+ around the world +

Wanted to put more pictures into the blog, so I randomly got pictures from 5 places around the world.. Let's go for a quick tour!

Children in Congo, Africa


Rock formations, Texas, USA, North America


Floating market, Bangkok, Thailand, Asia


History Museum, Moscow, Russia, Europe


Atacama Desert, Chile, South America

+ screw myself +

Despite my best efforts to not screw up, it happened again. Ok, it was a stupid question to ask. And I have to make it clear again that it wasn't asked in a manner that makes you sound like a less than desirable person.

The feeling is strong. It's fast. I will keep myself in control.

No more screw ups now. A step at a time. Relax, boy.

*takes a deep breath*

+ guilty +

Happily reading someone else's blog when the final part struck me.

Now you may or may not be talking about me, I don't know. But since i AM actually feeling guilty for neglecting you, it doesn't matter who that part of the entry was directed to.

What I want to say is, due to my disappearance each week and my trying to keep in touch with other people too has resulted in a seemingly feeble effort on my part to keep the contact going on very steadily. To that, I apologise sincerely. If it makes you feel any better at all, im listening to Mavis Hee while typing this.

Erm. So no matter who you were talking about, I am conscious by my lack of calls and messages to you recently. I hope you do not feel too disturbed by that. I'll tell you one thing. Everytime im back, I'll inform some people of my return. You being one of them is a sign of how much I treasure the friendship.

I suspect there are alot more people I owe an apology to. I have not forgotten any of you.
Honest.

+ great singapore sale +

The Great Singapore Sale has come to a close.. Time to see what I got! Heh.

Erm.. That's most of it.. Haha.. How's my taste?
My favourite's the bag! Heh.

+ humiliation +

Today.
Know the step at the Suntec City bus stop along Nicoll Highway? I thought my legs were long enough to reach the bottom of the step without hitting the higher one. Apparently I overestimated the length of my legs. Result:

How humiliating.. I walked away from the stop right away to prevent anyone from seeing me getting cut. And then half limped back into the mall's toilet to clean the wound. *hides face in shame*
Next time I shall be aware of my own limitations.


Saturday.
Had a meet up with a few secondary school guy pals. After tau huay and deep fried fritters at Geylang, we went exploring. And yes, I was kind of harrassed. By some hooker. Tsk. Touched my arm and chest and asked if I needed service. God, no. Since when have kiddy types found favour with the shady ladies? Ok, fine. At least I had some charm.
Heh.

+ art +

Two days late. Anyhow, was ar Esplanade a couple of days ago and snapped these 2 down.

Stairway to heaven? I can't quit remember the theme of this piece, but it's pretty nice. The steps are actually made up of like thousands of pieces of jigsaw bits.. Cool.


If you can't see clearly, this is actually sticks formed up like a barrier and the figures are people, made up of clay and wrapped in foil. The artist is showing beings like us having a framed up and constrained life, and the various positions and actions like flying and swinging depicts them fighting for their own space and breaking out from the lives bound by conventions.

+ overreaction and over-stylish(?) +

Ok. With regards to this afternoon's post, I think I might've overreacted.

Everything seemed so normal. It should be fine. Moral of the story, keep whatever you have to keep absolutely safe. Like lock it in a safe, put the safe in another safe, and shove the two safes into yet another safe. Arm the outermost safe with a biometric sensor. That should do the trick.

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

New gadget introduction:
Casio Exilim Card EX-S500


Features:

5 megapixel sensor

3x retracting optical zoom, 4x digital zoom

8.3MB built in memory, SD card slot (cheap and good)

2.2-inch LCD

33 predefined scenarios photo-taking

90 x 59 x 16mm (almost identical to 3MP S100 in market now)

115g (w/o battery)

Anti-shake technology (similar to Panasonic's image stabilizer tech)

Super long battery life

Pictbridge & USB direct print compatible

How did they do it? Quite fabulous.. It may be the next on my list of replacement cameras for my Panasonic Lumix F1 other than the Lumix FX7.

+ heartbeat +

No, im not patriotic, im not talking about the Singapore heartbeat.

Im talking about my own heart, beating like crazy right now. My parents might have made a less than decent discovery while packing up some of my stuff.

Judgement day will come soon. Or maybe they didn't see it. Or I should be prepared myself.
Yes I should. *fingers crossed*

Anyway, I wanted to use a different word in the sentence "might've made a less than ____ discovery". Just couldn't recall the exact word I wanted. My English is officially stuck at secondary school level now. Or even worse.

Back with picture postings tonight. Things are getting a little dull.

+ separated at birth? +

Was watching the please-laugh-out-loud-at-these-people trailers for Project Superstar (Singaporean version of American Idol concept program in case there r foreign readers who dunno what im talking about) on TV, and I sorta saw one guy who resembles me.

He was singing Zhang Jing Xuan's Duan Dian, and he went off key at the exact same spot as me. Haha.. His appearance has some of my flavour too. A little stony blur kinda look. The brother I never had? Probably. Lol.

+ question +

Was having instant noodles for the 3rd time in 5 days in the afternoon, and a question popped into my mind.

The seasoning is supposed to be unhealthy right? So is the Concentration of the soup that matters, or does the Amount of soup base that I actually add into the pot matters more?

Enlighten me. Because in general, we're advised against for example, sweet food. So I can actually add water to make it more dilute. Is that better? Or just as bad?

I know it sounds like a dumb question.. I have a feeling that it's the amount that matters. I need to confirm my own answer.

Tonight's the night. Desperate Housewives. Here I come.

I miss you. :p

+ working +

Ok, people.. I've set some targets that I wanna achieve.. Together with the amount of time by which I'd like to accomplish them. So could you lovelies be so nice to give me a hand (or arm) if you're able to help?

1. Pick up the keyboard. I mean musical keyboard. Because I think I can type faster than the average human. (I think.) In general, I just want to be a little 'music-ficient' instead of musically de-ficient. Time allocated: 3months

2. Learn driving. Im gonna sign up soon. Would love for anyone to introduce a good private instructor. Should need that in a few months' time when im done with the theory parts. Targeted time to get class 3 license: By ORD date. That is 1 June 2006.

3. I need to be able to cook. No to-achieve-by date set for it. But asap will be great.

4. Tone up my body! For this I'll need someone to keep nagging at me to remind myself I've got to exercise everyday.

Im on track for #4 now.. A couple hundred of sit-ups and crunches per day down here shall do the trick. Will visit the gym when im back. I WANNA BE A HOTTIE!!
MUAHAHA~

Whatever it is, I MUST achieve the above 4 things. MUST. So wish me luck.

Im reading a book, TShirt and Genes by Richard Asplin. To sign off, here's a line from page 179.
It is always the best policy to speak the truth, unless of course you're an exceptionally good liar.

+ update +

Forgot to update. I'll be back on the 24th instead of 22nd.

And.. Happy 20th Birthday to June and Eleanor!
*pops confetti* (did i spell that right?)

+ paradise (not) +

Step out of the room and I see azure blue sky, emerald green water meeting at the horizon. A school of dolphins swim by, beautiful seagulls dance around.

No. This is no Mauritius style beach paradise at all. We have a 'normal coloured' sea and sky, irritating birds and lotsa poo by the irritating birds. The part about the dolphins is true though.

This may not be paradise, but it does provide a good enough setting for me to do some thinking. And I do have some thinking to do. I shouldn't be doing too much to that, I know, but im under control.

I know what to do about it!

Patiently waiting for 2 weeks to pass.

+ smitten +

Put your arm over my shoulder.

Im missing it already.


Time for dreamland.

You are 67% Capricorn

It was a weird night. Slept at about 2am the night before, and tried to sleep at 130am yesterday. But I could hardly sleep well. It's not in an entirely bad sense, I just felt rather fresh, like I just woke up, I felt pretty happy, in fact. It's a positive feeling.

Was flipping through a car magazine since I couldn't really sleep yet, all was still fine. Then I turned off the lights. The first half an hour or so was fine. Then it came. Haunting me again. Recollections of past experiences, flashes of a few people who've appeared in my life.

One figure appears in these flashbacks the most. But why? I've told myself that all I would just keep all the happy memories with me and leave the emotional stuff behind, but everytime when it comes into my head it will somehow still come to that part. Im still carrying excess emotional baggage.

Why on earth and I still carrying the baggage? I was supposed to delete all emotional attachments and blah blah.. But years have passed and there's still a slice of it left. Ok, it's a tiny bit, but it's not supposed to be there at all. I need to reformat my hard drive. Or I maybe use anti-spyware to get rid of the unwanted stuff. Anyhow, the comfort of hugging my pillow pacified my thoughts and brought me to sleep.

The drama has not ended yet, I woke up several times throughout the night, feeling quite energised each time. Peace, until just before waking up. I had a weird 'hollywood summer action romance blockbuster' kind of dream. First time weapons and high tech anti-weaponry gear appeared in my dream. It's almost a joke. Anyhow, it goes like the last action scene in Mr & Mrs Smith. It felt like I was Jolie, someone was Pitt (yes, there was a specific person in the dream) and the other agents (a specific person too, though i've forgotten who it is when i woke up). So ya, something similar to that last scene happened, and while we walked out emerging as the victors, I looked up to see the person's face. Saw a smile, and I was awake.

Of course, it's a ridiculous dream. But the feelings were quite real. As in the fear when people shot at me, the sense of pride n victory when I walked out unscathed, the comfort I felt when I saw the person walking out with me, also unharmed.

The weather is well, just great to be having more fantasies. Not dirty ones, mind you, but romantic ones.

When somebody reads this, he'll be thinking "wow, are you serious? is that person so influential to change you overnight?" My answer is no. I just happened to have straighten some of my thought yesterday. Damien Rice's song did contribute too. Amazing song. Bar perhaps Pachelbel's Canon, no another tune has ever made me feel so much.

It's time to reformat the hard drive.

+ mr & mrs smith +



Managed to catch this film today.. Definitely a good summer flick.. Satisfying humour, action, guns, stunning cast and stuff.. 80 points for entertainment.

A couple of points to make.. For Angelina Jolie fans, I sincerely apologise.. No doubt I still find her too obviously foxxy, but she does sizzle on screen. And Brad Pitt once again proves that he's got very good comedic sense.. Apart from the leads, Adam Brody's character is just as much a loser as The OC. Maybe he shouldn't do too much OC. Or perhaps he they shouldn't make him wear exactly the same clothes as he did in the drama. Imagine him as an agent being held hostage by the 2 assassins played by Pitt n Jolie? Typical loser situation for him.

Enjoying the movie is one thing, enjoying the whole day is another. I had a wonderful day. I think I see some light in one aspect of my life.

And yes, I was so gratified. Finally satisfied my craving for xiao long baos. Wahaha~

+ gone +

My favourite girl group Destiny's Child just announced their official split in the midst of their Destiny Fulfilled world tour. While hardly a surprise, im still felt a little bummed after reading the piece of news. They had such infectious songs!

While there is no doubt that Beyonce will still be going strong for at least a good few years after the breakup, it remains to be seen if Kelly Rowland can come up with something that will duplicate the success of 'Dilemma' and if Michelle Williams can come up with a chart topping album. Here's wishing all 3 members success in their individual pursuits!

Destiny's Child hitlist
[No, No, No][Bug A Boo][So Good][Bills, Bills, Bills][Say My Name][Jumpin Jumpin][Survivor][Independent Woman Pt1][Bootylicious][Nasty Girl][Emotion][Brown Eyes][Lose My Breath][Soldier][Cater 2 U][Girl]

+ funny video +

Came across this on the net. Pretty hilarious.

http://www.zippyvideos.com/123555321239565.html

Erm, there's no nudity, but I guess it's at least M18 rated. Do not watch it when adults are around.

+ billboard +

Went to Billboard's website just now because a very excited friend told me about Mariah Carey is really back in the business with #1 selling single We Belong Together and album The Emancipation of Mimi.

Another singer's sales figures caught my eye though.. Kelly Clarkson's rather Avril Lavigne-inspired album Breakaway is still the #9 selling album after 27 weeks, 2 top ten selling singles Behind These Hazel Eyes (#6) and Since U Been Gone (#9), and title track Breakaway is #33 after 43 weeks on sale.
Seems like the original American Idol is The American Idol..

+ fab song +

Hey guys.. You simply MUST listen to this song! It's wonderful.. Featured in the OST of the movie 'Closer'.
Damien Rice - The Blower's Daughter
Get it from me if you dunno where to download!

And so it is
Just like you said it would be
Life goes easy on me
Most of the time
And so it is
The shorter story
No love, no glory
No hero in her sky

I can't take my eyes off of you
I can't take my eyes off of you
I can't take my eyes off of you
I can't take my eyes off of you
I can't take my eyes off of you
I can't take my eyes...

And so it is
Just like you said it should be
We'll both forget the breeze
Most of the time
And so it is
The colder water
The blower's daughter
The pupil in denial

I can't take my eyes off of you
I can't take my eyes off of you
I can't take my eyes off of you
I can't take my eyes off of you
I can't take my eyes off of you
I can't take my eyes...

Did I say that I loathe you?
Did I say that I want to
Leave it all behind?

I can't take my mind off of you
I can't take my mind off of you
I can't take my mind off of you
I can't take my mind off of you
I can't take my mind off of you
I can't take my mind...
My mind...my mind...
'Til I find somebody new

For prawn lovers!

Location: Hong Lim Complex Hawker Centre Level 2 (behind Chinatown Point)
Dish: Crayfish and Prawn Hor Fun
Price: $4 / $6
Recommended side dish: Prawn Wanton Soup $2/ $3

The stall closes at around 3pm by the way.. So be there before 2 if u don't want to miss the crayfish. There is prawns n baby clams hor fun and prawns n shredded chicken hor fun too.



It's super yummy! Tried and tested..

Arg. I wake up at 0545 today morning, had a packet of instant noodles, showered and left for camp. For what you say? To get to camp by 0730, in time for IPPT. I reached Tuas, still semi-conscious and prepared myself for the test. Next thing I know, the guy who was holding the score sheet for my department is not turning up today. And there are no extra log sheets.

The conducting officer said with the most sympathetic face he could give, "I will try my best to both of u into any empty slots left ah.. Coz today's slots are actually full." Erm, full but try to give both of us slots? No idea what you're talking about. Probably there wouldn't be much of a problem adding my name onto the score sheet if I was a major.

To the guy who was holding the score sheet but happily sleeping at home, SCREW YOU. Because you wasted my time, rest, and money. Damn.

On another note, im in my shopping mood again. Pissed but cant wait to buy more stuff. Puma, you're killing me.. I want 2 of your bags. And both are non-promotional items everywhere. Guys, i need your opinion on this bag. $59. There's a bigger sized one at $69.

I don't think the following one is available in Singapore, but think the colour looks pretty cool.

Auntie. You do not press the 'up' button if u want the lift to come up to get you down. You press 'down' coz that's where u want to go.

Please get that.

You've been staying in the land of high rise buildings for donkey years, and u stay on the 13th storey. I think you should've figured how to use the lift by now. Thank you.

And by the way, to those people who simply refuse to move closer to the back of the lift where I usually am to make space for others, I do not have some sort of disease that u will contract if you're within 15cm of air or less from me. Be considerate. Some bigger sized people need to get into the lift too.

Lastly, LOST is simply gripping. Love the pilot episode. Gimme more.

Im back! It's been 10 days.. Phew.. Quite a long trip..

Was at Esplanade the weekend before I left and saw this shop there.. It's called CoolBearWorkshop. Basically what you can do is customize your own teddy bear..

You can choose the size and type of the bear, its clothes, record a press-to-listen message and stuff it in its tummy and even make it a 'birth certificate'! Sounds interesting eh? The bears themselves may not be as unique as some special edition Sasha bears, but the price is... almost reasonable for something customized.

Gift idea for guys with girlfriends! :)