SIMPLY READ, INDULGE AND HEARD WITH WORDS

Sunday, November 26, 2006

De one with Fever and Nostalgia

Cold day

Supposed to attend SEXPO. However, was feeling feverish. Hence, I have to forgo the outing with the guys.

I happened to locate the videos takes of Bowen's outdoor band competition display 1998 and 2000. In which I participated as a marching percussionist. The glory and pride flows through entire body like icy water sipping through warm bodies. Nearly cried out having overwhelmed by the memorable experience..

It was something I felt capable and proud to be. Being in the military band and competing along side with my fellow bandmen, in the spectacular audience-filled National Stadium. It's tremendous eternal honour. My experienced in the secondary military band, Singapore Youth Festivals, Chingay performance were one of the unforgettable moments. The one I've never felt more right in doing what I had to do.

The perfect moment of tearful-joy, despair, hardship and team-spirit!

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

De one with Shiok!

Night drizzling shower

Run [v]: Move with quick steps and always at least one foot off the ground.

Guess what? I discovered a new route. It stretches along the kallang river and beside the MRT depot. All the way from opposite Bishan Park B till Braddel Rd. I saw the map today. The newly revealed route is supposed to reach Toa Payoh Rd. Omg. To and fro will be 6km. That means I can have a longer distant running route. What makes it more attractive is it's a magnificant long straight road. Hehe.. And it's pathed along the Kallang canal. Reminds me of the coastal route during BMT at Tekong.

Today, I ran both bishan parks plus the new-found route. Totalling up to 10km. Shiok!!

My day was painted more colourful as I've got out of my hibernation at home and spent the entire day with two friends, seperately. I was at Bugis most of the time. Had lunch, bought my Biotherm moisturiser and then chill out at one of my favourite hangout spot at TCC with Ben. He made me faced up with alot of things I've yet to sort out all these time during our short TCC chill out. After which I dined with Isaac at Suntec Swensons.

It's good to be out again! Shiok day!

Saturday, November 18, 2006

De one with Drawing again

Bright sunny day

Mentioned in my previous blog that I'm going for a run today right? well, I didn't. Hehe. Decided to have it postponed and the first thing I did when I woke up was look myself in the mirror. Thank goodness, my face got better. "Goodbyes" to the bits of soreness due to facial yesterday.

Cooked a delicious and yummy maggi mee since I was too lazy to go downstairs to buy. Enjoyed my breakfast as I watched one of my favourite show "The Lake House" for the 5th or 6th time I guess. It's simply a wonderful movie.

Afternoon approached hastily, I decided to move my butt and get out to get some rich sunshine. Actually, I went to Thompson Plaza to patronise NTUC. Hehe. Unusual from the norm, I came out with 3 bagful which accounted to an expense of less than 30 bucks instead of over 50. Hehe.

I decided the house needed a handwash. Hence, I decided to try Kirei Kirei. Disappointingly, its scent didn't fall within my satisfaction. Smelled like normal washing detergent lor. Furthermore, it's expensive too! 200ml for $3+. Sigh.

I dropped by Poh Kim video store. Bleah 4 anime is out! Cool! Shortly after I returned home, I unpacked and started watching Bleah and Fast and the furious. Sigh. I wanna learn my Japanese all over again! And I was thinking I wanna recover my black hair colour because I want to be like an Asian! Err..oki, lame, I'm an Asian.

Wauo. The highlight of the day wasn't all these stated above. Rather, I took out my drawing tools and started to draw again! I looked at the previous drawings in my portfolio sketchbook. It was gratifying. Brings back alot of nostalgic memories too.

For the whole evening, I used only colour pencils to draw. Somehow, it felt different. Perhaps I was demanding too much from myself. Took a picture of what I drew halfway and asked Clara for her opinion. Pretty guitly because she replied it's "very pretty". But my reply was flat.. Oops.

Guess I need to have more confidence in myself in whatever I do.

I managed to catch up with old friends today. Alan and Zarina. Glad to know they are doing fine individually.

Nightime, I witness some children playing these sparks sticks. Remember I used to love playing with them occassionally since Daddy got a lot of boxes of it. Times have changed. Nowadays theirs have this pitch-accelerating up-scale sound when the spark sticks are lighted.

It's been awhile since I've visited mummy. Thinking of her again. Reminiscing about times when she was around. I was drawing halfway when I recalled she used to be so proud of me for posessing a talent in art. Recall, she will always talk about me, to her colleagues and friends. I could imagine her friends might be congratulating her, having known I'm an accountant to be like she was.

Then again, I wondered if she was around, would she have objected to my degree in Accountancy. Nevertheless, she's a supportive mummy. Sigh. I can help missing her so badly.

Well well, there was another peaceful moment today when I thought about how Jason have changed, in tones of colour. The old JC student, I was painted blue and black : cool and unassuming. Currently, Jason have changed into orange and red : outgoing and energetic.
Funnily, I spared some thoughts for the next stage I'm going to "transform" myslef into. Perhaps black : stylish. Which I think might be too old for my age. Or most probably, gold and bronze bah.

:: Dale-lala, I wanna get my 8/10 from you!!

De one with a Weird Dream

The night before

It was about a funny dream with I had. Dreamt that I was still in the army. Same rank, segeant. However there were variation in the faces of my subordinates. There was a combo between my secondary school band malay juniors and one significantly notorious "problem" guy.

To much as I recall, I was the DI ("Duty Instructor") and we were in some marketplace!! Omg. Have no idea why we land up there. I was having a hard time getting the guys to fall in before marching them for lunch. Must be the stigma from all those army days.

End up, I got so pissed up when the guys all disappear for lunch on their own. Unfortunately, I managed to see the notorious guy whom I presumed to be the tribal chief, also the bloodboiling guy. I was so furious all the astonishing vulgarities came out of my mouth, I was superbly screwing the guy until he was speechless. Phew! My nerves were really popping with heavy pulse and my heart nearly missed a few beats because it was pounding angrily.
Not forgetting, I was shouting at my maximum volume. For a moment, I thought my throat's going to burst.

Amazing thing was I was invincibly "barking" like an infernor. Hehehe, what a weird dream. Never in my army life have I been angry. Not mentioning, even near furious.

Friday, November 17, 2006

De one with Facial After So Long

Sunshine

It's been a shocking day. I just realised I've grown fat! Omg. Must go on a diet. Executing my exercise plan, I went for an 8 km run yesterday. Today, I clocked another 3km. Tomorrow? Mac Ritchie, here I come!!

Had an appointment with Anna this afternoon. Looking back, it's been awhile (two months) since I last visit for facial. Apparantly, Anna had dispute with her partner in their partnership business at the AMK beauty clinic which I went there previously. Hence, she's doing her own business herself.

Heard that she's a free and easy person. Not that I'm kpo (Hokkien: busybody) but she was serving her other clients. Can you imagine, in between my facial session, she completed 4 customers. Of course, they were only here for eyebrown trimming. And hell lot of noise. But entertainment too lah. Alas! The world of women. Erm, spare one out of the 4, who was a groom to be tomorrow.

More or less, the facial treatment is the same. So if you wanna know more, just refer to my previous blog on facial. Oops! Must be kana infected with the influnces this afternoon. Look at me! I'm getting carried away!

Forgotten to state why I have missed my facial last month! For who know me, you should know better. For those who don't know, here's why.. it's because I was busy cramping for exams!

Hmm.. Anna introduced me to a new product which is supposedly one of the up coming and effective brands in the realm of facial products. It contains tomato extract and thus, good for clearing blackheads. Anna is very good at personal selling. But end up, I didn't buy anything because I needed time to consider. Wuao.. having studied marketing principles does help in making me a prudent consumer!

Today's session was abit painful since Anna said she will clear my blackheads as I don't have much pimples to squeeze. Ouch! All day long, Anna's been busy picking up calls. She kept apologising for having my treatment held up as she was picking up calls from interviewees for her friend's establishing beauty parlour.

Besides, she also had to deal with her other customers whom I mentioned earlier. After she was done, she asked if I wanted to trim my eyebrowns FOC. I said perhaps other times although deep down, I knew my eyebrowns need some trimming. All her clients were exclaiming and thanking Anna for her skills!

During the facial, Anna also conversed about how successful the owner of IKEA is. Do you know, IKEA sells around 5 thousand chicken wings per day? That's really crazy big money! Besides, she also mentioned about her children being smart enough to organise and celebrate their individual birthdays (kids, nowadays are really getting bright), and also asked what's the logic behind guys having their ears peirced only on the left side of the ear.


Sigh. One facial and I feel as if I'm lagging behind, considering I'm a rather vain and deemed metrosexual guy. There's alot more vain-ier people out there lor!

:p

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

De one with Pulau Ubin

Sunny and wet grounds

It's a bright weather when I woke up around 0730 am. So, I decided to go for a 3km jog. After which I bathed, packed my bag and set off to meet the usual guys.

Went there at 12 pm. Supposed to be meeting at 11:45 am. However, on my way, Zhen Ze messaged me to notify that they will be late. End up, they came 10 mins later. Took bus 9 to Changi Village. Had our lunch at the marketplace where there's a famous Nasi Lemak store. Like what our knowledgeable Zhen Ze said, the sight of the long queue can't prove more that it is indeed famous Changi V Nasi Lemak!

Since the queue was too long and I wanted something light, I chose a simple chicken rice. It sucks. Ordered plum drink, end up it's kinda sweet. Haha.

Next was interesting, we took a boat across the sea as we embarked on my very first time to the magnificant Pulau Ubin, the Island of Granite. The boat fee was pretty cheap. 2 bucks per person. Cool. Traveling across the sea stirred flashbacks of my days when I was sitting on the ferry to Pulau Tekong during army days.

The first sight was familiar. It's the wooden bridge I used to see on TV when they filmed on the island. It didn't take very long to rent our bikes. They advised me to check the brakes on my back. Being clueless, I didn't know how to check. Before I knew it, I was about to find out why..

We were travelling from the east when we had to go through this steep gravel and orangy mud slope. It was my brakes didn't work efficiently and I wasn't sitting steadily on my back. As a result, I fell forward. Break fall with my palms and got them scratched. The good thing? The other parts of my body didn't get injured. Bad thing? My part of my berms got dirtied.

Hehe.. I must have been a very vain guy right? I was fretting more over my stained berms then my bleeding palms.

Well, from the instant I fell, I anticipated that I was going to bleed. The guys kept asking whether I was hurt. Erm.. seriously, it was bearable until I washed the wound.

The whole trip was very fun. There were challenging moments when faced with up slopes. Particularly, two route. I enjoyed the trip totally. Was expecting lots of mosquito bites. Surprisingly, there was little. All thanks to my insect repellant. Really great! It's been effective throughout NS!!

We passed by this Thai temple. Don't know why but I have developed a practice to pray. Especially the 4-faced Bhurma. Well, I didn't kneel. Partly because I was wearing a white berms. And secondly, I wasn't praying with any joss sticks. Compensating, I dropped a token of donation.

In addition, I also learnt alot more about the functions of front and back brakes and the operation of the range of gears for the bike. It was alot complicated compared to the ones I experienced with the bike I rent at East Coast and Pasir Ris Park.

Had a tiring day. We went back to the ferry terminal to change into our fresh clothings. After which we took bus 59, in hope of getting to Tampines. Ended up, we dined at Toa Payoh. Haha.

After which I went back Bishan to get the VCDS and SIMS installation codes. Went home, turned out my lappy while I bathed. Intended to wait for Zhen Ze to send me the details for application of job. As I waited, I dozed off.

That's the reason to account why I'm only blogging what happened yesterday, today.
As for today, I didn't do much. My back muscle ache. Not forgetting the wounds on my palms. Everybody kept asking how was my palms. My reply was "it's pain but bearable".

Watched one of my old time favourite show, "Waterboys". It's the reason why I want to slim down. SIgh. I'm losing my tan. Gotta go sun bathing soon!

It's a day for resting today. Thanks guys, for the enjoyable trip. Can't wait for my second experienced!

Sunday, November 12, 2006

De one with Hospital visit

Rainless Sunday

Got a shock? It's not me being hospitalised! Instead, I paid my uncle a visit at SGH this early afternoon, with the accompany of my cousin, Jasmine.

Early morning had a fulfilling 8km run. And I feel lighter today. Haha. Unfortunately, Jasmine bought Nasi Lemak for my breakfast. There goes my effort in the run.

Before today, I kept thinking that my uncle had his cardio surgery at TTSH. End up, it's actually at SGH. For a moment, I forgot that SGH has got the top specialised in cardiology.

The poor fellow was sleeping in ICU today when we visit him. Well, actually I didn't want to go. Because I knew I would feel so outta place since I wasn't close to him. Sometimes at loggerheads. However, for the sake of kinship, I had to make my appearance. Sigh.

Respect is the word. I had to call him everytime I see him. Which I feel it weird and "extra". Anyway, in the name of Respect. I had no choice but to do so despite the absence of acknowledgement from the suffering man. Perhaps, he is tired, I told myself this.

Mama (my aunt), Papa (my uncle in law) and Jasmine brought me to Pearl Centre to eat. They were saying the "Yong Tao Hu" was famous. Sigh. It does brought back some memories of that "last person I'd ever want to be reminded about". I didn't want to eat anything filling. Hence, I ordered some dim sum. Gosh. Mama complained about the wooden chopsticks were mouldy. Papa was talkative as usual.

I don't really know. Yet somehow, I felt.. My family is obsolete from the main family. It's like Jasmine and Mama are the ones in charge of the family now. Omg. I shouldn't think this way. Perhaps it's because They are the ones who are actively bearing the burden of the family issues. Mummy used to be here. Now, we're trying to cope without her. I'm a hypersentimental guy. Inevitably, it's why I take more time to move on.

We accompanied Mama until 4pm when Uncle is being tranferred to a High Dependency ward (the second highest in the hierarchy of Intensive care department). Took Tranisland bus 851 to Thompson Plaza where Jasmine and I shopped for a new pair of heels for her to wear for work.

We also got the rest of the family dinner too. Not too bad a day.

Saturday, November 11, 2006

De one with Quilt

Storm and cold weather

Today I didn't step out of house. Early morning, I watched "Cars" on vcd. Mama have been bugging me to visit my Uncle who's hospitalised having underwent a heart bypass. It's been 3 days since the operation.

Ah ma has been very troubled since Wednesday when my Uncle got admitted to the hospital. She kept praying to the altar and ancestor's tablet every hour. The old lady would jump and rush for the house phone whenever it rings. Noticed the endless motherly love she's displayed through her actions. Sigh.

Partially, I was empathising with ah ma. Staying at home for the past 3 days wasn't enough. So I decided to find something to occupy her. I asked ah ma to teach me how to do a quilt.

I've always find quilt fascinating. It was one of the very impressive and magnificant art I've seen during my young age. What left a significant impression was this story book which I pocessed. The title of the short story book was "Granny". It was about a boy who spent time with the granny. One day, due to age-sickness, the Granny passed away. However, she left a self-made quilt for the grandson.

I love the story alot. Kinda related myself to how much I was closed to my ahma. She pampers me, buys me whatever I want and brings me to watch my favourite chinese opera shows at temples and 7th Month festivals events, like those mentioned in the story. And it is from the storybook which I first learnt that ahma might be gone one day. Ever since, I've started crying everytime I think of my ahma.

Having read the story a ellion times, grannies were associated with quilts unexplainably. I had one at home. It was a gift from my cousin's friend's granny. Treasured the quilt alot. Kept me warm during the monsoon period when it gets cold at night and the normal cotton blanket can't help much to shield the chill. However, it was "growing short" as I've grown taller.

I decided to make one myself. Initially, a couple months ago, I thought of making one for Sweet. But, well..anyway, I embarked on my start to making my quilt. I begun with cutting the triangular patches. This didn't pose a problem because I enjoyed cutting things and am pretty good with cutting.

The great part of the day was learning how to work with the sewing machine. Easy? nope. It was the traditional Singer-brand sewing machine. Just a desktop kinda thing which all work is done by hand. Not those with step works from your feet (though I have that at my house). I discovered a couple of astoundingly amazing things.

1: I didn't know how simple was threading a needle until ah ma told me to use a threading device. With it, you slot the pointed wire loop throught the hole of the needle, slot the thread through the loop and pull the wire loop out of the needle hole. And cha chang! Your needle is threaded. To think I used to fred, depending on my eyesight and luck to thread a needle. Ooo, not forgetting the hussle of trying to converge the threat head to enable a smooth, easy penetration through the needle.

2: Ahma imparted me with the necessary skills to position the cloths for sewing, about the upper thread which is connected to the needle, and the lower thread which is connected to a roller hidden beneath. About appropriate usage of the stabilising footer to hold on and guide your cloth. And the way to pull allowances and cut the excessive threads.

3: I had no idea that you must tighten the knob so that the sewing needle can work.

4: I was clueless on how to replace the lower thread when it was depleted. And getting the lower thread to come out from the lower hole even after replacing roll of lower thread. Hehe. Ah ma taught me must turn the hand wheel and cha chang! Simple it is as the lower thread appeal. Previously, I went through all the trouble to get the thread out manually. Omg!

5: Conventional method, I rolled the thread onto the depleted roll. Ah ma taught me a surprising way of fixing the empty roller onto a component located near the handwheel. Replenishing the filling of thread just by turning the handwheel. Wuao!!

After stitching near 100 pieces of the fragments, ah ma taught me to iron the allowanced flaps of the joint fragments so that it will turn out to be flat on the under-side. Cousin came back during the afternoon. Helped her ironed her shawl since she was in the rush to attend a company's dinenr and dance function.

Worked from after till evening. It was tedious work!!

I cooked dinner for the three of us. Ah ma, Jimson and me. Washed the utensils too. Man, I feel so hearty today!!

Friday, November 10, 2006

De one with Rock Climbing

Not so bad a day as the falling rain

Due to yesterday's disappiontment that my plan to run in the evening being ruined by the wet weather, I had a satisfying 7 km run early in the morning. After which I came home, watched a few X-men 90's animated series and headed for Yishun.

Met Zhen Ze for lunch at a very familiar old place which we frequent during our army days. It's nostalgic. Fascinating thing was the rain came in while we were in the milst of eating. And the rain appeared on one side before "shifting" literally to another side of the open view from the coffee-shop which we were in. Spent awhile spotting whether it was really raining anot!

*giggle giggle*

We made our way to SAFRA. Second time with Zhen Ze, spared the very first time I went because of -A-. Reason being, Guan Hui had some matter to settle before joining us later. There was a distance from the busstop which both of us alighted to SAFRA, thus we ran slowly in the rain. Reached, enquired and finally made a registration at the rock climbing office, located near the park.

Relatively cheap since we were SAFRA members. $10.50 for fun in the bouldering room, an indoor rock-climbing session. Funny thing occured. The receipt which was given to me was printed but had nothing on it. Confirmed with the guy at the admin counter. Funny.

What's funnier? Not knowing where the Bouldering room was, Zhen Ze and I walked around searching for it. Only to realise it was so close to the office when we walked far away.

It was my very first attempt at rock climbing. Well, disappointing we didn't get to do the outdoor 12, 15 or 18 metres rock climb due to the downpour. Frankly speaking, I don't know why I've becomed sporty-fevered. Perhaps it's army and a growing adrenalin. I recalled during my secondary school days, I would avoid such physical activities and challenges. Well, spare the Confidence building camp which I kinda appreciated it.

The experience was great and exciting. I always get thrilled by new adventures nowadays. 2 hours and my left hand got exhausted. Erm, yesterday did weights training and today I just ran..accountable for reasons? hehe Oops ;)
Nevertheless, it was fun, fun, fun! Finally doing something new in the dwell of boring life.

After 3 plus, the rain stopped. Felt sour. Otherwise, we'd have been rock climbing outdoors. Soon, 2 ladies joined the room. Well, more means we have limited freedom to choose which part of the room to occupy.

We decided to leave shortly after Guan Hui came. What happened next was interesting. We went hunting for a toilet with seperate shower rooms adequate for the three of us. The optimum commodity was the one located near the swimming facility. Well, we extended our hunt for Cash Card topping up services since Guan Hui needed to purchase an entry into the swimming facility. End up, I bought one new cash card. One more card to my collection!

Did something illegal when we finally got to the swimming pool the second time. Earlier, I entered with my SAFRA card and came out since Guan Hui needed to search for Cash Card Top-up services. Not knowing the entitlement to one visit per day. I couldn't enter the second time. Left choiceless, both Zhen Ze and me entered concurrently via entrance with Zhen Ze's SAFRA card.

We left SAFRA and walked to North Point foodcourt for a "light" dinner. Guan Hui didn't have brunch. And I supposed most of us will be dinning at home.

I left for grocery shopping at NTUC fairprice AMK. Surprisingly, my consumption expenditure didn't hit $50. Other occassion, my visit to NTUC will always exceed that amout. Well, it came close nevertheless. $48 something. Wonder what did I get? Under errand for my aunt and ah-ma, I got Tabby's dog food and towel tissues respectively. Besides, I bought a few packages of made for frying food for the "rainy days", campbell's lastest "potato and spinach" soup, Brocolli, chicken fillet, ham and low-fat bread.

Told Denn, that most probably I'll be expecting muscle aches all over tomorrow due to over exertion. Hmm.. Let's see... Anyway, Jason and his rock climbing experience..Woohoo!

:: My close friend, everything may seem blur and chaotic. I felt that same when I expecting my exams too. Really hope, with all my heart, that all your current difficulties will dissipate and all will turn out fine. You have my sincerest support along the way. Huggies.

:: To Sam, take good care of your health and speedy recovery. Snizzles snizzles go away, just be gone far far away.

:: To Zhen Ze and Guan Hui, hope we can go out and spent good times together.

:: To all my friends in local U, study hard and jiayou for your semester exams!

Thursday, November 09, 2006

De one with Favourite Things

Raining till now

Like Maria Von Trapp said, "recall some of your favourite things and then you won't feel, so bad..."
Here are some of my favourite things which I recall and like to share.

I love waking up, look at the window and see the sun partially hidden in cloudy weather. Or waking up to see the person I love by thy side. I miss the taste of a delicious breakfast where there's ham, bread, sausages, hashbrowns, orange juice or warm Earl Grey tea.

I love jogging in the sun, or have a lazy afternoon swimming and sun bathing like there's no tomorrow. I love the morning beach and the smell of salty sea in the everlasting evening. Cycling along the windy coast .

I love laying on a carpet grasspatch like those in Australia or New Zealand and take my time to read with occassional cool breeze.

I love accompany, visiting new places, doing things with my friend who love travelling and embarking on an adventurous expedition. Love the peace and sanctuary in temples regardless of religion.

I love the crunchiness of vegetables. The soury taste of orange and lemon. The relieving scent of green apples.

I love shopping, walking and seeing things alot the way. I love playing between being in control and letting go. Movies and dinner. Love chilling and talk never-endingly over coffee at Starbucks. Love listening to Jay Chou's music to express and understand my feelings.

I love to allow creativity and sophistication flow into the art I do. Love people to appreciate and acknowledge my existence in life. Love to flash my smile. Be friendly and genuine to people the same as well.

Phew.. I sure have quite a list of favourite things

De one with Body Foam

Rain in the afternoon

What kinda body foam or shower gel do you used? I believe few people will pay little attention to it. In marketing, such products belong majorly to Convenient goods (like salt and sugar) in which little purchasing effort is needed. Well, for all you know, perhaps some purchasing effort is dedicated to the price which is part of the consumer buying decision process.

For me, through my past 21 years, I've used a range of body foam. Now, let's take some time to read this blog entry and get to know more...

I believe alot of us would agree we find the brand "Johnson's Baby" familiar. It was very popular product brand which is favourable for our mothers. It smells pleasant and ideal for usage on babies? Unexplainably, I guess it's the successful marketing strategy bah. I still remember the sweet smelling bathing foam. Love it when there's lots of bubbles. Apparantly, the rich yllowish shampoo too!

Of course, times have changed. Johnson's and Johnson's came up with this fruity bath for kids. For kids hor, not children. Kids sounds more trendy I supposed. Not forgetting, there was a favourable bath which incorporate the smell of peach. Nice.

Outgrown the Johnson's product, I started using Dettol shower form. I just love the antiseptic smell. Makes me feel refreshed and "free of germs".

Well, Dettol last for 2 years or 3 until this Japanese brand of body foam, Shokubutsu, was introduced during my late secondary years and JC. I love orange alot. It was the orange flavour which made me adopted the product. Furthermore, the after bath experience was pleasant. Your skin feels tighten and has a tinkling sensation. Hmm.. do you recognise the melodious theme of the advertisement?

After which, Shokubutsu came up with this "antibacterial" shower form. It was really the prefect bathing foam which I used during my BMT and SISPEC days. Without it, I guess I'd have smells like damped drain from all those perspiration-soaked uniforms.

After I got posted to battalion, I started to pursuit a new level of satisfaction for my body foam. Other than fulfilling just physiological needs, I wanted a body foam not just enabling me to be clean and feel comfortable. But to be pleasant smelling and to a more demanding extent, to yield healthy benefit for my skin.

That was when I started using the Men's shower gel from The Body Shop. It was pretty expensive. $19.90 for a small package which last you for a month. Cents-off pricing strategy.
However, it was the exculsive and manly smell of sandalwood and later, some a pleasant musculine-sweet effusion scent. It not only cleanse your body but leaves a lasting scent to make you feel euphonious.

I supposed after unemployment with SAF. I switched to using "less for same" valued products. I.e. getting a different brand of body foam which provides the same benefits, at a lower cost. Hehe.. I started using Adidas shower form for a while.. Then tried Protex. Currently, using Walch 500. It's ester smelling and delivers a cooling delight after showers. Just love all those body foams targeting for sportmens.

Recently, under the influence of my cousin's use of Lavender body foam. I purchased a bath foam from Marks and Spencers. Vanilla and Cocoa Butter. It helps calms and control my emotions. Previously, I was using Dove's.

Can you imagine, I am currently spolit of choice using a range of body foam. One for exfoliation: Ginvera Green tea with micro beads. Cleansing: Walch and Body Shop's "of a man". Scent and moisturising: Marks and Spencers' Vanilla and Cocoa Butter.

*blushes* and grin.

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

De one with Shuqing

CHRONICLES of CHUM

I recalled, during the first band practice or second, a girl in Cedar uniform came to join us for a band practice during my SRJC days. She has a friendly appearance, hair tied up in a pony tail and left-handed. Her name was "Tan Shu Qing".

Both of us were completely clueless as we sit on the wooden steps at the back of the band room. Watching our seniors play a score which we didn't have any parts assigned yet. Funny thing, the same as my friendship with others, I can't recall how we got to know each other.

I guess it's because we were from the same section. We got to know each other during one of the band pract even though she was a mallet-percussionist and I was a snare drum percussionist. Ooo.. I remembered! The score we watched our seniors played was "Alice in Wonderland Overture" haha.

Anyway, our friendship bloomed. Back then, we were really two crazy person. I recalled we will always laugh and laugh during our breaks and after band pract when we will walk out together. Both of us went for this percussion festival thingy. However, end up, both of us backed out.

We were under sectionals by our instructor's girlfriend, Miss Wee. Remembered Qing (Shuqing) telling me why both of us like to giggle and laugh so much.

Other than that, we went through a few events like helping the Chinese Orchestra with their performance in Synergy.

Qing was a very supportive friend. We understand each other and work in good rapport during our band days. I guess it's because we are both similar as in we are crazy, previously percussionists from military bands and we also confide our emotional situation to one another.

Back then, I kinda like this girl in my JC. Qing was always creating chances and teasing me lah. Not forgetting, we also had abit of talkative sessions about our band teacher, Mr Kwek and this spoiled junior named Jeanali. Oops! Haha not forgetting, Qing said a very funny thing to me which I'll never forget. She always says she could smell be even before I entered the band room. Due to my Boss in motion cologne which I put everyday to school.

After JC, we still kept in contact and met up with Shelby. During June this year, I went to Clayton, Melbourne Australia to visit her during her short school holidays. It was cool and really enjoyable.

Qing was a good friend who cheered me up, keep me accompany and get me outgoing during jc band days. Really one of the few who I can really talk to back then. She's the only girl who labels me as a "jie mei" (she labels me, not my idea lah). Omg.

Thanks Qing, my fellow friend and percussionist!

De one with Post Exam Day 1

Fine weather

Today didn't do much. Didn't even went outdoors for swim, jog or even stepped out of the house. "san gu" is hospitalised due to a heart by-pass operation. Hence, Mama had to be at the hospital all day.

As such, I kinda need to stay at home to accompany and look after things around in the empty house least Jimson and ahma. Hmm.. day was ok. Finally, I could wake up, enjoy some self-made breakfast (nothing much actually.. it's Maggi Mee but it's super nice, the way I cook it) and watch my X-men animated series which is totally cool!

Well, the whole day I just watched and watched. Completed the entire Season 1 and 2. Moving on to Season 3 which features one of my favourite part of the entire X-men episodes: The Phoenix Saga. Totally fascinating.

I gave a thought to.. whether should I look for a job. Ben was kind enough to offer me the one which he's currently working at. Well, I don't know. Or perhaps I was thinking of continuing my pursuit of my driving license. Taking my time cher..

Initially, I thought my post exam days would be filled with watching home videos. However at the rate I'm going, I think there ain't much left for me to view.

Well, as much as I'm bored. Thankfully, there are people asking me out. Gotta do some transformation to myself too. Hehe..

Gosh, i miss alot of people. Especially my jc gang, close friends, Chin Yu, Mohan (who has exams until December) and alot genuine new friends. Unexplainably, it's like that. During exams, you'll discover that you have so much you want to do. After exams, everything seems so uninteresting. Haha

Anyway, trying to make the best of everything. Hmm.. gotta lots of miracles and life's delightful wonders ahead of me! ;)

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

De one with Relieve

Calm skies

Today's a relieve. After 4 days of rest, ECONS1016 Macroeconomics Final semester paper commenced in the hot and sleepy afternoon.

The paper was relatively "ok". Choose 5 out of 7 questions. Most of the people did Q1,4,5,6 & 7. I did Q1,2,4,6 and 7. Question 1 and 7 were "must take!" questions. Especially Q7 on International Trade. The lecturer said he wouldn't forive us if we didn't do that simplest question in the paper! hehe.. Ok lah.. however the was this part (worth 4 marks) asking about equation for "Income Accounting Identity" Omg. I didn't know what it was. Sigh.

Question 1 was about PPC. Thankfully there weren't much GDP questions tested. However, to be equally mean, the question tested on definitions of Labour, Unemployment Rate, Full-employment and things like that. It came totally "off guard". Tried answering to the best I can lor...

Question 2 was on Demand and Supply. Alot of people found it tough. During the 15 minutes of reading time, I was in a dilemma of choosing between Q2 and Q5. Since I didn't like Keynesian Government sector, which is tested in Q5, I landed myself in battle with Q2. Well, the first part was rather simple. However, the second part was confusing. My answers.. well, full of uncertainty. Somehow I thought I might score more marks if I've attempted Q5. Haha

Question 4 was about Keynesian Theory on consumption and saving. I did just fine. Question 5 was on Money market. This was relatively easy. Hence, I started my exam answering this question. Cool.

Well, that's about all. hehe. After exam, it was a real relieve. It feels like a load's off my shoulders. Well, what's next?

As usual, Zhen Ze, Guan Hui and I left school for dinner at IKEA. One of my favourite dinning place. I made a "lightful" purchase too!

Sunday, November 05, 2006

De one with What Others Have That I Don't

Storm-set weather

Yesterday on my way back home, my mind slipped into a daze and gave a thought to the things which people have which I don't. Well, life's tough for some people like me, you know. And it can't get any worse. Let's just say, sometimes we need a breather or relieve. My heart's full of troubles, it just keeps wanting to be emptied from time to time.

It all started with Clara's birthday. Not just my close friend's. It's everybody. People have their friends celebrating for them Creating surprise birthday parties. There are others who even get lots of birthday presents from their friends. Ask Alvin and "brother", their CK underwears were from birthdays. Chin Yu and Clara have their friends thrown a surprised birthday parties. So on and so forth.

Come to think about it.. well, Envy's the culprit of the day.

I remembered I was heartbroken in June. And for my birthday, I bought a bottle of Shiraz during my Melbourne visit to the vineyard. Thought of celebrating with my gang of friends. However, ya... the bottle of wine's still keep under my bed, collecting dust.

Second, it's mummy bah.. Though I didn't really cry. Despite I smile and let musculinity put a mask on my face everytime I mention about my mummy's past away... or how sensitive I feel deep inside my heart everytime my friends exclaimed about how good their mother is... or witnessing the mother-love displayed from a stranger and her child in the public. The rain in my heart starts to pour. Over and over again like an unstoppable monsoon.

Sometimes I can't help blaming mummy. Why she had to leave and live only in my heart. Most of the time I just hate myself for not behaving and loving her when she's alive. Often, I just smile and pretend nothing's happening. Even when my exes mentioned like a joke or use it to break me down during our breakups.

The last thing what others have that I don't is Life. It comprises of love, intelligence, looks and happiness. I'm so average. At times I can't help worrying I'm barely average or lower than that. It's because of this phobia that I strive so hard in everything I do or commit in. To get acknowledgement of my existence and prov that I have a meaning in life. I'm not indispensable to anybody. Nobody even ask me out for dinner without me asking or hinting for it.

Every pro has a con. Birthday parties gotta do with my PR. Presents hard because most of the things I buy it myself. And I must be thankful I'm still getting some this year.

But how many people actually know how I feel inside? Who to blame? me.
*shake head*

Secondly, nobody is to blame for my mummy's incident. Life's about coming and leaving. I don't have maternal love. But I still have some love from the rest of my family and friends. Well, yet sometimes I wonder, when I really need one, who do I confide it?

Lastly, "each man for his own". You've gotta define yourself a meaning in life. Love is through bonding relationship and social skills; Intelluctual comes from wisdom through continuous dilligent knowledge; Looks comes from hardwork and labour to compensate for nature; and last but not least, happiness is only a state of mind. It's about how I perceive happiness to be and where to derive it from.

Jason, are you strong enough? Do you possess the challenging ability from being a Leo?
There are times I can't. Being totally honest, I can't. When I break down and collapse, who will really embrace me instead of lending a listening ear, console, comforting advices.. I doubt even any angels can.

You always tell me, Mummy: "do things within your means"
It's been 14 years when I first heard and believe it into my life philosophy. Yet, what comes presently before me, after all I've tried and experience?

Saturday, November 04, 2006

De one with "Beautiful"

Sun, cloudy and drizzle

"I don't know... if I'm the one for you in this life.
I can't help hearing my voice calling your name
Coz when I'm trying so hard not to look in your eyes
Maybe I have fallen in love with you.

I can't so describe how i'm feeling deep inside
So much more than I can say
With your touch it feels so right
Oh my you're so near all the time in this place

For I know in my heart
I'll never let you go in this lifetime
Do you know why..oh baby
Coz you're just so...beautiful..
to..me..

Well tonight bathing the scent I can hear you breathe
It's alive to see you smell with those tears in your eyes
They may say that you're just a girl in this mini-world
In my heart, you're like the world to me

Touch my hand,
Feel my heart,
Hold me close
And you'll find me

You'll find me...
You're so beautiful...
To.. me..."

A lovely song memorably resided in my heart. This I give to u, euphoniously.

Nothing happened much today. Except I ran a new route up lower Peirce Reservoir. Evening put down my studies and went for Clara's surprise birthday party at Toa Payoh Mac-donalds. Rather enjoyable because can have a get together with the gang. Wanted to go out after that but we didn't know where to go exactly. Furthermore, we thought what was best was for Clara and her boyfriend (who was rather poor thing, waited and was alone during the party). Plus she had to carry so much birthday presents back.

Friday, November 03, 2006

De one with 3rd Exam on 3rd November

Sun and drizzle like a toggle switch

Today's 3rd Novemeber. It happens to be my 3rd examination for the semester. ISYS2059 Business Computing Exam..well what can I say?

Agree with Zhen Ze, he was exclaiming that the actual exam differ from the past year sample exams. In terms of format. Especially database.

The paper was... well, I tried my best to answer with which ever knowledge I have. It's mentionable that there were a few of theory questions which I wasn't sure. So much so I used my marketing knowledge to crap out answers.

Spreadsheet section was pretty tough. The questions were pretty open or ambiguous. There were space for self interpretation of the question. This is also so for Database section. We weren't sure which to include, given a company's invoice, payment, order and supplier. *Confused*

Personally, I didn't really expected much because I only started my revision the day before, which was yesterday. Met Sam, who came to the library to find me. We had an enjoyable dinner at some shop-eating place. He had Katong Laksa. Ate with a pair of chopsticks, not knowing that Katong Laksa is ate only with a spoon. After which I took a break and agreed to have a chill out at J8's coffee bean cafe.


Anyway, the female chief invigilator was super annoying with her funny intonation and instructions. She talks in a super irritating and unpleasant manner. Obviously, trying to amplify a "faked" authority or control when she's not. Before and after the exam, she emphasised the instructions as if it's our first time taking an exam. Kao..she's so..unliked.

During the post exam, I'll experience cognitive dissonance. Sigh.. I feel like I could have done better. Just unsatisfied with my peformance during examination, just a few minutes ago.

After exams, as usual, my mind went blank. Everytime Zhen Ze and Guan Hui discuss about the exam questions for the day, I just couldn't recall it as if I've not taken the paper yet. Oops.
We collected our Computing Assignments. After which we proceed to the Holland Village for lunch.

It's my second time to Holland Village. My first was with Mama when I was young. Well, the place changed alot. Partly, I couldn't recall the place. Nevertheless, I liked the place. It made me feel like I'm in some Australian or European village. Most likely due to the layout of the buildings over there. Nice place, lots of cafes and eating houses.

The three of us end up eating Subway. Ooo my favourite. Don't know why I've developed a liking for eating vegetables! Most probably due to the experience from Delifrance's salad lunch!
Hehe.

After which we made out way to Orchard Rd despite the rain when we were still at Holland V. Walked around Tangs since Zhen Ze wanted to look for stuff he could purchase with his voucher. Then to Far East Plaza. Walked around as Guan Hui wanted to see T-shirt. After that, we took a break, sat down as Zhen Ze ate American Cheesy Chicken.

We advanced to Heeren where I browse for swimming trunk. Well, my own NUM swimming trunk is loosening. End up, nothing special. Went to HMV to see a jap band WAT since Guan Hui said there's a Jason lookalike. Went browsing at watch shops too.

Heeren changed abit after renovation. CityChain and Levis changed their location. The bigger Levis wasn't that fantastic. Yet, credit must be given to the fountain (although the surprise was given off in September), which shoot to a height reaching 5 storeys tall.

Our last stop was at Paragon Metro. Before I left to take a long-awaited bus 132 to Thompson to meet Sam for dinner. Arrived at my destination around 07:30 PM. So paiseh about my impunctuality. We had a "first experience" korean crusine at Aunty Kim's. Initially, there weren't any seats in the air-conditioned eating house. Only outside-seats were available. Just when we decided to head towards the Japanese eating place next door, some customers left Aunty Kim's. Lucky.

Sam's usual utilary. We went to have a drink after our meals. haha. After which I headed home. It was a well mix of frowns and enjoyable day. Begun the day with a destressing jog and end it with a destressing time out with friends too.

By the way, 3 down.. one more to go

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

De one with Second Down

Rainning after exam

Today wasn't an auspicious day. Well.. spare some fine-tuning which I'll share towards the end of this entry.

Where to start? Hmmm.. The highlight of the day was MKTG 1199 Marketing Principles end Semester examination. It's pretty tough because we were given the choice to choose questions to answer.

Section A tested our theories. Consisting of 4 questions. Of which 2 were answerable upon choice. I chose Question 1 and 4. Question 1 was relatively simple. Required to state the differences between 'segmentation' and 'positioning'. In addition, state the different segmentation bases.

I believe most of the cohort chose to answer this straightforward and relatively easy question. For me, one mistake I made was stating "cultural" as one of the 4 segmentation bases, which is incorrect. Sigh. It should have been Geographical. It's the easiest to remember! Unfortunately, weirdly, I got the others (Behavioural, Demographic and Personal) right.

Question 4 was asking about the difference between 'Public relations' and 'Advertising'. Next part was stating the advantages and disadvantages of both of the above mentioned. For this, I tried answering to my best..crapped most of it. Sigh.

Section B presents 6 "closer-to-home" and applying knowlegde type of questions. Of which the candidate has to answer 3.

I avoided those questions which carries 10 whole marks for one single question. In the end, I chose Question 2, 3 and 4. The first requires stating the stages of New Product development process. Applying knowledge with the given example of marketing the new Yakult drink. For this particular question, I only managed to be confident in answering part A. Part B, I realised I didn't have the time to answer fully.

The second is about NTUC spa and characteristics about 'Services'. Out of 4, I forgotten the one last despite I got the rest of the 3 characteristics correct. Variability. This was the one which cause me one mark. Sigh. Again, Part B, I didn't have ample time to provide a satisfying answer. All I remembered and think its the way to answer the question was services differentiation and quality. Sigh.

The last question was about Consumer Buying Behaviour Process. Part A was merely stating and explaining with examples. Part B requires a real life example of the view of a Buyer of 3G mobile phone. Due to time constrains, I tried my best to produce a better answer for part A. Part B was a mere script-through. Omg.

Time management was the killer for this examination. Now I'm fearing whether my answers will earn me at least a Credit. Sigh. Buang lah!

It was raining when I came out of the examination hall. Sigh. It was a real pathetic examination session. Zhen Ze, Guan Hui and I went for dinner at BK, Westmall. What could be worst? I sight someone undesirable to my sight.

Well, I'm goodlooking and living good. Who cares about that person.

Fortunately, after a demoralising day in campus, it was compensated when I received the X-men 90's Animated cartoons series DVD, directly imported from US. It cheered me up abit.

Sigh. Second gone. Two down... Two more to go.