Chained by lust, bound by love

Quote from P.S. I love you

2008-06-30T21:58:00.007+08:00

Sharon: You gotta be rich to be insane, Hol. Losing your mind is not a luxury for the middle class.

Holly: That's so not fair.

Sharon: No, it's not.

No, it's really not.

On another note, a friend asked me a question on MSN today...

"Have you found your dream girl yet?"

It kinda forced a faint (and weird), obligating smile out of me...followed by a virtual silence.

. . . (dot dot dot)

It's been a while.

P.S. I love you by Nellie McKay

Dear, I thought I'd drop a line.
The weather's cool. The folks are fine.
I'm in bed each night at nine.
P.S. I love you.

Yesterday we had some rain,
but all in all I can't complain.
Was it dusty on the train?
P.S. I love you.

Write to the Browns just as soon as you're able.
They came around to call.
I burned a hole in the dining room table.
And let me see, I guess that's all.

Nothin' left to tell you, dear.
Except each day seems like a year.
Everybody's thinkin' of you.
P.S. I love you.

Just another random...

2008-06-25T00:20:00.000+08:00

No, it isn't everyday, but I just got to have one cup of this every now and then. Lots of foam. No sugar. Yes, this is totally random.

Ajisen's Hokkaido Scallops Ramen, soft-shell crabs and a cup of hot green tea.

Dinner on a normal uneventful night. It's usually home thereafter. Weekdays mostly.

The usual Saturday mornings with my buddies at the driving range when I'm not working on weekends.

Obviously, I'm totally a noob at this. Still learning...

Can you find Polaris?

2008-06-09T01:36:00.002+08:00

There was a time when I took a different route home.
And I remember the road home was long and hard.

The road I should take now is already decided.

Although the signals are broken, I feel this is the road I should take.
No one should change it. Else, I might just get lost again.

Bangkok - Land of the Smiles (May 2008)

2008-06-04T01:35:00.006+08:00

[Note: Very long post ahead, but with loads of pix!]

It's been many years since I've last stepped foot on Thai soil. The same for Bangkok or known in Thai as

"Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Yuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit"

Officially the world's longest place name. -_-"

Went to Bangkok with colleagues for about a week to attend a conference. If there's one thing I'd remember to describe this vibrant primate city of Thailand, it has to be that the title "Land of the Smiles" really befits it perfectly.

Perhaps it's the culture or just the locals, but judging from my short stay (if it's anything to go by) and from what I've experienced, the people DO smile a lot and are incredibly friendly. No question there on how that does wonders for their flourishing tourism industry.

Arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport around noon. Pretty new airport with a few shops, cafés and restaurants on both the departure and arrival floors.

We were then whisked away on a 45-minute trip from the airport and got checked-in at Intercontinental Hotel Bangkok. The hotel is located at the intersection corner of Ploenchit Road and Ratchadamri Road in the Patumwan district (view interactive map) with the famous Erawan Shrine just 5 minutes walk away.

This area known as Ratchaprasong is similar to Orchard Road, Singapore with various shopping malls nearby such as Siam Paragon, CentralWorld Plaza, Gaysorn Plaza, Amarin Plaza and MBK Centre.

Got a twin-bed room. Very, very comfy bed and pillows.

5-star room facilities hehe. Free broadband connection!

View of Bangkok city from the 25th floor.

The Balcony Lounge (hotel lobby). We hanged out here a lot late at night after dinner and sight-seeing. They serve very good Lychee Martini ;).

First glimpse of Bangkok traffic at around 2.30pm. Not so bad, I thought.

I was horribly wrong. It got even worse by 6pm. The infamous Bangkok jam.

We weren't familiar with the Ratchaprasong area yet, so we decided to explore the nearby CentralWorld Plaza (it seemed kinda huge from outside) and grab some lunch.

Very new shopping mall.

Lunch at a local Thai cuisine restaurant. Papaya salad for starters.

Mix of pork cutlets, meat balls, innards etc. The chilli sauce is great to go with.

Fried Thai noodles (not Pad Thai) with seafood. You're supposed to mix 'em all up.

The photos are pretty random from here onwards due to the conference in between.

Had Thai food again on the first night. Clockwise top to bottom: Green curry, fried spring rolls, fried mushrooms and Tom Yam seafood soup.

Can't remember what fish this is. Pretty tasty.

Caught a ride back to the hotel that night on the Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS).

Looks pretty new.

Made a trip to Wat Pho or also known as The Temple of the Reclining Buddha the following day.

This statue greeted us at the main entrance into the temple. It was shipped from China a long time ago and served as ballast for ships.

A plaque showing the map of the temple.

The Reclining Buddha. Plated with solid gold.

The Reclining Buddha's mother-of-pearl feet. 108 scene depictions of Chinese and Indian styles.

108 donation bowls lined up along the side of the temple wall. Donate 20 baht to the temple and you're given a small bowl containing 108 coins to put into each bowl one by one. You're supposed to make a wish while you're doing this as well. The number 9 is an auspicious number in Thai culture, thus 108 is regarded to be auspicious. (1+8 = 9)

The bell is rang on auspicious days.

These are actually tombs of previous kings (since Rama I). The structure has seven steps upwards depicting the seven steps towards Heaven in Buddhism.

These smaller tombs, on the other hand, are not for kings of old but for noble families.

A lot of the structures in the temple are designed based on the phallic symbol.

One interesting point to note. The famous Wat Pho Thai massage originated from this very temple. People actually come here to learn the traditional Thai massage for a fee.

Pressure points for the male anatomy.

Pressure points for the female anatomy.

Had shabu-shabu lunch at a Japanese restaurant inside Siam Paragon.

Sneaking a shot of the kaiten belt.

Siam Paragon. Quite a pretty posh mall.

This is really random. AIS, one of the major telecommunications service provider in Thailand.

Guess what we had for dinner...

Shark's fin.

Bangkok's Chinatown is simply a must for its roadside hawker food.

Bird's nest. Not that great really.

Kuey Chap with roasted pork!

Curly and chewy.

I'd have to say this plate of Char Kuey Teow is one of the best I've had for quite a long time.

The Char Kuey Teow hawker stall.

Luckily we managed to stay 'till the weekends. The Chatuchak Weekend Market, Thailand's largest market with over 15,000 stalls over 35 acres of land only opens on Saturdays and Sundays. The whole experience can simply be described as a bombardment of colours and varieties.

The Thai version of the popsicle.

Silverwares.

Colourful beads.

Coffee break...somewhere inside the market.

Cowboy Land.

A local "cowboy" playing the banjo.

Chatuchak market is pretty popular for this.

Look at the number of cars at the market carpark!

Had Thai cuisine again for lunch before catching our evening flight home. Fried chicken with lemon grass.

Tom Yam seafood soup. Pretty spicy.

Can't remember the name of this dish. Some deep-fried noodles with tempura.

Mango freeze!

And what's a trip to Bangkok without trying the famous Mango with Sticky Rice :)

Back in a jiffy...

2008-05-26T11:23:00.003+08:00

Off to Bangkok for about a week. Updates when I'm back :)

Cheers peepz!

Marinas, yachts...lack thereof.

2008-05-19T00:32:00.002+08:00

No, I'm not gonna talk much 'bout yachts. Lack thereof...means I don't own one yet (hopefully haha).

Lack of updates. Got back on my feet and back to work it is right after recovering from the fever bout. Tons of emails, weekly reports, monthly reports, quarterly reports blah blah blah all piled up. Luckily, somehow, all cleared up by the end of the week.

Gave myself that final push to complete two more certs (most recent one was last week). At least I don't see any immediate certs I'd want to take up, for now...hah! It's a good thing. All focus on GMAT and then on to MBA.

Marinas have been the theme for the past few weekends. Just sight-seeing and try out the food establishments that they'd normally have there.

Went with the gang to Raffles Marina (western tip of Singapore near Tuas) about three weeks ago for the supposedly popular shellfish clam chowder. It's served in a big bread bowl. Yes, it's bowl made out of edible bread. Goes very well with the chowder, if I might add.

All that talk about the chowder and I forgot to take a single pic of it...

And then there's Marina @ Keppel Bay on Keppel island. One of our most recent hangouts and turned out to be one of our favourites lately hehe. But it can be really packed during weekend nights.

There's privé (Bakery café, Gastrobar and Restaurant), tcc and a Japanese restaurant here called Takumi Tokyo. Should really check out the milkshakes at Privé Bakery Café. Simply yummy!

View from the entrance

That's Harbourfront across the bridge

I wonder how much to rent a boat...

Four days of my life at 38°C

2008-05-01T12:35:00.002+08:00

[25th April, Friday]
Friday night. Broke into cold sweat. It was already a hot night with the weather at this time of the year. Took 1000mg of Paracetamol for the fever and 60mg of Pseudoephedrine HCL. Somehow I could sense the oncoming onslaught. Body temperature > 38°C

[26th April, Saturday]
Saturday morning. Woke up with a really sore throat and fever. Took in another 1000mg of Paracetamol and 60mg of Pseudoephedrine HCL. Had runny nose by late afternoon. Went to sleep 'till around 9pm. Woke up with a very bad headache and an even higher temperature. Took another dose of 1000mg Paracetamol. Body temperature > 38°C

[27th April, Sunday]
Sunday morning. Headache, fever, flu, body aches, cough and sore throat. Relented and made a visit to the doctor. Fever hasn't gone down for almost two days now. Measured at 38.2°C. Doctor reminded me to look out for rashes. Took home with me more Paracetamol, Cephalexin (antibiotics), Actifed (Cough syrup) and Zecuf lozenges. Got knocked out with the barrage of meds.

[28th April, Monday]
Monday morning. Fever's still there. Went back to the doctor. This time, for a blood test. Hoping it's not dengue. Temperature measured in at 38.4°C. Had to wait 'till around 7pm for the blood test results. Went home and got knocked out again by the meds. Got a call from the doctor saying it shouldn't be dengue. My platelets count was at 199 (150-400 being normal reference range). Seems like a strong viral infection, he said. My total white cell count was only 5.61 (4.00-11.00 being normal). Made another visit again and asked for an injection to relieve the fever. Immediately felt better within half an hour of the jab.

[29th April, Tuesday]
Tuesday morning. The jab worked. Woke up with a slight nausea but no fever. Dropped by the clinic and measured in at 37.2°C. Normal, the doctor said. I was more than happy to accept the fact that the fever has gone down. Took in a long rest coupled with all the meds given.

Taking one more day off work. Then it's back to the battlefield again...

Piano duels @ NUS

2008-04-16T12:15:00.000+08:00

Went for a piano duel session at Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music @ NUS campus grounds. Two piano repertoire(s) are really fun to watch, but somehow it kinda felt more of duets rather than the sort of duels that I've initially expected.

Thought it's gonna be something like that...

No photographing or recording was allowed, but I kinda sneaked in a few quick shots during the intermission.

Very nice music hall. Wood finishing all around.

A duel...to the finish.

Random backdated posts...

2008-04-16T11:38:00.002+08:00

Some pics (several weeks old) of the places I've been to for the past few weekends.

Kenko Reflexology and Fish Spa @ Singapore Flyer

Gave Kenko's fish spa outlet at Singapore Flyer a try on a late Saturday evening with my buddies. Just wanted to know what all the craze was about lately of having lil' fishies nibbling away at your feet.

[For the record...those aren't my legs. A friend's]

Hmmm...I'm not sure if they're gulping down anything at all, but they sure swarm at you once your feet is immersed in the water. According to the brochure, they're supposedly nibbling or rather feeding off your dead skin.

Doesn't hurt. Kinda feels like mild tingling currents running across the surface of your skin. SGD $28 per pax for 30 minutes of "voluntary" fish-feeding and another 10 minutes of shoulder massage.

Night view shot of the big wheel after the spa session.

Clarke Quay

Some random pics of Clarke Quay taken a few weekends back. I was bored while waiting for my buddies for coffee at TCC @ Circular Road.

Click here to download the panaromic view.

In between a rephrase and a spin

2008-04-15T17:15:00.009+08:00

[Note: Wall of Text ensues...]

Tengku Faris: Don’t question Malay rights

By ZULKIFLI ABD RAHMAN

KUALA LUMPUR: The special rights and privileges of Malays should not be questioned but the community should make every effort to improve and stay united, the Tengku Mahkota of Kelantan said.

Tengku Mohammad Faris Petra Sultan Ismail Petra reiterated that nobody should challenge Malay rights and privileges, adding that these developments were becoming apparent following the recent general elections.

“The Malay Rulers will act as a source of unity and loyalty among all the people as stated in the Constitution and Rukunegara.

“As such, the people should be united and no one should question the special rights and privileges of the Malays because it is quid pro quo in return for providing citizenships to 2.7 million people of other races who joined the Malay Federation.

“It is not appropriate for the other races to demand equal rights and privileges after they had already acquired their citizenships,” he said in his opening address at a Malay unity gathering held in conjunction with the Maulidur Rasul celebration at the Putra World Trade Centre yesterday.

The theme of the event, organised by a group of Malay NGOs named Barisan Bertindak Perpaduan Melayu (BBPM), was “Malay Unity is the Core of National Unity.”

The NGOs included the National Writers Alliance (Gapena), Federation of Peninsula Malay Students, Pekida and the Malaysian Islamic Consumers Association.

Tengku Mohammad Faris, however, reminded them that while they pursued stronger Malay unity, they should not ignore the rights of other races, such as freedom to practise their religions.

Sauce: The Star, Sunday 13th April 2008

*********************************************************

Don't usually write something political here, but I figured it's a good thing to "immortalize" this, letting Google's spydee to crawl by, grab and spread it all around :)

Yes, you could say that no one should ever challenge anyone's rights or privileges in this country (be it of any race) since it IS enshrined in the constitution and it HAS already been guaranteed to be so. At least, that's what they teach you in school, eh?

Citizenship in exchange for lesser rights and privileges. That not everyone has equal rights in this country? Even if (I'm not saying that it's not) the constitution guarantees otherwise? That's what you're saying, Tengku Faris?

Hmmm..."Siapa dia Tengku Faris ni?" [Who you said you were again?]

Now, I'm guessing that Tengku Faris here would probably say, afterwards, that whatever that came out from his mouth and printed on paper were taken out of context.

As usual lah...

On to business school!

2008-04-11T11:20:00.009+08:00

Choosing one was a big headache.

The programme........................................................[checked!]

The fees....................blardy expensive.......................[checked!]

Method......................part-time..................................[checked!]

Duration...................2 years.....................................[checked!]

Impact

....no more after-work happy hours

....no more weekend all nighters

My Ah Ma

2008-04-03T22:30:00.001+08:00

I'm not sure if it's because it's the month of Qing Ming or perhaps it just has really been a long time since.

Been thinking about my Ah Ma (pinyin Ah1 Ma3 in Cantonese) quite a lot the whole day. Thought of her even more as I watched this.

Ah Ma,

I remember you waiting at home for me to be back from primary school everyday.
I remember you cooking lunch for me before I attend school in the afternoon.
I remember you walking out buying my favourite sweets from the minivan.
I remember you accompanying me to watch TV when I'm back from school.
I remember...
I'll always remember you.

My Ah Ma passed away peacefully in her sleep around 5 years ago at the age of 100.

This post is for my Ah Ma, my grandmother.

男人女人

2008-03-31T18:45:00.010+08:00

男人女人 by 许茹芸 ft. 阿穆隆

爱爱爱爱了几回
也明白其中滋味
付出的从来不会等于收回
我却还在等待着谁能出现

伤伤伤伤了几回
也曾经为爱憔悴
爱情里好人总比坏人狼狈
我却还是学不会狠心对谁

男人男人多希望你是好人
多希望用你的真让我不必再心疼
女人女人我答应做个好人
我答应用我一生来换你的快乐一生

爱爱爱爱了几回
也明白其中滋味
付出的从来不会等于收回
我却还在等待着谁能出现

伤伤伤伤了几回
也曾经为爱憔悴
爱情好人总比坏人狼狈
我却还是学不会狠心对谁

男人男人多希望你是好人
多希望用你的真让我不必再心疼
女人女人我答应做个好人
我答应用我一生来换你的快乐一生

男人男人多希望你是好人
多希望用你的真让我不必再心疼
女人女人我答应做个好人
不会再让我(你)心疼一等再等
你就是我等的那个人

男人男人
女人女人
多么希望你是对的人

(Sometimes when I just can't find the words to say, it's gonna be a sing-a-long)

Not a bad day

2008-03-22T15:25:00.000+08:00

Just about to go out and this came on the tele.

Brings back lots of fond memories.

(If you're reading this, just want you to know I'll always cherish the good times...those happy moments.)

Have a good day ahead everyone!

Bad Day by Daniel Powter

Where is the moment we needed the most
You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost
They tell me your blue skies fade to gray
They tell me your passion's gone away
And I don't need no carryin' on

You stand in the line just to hit a new low
You're faking a smile with the coffee you go
You tell me your life's been way off line
You're falling to pieces every time
And I don't need no carryin' on

Because you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day
You had a bad day

Will you need a blue sky holiday?
The point is they laugh at what you say
And I don't need no carryin' on

You had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day

(Oooh.. a holiday..)
Sometimes the system goes on the blink
And the whole thing turns out wrong
You might not make it back and you know
That you could be well oh that strong
And I'm not wrong

(yeah...)

So where is the passion when you need it the most
Oh you and I
You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost

Cause you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
You've seen what you like
And how does it feel for one more time
You had a bad day
You had a bad day

The time spent...away from my notebook

2008-03-19T16:20:00.002+08:00

It's been awhile...

It's been awhile since I last spent more than half an hour in front of my notebook at home. Kinda neglected, my poor old lappy.

...*blogging from the office now haha*...

Been out a lot for the past week. Somehow, naturally or rather indirectly so, I found myself spending more and more of the hours after work outside.

With close friends. With good company. With new company hehe. Coffee included, of course! ;)

Feels, somewhat, refreshing. I spend too much time in front of the screen in office already.

à bientôt!

Smitten...

2008-03-12T01:31:00.003+08:00

Haha...the laughter this draws from me each time I watch it (over and over again...).

How life, sometimes, fools with your mind and heart. Fate, perhaps?

Smitten.

Tonight by Raemonn

2008-03-11T23:15:00.002+08:00

Tonight by Raemonn

She never took the train alone
She hated being on her own
She always took me by the hands
And say she needs me
She never wanted love to fail
She always hoped that it was real
She'd look me in the eyes
and said believe me.
And then the night becomes the day
And there’s nothing left to say
If there's nothing left to say
Then something’s wrong.

Oh tonight, you killed me with your smile.
So beautiful and wild, so beautiful.
Oh tonight, you killed me with your smile.
So beautiful and wild, so beautiful and wild.

And as the hands would turn with time
She'd always say that she was mine
She'd turn and lend a smile,
To say that she's gone.
But in a whisper she'd arrive
And dance into my life.
Like a music melody,
Like a lovers song.

Oh tonight, you killed me with your smile.
So beautiful and wild, so beautiful.
Oh tonight, you killed me with your smile.
So beautiful and wild, so beautiful and wild.

Through the darkest night.
Comes the brightest light.
And the light that shines.
Is deep inside.
It's who you are...

Oh tonight, you killed me with your smile.
So beautiful and wild, so beautiful.
Oh tonight, you killed me with your smile.
So beautiful and wild, so beautiful...beautiful...

Oh tonight, you killed me with your smile.
So beautiful and wild, so beautiful and wild.
So beautiful and wild.
So beautiful and wild.

Singapore Airshow 2008

2008-02-27T01:03:00.000+08:00

Note: Long post ahead with lots of boring pics if you haven't got even an ounce of interest in the aviation industry :p

The Singapore Airshow 2008, supposedly Asia's largest airshow this year comparable to that of the Asian Aerospace International Expo and Congress held back in 2007 at Hong Kong.

The six-day event from 19th - 24th February 2008 was held at a new show site at Changi Exhibition Centre. 19th - 22nd were exclusively trade days while 23rd - 24th were open to public thereafter.

Went on the final day of the exhibition. Tickets for the general public were sold at SGD$20 per pax.

Enjoy the pics!

It's a hot day. Trust me...it's a freakin' hot day!

This is the Singapore-designed "Pegasus".

A close-up for detail.

Look at the guns!

Some sort of a multi-purpose vehicle.

The "Lightning II"

I wanna sit in one!!!

An unmanned heli.

Somehow this reminds me of a whale...

An USAF bomber.

An F-18 "Super Hornet"

A Ferrari private jet.

Too bad "Airwolf" wasn't on display.

Now this is the one that got me excited. The Apache "Strike" Helicopter!

Look at that firepower!

The tail-end of the Airbus A380.

Huge wings!

Directly beneath...

Powered by Rolls Royce!

Was clicking away when the President arrived for a private tour.

Look at the wing span! Freakin' huge plane.

Everyone patiently waiting for the acrobatic air display.

I wanna ride in one soon. Very soon!

Managed to shoot a few minutes of the RSAF "Black Knights" performance on their F-16s.

Two RSAF "Black Knights" F-16s fly by each other.

The "Way of the Dragon" maneuver.

The "Curtain" at the end of the Black Knights' acrobatic display.

Wah! Everyone is so interested in the aviation industry?

Woo! Israeli-made missiles!

Something that has got parts rotating inside.

And after a whole day of ogling, it's time to face the sea of people going home too.

Cheers to a great Chinese New Year 2008!

2008-02-22T00:45:00.003+08:00

The 15th day of a new Chinese Lunar Year. Otherwise known as "Chap Goh Meh".

Just another day at work. It has been quite a tough day from the start having learnt what it really means to be "buttered" by your boss. (Singaporean slang for a scolding to the nth power)

Thought wanted to have "zhi char" with a friend at Seah Im Road Food Centre (opposite Harbourfront Mall) but had no luck finding any stalls there. We sat down anyway for a quick "char kuey teow" to ease the gnawing hunger.

Went in Vivocity to see if we could grab another bite somewhere. Long queue at Sushi Tei and somehow I was kinda craving for Ebi Mentaiyaki.

...so about 15 minutes later.

Took a quick shot at the few plates we grabbed from the kaiten belt. One of those watercolour moments I must say. Odd.

It kinda felt perfectly right sitting at the bar. The space. Comfortable enough to snack on a few things here and there...and simply chat away.

Just nice to unwind after a day's work without alcohol in hand, eh? :p

**************************************************************

Cold wind as I walked back home. Had this playing in my playlist.

Flying towards the north.
Seeking the furthest, the coldest winter...

It's a cold night here in Singapore.

But hey! It's gonna be a great year ahead! So cheers!

The Coffee Club Muddy Mud Pie

2008-02-01T23:45:00.000+08:00

Chocolate. Thick. Everywhere. Sweet.

Coffee. Just a hint. Mild. Aromatic aftertaste.

Ice cream. Smooth. Nicely chilled. Blends everything.

My favourite. Need I say more? :p

*******************************************************

I take the train to work almost everyday. The Singapore Mass Rapid Transit service or the MRT as they call it here. What I saw today, I think, isn't all that uncommon for those who have been here long enough.

I was waiting by the screen door (underground station) in the morning. 6 minutes to the next train. More and more people came. Rushing to work. By now, everyone's crowding right in front of the screen door.

Usually I'll just move away towards one side of the crowd. Honestly I'd prefer to stand anyway than to sit. Now came along one train. Just one fellow inside the carriage that stopped right at the door (morning train from the extreme end of the line would usually be empty).

And just one screen door separating him, planning to step out, and the morning mob.

As the door opened, the poor fellow didn't even get a chance. Got "squished" (not literally) in between and pushed all the way to the back of the carriage. He just kept saying "Eskiu mee...Eskiu...Eskiu mee" 'till the door closed.

Sigh. Eh, people. You don't sit can die one ah?

Yes, you know I don't have anything interesting to blog about when I write on Singapore's Mass Rapid Transit.

For the piece of my heart that got lost

2008-01-26T23:07:00.000+08:00

Clarity...a moment that eludes me.
Lost...overwhelmingly as the day ages.
Pain...from a sorrowful past that only I see.
Comfort and a wish for happiness...as I flip through life's pages.

I used to write like that often...for her. Now, I can only look back and smile at those moments. Happy moments.

This is for you. And my wish for your everlasting happiness.

Sarah Maclachlan - Angel

Spend all your time waiting
For that second chance
For a break that would make it okay
There’s always some reason
To feel not good enough
And it’s hard at the end of the day
I need some distraction
Oh beautiful release
Memory seeps from my veins
Let me be empty
And weightless and maybe
I’ll find some peace tonight

In the arms of an angel
Fly away from here
From this dark cold hotel room
And the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage
Of your silent reverie
You’re in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort here

So tired of the straight line
And everywhere you turn
There’s vultures and thieves at your back
And the storm keeps on twisting
You keep on building the lie
That you make up for all that you lack
It don’t make no difference
Escaping one last time
It’s easier to believe in this sweet madness oh
This glorious sadness that brings me to my knees

In the arms of an angel
Fly away from here
From this dark cold hotel room
And the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage
Of your silent reverie
You’re in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort here
You’re in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort here

Always...

Starbucks, the highlight of a mundane city life

2008-01-22T01:30:00.000+08:00

It's definitely not an advertorial, if that's what you're thinking. (but it is catchy with the word "Starbucks" there). Although, I must admit I have been frequenting Starbucks a lot more ever since I came to Singapore.

Had my night coffee fix with a friend at the Wheelock's outlet after our book scouring session at Borders. Sipping my big mug of Caffe Latte as we watched the usual tourists walking about Orchard.

That one hour, with coffee in hand, as the world goes by. That 4% of my daily life. That's the only time when I could really sit down and stop thinking about all that is routine of life in the city.

Feels good. (I don't ask for much, really)

And then there's that occasional quiet stroll that I take on Sundays along the lake where I stay. Peaceful.

.
.
.
But then again, it isn't exactly a "vacation".

Rivers of Venice

...when you feel you're thousands of miles away. In a beautiful foreign land.

Ahhh...I miss travelling.

Warm and fuzzy feeling

2008-01-16T22:01:00.000+08:00

I know I'm lucky.

That I'm lucky to have friends who were there to listen when I needed them the most. And are still there...even now.

You're not alone (as corny as it sounds), I'll still lend an ear...or a shoulder for comfort.

Hope this brings you, that warm, fuzzy feeling that I'm feeling right now.

James Taylor - You've got a friend

When you're down and troubled
and you need a helping hand,
and nothing, whoa nothing is going right.
Close your eyes and think of me
and soon I will be there
to brighten up even your darkest nights.

You just call out my name,
and you know wherever I am
I'll come running, oh yeah baby
to see you again.
Winter, spring, summer, or fall,
all you got to do is call
and I'll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah.
You've got a friend.

If the sky above you
should turn dark and full of clouds
and that old north wind should begin to blow
Keep your head together and call my name out loud now
and soon I'll be knocking upon your door.
You just call out my name and you know where ever I am
I'll come running to see you again.
Winter, spring, summer or fall
all you got to do is call
and I'll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah.

Hey, ain't it good to know that you've got a friend?
People can be so cold.
They'll hurt you and desert you.
Well they'll take your soul if you let them.
Oh yeah, but don't you let them.

You just call out my name and you know wherever I am
I'll come running to see you again.
Oh babe, don't you know that,
Winter spring summer or fall,
Hey now, all you've got to do is call.
Lord, I'll be there, yes I will.
You've got a friend.
You've got a friend.
Ain't it good to know you've got a friend.
Ain't it good to know you've got a friend.
You've got a friend.

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

While we're on the subject of being warm and fuzzy, Terry Fator does a good Kermit!

Terry Fator and Kermit the Frog singing James Taylor's You've got a Friend

Terry Fator and Winston the Impersonating Turtle...ding!

I miss Paris...

2008-01-16T00:30:00.000+08:00

Financial dream & Career Expo 2008

2008-01-12T03:35:00.000+08:00

Updates [14th January 2008]

Those interested to go "see see look look" for current trends in the job market, check out JobsDB's Career Expo 2008 this weekend!

Date : 18th - 20th January 2008
Time : 10.00am to 8.00pm daily
Venue : Suntec Singapore, Halls 403 & 404, Level 4

**********************************************

Took a photo of this with my phone's camera several months back. I was attending a seminar at the corporate office of a vendor.

Singapore's financial district. I really luurrvvvv this place!

All the banks. All the financial institutions. One word...MONEY!

Hmmm...honestly, I imagined myself being a stock exchange broker once.

Chatty uncle...the taxi driver

2008-01-12T03:20:00.000+08:00

It was a Wednesday and I only managed to finish everything at work around 7.30pm. Looked at my desktop weather widget only to find out that it was pouring outside.

Decided to ride a cab home after 8pm past the peak hour period. Got into a Comfort and sat in the front. Halfway through the ride, I cheekily asked the uncle

"生意还好吗, Uncle?" ["Business still good, uncle?"]

He smirked and quickly laughed out loud right after.

"You should ask...生意还不好吗?", he said. [...business still bad?]

Haha. The uncle's twist with words is right AND ironically funny at the same time. I've been reading about complaints on the December hike for weeks now.

The big 35%. [Click on the chart below for the revised cab fare]

Revised fare structure. Picture courtesy of Simply Jean

When this goes up, so will everything. Well, almost.

#2 Forget

2008-01-07T11:46:00.000+08:00

Don't be in a hurry to forget.

One day, when you're in the shower...whistling to that favourite tune of yours.

And suddenly when you think of that someone, then you'll realize that you have...already forgotten.

One day...

#1 Decision making and regrets thereafter

2008-01-06T16:30:00.000+08:00

A scene from a movie I was watching...this guy, being at the crossroads of making one of the most important decision of his life, asked himself "Why am I so uncertain?".

Funny how if prompted the same question to me about a year ago, the answer would be quite different. The things we go through in life, it changes us.

Maybe if I have to put the right(s) and wrong(s) in my decisions, then the right ones are those that I don't bear any regrets.

Do you anticipate the things that could go wrong from your decision?

Do you tell yourself that you won't regret anything that happens thereafter?

If so, wouldn't that make all the decisions you've made to be right after all...for you?

I chose to listen to my heart a long time ago. And I still do.

Note: New category "From the WC".

Ducks and the word "expected"

2008-01-06T02:41:00.000+08:00

I don't know which one's funnier...the number of times the word "ducks" appeared in this article or the number of times I spelt out "expected" in my mind.

Ducks missing from Malacca river

By A. LETCHUMANAN

MALACCA: The 60 ducks that were released into Sungai Melaka by the Malacca City Council recently, to beautify the river and attract tourists, have gone missing.

Mayor Datuk Zaini Md Nor, who personally released the ducks, lamented that some irresponsible people had carted away the ducks from the river.

"I am very sad that the ducks are missing," he said when contacted.

Zaini had urged the people who had seen the ducks being caught or taken away to report to the council so that appropriate action could be taken against them.

He said a local had come forward to donate 100 ducks which would be released into Sungai Melaka soon.

"We will be more vigilant and have regular patrolling to ensure the ducks are not carted away this time," he said.
(Probably the pirates from the nearby Straits of Malacca might have a clue?)

Zaini said tourists and visitors would have an opportunity to feed the ducks and also appreciate the view at the various resting areas along the river.

He said those taking the river cruise would also have the opportunity to feed the ducks in the river.

"There are plans to release more ducks into Sungai Melaka in future to make it livelier," he said.

Sungai Melaka had been categorised one of the most polluted rivers in the country and had undergone four phases of beautification involving RM332.7mil. The river is yet to undergo another four phases of beautification

(Article taken from The Star, 5th January 2008)

Peking roast duck anyone?

Coffee and company

2008-01-06T02:26:00.000+08:00

Cold day...yet again. It was drizzling by the time I reached VivoCity around two-ish.

Finally met up with a dear friend for a long promised coffee, though somehow we ended up with a take-away instead. (Sorry, girl! Had a very good afternoon with your company *hugs*)

Saw on forum the night before that Zara's having a sale going on. Bought a nice work-shirt at 70% off.

Then we had a late lunch at Sushi Tei and I got introduced to this...

Ebi Mentaiyaki (Picture courtesy of Sushi Tei)

I could tell you how heavenly it is, buttery and all.

But in plain Singlish...Shiok ah! I tell you!!!...Must try okay?

I still think about...

2008-01-04T00:01:00.000+08:00

Cold night.

Couldn't sleep.

Tossing & turning in bed for almost an hour. Switched on my playlist and cringed when the first song that came up was this...

John Mayer - Dreaming with a broken heart

When you're dreaming with a broken heart
The waking up is the hardest part

You roll out of bed and down on your knees
and for a moment you can hardly breathe
Wondering was she really here
Is she standing in my room?

No, she's not
cause she's gone, gone, gone, gone, gone.

When you're dreaming with a broken heart
The giving up is the hardest part

She takes you in with her crying eyes
then all at once you have to say goodbye
wondering could you stay my love

will you wake up by my side?

No, she can't
cause she's gone, gone, gone, gone, gone.

Do I have to fall asleep with roses in my hand?
Do I have to fall asleep with roses in my hand?
Do I have to fall asleep with roses in my hand?
Do I have to fall asleep with roses in my, roses in my hands?
Would you get them if I did?

No, you won't
Cause you're gone, gone, gone, gone, gone.

When you're dreaming with a broken heart
the waking up is the hardest part

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

It's been months. I don't know when I stopped counting the passing days since...

Sometimes I still wonder if the pain would ever go away.

Life is good

2008-01-02T10:28:00.000+08:00

Saw a beautiful sight on the way to work this morning.

When the cab reached the elevated part of CTE just before entering the tunnel, I looked to my left and saw the sun shining brightly back at me. It was early. Its glow slowly blanketing the city.

Thought to myself then. Life is good here.

Cheers to a new year!

2008-01-01T05:01:00.000+08:00

*gee...the taxi fare cost a bomb when I reached home*

First post on the very first day of a spanking new year! (Just a quick wish to everyone before I'll be stoned on the bed for the next day or so :P)

Naturally, there are some things I'm not glad about that happened for the past year. But out of those memories, I learnt of those that I can be glad about too.

I am glad of my family. How I want to care for them more.

I am glad of those friends around me. For all the "pick-me-ups". (Show me some love! hehe)

No, this new year post wouldn't carry a typical list of new year resolutions. Of course I've made one. Somewhere along the lines of earning more money, travel more, blah blah blah.

If I want to put it in a song, this one will do.

High by James Blunt

Beautiful dawn - lights up the shore for me.
There is nothing else in the world,
I'd rather wake up and see (with you).
Beautiful dawn - I'm just chasing time again.
Thought I would die a lonely man, in endless night.
But now I'm high; running wild among all the stars above.
Sometimes it's hard to believe you remember me.

Beautiful dawn - melt with the stars again.
Do you remember the day when my journey began?
Will you remember the end (of time)?
Beautiful dawn - You're just blowing my mind again.
Thought I was born to endless night, until you shine.
High; running wild among all the stars above.
Sometimes it's hard to believe you remember me.

Will you be my shoulder when I'm grey and older?
Promise me tomorrow starts with you,
Getting high; running wild among all the stars above.
Sometimes it's hard to believe you remember me.

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

How it taught me about the choices that I can make in life.

How I'll choose to remember it at the end of a chapter.

Wild and high. That's what I believe I'll see when I look back at the end of this new year. To make it all worthwhile.

Most important of all, this song taught me of...hope.

Thoughts I remember from 2007

2007-12-30T17:30:00.000+08:00

Honestly, I can't remember much of what thoughts that I've dwelled long upon (at times unnecessarily) throughout the whole of 2007. I'd say I've been through quite a lot for the past year. Learnt a lot about life along the way.

But the following two are what, oddly enough, I did pen down many months ago. I must have wanted to remember these two badly.

God, Religion and Me

I don't have a religion. Nor have I decided on which one to embrace, to trust or even whether I should practice one in the first place. But those few people close to me know that I do believe in God. I'm just not so sure about the whole "religion" thing.

If there's one thing I believe about God being a higher power, it's that I'd like to think He "speaks" to us through our hearts.

Whether you choose to listen or believe in whatever your heart tells you, it's really a whole different matter. But I guess it's this faith that made me listen.

Balance in Life

People always tell me to work hard and play hard. They're actually hinting on balance. Too much of a good thing can be bad, some would say. Or rather I'd like to think that too much of the same thing, whether it's good or bad, can be too much as well. *I'm just playing with words here*

At times, you just can't control the good or bad that life throws at you. Funnily enough, the first thing that came to my mind isn't "how much is too much?".

Whatever it is that I face in life or do, it'll only matter if I bother to care in the first place.

Prologue...2008

2007-12-30T01:20:00.000+08:00

It isn't really much of a coincidence that I'm starting to blog again right at the beginning of another new year. I used to blog at Tabulas and then moved to my first blog here at Blogger.

Both blogs have been taken down since then. Never really blogged much or any often either and I bet those who used to read my posts would attest to that haha.

So, yes...part of the reason for this new blog right at the very beginning of a spanking new year is to see just how long I'd stay blogging (hopefully).

But truthfully, this blog is what I'll use to help me remember. Those close to me would know that I'm the sort that thinks way too much. Too much details. Too many complications. Too often.

At times, I'd have epiphanies (in odd places, if I might add...e.g the toilet) but all to be forgotten soon after. And whether it's for the good or bad, I'd really like to keep those thoughts somewhere.

So, here goes...