Thursday, January 24, 2008

Keeping the Faith

There are times, we seem to have walked apart
With diverging pursuits, and priorities
There isn't time to slow down and talk
To find common grounds again
Our lives have changed, our wants differ
There are times when we cast doubts
Perhaps, the day that spells the end will come
Sooner than death should keep us apart
We know we won't say it
Because we don't like to address it
We think we don't understand each other anymore
I thought you don't care to listen afterall
You thought I don't empathise like before

We can't deny the gradual drift
We may not like our dissimilar dreams
Someone else may take your spot
Someone else may claim my attention
But... we have come so far, haven't we?
Why should changing lives close our tangling loops?
We can seek our respective goals
And share the joy of our personal wins
We may not know each other's angst
Nor truly go through the same sad thing
But when I need someone
I know I can count on you
Let's keep the faith. Let's keep the faith.

Saturday, January 05, 2008

too-jiro-jiro-egg

I saw a large advert at Borders yesterday and the guy on the poster says 2008 will be a "make it happen" year. Then I thought to myself that my 2008 will be a "let it happen" year and 2009 a "make it happen" year.

despite not being exceptionally excited over what i'm doing for a living now, i know ploughing through it this year will be crucial in what i hope to make happen next. if i haven't been understood correctly, i am in neutral state of mind and heart. i bear no love for what i do in the day but it also doesn't bother me that much either.

2-0-0-8 shall be the year I let things happen as decided, then plan + action one step at a time, towards the 2-0-0-9 aspiration. There's another thing i resolve to work on this year - to move myself away from the 'shuuji' role, learning to be more open and honest with my opinions, without losing my tact.

Tuesday, January 01, 2008

My letter, cyber, virtual affairs recollected

Happy 2008!

Today I remember the fun times I had back in CGS and I actually had my days of writing to pen pals! But none as exciting as XY's jailbird penpal who could had been doing his time for theft or maybe rape or maybe murder!!! But that's all our speculations, never got round to clarifying...

Anyway, one of the penpals that I wrote most often to was a german gal [*gasp!* the german connection started way back when I was 15]. She made me send her all the stamps she pasted on the envelope so that she could recycle it. She was as smart as my ah pa who is Singapore's top of the tops stamp recycling activist. Anyway I stopped writing, cos she's a she getting boring or rather our exchanges were getting insipid. To be honest, I can learn all I want about german culture through the encyclopedia (there wasn't wikipedia then). I think my intention of penpaling was really living the fairy tale of how love can develop over distance through stamps, ink and papers. Penpals must be out of fashion now, heh?

Then came poly days when I got addicted to....(ahem...it's a bit embarassing to admit) *whisper* ircing. All those time-wasting days in the computer labs, doing nothing but chatting frivolous small-talks with folks whom I fantasized to be cute, lanky and who knew, turned out to be oily kwalis. And there was one senior whom I've been apparently in contact with (but never met) even after he graduated - I wiped him out of memory so cleanly that I seriously got no freaking idea since when I had a sworn brother who addressed me as "dearest pi** mei mei" in his last desperate letter to me, to ask why I haven't been writing... I quit school-ircing about 4 - 5 months after I first started. To be more specific, I quit after all fantasy bubbles burst.

After graduating, amid the struggles over boring work life, I actually found time again to entangle myself in cyber web of friends. The whole head over heels cycle repeated and I imagined a possible high-class Gucci get-together (derived from Khoo-Chee, and I shan't explain why...it's simply too embarassing). This time it wasn't that horrifying, and I actually entertained the idea of turning virtuality to reality. For those who knew, the story didn't end that way of course. When the shield of virtuality vanished, the magic of imagination dissipated too....

This saga, ends, once and for all, any future indulgence in building a friendship that started on the basis of mystique. The face-to-face getting-to-know-you is the still the best bridge in bringing people together. I speak from experience.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

i try my best at mediocrity

i am trying my best at being mediocre, stoning my presence into oblivion and keeping my opinions under my breath. so please don't say I don't compromise. i do, though i must admit i don't do it with much flair.

i've got an ego that needs to be tamed at times, an over-dynamic personality that strangely turns to shyness when the limelight is not automatically shone on me, and some very proud but personal goals that I can't share freely in my present work environment.

I'm not complaining. Just that I need the resolve to journey through this in solitude. All, in the name of dreams, money and peace-of-mind to realise the big things to come. Things are not bad. At least at 6pm on work days, I live again.

Thursday, November 22, 2007

it's just a job

Someone asked me how I'm getting on at the new job recently. I dun feel much really - very numbed by events around me and I guess it's becos i've seen enough.

In short, everything's ok - it's just a job; nothing too exciting nor stimulating. I've got other distractions that ignite stronger flames and it feels kinda weird how life for me has changed to a point that my 'full-time work' no longer takes centrestage. Anyway, this is a path leading to greater times in the near future. I'll be ready soon. For now, I'll settle for a quiet, steady march towards the conquest.

Monday, November 05, 2007

The 5-Second Rule

All my life, I believe that the food you drop can be eaten if you pick it up within 5 seconds, and this is also provided it drops on a relatively clean surface.

I shared this exceptional pi's wisdom with friends back in secondary school (this was like 16 years ago). Many wouldn't buy my idea, a few took it with a pinch of salt. Now, researches prove me right, and yet it's a knowledge I propagate before any research came along.

What can I say? I'm a genius through and through :p

Thursday, November 01, 2007

The 11th Hour

I haven't had so much criticism over a film for a long time. Primarily because I haven't watched enough, not because films are getting better. The 11th Hour just irks the hell outta me and I need to air it, so you know better not to spend your precious money watching. The only reason why I went to watch was because LYu has a free tix and needed invited someone (ie, me) to go with her.

Leonardo DiCaprio assembled stellar appearances ranging from renowned environmentalists (the man fronting the turtle clan left quite an impression - talk about 'turtle power'), scientists to even Stephen Hawking. And they just ranted on and on and on and on and on and on and on (so much longer than Energizer batteries - maybe it's amazing solar power that did the trick) about how the earth is facing its 11th hour - towards extinction of humankind and the species that have lived with us. Problem is, they talked so much, leaving no break in between for you to absorb the message. It's as if the editing machine got a glitch somewhere and it can't fade into silence for a second.

We all know saving the environment is paramount. The climate has warned us. Natural calamities have shaken us. And now the celebs went all out to remind us, through a 24 hour concert 'Live Earth' and now, this film. On a sidenote, I just want to highlight that when it comes to wasting the electricity, the entertainment industry surely does it best. What's the point of the film reiterating the earth in danger for 75% of time, while spending only the remaining 25% to talk abstractly about how we can "turn mankind's darkest hour into its finest"? Oh yes, I forgot, 11th hour is the title and my previous line in quote is the slogan. The emphasis is then of course, mumbling all about how the world is in danger to the effect of numbing you, then expound on what's more crucial - the action to take.

The film blames the government for all the wrongdoings that have been done unto nature, in the name of driving economy development. They talked about how US is one of the world's biggest pollution creator, but asked of the world to collaborate with it in saving its grace (and ours too - don't forget, if the US dies, we die). They urged us to stop crazy consumerism but conveniently forgot to mention how the celebs are the ones encouraging and endorsing it, through their lifestyle of extravagance and waste. Hey, I'm still taking public transport here but for them the ratio of private limo to a celeb is perhaps 3:1 on the average. 3's for the cars, in case you don't geddit. In other words, this film's a pretentious fiasco, all too contrived and ideas too imperialising.

And if I may add, who would pay to watch a film like this? Most likely those who ARE ALREADY concerned about the environment, along with some Leo's fans who simply love to see him anywhere. Then the message is not reaching out to the right people - people who are ignorant about the environmental crisis we are in and need to be awakened to senses.

However, good news to the filmmakers, I'm bought over to the cause. Not by merit of this docu, but all thanks to utilities bills. I could really save some cash, stinging a bit more on electricity and water usage. Environment-saving is a pocket-friendly movement. So this ends my blog. Computer shutting down.

Sunday, October 28, 2007

summer in autumn

no i'm not referring to singapore's perennial climate. it's my summer in the month that marks the start of autumn that is also the month when my planet, stars, moon, sun and whatever else in the solar system align!

i'm very grateful that some of the recent misfortunes have been averted somehow, miraculously. tell me, how can I ever lose faith in life when so many signs tell me that i'm being watched over?! like i won't need to pay a cent for the leaking big pipes at home cos HDB said they'll pay, the water heater that refuses to heat up just light up again for reasons beyond me, my dad's hospitalisation doesn't cost me a cent in the end cos medishield can cover it...

And then I wanted to teach part-time and somehow, one assignment after another just came to me. I wanted a MNC job with regional exposure and casual work environment and then the opportunity arrived after I remained adamant in rejecting the 'false starts'. This is as good as it gets. I am grateful and the only thing I can do in return for these is to spread the joy, and contribute where I can.

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

don't buzz my cellphone asking for my cellphone number

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

I Said No to IBF

This is my final decision. When decision on taking the job hinges upon a mere extra $100 on the salary package, I know I won't be too happy even if I got my way. Anyway, they won't up and I won't budge. Not meant to be, don't want to be, so don't let it be.

I feel weight has been lifted off and true to what XY said, perhaps it's because I stick to my guts. Of course there's still the life pocket money issue which is temporarily relieved with my teaching assignments. And if I may see the signs, those assignments come to me fairly easily because the higher beings know I'll need them till the right offer comes along.

No looking back now, 'cept to keep the faith and keep trying.

Monday, October 01, 2007

The Best is Yet to Come

300906. I packed up and left the attic with the help of friends. It doesn't take a rocket scientist nor a super psychic to figure out why I chose the date. (You mean you dunno??!!)

Changing paths is not easy though not a big deal and it's necessary. I'm glad I have the lucidity of mind to do it then despite I'm still not getting anywhere one year on.

Life over the last year is at best enlightening but ironically entrapping. The long vacation didn't bring me a Kimura but it gave me enough time and space to think through what I need to do next to reach where I want to be later. It's great to have dreams; not very nice when the mysterious hands at work are not cooperating. I've to admit I'm running out of patience, sinking into angst and possibly disillusion. Ok, maybe not this bad since knowing myself, it only takes one big positive thing to send me to cloud nine again.

While this cycle of ups and downs is expected to last a lifetime for hot-blooded folks like me, I couldn't say my thoughts better than Mayday's "我". One of my favourites among my many other favourite Mayday numbers that I cried listening to it sometimes. I'm such a sap.

And how could I end this birthday entry without well-wishes? May the folks at home and friends around me be safe and healthy always - your well-being really means a lot to me. May I realise what I want to do, step-by-step and not missing one. May the career option I so desire happen very soon.


Happy 29th.


我 / 词+曲:阿信




还记得 小时候 作文簿上的志愿
那天真 的幻想 如今都到哪裡躲藏?
走出网咖凌晨的三点鐘 飆过天堂世纪帝国直达战慄时空
看不见的世界裡 我是英雄 
然后回到没有目标的活著 在现实中
oh my god, oh my god who am I ? 我的外号是 嘴上乔丹
oh my god, oh my god who am I ? 座右铭是 我混故我在
也曾开心的耶耶耶 也有失落的我我我
蝴蝶飞出了潜水鐘 我却还在原地停留
留不住时间耶耶耶 总是后悔的我我我
我不要一生就这样 到最后一生就这样 这样的我
这样的 勇敢的我 单纯的我 复杂的我 冷的我 热的我
无聊的我 懒惰的我 总是怀疑的我
讲了不听 听了不做 做又做不好的我
买一个梦 五十块钱的梦 期待五百万分之一的奇蹟降落
从此以后 想要什麼 喜欢什麼 就有什麼
但是我的人生还可以 努力 追求 什麼
Have you ever wanna be a spaceman?
Have you ever wanna be a president?
Or you're still a daydreaming maker?
Have you ever wanna be wanna be wanna be wanna be

Saturday, September 29, 2007

warring halves

i dunno how many times i need to go through this ritual of deliberating over choices. and choosing is tough when i'm sadly bound by reality. i know instinctively the offer is not right when i have to kill so many braincells thinking through this...

oh the omni-mighty one(s), pls turn on your most powerful headlights and show me a bright path by early next week. it's all that i ask for as the stars and moon align to mark my earthly arrival.

Friday, September 28, 2007

想通了, 就好

Compromise is sometimes a dirty word but life does not revolve around me alone. My dream is still mine and me to fight for so if compromising now means I get to learn the crafts I've been wanting to learn, go the places I've been hoping to go, and provide for the folks I'm obliged to support, it seems not a bad deal.

However, it's not easy coming round to accept a lesser choice, at least for me. The rational mind constantly fights with the idealistic soul. I'm grateful I could still entertain thoughts of trying out for the ideal. The cleaner uncle at Maxwell Food Centre couldn't. He wore baggy pants not to strut fashionista hip-hop style. He tied oversized shoes over his ankles with rubber bands not for experimental anti-slip soles as thought of by my so creative dad.

Thanks for this occasional life's little lesson. It's one of those reminders I need now and then to wake me from unnecessary despair.

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

My Top 10 Korean Leading Men: #9

Korean Cutie #9:
Lee Dong Wook


Wooed me over in My Girl
Pi's Sizzling Meter:


His Wiki page here.

Wookie is perhaps one of the few guys I wouldn't mind in cardigan. Starting off as a model, his good looks glams up the television screen, especially in the funny comedic hit - My Girl. Even the dowdy looking Father-Mother show on Channel U now gets a bit interesting whenever he appears :D He's been missing in action from the small screen for a while and the recent bad choices with movie scripts are not helping to move his career. I'm looking forward to another hit from this pretty face. Btw, did I say I think he has sexy lips?

My Top 10 Korean Leading Men: #8

Korean Cutie #8:

Rain (Bi)




Bewitched by his smile in Full House

Pi's Sizzling Meter:


His wiki page here.

Rain has the bod that makes bren (and presumably many other gals) drool. Though I'm not obsessed over flesh and flash - you know those naked top stunts that evoke screams and dreams - Rain lack of typical good look is indeed made up for with his build. His killer weapon, in my case, is his smile. That silly grin he often spots in Full House are toothpaste-ads worthy. To top it up, his hardworking attitude completes a great celeb personality.

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

I still can't fly

I wish I hadn't had hope, only to be crushed
I wish I could scream, instead of just weep
I wish I could run, but my power was drained

Saturday, September 08, 2007

driving miss pipi

I've been cursed behind the wheels. It's amazing how I could have flunked driving so many times given that I really drive quite well... haha.... As usual, I believe it's destined and I'm feeling very zen about the entire attempt and decided that I shouldn't use driving to delay my other development plans. So photography and music - here I come!!! The only hurdle to clear now is landing my stable source of revenue and I'll be off to action on my to-do list.

On a side saga pertaining to driving, I'm disappointed that things turned sour with that idiotic, petty, shortie-fatso. I could go on with this demeaning list but as I'm nearing nirvana, I actually feel sympathetic towards this person who looks anytime a potential victim of bursting arteries. Somehow I also feel delivered having made the decision not to see this fatso anymore and this positivity alone offsets any letdown I might have experienced from my unfortunate test outcome in far greater effect than I've thought.

This coming week promises great excitement as I venture upon events and decisions that can be life-changing. GYM, I hope you'll answer my prayers as recited to you during my recent visit. Macau or Taipei - wait for me!!!

Sunday, September 02, 2007

I want to take photos like Ashin

I can't believe how talented Mayday is. I mean I can believe cos Mayday is my idol afterall and as most of you know, me and my 美女friends are not into blind faith. By the way, since I'm on 美女, let me introduce you to the new titles I've bestowed upon some pals. XY is named 亮眼啵蜜美少女, Geok is 亮丽俏鼻美少女, Minty is 另类丰唇美少女. I am........... *drum roll please*................................ 宇宙无敌美少女!!! I know it's befitting, thanx ;p

Back to my very talented Mayday. Lead vocalist Ashin doesn't only write and compose well. He takes great photos too + has great design sense. Monster is good-looking and this is what I consider a talent oredi, and needless to say (but still must say), he's great on the guitar. Masa makes a good bassist + back-up vocalist and of cos, his impressive English that bridges Mayday with music guys from around the world. I'll not elaborate on the 2 married fellows.

Seeing how talented my idols are, I'm very motivated to stretch myself further in realising my potential. Not that I want to boast, I define what it means by "Singapore Got Talent", albeit my crafts being all half-hatched, and waiting to burst out of the cocoon. Once I clear driving out of the way, I'm going to venture into a series of skills-honing programme:
1) photography
2) music classes
3) Korean + Japanese languages
4) tour guide course
5) baking

I'm determined to live my life as fulfilling as possible before I'm past the 'youth' age category. And don't think I'm just writing a space-filling entry. This post got deep meaning ok! :
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
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IT'S GOOD TO HAVE AN IDOL.

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Limbo Rock

I am going through a limbo brought upon by my own doings. Honestly, I'm not feeling great. And there are people I carefully avoid cos I've got no freaking mood to entertain. I don't need consolations. I just need a breakthrough to make amends.

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Coffee Savouring Never Get this Fun

It's official. My number 1 favouritest K-drama, to date, is Coffee Prince Shop Number 1 or 咖啡王子1号店. In an attempt not to over-raise expectations, I shall try my very best in containing my about-to-spill-it-all urge in sharing what I [heart] about this drama.

Instead I present you 10 generic reasons on why you shouldn't miss it, when you decide to embark on a new show:

1) Eye candies
They should add a 's' to Prince. We're talking about at least 5 Coffee Princes here. This is one drama that's crazy about its 'visual appeal' i think.



2) Chemistry
Not only do the leads have great love chemistry, the cast as a whole shone through with brotherly chemistry, sisterly chemistry, brother-sister chemistry, old-folks chemistry... hahaha...


3) Great Houses
'Oppang' (rooftop) houses get redefined here. It's no longer those crampy attic homes which are cute for the first time and boring next. The 2 key houses featured in this drama got great panorama + to-drool-for interiors. So good, you thought you wanna live in Seoul.

4) Men who can Sing
Maybe a female director made the difference; maybe the guys offered to do it, but this drama shows their happy men singing. And they all sing considerably well.

5) No Wily Foxes
Sometimes you really wanna pull the hair of those vixens in some series, wondering how one can be so evil. This drama has got none of such. And you wonder how then does it keep the narrative interest going? I dunno... it works for me somehow.

6) Cliches that Work
This drama has no original plot whatsoever and it didn't make an effort to hide that. I started with sceptism too, wondering how a 'Hana Kimi' theme can be done better than the Taiwanese's adaptation. But the 2 cannot be put on the same scale. The approaches are different.



7) Great Soundtrack
If Coffee Prince doesn't score with you, you can't fault its soundtrack. Superb choice of music, not just typical Korean pop songs that go "sarangheyo sarangheyo". It has muscial depth, truly.

8) The Coffee Prince Shop
Yes, the very cafe where the key story unfolds! It's lovely where it is. The cafe has drawn such huge crowd ever since the drama catches on. I want a Coffee Prince Shop here too :p

9) Gong Yoo and Yoon Eun Hye
Watch it for them. Eun Hye shows her acting range. If you think she's good in Goong, then you don't know much yet. As for Yoo, he doesn't seem like he needs to act at all.



10) Miss It Only to be Left Out
With its humongous popularity, you won't want to be left out once the folks on our shore go into coffee-whiffing mode. This is Korea's highest rated mini-series to date, beating the records set by Goong. And surely, some magic is brewing within?

* Screen caps courtesy of Javabeans.
Fellow CP addicts who drop by, drop me a line too! :D