is really SIANZ 1/2 (very bored in plain simple english).

Sometimes, i wish there was someone to talk to, but i know everybody is busy. I don't blame them at all. i understand that they have pressing issues to attend to. But i just want to curl up and rest. I want to get away from it all.

BLAH.

Ever since returning from Overseas, i dont really feel like studying. Whats the point? Feel so lethargic. No wonder some people need like a short break upon graduation before entering the mundanes of the work force. SIGH. i need something like a bottle of Gummi Berri Juice (for those who dont understand pls watch Gummi Bears circa 1988) to perk me up.

I really dunno if i should graduate. I found out that a lot of my friends whom i did not expect to graduate are indeed graduating this semester! Shocking for me at least. I am really torn between the two options.

Sigh.

Perhaps stuff like this and other things are getting me down. I just want to get over this week.
I hate it.

2309hrs (51mins to CNY!!)

2006-01-28T20:10:00.000+08:00

OOOhh...

Heh.. its the first time that i am going to celebrate Chinese New Year overseas, normally, regardless of where my family members are, we would always attempt to return home to celebrate it.

Its fine actually, quite ironical actually for i for one do not like going to Spore's Chinatown to walk around during this festive season, now that i am here, i actually just went to walk around! hahaha unfortunately most of the stores were closed by now, but the crowd is pretty bad still... heh...Typical stalls selling clothes, tib bits and other chinese stuff were aplentiful and even bah kua!!! (dried bbq pork!) so it was pretty much similar to home. :)

This year, the reunion dinner i had was in "Star City" or Sydney's resident casino... heh yeah i know, its pretty weird. I miss my grandma's food and all the noise of relatives and stuff... i miss the festive noise and other relatives that will definitely occur the next few days. I miss it. Its usually only during this period that i meet my other M.I.A (Missing - In -Action) relatives, and this time i dont think i have the opportunity to see them at least once.

Ah well... When life throws you lemons = make lemonades :)

Heh... tomorrow we will be going down to Hunter's Valley! I have no idea whats there, but i hope it will be good :)

Coming new year, i want to just take life one step at a time. Be grateful for everything that is in my life and not to worry too much. Live Life to the Max!

1702hrs

2006-01-27T14:03:00.000+08:00

Well its a first for me.

Leaving Singapore for an overseas destination for Chinese New Year. It seems quite strange really, but ah well, will be back before i know it.

Sydney is quite hot actually, not much different from Singapore. Perhaps the only difference that the humidity level is a lot lower, therefore = less sticky :)

ANyway, just want to wish you guys a Happy Chinese New Year in advance!

1730hrs

2006-01-18T17:27:00.000+08:00

My parents were right.

No matter how much one goes through in life, one is always learning.
Sometimes when we feel that we kind of have learnt enough, something comes along and smacks you right in the face and makes you realise that ,"you my young padewan have a lot to learn".

SIGH

I think the older you get, you have to realise more so that whatever actions or comments that one says, it directly or indirectly affects other people, even if you did not intent to hurt the other person. It goes to show that sometimes, when we get too carried away, we come across as insensitive and rightly so.

Ah crap.

Must learn to wise up.

Sorry.

"You think you know everything? Everything you also know? What you don't know?" - Dad

2315hrs

2006-01-04T23:14:00.000+08:00

A New Year has come upon us and once again its time for us to reflect upon the previous year.

Heh.

Its been swell and i am grateful for the big guy above for protecting and guiding me throughout the past year. May His guidiance and grace keep me, my family and loved ones safe from the perils that lay before us for the coming year.

I have been grateful for being given the chance to get a chance to go overseas. Its been a good opportunity for me to grown up, mature (like fine wine :P) and to taste the experience of studying overseas. I give thanks for the friends i made over there and hopefully that i can carry on to keep in contact with them and to constantly share with them and hopefully visit them soon!

I am also thankful for all the shit and crap that has fallen upon me this year. Heh i know its strange to give thanks for problems, but hey! without problems, i most likely will never learn. From the problems i faced in the previous semester to the problems i faced in the USA and the problems that arosed in Singapore when i was there. I hoped i have learnt from it, came out of it stronger and hopefully i hope never to repeat it ever again!

Finally, i want to give thanks to my family and close barker friends who have constantly been there for me...i want to give a special mention to you for entering me life and for being there to constantly entertain me and for making my day.

The year has ended and i hope that we can always remember the good times and forget about the bad times as we move on to a new year.

1117hrs

2005-12-22T00:16:00.000+08:00

Ok.

Here we go. Another adventure is over. Time to take the long dreaded 25- 30 hours on the plane again. I hate the time it takes. Will somebody please invent teleportation!!!

Heh

Its been fun guys, thanks for the wonderful friendship, thanks for the wonderful memories and thank you for everrything that you guys have done. Thanks for putting up with me despite all my irritations and stuff. You guys will be missed. Till the next time we meet again.

It ain't over. We will meet each other again. I know we will.

0035hrs

2005-12-19T13:37:00.000+08:00

*sound of masking tape*

Ok. So the boxes to be shipped back are packed. They are sealed. And tomorrow they will begin a journey across continents back to Singapore. All in a span of 4-6 weeks. (I hope)

Wow. The day is approaching and packing has been on going. It feels so weird now. I am finally starting to visualize that i am actually leaving this place.

*brain freeze*

Technically, since its past midnight, i have approximately 60hours left before i board a plane to JFK airport to board another plane back home. Heh. 30 hours later, i should be back safe and sound. Heh.

my room is kinda bare now, my drawers and cupboard are bare now. Feels like that day when i first arrived. it has come full circle. Kinda feels like the quotes below:

Vader:
We meet again, at last.
The circle is now complete.
When I left you, I was the learner; but now I am the master

Alas, the circle is indeed now complete, but as we prepare to leave, let us leave with the hope and belief that we will meet once again.

May the Force Be With You
Always

Heh

1757hrs

2005-12-18T06:57:00.000+08:00

Hmmm...

One more paper left to hand up :) can't wait to get that off my chest. I have never felt so relieved before. Started packing already too. Damn, do i have a lot of rubbish. :P 1 Bag is full already and i only have 1 more left. Gah.

It has begun, the first of our flock has left.

Marie (the very sweet and nice french girl) has left DC. She left today for 2 weeks in Paris before heading back here to join some of them for a trip down to Mexico. And so the 'exodus' begins. Others will soon follow, Will, Fahad, Javier and the rest will probably be next and then me, Julien and Iz-B.

Its been swell. 3 months plus has just flown by and i wonder what the next 3 months will be like. It will be probably be weird for some of us. Going home for good, going through the same 'mundane' routines and stuff and for some, its only the 1st half.

Feels weird. I want to go home, but at times its scary to go home. I can't wait to meet the Barker guys again, can't wait to see home again, definitely can't wait to meet you again, but at the same time, i feel a sense of apprehension. Probably just afraid of things changing again.

Heh. time to go,just very fortunate to have met everybody here. fortunate for the friendships i've made, the things i have learnt, the crap that i went through. Everything happens for a reason, i might not know what they are, but i am sure it happened for a reason.

TIme to grow up, play time is over, next semester beckons and i need to start studying properly now :p

It has been a hell of a ride. I will miss you all.

1745hrs

2005-12-16T06:45:00.000+08:00

OMG...

Its almost over... the exams are TECHNICALLY over... (haha actually one more paper due on monday, but its done :P) I can't imagine it. I mean after all the months of studying, complaining and learning to survive in a different world, its all done...

This is my last weekend here in DC.

Last weekend.

Can't imagine that. Its been home to me for the past 3-4 months and now i am probably leaving this place for good. When will i see this place again? i dunno. When will i see all these wonderful yet at times irritating people again? i dunno... hahaha...can't imagine that.Sheesh.. within a week i will be eating mee goreng and sin hoi again...wow.

Feels so surreal.

As i start packing and selling my books, i look back in awesome wonder. How a semester just went by again. and i give thanks to the Big Guy up there... for letting me survive another semester. Thank You.

1721hrs

2005-12-08T06:21:00.000+08:00

What more can i say...

*S P E E C H L E S S*

S I G H

For those who are intending to gloat...

Gloat at your own risk

You have been warned

2109hrs

2005-12-07T10:09:00.000+08:00

14 more days.

Can't imagine it...

Time flies by so fast. When we take a look back now... it feel that it was so fast. And yet when we go through each day, it seems so long. 3 months went by already. New friends have been made, new routines created, new habits picked up, new experiences shared and new problems faced. It only felt not too long ago, when i arrived groggily from home. It felt so surreal that here i was in the US again.

And now, the finals are upon us, the holidays soon after that and home is beckoning. its time to look forward, but never to forget the past. Its time to catch up with old friends, to go back to old routines, to get back old habits, to remember old experiences and hopefully face less problems.

Heh, if you ask me right now how i felt, i would have no idea how to reply. I mean i am happy i am going home, but am quite numb to the fact that i only have 2 weeks left... a bad analogy is like the end of my national service. I mean i am happy that i am ending it soon, but it all seems so surreal that you went through 2 and a half years of it.

It feels numb.

I guess the fact that i will probably leaving what has now become your security, your norm. And even if you are going home, its something that is unknown.

And man always fear the unknown.

Ah... i guess there is no point to think too much. Exams are here. Sheesh. Its been such a draggy semester with regards to studies. I have never had such a draggy semester before. It feels weird that even though its in december, i am still studying and still DOING A FINAL PAPER. i mean, its just crazy.

Gah.

CAn't wait for the exams to be over.

Home is beckoning guys.

Time to prepare for it.

2257hrs

2005-12-06T11:57:00.000+08:00

Sometimes, why do people behave like total asses. Is it out of necessity or is it by accident? Sometimes when we say things or do certain actions, we do not understand the importance or significance of our actions. We just take it for granted that the other person knows what we are doing or what we mean.

I have to admit I am guilty of such things. I do say things or do things without thinking or contemplating how the other person might feel. And because of that, i often put the person in a very uncomfortable position and even hurt the other person.

And for that i am an arse.

And for that I apologise

I am sorry

1639hrs

2005-11-28T05:39:00.000+08:00

heh...

went museum watching after taking a very long break... we decided to travel down to the National Archives after much procrasination... yes the National Archives... the home of America's Constitution and Bill of Rights...and yes the same one as shown in this movie!!!

Yes the one starring Nicholas Cage and Diane Kruger...unfortunately this time there was no Diane Kruger at all...hahaha but nevertheless it was indeed a grand place to visit. We were greeted at the Main Entrance with a very massive entrance.

We had to queue a bit as it was Thanksgiving weekend and everybody was bringing their families out around the National Mall. After a wait of about 15 mins, we were allowed to be security searched and so on. The queue that led to the Decleration Of Independence was long and as we approached it,

we were finally in the presence of history...200 plus years... it was nice and no there weren't any people trying to steal it unlike in the movie...

After that, we decided to take a walk down to Capitol Hill... it was a beautiful day despite it being cold. The reflecting pool (as the lake is called) in front of Capitol Hill was semi-frozen and the birds were all walking on it.. pretty nice...

Very Beautiful...

The Capitol and a very unphotogenic me :p

The Capitol... majestic and awesome...

0010hrs

2005-11-26T13:09:00.000+08:00

Thanksgiving

Its a time where we give thanks and to look back to what we are grateful for throughout the year.
The sale came and gone...and it was an experience i would never forget. We slept in a shopping center the whole night, caused the metro closes at midnight and by the time it opened, the sale would be long over. so anyway we queued in the cold (-5 degrees!!!!) from 0300hrs!!!! hahaha

Fahad (Mr Bank of Riyadh) bought the most, web cam, camera, MP3 players... the Sproeans bought cheap DVDs :P other items were good but it was pointless for us to get it... $300 desktops and laptops...nice...

We had breakfast after that and looked around Macy's...it was suppose to have a good sale...BUT..it SUX... it was not cheap at all!!! felt so cheated and there were no sales for even shoes!!! I wanted to buy the nike free range...but blast it...not much diff... might as well go back to Queensway to haggle for a better price.. (by the way, can anyone tell me how much the Nike Free Running shoes are back home?)

Apple store was just as bad... BLEACH... the ibooks only had a discount of $101. BIG DEAL. i mean...come on! a little more generosity migh work in the LR ....sheesh..so yeah...but its ok..the good thing about not buying anything else is that i get to keep this!!! TA DA!!!!!!!

LOL!!! Oh yeah...my catch for the day...
*ahem*

Apollo 13 Special Edition DVD --- $5
Minority Report 2 Disc --- $4
Kingdom Of Heaven 2 Disc --- $9.99
Ultimate Matrix Collection (Including Statue of Neo) --- $39.99

Nice....

But was soo tired....after that...anyway, we came back to hall and we slept in the afternoon. We woke up for dinner...(*grinz*) at the Pub...it was something worth while.. :)

We started off with lovely squash soup (taste soooo much better than it sounds)

Nice Salad with walnuts and italian dressing... which was rather nice...

Followed by Turkey, Mash Potatoes, Long Beans...

And a whole array of other dishes, of yam, pasta, stuffings (*YUM*) and many more... no alcohol though as the majority are kids ..(yesh below 21) but it was nice in the end...dessert was also served...

Which was some weird pastry with walnuts...(which in the end i passed to Fahad cause i didn't really fancied it) but all in all it was a nice way to end the day...

Ah well...so what am i grateful for?

1)Family and friends are well and good
2)To finally experience studying overseas (despite the bad)
3)CHeap DVDs...hahaha
4)Meeting great friends here
5)Not freezing to death last night
6)Going home soon
7)i survived another semester
8) and you

heh.

1018hrs

2005-11-25T23:17:00.000+08:00

Holidays

Enjoy yourself the next week :D

Come back safely ok?

You will be missed...

1134hrs

2005-11-24T00:34:00.000+08:00

Everybody's leaving...

hee... the thanksgiving holidays are here...and everybody's leaving... some are off to visit friends, some are off to visit families...its always nice... heh... some have left since last week... i so would have done that... my dorm is starting to get quiet as most of my neighbours have left for the hols... its weird ...no more smokers at the door... no more grumpy people walking around ... even the TV room is quiet...

peace... serenity...

anyway for the rest of us left behind, its time to rest, chill out and to take it easy. we rented some movies for the weekend... just to take up the time... "Kung Fu Hustle" (yes the Stephen Chow show) was borrowed,"Taking Lives", "Star Wars" (Its was free :D ) so kinda going to fill this weekend with old school favourites.

Its getting really cold now... and the weather is seriously dropping. Its in the negatives now. And to make things worse, the wind isn't exactly helping... i hate the way the wind blows against you... the feeling of your face getting numb and your ears falling off is ghastly. At night and now recently during the day i can often hear the wind blowing against the walls of my room, and freezing my windows and my books on the window ledge.

Darkness falls a lot earlier now... its almost pitch dark at around 6. Winter is here. sometimes in the morning, when i get up, i usually wake up not because of my alarm clock but rather it is because it is too cold. Teeth chattering and toes curled...it really is depressing when its so cold and dark...damn...i am not born for such weather...sure kinda miss the sun...

heh...

*thinking of warm thoughts*

0009hrs

2005-11-23T13:09:00.000+08:00

Hmmm...

Its been a while sinced i last blogged..was too bloody busy doing my work to do anything else...so after 2 more quizzes, 2 more papers, i have finally come to the point where i can finally breathe awhile.

Phew.

So that brings us to now. Thanksgiving is upon us! :D its a time for spending time with family, friends, a time for eating, a time for just chilling and having fun. But for me, its a time for doing what Singaporeans are good at -- Shopping!

Shopping on the day after thanksgiving or "black friday" as it is called by the locals is something very different. Its known to be the biggest sale in American shopping history.

Heh. Apparently sales would go as higher as 75%!!! *GRINZ* and to make it worse, the shops will be opened at 5am in the morning!!! hahaha...well being kiasu and to fit in with the local "kiasu" people, we have decided to hang out over night at the shopping center!!! Hang on before you people condemn me for being kiasu, let me remind you people that the locals will also do the same thing, and as the saying goes, "when in rome, do as the romans do".

Hee. Well the shops i am targeting are Best Buy (local electronics store), Apple Store and Sony store. And on top of the list is a digital camera for my dad. :)

hee... this will be the second time i am participating in the sale. Heh the last time in Tucson in 2002 was wicked! We SAF Guys ROCKED THE PLACE! hahaha...hopefully this time will be equally fun!

Its no-holds barred. Trust no one. Anarchy Prevails! Very Hobbesian in nature. Pushing and running will get you your things you want.

heh...

I shan't let my country down...Kiasuism will prevail....muhahaha...

1345hrs

2005-11-10T02:45:00.000+08:00

Creed: One Last Breath

Please come now I think I'm falling
I'm holding to all I think is safe
It seems I found the road to nowhere
And I'm trying to escape
I yelled back when I heard thunder
But I'm down to one last breath
And with it let me say
Let me say

Hold me now
I'm six feet from the edge and I'm thinking
That maybe six feet
Ain't so far down

I'm looking down now that it's over
Reflecting on all of my mistakes
I thought I found the road to somewhere
Somewhere in His grace
I cried out heaven save me
But I'm down to one last breath
And with it let me say
Let me say

Hold me now
I'm six feet from the edge and I'm thinking
That maybe six feet
Ain't so far down

Sad eyes follow me
But I still believe there's somthing left for me
So please come stay with me
'Cause I still believe there's something left for you and me
For you and me
For you and me

Hold me now
I'm six feet from the edge and I'm thinking

0014hrs

2005-11-09T13:14:00.000+08:00

Helpless...

What would you do when sometimes things happen and you can't do anything about it? How would you try to make it better? How would you try to resolve it? It pains me when i am unable to do anything to solve a problem. It makes it worse when i am not even in the same country. It makes things worse when people assume the worse about you.

Nobody wants shit to happens, but shit happens. Just feel so unjustified, so weak and so angry when it happens. I mean i just hate it when thing happens and you can't control it. I know those will say trust in Him. I know that. But sometimes, you feel the need to defend yourself. But you can't. You're not there. It will make things worse. But its inside you. this need to prove yourself. to explain yourself. But is it necessary? Does it work? I dunno but sometimes it might just make you feel better.

Sigh. F!#@!@ it. Things have already happened. Wheels are in motion. Just hope that people will understand me. that i am not enjoying it. I never intended to leave mess behind. I never intend to screw the next comm. I do acknowledge my mistake but please try to understand where i am coming from.

I just wish for that.

Ah Fuck it.

2200hrs

2005-11-06T10:57:00.000+08:00

Well...
Another year has passed...
Another year to reflect on...
Another year to give thanks...

Well this year started off pretty quietly... Woke up kinda early... received a call pretty early (0600hrs to be exact) from my Mum and Dad, "Best Wishes" and "Take Care" ...nice way (despite it being so early... Mum really needs to get the time difference thingy sorted out) to wake up too... had a class at 0935hrs... but was thinking..."ah hell..gonna bask in my youth (or what's remaining) today..." so sorry Prof Sohn...no apperance by me today...

Talked for a while on the phone...(ok so Javier might not agree with me that it was for awhile) and decided to head down to National Archives instead. Went down with a group of friends which we ended up detouring to Penang instead. For those who do not know what Penang is, well its a lovely Malaysian restaurant that serves the most realistic authentic food you can find here in the US. It has various branches all over the eastern and western part of USA. For those who intend to study in the US and are in desperate need of good Sporean food, you HAVE to come here...

Anyway, after stuffing ourselves with delicacies like Mee Goreng, Prata, Beef Kway Teow, Curry Chicken,and Goreng Pisang for desert and to top off with a nice glass of Teh Tarik...bliss...we were definitely too full to move to the archives. So culture and history had to wait as we strolled down to Georgetown instead for 'pop' culture instead... (MM say we cannot neglect 'pop' culture mah..) So we went shopping (window actually) and ended up in Johnny Rockets (a 50's American Fast food restaurant) for Milkshakes...even more bloated... We realised we were very late and we rushed back so that we could be in time for dinner which my turkish friend (Aysun....) had volunteered to prepare for me...

We walked all the way back and was breathless when we reached back... apparently Aysun had spent 4HOURS cooking for us...4HOURS o_O *speechless* God Bless your kind soul Aysun... i decided to go get some drinks instead... I decided to go check mail...(i usually dont cause the only mail i get are bills) but i am sooooo glad i checked that day....after struggling with the bloody ANCIENT MAIL BOX...to my surprise and happiness...i saw an envelope inside! Further looking at it, i saw a very familiar sight... A Singapore stamp and a chop that says "Singapore Post" hahaha!!! Was so delighted and speechless to receive that...its always nice to receive something from home... (for all those who have friends studying overseas, please take the time to write them a snail mail once in a while) I consider myself very fortunate to have received a mail from you...thank you... really made my day sooo much better...it was simply... sweet.

Anyway i reacehd back to the dinner area with a bumbling idiot smile, the rest was there... the food prepared by Aysun, amazing...awesome... so while we were going to eat (yes again) they got me presents...*GRINZ* the kind lot gave me not 1 but 2 items!!! hehe... a very nice and practical coffee flask from STARBUCKS!!! Woo Hoo...not to hold the coffee from STARBUCKS, but to hold coffee from my Super 3-in-1 coffee from HOME!!! hahahhaa ...wait..it wasnt over they also got me a jersey!!! a NHL jeresy for the DC Capitals!!! WOOOO HOOO!!! hahahaha..thanks guys...it was awesome!

Anyway, after being stuffed, Javier bougth Episode III!!! *Grinz* we decided to return back and watch the movie!!!called my sis and wished her too!!! heh..so after my bath, I was soooo tired....we were watching Epi III halfway when i received a call from a friend, she told us that one of the international students had a tiff with their other half and was crying right now...*gasp*!

I rushed over... and was met by Ayako downstairs who was there to open the door for me, we went up all worried and tense, when i reached the level, Ayako sprang open the Aysun's room and all of a sudden... a trap was laid... and i was the bait...

"Surprise!!!" hahahha

Everybody was there... everybody... thanks guys...it was really a good surprise...apparently, they knew i was very easily suspicious and they took extra precaution not to let the cat out of the bag... shucks...guys... thanks...

Well i wasn't gonna be let of that easily...so after a lovely cake, thanks Aysun and Ali for the alcohol... *wink* i had to down shots...not one or two but ...countless...(dun forget Bailey's and Beer) hahah...and the worse part was they made me dance!!! dancing and alcohol..not a very good mix...

So yes needless to say i was drunk...and after lots of nonsense sprouting from my mouth... yes i went to bed... sheesh...embarassing....but glad everybody had a good time...

Thanks so much guys for making my aging so much more bearable...

Thanks...

To the next 23 years...

heh...

1639hrs

2005-11-03T05:39:00.000+08:00

BLARDEE USELESS BUNCH OF ASSES!!!
CAN'T EVEN DO ANY BLARDEE THING RIGHT...
WHY THE !@*#(%!@#!@# DO YOU ALL EARN SO MUCH MONEY FOR???

GO !@#*!@( YOURSELVES!!!

HOW DARE YOU ALL WEAR THAT JERSEY!!!

1109hrs

2005-11-02T00:09:00.000+08:00

Hmmm

Was reading The Today newspapers today (no pun intended) www.todayonlinw.com,
And i have always been particular about the Voices Section, in which people basically air their views on certain things.

One thing that caught my eye today was about this person Siow Jia Rui who commented about the western media (in this case the Australian Media..dun get offended James) who as usual was lambasting the Singaporean Government and their ways. Apparently, an Australian Drug runner was caught by Singapore Customs and of course was given the death penalty. And typically, the Australian media starts slamming the government.

I mean who are you to decide if my country is right or wrong. Who are YOU to use your benchmarks or standards? I mean if i want to use Singapore's efficieny rate to compare with other nations, ALMOST EVERY OTHER COUNTRY is THIRD WORLD... but you see ... we don't ...

Tolerance man... respect... certain countries need to UNDERSTAND that...stop pushing your weight around, for if you lose your balance, it would be a sight to see...

heh...

Sheesh. Grow Up.

I mean Jia Rui is correct when stating that the minute the person enters Singapore soil he is subjected to Singaporean Laws. Full Stop. Period. You break the law, you face the penalty. DUH. I mean is it so hard to get that idea across? You come into my country and you commit a crime and now you want to be subjected to your laws? I mean give up! If you want to do that, STAY HOME. Get caught in your own country and suffer your own penalties. This year had another woo haa with another (hmm...) Australian girl. She claims that she was sabotaged by her friend and therefore not her fault. Sounds like Bridget Jones, but unless you have Mark Darcy on your side. Its gonna be quite hard. I mean if the person was your friend...HE WON"T DO IT TO YOU now would he?

Ah well..of course the Aussie media and govt started slamming the Indonesian government for their actions....blah blah blah...i feel quite sorry for thm. I mean they are just doing their jobs.

I just wish other countries learn to respect other coutnries more often. No matter how big or small the country is, the least we can do it to respect it.

2030hrs

2005-10-31T09:30:00.000+08:00

Its been a bad week.

Still recovering from flu... head still groggy and have been coughing myself to death...wish i was dead...even had to eat porridge and bee hoon the last 2 days... (thanks Hoon Ye)... haven't been really able to sleep the last few days...i feel so bad cause i feel that my coughing indirectly affects Javier's sleep too... fell damn bad about it.

The weather hasn't helped it much either... thankfully it hasn't rained but the
worse thing is that the wind is really bad...

i've got worked piled up to my head,
all i wanna do is jump into my bed and
wash away my troubles with lemonade...

I think in my this condition...i might have pissed off people and also maybe "suffocated" you...sorry about that...hope i dun piss off more people...

Apparently it can get worse... for those who know me quite well, they know the effects of ManUtd losing and how it affects my day...by making it worse... maybe its the illness and maybe it's other things (including medicine...thank God for Panadol)...but i so do wanna go back home... i mean i do like this place for all its quaintness...but i think my stay here has kinda reached its saturation point... dun get me wrong...its a nice place and the people i met have met it so much better...but sometimes i personally think that there comes a point in which you have to pack things up and know that your time in this place has reached its mark...sometimes...i just need some comfort food.. friendly faces...familiar games ( damn i miss generals :( )... and most of all i really miss you the most...ah well...sheesh this post is becoming whiney...

Anyway... the international students are all planning to go trick and treating tomorrow...its Halloween and we all felt like dressing up and going down to the embassies to get candy! haha... ah have no idea what to wear...maybe just powder my hair :)

Ah well a song kinda summarises my mood now...

Its a local Singer...Corrinne May (Made In Singapore sia!!! ;) [Local talent])

Save Me
written by: Corrinne May

I drift, I burn, I fly
When you sing lullabies
I'm helpless, I'm yearning
I'm like the putty in your hands

I laugh, I dream, I cry
When you take me on a roller coaster ride
You see me through and through
You see just who i am
Just take my hand and

Save me from this place
Heaven knows I'm falling
For you, my sweet embrace
Heaven Knows
Heaven knows I've been waiting for you

I had a dream that i
was falling from the sky
At 90 miles an hour
I was bound to crash and die
But out of nowhere you came and rescued me
There must be some grace in the touch of your face
I'm so happy that I've found you
I'm no longer afraid

Oh ' cause you
Save me from this place
Heaven knows i'm falling
For you my sweet embrace
Heaven knows
Heaven knows I've been waiting

Before i met you
Life was slow-mo
So slow-mo
I thought i had it figured out
But you came and turned my whole world upside down

Save me from this place
Heaven knows I'm falling
For you, my sweet embrace
Heaven knows
Heaven knows you've come to

Save me from this place
Heaven knows I'm falling
For you, my sweet embrace
Heaven Knows
Heaven knows I've been waiting for you
Waiting for you

Its a new week..hopefully its better...

2005-10-29T22:56:00.000+08:00

You scored as HongKonger. HK!

German

70%

British

70%

Aussie

70%

HongKonger

70%

French

60%

Chinese

50%

American

40%

Japanese

40%

Singaporean

35%

Taiwanese

30%

What will you be after reborn? (translation)
created with QuizFarm.com

haha....
try it..its fun.. :)

2005-10-27T12:03:00.000+08:00

What a Beautiful Day to Wake Up To...
:)

2133hrs

2005-10-26T09:33:00.000+08:00

HI SHULI...
THIS POST IS JUST FOR YOU
: )

(dun say we never mention you hoh...)

2359hrs

2005-10-21T11:58:00.000+08:00

What a way to end the weekend...

What started out as a bad week ended really well. What started off with 2 Mid term exams and a paper due, ended off with a WICKEDLY AWESOME CONCERT and my parents coming down!

Anyway, had a shitty start with lots of work and papers due, and you weren't fairing that well at home either... it was dreary.. then wednesday came.

Went over to the MCI Center at Chinatown to catch One of the ULTIMATE ROCK BANDS...U2...

The concert was sold out when tickets were sold online within 2 minutes, hence we had to rely on old free market system to obtain them -- Ebay. *grinz*
After a stressful 2 weeks, we finally managed to snag 4 tickets at USD$300....or $75 per person.. not bad considering that the other prices were sold at over $100 for a ticket. MY friend in Canada (Hey NIck) told me to go check it out and that "after hearing them live, you never want to hear their CD again" and damn..he was right...

What started with Damien Marley as the opening act, it was only at 9 did the concert begin. Starting off with City of Blinding Lights, they ROCKED THE PLACE!!!

With their awesome backstage effects...U2 was indeed an awesome group. they
managed to play song after song...elevation....sunday bloody sunday...All that you can't leave behind... ahh....*speechless*

After an hour and 45 mins. They closed with Where the streets have no name. They came back with an encore! :D:D and brought the house down with "With or without you"

Awesome...

Well the next day, my midterms were over..and so was my energy...was totally sapped the night before as well as the next day ...especially in the afternoon *grinz*

At night...it was great. My parents managed to find their way down. Was so nice to see familiar faces...very calming..very nice :D
Plus they brought great stuff!!! Sambal, Milo, Owl Brand 3 in 1 coffee! Even STRAITS TIMES newspapers!!! ah.....how i love thee..

Well weekends here...nice... at last...
7 weeks more dudes...

7 weeks..

Heh.

(To see the list of songs they played, http://www.u2setlists.com/vertigo-leg3.shtml under Washington DC, 19th Oct 2005)

1533hrs

2005-10-17T03:33:00.000+08:00

Glad this week is over.

Glad that some worries are done.

Glad that we can look forward to better things.

Glad for what has happened.

Just Glad

1711hrs

2005-10-16T05:11:00.000+08:00

(Disclaimer: It might seem like rubbish, but to those who know what i am talking about, you will understand it.)

Heh.

Imagine.

Imagination. It is a powerful thing. Something that is able to creat something out of nothing. It is one of man's most powerful ability. Without it, man is no different from beast. Imagintaion helps one to think of things that might not seem feasible. It creates things which one might take for granted nowadays.

heh.

The brain is indeed powerful. It made me think a lot. It made me imagine a lot. Absolutely mind blowing. I will never take this for granted.

Thank You.

*Grinz*

Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today...

Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace...

You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world...

You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one

Imagine By John Lennon

2204hrs

2005-10-13T10:04:00.000+08:00

Phew

Half done. Thank God half its over. Heh. Been a LONG week. So much has happened. Dont even know what to do now. Anyway, got a paper done and 1 mid-term and 1 quiz finished. Next week is a bigger task ahead. Parents coming. haha.

Its nice to have familiar faces coming to visit you. Better if you came down though. heh :P
They will be here for a couple of days... so will probably get to spend some time with them. Thats always good. Thinking of going ot Chinatown soon. Try to source for tao huay chui (Soyabean milk) heh. Been having that since i was a baby. Hopefully we will manage to get some.

Life here has reached its routine stage. We get up, go for class, return, go online, ATTEMPT to study, cook dinner and back online. SLeep. heh. Its ok i guess..but kinda boring.. no supper places, no LAN shops...sigh. We are attempting to watch a show this weekend. The New Wallance and Gromit movie. SOunds good, hopefully it would be good to my wallet also. haha. Expenses are slowly draining me. Damn it. Wish the currency was something like in Malaysia. Everything also half price.

My japanese friend (Ayako...Konichiwa!) watched an interesting movie today in her class. It was a Singaporean movie ...oooh...."I NOT STUPID"..apparently the school feels that a Jack Neo movie is a good representation of Singaporean culture. Frankly, i think its kinda cool. I mean Singapore isn't exactly represented in the Arts scene internationally. Usually people that know Singapore (NOOOOO its not near CHINA) considers Singapore to be a strict and fine conutry. So its nice for people to see the other side of Singaporean culture.

Fall is here... and weather is blardee cold. Its like 15 - 18 degrees now. Nice during the day, but shitty at nite. Thankfully the winter clothes i brought are finally paying off. It rains kinda often, which means wet and cold... which means ... yucks :( used to use the weather.com website to check out, but now i just look out the window. If a local kid is covered up, cover up! haha.

So now that the weekend is coming, i just pray that the last few days towards the weekend goes smoothly. I hope that nothing goes wrong. *fingers cross*

heh.

0055hrs

2005-10-10T12:54:00.000+08:00

2 TERM PAPERS, 2 MID-TERM TESTS.

'NUFF SAID.

PRAY FOR DELIVERENCE.

2208hrs

2005-10-05T10:08:00.000+08:00

Exchange Programme...

Well to some...its a chance of a life time...to others its a step into the unknown. Well frankly, its not all that its hyped up to be. Ironic isn't it? For those who know me for a long time, they would remember me as the one who couldn't get out of Singapore to study. Frankly, even my family members and relatives had always thought that I would be the fastest in my family to escape the "tyrannical" hands of Singapore's education system. They have always envisioned me as someone who was meant to live and study overseas. Maybe its my upbringing, maybe its just who i am. But frankly after coming here for the last month and a half, i think that perhaps its not really what it is expected to be.

DC. Many think that this is the best place to study politics in. Well they are not entirely wrong. Its a beautiful place with wonderful infrastructure and opportunities. The number of internships given to the students here are amazing! They are given the opportunity to work for any division of the governement and exceutive branch! Beat That! These are the opportunities that i believe is only available to the exclusive group back home in Singapore.

However, education wise its another area. Education in Singapore maybe be pressurising, so much works and assignments, however they at least have the ability to streamline the info for the kids to learn. Here on the other hand is much more of a big mess in which the students here have to waste time to filter. Critics might argue that this enables students to learn how to critique people and therefore learn, but realistically not everybody is able to do this. There is just too much noise for students to filter out. Another thing is that it seems to be that everybody loves to use bombastic words... i mean its like they enjoy to use such words like it is such a big deal. I mean wats up with that? Can't they fathom simplified jargon?

The most "interesting" part of class here is the interaction between the students and the lecturer. i do understand that Singaporean students are way toooooo quiet in class... and i do encourage students to speak up during tutorials. even Andy Mickey can vouch for that ;) However, students here are at the other extreme end... i do understand the need to voice an opinion, but sometimes, there should be a place and time to interrupt the teacher. I mean sometimes its just so rude when a lecturer is explaining something and some "over enthusiastic" student (read hao lian...sa ka...) would interrupt him by raising his hand in the hope that he would comment "intelligently". Sheeesh .

Give the lecturer a break! Can't you see that he is teaching. This causes teachers to lose their train of thought and it disrupts the class's concentration level. Its just rude. I mean some students just don't seem to get the hint... despite the teacher ignoring HIM, he still raises his hand like a total ARSE or should i say
Gluteus Maximus So that some can understand it.

But i guess such behaviour is commended here. Perhaps they feel that if they constrict the student, they would be depriving him of some humans rights or something....sheesh...

But they forget, freedom is only optimum when those who use it are enlightened enough to grasp it.

heh.

1206hrs I Can Die A Happy Man

2005-10-01T23:25:00.000+08:00

Finally...

After 9 years... I have managed to do it... watching an OASIS concert...

It was simply breathtaking...

We left late from Mt Vernon, at around 640pm and the concert started at 1900hrs!!! We tried rushing and thinking that we could make it in time, however, it was not meant to be. Bad traffic jam from DC itself meant that we only reached there at 725pm!!! But Thank the Heavens!!! The concert started late!!!

The seats/area we purchased was under "Lawn" which kinda meant we had to find an area of grass to sit on (what to do ...cheapo students MAH)... There were stalls around selling Oasis memorabilia... damn ex man... t-shirts were going for $25 and stickers $8!!! i settled for a retro OASIS poster $6...(cheapest also =P)

There were food stalls with crazy prices! Beer was like $7 a cup and coke was like $4...heh oh well wat to do... heh we got some grub and thankfully by the time we got our food the concert was beginning...

JET kicked off the concert with their usual act...it was all over in 5 songs..not bad..but u can tell when comparing them to OASIS, that they were still a novice...

OASIS was late...half an hour late... but it was worth it.. they came onto the stage and immediately started belting out classics... sweet...the drums , the guitars... the singing... typically OASIS.... typical boh-chup or non-chalent about it...simply awesome... classics after classics rolled out...wonderwall, champange supernova..(use Barker Guys... THE SONG)... morning glory...i am soooo in heaven...

the stage was reall rigged up with beautiful lights... really lovely...they sang almost 11 songs... when they closed the show... the crowd however was unsatisfied... chants of "OASIS , OASIS" rang out...

Bless the Heavens..they came out again!! Don't Look Back in Anger brought the house down.. *SMILE*

Alas...all good things must come to an end..we all were still high after that... as expected... but the wait was worth it.... it was...don't look back in anger..i heard you say...

I CAN DIE A HAPPY MAN

0057hrs

2005-09-29T12:14:00.000+08:00

Jaded.

I had a debate today in one of my poli sci class. It was really disheartening. I felt very disappointed with myself and the class as a whole. We had to present our side of the debate and everytime i opened my mouth, it seems that i am coming across to the other students like i am some sort of freak with rubbish coming out from my mouth!!!

I can't believe that the peoples' view here are so myopic! I mean it is very hard to imagine that the education system here despite being so world renowned can be actually be so narrow and biased. I felt really disappointed with myself for not being able to bring my point across as well as i would like. For the first time in class i stuttered...sheesh... i have never stuttered before in my life in any presentations... i guess i was nervous...

Sigh. Felt that i let myself down. I just can't imagine that the views and opinions held by the people here are so narrowed... i mean don't they realise there is more view outside in this world? so frustrating. I dunno kinda makes me not want to speak up in class anymore. Its disheartening. I should just keep quiet and sleep or watch cartoons on my laptop in class next time. I mean why bother? not like they are going to take notice of me or my opinions... kinda like the weird asian kid..with a weird asian accent. Well if you must know... EVERYBODY HAS A BLARDEE WEIRD ACCENT!!!... sheesh...

I was thinking to myself why the !@#@!#! am i doing here... am i really learning more? am i being better educated? i mean i do learn an american perspective, but i dont think i am learning anything i can't learn back home... its nice and all...but the weird thing is i feel a bit restricted here. Back home i can't write about the gahmen....but here i can only write about this governments view...sheesh..

jaded dude...

jaded

0047hrs

2005-09-22T12:18:00.000+08:00

Coffee...

Heh, before coming over here, we always expected that the coffe here would be of at leasta certain standard. I mean, come on, its the land of Starbucks... if it is such a massive MNC, it should have some standard.

But alas, it was not meant to be. Beneath this nice and attractive exterior, the liquid lurking within the container is something that we dare not call coffee...

Yes, the liquid that the people try to pass off as coffee is indeed weird... the taste, aroma, the strength of the coffee is indeed lacking. I mean in order for me to get at least half of the thickness of the coffee back home, i have to order a cappuccino!!! And that is i think, personally the stronger stuff...sigh... i miss the coffee back home in NUS (National Universtiy of Singapore) [shut up Julian... i know you're grinning...drinking ur VULGAR coffee in your smelly tupperware cup =)] ah well... its kinda sad... when will i smell my kopi- O!!!

To quote my french friend Julien, "the coffee here is as dark as the tea is in France!" (i assume that since the french make everything sound so nice, if they wrote words, it should be cursive and nice too!) anyway, see its not just the Singaporeans who are spoilt! Most of the international students feel that the coffee here lack something! (maybe except William... he's British, so tea is probably something more to his cup of tea. [no pun intended])

And another thing. Why do people in the US have to order such complicated beverages??? i mean ...what's up with the skim milk, the half caffeine, half decaf, mocha, whipped, dunno what other nonsense.... they love making things so complicated!!! I mean the rest of the world, ordering coffee is simple!

Italy, "Senora, cafe latte, Uno... Si...grazie..."

French, "Pourrais-je avoir une tasse de caffé, merci ?"

Spanish, "puedo tomar cafe?"

Chinese, "ka fei yi pei!"

Singapore, "kopi-o !"

Hokkien, "Kopi zi pui....Gam Sia...!"

But leave it to an American... " one cup of caffee latte...half decaf...skim milk please...with a twist of caramel and an extra shot of flavour?"

see it takes 2 lines!!!

sheesh...

Give the coffee guy a break!! He works long hours...miserable pay... the least you can do is to make life a LITTLE easier?

*If any Starbucks managerial people see this entry... please make the coffee flavour STRONGER... if any employees seeing this, keep up the good work here in DC!!!

0126hrs

2005-09-19T13:26:00.000+08:00

Heh.

1 month... it feels soooo weird... its my first month anniversary of being in DC! it's so short... but it feels kinda long..it feels like i have been here for FOREVER! hahaha. ;) Am i enjoying it here? well its ok i guess...its the company i think that makes life here soooo much more bearable. Really grateful and blessed that the company that i have made here is soooo great... I am grateful for a good room mate (dun let your ego go toooo high Javier ;) ) I am glad i have made soooo many frens from different countries... and i am just grateful for the way things have turned out so far.Things like these are the memories that you take home after everything ends and the lights fade.

Do i miss home? well kinda in a way..its not home per se but more of the frens and people back home..(oh yeah definitely the food! :P) i mean its really weird not going general-ing with the Barker Guys...it feels weird not having supper with them and Quek and the rest of the CAB guys... weird. I miss the crappy-ness. I miss the kao-peh ness, xia lan-ness, (for my lovely international frens: to find out the meanings of these words, go to www.talkingcock.com and click the Coxford Dictionary) just sooo weird. Plus i do miss other ppl... You know who i am talking about...hahaha... well i know its only for a semester... still one cant help but miss the comfort and shelter that home provides... comforting... soothing...safe.

Well another weekend has passed and datelines are rushing in. 2 papers due this week... heh...damn boh liao loh... writing a 2-3 page 'memo'! heh...oh well...we DO learn something new everyday. Had a really good dinner tonite! Thank you once again Mari and Nana!!! Domo-Arigato! It was really lovely!! Lovely Japanese Cuisine...

Well... its 0140 hrs now..its time to retire....0800hrs class tomorrow...

Happy 1st MOnth!

1808hrs

2005-09-16T06:08:00.000+08:00

Heh

My friend from NUS, Kenneth came down to DC for the last 2 days. He is also like me, currently on exchange to University of California Irvine... but unlike me, he hasn't started school yet!!! TAMADE. Anyway, we went on a whirlwind tour of DC almost in a day! We managed to cover the main areas in Washington DC. From the White House (Hoh seh Bush!), Lincoln, Jefferson Memorial and all the way to the Holocaust Museum. Needless to say, we were extremly tired and shaged out at the end of the day. It was really nice to see a friendly, familiar face after awhile. We spent the whole night talking and crapping as usual. Thanks for coming down Kenneth!

Anyway, we had a new change in the cooking system. We have decided that we will be dividing the cooking between a few groups... and ... voila!!! We now have French, Japanese, Turkish and of course Singaporean meals!!! hahaha...steady bom pi pi! Of course, we all try our best not to give each other food poisoning. :P

And Now.. this portion is for Adrienne! Apparently i had some feedback about my last blog... i had unknowingly (really!) spelt Ms Adrienne's name wrongly....heh... so sorry..hope this personally correction makes up for it! hahaha... :P

Ladies and Gentlemen, Adrienne!! (the one on the left)
Anyway, the international dudes are now trying our best to come up with a Frat ! haha..and hence we are now thinking of names that best represent us.. Alpha, Beta, Kappa? and so on... so all you readers, if you all have any ideas, please let us know!!!

For more info about our Frat's Mascot, checking out my new link! WOrship Da Duck!

Heh.

2148hrs

2005-09-12T09:48:00.000+08:00

A quiet weekend.

Its funny how students spend the weekend here. The locals usually are able to find some place. to go and party. Their definition of "party" is usually craming to a place to drink and "dance"(very different from ours). Most of the "kids" here are below 21, so they can't really go to a proper place to "chiong" (singlish for partying). heh. damn sad loh.. they can't drink if they are below 21 but they can buy a gun at 18.... o_O'''

Oh well... we the international people on the other hand try to do other stuff... we are trying to indulge in cook outs!!! The French Connection (Comprising of the FRENCH DUH...) Julien, Isabelle, Marie, Adrianne and Nicolas (written in italics to give it a french feel) delighted us one week end with a wonderful cooked meal of French Cuisine!Voila! Ze French Food!!! It really taste as good as it looks!!! The quiche and the salads were all home made from scratch!!! Julien even made us crepe (hope its the right spelling) for desert... Oui!!! WONDERFUL.. Our French Cook!!! Julien!!!Merci Julien!!!

So anyway, he's like a gentle giant... real quiet most of the time and expressionless... till he watches Mary Pierce losing in the recent tennis final ... then he is all full of emotions!!! real nice guy...:D

heh

0258hrs

2005-09-11T14:58:00.000+08:00

nuff said

www.apple.com/ipodnano

0051hrs

2005-09-08T12:50:00.000+08:00

Heh

Its been 3 weeks plus since I touched down on this country...its the 2nd week of school...still feels soooo sureal... but as usual, it makes me wish that i was still back home. The education system here is good, but i just wish people here would make the effort to expand the horizons a little more.
Its weird to be in a class where you are the minority. And everybody gives you weird looks when you speak... and they are amazed to know that you can speak english... sheesh... so much for globalisation...apparently it still needs more tweaking.

Had a couple of friends who started to feel homesick. Its normal i guess, but i know they will pull through. Some of them ask me if i feel homesick. I dunno. Ever since i was little, i was brought up to adapt more than anything else. I guessed i am alright. As my friend Shuli said, "you miss the people more than the place itself." I guess having other friends from Singapore helps also... thanks guys.

Its always nice to hear from friends back home. Its always nice to hear a pleasant voice. Familiar, friendly, soothing. I was kinda offline (self- inflicted) the last few days. It felt weird, it kinda felt unnatural also. Its like going into cold turkey. Weird.

Anyway, like in all chess games, the pieces are now moving, but what should my next step be? Everything is happening so quickly now. I am still trying to console myself that everything happens for a reason. I dunno. The fear of losing is there. Just downloaded this song. It kinda explains everything very nicely.

nice.

Lifehouse

All of the things that I want to say just aren't coming out right
I'm tripping on words
You've got my head spinning
I don't know where to go from here

Cause it's you and me and all of the people with nothing to do
Nothing to prove
And it's you and me and all of the people
And I don't know why, I can't keep my eyes off of you

There's something about you now
I can't quite figure out
Everything she does is beautiful
Everything she does is right

Cause it's you and me and all of the people with nothing to do
Nothing to lose
And it's you and me and all of the people
And I don't know why, I can't keep my eyes off of you

2346hrs (The Calling -- Could it Be any Harder)

2005-09-06T11:45:00.000+08:00

Could It Be Any Harder

Could it be any harder to say goodbye and without you,
Could it be any harder to watch you go, to face what's true
If I only had one more day
I lie down and blind myself with laughter
A quick fix of hope is what I'm needing
And how I wish that I could turn back the hours
But I know I just don't have the power

Like sand on my feet,
The smell of sweet perfume
You stick to me forever
And I wish you didn't go
I wish you didn't go, I wish you didn't go away
To touch you again,
With life in your hands,
It couldn't be any harder.. harder.. harder

1818hrs (Howie Day - Collide)

2005-09-03T06:18:00.000+08:00

Anxiety,

Why do we become anxious? Heh. Sometimes its kinda like a reflex action to events and situations. People tend to get worried. I know I do. Its usually for a good cause, just hopefully people understand. We tend to worry when someone feels down, when someone is at a lost or in some sort of a trouble. Why? Unnecessary? We can't help it. It's kinda like something that feels right...Do the right thing.

Mind wasn't exactly at a right place today. Was quiet. Thought/worried/wondered a lot. Was particularly not at ease. As the Barker Guys can agree with..."a great disturbance in the force". Time passed. More worried. Sorry if it seems freakish or bothersome. I was just concerned. Fortunately, it ended on a good note. My worries were unfounded. I know I shouldn't need to, but sometimes, guys, I, would think irrationaly. Yes, Yes you would say that it will be fine. Yes, Yes, I know better. Sorry =p it wasn't intentional.

heh. slept kinda little today. maybe I can use that as an excuse for my irrational thinking. But i am glad that its all good....(Bruce Almighty, "its all gooooood")

Well i can breathe easy now.

Heh.

1659hrs (Best Week Ever...NOT)

2005-08-31T04:58:00.000+08:00

Apparently, last night GWU had a concert/stand up comedy that was done by VH1. Its kinda like a stand up comedy where comedians come together to criticise/ 'suan'/ comment about anything under the sun (usually 'pop' culture). We were fortunate enough to get free tickets for this event. We heard from the locals that it is a real popular event which was proven when the concert was sold out...

After an initial bumpy beginning when our shuttle bus broke down on the highway, we managed to reach the place just in the nick of time. The few of us, James, Shuli, Marie, Mari, WenYi, Britney (not Spears), William, Holly and me were scrambling to find seats in the auditorium. It lasted for an hour an half, commenting on Tom Cruise all the way to George Bush. Not bad at all. It was a little hard to understand for some of the exchange students as some jokes are kinda Americanised (then again what isn't?). Racist, stereotypes and sexist jokes were told, diplomacy and normalcy was thrown outside the window.

We headed back and started to hang out at one of the halls Merryweather to be exact. Its kinda like our meeting placed. (annexed by us i think) We had a aussie snack created by James- Vegemite on toast for those who do not know what it is and want to know what it is, go to for www.vegemite.com.au more info! Topping that off we had apple cider for drinks and we spent the whole night playing 'bluff'... sweet

This morn however was kinda different. Wenyi and I again had to get approval from the department head again as 1 of the professors felt we weren't able to handle the course. (Kinda like Chen An =P) anyway so were again running up and down to get it done. Still in the process though.

We had lunch in Georgetown. a little town nearby, (kinda like back home Holland V, just a LOT more expensive. Later, i came back to finalise my timetable. SUCKS. For once in my entire University life, i have a FIVE day week!!! TAMADE.
Oh well...Just look at it.... SIGH

Anyway, to top it off, my books prices came in...guess what... this is the total price.
Yes its $232.75....

Where are you course packs...??? =(

SIGH. there goes my BOSE Soundspeakers...

Anybody care to donate to my book fund?

1702 hrs (Mall Day)

2005-08-29T05:00:00.000+08:00

This picture clearly indicates an important fact.

Heh.

Today was mall day. Not your kind of average mall, but rather the mall is a nick nam for the rest of the bureaucratic/ government buildings in the DC area. It's where the White House, Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial and blah blah blah are all grouped together. For museum buffs, its a fantastic place to be in... there are actually over 20 Smithsonian museums all over the area... best thing about it, is its free! Education should be free. It should be made accesible to the public. But anyway, that's another matter.

So we went down today to the Mall. Got ofF near E street (the whole area names their streets after alphabets...wonder what happens after they finish the alphabets and still have streets left... hmmmm) and proceeded to walk down. We reached the Lincoln Memorial first which was at the end of a long park.Geese are aplenty there...and they of course do what they do best...they peck for food and...shit
<----- Well after the park, we finally approached Lincoln memorial. its really massive and beautiful. Made out of white marble (i think) its a tribute to their president Abraham Lincoln. We proceeded down to the Jefferson Memorial and after that we were pretty tired... damn far walk LOH...

We had lunch and we came back. I came back to put my clothes in the dryer... it very expensive here . $1.25 to wash and $1.25 to dry...damn i miss TH...

1706hrs (Roomie's Day)

2005-08-28T05:04:00.000+08:00

The day has come.

He has arrived.

He woke me up. At 8am!

Sigh. Fortunately, he is a real nice guy, from Putero Rico! heh ~Ola!
Heh, well he woke me up this morning and moved in... real nice guy 2nd year in GWU already. American kids apparently when they move into their dorms are unlike us back home. When they move in, they MOVE IN. They come in with literally truck loads of stuff! Their parents even bring them crates of drinks and food! (Chips and stuff) Then comes the posters, stereo, hi-fi, PS2 and for girls and some boys (stuff toys)sheesh... so different. We international students however, just come with 2 suitcases and a bag...haha

Well anyway today is moving day and we have so many cars coming in and out of the campus all of a sudden! It was like there was a line of cars moving in and out of Mt Vernon! Plus it was raining! Damn nice to sleep in LOH. hahaha. Parents are everywhere! Its kinda different here as parents really have a large role to play in orientation. They are all around helping their kids move in, giving them advice and so on.

Anyway, moving on, we headed down to Costco, (big warehouse like Giant but we need a membership. Kinda like IMM in the past) where the usual 7 of us split up to buy a membership. We proceeded to buy sheets, blankets...blah blah blah. We are now lucky to also have sashimi and wine for dinner!!!

Our loot of stuff! Consumerism prevails!

Unfortunately, we also have stoopid block meetings.. and we are gonna have one soon. so ...

heh. gtg.

2239hrs (Long Day)

2005-08-27T10:38:00.000+08:00

Day 2 of trying to get everything running up right. We arrived at around 0930 after a typical american breakfast (again doughnuts) we proceeded to attend another talk. We left half way after deciding that the talk was basically for freshies rather than international people. We were fortunate that we met up with the Dean who tried to help (and now still trying) to help us get our modules. Apparently, US education system is quite discriminatory.The locals get to bid for their modules like a whole month in advance and we (international students) come down, we are left fighting over the remainder slots (if any) they do not block out any at all!!! Apparently the individual departments are autonomous hence they have the highest say with regards whether or not they wish to admit the students.

SIGH

Hence, now me still no modules registered yet. Well Done.

The student union is a lot better than the administration though, they are a lot more organised. Those who are OGLs and stuff are actually paid! USD$3000! for the holiday! Better than NUSSU man... they are also given free lodging during the holidays. Heh.

After spending 3 hours, the 7 of us (William, James, Me, Marie, Aysun, Shuli, WenYi) finally got bank accounts done! Well done BOA! we waited soooo long that *ahem* some people slept.

Anyway, after getting our accounts, we went back for dinner and got some more gifts! University Towels for filling up survey forms! Wicked! We all then proceeded down to the Central part of the city to go down to ESPN Zone for some free arcade games! Its the first time we all took the local train, hence, we acted like tourists taking pictures and stuff...James (Aus) and Holly (UK) Shuli (Local Talent) and Me!

Over on the right we have Xavier (ESP) and Will.i.a.m (UK)

The yellow thingy was of course our free towel... heh... finally reached back to hall after 2 hours of arcade games. Real tired.

Well tomorrow is another day... of to Maryland i think (its not that far. just like 13 MRT stops away) hahaha...

2005-08-25T19:35:00.000+08:00

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2236hrs (Day 5) Long live Internet!

2005-08-25T10:36:00.000+08:00

Phew.

What a day, long strange day. Was awoken early due to the bright sun shinning into my room. Was freaking cold also. I had stupidly left my air-con at 10 degree celsius the previous night and i woke up to the freezing temp as well as the incredible urge to use my toilet urgently.

The 3 Sporeans then left to attend a talk at 0830hrs at the Marvin Center which is presumably their main admission building. We were treated to a american breakfast of muffins, bagels and pastries. As usual, it was only 0845hrs, brain not started yet and therefore decided to drink some coffee to perk me up. Only one word to describe it -- HORRIGBLE. Makes me miss the Drink Store at the Arts Canteen in NUS. SIGH. Uncle ji pui kopi - O! Kopi - O gao! (Uncle, one cup of coffee black! strong!)

We had a little game as to which international student took the longest time to get here, and guess what? heh. i won. Apparently something good came out from that stupid journey. (For the record, it took me 30 hours including transit). Got a nice t-shirt for my hardwork. *wipes sweat*After that we were treated talks after talks about insurance, health care and blah blah blah what not, we broke for lunch.

We met up with a couple of friends which we met from the previous day. Mari from japan, Veronica from Korea (who incidentally is the closest link that we 3 have from Spore. *psst study in UWC hoh. Don'ch play play) so together with Shuli and Wen Yi from NUS, we also ate with Aysun (pronounced i-soon) from Turkey and Marie from Paris. We also met Katsunato from Kyoto Japan. Had also made friends from my hall. Julian (pronounced jooo-li---an) from France Xavier (har-v-er) from Madrid (Blardee Real Madrid supporter hahaha...he got Zidane Jersey signed hoh!) and A girl from Sussex, UK (forgot her name. Pai Seh)

Its really a very good mix of students unlike back home where most come from the 2 biggest population in the world. heh.

Anyway, after lunch, we decided to skip the Q and A section to hunt for our internet modem! After walking to another hall (City Hall Residence) we were met with a long queue inside. We had to fill up even more forms! Now the catch was we had to create an ID and email to get it however the problem was, we had no freaking internet in the first place! IDIOTS.

After much running around and visiting the campus, (which is old/quaint) we finally managed to get online! and TA~DA!

Rushing back to install it (and waiting for another couple of hours for it to work) we decided to hit back at Safeway again to get some stuff. This time with Marie and Aysun. so wat do u get with 4 girls and a guy at a supermarket? hahah fun.

The NUS ppl decided to bring their camera (yesh) and take pics. The following are the pics. Heh.

This is Aysun and Marie (in the background) Wen Yi was amazed at the rows of the freezer section! (Yesh Hagen Dazs ice-cream 1 pint for only $3!)

This is Shuli who is (dunno why also) super interested in Tabloids!!! So finally she decided to buy the one on the left. (Cheaper lah)

So after contributing to the US economy, the final result was...

The 3 Amigos. Elated after shopping!

Well dinner resumed, and this time pizza, nachos and dip (yesh julian, yours is coming soon;) ) we decided to call it a night. tired lah. plus tomorrow got more places to visit. Walking through the mall at night!

Heh.

2242hrs (Day 4)

2005-08-24T10:37:00.000+08:00

Moving.

Heh. Today is the day where i move once again from the comfort of my home (kinda) to my room for the next 3 months. Hate it.

Pack pack pack. Stuff stuff stuff. Sheesh. I left this morning after a "refreshing"phone call(hahaha) towards my new hall. Coles Hall. Located in the middle of the Mount Vernon Campus of GWU it has a kinda nice british/80's/harry potterlook towards it. consisting of 3 levels, it has a total of less than 30 rooms in all. Definitely not Temasek Hall. After checking in and moving in, i proceeded down to the main Inetrnational Student Office at 2029 K street at Foggy Bottom.

I waited for a while and was nice to finally meetup with my other NUS mate. 2 down 1 to go. The last girl was MIA. hahaha. it was only in the afternoon, did she finally showed up with her luggages and all in the ISO office. Ouch.

We struggled to find the stoopid Shuttle Bus Stop (apparently in the US its unglam /cost saving to place obvious signs indicating a Bus Stop hence they put small tiny minute signs to indicate them) and upon finding them the bus was kinda cute. Looks kinda like the Magic School Bus but in white ;)

Along the way back to the halls, we passed the Kennedy Museum i think as well as the infamus Watergate. Nice. Def gonna look around. We arrived and decided to unpack. Thinking thatafter we found the LAN point, internet surfing was immediate. Apparently in the US they like to complicate things. it doesn't work. We apparently have to go all the way down to the city once again to withdraw a modem in order for it to work. SHEESH.

Not only that,due to the self-proclaimed "everybody has a cell phone", the geniuses at the halls decided to REMOVE all public phones. GAH. hence we now are unable to call out unless we get our own telephone or cell phone pre-paid card. BLARDEE HELL.

At least dinner was better. We ordered Chi-nese take out. Moo Goo Gai Pan and General Tao Chicken was ordered. Haha. love those lame chinese dishes name. Plus the uncle over the phone and prob his anal nephew was extremly rude. blasted nephew even reminded us for not tipping!!! Confuscious say ,"Dun be so blardee rude" (Peter Russel accent)

Oh well. Went down to the nearest Safeway (supermarket) to get groceries and stuff. had to pass houses and forests that came out straight from the movie The Exorcist. scary man. plus now 7th Month makes it a lot more worse.

The "Exorist" house or Amityville house. Imagine at night!

Heh. Thankfully to end it nicely, my frens hall. Merrywether Hall (yes weird name) has a comp center. ANd YESH, after tweaking with their computers, TA DA!~ MSN online. ;)

Gonna sleep soon...gonna make some calls first. Den zzzz....

Tomorrowis gonna be a long day, 0830 is the starting time.

Heh.

1318hrs (Day 3)

2005-08-23T01:18:00.000+08:00

Do you ever wonder what life would be like without modern day technology?

Heh.

Right now i just love it to death! Thank God and the creator of msn audio and skype! its really nice when you are far away and you have the ability to hear your friends and loved ones online =) its a miracle in its own right! It should be a contender for the 8th wonders of the world.

I just learnt about msn audio... and i am blardee hooked to it..so for all my frens who have managed to chance upon this blog. Please proceed down to sim lim and buy a mic... after which proceed to d/l skype or still using your current msn proceed to talk to me =P

heh. am very grateful that i have frens who have done that. very sweet of them. ;)

Anyway, Day 3 starts of with me going down to Target (local hypermart) to purchase stuff...shampoo...bodywash... listerine... shorts...t-shirt...(thanks to my mum i am prepared for winter which will come only after i am gone, but not prepared for the current summer). Saw this incredibly kewl t-shirt. It had a picture of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and a tag line that says "classically trained" ;) wicked man.

so gonna get that t-shirt.

1627hrs (Day 2)

2005-08-22T04:27:00.000+08:00

Heh.

Today my uncle and his family brought me down to their church for service. Was really a nice, small family church. Very quaint but at the same time kinda cosy. We had dim sum for lunch today. All the typical Har-Kow and Fan- Qun (pardon my cantonese han yu pin yun) was widely avaiable.

Full. =)

Even had the luxury in indulging in a past time favourite -- Krispy Kreme!!! Yesh the all time american favourite doughnut was finally bought and consumed... we even waited for the machine to start churning out the delicious pastries -- poetry in motion.

Decided to go down to the school to have a look at the campus. The George Washington University (GWU) is divided into 2 different campuses, Foggy Bottom and Mt Vernon (not the crematory lah) the distance that seperates the 2 campuses is a 20 min shuttle!!! Blardee far man!!! To make thins worse, my hall is also that far apart!!! SO much for quick and easy access to the campus!!!

Sheesh.

The hall itself was a "refreshing" touch. They have wireless technology at only the library and dining area....oooooo....so high tech... SIGH. i hope that they at least have internet access in the rooms... =(

The architecture is a bit 1980's brick houses also kinda Salemish place (where they burn witches in the past) and kinda like the movie "The Village" surrounding. All trees. Heh. Gonna have SOOOooooo much fun...

Gotta get myself a hammock to sit in.

1050hrsGMT -500hrs (Day 1)

2005-08-20T22:29:00.000+08:00

Should have done this earlier.

After an exhausting 18 hour flight from home to San Francisco via Seoul, I had to wait another 9 hours for my next connecting flight from San Fran to Washington DC (Dulles Airport).

Heh.

Now I know how Tom Hanks’ character in The Terminal felt. US airports are like damn boring. They have absolutely nothing to do. A small Body Shop and a magazine shop is all there is. Yes they do have an extensive food area. Japanese, Chinese, American and so on… But point is… its bloody EX!!! White Rice and 1 meat = $USD 8.00!!! KAOZ

Thankfully my uncle has kindly agreed to house me for the next few days before i move into the hostel proper. He stays in Rockville, a suburb in DC itself. A very nice house, and i quote," a place to call home for the next few days." The tendency is there to keep on calling home, but i can't do that as of yet.

SIGH.

Hopefully the rest of you guys now know that i have a blog... dun kill me...haha...just use this to get in touch with me ok? Cause i doubt that you all will call me... =P

0131hrs.. the time has come

2005-08-19T01:30:00.000+08:00

I dunno when is the next time i am going to blog...

regardless... the time has counted down... with changes comes many new different things...
I just don't want them to change now... its too good to change now...
Dun really feel like sleeping now, but i know i have to.

Tomorrow starts a different phase in my life again... feels like back in 2002 once again. Escaping my problems but in this case, its more of leaving good things behind.

SIGH

it was nice of the gang to come down to have like a small get together, really appreciate it. It still feels so surreal. Going to US again. Heh. sounds them spoilt loh. But honestly, i don;t know why i am so lucky/unlucky to get back to the US time and time again. Regardless, shan't waste this opportunity.

I just hope that when i come back, everything else will still remain the same. Hard chance for that happening, but in God i trust.

Faith.

Hope.

Strength.

See you guys soon.

2243hrs...life will never be the same again

2005-08-17T22:43:00.000+08:00

Alive

What does one do when one's life comes crashing down on you.
What happens when everything that you know and your waylife is totally changed 180?
What happens when the security and comfort zone that you have and live in is totally shattered?
What happens when the trust you have with someone that took so long to built up is destroyed?

Humility.

Faith.

Hope.

That's kinda what i need now.

For far too long have i been complacent and arrogant about my abilities. I remember the saying that, "when you're young you think you're invincible." for far too long have i taken things for granted. For far too long did i think i was invincible.

But now things have changed.

"Remember this day." A quote that has been used by numerous people on numerous occasions. Something that i shall hold very close and dear to my heart. I am grateful for it happening. A chance has been given for me to amend things and to rise again.
I SHALL.

I MUST.

I WILL.

Maybe not now, maybe not by this month, but I SHALL.

Time to wake up, take this chance and don't let it pass you by.

0006hrs....life is good

2005-08-16T00:05:00.000+08:00

Why do people do stupid things...

Its a question that has been asked plenty of times...but the answer varies...alot... for guys, its mostly about two things---> girls or money... heh... despite knowing the obvious..guys will tend to do things that are totally out of character and out of their daily habits...tamade... WEAK... we are so !@#&$@%*# WEAK...

sheesh...

Anyway, it appears that luggage can fill up very fast... 2 suitcases... add 5 shirts, 2 jeans, 2 pants, 6 underwears and 7 t-shirts...luggages can fill up pretty fast... sigh... add in an ipod, 2 course packs, toiletries and other nonsense... voila! FULL BAG...

sigh...

3 more days...

0115hrs

2005-08-09T01:15:00.000+08:00

stupid man...

sigh

0200hrs (James Blunt -- You're Beautiful)

2005-08-07T02:00:00.000+08:00

Heh...

Wonderful week...hope it never ends... haha... from Monopoly Competition to mahjong in english... haha.. real eventful week...

Its real funny how suddenly things goes your way... when you least expect it, something comes by and whirls you around... leaving you so stranded and amazed in awe at the same time. It leaves you breathless and keeps you wanting more. Am thankful for it... i knida understand now Mouse's theory. :P

With only a couple of weeks left, sometimes i really wonder why things happen in such a way, but at times (like now) i don't really bother...i just sit back and enjoy the ride... haha... am gonna take these 2 weeks remaining and hopefully max it out!!!

Its now sunday... not much time left...but can't push it...must give time to rest and breathe... but the urge is sooo strong...

heh

sitting back and enjoying...

1713hrs

2005-08-03T17:12:00.000+08:00

Interesting week this was. A birthday turned out to be more than one can bargain for... Congrats once again to the Wongs!!! =)

It was definitely a romantic (note: Guys consider it 'spoil market') event. Its the kind that was straight out of a Bachelor TV show or some channel 8 drama serial... Without the drama thankfully. Don't get me wrong. It was really a wonderful event and felt very honoured to be able to witness such an event.

Kinda makes u wonder how old you are getting.. What happened to all the sweet 16 and 18 birthday parties??? How come its evolving into weddings??? Sheesh baby showers next??? Makes you wonder where time has gone... grrr hate getting old especially when one feels that one has so much more for him. When does one know he/she is ready to give up the forest for that special tree?

Well if there is one thing that time doesn't change, its a special bond amongst certain groups of people. Its amazing that no matter how old you are or how long you have spent in the institution. The fact that you have spent a decent amount of time there, it creates this wavelength that makes conversations a whole lot easier and more entertaining. It never ceases to amaze me how one instituition can make such a difference in one's life. For those who have been there their whole life, we tend to take it for granted, but for those who do not have such an opportunity, whether good or bad, it is indeed a life changing event. hahaha...sounds that elitist!!! Next step eugenics!!! hahaha...

heh

The best is indeed yet to be.

1554hrs (birthday party)

2005-07-31T15:45:00.000+08:00

Today is my fren's 21st Birthday (Happy Birthday Chuin!)
Will be going down soon to hang out and probably indulge in some mahjong.

It's funny how frens turn out along the years. Met up with some old friends recently. It's nice to see them again. heh. feel damn old man. The new batch of guys coming into NUS are now born in the year 1984! The girls -- 1986!!!

CRAP.

Can you imagine what it will feel like hooking up with a girl that young? I have a cousin that young!!! Imagine the Chinese New YEar parties when you meet up with relatives.

Auntie 1: Aiyoh...got girlfriend or not?

Me: Oh Yes...

Auntie 1: How old?

Me: oh 19 this year....

Auntie 1: That's the same age as your cousin!!!

*akward silence*

sheesh

what the hell man...

getting old...

1731hrs

2005-07-29T17:30:00.002+08:00

PHEW.

DONE.

Visa has been applied. Matric Fair has been done. Sleep can now be acheived. Lots of frens have been leaving these couple of days. Overseas studies. Overseas Jobs. Visiting relatives. Heh thats how life is i guess... only change is constant.

Talking about change. I realise that some people don't. During the matric fair, i have come across countless parents who actually attended the fair with their children!!! *gasp* I mean i understand the anxiety and they just want to be with their children during this transition stage. But perhaps it would be better if they could learn to let go. Let Go. Simple 2 words, and yet for some its the hardest thing to do. Why? Its not because they are less mature, nor does it mean that they are weaker than others. Maybe its the fear of the unknown and that to some its better to hang on to the painful past in the lingering hope that it might work out one day than to step into the unknown.

Its not easy but its something that must be done. Let it Go. We all are moving along with our lives and every stage in our lives need us to move on with our lives and not to look back. Whether you quote the Bible using Lot's wife as an example (she turned to a pillar of salt. Want to know more? Go find out yourself) or for you modern people even U2 sings 'Walk On' and 'Stuck in a moment you can't get out'.

Heh

Let Go.

1731hrs

2005-07-29T17:30:00.001+08:00

PHEW.

DONE.

Visa has been applied. Matric Fair has been done. Sleep can now be acheived. Lots of frens have been leaving these couple of days. Overseas studies. Overseas Jobs. Visiting relatives. Heh thats how life is i guess... only change is constant.

Talking about change. I realise that some people don't. During the matric fair, i have come across countless parents who actually attended the fair with their children!!! *gasp* I mean i understand the anxiety and they just want to be with their children during this transition stage. But perhaps it would be better if they could learn to let go. Let Go. Simple 2 words, and yet for some its the hardest thing to do. Why? Its not because they are less mature, nor does it mean that they are weaker than others. Maybe its the fear of the unknown and that to some its better to hang on to the painful past in the lingering hope that it might work out one day than to step into the unknown.

Its not easy but its something that must be done. Let it Go. We all are moving along with our lives and every stage in our lives need us to move on with our lives and not to look back. Whether you quote the Bible using Lot's wife as an example (she turned to a pillar of salt) or for you modern people even U2 sings 'Walk On' and 'Stuck in a moment you can't get out'.

Heh

Let Go.

Finally Internet 2044hrs (FCO Time)

2005-07-17T02:43:00.000+08:00

Finally.

Am back online at last.

Heh...blasted country... so blardee low-tech...even China has more internet cafes then this blasted place... anyway..Rome's weather is crazily hot...37 degrees out there... worse part is the local people really have a different lifestyle from us. their concept of Seista is CRAZY.... shops are open from 1000hrs - 1300hrs...closed from 1300hrs till about 1700hrs....open from then till 1800hrs...how to get any work done????!!!!!

Food here is typical i guess... some are real lovely..others are kinda bland...their staple food of bread can be boring after a couple of days... real expensive too... everything is double the price!!! heh... now i know how malaysians feel...

The only saving grace for this country is its scenery... lovely country side...especially in the tuscan area and buildings...however due to a law (post WW2) italians are not allowed to demolish old buildings to build new ones....hence every house here looks dilapidated... heh...

sigh... the withdrawal of internet is good soup for the soul..but after awhile... the draw is still there...the urge is even greater... heh...oh well..soon will be heading home... kinda nice feeling...and am looking forward to heading home...not because i am homesick..but more of had enough of this place :P

1433hrs (T- 10hours)

2005-07-04T14:29:00.000+08:00

10 more hours till i go..its only gonna be a short while but its still gonna be long... heh...the disturbance in the force is there... good or bad...no one knows...had a gret time the night before... burnning rubber and stuff... had a real good time chatting with friends... haven't just sat down and talked to friends for a real long time...

When one moves ahead with life, what does one do? Does he totally leave behind everything he worked so hard to acheive or does he bring along what small amount of what he has acheived in his future travels?

How about with regards to emotions? Does one hardened himself in order to prevent future *assumed* possible heart ache? How can we mere mortals just seperate our heart and head just like that? Have no idea what to do now... remain in contact or pursue?

heh

Irregardless... sometimes we just have to do what is right and not what we want... timing is sometimes the most crucial in all aspects... work, study, love...blah blah blah... no matter how much we want something sometimes, what matters most is the way everything comes into place. Only then can we really enjoy what God/Fate/ ____ (fill in your respective dominations) has planned for us... heh... saying macam very easy... following it whole heartedly is another... just hopefully we can all enjoy what has been planned for us...

Each time i leave usually brings about the same kind of anxiety and apprehension. However, this time is kinda different... not too sure why... regardless i have really enjoyed my stay here during the last few weeks. No matter what happens in the future, i sure enjoyed the effort, cookie making, waiting- for-tuition to end time spent.

Heh.

Haven't really felt that level of calmness and sense of happiness for a while...more than a year and a half to be exact... its the "kuai le chan" or "happy meal" that usually brightens up a kids day at Mc Donald's. The feeling might not be mutual... be heh ... its better than nothing...

Hopefully it doesn't end... but right now, nothing is really that certain at all... there is too much changes happening right now that any wrong miscalculations might cause the situation to take a change for the worse. Just hope & pray that it does work out... and what if it doesn't?

To quote one of my *limited* rafflesian friends, "if someone comes into your life & becomes a part of your life but doesn't stay for some reason is unable to stay (for now at least ;) just be glad that your paths have crossed & somehow the person has made you happy... even for a while..."

0057am in the Morning

2005-07-02T00:57:00.000+08:00

heh

what a way to end the day...after such a lovely day today... it was spoilt by some stupid ...SGT CHAN CHEE SENG... i got a summon for just dropping by for 5 mins!!! sheesh...ok ok ... i know its my fault...but it was the matter in which i was treated that pissed me off... i mean i was just asking him some questions and payments...and he gave me a blardee pissed off look and attitude!!! His come hither look was like as if we owed him $$$ or something like that.. hence typical Sporean service attitude... sheesh... i mean being a member of the public service, would it kill him to be a little more courteous when he fines someone?

"Summoned" person: "'scue me officer... i wanna check if u was the one who summon me?"

SGT CCB(you guys hsould know what CCB means ;): "what you want?"

SP: "no lah just wanna check abt the payment method"

SCCB: "if u want to appeal just write in" *grumpy ass voice*

SP: "but..but..but"

SCCB: "its up to the person at HQ to decide...not us" *evil glare*

Well the conversation was kinda like that... but the fact is that is it so hard to get good service nowadays? Sheeesh... i mean what kind of facade are they presenting to the public if they all act in such a manner? no wonder almost everybody swears at the Traffice Police...

sigh

Oh well...cockanaden....buggeration... what to do?

Grrrrr..Julian you owe me for the fine.... TMDE.... ;)

War of the Worlds was a good show... the effects and animation was typically Speilberg... hats off man... even the actors in the show did a great job in showing their emotions in the film... but as usual... typical american might was displayed and how US was affected the most... even terrorism was mentioned.... surprised they did not blamed Osama...hahaha... even the concept of human survival and how human being pushed to a corner and being desperate would make man's ugly nature apparent for all to see... in short realism is a prevalent concept in this movie. From the aliens using their death rays to the one who holds a gun... the power of military might is in the end the ultimate factor in an anarchial society...

Kudos to Ms Fanning for playing her role as Tom Cruise's daughter extremly well... however the ending i personaly feel can be a lot better.. the way they did kinda reminded me like they had run out of film and was hastily trying to end the show...

anyway...tomorrow is another day (or should i say today)... and the bed beckons... (or need to find Uncle Zhou to play chess....)

heh

1707hrs currently

2005-06-30T17:07:00.000+08:00

woke up blardee late today... 1130am to be exact...Had to do lots of errands today...as usual...this exchange thingy seems to be a real pain... the only wish i have is that CERTAIN ADMINISTRATORS in the Uni can be lets say....hmmmm....more helpful???!!!

Typical Sporean service related industry attitude...everything also "dunno" or is it "don'chno"...the person is such a PAIN!!! Have no idea how the hell she gets her job done... worse off she comes off with this "hollier than thou" attitude.... B**ch.... haha but thankfully am not the only one who feels like this towards her... other people going for exchange that i have met also feel the same way towards her... vulgar...

seems now i would be visiting my parents a little earlier... mondya night to be exact... oh well...

got a call from my society's treasurer today... phew Thank the Big guy above for people like him and Chuin (another member) thankfully they are responsible and helpful... well i can just try my best to help them out... heh

Anyway, gonna watch War of The Worlds tomorrow with a friend... =) unless of course if she doesnt change any of the plans AGAIN... heh well just hope that everything goes well tomorrow...

Its 158am

2005-06-30T01:58:00.000+08:00

*Stunned*

Well its 158am right now... the news still hasn't really sunken in yet... well it seems to be time to head back to the US once again... seems like each time i feel that it will be my last time to that country, an opportunity always seems to present itself one way or another. heh.

Well another semester beckons...only difference is that its gonna be more than a thousand miles away...despite the numerous times i have been there, the anticipation and anxiety never changes... not really certain if i would be able to have the luxury of spending this time... am not working... (unlike previous time)..sigh ...can't really do that much shopping (alas BestBuy =( ) hence, hopefully this will be used to help my frens back home keep in contact with me... it will definitely close once i am back... whether or not i would be dilligent enought to constantly update it is another question altogether...;)

why does it seem that whenever something good comes into your life, timing usually makes that something which is so "good" become so bad... sheesh...

Cost of accomodation is so blardee ex!!! USD$7,210 for a year!!! sigh... feel that its such a waste of $$$...

Yes, i am indeed grateful and fortunate enough to be given the chance to pursue something that i have interest in at a different place... not many people have that opportunity. Then why do i feel like crap?

heh