LETTERS FROM THE LIVING
Friday, June 30, 2006
Today, we had an informal cell, which was an outing/dinner/coffee + chillout/catching up. I was quite thankful for the lack of hype, because no one will be disappointed as a result. But not to let my cell peeps down, I created some excitement through texting some carefully, well thought out SMSes. Response was rather good and I am heartened by my efforts. The occassion turned out to be very enjoyable, as we (though we were found in our own cliques) all had a great time chatting - from meeting up all the way till coffee at Starbucks. Was glad that people around me are doing well and how God has continued to bless each and everyone of them.
As for doing those SMSes, I treat it as an opportunity to sharpen my marketing/copywrting skills. By the way, I always reckon the copywriter job to be cool, hope I will get a chance to try my hands, or mind on it. Dear Jesus, please open one such door for me!
Have just one more week to revel in the holidays before my attchment kicks off. I pray that there will not be any waterlogged pitch, torrential rain, harsh blizzards, scorching sunan pitch invasion. Haha... just soccer gibberish but it still holds some truth - depend on how you view it. Just like a footie match, I wanna come out victorious, whether bruised and battered, I'll keep my fingers crossed. Hope to gain favour from the referees and linesmen. Finally entertaining the crowd!
Time for DJ Titanium to get his 15 seconds of fame...
Soundtrack of my life today: "Stay Away" by L'Arc~en~ciel
Bonus track today: "Siva" by Smashing Pumpkins
It's joking time!!!
Qn: *hub, *hub on the wall, who is the finest (soccer nation) of them all?
Ans: *hub lah... Making more $$ the bookies too!(Supposedly)
Ode by *hub for WC2006
Without us, you cannot watch them.
With us, you can even scold them.
Without us, you get only the results.
With us, you can see the insults.
Without us, you get low quality images.
With us, you get even HD images.
Without us, there is only RTM.
with us, there is even player cam!
Without us, life might still be the same.
With us, life is never the same.
Without us, your nights are so dull.
With us, your days are on lull.
Without us, you might save a couple of bucks.
With us, your feeling is worth more than a million bucks.
Without us, bo bian, die-die you might have to go to the kopi tiam.
With us, you jump up & down shouting "Goal!", your neighbour have to also tiam-tiam.
Created by yours truly, Rayzor
Disclaimer: Any resemblence to a particular cable TV provider is purely coincidental. All pun is done out of pure fun and has no intention to slander, or generate biased-ness. We do apologise for any poor use of language, as quality of transmission is inherent from source.
Still watching World Cup, all thanks to ahem, Starhub!
Laid to Rest at 11:40 PM;
Curiosity kills the cat huh? Maybe... Did this during my spare time, and the result was amazing and amusing at the same time. It would be criminal to say that I was not flattered. Nevertheless, if u r reading tis, treat it as a joke of the day! haha
| Your Candy Heart Says "Cutie Pie" |
You always seem to have a hot date, even though you never try to meet anyone.
A total charmer, you have a natural appeal that keeps you in high demand.
Your ideal Valentine's Day date: multiple dates with multiple people
Your flirting style: 100% natural
What turns you off: serious relationship talks
Why you're hot: you're totally addicting |
Laid to Rest at 11:51 AM;
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Even as the World Cup takes a break till friday, and soon will be drawing its curtains, I forecast that many people will experience the much dreaded "World Cup" hangover. On the other hand, doctors and bankers, and unfortunately loan sharks will be relishing this period, for many will be physically or economically depraved. (both cases for many pathetic souls) As for me, I am vaccinated from the "disease". Why? Firstly, I am never under the spell of the World Cup, though it has truly captivated me for the past half a month. Secondly, I live a more fulfilling life than just watching soccer. Lastly, I curbed myself from a lot of junk food and try to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Anyway, one of the ways I cope with the absence of the World Cup is to play it, on my Playstation2, that is. (Winning Eleven rules!!!) Amazingly, my mum actually stood by me for one match last night, and gave me unnecessary stress during that particular match with her attempts to simulate the soccer fever. I came out of that nerve-wrecking game with a nail-biting, come-from-behind, 3-2 win!!! Haha
Here's DJ Titanium with the regular dose of aural pleasure...
Soundtrack of my life yesterday: "You're all I have" by Snow Patrol Catchy indie brit sh*t
Soundtrack of my life today: "Rooftops" by Lostprophets Tis da real dope
Darn! Bought the latest version of Winning Eleven and it doesn't work!! Gotta exchange liao -_-'''
Expecting my elder sister to join us for friday night's intriguing qtr-finals
Appreciating my CDs after the shopping blitz
Recalled that I was approached by a friend to buy and try synthetic drugs during my NS days after reading the newspaper of a large drug bust...
Had breakfast at Al Ameen
Laid to Rest at 3:56 PM;
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
During this World Cup, a stark realization suddenly dawned upon me. I have changed in my tastes and preferences. Soccer, used to be my everything. The term "Eat, Drink and Sleep Football" aptly describes me.
10 snippets of my glorious past:
- Plays soccer nearly everyday since primary school,
- religiously catches soccer matches and programmes on TV (Will be experiencing mood swings if I miss one, or when my favourite team loses),
- attended Malaysia Cup and then S-League matches regularly,
- buys magazines on a weekly basis (Hardly missed an issue!),
- signed up for soccer clinics at a hefty $50/mth (Got to train with Newcastle United when they were in Singapore!!),
- jerseys were my only fashion statement,
- collects everything related to soccer (From trading cards to even my bath towel!)
- can memorise soccer trivia, facts & figures better than my chinese dictation,
- dreamt of playing professionally, even abroad,
- soccer, was always the topic of my conversation.
"Woah!" must have been the first reaction when you finish the list huh? But today, it's much different, I've changed - soccer is no longer everything. Maybe it's finding God's purposes for my life, or the decadent times during JC (We play more than just soccer), or the stifling period donning the green uniform (NS), or the coming of age in university (so much to attend to and stress is ever-present). All these factors may have contributed to the change. I view change as a transition to progression (can't catch nevermind), it shows there is something happening (for better or for worse). Even as I am heading for my IA, my first ever engineering experience, I will certainly be opened to new perspectives in work and relationships. Hence, I am expecting a change(s), be it in my mindsets or in ways I handle people relations. Lord, I wanna be a sponge that can absorb stuff, yet discern what is not right and reject those.
Anyway, on a lighter note, a new segment on my blog is the "Song of the day" section, where DJ Titanium (which is my alter-ego)will put up a song that describes my mood, or gave me inspiration, or brought back certain memories, or one that I simply wanna recommend. Enjoy!
Soundtrack of my life today: "Loveless Love Letter" by Power Station
Haha.. Surprise!!! Considering 95% of my songs are English. Reason? Guess...
Brazil will win the World Cup, so sorry peeps.
Pauline complained that I am blogging again... (Look who's talking)
A bit broke now,
but still having a wish list!
Guten Nicht from Germany, hehe, i wished...
Laid to Rest at 11:16 PM;
Monday, June 26, 2006
Just treating my blog as a memo to make sure I know what I have been doing (also to let ya'all noe rite?) and will be doing. For a start, after my Year 2 semester 2 exams at NTU ended, I dived straight into my intersem module the following week. I missed my 1st lesson due to my Micron Semicon interview, which I thought was rather successful, but eventually lost out to two foreign students from my faculty. Digression: Thank Jesus, I got into Infineon!
Now back to my intersem, CS226-Desktop Publishing, which I could not take for one yr (2 semesters had timetable/exam clashes)! Finally, I believe it's God's timing as it turned out to be very rewarding, not monetarily of course. Our project constituting 70% of our grade involves the entire class doing a magazine, iNTUne, for Nanyang Chronicle. There was also a redundant written exam (the remaining 30%), which I sat for more than a week ago. Again, by the grace of God, I was designated to a group of 4 (which meant the work is more distributed), rather than the rest who had 3. I was blessed with members who had unique and interesting traits, yet we were united by the drive to do the project well (i think we did a kickass one lor). The project took 5 intensive weeks to complete and although it was not the easiest project I was involved in, it was definitely the most enjoyable to date. Why? Ha, stay tune for Intune! Btw, here is my class... photo taken by the world reowned photojournalist, Shyam Tekwani(our prof), mind you.
Then I managed to unwind a while before attending the impactful LIFE Conference. And all this while, I have been helping my mum to do house chores every other day (=>SDU advert). I also accompanied her on a couple of shopping trips and we search the island for hotspots with good food as well...sluurpp...
Then, I am counting down to my IA. Bet that my mum will miss me lotz. Looking forward to a learning experience and hopefully do well. Watch this space.
England did stumbled, but they did not fall. Yet...(evil grinz) Italy, campione? I don't think so
Still busking in the holiday mood though
Laid to Rest at 11:03 PM;
Sunday, June 25, 2006
What a day! Went to play street soccer with my Temasek Sec. classmates in the afternoon before heading to Settlers' Cafe at Katong the evening for the class gathering.
For the soccer, I even met friends I haven't seen in ages (more than 7 years!). Good lower secondary buddy, Boqiang that is. Whoa, I must confess that his footie skills have developed by leaps and bounds since I last saw him and I am thoroughly impressed. We played our hearts out, like there was no tomorrow, and I utterly enjoyed every tiring second of it (Although my shooting in particular leaves much to be desired :p). We ended the 4-hr game and the gathering is next.
The physical toil took its toll on us and we arrived there tired and hungry. But the sight of everyone else lifted my spirits and the catching up needed no introduction and began swiftly. My mohawk did raised a few eyebrows and they complimented I was quite muscular(*blush*), as I wasn't training seriously since the exams. Leong Hui, however, did changed beyond recognition, for the good of course. He was slimmer, fitter and manly. Although we were at Settlers' (a cafe that offers an array of games for ppl to play and eat at the same time), what most of us did was talk. Accidentally caused a hoo-ha over at church over my "no-show". The gathering ended past midnight and I feel that it was time well spent. Feelings and thoughts were overwhelming, which no words can express. Nevertheless, I composed this poem and it is dedicated to all from TMS 4/2!
An ode to us all...
Our age have increased in years,
Our life experiences amass by days.
Our paths so diverse and colourful,
Yet they crossed once again on this day.
Faces and habits may have changed,
But our names are still the same.
Relationships may have waned,
But the memories will never fade.
What a nostalgic night it was I must say,
The joy and surprise swept us away.
The reminisce so sweet and strong,
Like returning to somewhere we all belong.
Plenty to share, so much to relate,
But too little time together left to spare.
I gave a thought and felt, strangely,
Like we just graduated yesterday.
Penned by Yew Ming (as they call me during the TMS days)
My body is aching and my feet is hurting...No cramps please
Realization of my age(it's increasing)
Realization of my energy(it's decreasing)
England shall stumble...
All the best to everyone in TMS 4/2 in their endeavours, although some are doing really well liao!
Back from a blast from the past
Laid to Rest at 12:19 PM;
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Had an early night yesterday and I was all good to go for Day 2 of LIFE Conference this morning. Managed to book good seats for my friends and was expecting another great day of learning and receiving. Then, I was taken back suddenly, when CW shared about what happened yesterday evening.
Disclaimer: The following incident is 100% true. No part is made up and it is written from my best understanding of the situation. Names are initialed to protect parties involved from unnecessary "spotlight".
My friends PY and RR, were with CW and were heading to have dinner after the LIFE Conference at around 6pm and were looking forward to returning for the night revival meeting. I was supposed to join them, but as I mentioned, was going home with my mum. Then, just 500m from church, they met an accident. Apparently, it was their right of way, yet a BMW swerved in from opposite their direction and banged into the vehicle. The car flipped! And it landed on one side! Miraculously by the mighty hands of God, they were not seriously hurt in the process. (Only PY needed some medical attention.) My God is a God who protects, Amen! It is indeed a powerful testimony of God's divine intervention and omnipresence. All glory be to Him. Nevertheless, this is proof that it was truly a LIFE Conference that not only brings life but also saves lives!!! Skeptics might diss it as "Heng lor" (lucky) and atheists might rule it a coincidence and the cumulation of different factors. ButI personally believed that it was God at work.
This incident might even be considered a mishap by pessimists, but it top off everything else that happened today. My prayer goesto CW that things (police enquires, insurances and claims, costs and the car) will work in his favour and that PY and RR will fully recover from all physical and mental trauma. And for everyone else to begin to seriously not waste their lives away! It is only in the face of death that we realise the significance of life. Fret not, what does not kill you makes you stronger(Be it physically, emotionally, mentally, economically, socially, spriritually, domestically) ya?
"We tend to forget the things we should remember, and remember the things we should forget." quoted from Bruce Hills again.
Looking forward to playing soccer with TMS 4/2 guys and gathering
Had to give church match a miss, no stamina for 2 games a day
Au revoir, France? I hope not...
Text by: a thankful and thoughtful soul
Laid to Rest at 12:07 AM;
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Woke up at 7am to go for LIFE Conference. Kudos to the organising committee for a job well done! Was immediately impressed when I stepped into church, no chaos during registration (more than 1000 participants), easy-to-carry folder (which inc. a pack of mints!!), neat schedule and even surprises for us (Free popcorn, candy floss and ice cream after lunch). They even convert a Mens' restroom to a ladies one to meet the female demand during breaks.
Furthermore, the messages were impactful and insightful, and I have learnt a lot today. The 3 different speakers - different nationalities, different gifts, different principles, and ultimately unique characters, were all united by the one voice (God's) to share relevant and enriching sermons/teachings.
After receiving more than what I expected, my tired body took its toll and had to accompany my best friend(my mum) home at 6pm, giving the revival night a miss. I realised every single cent, from my own pocket mind you, was well spent and no regrets. Thank you Jesus for your presence and your word!
"Live for today, since today is the most important day of your life!" quoted by Bruce Hills
World Cup, to miss or not to miss...
Looking forward to Day 2 of LIFE conference
Dazed but not confused, tired but not weary
Laid to Rest at 10:12 PM;
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Oops I did it again... Bought my second copy of Funeral For A Friend's Casually Dressed and Deep In Conversation, one of my favourite bands which introduced me to the world of emo, post hardcore rock music.
Just a little intro, they hail from Wales and have been under media attention after the success of the above-mentioned album. Under the influence of both iron maiden and fugazi, they dish out a delectable course of metal-tinged anthems containing heart wrenching lyrics peppered with energetic yet catchy spurts of screamo choruses.
'Nuff said, so why did I buy a second copy of this album? Well, my first one was a Copy-Controlled version, and i thought it was over for me(& them...), because I upgraded from my Discman to an iPod nano... Till i fortuitously stumbled upon a copy at HMV which is not Copy-Controlled, at a bargain of $14.95!!! Then remorse overwhelmed me...
The first line of my post has a pun intended, cos I am a CD shopaholic. "I did it again" is in fact an understatement. For the record, I splurged on more than thirty (yes, 30, not 13) CDs since my exams this semester as part of my "retail therapy"... at a whopping $5**!! I myself couldn't believe until I did my sums. A chunk of my progress package is gone, and it was as if I just spent an hour at a casino or something. On hindsight, the CDs are afterall my tangible prized posessions now, unlike those who visit seedy hotels or dingy gambling dens. My personal prayer is not to ask God to stop me from buying CDs(He would do it, would He?), but to help me exercise self control. (HELLO, not copy-control ok?)
Buying a second copy is, however, not my first time today. I remember buying Garbage's Version 2.0 some time back after my ahem, younger sis "accidentally" scratched my original one (a present from my mum btw) and it became unlistenable. I kicked up a huge fuss about it. Hey Pauline, if you are reading this, don't be offended that I "pao toe" or slammed you in cyberspace. Just an interesting fact I wanna share, pardon me.
By the way, another pet peeve of mine is I like my CDs to be in brand new conditions. Also, to date, I have more than 300 CDs!!
Also try their sophomore album entitled Hours (Not copy controlled, surprise!)
Still waiting for my exam rewards (Oops I did it again)
World Cup final 16, some upsets please...
Jesus, I do not want to splurge anymore!
Written by the only guilty but happy and satisfied rock/metal enthusiast in the village
Laid to Rest at 8:12 PM;
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
I went to Parkway Parade with my mum today for shopping. Had a long bus trip(the new SBS double-decker seems to be running on low fuel man..), ate Ya Kun for brunch, went to GIANT supermarket to buy a house phone (i just realized it was freaking cheap, $9.90 for a decent one) and i managed to forage an outdated copy of Men's Health which i forgot to buy. It was a good day, or so i thought, cos it was all downhill from here.
As the hokkien saying goes, "Buay kiang buay hiao kin, mia gae kiang ho liao.", for all who catch no ball (don't know what it means), it simply says that it is wiser to be stupid than be a smart alec. As for me, it summed up what i did. In a spur of moment, i told my mum i am going to have a hair cut. Then i went to the usual shop for my usual faux-mohawk. Lo and behold, i got an authentic mohawk!! Kudos to the barber who did a commendable job. However, i did not expect to be more punk!
Then, my mum(not the first to stare at it with a distasteful look), gave me a lecture on how impression counts, and the repercussions of this hair style. E.g. Not getting the job i want, respect i deserve, fights that are un-called for and police patrol checks on me. On a positive note, she does care a lot for me, just imagine her thought process. Phew! And she said it is fashionable, and hair grows!
Anyway, the hair cut did not turn out to be what i want, cos it does not match the photo which i showed beforehand. Maybe the barber thinks he can do a much better version. Haha...
Well, when life dispenses lemons, I MUST make lemonade. Why be bitter? Cos I'm only human ma.. Another saying that i find apt was, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it.". For my case, you know what word to replace "fix", don't you?
Looking forward to Life Conference - with a cap that is.
Should i shop for a new cap?
Sigh... How i wish i can turn back the clock man... Who never?
Preparing for World Cup final round of group matches
Recovered from bad hair day to blog
Laid to Rest at 9:45 PM;
Monday, June 19, 2006
For the uninitiated, my younger sister enthusiastically gave me a blogging tutorial after learning that i popped the blogging cherry, and pestered me with other things to do on the web that i have little interest in. Anyway, she felt a sense of pride for influencing me to blog, blah, blah, blah...
While doing house chores, i thought of something funny, and came up with...
10 things I hate about the World Cup: (ironic since soccer is in my blood)
10. Everybody "seems" to be bothered about soccer/football. Posers...
9. Every company "seems" to be football oriented. Money grabbing posers
8. People watching soccer just as a form of trying their luck, gambling that is.
I could easily read them, like a book...
7. Friends who support opposing teams. (hey, but it's just a game)
6. My body clock goes haywire. Having junk food, brunches(breakfast cum lunch),etc.(Sianz, there begins the building up of fats, goodbye abs..)
6. Mi thuohghts are not coherant as a resolt.
4. Apprehension of World Cup hangover. (Not really, my life is more than soccer)
3. My favourite team lose, another freaking 4 years for the overhyped event!
2. Can we have a good rock/metal band doing a helluva World Cup theme song?! (I wish i could serve up some "Crazy Frog" porridge in Geylang for all to savour..)
and the most annoying of all,
1. I can never play in the World Cup! Darn!!!
By the way, it is just my 2 cents... World Cup is, on the flip side, an event that unites the world (aww, so Miss Universe), friends and family, a common talking point for many and a spectacle to relish in(the thrills and spills)!!
Still enjoying the World Cup, Thank God for it... haha
Cheers but no beers
Laid to Rest at 4:09 PM;
Remember the first time? When you breathed, spoke, drank, ate, shit, ate shit, laughed, cried, etc...? Well, it's good to take a walk down memory lane, isn't it? Good moments lift our spirits, while bad ones make or break our character.
Anyway, this is my maiden post, and i have to make a disclaimer that i will not blog every single day or stir up controversy! I will take this opportunity to thank the many different bloggers who impacted my very mental being(whether you realise or not, just count yourself in la) and triggering the inner blogger in me. I thank my parents for letting me be computer literate, my siblings(two who blogged quite often) and ultimately GOD. May it be a channel of blessing for the people who read it and not to sensationalise anyone or anything or even glorify myself. This is something i have been procrastinating and finally did it. Also those who bothered to read this chunk of text. Thank You _______________insert your name here.
By the way, sometimes, we pay very little attention to many of the subsequent "times" we did stuff. For example, when you spent your second NewYear's eve, third school holidays, fourth movie, fifth Mother's day, etc... Hope that history does not repeat itself and that this blog of mine will not be a fad, but something i can use to hone my linguistic skills(salvaging the remenants), my intellect(i perceive), edify spiritual faith(i hope) and include that ever present(sometimes dead-pan,lame,morbid,innuendo-ed)humour.
Good night for those who don't or can't catch the World Cup...
Still beaming in the "blogging after-glow"
Laid to Rest at 12:08 AM;
