FAITH. And everything that surrounds.

MOVED!

2009-04-09T01:37:00.002+08:00

I HAVE MOVED to wordpress!

RELAUNCH OF BLOG! CHECK IT OUT! :D

A place we call home

2008-10-04T01:06:00.004+08:00

Haha, you dunno how much a difference CEG/CG can make man!

You know, as we settle down in the smaller family we belong to - unlike sermons, even though there are still very powerful! - we start to hear from God things that are much closer towards us, and things that are more personal but at a more macro level!

Sam's message for CEG today spoke right smack into our hearts man!

A little tongue that might seem nothing, but if used wrongly, it is like a comet striking the earth. It is simply destruction that can never be undone (well, in the first place a destruction can never be undone!), it is like a stab in the heart, it is murder.

And I believe this is what we must never keep! But we must continue to set the culture right. We don't want a culture that this world keeps - backstabbing, badmouthing and what-nots. That's what makes us different from the outside world! We keep, nurture, and improve on our culture of faith, hope and love.

A culture that meditates on whatever things that are true, whatever things that are noble, whatever things that are just, whatever things that are pure, whatever things that are lovely, whatever things that are of good report, and things that are of virtue and praiseworthy.

A culture of faith, hope, love.. trust and believe. A godly culture.

Sam pointed out something that really spoke to me deeply - we can always be Christians anywhere and anytime we want. But why did God take the time out to arrange us to get planted in a certain church of our own? Simply because, He wants us to have a suitable and comfortable family that we can rely on, love and be loved, support and grow in it!

It'll be like going against God's destiny in us, if we start to do things against each other (our family) - no matter in the face or right at the back - cause we'll be disrupting harmony within our own family!

And if that happens, then what's the point of being in a family that abhors, loves sowing discord, and disrupt harmony when the very reason that God gave us a family is to love and be loved!

I don't want HOGC to be a place of warfare, where internal strife takes place, and disharmony reigns in us. But I want it to be a home of warfare where we fight in the Spirit of righteousness, to glorify God, love Him, do His will, and build His Kingdom.

People, lets get this into our heart. Lets carry this burden! I feel our church is special simply because we have the right culture. So, we must continue to keep this GODLY culture that keeps the atmosphere of love, somewhere where God's presence can easily dwell in, and most importantly makes a lovable and comfortable home for every single one of us!

Let us all build a wonderful church and home for everyone! (:

Amazing

2008-09-20T02:17:00.012+08:00

You're my everything
The reason I sing
You've taken me under Your wings
And closer to You I draw near

My life's in Your hands
My heart beats
In Your perfect love
My lips shall praise You
Adore You
And lifting my love I will sing

You're amazing
Never changing
Always with me
Enthroned within my soul
Overflowing
My heart offers
The deepest of honour and worship

Amazing

Jesus, You're so amazing.
For having my life changed.
Giving me a purpose in my once sinful life.
For having died on the cross, washing all my sins with your blood.

God, You're amazing.
Forgiving all my sins, giving me a new life.
Thank You for all that You have given.
That I can now use them to their fullest potential.

I love my craft, I love this God-given skill.
Use it to glorify Him, serve Him, love and worship Him.
Better than anything else in this world.
The best purpose of this entire world, simply 'cause it's God-given.

You're so amazing, it's beyond words to say.
Your presence so great, that eyes can never see.
Your love and mercy, no death can ever break.
Let me sing Your praise, You're so amazing.

Plans? Purposes?

2008-09-14T01:31:00.002+08:00

Haha I'm very tired already.. it was a long (BUT powerful!) day YESTERDAY (it's 1.30am in the morning already), and the hide-and-seek game we all played totally drained my energy. Hahaha.

But anyway, I'm still gonna use a bit of this strength to blog since I suddenly have something to say, and at the same time waiting for Bx to discuss about something! Haha.

Anyway, I suddenly thought that my entire life was really perfectly planned and organised by God!

I was actually thinking that, if I had stayed near SengKang with Bx, I'd be taking bus home with Jacky, Bx, and many many other people! But then.. next came to my mind was that if I stayed near/at SengKang, I'd be studying in a school in SengKang!

Then I thought if that was the case, would I actually start learning the guitar when I'm in Sec2?

Then, would I be loving music as much as I am even after Sec2?

And if I was studying in a school in SengKang, would I be who I am now, loving the guitar, worshipping God with it, giving God His glory through my craft? Would I progress as far as I did if I was brought up in a totally different environment?

Well, we never know what God as in store for us! Let's just think simply, cause it makes things easier for us, and just have faith that God really has a destiny for all our lives!

Haha we can never know God's mind, or else we'd be God!

Humans by ourselves - by our fleshly selves - have much pride. We think that as long as we do well in life, we don't need God.

Some people do actually know that they are leading a purposeless life, and they complain, but they have never intended to find out what can truly be their purpose in life!

Sometimes it's so weird you know, that these people are so unhappy about their lives, but when friends go to them to suggest a PERFECT way out for them, they just are so unreluctant to try it out, and rather continue living in their life of depression, delusion, and materialism!

Pride. We call this pride. It is human pride that will cause the downfall of humans. I promise you, and I assure you.

Humans, by nature, are so caught up with ourselves that we tend to not look at things beyond the material and reality. I'm not saying that we should sit down everyday, do nothing and not being realistic, and daydream about things that might never happen!

But seriously, we look too much into the face value of life. We look at the front cover, but we never look into the hearts.

And that's why, many have not found their true purpose!

I'm so happy that ever since I went to church, I have found a purpose in my life. It is not a purpose that I'm running for on the material outside, but it is something that contains more depth, and I'm running for a greater value! I'm running for a value that is not about face, fame, money or status - but the values of FAITH, HOPE and LOVE.

These are values that this worldly society can never touch upon UNLESS their pride is taken down - unless people dare to take that step to humble themselves and accept a God so unreachable, yet so true, so tangible in our everyday lives.

Fight harder!

2008-09-12T03:16:00.005+08:00

And then I asked myself... "Will everything that I've gone through so far go down to waste?"

But I've gone far, I've stayed strong, I've clinged on so tightly.. am I starting to lose grip because of those few emotions? Are emotions worth me losing my grip? Are they that strong that they take control over my will? Are they overpowering me to diverse myself away from God?

Are they worth in exchange for all that I've done for my leaders, friends, and most importantly, God?

And then the question comes: Why am I in church?

If I were to lose my grip, my momentum, I'll be back to scratch! Then what's the point, when I'm climbing up to do more things for God! Why should I be pulling myself back just because of some stupid thoughts and emotions?

No, I can't. I've stayed strong.. Now, I must stay EVEN stronger. I can't be weak when everyone else is strong! I must and will become as strong as my leaders, as powerful as pastors.

I must never lose my dreams! If I lose my focus in being in church, start losing my dreams and visions on why I'm in church, just because of some irritating weeds at the back of my brain, then it's so not worth it!

Are they worth clinging on to, compared to God-given dreams? Dumb thoughts are NOT godly at all - not even the slightest bit!

I can fight back.. I can! I'm strong, I'm resilient against struggles. I can pull through.

I can pull through everything and anything as long as I have Christ, who strengthens me!

I shall seek revelation.

Amen.

Free time wor!

2008-09-11T14:20:00.000+08:00

Haha, okay, I shall do some blogging since I have some time before I go to church!

CEG outing was fun last night! Went to ChomChom for dinner, and ate till I was really really full! I'm surely and rapidly growing fatter.. Hahaha. The best part was after dinner man - and that is hanging out!

I just love hanging out man.. You know that feeling when you sit down and chat, take photos, laugh at each other's jokes and funny gestures - basically, enjoying the company!

Give me techs, give me cars and whatever other robotic stuff, I'll say I'll prefer the company of my friends and family (: And last but not least, Jesus!

Okay.. I really dunno what I can say. Oh ya! Can't wait for steamboat with Ivan later on, it's so gonna be fun, enjoyable, memorable!

And yes, CEG tomorrow! It's been sooo long since we last had one, just miss it! And Counter-Strike after CEG with Ivan... wooohooo!

Sad that Ivan's going off to NS.. Nelson too ): But I believe we're gonna make this one of the best days of their lives! (:

Slowly, but surely.

2008-09-05T11:58:00.000+08:00

Breakthrough, breakthrough!

Wa, today was awesome! CG with Fe, WeeKiat, Dee, JiaJia, and Terence was simply amazing. It was really my very first time I enjoyed CG sooo much. Finally, we all were pulling down the presence of God together.

It was just so amazing! The level of peace felt was simply.. whoosh, whole new level man! (:

God spoke to me, and it was totally refreshing, rejuvenating, recharging, and revitalising! God is continually guiding and helping us grow even more, but before that, we must seek Him, and really push ourselves and tab into His presence!

It's just so amazing.. God told me that: By ourselves, no matter the circumstances or situation, we must always continue to have the will to remain strong in the Spirit, or even better, be stronger!

I guess this was what Ivan shared about.. to be strong on our own, self-dependant, and not always relying people who are stronger and our leaders.

This must definitely be God. It's the season of growth! (:

Sometimes, we can't help it when there's a sudden restructure, or a sudden switch in direction. But one thing that helps is that, we must stay fixed in our direction towards God - our direction not being affected by all the circumstances and situations.

It is a helpline that works 100% well!

Just like how Dee put it, it is a test of our own strength through ordeals and obstacles.

We should, and will, have more of such CGs - powerful atmosphere that allows God to speak to us. We must be strong antennas to receive God's word! (:

Haha, then after CG hangout in WeeKiat's house and fun fun fun! And, and, and... WeeKiat's grandma (if I'm not wrong) cooks super well! Great fish, great food, great company! (:

I know I've been using this word for many times in this post already.. but TODAY WAS SIMPLY AMAZING! ((:

Back!

2008-09-02T02:12:00.003+08:00

Woah, this blog post is rare... like RARE! Hahaha.

It has been so long since I last posted on this blog; and it's also been quite long since I went around reading people's blogs. I think I should start including blogging as part of my workplan also! Haha.

I can't believe it! I haven't been blogging for... one, two, close to 2 months already! Goodness. Even Darren or Fe blogs more than me! I ought to be spanked in the butt. Hahaha, sorry just spouting some nonsense to relief my mind over matters.

Anyway, enough of nonsense... I wonder what's on my mind? Haha, I don't know. So weird...

It's 1.51AM now, and am gonna have dinner with Ivan and the others at 8PM later! I can't wait man, have been wanting to talk to Ivan since dunno when. Haha. Something inside just keeps telling me that it's gonna be a great time spent with Ivan! (:

I love playing the guitar.. it's so good (no, I'm not saying I'm good. Hahaha)! Seriously, I don't think I have a voice. I think the guitar has taken over my voicebox as my vocals, and my voice as taken up the role as supporting actor to my main actor - the guitar!

Truthfully, I'm loving my guitar, I'm loving the sound, I'm loving this craft that God has given me! To others it might seem as if I'm just playing notes, strumming chords, plucking strings... but no, to me, it's more than that.

As I play my guitar, deep in my heart every single strum represents my heartbeat, and every sound projected is a cry to God. You know.. I gotta tell you all how I feel playing the guitar is to me!

I so feel peaceful whenever I play on my guitar (:

While I listen to music, when I close my eyes, put all focus on my ears, I really can hear the heartbeat of the music. Haha. I'm not saying the human heartbeat kind of heartbeat, but really, the move, the feel, the essence, the emotions and effort put inside the music.

Simply amazing.. the craft to play and to hear. Praise the Lord for such a skill given to me! (:

I love the present, but I very well miss much of the past, and am very excited for the future too. See, in just a sentence, I have three different feelings. That's why.. it feels weird. Haha.

Many things have happened (not bad ones though), so many thoughts running through my mind, so many things to say.. don't think I can finish all in one post. Haha.

That's all for now. Ciao!

Life never stops!

2008-07-05T01:32:00.003+08:00

Oh man, have I told you how much I love life? Haha. Yeah man, life's definitely great, and better than never before! (:

Life's amazing when I walk with Jesus!

Life's starting to get challenging for me. It's getting challenging not because it's gonna get me down, to get me discouraged, to get me sit 'in folded arms and wrapped in my knees' in a corner of my room and feel dejected/depressed over my inabilities!

On the other hand, life's interesting and exciting. It is filled with excitement simply because life's challenging! Now, this 'challenging' is a whole new story.

It's something that gets you wanting for more, it's something to keep you growing in every aspects of your life, it's challenging cause you simply don't know the road ahead! But all you do know, is to just take that step of faith, believing in something great happening in your life, and you walk... and walk... and walk... still unsure of what's gonna happen ahead.

(But deep inside you, you just know something's gonna happen!)

The road never ends. But guess what, you might feel like it doesn't end, but at the ultimate end of everything, you've realised you've managed to endure and persevere the entire seemingly endless walk! Why?

Because you have grown! As you persevere on every few feet, you grow more. You grow in capacity, you grow in endurance. Slowly and gradually, when you hold on to God, He expands whatever you used to be able to take in only, and makes you carry more.. and more.. and more!

And this seemingly small change in you might never seem obvious, but at the end, it all accumulates to a whole new level of change - a level of change that becomes significant to your life.

A whole new level of life. A whole new level of character. A whole new level of substance!

That's what I like man. I feel worldly things don't matter as much. Yes, I might have to agree that sometimes we're living in this world, at certain points we do think about worldly things.

But more importantly, and most importantly, I feel that spiritual things are the entire bulk of living your life! Because, if you have worldly things, and not have spiritual things, but somehow you start to lose your worldly things, what are you left then? NOTHING!

But on the other hand, when you place spiritual things as the most important part of your life, even when you lose all worldly things that you love, you still have God, you have Jesus! No matter what you lose, you will have that undying assurance of God. Ain't that great!

See the light man! Feel God's love, feel Jesus' passion. What else beats that? Absolutely nothing!

In Daniel 1:14-21, it says that Daniel and his friends, together with God, in the end looked much fleshier and fatter than anyone of those who had consumed the king's delicacies. They were happier, they were fuller than any of those who enjoyed the delicacies of the world.

Why then were they fuller? Simple because, they had God!

Man, that's what I love about God. You can not have food for days, you can not have things that you love for years, but as long as you hold on to God. He gives you everything you want. That's what I believe God never fails to do!

God is great! (:

Of revelations and inspiration.

2008-06-22T01:12:00.001+08:00

I'm feeling exhausted already, my eyes are closing, and my head's dropping (not dead! Hahaha) soon. It always happens every night after service. But well, what does it say... It just says I go all out for service every weekend!

That's what I like: Sometimes you might be tired, but whenever there's service, you go all out. You praise all out, you worship all out, you show an all-out love towards God. And good news, He touches you back with His presence, and your tiredness is drained away after that. You feel refreshed, you feel recharged, you feel fuller. Wow!

But surely, it truly is a pleasure to be radical about praising and worshipping God. Radical about loving God! (:

On the other hand, I feel so spiritually recharged after reading Matt Redman's The Unquenchable Worshipper. Man, this book is great! When I was reading the introduction of the book - I haven't even started on the main content yet - I just had to put down the book, pick up my guitar and start worshipping!

The introduction itself is already so amazing, what more will the main contents by Matt himself do?

The power of worship, the heart of worship is so simple yet sophisticated. But once you are able to grasp it, I believe one will definitely be a great musician and worshipper of superb influence, and of course, powerful anointing of God.

Anyway, that's what I've been working on, and I'm envisioning myself to grow even stronger in that. I WILL reach a new level of worshipping, and definitely, closeness to God.

That's the ultimate goal of worshipping. It's not about ourselves really, it's simply between you and God - just like how a boyfriend would sing love songs to his girlfriend - just that it's a much different and mightier relationship this time!

And I believe when you are able to set this relationship right through worshipping, people will feel the anointing of God, and will be touched by it. That's what I wanna achieve after focusing on God Himself - to touch other people's hearts and change their lives, and not just provide them with good music!

My goal, my dream, my vision.

What great revelation God dropped me today!

However, God always wants us to step out of our comfort zone and stretch ourselves further! I guess God wants me to grow more. I feel God telling me that, as long as you just aim further, and dream bigger, whatever visions and dreams you have had before the latest one (and these visions/dreams are still burning and lasting), He will make them come true for me.

As long as I have that conviction, he'll pull me through. Well, simple and short, being absolutely radical!

This is God's test of faith, and He loves that, Amen! (:

~~

Enough of myself! Haha.

Now, I really look up to our leaders man. They're great people, I feel.

Anyway, as I grow more in the LORD, as I grow in understanding, I come to feel more and more of our leaders' burden. I can't explain that burden in precise detail, but I can feel it's weight. It's not pressing on me entirely, but I'm slowly feeling it's pressure already.

I have this feeling of doing whatever I can for our leaders. No matter how small this task can be, no matter how wide the range of the task is (from setting up premises all the way to handling people), I wanna do whatever I can for them.

And to me, if it was to go that one extra mile to earn a smile on a face, to earn a brightful countenance, I wouldn't mind! The simplest of all things is love. Love can be shared in many many various ways. And yeah.. I have this great feeling. As long as it's something simple, and it can bring a smile on my leaders, or even brighten up their day, I'll go all out to do it!

Seriously, I feel it's a great thing being with leaders. A great thing to be with men and women of God. They are one of the best people to learn from to draw closer to God; and of course, pastors are the best! (:

From reading Ivan's blog, to having a chat with Samantha or even Fedora, or even talking to my brothers Boxue or Darren! Haha! Including pastors' or our ZGL's sermons, all the way to God's revelations. These are really words for growth. Growth in character, growth in spiritual being. That's just amazing!

Yep, I think that's all I wanna say. There's something I have in my heart that weighs heavily in depth and meaning, and I know it'll be something powerful. But catch is, what is it that weighs so heavily in meaning?

How do I explain this.. I feel it's weight, but I can't feel it's form. Yes, form.

Well, shall do what I should be doing to find out eh? Hahaha.

I'm gonna grow, and grow, and grow, and grow non-stop with everyone else! We're all in this together! ((:

Great news!

2008-06-19T23:56:00.003+08:00

God has been faithful... Hallelujah! When one is faithful, God will DEFINITELY bless you in abundance!

Though I won't reveal what God has blessed me, yet! But soon, real soon, you'll find out ((:

Just when I thought one was enough, a second news dropped in! Wow, this has just blown my mind, and I'm soooooooooooooooo excited about it that I can't explain it in words, but I've decided to worship God and everything to thank Him for all the love He has shown!

Isn't He amazing! He's such and awesome God, He reigns! ((:

Off practising my guitar, and quiet time, and worship and whatever I need to do!

See ya (:

Faith & love

2008-06-15T02:07:00.004+08:00

I gotta type all these overflowing feelings inside me man, before it diminishes and I'm lost for words to explain it again! Haha.

Okay, so here goes...

Now, last time, whenever I was in a good and GREAT mood, I'd always feel like doing something good to people, or so-called bless them. Thinking about how people would feel loved, it surely made me want to do it more! However, it was hard to go about doing it, 'cause when I'm down to it, I'd start to feel draggy, I'd start to feel unwilling.

And eventually, I'd just set it aside, and forget a whole lot about it. I wouldn't even bother revisiting the thoughts again.

But now, with the love of Christ, everything's possible! Amen. I feel that power, I feel that love, and like what Ps Joakim shared today, when you do unto others, the anointing of God will flow into you. It's great, and I'm feeling just that!

Now, I seriously don't find it a chore to do something little to people! It doesn't require a large amount of effort, and it can all start with a simple SMS!

So... is falling into a relationship what you call real love? Well, it can be. But will it last? Well maybe, maybe not.

So what's real love? I'd say it's about caring for others, showering them with concern, and being significant to them, not just being important. LOVE, STARTS FROM OURSELVES. Blessing/giving them without asking in return. And when you do so, you'll feel loved, I promise(:

Yes, I agree it might not be easy for starters, but it starts with something small, something minute but it can be significant to others (:

Well, I'm seriously but a starter too! But guess what...

It all starts with that little step of faith!

Flame

2008-06-07T01:06:00.003+08:00

I feel it, I feel it! It's burning inside me, it's such a tangible feeling (:

Faith-filled, radicalness, fearless. Awesome!

Read Ivan's post on the 5 June. Love it man! Haha (:

Time for QT to 'add oil' to the flame!

(First) random thoughts.

2008-06-06T00:09:00.006+08:00

Be the first.

Why are humans like that.. why, why, why? Was just wondering why humans love to ostracise and discriminate, and spite the things they don't like - spite the things they think is incorrect of the other person?

But humans claim to want and even, need love! They want to be showered with concern, they want to bask in people's care, they want to be pampered with humane compassion, they want to be the attention of the people they know, they want to be the focus of their friends!

But why is it that, people dare to ask, wish, or even pray desperately about it, BUT never intended, or thought of giving FIRST to people?!

The moment people find out about something they don't understand of you, they cast you aside. The moment they see a flaw in you, instead of correcting you, they condemn you.

Why is it not that people will learn to care for others first, show compassion to others first, bask others in their pool of selflessness and sacrifice first, give their friends/family their first attention, focus on their friends' good traits first?

Why is it "Others will do unto you, then do unto others", and not "Do unto others first, what you want others to do unto you"?

Is this a world of selfishness, and condemnation?

What weird world.. what sin.

Only God who sees all of us equally. He who reigns over us, He who sees us as masterpieces, and not only that - unique masterpieces. Only He, can see the perfection is us (:

For He had done unto us first (dying for our sins), that now we shall do unto Him (love Him with all our heart).

First... what powerful word it is!

2008-05-27T00:43:00.002+08:00

Yeah, it's all my fault.

Okay, I think I shouldn't be ranting everything here. It's the way to love and respect.

All I know is that God wants me to forgive and forget... and I shall admit it, repent, and reflect.

Turn hunger into spirituality...

Random

2008-05-12T11:51:00.002+08:00

Just when you think that this world is made up of thousands and million of complex and intricate formulae, there are actually tiny minute little things that you are able to enjoy too!

Enjoy rides from home to Poly, firstly, I love listening to music while having a bus trip! Like I said above, it's something really simple, it's so simple that you can just find joy in doing it.

And accompanying this little enjoyment of mine, comes the platform for thinking for me. It is really such an added-value when you have both music to keep your ears busy and keeping your mind busy by doing some reflection of anything you can think of.

To me, most things are a matter of perspective. For instance, a man rose from his lowly position in his job to a commendable and respectable post. To outsiders, it might seemed that he had improved and risen quickly in a short time span. But to the people who know him (or what I'll call insiders), this man had actually worked very hard through sweat and tears.

Well, another simple and quite known example is.. a man from a poor family decides to rob a bank. To him, it might be quite correct since he is doing his best to support the family, however, in the eyes of the law, he has commited a grave crime, and has to suffer the dire consequences.

Well, is that, enough? Haha. I think that should be it. So, what's my point in this post?

I dunno actually. Just some random thoughts of mine, and killing some time since I have a one hour break before my next lesson. Haha!

Till then (:

Updates, updato!

2008-05-11T01:05:00.000+08:00

Actually I dunno what to post about, really and seriously. Haha, not anything in my shopping life, my playing life or whatsoever. Well, on the outside, my life seems quite boring and mundane. However, on the inside - spiritually - life has not stopped blooming, and it is accelerating fast too!

Life has been great, pleasurable, amazing, wonderful! Well, you do get my point(:

One such example was Friday: Had worship session with Fe and Jiaen, then had follow up! Thank God for this day(:

Worship session was amazing! Literally amazing.

It just feels so, so good to be in His presence(: Just like how I put it to Fe and Jiaen - imagine a container full of rubbish, and when you ask, God opens the cover, empties the container, cleans it, and fills it with something fuller than the universe. Something I could envision, something so filling, something so infinite yet tangible..

It was there in me. It was there, throughout me. It was there... I was the container.

That made my day.

B4 Outing(:

2008-04-26T02:59:00.000+08:00

Yo! It's boss in the house yo! Hahaha, okay, crazy -.-

Feel the stress while blogging man! Haha, but it's for the greater good of the CG la ah, and our dear CGL, Samantha (:

Anyway, getting straight to the point, had CG outing today! It was quite an eventful day today, with many activities going on like EATING (my favourite ^^), traveling in a boat, playing mindless games (though some required a little bit of focus), walking around the shopping centre, from The Central all the way to the Esplanade.

Alright, here are the photos (Quite a number of random ones, but who cares ^^)! Don't mind the 'shaky' pictures, after all I took the photos on a boat! Good enough for the effort put in eh? ^^

But I've to admit that the scenery/view of Clarke Quay at night is gorgeous man (don't care if you gonna say I suaku!)

Boat trip started off from Riverside point

Ooo, I seriously like this photo. The lightings of The Central quite nice sia^^

Approaching all the skycrapers! Maybank, and etc. ("But it's April leh!", as quoted by Nelson. Haha!)

Future HoGc! Super cool la ^^

The mighty grandeur of the Fullerton! But it's seriously pretty la (:

And a little bit more of the Fullerton Hotel!

Ooo, I like the shimmer of light at the midpoint of the water man! like the water morphed into some light or something. Lol.

Reaching "whatever-that-area-is-called", near Esplanade.

Esplanade and the various other buildings! Quite nice also (:

From the top of the Esplanade, this view is really pretty la! Really... you get the Fullerton, and other buildings that emit light (including traffic light and street light, and other whatever-light. Haha)

Mr Nelson "Tan" with his ice cream. Then claiming the ice cream made his hands sticky. Haha, funny guy!

Haha, and the final photo (at my side) for the day... A "fragile" artwork! (: But is always a masterpiece of God (:

So, that's all for the day. The rest of the photos are with Shermaine (I think).

Thank the Lord for this day! ((:

Random days.

2008-04-24T02:57:00.000+08:00

Hi everyone! A short post to keep the blog alive!(:

3 days into Poly, and tomorrow will be my fourth day! Haha, well, I don't think Poly life is easier than JC actually. Depending on the course la, Some you really have to study and understand the text, while some are just depending on whether you have the brains or not! Haha.

But overall, I'll be expecting something different in the next 3 years of my life! ((:

Can't wait for a few more days when the end of weekdays approach and nearing to the start of weekends! (:

~ ~

Anyway, some tag replies:

Rashidah: Silence, I'll KILL you! Hahaha!

Sherry: It's okay (: People learn from their dumbness. x) Haha, kidding kidding!

Fedora: Haha, I don't know about that! Don't bother trying to find out also ^^ Don't mention la, ain't that what friends are for? (:

~ ~

That's all for today! See ya guys around soon !

P.S. Having fun writing this post and whatever else with my Tablet PC! ^ ^ Oh what fun! ((:

John 3:16

2008-04-20T02:59:00.000+08:00

Alright, since the Queen commanded me to blog, I will. (:

It's an order man, or be beheaded! Hahaha.

A really short one here yeah? Really don't know what to blog about, in detail.

Anyway, this verse that Pastor How recited during worship ALMOST made me cry. Very powerful verse about being generous, and not expecting anything in return (:

What powerful worship!

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life"

~~

Anyway, went out with Sec1s'08 today, and to summarise everything in a whole, these people are fun people la.

Don't regret being picked by Azlan to take these crazy guys - tiring to handle, but fun to play with la! (:

Post up a few pictures another time when I get more of it(:

Not lovesick... just 4C-ick!

2008-04-10T14:34:00.000+08:00

Wa sian man, I freaking miss school la! Won't say it's weird since I'm going back to TK almost everyday, but I just miss school while I was Sec4 la!

Miss the times we made the teachers frustrated.

Miss the times we joke with our teachers, and got a scolding instead.

Miss the times joking and laughing around with great friends of 4C.

Miss the times we did crazy things (April Fool's joke for the 2 form teachers!).

Miss class chalet!

Miss staying back everyday after school so much so we are so used to each other's presence.

Miss playing basketball with the 4C team.

Miss always not doing homework and then start copying homework the next morning (not an advisable solution eh? Haha)

What else do I miss? I really can't recall already... brains not thinking already!

But anyway, just miss everything about being a member of 4C (:

Patriotism? I'm not in the army!

2008-04-08T02:23:00.000+08:00

Usual update to keep the blog alive.. well, thought it'd be nice to keep some updates in since I'm quite free, and yeah, try to put a bit of effort in here la ah (:

Anyway, went for TP's Freshmen Orientation Workshop today, and well... first thing when I was there I thought I missed TK man! It dawned upon me - not that I was oblivious to it, but just that the feeling was extremely strong this time - that nowhere feels as home as TK man!

You know like... "I think TK people are still the best man!"

And at that point of time, I agreed with all my life and soul that secondary school life is the most memorable and enriching point in your education! (:

Looking around at the people (to be fair, it was just the first day of the orientation eh?), I just felt that they were incomparable to people I know in TK, eg. 4C! and TKBand.

Seriously, just felt a strong sense of attachment to the school (not that the school's that amazing, but yeah, more of the culture la), and really wanted to go back right away - just felt so proud to be part of the culture la!

I enjoy helping out in the Band than shout 4 hours of cheer -.-

Well.. miss TK la! Miss 4c, miss the lessons while I was still Sec4, miss the culture and all la!

Lazy to post pictures, but well, the message conveyed here is more important la eh? (:

Ciao!

Tag replies!

2008-03-31T14:05:00.000+08:00

Michelle: Heyyo! Haha, yeah, long time no talk also.. can always go out for movie someday again ma (:

Melissa: Hello Mdm Tan! Hahaha (:

Jo: Haha, duhhhh! Yep, eh we crash outdoor la x)

Rico: Hey papa, so long no see, sorry about the lack of updates due to pure laziness. But I'll try to bring you updates more often from my side now la ah. Haha, come back on April 12 can! Tubas need to see their SL! ((:

Fesh: Aww... of course you are ^^ You got TALENT lor! (:

~~

Some cool songs to soothe the shagged soul ^^

Music.. loving it!

2008-03-30T14:45:00.000+08:00

A change of header picture! Haha.

I've been wanting to change it, and have an original one (though I'd still say it's not originally made by me), but the guitar in the picture is 200% originally mine, and taken by me! Haha.

But anyway, thanks to Queen Fesh (Fedora) for doing this up for me.. greatly appreciate it! (:

Mismatching colours everywhere in my blog, but who cares man! A presentable blog, and more importantly, with a picture made out of pure passion, does the work! (:

Nostalgia

2008-03-28T14:26:00.000+08:00

Woah, this is really a record ever since I last blogged, which was more than 2 months ago? Yeah, kinda lazy, and eventhough I have SO much time, I didn't!

But since I'm using my laptop instead of the stupid desktop, there's so much kick to type now! Haha. I mean it. It's such a different feel! Anyway...

Laziness is a seed of evil, haha. Anyway, to be fair, I've been going down to TK almost half of every week in preparation for the coming SYF Band Competition. Well, kinda chatted with Azlan about band AFTER band (which is usually the case, and was feeling quite... nolstalgic?). And yeah, kinda regret, or so I can say, that my batch wasn't the Outdoor batch, or else I think we could have done better compared to '07's Indoor. Sigh... well, guess it was meant to be this way and all I/we can do is to move on!

This is a much bigger hit to me than getting Silver for Indoor'07, SERIOUSLY, I could cry over it, I would cry over it as a man. Ask me why, and I'll simply answer you with one simple, but powerful word... PRIDE

The pride to do the band proud, the pride to carry on the Band's 10 consecutive years of winning, and more importantly, to add another chapter to TKBand's 41 years of legacy, the pride to bring yet again another award to TK's shelves.

I won't say that my batch were the BEST batch, but I would dare say that my batch definitely have the PRIDE, the pride of TKBand. The pride to deliver whatever the seniors have built up and left there for us to bring it up to higher grounds - to fly, to soar!

So... my question here is (I don't care if it's gonna be offensive, but here's the truth), where's the bloody pride?!

Where's the Pride that KILLS?

Nevertheless, all the best to the band, and bring back that award we yearn for. And last but not least, to sustain the pride and love we have for this wondrous band! (:

Boston

2008-01-16T15:55:00.000+08:00

[Now listening: Boston by Augustana]

Time for an update!

Throughout this so-called "holidays" of mine, I've acquired certain feedback from people who have entered JC's through the PAE. Other than "making friends" being the most sensible answer for the advantages for going to JC, seems like the rest haven't been appealing much to me.

So thank God I didn't go for it! (No offense though, and I'm not adding salt to wound to those in JCs in any way or other)

Anyway, this few weeks have been quite enriching despite the duration alone. In 2 weeks, I have been learning quite much stuff while going back to school to help the band out. Well, though it might not be that obvious, but I guess it has an accumulative effect!

It takes time, takes time.

Eh, but on a sadder not... kind of bored man. Whenever I wanna go out, it's so hard to go out in large groups can (especially when everyone else is in school -.-).

But nevertheless, this free time actually allows me to do many other stuff, and to sit down, relax, think and you know, brainstorm/reflect on things I've never thought of.

And thinking about it, I've never felt so free emotionally compared to now. Carefree. Great feeling man... it's like there's nothing much for me to worry about, just that when it's time for band, I gotta start thinking and stuff, which is not bad 'cause afterall I'm a human, and I'd have to work my brains once in a while right?

Or else I'll be considered a monotonous zombie - and a stupid one.

Okay, I don't know what else I wanna say, and I think I'm talking nonsense. Haha. Just to spend time away...

So, away with crap. Here's some real stuff, man!

~~

Boston by Augustana

[Verse]
In the light of the sun
Is there anyone
Oh it has begun
Oh dear you look so lost
Eyes are red
And tears are shed
This world you must have crossed

[Chorus]
You said you don't know me
And you don't even care
Oh yeah
she said you don't know me
And you don't wear my chains
Oh yeah

[Verse]
Essential yet appealed
Carry all your thoughts
Across an open field
When flowers gaze at you
They're not the only ones
Who cry when they see you

[Chorus]

[Bridge]
She said I think I'll go to Boston
Think I'll start a new life
I think I'll start it over
Where no one knows my name

I'll get out of California
I'm tired of the weather
Think I'll get a lover
And fly him out to Spain

I think I'll go to Boston
I think that I'm just tired
I think I need a new town
To leave this all behind

I think I need a sunrise
I'm tired of a sunset
I hear it's nice in the summer
Some snow would be nice

You don't me, you don't even care
Oh yeah

Boston... no one knows my name
No one knows my name
No one knows my name

No one knows my name

~~

Okay, somehow, the song made me remember some stuff. Haha, to be precise, all the memories of last year.

No link with the lyrics thought. But it's the feeling ah... just the feeling.

Who'd have known a year has gone.

2008-01-02T16:33:00.000+08:00

[Now listening: Stop and Stare by OneRepublic]

2 days into the year 2008, and I still don't feel the change at all!

Weird, I'd say, maybe it's 'cause of the seemingly long holidays after O's that it makes, you know... me still in the holiday mood. Okay, I don't know what I'm talking 'cause I'm supposed to explain "why I'm still stuck in year 2007".

Maybe my lack of sleep has dragged my timing so slowly that I'm 2 months away from the so-called year 2008.

Apparently, I'm still not over stuff that have happened throughout the past 365 days (lazy to name each and every one), but well, miss 'em and will not forget 'em!

Anyways, best wishes to each and everyone for the new year, and those who are going for PAE, have fun (truthfully)! (:

For the rest who have not decided to join PAE -- be it to slack more, or have decided to join Polytechnic -- continue to have fun and well, have fun! Haha.

Ah well... thinking about it, almost everyone will be in school in 7/8 hours time, while I'll still be lazing in bed. But what really bothers me is that... I'll be so damn bored and more importantly, miss the company I had during the entire 2 months of break.

You know, all the outings, staying overnight outside home and stuff... not to forget class chalet and whatever memorable events that happened in the 2 months.

And one more thing... 4 years have really passed that damn quickly, and now we've gotta go our separate ways. But no matter how, hope the bond that was established in the 4 years will still remain, and... still have time together!

But right now, a GREAT, BIG thanks to all these peeps for everything:

Rock my life! (:

~

Stop and stare,
I think I'm moving but I go nowhere.
Yeah I know that everyone gets scared,
But I've become what I can't be, oh

Stop and stare
You start to wonder why you're here not there
And you'd give anything to get what's fair
But fair ain't what you really need
Oh, can u see what I see

Loneliness is the greatest misery of life.

2007-12-29T03:48:00.000+08:00

Yos! Went out with the tennis gang today, for a so-called "belated" Christmas celebration since we didn't manage to 'cause some of us couldn't make it.

Well, it was one hell of a fun day la... went to play pool in the noon, then movie, and then bowl, and finally to Marina Bay for steamboat buffet! (Sadly, we didn't bother to take any pictures...)

Anyway, playing pool was simply hilarious, but Yjie was the classic uber humorous one. He hit a ball in, but then realised he didn't use the white ball, but used the blue solid ball to hit the ball in. His reaction was just so funny, laughed it out loud in the empty room. Haha.

Then we went to watch I Am Legend! I just don't understand why Lenny didn't find the show nice... he thought the show had good action, but lacked in the storyline.

Well, I don't think movies lack in a storyline, it's just a matter whether the story behind it is good or not, inspirational or just pure bullcrap. So... from what I see, I Am Legend HAS a storyline, and a deep one too.

Basically, there was something -- the message -- that I could feel behind the entire movie. But feelings don't always equate to words, and thus, I'm having a little problems explaining about what I actually thought about the show.

Maybe there were messages about "cherish your love ones while you still have them around", "believe in what you do and fight to achieve it" (so our school value... Ability to succeed) and such stuff, you know. But the main message that really ran through my mind was... loneliness.

It's really saddening when you see Robert Neville (Will Smith) struggling with his life against aggressive and ferocious zombies, and more importantly, with his loneliness in the ravaged city, so much so that he relied to talking to mannequins.

He loved his dog so much that he grieved over its (her, to be exact) death (duh!), and had to kill it 'cause it was infected with the virus.

Throughout the show, the elements of surprise weren't what you'd see on a normal and cliche I-am-the-hero-and-I'm-gonna-save-the-world-without-dying-and the-whole-story's-just-gonna-be-you-happy-I-happy-everyone's-happy kind. It was instead elements that you'd never really thought about and... you know, you'd really get into the story and comprehend what that part of life is about. Robert's story is simple fascinating, and at the same time worth grieving over (I'm not gonna cry though).

Okay, enough. Shan't reveal anymore... but I Am Legend is really a good show man. Depressing. Even though the setting was kinda similar to Resident Evil, but the story was good, and it kinda reveals a part of life of every human in this world -- hidden inside, sometimes even unnoticeable.

I think it has one of the best depiction of loneliness and its after-effect, other than some other shows I've watched.

Even the rest agreed it was a good show! I'd watch it again if I have the time.

Unbelievable.

Ratings: 4.5 of 5

Back to the day.

Then we went to bowl. Xx tried to challenge Bidi, but got owned? Lol. And once again, we tried to disturb Yjie by running away when he wasn't looking. But unfortunately, he noticed us. Damn, another spoiler -.- Hahaha.

Alright, then finally steamboat at Marina Bay! Lol, I really think that the goal of eating steamboat is to actually make a broth out of the plain chicken soup that they provide -- into a broth full of flavour, fragrance, and all the essense of the crab, mussel and whatever seafood you can put in. Hahaha, eating's just something you do to help you pass the time.

Ah well... had fun today! School's gonna reopen soon, and we'll have less time together already... but still! Hope we'd be able to go out again soon!

Ciao. (:

Can't sleep for nuts

2007-12-21T17:37:00.000+08:00

I really can't sleep early for nuts man. And that's so frustrating!

Have to go school early for band tomorrow morning (at 8.30am) while you guys are still asleep dreaming about your favourite toy, favourite girl/boy, desired place of interest to go, and whatever fantasies and crap you can mention and think of.

So well, from experience, I've decided to do something different, and sleep early so that I'll have maximum energy for tomorrow! But hell, slept for 3 hours and woke up at 12.30am, and I can't sleep anymore! (Gosh, so my 12 o'clock alarm is really working right now... but at the wrong time -.-)

How the hell am I supposed to spend the next 6 or 7 hours?! Damn, it's unpredictable.

Not that I'm complaining about the uber early wake up call I have to hear from my alarm when I'm still in slumber, but the problem here now is that, I can't go to sleep and most importantly get PROPER sleep before I'm geared up for the entire day with the band.

Ah well, for now, I'll just go watch anime and some movies... maybe I should try not sleeping for today? 'Cause the feeling seriously sucks when you have to force yourself up while you're still semi-conscious.

At that time, it really felt like the earth's gravitational pull at my bed has increased by 10 fold.

I've got no life.

2007-12-20T13:37:00.000+08:00

Bloody... I find that I have difficulty keeping my blog running, and am very fond of being M.I.A.

Well, I don't know how the hell I've sorta lost my drive for blogging. Maybe I just think that my life's just too boring to be blogged about.

But anyway, life has been the same so far: Online or play my PSP when at home, or I'll be out shopping, or else I'll be in school helping out with the band (most of the time actually).

Crap... I really don't know how to carry on with this post. But anyhow, if you've heard Last Christmas (originally composed by George Michael and performed by the pop duo Wham!) before, then I think this is a nice cover of the song by Jimmy Eat World, other than 'N Sync's acapella cover.

It sounds a little bit more upbeat and pop-ish, but nevertheless, it's Jimmy Eat World!

Last Christmas I gave you my heart.

But the very next day you gave it away.

P.S. Stupid Yjie doesn't wanna lend me DJMax to play... Noooooooo! -.-

Cosmo: the bristro

2007-12-02T13:21:00.000+08:00

Yos!

Started my first day as a waiter at Cosmo: the bistro today, and damn... it was one hell of a busy day (for a newcomer some more).

Skip the details, but I think what's challenging for this job is that you NEED to get used to foreigners very strong accent, or else you wouldn't be able to take orders from them! And tougher one is knowing the menu well, or else you'll be taking wrong orders everytime and many orders will be considered VOID, which is a bad thing to a restaurant.

Tough, but challenging... and when it's challenging, it's worth the fun. Then when it's fun, it's worth the pay! Hahaha.

Okay, time to go off to rest! Still gotta work tomorrow man, and then first "off" day on Monday! Hehe. (:

Ciao!

Natasha covers.

2007-11-29T18:54:00.000+08:00

I think this is a great cover of Maroon 5's This Love... by Natasha Bedingfield! (:

I like the bridge part at around 2:18 minutes. The guitarist played the drum beats, while Natasha's vocals from there was simply amazing!

"This love (song, I mean) has taken its toll on me..."

Oh, damn... I just realised she did many other covers on songs such as Coldplay's The Scientist, Keane's Somewhere Only We Know, Snow Patrol's Chasing Cars, and many more! Darn.. I think she's damn versatile.

This is her cover of Coldplay's The Scientist.

Gossssh, she's gooood man!

Best of Rodney Mullen

2007-11-29T14:52:00.000+08:00

Freak, sickness.

IT savvy (I mean... noob)

2007-11-26T17:20:00.000+08:00

Damn, I know I'm a very slow piece of, you know... the Chinese would say 'frog in the well' but damn, I'm getting sick of Internet Explorer, and it's so... 'obiang' look.

Hence, I went to Mr. IT Savvy, Roddy to ask him about the new Internet Explorer7 (IE7), and whether he had tried it. But instead, he told me to use Mozilla Firefox (have been contemplating to use it) and here it goes, it's working wonders now man!

It loads so much faster than freakin' IE, looks more sleek, and since I just installed it I'm sure there'll be more functions that I'll soon discover. All hail Mozilla Firefox!

Now, watching anime/browsing webs can never be less fun! Thanks Rod! (:

Anyway, my posts have been kinda short, but heck, it's to keep this blog alive right? It's better to have short bursts of words to keep the blog running, than having a whole inspirational speech which might just slip off my mind in the midst of writing. So, not worth the risk, let's just do it this way!

Damn... I still gotta work on Firefox man. Not any problems, just want it to have a COOLer look. Hahaha.

Till then, ciao! (:

Renovation complete!

2007-11-26T07:43:00.000+08:00

Ahhh! Finally done with blogger!

Was kinda annoyed since blogskins didn't have the skins I want (usual problem) and then I tried hopping to Livejournal, but that host is a no-no for me. I'm not really an IT savvy, so you can say I was behaving "noobish-ly" with Livejournal.

Nevertheless, I'm so happy that I managed to find this picture of Sasuke and Naruto fighting, and well, the picture sure fits a black background nicely!

I'm so not gonna change my skin for long after the torture I had to go through finding one. But anyway...!

Job scouting with Yjie and Bidi yesterday was a failure man... but Yjie found some lobang for us! So hopefully, we'll start work very soon. But even if it doesn't, I still have a pending job in the Ministry. Muahahahaha!

Hmm... only problem now is... what can I do for the rest of the day?

Back to life!

2007-11-25T05:30:00.000+08:00

Finally, I'm back to blogging. But anyway, I know there'll be no one who might read it, but heck!

I'll try to blog more often then.

Anyway, many things have been happening after the O's were over like: Graduation Night, Band Chalet, 4CHALET!, and tennis and so on and so forth, depending on what the holidays might bring.

Kinda lazy to type everything out, but I guess what matters is that I'll always remember the times spent with everyone (:

Alright, off to finish up the song Xiaoxuan wrote (hopefully it's nice!) and... meeting up with Yjie and Biondi to look for job!

Till then! (:

September 11: The flame of humanity

2007-09-17T08:26:00.000+08:00

My blog's really a zombie man. Always dead, but someday somehow it comes alive again - monotonously alive. -.-

Maybe I'll just try to blog more often then.

Anyway, I've been wanting to post something, but due to pure laziness, and moreover it was during the prelims period, I decided not to do it.

But since I've done my amath practice in the morning, and there's nothing much for me to study, I'll just use this free time to blog about. I know it's kinda late (by 5 days) for me to blog this, but well, better late than never!

I'm so damn sure whoever who comes across this will definitely know what it's about, and maybe roughly know what I'm blogging about. Unless you're some person that lives in the clouds or deep underneath the ground such that this earth-shaking news didn't affect you somehow.

Well, the purpose of this post, is to commemorate those who died in thus tragic incident - in both the World Trade Center and the very unfortunate ones who were on the same plane as those terrorists.

This post, is also to honour the selfless heroes who tried to keep friends or acquaintances alive, at the expense of their lives.

To the police and firefighters who ran into the building of inferno to save strangers they never knew - be it because it was part of their job or part of their personal belief. These brave people not only fought the fire, but also against time, and also despite knowing the dangers of the crumbling building, knowing that they would join all these strangers in the afterlife when the building collapse, they carried every hope of saving every victim in the building in their thoughts, inside the building.

And through this, we have seen the 2 sides of humanity. Heaven and hell, angel and devil. But despite the presence of such unsightly evil, we have also seen actions, emotions, and thoughts that are the reasons why humanity seem invincible, indestructible; the reasons why we're still holding on and struggling in this corrupted, and dying world. Maybe we will, one day, but it is not the day where the entire world showed care and concern to each other, supported each other no matter financially or emotionally.

Even in such a busy city, where only work runs through people's mind, it was such a day when people placed faith in every thought, in every heartbeat, placed complete faith in their Gods, that they'll be granted the strength to save lives, the strength to live.

The strength to run away from the jaws of death, showcasing their will to live, their will to live even though they were trapped beneath the rubble that shattered their bodies, their bones - pushing away the hundreds of pounds while thinking of their loved ones.

What will happen to them, if I died? What will happen to me, if he/she died?

The day we prayed that our friends, families and loved ones are safe and sound, and pushing away the thoughts that morning breakfast was the last time you ever saw that person.

However, no matter how unfortunate something comes to that someone, and how grieved their closed ones are, it is that day that people learned to move on, and not stay stagnant on the thoughts of death, but learn to stay strong and live just like how those victims tried hard to - the sole reason why they wanted to live, so that the people they loved would be happy knowing they're still alive, and for having faced death so closely but fought back with sheer courage and detemination.

And to ALL these people, I salute you!

Maybe we're trying, trying to hard.

Maybe we're torn apart.

Maybe the timing, is beating our hearts.

We're empty.

TK Band 40th Anniversary.

2007-07-22T14:59:00.000+08:00

Just came back from TKBand's 40th Anniversary Dinner, and it was really a hell lot of fun! (:

Had fun being the BRAVEST SOUL of my group, and dressed up as a model, showing off the freakin' skirt (of the old TKBand uniform) I was wearing, had fun watching all videos in tribute to Miss Irene Joseph, and of course TKBand herself. All the videos (made by Bong Seng) were really touching, and are a reminiscent of the past outdoor times. How I wish I was back in the field again! And not to forget, I had fun taking photos with whoever I had taken photo with! (:

Unfortunately, I didn't have my own camera. (Actually I have, but it's spoilt, and I can't seem to find the other one.) Oh well, I'm gonna own a better one by the time Farewell Party comes!

Oh ya, come to think of it, I realised I had so much fun that I literally forgot whatever worries and unhappiness I was feeling previously! Haha, great man, I tell you. This feeling's like the extreme weather conditions in a desert, though not to an extremist's extent. But well, having my utmost fun, definitely blew my mind off.

But on a sad note, some things are really hard for me to say, when I really want to say it out. How I wish... the person knows.

Oh well! Let's not spoil the mood! (:

How can I forget, a good job done to the Mr Azlan, Mr Sumitra, the Sec1s to 3s of TKBand, and the rest of the organising committee! It was wonderful to see the whole event kick off so well!

P.S. I have gotten my Harry Potter Book 7, but I've not been chiong-ing it. I guess I'll just take my time to read it, and appreciate it to the fullest as it is the very final instalment to the popular novel by J.K.Rowling! (:

Of races and holidays.

2007-07-20T13:38:00.000+08:00

Hello, wassup! (:

You know what? There's school tomorrow! Not that I'm happy that there's school, but to be precise, there will be no lessons tomorrow in celebration of Racial Harmony Day!

It seems like the government has put in much effort to maintain racial harmony in Singapore. And maybe that's why 4C's in celebration too! (: Haha, just like what Fa and me conversed about, despite being a class with different students taking different streams, we still blend well as a class. All the fun, all the laughter, all the playful times, all the sad times, we did it all together!

But sometimes it's kind of sad to end a friendship that could worth a lifetime.

Oh well...! Tomorrow's Friday, so... definitely gonna skate tomorrow! Then there's TKBand's Anniversary dinner on Saturday evening, and I've yet to think of what to wear on that day (Don't come to me and tell me not to wear anything -.-).

Followed by tuition on a Sunday MORNING (Goshhhhh!) and then gotta study for the coming Chemistry test on Monday.

It's gonna be a hectic weekend, but well, live it to the fullest! (:

And guess what? I'm really in love with Hybrid Theory la. It's known to be the most successful album by Linkin Park, and it's also the most commercially successful album for the Nu Metal genre. Cheers to LP! (:

How I wish LP would return to their genre, which is most famous for, for their next album!

P.S. Oh, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is gonna be out in a couple of days! I can't wait to read it, but meanwhile, I'm gonna start reading Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King first!

Eve of Friday the 13th.

2007-07-13T14:23:00.000+08:00

Through the decades and centuries, homosapiens have definitely progressed beyond anyone could have ever expected. It's so significant just by looking at the level of the technology now. It's really great to know that humans have such great minds.

However, I think one of the biggest flaw of humans is laziness, and sad to say, I'm a good example of it.

I remember how I used to be hardworking when I was in Sec2. Whenever I reached home, I would take out my homework, make a cup of coffee to perk myself up, sit on the table with my pens ready, and focus on my work. When I had problems with the math homework, I would call a classmate to clear my doubts.

But now, I would just turn on the freakin' computer and do what I'll always do... MSN, music, anime, and so on and so forth...

Yes, maybe many of us were more hardworking 2 years ago, and what's surprising is that, we're less hardworking and driven now when it's a more important year than 2 years ago!

It's hard to kick this stupid habit eventhough I know I should change.

Oh well... I'm a bad, bad, naughty boy! (:

P.S. Tomorrow's Friday the 13th, and I don't know whether I should be superstitious or not. Haha. And geeeee, there's Emath level test tomorrow! >.<

I was just thinking...

2007-07-04T13:23:00.000+08:00

You know, it's hard to say how complicating and contradicting this world is; neither is it easy to assume how simple and sweet this world can also be.

But if you were to sit down and really think of something specific in 3 different views (positive, negative and neutral), you will come to realise that right or wrong are just separated by a very fine line. Sometimes, it's really that difficult to differentiate the true meaning of right and/from wrong. Let's take something simple for example:

This one guy was born into a very poor family. Tough luck... parents tried their luck to strike it rich, but lady luck just wasn't on their side! So, for the sake of the family's welfare, he decided to do something that he would never try to -- rob and steal.

Now, in an instant, when you see the words 'rob' and 'steal', you'd already know that those two acts are wrong. They break the rules. They go against the law. They are crimes. However, despite knowing that these acts are wrong and he can be severely punished, the guy still decides to do so.

Why? It's for the simple reason that he NEEDS to support the family, he NEEDS to keep his family alive. He still DESIRES the chance to live on! (Now that's one good reason -- I will say -- that he wants to rob/steal)

Till here, do you get what I'm trying to say? Okay, then let's take another example on music.

It's very hard to say what good music and bad music is. Maybe what people might perceive good music as is that it should have a nice melody. Some might say good music requires beautiful and sweet lyrics. While some might say good music must have good vocals and great guitar riffs (for rock music specifically).

Now, when I think about people having the misconception that Metal music is a violent genre, I would then wonder, "I've been hearing a considerable number of Metal music, but I don't remembering Metal being violent!" (Except for satanic music which I really deem it as forbidden music)

Maybe that's the reason why Pop is called pop -- 'cause it was derived from the word popular!

And this, many people hardly venture out into the other aspects of music. Hence, they have never heard the different kinds of music music-lovers make.

Putting it simply, every artistes make music, but with a different style -- a style of their own.

And, from hearing that number of metal music, I really don't find any problems with Metal. Instead, I think Metal gives more kick than listening to other music (though I can't deny that I still do listen to common pop and rock music).

You might think that my habit of listening to music is weird. But I did consider that some people just dislike Metal, and prefer Pop as the genre that gives you the kick when listening to music.

So, what's right... and what's wrong?

I mean, this is really up to oneself, whether one thinks whether something's unforgivable or noble. Whether whatever someone says, does, or thinks is right or wrong.

So, despite all that I've said, right or wrong, we still have to face this reality... live or die.

Foul, Yellowcard.

2007-07-02T07:09:00.000+08:00

Recognise them? If you don't, then if you've heard the song "Ocean Avenue", then you'll definitely know them (that song is one of my personal favourite).

Yes, they are Yellowcard, with the electric violin in their music that makes them uniquely them!

Personally, I feel that they're one of the best pop punk bands ever! And I really mean it, 'cause their sound is so much better than other pop punk bands such as Good Charlotte. They have more daring guitar riffs, nicer songs, better lyrics, and more importantly, they have one hell of a good drummer! (:

They got into commercial success because of their hit "Ocean Avenue" (and album, released in 2003), which peaked the charts at #1. Not forgetting other songs that went into the charts such as their hit rock ballad "Only One".

Their album Ocean Avenue has sold over 2 million copies in United States alone!

After Ocean Avenue, Yellowcard then released their follow-up album, Lights and Sounds.

But sad to say, this album was a huge disappointment. Even with their best sounding song, "Lights and Sounds", I think the album had lost much of its intensity compared to their previous album Ocean Avenue.

It was really a bore listening to Lights and Sounds, where it lacked guitar riffs and sincerity in their songs.

Haha, and I find it damn weird that this album did better than Ocean Avenue in the Canadian charts!

Damn weird!

And now, about less than a year after the release of Lights and Sounds, I'm anticipating their new album Paper Walls which will be officially released on 17 July 2007! Yes, can't wait, can't wait! (:

Finally, after much torture thinking about how bad Lights and Sounds was, there's Paper Walls to compensate for whatever music they have composed for Lights and Sounds!

Thanks God, this album has brought back the intensity of their Ocean Avenue album, and their songs are definitely nicer and more sincere.

The songs, "Fighting" and "Shadows and Regrets" are two of the best songs I personally like in the album. Oh, of course there's "Dear Bobbie" which is also one heck of a nice song!

Many critics have given positive reviews of the album! (:

Seriously, this album is very much more sincere, and from the very bottom of Yellowcard's heart. I'm glad they're back on track!

I'll put up the lyrics and song, hopefully, another time.

Meanwhile, I'll anticipate. (:

Of mornings and songs.

2007-06-21T13:48:00.000+08:00

The last minute London trip was Ken & Nich's surprise for the holidays -- and the keywords here are... last minute.

Gosh, they're lucky to have a London trip as a surprise. How I wished I could join them!

Talked to Mr Nicholas Chew Ken Min, who was online, this morning at about 9.15am (Singapore time)! And he told me it was around 2.20am in London la.

And he was so "proud" of it that he was explaining a whole bunch of crap about Daylight Saving Time. God knows what the heck that system is for? Time's just time what, still need to save what time! (Though I wished I could turn back time)

You can call me dumb for not being able to comprehend such a theory. But can't help it, I don't know any pangsai about it man!

But hey, here's the catch, what's he doing online sooo early in the morning when the other half of him is sleeping? *Winks*

Oh well, obviously, the very FIRST question he asked me after conversing with him for more than 5 minutes was: "You've been skating a lot?"

Lol, as expected of him la ah. Anyway, kinda miss these great friends after not seeing them for more than a week already, and very used to skating/sliding with them. I'm sure Amirul kinda agrees with me too. (;

Anyhow, I wish to compose a song just like Amirul! Unfortunately, I just don't get the inspiration to write. He claimed that all I have to do is to let the words flow within me, but what I think is that, I just lack the focus to write!

I really wanna write this song I have in mind, and I know I will and I can! (:

Boring holidays.

2007-06-18T21:39:00.000+08:00

You know, it's really weird when during school time, you'll start ranting that you wished the holidays were here.

But on the other hand, when we are in the midst of our desired holidays, we'd start whining about how boring the holidays are -- with nothing to do, nowhere to go, or else, bored of doing the same old thing at home over and over again.

But I'm kinda glad that I've finally done 70-80% of my Chemistry worksheets, though I'm not sure what Amath homework I have, and I don't really wanna give a damn about it.

Speaking of homework, there's Chemistry test on the first day school reopens, and there's definitely bonus marks for our Prelims if we do well for it. Gosh... I so want the marks!

Unfortunately, I can hardly find any motivation to study. And it's all because I want to enjoy my holidays before hell starts after this week!

Oh well... (:

~ ~ ~
Lifehouse's new album is out! And I think this album, is a lot better than the previous.

Here's an extract from the song "Storm":

If I could just see you, everything will be alright.
If I see you, the darkness will turn to light .

And I will walk on water,
And you will catch me if I fall.
And I will get lost into your eyes,
And everything will be alright.

I know everything is alright, everything's alright.

I'm still missing the times spent at chalet. Everything about it.

And that very beautiful morning...

4Chalet in A1120.

2007-06-14T11:10:00.000+08:00

3 days 2 nights at Pasir Ris Downtown East, and it was magnificent and enjoyable! Afterall, I simply love 4C. (:

Throughout the 3 days there, all of us had our utmost fun, and it's impossible to describe every detail in words. Alright, having said that, I'll try to summarise everything as short as possible.

Most importantly, pictures speak louder than words.

Day One:
1. Checked in at Pasir Ris Downtown East. Some of us played mahjong and the guys and me went "guitar-crazy" (as quoted by Xiaoxuan), while waiting for the rest to come.
2. Then came our barbecue! (I kept eating rice 'cause nobody cooked food for me. Lol!)
3. All of us decided not to sleep, so some of us started chatting about ghosts, demons, religion and whats-not, while the others played mahjong.
4. Had super early breakfast at 4am la!
5. By the time we went to watch the sunrise, many were already K.O.ed. Only Rachel, Ruiwen, Xiaoxuan, Weirong, Limpon and me went to wait for the sun to rise. However, Xiaoxuan and Limpon left earlier, leaving behind Rachel, Ruiwen and me to catch the sunrise. Unfortunately, clouds were covering the sun, but nevertheless, the morning was chilly and beautiful! (:
6. When Rachel, Ruiwen and me returned back to the chalet, ALL of us were K.O.ed and really went to sleep (though for 2 hours).
7. Rachel and me had a draw for our bets, 'cause we slept at the same time. Haha! Neither of us K.O. before the other.

Day Two:
1. We woke up and some continued with mahjong game while some played to guitar.
2. Then went to Escape together with Rachel, Lenny, Ruiwen, Yap Seng, and Limpon. Had hell lots of fun there (screaming)! Lol.
3. Waited for Xiangyu to come, then had dinner and went back to chalet to watch movie.
4. It was really siao watching The Exorcist with the 4Cians la. From a horror movie, we made it into a horror-comedy. But it was really freaky when the possessed person climbed down the stairs with blood in the mouth. FREAKY!
5. Then we celebrated Xiangyu's birthday, and continued with the movie marathon.
6. Had one hell of an UNO game with Diniy, and Fiza. Whack each other like crazy sia -- but by sabo-ing!
7. The Exorcist 2 was boring and not as good as its predecessor, so I fell asleep halfway, all the way to the next morning.

Day Three:
1. This one is funny. I woke up when I heard Biondi playing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. LOL! Then Weirong, Terence Tay and Xiaoxuan told me they strummed the guitar so loud, but I didn't wake up! And I continued sleeping like nobody's business.
2. Then we watched TV and some played mahjong for the rest of the day, while Yongjie continued sleeping and sleeping until about an hour before we checked out la!
3. Yeah, then checked out at 12pm.

That should be all for the chalet!

Thinking of it now, I really wished the chalet was longer, maybe, at least a week. I'm really missing the times spent during the stay. The sunrise, the battle against fatigue, the aircon, the bed, the TV, the fun, the laughter, the cakes, the freedom, and most importantly the people (proudly my 4Cians)!

Those are the times that I'll definitely sweep my mind clean just to contain these memories.

When I reached home after the whole chalet, I started to think about after our O'Levels. And I really don't want to separate from my class. ):

Then there came Xiaoxuan's suggestion -- let's have 4C chalet every year, with Rod as our professional photographer! (:

Ahh, beautiful times!

~ ~ ~
Here are the pictures, though not many. I'm still waiting for Rod to send me the rest after he has processed them, especially the pictures for day one.

Morning at 6.15am

Morning at around 6.45am

Morning at 7am.

Morning at 7.15am

Morning at about 7.30am. Rachel took this photo, and I really like it! ^^

~ ~ ~
That should be all for the photos, will post the rest up once I get them.

I'll never forget the times in A1120, and I've never regretted being part of 4Chalet! :D Thanks a thousand, a million to the greatest guys.

Thanks a whole lot, 4Chalet! (:

Peer pressure.

2007-06-09T14:43:00.000+08:00

My mind's in a total mess.

I totally anticipated this peer pressure if I was going to consider rejecting TJC's DSA.

I knew people will say things here and there, but no matter what, I still find Sheep's question "Would you regret it if you don't go to TJC?" the most constructive. And then here comes Amirul's comment "And Zhiyi says he may want to reject the DSA to TJC. Lol, then why go for it in the first place!"

And here's my answer:
1) I really wanna be part of TJCSBand and that was why I went for the audition.
2) The institution of my choice is tilted more towards Polytechnic than JC (though I'm still considering VERY VERY hard on the course I should take).

WTF right?

Yes, some might think it's damn bloody greedy of me to want to join both a Polytechnic and TJCSBand. Some might think that, since I've made it through the DSA so easily, why the f*** do I still want to reject it at this time?! Some might even think that I'm playing a fool out of the DSA, and making a fool out of myself.

And I definitely know that if I reject the DSA, it'll be a total waste! That's because I love music, and I know my seniors and friends believe I have the potential... to be frank.

At the same time, I also have to consider my future -- this refers to in which insitution will I be able to cope and adapt well, and have comfort learning.

But hey look, I'm not stupid here. From the time I posted my previous entry, I had already anticipated such things to happen. Not that I'm against people's opinions or suggestions, but look, do you think they're constructive?

Hmm... so maybe that's why I'm having a f***ing hard time on deciding whether I should accept or reject the DSA.

Oh well, maybe I shouldn't have told anyone about me being accepted. Seems to be my f***ing fault.

Or maybe like what Amirul said, I shouldn't have gone for the audition at all?

P.S. But anyway, thanks for ALL the advice and comments given by Linda, TJCian, Sheep, Fafa, and Amirul. I'll make sure I'll take all of them into consideration.

Stress.

2007-06-07T02:12:00.000+08:00

With the extremely high number of readers Amirul has for his blog, it'll be in no time everyone knows that I've made through TJCBand's auditions. Despite this, one thing that I'm gonna be dead damn sure about is that I'm never gonna gloat over a small success like this.

Instead, I'm feeling very stressed up because of it.

I know it's the holidays, and it's very weird of me to say that I'm feel damn f***ing stressed up now. But let's face reality, I am, and will be, facing quite a great deal of pressure for 20 odd days, 'cause basically, I have these number of days to decide whether to carry on with the DSA, or reject it.

I have a very important decision to make.

Now, the pros and cons of rejecting and accepting are clashing too much. I have a bloody difficult time deciding which path I should go. So let me be very frank about it here.

1. I've been accepted through DSA, and once I make it through the interview, all I have to do is work damn hard and get below 20 -- or better, below 10 -- for my L1R5 for my Prelims/O'Levels (no matter what also have to work damn hard), and I'm so-called automatically in TJC.

2. I've made it through, and moreover, I'm in one of the good JC bands. It'll be a waste if I drop out of it now.

3. I'm standing on a thin line between going to JC, or going to Poly. This is my very, very worrying problem for now.

4. "To go TJC or not?" This is one heck of a question. I know life in there is stressful, but many have told me with the people there, I should be able to cope.

5. Peer pressure. If I were to drop out of DSA, people might say things like: "It's such a waste la, you've made it through and you want to drop out, how foolish are you? Many can't wait to be in your place, you know?" or anything along this line. But I know, I have to be myself, 'cause it's my future, and not theirs.

Gosh, my future lies in my hands. No doubt.

Oh well... I really wished someone great could advise me!

Please, please, my help! >.<

Music don't go well with nervousness.

2007-06-05T11:55:00.000+08:00

I am very sure everyone had heard about this saying "Nothing ventured"... then followed by "Nothing gained". Indeed, it has been true for many who have heard it, and believed in it.

For me, I'm sure I had fulfilled the former, but about the latter, the result is really clouded in mist.

Well, went together with Jerald, Gabriel, Vera, Hilma, and Linda for TJC Symphonic Band's audition, meeting Jonathan, Kenneth and Nicholas there -- not forgetting the rest of the batch who went there to support us (Zhafir, Cherie, Cheryl, Jiajun, Peixuan and Jolene).

Thanks guys for the support, but things happened as I had expected... kinda screwed up badly during the audition.

All because of one thing -- nervousness.

I couldn't pitch the freakin' notes while playing Fnugg 'cause:
1. I haven't been practising on my instrument for a month plus, compromising the quality of my sound.
2. The 1st valve was f**ked up which affected my pitching the higher octave notes.

Then came the scales and sight-reading... one word sums up the audition -- screwed.

Oh well, like Hanafi said, I did my best! All I can do is to hope for the best, if fate doesn't wants me to be in the band, then too bad. Nevertheless, in or out, I still must start working hard for my Prelims already.

And ultimately, O' Levels!

~ ~ ~
Anyway, gotta thank these group of people for the wishings on my birthday (in alphabetical order).

Thanks to:
1) AMIRUL (So sorry!), Asheem, Fiza, Hilma, Huanting, Imma, Jolene, Kenneth & Nicholas, Kwara, Linda, Michelle Aw, Pearl jie-jie, Rachel, Shawn, Steph, Syjia, Waikit, Xiangyu, and Zikai for the birthday wishings.

2) Rachel, Xiangyu, Natasha and Lenny for the RipCurl wallet!

3) Kenneth & Nicholas (together with Michelle Aw) for the sleeveless shirt. I so totally expected it! Haha!

3) The batch for the birthday bash... for the water bottle bath and pillar la! Lol.

4) And last but not least, my parents for celebrating my birthday with me!

Pardon me if I had unintentionally forgotten anyone's name here. But anyway, appreciate all these "thoughts that count"! ((:

~ ~ ~
That's all for today... off to play already!

Goodnight, Godspeed, and happy holidays! (:

Reminisce.

2007-05-31T14:34:00.000+08:00

If I'm not wrong, people say that "The eyes are the windows of the soul" or something along that line. Now, I'd like to make up a new phrase, and that is "Music is the heart of the soul".

I was listening to some songs that I loved listening to last time, and they really brought back a lot of memories -- all the way back from times like:

1. My tongue being pulled by this teacher (Mr. Teo) who is very nice, and hilarious. I kinda miss him (I'm not gay, just that he's a really nice teacher!) and am wondering how he's doing and what school he's teaching at.

2. Sleeping and listening to music (with my discman) in class when I was in upper primary.

3. Play cards after exams, and going to Comics Connection to look buy cards (which is kinda rare in TK now).

4. Going to my best friend's house to play computer (Maple and Gunbound), who also enjoyed listening to the same songs as I did. Haha!

5. And... having a long-term crush for this girl (Lol!).

Those were the days when I really had great fun in school (unlike now). Unfortunately, there are no pictures I can post up.

And of course, the memories that have been kept in me ever since I was Secondary One all the way till now.

I really want those times, back. ):

~ ~ ~
Valentine's Day by Linkin Park
My insides all turned to ash, so slow
And blew away as I collapsed, so cold
A black wind took them away, from sight
And now the darkness over day, that night

And the clouds above move closer
Looking so dissatisfied
But the heartless wind kept blowing, blowing
I used to be my own protection, but not now
Cause my path has lost direction, somehow
A black wind took you away, from sight
And now the darkness over day, that night

And the clouds above move closer
Looking so dissatisfied
And the ground below grew colder
As they put you down inside
But the heartless wind kept blowing, blowing

So now you're gone, and I was wrong
I never knew what it was like, to be alone

On a Valentine's Day, on a Valentine's Day
On a Valentine's Day, on a Valentine's Day

On a Valentine's Day, on a Valentine's Day
(I used to be my own protection, but not now)

On a Valentine's Day, on a Valentine's Day
(Cause my mind has lost direction, somehow)

On a Valentine's Day, on a Valentine's Day
(I used to be my own protection, but not now)

On a Valentine's Day, on a Valentine's Day
(Cause my mind has lost direction, somehow)

Two: Relaxed-man

2007-05-29T14:16:00.000+08:00

I've always loved watching Ironman when I was young, and I still remember the other Ironman of which I can't remember the colour already. Anyway, I'm kind of excited to see the CG version of Ironman, compared to the cartoon ones I saw when I was a lot younger!

If I'm not wrong, hopefully, it'll be out by the end of this year. Hopefully.

~ ~ ~

Oh yes! Chinese O'Levels is over, though we can't definitely say it is over yet, 'cause whether it's over or not, depends on the results that will be released around August, I suppose.

I'll just hope that I'll get the result that I (or maybe all of us) want.

Oh well, truncated lessons are starting tomorrow, and let's pray hard that I'll not fall asleep during lessons! I know I'm not the only person, but I was commented by one of the teachers that I always fall asleep in class.

Gosh, you know how hard it is to fight against fatigue. I know teachers will always say: "Sleep early then!", "Take the initiative to excuse yourself to the toilet to freshen up yourself", "If you think you are tired, we teachers are tired too. But if we can tahan, so can you!"

Or even any other reasons along that line.

Anyhow, gotta sleep earlier today.

Ciao! (:

Sail away, it's time to leave.

Rainy days, are yours to keep.

Fade away, the night is calling my name.

You will stay, I'll sail away.

One: Starting Afresh.

2007-05-27T14:34:00.000+08:00

Hello. (:

So let me start afresh by changing my blog (after deleting and decided to remake one again), though I won't be changing the blog URL 'cause it's such a hassle going around tagging everyone's blog to relink me. First and foremost, I'll be wasting a lot of time diverting to tonnes of blogs, and secondly, my computer is really an old and slow bitch (I don't know the gender of my computer though).

Since it's my blog, I'll consider being more open and straightforward in here. Of course, there are things that I will try not to mention here, which might in turn offend some people.

A new blog, a new start. I'll continue editing my blog layout 'cause I think it kinda sucks.

Anyway, moving on, I was surfing some forum (I'm not going to reveal the forum 'cause I'm a member and I don't think it's really right for me since permission is not given). But nevertheless, I'll still put up something that I had found interesting, and does make sense even if it doesn't seem to make sense. Some people might have seen it, of which I don't know who, but come what may, here it goes (kinda long, but please read on):

Now you know why foreign people find life in America so confusing!

We take English for granted, but if we explore its paradoxes, we find that...

There is no egg in eggplant nor ham in hamburger; neither apple nor pine in pineapple.

English muffins were not invented in England or French fries in France.

Sweetmeats are candies, while sweetbreads, which aren't sweet, are meat.

Quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square, and a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig.

And why is it that writers write, but fingers don't fing. Grocers don't groce, and hammers don't ham?

If the plural of tooth is teeth, why isn't the plural of booth beeth?

One goose, 2 geese. So, one moose, 2 meese? One index, two indices? Is cheese the plural of choose?

If teachers taught, why didn't preachers praught?

If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat?

In what language do people recite at a play, and play at a recital?

Ship by truck, and send cargo by ship?

Have noses that run and feet that smell?

Park on driveways and drive on parkways?

How can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a wise man and a wise guy are opposites?

How can the weather be hot as hell one day and cold as hell another?

When a house burns up, it burns down.

You fill in a form by filling it out,and an alarm clock goes off by going on.

When the stars are out, they are visible, but when the lights are out, they are invisible.

And why, when I wind up my watch, I start it, but when I wind up this essay, I end it?

All the best, peeps. (: