the inevitable has finally happened. my computer crashed yet again and being an utter computer idiot, i feel like a helpless weasel right now. glorious burial ornaments include dozen of precious photos, important documents (such as my resume!) and yes, my mp3s! great!
To top that up, my whole iTunes library consisting of half a thousand songs has gone down together with that damned computer. if you’re a proud Apple user like me, you’ll probably love everything Apple except it’s weird anti-piracy policies. thing is, an iPod strictly identifies itself with one computer and one iTunes library. so you’ve got to pray real hard that your computer will never fail you, otherwise you’ll have all your songs wiped out from your iPod if you’re not careful. yay.
Ok, my friendly ‘family’ computer man (‘family’ as in family doctor kind of ‘family’. Computer man as in computer repairman. Family vernacular. hah) did a post mortem of my computer and concluded that it must have caught the latest bird-flu. thankfully it’s not a new strain of virus. so there’s still hope, though it’ll require sometime to resurrect it. meanwhile, i’m indeed a sad man as Mr iPod has not water-paraded (for those unfamiliar with this army term, ‘water parade’ means drink water) and it’s suffering from dehydration. f.y.i, Mr nano chooses to drink only XP mineral water, so my antique windows 98 cannot help much. woohoo, long holiday without mr nano with me.
HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR
Be filled with laughter and ang pows my friend.
____
happy blog entry for happy season.
I Heart Revolution
Friday, January 27, 2006
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
not clowns
i don't like the idea of being a clown, constantly masquerading behind a mask that differs from my true self.
i've discovered the world is such.
politics is such.
[to win]
in order to achieve an aim, to win the acceptance of others, to elevate one's status, for one’s vested interest, to prove oneself, to guise one’s weaknesses.
[we fake]
we smile, we joke, we try to be ‘politically correct’, we act, we preach, but don’t practice.
fuck, stop that act!
__
i'm just feeling quite tired and jaded. maybe we all need to stop what we're doing and search our hearts. stop trying to prove. stop trying to impress.
i am not exempted.
____
i don't want to be a self-righteous bastard, so i will not go around boasting that i'm a Christian. don't get me wrong. there's a difference between boasting Christ, boasting about His goodness in me, a Christian and boasting for self-gratification. i'm not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. more so, i'm not ashamed of knowing Jesus. i think precisely because i love Him, that i don't want to misrepresent Him.
'you hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.'
-Luke 6: 42
i've discovered the world is such.
politics is such.
[to win]
in order to achieve an aim, to win the acceptance of others, to elevate one's status, for one’s vested interest, to prove oneself, to guise one’s weaknesses.
[we fake]
we smile, we joke, we try to be ‘politically correct’, we act, we preach, but don’t practice.
fuck, stop that act!
__
i'm just feeling quite tired and jaded. maybe we all need to stop what we're doing and search our hearts. stop trying to prove. stop trying to impress.
i am not exempted.
____
i don't want to be a self-righteous bastard, so i will not go around boasting that i'm a Christian. don't get me wrong. there's a difference between boasting Christ, boasting about His goodness in me, a Christian and boasting for self-gratification. i'm not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. more so, i'm not ashamed of knowing Jesus. i think precisely because i love Him, that i don't want to misrepresent Him.
'you hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.'
-Luke 6: 42
Saturday, January 21, 2006
am i that old?
Mr Goh Chok Tong revealed that the next singapore's election might be held next june. then it occurred to me that next year, 2007, i'll be a good 22 years old! by then, i'll be more than eligible to vote. this means, i'll finally have a say.
am i that old?
am i ready and mature enough to make a good choice?
up one level. voting marks maturity. yea, guess im old. old enough at least, finally.
yeaa.. weekend!
i need new clothes for the new year.
new year shopping anyone?
_____
maybe i'll end my post here. i dont want to be the next blogging kid in the block to be caught for controversial expression.
am i that old?
am i ready and mature enough to make a good choice?
up one level. voting marks maturity. yea, guess im old. old enough at least, finally.
yeaa.. weekend!
i need new clothes for the new year.
new year shopping anyone?
_____
maybe i'll end my post here. i dont want to be the next blogging kid in the block to be caught for controversial expression.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
dear student,
just received a mail from NUS. before i opened the letter, my mother, being her usual self commented that NUS might have decided to renounce my place to further my education there. for one moment, i almost felt she was right. then, i came to my senses and rolled my eyes.
i tore the envelope and was pleasantly greeted by a string of words in bold Times New Roman on the orangey official-looking letter head.
__________
Dear student
GREETINGS FROM THE NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE!
We are happy to note that you have been reserved a place in our University for the undergraduate course in Arts and Social Sciences......
__________
'dear student, dear student' hah, nice!
thinking back, it wasn't too long ago when i was still fretting over my course of life after jc. then, it all seemed so bleak. yet, i hung on to my little faith and that was all that was required. to some, entering a local university is no big deal. to others, they see no need in entering one at all, seeing it as platitudinous. to me, this is simply where i want to be. and im contented, more than contented to have this chance to further my recent accelerated interest in pursuing knowledge.
also, it has helped me fulfill my mother's simple yet benefactive wish. i still remember the day NUS approved my application was the day when my mum was wheeled into the operation theatre for a 6 hour long operation. that day, i will never forget as i felt like i was so close to losing my mum to cancer. the news of my successful application was a glimmer of hope to the dire situation. this gift from above was indeed timely. once mother regained consciousness from the operation, i presented to her this she dreamt of all her life.
sometimes, its just queer how life can be so dramatic. i guess that's how it is and will continue being.
Anyway, NUS informed me in this letter that if i want to change my choice of course, i can try applying again this year. hmm, should i try for business again this year or should i stick with my psychologist dream?
____
Why? do people repeat themselves louder in volume thinking that the other person of foreign tongue will understand them the 2nd time round when they haven’t for the 1st time?
i tore the envelope and was pleasantly greeted by a string of words in bold Times New Roman on the orangey official-looking letter head.
__________
Dear student
GREETINGS FROM THE NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE!
We are happy to note that you have been reserved a place in our University for the undergraduate course in Arts and Social Sciences......
__________
'dear student, dear student' hah, nice!
thinking back, it wasn't too long ago when i was still fretting over my course of life after jc. then, it all seemed so bleak. yet, i hung on to my little faith and that was all that was required. to some, entering a local university is no big deal. to others, they see no need in entering one at all, seeing it as platitudinous. to me, this is simply where i want to be. and im contented, more than contented to have this chance to further my recent accelerated interest in pursuing knowledge.
also, it has helped me fulfill my mother's simple yet benefactive wish. i still remember the day NUS approved my application was the day when my mum was wheeled into the operation theatre for a 6 hour long operation. that day, i will never forget as i felt like i was so close to losing my mum to cancer. the news of my successful application was a glimmer of hope to the dire situation. this gift from above was indeed timely. once mother regained consciousness from the operation, i presented to her this she dreamt of all her life.
sometimes, its just queer how life can be so dramatic. i guess that's how it is and will continue being.
Anyway, NUS informed me in this letter that if i want to change my choice of course, i can try applying again this year. hmm, should i try for business again this year or should i stick with my psychologist dream?
____
Why? do people repeat themselves louder in volume thinking that the other person of foreign tongue will understand them the 2nd time round when they haven’t for the 1st time?
Friday, January 13, 2006
almost hell
to be blatantly honest, there are times when i struggle with my faith. i've got my fair share of evil days when i wake up on the wrong side of my bed, do the wrong things and everything that happens feels as if God has forsaken me.
(e.g. yesterday - woke up late, no cab, traffic jam, raining, slipped and fell while running, reached camp a whooping half an hour late on a day when RSM inspecting 1st parade, got warning from superiors).
on such days, i find it hard even to pray and seek divine consolation. In desperate situations, i do sometimes coerce myself to try to feel that tangible love by revisiting a time when i was truly moved by God's loving kindness. these are often old and 'overused' revelations such as 'recalling the time when i accepted Christ' or 'replaying a worship song in my mind that once moved me to tears.'
still, God's divine plan never fails to move me to tears with fresh revelations from heaven. Recently, while worshipping at Campus service, i received a revelation from God that reinstated His grace towards me.
God reminded me of that incident when i was younger, i almost plunged into the pits of hell when i almost drowned and died at Tampines swimming complex. I realised that the devil had plotted to kill me even when i was then still a child. for one moment, i was gripped with fear acknowledging the reality of spiritual battle.
Then John 10:10 came to mind: 'The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.'
I cried. it was God that saved me from being drowned in the nick of time. it was God that snatched me back from the gates of hell. not once, not twice, but the many times i almost met in accidents and should have died.
i felt God must have an extraordinary plan for my life if not the devil wouldn't have tried to take me before i was even born again. more so, i felt so free, so appreciated, so loved once again.
reading my bible now, God spoke to me again. the succeeding verse after john 10:10 reads,
'I am the good shepherd. the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep' -john 10:11
(e.g. yesterday - woke up late, no cab, traffic jam, raining, slipped and fell while running, reached camp a whooping half an hour late on a day when RSM inspecting 1st parade, got warning from superiors).
on such days, i find it hard even to pray and seek divine consolation. In desperate situations, i do sometimes coerce myself to try to feel that tangible love by revisiting a time when i was truly moved by God's loving kindness. these are often old and 'overused' revelations such as 'recalling the time when i accepted Christ' or 'replaying a worship song in my mind that once moved me to tears.'
still, God's divine plan never fails to move me to tears with fresh revelations from heaven. Recently, while worshipping at Campus service, i received a revelation from God that reinstated His grace towards me.
God reminded me of that incident when i was younger, i almost plunged into the pits of hell when i almost drowned and died at Tampines swimming complex. I realised that the devil had plotted to kill me even when i was then still a child. for one moment, i was gripped with fear acknowledging the reality of spiritual battle.
Then John 10:10 came to mind: 'The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.'
I cried. it was God that saved me from being drowned in the nick of time. it was God that snatched me back from the gates of hell. not once, not twice, but the many times i almost met in accidents and should have died.
i felt God must have an extraordinary plan for my life if not the devil wouldn't have tried to take me before i was even born again. more so, i felt so free, so appreciated, so loved once again.
reading my bible now, God spoke to me again. the succeeding verse after john 10:10 reads,
'I am the good shepherd. the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep' -john 10:11
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
strange theft
not too long ago (last year), i borrowed the book 'Angels & Demons' from my friend, CL. Actually, that book did not belong to him, but his friend. i finished the book in camp and have long intended to return to him. since CL was in the midst of clearing his leave and preparing to ORD, i didn't manage to do so. this was despite many attempts to meet up with CL, pass the book to CL's officer, etc.
hence, i placed the book on top of my mini-shoe cupboard together with my toiletries and other personal items. (These things are not locked up in my cupboard because i don't have a cupboard in camp at the moment. This in itself is another peeve-worthy issue.)
this morning, CL visited me at my bunk, wanting to retrieve the book. Intuitively, i asked him to pick it up at my mini-shoe cupboard. To my surprise, the book was missing. I searched high and low for it, but to no avail.
Feeling peeved and baffled, i realised that the book must have been stolen. Losing an old-tattered book in camp is a strange enough mishap as no one should be geek enough to steal a storybook in camp. especially when there are other valuables to steal, like discmans.
As if i wasn't amused enough, i realised my toilet paper also disappeared without a trace. This is also not my first time losing a whole roll of soft-textured toilet paper. no kidding.
I was perturbed the whole day. Because of this idiotic thief, im paying CL $10 to compensate for the missing book that i've already read. Also, i've decided to lock up my toilet paper in future.
After some deliberation, my bunkmates and i came to a conclusion that the thief must have suffered from diarrhoea. Feeling desperate, he just entered a random bunk(just had to be mine), picked up my toilet paper. To prevent boredom while on his great white throne, he must have conveniently grabbed the book as well and had a time of his life.
If he had returned only the book, i can still forgive him and bless him with that roll of toilet paper. he didn't and there goes my $10.
i wonder if he's still having diarrhoea..
hence, i placed the book on top of my mini-shoe cupboard together with my toiletries and other personal items. (These things are not locked up in my cupboard because i don't have a cupboard in camp at the moment. This in itself is another peeve-worthy issue.)
this morning, CL visited me at my bunk, wanting to retrieve the book. Intuitively, i asked him to pick it up at my mini-shoe cupboard. To my surprise, the book was missing. I searched high and low for it, but to no avail.
Feeling peeved and baffled, i realised that the book must have been stolen. Losing an old-tattered book in camp is a strange enough mishap as no one should be geek enough to steal a storybook in camp. especially when there are other valuables to steal, like discmans.
As if i wasn't amused enough, i realised my toilet paper also disappeared without a trace. This is also not my first time losing a whole roll of soft-textured toilet paper. no kidding.
I was perturbed the whole day. Because of this idiotic thief, im paying CL $10 to compensate for the missing book that i've already read. Also, i've decided to lock up my toilet paper in future.
After some deliberation, my bunkmates and i came to a conclusion that the thief must have suffered from diarrhoea. Feeling desperate, he just entered a random bunk(just had to be mine), picked up my toilet paper. To prevent boredom while on his great white throne, he must have conveniently grabbed the book as well and had a time of his life.
If he had returned only the book, i can still forgive him and bless him with that roll of toilet paper. he didn't and there goes my $10.
i wonder if he's still having diarrhoea..
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
before i return
I cannot believe today is the last and 19th day of my block leave. Woke up at 4.30p.m. today feeling sufficiently rested, yet wasted on the same time. Frankly, i am not exactly too enthusiastic about going back to camp for an exciting 2006.
2005 was an immensely eventful year for me.
- A Level results
- Interview and acceptance of NUS' application
- Work experience at Life bookshop and Constant Wind
- Personal transition from ex-church to current
- Natural transition from ncc JC care group to my new army care group (which im currently still not accustomed to yet.)
- Enlistment
- Transition from BMT life to trainee life at Signal Institute to unit life.
- And of course the start of my family's life-long battle with a family member down with cancer.
These are just to list a few. Looking back, it was indeed a year of upheaval. For 19 years, life had been safe and typical; school, activities, church, holidays... Last year however saw the most changes, trying challenges and trials for me. 2005 was also my record year of falling ill. I was down with high fever (each time at least 39 degrees) 5 times! I believe stress was the mastermind. Of course, there were blessed moments as well, but generally, 2005 really wasn't a bed of roses.
It might seem I'm a tad too slow doing reflections and resolutions 10 days into the new year. I guess i never intended to plan much or expect much for the year. Perhaps im indifferent and tired; but on the same time, i don't want to limit God and my year to that list of 10 resolutions i know i might not fulfill.
Deep down, however, there is this assurance 2006 will be a glorious year, a blessed and exciting one.
it is still raining. will it continue to rain tomorrow?
2005 was an immensely eventful year for me.
- A Level results
- Interview and acceptance of NUS' application
- Work experience at Life bookshop and Constant Wind
- Personal transition from ex-church to current
- Natural transition from ncc JC care group to my new army care group (which im currently still not accustomed to yet.)
- Enlistment
- Transition from BMT life to trainee life at Signal Institute to unit life.
- And of course the start of my family's life-long battle with a family member down with cancer.
These are just to list a few. Looking back, it was indeed a year of upheaval. For 19 years, life had been safe and typical; school, activities, church, holidays... Last year however saw the most changes, trying challenges and trials for me. 2005 was also my record year of falling ill. I was down with high fever (each time at least 39 degrees) 5 times! I believe stress was the mastermind. Of course, there were blessed moments as well, but generally, 2005 really wasn't a bed of roses.
It might seem I'm a tad too slow doing reflections and resolutions 10 days into the new year. I guess i never intended to plan much or expect much for the year. Perhaps im indifferent and tired; but on the same time, i don't want to limit God and my year to that list of 10 resolutions i know i might not fulfill.
Deep down, however, there is this assurance 2006 will be a glorious year, a blessed and exciting one.
it is still raining. will it continue to rain tomorrow?
Monday, January 09, 2006
lately
what -
To K-box. Awesome time singing and grooving with friends. It has always been my passion to make music, especially with my vocal chords. Though at times, i ask myself if i'm just building sandcastles in the air with so many talented people out there. It's still a dream i hold on to, believing God will help me live it one day.
My first ever concert ticket bought off sistic. I've been to several drama performances, pubs and places that stage good music. But they're either paid by my mum, free of charge or it had a setting that didn't require tickets(e.g. pub).
This ticket admits me to Corrinne May's upcoming Concert at NUS. I missed her last concert last year at the Esplanade and i thought she will not returning for another anytime soon. Hence, this came as a pleasant surprise! Soulful, honest, and just beautiful music/voice that often takes my breath away. To top that up, she's Singaporean born. I like her enough to get a ticket. Interestingly, my friends and i will sitting at the 1st row. I'm looking forward to 12th Feb.
read -
Reading about the late Sam Walton, Wal-Mart and his family on FORTUNE magazine. This guy inspires me. Despite their immense wealth (Wal-Mart makes a quarter-TRILLION dollars in annual sales. The Walton family is as rich as Bill Gates and Warren Buffett combined. The Waltons' $90 Billion fortune is equivalent to the GDP of Singapore.), Sam(when alive) and his family remained humble and hardworking.
"This is the kind of outrageous fortune that can tear families apart," but the not the Walton family. I read they are Christians and are invovled in Church as well.
I think this is exactly what Pastor meant when he said, "When God prospers us, He blesses not only our wealth but also our health, relationships and everything; because the rich are typical of broken families, depression and meaningless lives.
And of course "Chronicles Of Narnia"
listen -
Listening to 'All The Earth' from Parachute Band live from New Zealand. Many tunes yet to be discovered in this new cd. 2 that hit me real hard is
Track 06: Complete
Track 07: To Live is Christ
I remember singing these as worship songs when i was a young Christian. Those days, we had Jenny as worship leader in my ex-church and things were simplier. I and my 'childhood' church friends really liked her for that sincerity in her surreal voice that exudes the glory of God. This is the kind of genuine worship, not fluffed up by the rahrah-ness that i enjoy. Rare and sweet.
The sense of nostalgia overwhelmes me.
musing -
New toy in the house. If you are younger than me and confused, this is a pager. Didn't know how to use it initially and chief clerk promptly retorted, " You all ah, so fortunate. All know how to use high-tech handphone. Simple pager don't know how to use." haha. Then he pressed a couple of buttons and activated this time-bomb.
Yes, time bomb. When it beeps, i have to rush back to camp.
On a lighter note, the other day, i was tipped off that it might beep on Sunday morning 0630. Hence, i decided to give 1st service a miss as i would have to report back to camp. It was a false alarm and i was rather annoyed as i didn't have a good night sleep and woke up at 0630 that morning.
But the twist is, if i wasn't 'saved' by this false alarm, i would have gone to church. And if i attended 1st service as usual, i would have reached Douby Ghout station at roughly 0630am.
That was exactly where and when Singapore had her biggest ever 'Terrorist simulation', 080106, 0630.
To K-box. Awesome time singing and grooving with friends. It has always been my passion to make music, especially with my vocal chords. Though at times, i ask myself if i'm just building sandcastles in the air with so many talented people out there. It's still a dream i hold on to, believing God will help me live it one day.
My first ever concert ticket bought off sistic. I've been to several drama performances, pubs and places that stage good music. But they're either paid by my mum, free of charge or it had a setting that didn't require tickets(e.g. pub).
This ticket admits me to Corrinne May's upcoming Concert at NUS. I missed her last concert last year at the Esplanade and i thought she will not returning for another anytime soon. Hence, this came as a pleasant surprise! Soulful, honest, and just beautiful music/voice that often takes my breath away. To top that up, she's Singaporean born. I like her enough to get a ticket. Interestingly, my friends and i will sitting at the 1st row. I'm looking forward to 12th Feb.
read -
Reading about the late Sam Walton, Wal-Mart and his family on FORTUNE magazine. This guy inspires me. Despite their immense wealth (Wal-Mart makes a quarter-TRILLION dollars in annual sales. The Walton family is as rich as Bill Gates and Warren Buffett combined. The Waltons' $90 Billion fortune is equivalent to the GDP of Singapore.), Sam(when alive) and his family remained humble and hardworking.
"This is the kind of outrageous fortune that can tear families apart," but the not the Walton family. I read they are Christians and are invovled in Church as well.
I think this is exactly what Pastor meant when he said, "When God prospers us, He blesses not only our wealth but also our health, relationships and everything; because the rich are typical of broken families, depression and meaningless lives.
And of course "Chronicles Of Narnia"
listen -
Listening to 'All The Earth' from Parachute Band live from New Zealand. Many tunes yet to be discovered in this new cd. 2 that hit me real hard is
Track 06: Complete
Track 07: To Live is Christ
I remember singing these as worship songs when i was a young Christian. Those days, we had Jenny as worship leader in my ex-church and things were simplier. I and my 'childhood' church friends really liked her for that sincerity in her surreal voice that exudes the glory of God. This is the kind of genuine worship, not fluffed up by the rahrah-ness that i enjoy. Rare and sweet.
The sense of nostalgia overwhelmes me.
musing -
New toy in the house. If you are younger than me and confused, this is a pager. Didn't know how to use it initially and chief clerk promptly retorted, " You all ah, so fortunate. All know how to use high-tech handphone. Simple pager don't know how to use." haha. Then he pressed a couple of buttons and activated this time-bomb.
Yes, time bomb. When it beeps, i have to rush back to camp.
On a lighter note, the other day, i was tipped off that it might beep on Sunday morning 0630. Hence, i decided to give 1st service a miss as i would have to report back to camp. It was a false alarm and i was rather annoyed as i didn't have a good night sleep and woke up at 0630 that morning.
But the twist is, if i wasn't 'saved' by this false alarm, i would have gone to church. And if i attended 1st service as usual, i would have reached Douby Ghout station at roughly 0630am.
That was exactly where and when Singapore had her biggest ever 'Terrorist simulation', 080106, 0630.
Friday, January 06, 2006
good ol' times
Gatherings are always fun, aren't they. Especially if you go out with the right people and right mood. Went downtown today and had a splendid time reminiscing the good ol' times at JC, talking about the little idiosyncrasies we shared when we were still in uniforms and backpacks. Some jokes just never lose it's humour and the hearty laughs we had made me feel like going back to college again. I think some things just never change.Though it was just a short lunch-walking-coffee-walking-dinner thing, I wish some others were there too. I guess as we grow older, we all have different schedules, roles and priorities. It sometimes seem we grow out of our friends like we grow out of shoes. I'd rather not sometimes, but it's part and parcel of life.
At the end of the day, I'm glad to still have these few i know will go down the invitation list on my wedding day.
Random shot. Turned out
quite arty. Ha. Wisma/Taka,
I forgot which. Crowd was
just right today. I hate
crowded places (Church
excluded).
What's in that huge Mango
shopping bag? My aunt
commented a few days back
that one have to tip-toe
and peer into that huge bag
to really see what the
manequin's wearing. I found
it quite funny.
I think i'm addicted
to Cafe Galilee's
Ice-Blanded Mocha!
I had it for the past
2 days and today. Yy
tried the smoothie
and it tasted good too.
$3.50 = More visits to
libraries!
At the library, chatting
over coffee.
The girls looking good..
I like this pic. Haha..
Both are attached though!
All the good girls are taken..
where's my girl?
I like this shot too. Candid.
Yeena still loves taking
photos...
and she insisted to take
this shot of me as well..
I think this backdrop
is really nice. Just
outside Orchard
library!
Corrinne May, coming to town for another concert. I need to get the tickets. Corrinne May!
The Straits Times revealed Switchfoot! might be dropping by Singapore for a gig!
It's going to be an exciting year.
Switchfoot anyone?
Time for some serious serious saving up..
Thursday, January 05, 2006
the gawky bookworm
Im a student from Oxford University. Just visited our library in my usual long sleeve/sweatshirt attire. That is my favourite hangout here at Oxford. Those immense columns of towering wooden bookshelves, the English infrastructure. Besides, she's always there, after her choir practice. Smell the scores of books and hear the sounds of flipping pages in that welcoming silence. I felt like a child in the candy shop.
Nicely arranged in alphabetical order, it didn't take me long before i found 'L' on the top rack of the 5th shelf. Careful not to fall off the ladder and to break the silence, I made noise no more than a mouse.
'Achooo!' I vouch at least 10 heads turned my direction, some with annoyance in their eyes. I must have just rudely snapped a few out of their advanture in lands beyond Oxford. She looked up too and all i could manage was to smile apologetically. She returned a smile, the sweet smile. I couldn't help it, but i have been born with a nose sensitive to the slightest of dust. That is why when i was a boy, mum never allowed me to play in the woods.
Must have been the books. I scanned through the authors and it wasn't long before i reached 'C.S. Lewis' printed in BOLD golden font.
'The Screwtape Letters"
"Mere Christianity"
"Pain"
Alas, I found the book. Big book with a serious black cover. It almost looked mysterious with a tinge of magical. Slowly and carefully, I stepped down the ladder. One hand holding the big book tight to my chest, the other over my nose. I don't need anymore attention for the day.
Intuitively, i retreated into my favourite corner of the library, where the red couch is. I couldn't believe that i managed to lay hands on the only copy of this book. I took more than a second admiring my catch. Then, as if i was opening an intricately designed box, i turned the black cover..
Narnia
Nicely arranged in alphabetical order, it didn't take me long before i found 'L' on the top rack of the 5th shelf. Careful not to fall off the ladder and to break the silence, I made noise no more than a mouse.
'Achooo!' I vouch at least 10 heads turned my direction, some with annoyance in their eyes. I must have just rudely snapped a few out of their advanture in lands beyond Oxford. She looked up too and all i could manage was to smile apologetically. She returned a smile, the sweet smile. I couldn't help it, but i have been born with a nose sensitive to the slightest of dust. That is why when i was a boy, mum never allowed me to play in the woods.
Must have been the books. I scanned through the authors and it wasn't long before i reached 'C.S. Lewis' printed in BOLD golden font.
'The Screwtape Letters"
"Mere Christianity"
"Pain"
Alas, I found the book. Big book with a serious black cover. It almost looked mysterious with a tinge of magical. Slowly and carefully, I stepped down the ladder. One hand holding the big book tight to my chest, the other over my nose. I don't need anymore attention for the day.
Intuitively, i retreated into my favourite corner of the library, where the red couch is. I couldn't believe that i managed to lay hands on the only copy of this book. I took more than a second admiring my catch. Then, as if i was opening an intricately designed box, i turned the black cover..
Narnia
'lucky' draw
I've never been interested in lucky draws, because i've never won a single one before. The odds of my 'lucky' ticket being fished out of millions of hopefuls seems ridiculous to me. To make things worse, Im competing with lucky draw 'pros'. Surely, half of the million entries belong to aunties each throwing in 30 entries.
Lately, i've participated in 1-2 though. Im starting to 'appreciate' the simple joy of sending in an entry, knowing that you've just earned yourself a chance to be probable owner of things such as 'iPod', 'Watch', 'Car' or even simple things like 'Narnia gift set'.
I think some rich people will think it's so 'cheapskate' and others will say that we've got to fight for ourselves and not wait for money, or prizes for that matter to 'drop from the sky' or 'grow on the trees'. At least it's free, unlike 4D where you have to pay, be degraded and prostituted to gambling.
Yes, it's important to be realistic and hardworking. Of course, i won't send in my entry and wait with such anticipation by my mailbox daily awaiting for santa to send his belated 'lucky' gift.
Perhaps, one fine day when we have long forgotten about the draw, a surprise will sit in our mailboxes awaiting to make our day. I'll be delighted and know that it is God's way of blessing me even in the small things. no such thing as 'luck'.
When was the last time you had a pleasant surprise,
and genuinely feel that warm simple joy in your heart?
When?
Lately, i've participated in 1-2 though. Im starting to 'appreciate' the simple joy of sending in an entry, knowing that you've just earned yourself a chance to be probable owner of things such as 'iPod', 'Watch', 'Car' or even simple things like 'Narnia gift set'.
I think some rich people will think it's so 'cheapskate' and others will say that we've got to fight for ourselves and not wait for money, or prizes for that matter to 'drop from the sky' or 'grow on the trees'. At least it's free, unlike 4D where you have to pay, be degraded and prostituted to gambling.
Yes, it's important to be realistic and hardworking. Of course, i won't send in my entry and wait with such anticipation by my mailbox daily awaiting for santa to send his belated 'lucky' gift.
Perhaps, one fine day when we have long forgotten about the draw, a surprise will sit in our mailboxes awaiting to make our day. I'll be delighted and know that it is God's way of blessing me even in the small things. no such thing as 'luck'.
When was the last time you had a pleasant surprise,
and genuinely feel that warm simple joy in your heart?
When?
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
acquisition in process
Made a trip to the library today and it was such an enriching experience. I cannot recall when i last had the luxury of time to retreat into a cozy couch, have a cup of ice-blended mocha and indulge in a good read. I was lost in wonder of acquiring knowledge and discovering amazing things of the world. All in the comfort of my friendly neighbourhood Sengkang Library. SK library isn't exactly the best library in town, but it suffices as:a) It has Cafe Galilee that serves Ice-Blended Mocha at unbelievable $3.50.
b) It has a huge comfy couch that is strategically situated at a secluded corner of the library, making it cozy and private.
And so there i was, on a rainy day, spending hours in a world that transcends green uniforms, array of broken languages sprinkled with hokkien vulgarities and the bleak reality of my far far away ORD date. Well, at least, this long long 19-day block leave that ends only on 10th Jan has indeed been miraculous and timely. What a blessing!
I was supposed to read my ‘Chronicles of Narnia’, but I couldn’t resist picking up a few magazines and books off the shelves…
Of the many things I discovered, I just learnt that:
1. We’d think Pigeons fly using routes that are shortest and most energy saving, but no. They actually follow lines such as rivers, railway lines and even our human roads.
2. That humans are not the only ones that use tools. Animals such as monkeys have been observed to use rocks to smash nuts.
3. That Time magazine reported that one of the ways that can effectively cause happiness in man is Thanksgiving. (So give Thanks always to God.)
4. Some ways to being entrepreneurial.
5. Fortune Magazine’s top 500 companies, Wal-mart being the top. Despite that, it’s currently facing problems of disloyal workers.
On the LRT, on my way
to the library. Dark
dark weather.
In 10 min, the sky changed
to this! Weather these
days are strange. Real
strange isn't it?
Such an adventure, I will hit the library real soon once again.
‘Area-Cleaning’
Spring cleaning I mean. Too much of army did this to me. Ha. Spent some time of my block leave cleaning up and Voila! Spanking clean room! Injects such expectancy for 2006!
Clean eh? Im quite proud
of myself! Great things in
06 shall start brewing
from home, my room.
Favourite edge of my room.
Place where great ideas are
birthed.
Yum! My personal
collection of food for that
grey matter of mine.
Lastest addition: 'The
Chronicles of Narnia'!.
I want to get 'The World is Flat' next month. hmm..
Monday, January 02, 2006
an apple a day
keeps the doctor away. these days, i have much time to myself, being alone. friends busy with varsity life, army and being single just doesn't help.'Nano' has now become my best companion. I bring it wherever i go. Frankly, i used to be a skeptic, thinking the whole apple fad is over-rated and i was even resolute not to be part of this apple cult. But now, im a total convert. haha. There's this 'apple magic' that somehow causes any user to pick it up and never want to put it down again.
Let me be fair and weigh the pros and cons.
(good thing i learnt these skills at debating.)
Cons:
1. It's notorious battery life. It promises 14hrs of battery life. Mine sings to me for 8-10 hrs before it decides to go on a strike. (I was told recently that 14 hrs only if i keep the volume mid-range, off my backlights,.....) Actually i'm a heavy user, so naturally..
2. It's extravagant price in relevance to my meager $450 pay(allowance i mean). But it's really worth all my months of savings.
3. It's anti-piracy policies caused transfering of songs from my ipod to another PC to feel like nails-on-chalkboard. Actually, anti-piracy is a good thing..
Pros:
1. She's beautiful, she's beautiful it's true.
2. iTunes is awefully easy to use. It allows me to organize my music according to how i want to. Apple takes care of idiots like me.
3. Sound Quality. Im very particular and im very happy. (:
4. It stores many many many songs. (I know it has nothing got to do with Apple, it's just memory size. but.. )
5. 'Nano' is so smart it almost feels as if it understands me, playing all the songs i like when on shuffle mode, leaving those i don't alone. Yes, ipod actually records the amount of times i listen to whichever song and it plays those of highest frequency. Awesome.
6. nano is so small it fits into anywhere. Easy to bring around.
7. It's easy to navigate around the menus and it hardly lags on me.
8. me - Apple user. it may sound immaterial but nano really perks me up even after 3 months.
New Clothes for Mr Nano
It's the new year. I decided to get Nano new clothes. As you know, Nano gets hurt quite easily and it's wise to protect Nano with jackets.
Black Leather Jacket!
Macho huh? i got Nano this
sometime ago. cool piece,
but i felt it didn't do justice
to white Nano...
I got Nano this White
casing. now, Nano sits
snugly in this hardy case.
Nano looks like it's doing
great in it's new clothes.
Hah..
People take photos during
new year right? Nano does
the same too!
On a different note, i never
knew my camera has such
cool capabilities. Vintage!
Sing on Nano!
Sunday, January 01, 2006
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