3 hours to 2009..

New year resolutions time...is it?

Not so sure if I have already made any new year resolutions yet. Maybe I've, but lets add some for the sake of today. =P

So what should I be up to and about in 2009?

1. Practice some self-control *winks.
2. Make sure Ny Ny is feeling great with me *winks.
3. Establish my 'travel fund' idea.
4. Work smarter, not just harder.
5. Continue work as a lifestyle, not as a chore.
6. Finish outstanding work as much as possible.
7. Visit my grandmother more often.

A Christmas week well-spent.

Was so busy the past week, no time to update my blog.

Xmas greetings to everyone!!! - Apparently my chatbox 'died' overnight. Cannot use it anymore. So people, please feel free to leave comments in my blog entries, else I dunno who has been a sport in visiting me these few horrid days.

- Brought my girlfriend to my family's christmas gathering, relatives didn't ignore her, talked to her so often. Could see that she enjoyed the gathering. So did I, seeing how well she got along with them. Glad that she could try the Eurasian recipes that my Eurasian relatives are skilled in. She hinted that she wanted to know how its done. Really happy to see that she got along well with my younger cousins, a few seem to be really into her. :) My uncles and aunts also showed approval on her character, very much to my happiness. +1. My dad saw her too; seems that he's okay with her as well.

December 29th. Sunday.

Ended work at the wee hours. Sucks right? But never mind. Decided to spent a fruitful day with Jenny, though really shagged. Had set a few choices of either going to the movies, east coast park, marina city park or library. In the end, decided to go marina city park, but when reached there, no such park, since still in construction. Kenna tricked by the national parks website. Damn it. Saw a shuttle bus to the Marina Barrage.

- Dunno what the hell it was, but decided to take it nonetheless. Ended up at the new city reservoir. Believe it ornot... The view there was really good. Took a few photos of Jenny and me. Plus the scenery of course. Somehow or rather, a condo there could really fetch a good price. After that, we went to MS for dinner, at Bily Bombers, since I got discount voucher. The Buffalo wings were great, except that the sauce sucked big time. Jenny will agree on it! Met Zixian at Starbucks Coffee in Suntec before going home, guessed that he would be there.

Back home sweet home...

Finally...I touched down Changi Airport on the 13th at 11.45pm.

I was expecting that I could breeze through the customs and give my darling Jenny a surprise visit at home. But who knows, the luggage collection took so long, 'yup, customs was a breeze...' My dad thought I was mad when I finally got out of the arrival hall, with the wish to see my girlfriend at the moment. Frankly, my dad probably took it as a moment of madness.

Upon reaching home, took me so long to clear my luggage, that I slept around 3. Zzz. Woke up the next morning to get to church. Got James his new bomber jacket, something different from his dull fashion outlook. He seems to kinda love the jacket. :P

Met Jenny after that, gave her her "Esprit" goodie bag and our personalized gifts. Could sense that she was really happy when she got her personalized gifts. She was smiling her 'mushy' smile once again. Boy, I really missed her for the past 9 days I wasn't in Singapore. To top it off, Hong Kong was rather dull in a way.

Argh. And its back to work when the bluey monday calls. Pics are incoming, once i sort them out.

First Up: Snippets of Life



Snippets of Life

3 days of poking into the computer for forensic means...

Started on my training on the 10th. Yeah, today is the 12th.

The conference on the first day had 2 tracks, the management track and the technical track. It was conducted in the Microsoft Convention Centre in Wan Chai. I found the technical track being really vendor-specific, focusing on open source forensic tools, mobile forensics tools and incident response methodologies.

The speakers spoke about establishing centre of excellence for the providing of computer forensics certification. From my view, I felt that they were trying to establish a standard for computer forensics training, since certain individuals were tend to capitalizing on the term for commercial value. The speakers were highlighting the need for further development into the cooperation between the academia, law enforcement and corporate services. There was also discussions on the further setting up of a online discussion forum for computer forensics investigators. I guess my favourites for the day were the ones on virtual worlds, governance and penetration testing via the Helix3 boot-up CD. There was a drinks cum networking session after the talks had ended, but drats, I forgot to bring my business cards to Hong Kong..

Day 2 -3 was to be conducted at the University of Hong Kong. It was my first time there, and yes, it gives a campus feel to me. However, I still felt that the design of RMIT was way better. In these 2 days, I took up the technical trainings on Mobile Devices Forensics, relating to generic phones and the iPhone. Up till now, I'm starting to feel the track on the iPhone is a real leltdown. The generic one was pretty much more hands on.

Next up, was the tracks I took relating to Incident Response, oh wow! what can I say, but the speaker really rocked. Really alot of new insights and knowledge gained from the speaker, Anthony Lai. The hands-on session pretty much rocked too, since it was much more technical in showing how to push out an exploits on a system vulnerability, as well as inserting the payload into the exploit. Lotsa interesting tools were also demostrated. I think that the extremely cool tool was the one called Maltego. As for today, I did Malware Analysis in the morn, and though the track was conducted in Mandarin, for a potato like me...IT DEFINITELY ROCKED! And yet I thought that I would be understanding nuts about it. I kinda regret not going for the second session on Windows Memory Forensics, since the current iPhone Forensics one that I'm in kinda sucks...pretty much close to zero hands on 1hr 10mins into the track. At least the track on Malware Inspection was really interesting with all the hands on.

Once the conference ends, I should be flying back home on the 13th. And its back to work for me. ;P

Pictures for the Course:



High Technology Crime Investigation Association Conference 2008

On Tour in Shenzhen...

Hi, have been away for awhile since i was away on tour in Shenzhen.

Bought lotsa stuff in Dong Men. Took lotsa pictures at "Windows to the World" that would be up once I have finished selecting which are the ones that I'm planning to upload to my site.

The trip was pretty alright, and there was a addition of my cousin's girlfriend.

Frankly, I'm surprised that he brought his girlfriend along. At the first impression, I thought she had a rather aloof behavior, behaving somewhat like a little pampered princess. But my initial understanding was that it might have been due to my cousin being really caring, due to the guy he is.

But what I can say is, her behavior, if could be measured in points, could probably be represented in a negative representation by the older, much more traditional folks. Though I could say I probably had around the same score, since I was rather frank on my cousin's parents trying to 'muscle' in on showing off during the trip. Seriously, I was rather disgusted by them, and they probably felt the same for me. However, I would have to acknowledge that my uncle was a really great and entertaining tour guide with lots of knowledge in the area.

Back to the girl. Her behavior was noted by the older folks that she seemed to be more concerned with enjoying herself than mixing with the rest. To put in a few words, it would be that she was really anti-social, and picky with food, a trait that my aunt didn't like.

Finally, after 3 days. We went to Hong Kong. My family took the flight home. And as for me, I started my computer forensics training courses with the HTCIA.

New Camera on the Block

Oh yeah, I just got a new camera to boot.

The specs are as below:

Powered by Canon’s latest proprietary DIGIC 4 imaging processor, PowerShot SX10 IS features a powerful 10megapixel CCD sensor, manual controls and an impressive 20x wide (28mm) super telephoto lens with OIS. The Hot Shoe adapter also allows attachment to selected Canon’s Speedlite EX Series external flashes.


Will update with my own pic when I have one. Picture taken from www.digitalcamerareview.com

Testing out the Canon SX10 IS:



Testing out my new Canon SX10IS

Life down the road.

So ever since I started work, what has changed in my life?

Every morning i wake up to the cool morning air in my air-con room. I dragged myself off the bed, and wish that I've someone to give a morning hug to. Not my parents or siblings of course...they would cringe if I did that. Someone...special.

Then i will go take a queue number, and wait for my little brother to finish his 30min bath, which is for a teen, ridiculously long! Once I'm done, its off to work, and back to the rat race. I squeeze up the bus, seeing all the stony faces of the office workers on their way to work. Then I'll queue with the clowns who started the trend of queueing for 'Today' and 'My Paper'. An awful, bad joke from life in Melbourne. Then I'll hit the MRT. And start seeing the everyday sight of the fugly Singaporeans. Singaporeans for once, relish in giving aid and care to foreign countries and showing that we care.

But in the early morning, no one gives a bloody damn. They would sit in the priority seats, pretending to doze off, talk on the phone, look busy, while the poor old lady/man, pregnant auntien struggle to keep themselves balanced throughout the journey. Even those who are seated, look to those in the 'priority' seats to get up when asked. Are seats supposed to be named and given a sign for the older folks to use..? The problem doesn't lie with the seats, but with the people. Sometimes they aren't necessary Singaporeans, maybe they are our SEA neighbours, or PRC Chinese who don't give a damn about anyone but themselves. When the going gets tough, every man for himself.. the ideology of the selfish homosapien.

Then I reach my office...fast forward to the foyer. Buy my usual bee hoon + egg+ chicken chop = breakfast. Of course, including my mentor-induced Kopi+C. Then I trot off to the pantry, makan and to work.

Gotta start setting my new year resolutions.

But Firstly, things in mind.
1. Find a day to bring my girlfriend to meet my grandmother.
2. Find a day to bring my girlfriend to meet my parents when she is comfy with the idea.
3. Find a day to go for a photoshoot with Nani and friends on Singapore's architecture wonders.
4. Find a day to bring sister to look at universities of choice.
5. Find a day to make couple accessories with Jenny.
6. Find a day to design couple wear with Jenny.
7. Find a day to pack my bag for Hongkong.
8. Find a day to get a bbq outing with friends.
9. Find a day to pass books to Junwei.

Now for resolutions:

1. Work harder, work smarter.
2. Sleep more than 5 hours a day.
3. Exercise more than 2x a week.
4. Go aikido at least 2x a week.
5. More initiative at work please.
6. Mix better with my colleagues.
7. Establish contact with lost friends.
8. Maintain conact with existing friends.
9. Make more friends.
10. Save more money for rainy days.

梁山伯與朱麗葉.

Just went to Ktv on Saturday with my dear.

Seriously, I don't really sing any duet songs, but there was one such song that she encouraged me to sing with her. So now I'm dedicating this song to her for that remembrance.



I know she will love this. I just know it.

Pictures from the weekend.

In the end, I only managed to blog today. Yup, I'm now busy in my course now. Listening to the instructor teach us more about using the software that is given to us.

I met my dear for dinner at my favorite restaurant, Ma Maison at Bugis Junction. I really love the ambiance of the restaurant, wonder how about her?

I hope she liked it as much as me, and not think about who I have went there with before. We took some pics at the local neoprint shop there, with one very disastrous result. And 1 set of happy pictures. Could see that she loved that pic that we took...

pictures coming up soon.

Harbourfront Date



Back 2 Aerins~

A sweet voice to make someone smile.

Sometimes, somewhere out there...

A guy needs to find better ways of making his girlfriend feel special to him. So what should he do? Personally, I believe that no amount of money spent would be able to replace the most precious thing that a pair of lovers have to share. And that is:

Time.

Time is so scarce in Singapore nowadays. no time for love, as what the people around often say. But once love is gone, everyone starts forgetting what was once all-important in their goals for that missing part of living things.

Which is, the ability to love.

Anything in the Earth shares this ability. The human beings, animals, insects and lets not forget the plants around us. But lets not forget that love can develop out of nothingness. Time is the crucial ingredient for it to grow. But time for Singapore is so short, for me too, it is really so short. I hardly have the time to sleep peacefully, go out, and to make someone special. I can only choose one of them.

But I've found a way to change this. And this is through communication, comunicating to each other in a manner that makes time seem non-existence, and the feeling eternal. By doing this, one's heart might start to falter or beat really fast, due to the overwhelming amount of feelings 'deposited' into the talk of the day.

Does someone out there agree with me?

The girl I met accidentally.

Something happened on a fateful day.

Was out with Daryl a couple of weeks back at Sim Lim Sq. Daryl received a call from his friend saying that he wanted to meet up with him for a meal or something like that. Somehow or rather, it became a trip to IKEA and Giant.

Apparently, his friend didn't tell us that he was bringing a female friend along, and I'm not sure whether Daryl told him that he had a extra friend tagging along. His friend did look surprised on seeing a extra guy though. At first, I thought that somehow Daryl and me had become accompanying light bulbs for a trip, so I didn't really bother with his female friend.

Yet somewhat, as I observed, I realized that they weren't a couple, but more of colleagues. I had another thought as well, whether was Daryl's friend trying to introduce her to Daryl. But since I felt Daryl was rather quiet with her, so I spoke and kinda clicked rather alright.

At the end of the day, I had the feeling whether or not it would be alright contacting her again, since I didn't actually have a direct link with her in any sense, or that she might have just been rather accommodating on that particular long day. I did feel weird smsing someone in a uncertain manner.

We started going out a few times, loved the time spent, though I was really shagged out, I relished every moment spent with her that I felt really energetic about life.

But after all that, Thanks to the accidental meeting, I have a really caring, sweet and lovable girl by my side.

Thank you. And I love you dear.


Doesn't she look hot in this pic? :D

Max Brenner uncovered!

If I was superman is such a nice show. Really appreciate 'someone' going with me to watch the show. ;P I really liked the show, since it showed how much humans have changed and how selfish others have become over the years. Its like a 3rd look into reality through the opposite humane eyes of another similar being.

Jeon Jin Hyun 's acting still rocks, and she's still my favourite Korean actress. But didn't like her smoking in the show, really not like her.

But yesterday was really a fruitful day spent. I got to know someone better. I got to know her view from the back, so that I can recognize her better. Got to know her likes and dislikes.

And yesh, my mouth hurts from all that smiling. Yet again. I guess that when she smiles, somehow a warmth is brought with it, though the weather was cold yesterday, didn't really feel so cold though.



Splendid Weekend

Essential manners for men.

Well, just started reading on this book. It was after the talk at St Regis that made me wanna brush up my etiquette skills a tat higher. I really felt intimidated at the awe of the place. So I had to brush up on this skill more.

So I bought the 2 following books:
Essential Manners for Men by Peter Post.
The Art of Civilized Conversation by Margaret Shepherd.

I decided that I should also invest in a monthly 'Book Fund'. How much I should invest in this, I do not know. Maybe a hundred? or two?

So what will the fund cover?

• Tech Magazines (PC, HWM, MH, PW)
• Self-Development Books
• Misc Stationery
• Sci-Fiction Books
  

Well, Lets' put it at $150 for this month and try it out. =P

Things so far....along the road

Down the road...things change.

Lots of my friends are already happily employed with their company of choice. Those who are back from overseas studies find themselves gainfuly employed within a quarter if things are looking up in the economy.

As for me, well; i'm introducing changes in my lifestyle. In the past, it used to be aikido...aikido...aikido. Neverending. Else I would be thinking what kinda partner suits me the most. Pretty boring shit when I think back on the times.

Now, I think I preferring to act like a geek at home sometimes. Gazing through my 22-inch window @ home to the Internet, yeah its my new monitor...and playing with my PS2 on the screen. Ya know, I've a lot of games I have not touched nor completed since 2006 after I ORDed and wef from 2007, headed to Melbourne for further studies.

I sometimes find that spending my time cooped up at home seemingly makes me feel like a Agoraphobic person. But actually, I wanna go out, I wanna complete the To-do list I have in my head. I wanna sleep. Once i get into my room, there's a lot of stuff that starts swarming me.

• Should I sleep the day away?
• Should I read comics and spend the day away like a Geek in Cyberspace..?
• Should I go to the security forums/newsletters and start improving my GK..?
• Should I organize something and get hyped up with meeting new people..?
• Should I start/continue the book thats lying on my desk..?

Actually, everday when Im home - I get the 2nd option done most of the time. Then I start to feel and regret not completing the 3rd and last option when I look at the increasing amount of books I bought or told myself to read...then its evening, and I start wondering what would have happened if I just went out and met someone randomly? [option 4] I know, I know. Dangerous meeting some stranger or some weird chick. I've got my fair share, and what I can say is that danger is always omnipresent. I kinda gave up trying to BE CAREFUL. The word I have now is MITIGATE. Then night comes, my eyes start getting really heavy. Oh fark. Why didn't I take a good sleep on the comfy bed?

Argh. The options in life that one has to think off. Dammit. I guess while others are addicted to immoral products, I'm addicting myself to the comic book. I gotta pull myself outta the house. And here's the thing about women. Its not that desperate, but pls...I do find that the sudden shortage of female friends is abit....Disturbing. So who are the women in existence in my life right now? Really few to name, not even worth doing it.

So please. This is a STRONG message to my friends who keep saying that they will introduce someone. Just do it and stop boring me with your repeated excused introductions.

Zzzzz. Oh yeah. A classmate[Degenerated to] accquaintance just got voluntary resigned from her job. She believes that she did a good job, doesn't understand why her colleagues disliked her. But well really...im not the only ones that you are irritating it seems to be. If this keeps happening...maybe its time to look at your own personal hygiene/conduct/altitude towards others.

Good night. Blog. Sweet Dreams People. Oink.

This thing called experience.

After these past few months of working for my current workplace, I find that I have gained alot of knowledge of the working environment that is vastly different from the experiences of working as a intern in my former job attachment in a software development company and as a customer service officer in CPF Board.

Really, I found that in this short time, the experiences and knowledge gained is tremendous, compared to those. You see, if you are an intern, they wouldn't let you touch their systems for fear of accidents or damages occuring. Well, not all companies. This Indian friend of mine was given the opportunity to 'touch' HDB's DB systems, but he ended up erasing the whole thing. Dangers of the job.

So this would be one reason why it is justifable not to let noobs touch the system. However, in this company, I felt that these presumptions have led to my gain of around 300% more insight in my job field, alot more than what I've understood at the other 2 workplaces.

So, I really appreciated that the company hired me. Thank you.

September is coming to an end...

After this month is over, it will be my 2.5 months of working in a professional line. The longest I've worked in a single job so far.

Well, my job is rather great. The boss is a very nice guy. Doesn't seem to be those who would chew you to a pulp, but yet the kind that encourages you to give him good results.

My colleagues are nice people too. Really can depend on them when u need some help at work. I met a lot of other friends from other departments in the organization's induction program, who were just freshies just like me. Cool that other department staff have good looking workers on their side, compared to my all-guys team. haha.

Looking forward to more challenges ahead. Time to go to bed.

Dinner and Dance 2008

Just had my company dinner and dance on Friday.

I was really anticipating it for awhile ago, since it would be my first corporate dinner with my company and colleagues, although felt a bit of "mountain turtle".

However, it was really FUN! really enjoyed it a lot. There was a lot of communication at my table, some of the higher-ups came over to chat, and a few 'endearing ' people came over to offer drinks. My new colleagues and me had quite a bit to drink at the table too, and I must admit I did feel rather tipsy after awhile.


I'm already looking forward to the next one..


My lucky draw ticket to the event. Aww i didn't win anything....


A formal group picture with my colleagues..



A informal-looking picture we took..

Going to KO soon. R and R need-ed.

Just came back from attending the first day of a course that took out half the day. Then went for Aikido, and Sensei was there. sheesh. Almost had a fainting spell during the course though. I guessed I'm close to getting totaled.

Thought I was gonna get it big time, but well, his class was great. Made me think about the time when he first taught Aikido in Temasek Polytechnic. I like the way he teaches, hope I can see him around the dojos more often, compared to the only times I see him in Hombu. When he's there, he feels so distant, amid the money and power hungry people that lurk in the organization.

Great that I managed to make it back in time before the raindrops started falling down, but bad because it stopped so soon before I got to bed. Man, I look at my waist and something comes to my mind, oh fuck,I gotta start shedding some gut. "Start looking at gym books once again."

In need of some R and R. I can't hear my alarm ring anymore. Am I really so shagged out? Gotta get boosters. And more sleep...ZZZ

Listening to Doubt & Trust DAWNforce Mix now. Yeah and I still love mixed.

I wanna go swim. Desperately.
I wanna go sleep. Deeply.
I wanna go out with someone. Happily.
I wanna sit in my beanbag, listening to music. Comfy.
I wanna watch movies on the No. 22. Luxury.

And now, he said, we pronounce u as....

And now, he said, we pronounce u as....graduates of RMIT University.


Yayyy! Finally after months of waiting, I've finally put on my graduation gown and graduated officially from RMIT at the RMIT Convocation 2008 venue at Raffles Convention Centre. Now whats waiting this week is to take the family portrait that my dad wants at home. Heh. I wonder how my shot with the Chancellor will turn out like under Werkz Photography.

Congratulations to my friend Farhan for graduating with Distinction in the course!

Congratulations to the 3 new faces I met in the row, same event..(wonder if they will see this entry among the many pages of the Internet.)
1. Christopher...met him while collecting the gown.
2. Steven..met him on the left side of the row.
3. Yun Joo..met her on the right side of the row.



First picture after getting my degree..


A picture with Zixian when he came down.


A final picture with my parents before leaving the place.


And yes. The end of the start.

Office Worker By Day, Ki Warrior By Night.

This is a common thing I see every evening when I'm going for training.

I see group after group of office workers start arriving from their place of work, ready for the day of training. After everyone has changed into their gi, they look like some transformation of mythical warriors. The glum, kan sian look of the office mate is gone, replaced by the constant shouts, bangs, and enthusiasm that reminds everyone where this place is.


Yup. It's the Aikido Dojo. And yeah, I just got my Heartsavers certification. Yayy!

Reminiscing the good times.

Was speaking on the phone to Cindy just now, and thinking about how long we have been friends and the good times that we spent in these 7 years.

We played a game trying to guess what are the things we know about each other. It was so much fun, and cos she sounded glum from work, after that she seem to be in a better mood. So happy for her.

But true about starting to work. Social life becomes so dead. Body clock becomes so damaged. Its like, I'm not a DOTA fan, but to vent my frustration I started playing DOTA. Heh.

Going for a week of courses tmr. Wish me good luck in understanding what the hell is going on.

Goals at work.

Just shifted office today. Finally got my own desk.

Now, for a start, I can start bringing my stuff there to put. So I wouldn't need to make so many trips to and fro office and home.

Office politics are really sucky. Like what a friend commented to me. Be careful of what u hear, comment or say. Not everyone is there for your best interests.

Well, I'm at home now, shouldn't be bothering myself on such matters. What matters is that I keep my focus on my goals and contribute in detail to my company.

My Wishlist. Sob sob.

A few days more and I will be 24. Not much difference compared to the people at work though.

I just saw this email regarding my convocation from RMIT. Once again, they corked up my application for something. Since when do people send official payment confirmation via email? I thought it was supposed to be via snail mail. So now, the major issue would be whether i can go for convocation or not. Its not about me actually..my parents wanna take the photo with me in the gown and funny hat, so I have to respect their wishes, instead of graduating in absentia. In a way, making me wait for 6 month to get absentia certificate is certainly not what I want, since if I got my certificate earlier, my HR wouldn't need to keep rushing me for a copy.

Wishlist:
1. Proper RMIT convo- Hoping for a good response.
2. Certificate is correct - Accidents happen.
3. FX Creations Office Bag - Just got it today.
4. TV in the room - Still under negotiations.
5. SANS Certification - I think this is interesting.
6. Get a new desktop - Still in the midst of saving up.
7. IPOD: Touch- Hope I can get.
8. DSLR Camera- Not sure which model yet.
9. Frds to makan with Think everyone is busy.
10. New shoes It's difficult wearing only one formal shoes.

Starting of the left and the right.

Basically, I meant that I have started on my shift work. Sounds awful huh? Shift like very sian to some people.

For me, I think it is still alright. Except, without an I-net workstation for me to do references, there's some problem there. But yeah, my schedule has become really messy due to it. No more days of lagging, stoning stuff like that. Its either work or no work. Nothing more. Wonder how to plan meeting up with friends in this way...guess I would have to find a way to work around the schedule.

So what should I do tmr before going to work. I guess I should go get a sleeping bag, but apparently for me, a sleeping bag doesn't work wonders on the cold hard floor i am sleeping on, so was considering to get a exercise mat and use it as my mattress for the time being. Heehee.

It seems that after asking some friends on MSN, I think I will get a exercise mat that's comfy. Tmr must go to the mall early to buy stuff. Heh.

So here's the issue of making new friends, I don't mind making new guy friends of course, but I think the focus here should be friends of the opposite gender, considering that my workplace is almost entirely consist of a male working environment. My mentor jokingly suggested that I go for those blind dates that the company regularly organizes. Hmm. but I do have the idea I'm abit too young for the crowd there.

Whats' a 20-something guy with a utterly nutty work schedule, that changes like the weather gotta do to make new friends?

Fruitful weekend.

A fruitful weekend it has been.

I managed to settle my 'contactless' phone. Managed to do a whole lot of stuff to help lift up my mood towards my new life.

As a colleague told me, life working permanently is very much different from working in a holiday job. More responsibilities, more give and take. Need to take care not to flare up easily at others. Guess I would have to learn much more about office life.

Now waiting for Daryl. Hope he doesn't fly kite again.

Stroking the bad luck.

This is my second week of work, and I'm already ankle-deep in bad luck.

I woke up this morning, not wanting to go to work. I guess the monday blues arrives early in the morning. I dragged myself up from bed. Got ready for the next busy day in my life.

By the way, all this luck is cumulative. Not all shots landed today.

Bad luck stuff.
1. New place. Nice, but damn far. Just trying to cope with the initial shock.
2. Shirts shortage. Just go buy, still okay on my pocket.
3. Shoe evolved a mouth. Shit. Really burn a hole in my pocket now.
4. Pants need to get some more. Not enough.
5. Need to start saving up for the future. Another headache to look into.
6. Need to start learning how to drive. Seems essential for a guy. Waa lau.

Incoming monday blues.

My current lifestyle is coming to an end.

On Monday, while other RMIT students and friends will be getting their results, I'm starting work at the IT R & D company that I've been having regular interviews at. Its a kinda dream come true case for me, but I really wonder am I up to it for doing work there.

Man, its my first job in a IT company. I previously worked in Customer Service before, kinda like it. But as for IT, never really tried.

The saddest thing is that I fell ill on Friday. What a stroke of bad luck. Thought I could be in a tip-top shape at my first day.

The book says....COMMUNICATE

This term is so sensitive.

Today i went to meet up with a friend. Though I knew that the behavior projected was due to the person's upbringing. Still, I was really pissed off by the way the person went about doing things.

I seriously thought that the person wanted to catch up with me. But instead, it was to fulfill what the person's boss had asked to do. This is in the same theory as another joker i know.

This other joker asked me before in the past. Hey, can you tell me more about Aikido? So I went on and explained stuff to him, giving him a clearer picture for the next 10 minutes outside my home in the freezing winter. In the end, what did the guy answered? He said, actually I'm not so interested in this. So I asked him, then why ask?

His answer was, "Well, I read it in a book. It says to make friends, we gotta talk about a topic that the target knows to improve communication with one another."

- Never cite from a book what you just did to make friends. It is just so duh.

As for today's issue, the person told me that the boss instructed her to make more friends, not to be so shy and widen your social circle, so that's the reason that I was asked out. The person felt that I could relate well to others, so wanted to pick up some tips from me. But how was I to teach something that requires the individual to act normally, and make your own friends without a motive? When the person obviously has a motive..

So I gave the above as a reasoning and cited some common workplace examples. Then I left to go window shopping and stuff, so the person followed suit, step by step...left foot, right foot. Turn left, stop, turn right, stop. I tried to be friendly, control my frustration, and asked whether the person would like to look around. In the end, I had to ask the person to stop following me. It was just too close for my comfort, and fark, I was really pissed off.

In the end, once the person had finished the 'research', the person left, with the reason that time for home cooked food was a better option.

Alright! Next time, I am not going to be so accommodating. You need a request, ask it via SMS or the phone. I'm not going to waste my time to meet up with someone so unappreciative, once your objective has been cleared, you left.

Life's like that

Met up with Mr Tay and Liaw this afternoon.

Many thanks to Mr Tay for the Korea University T-shirt that he gave me. Thought that the symbol of the school, a tiger, was really weird, since the national symbol of Malaysia is the tiger right?

And Liaw, who is might have just left for the United Kingdom, is on to his dream as a optometrist. I wonder how will my life turn out to be? I think everyone wonders about the same thing at this point of life. Whether I would be able to have the things that I want in life.

Man...i need some new shoes. Something casual, such as loafer shoes, something that looks presentable with jeans. I also need a pair of sandals, since my old pair is getting rather ragged.

Well, that's all for today. Not sure what else there is to write until i get employed.

Friends told me to enjoy the time I have before starting work, but however, i really wish i can start work soon, getting really rusty.

Wedding Bells rang today.

Went down to Aranda Country Club for my two friend's wedding today.

The venue where they had their wedding vows had such a nice setting. It makes the journey down really worthwhile.

And yeah, Adelin looked really stunning today! Daniel didn't lose out too. Looking as the nicest guy on the block as always.

I met a few old friends there, namely Yan Fen, Edwin, Josephine, Melanie, Connie and a supposedly senior. I think she was Kunze's girlfriend. Anyway who does Kunze think he is?

I didn't like him during the time in army. Neither do I like him still now. I decided not to chup him much, except for a casual hi, but yet he seem to be still so farking arrogant. Whats with him anyway? Ask him things and totally ignore others, yet likes still to act cute and attract attention. However, I found Winston a really nice guy, despite meeting him for the first time. The CSO will forever be the CSO. Stupid idiot.

Anyway back to the wedding couple. Thanks for letting me to be part of the video, though I did not really have much to say. Not really good with words at that time. Enjoy your trip in Tokyo, wear more thicker clothes, and don't catch a cold. The lunch was really good, seems that everyone loves the beef steak dish.

Here's the photos!

Short note of what I bought..

This isn't the main post today. But just wanted to showcase what did I buy during the recent PC Show 2008.

My brother said it looked really gay.

My sis said it looks like a present for her.

So what do you say? I find that the design looks very surreal and helps to cover the immense number of scratches that my notebook has.. Thats why i chose it.


Doesn't it looks nice?

My Hawker, my Heartlander.

Was having lunch at the neighborhood coffeeshop when I realized some thing. Most of the hawkers left are the old folks, aunties and uncles who are in late fifties. Where have all the young blood gone to?

After coming back from Australia, I realized one thing that was missing from the Melbournian life was the existence of hawkers. The localized "Ah Huat's Ice Kacang", "Feifei's Wanton Mee" and the Katong Laksa. All these local heritage of Singapore are fading fast, more are getting replaced by the enterprise version of them, such as Food Republic, The Kopitiam. Sure you see younger cooks there, but what about the quality?

Do they cook with a prized effort at their dishes, or are they just cooking for the sake of earning some money for themselves? Truth to be told, I really missed the stuff such as Butterfly Kueh, You Tiao, where one is able to buy them from the old uncle showing how they are made early in the wee morning. At the enterprise version of laksa, do they taste as good as the home cooked ones from the various shophouses along the older streets, or do they taste right due to the added ingredients from the enhanced flavor noodles bought from commercial manufacturers...?

Remembered a kid, how I relished going to the bakery to buy my favourite pastry, priced at 80 cents. Compared to now, where I would have to fork out $2 for a reheated frozen piece. The cost of inflation or something else?

Some see the task of cooking as a chore to earn a living, However, I find that amid the task of cooking, one has forgotten the art of making a dish taste nice via natural means.

Trash?

Was taking the bus down memory lane this week when I saw a lot of familiar faces down Simei Estate.

Faces of former juniors of my secondary school. For those who don't know which school I'm from, I'm from Changkat Changi Seconddary School.

And yeah. I'm proud of it. When I was in primary school, I was always told by my form teacher that this school was where the trash of society goes. Well, I beg to differ. Trash can be defined in many ways and come from anywhere. Its not the school that produces trash. Its the people out there who deem it fit to label others as trash. Some people just have the idea that they are so high and mighty, somewhere up there or so they say.

I wonder if I can find her and tell her what I think now.

Long awaited family brunch

Hmm.. I could do with more of these.

I really love family lunches. Where all of the family could get together for lunch or dinner and chat about stuff. I'm referring to my dad's side here, cuz so far, at my mom's side I'm just most of the time part of the furniture. No common topics to exchange with them.


I don't feel like exchanging news with them most of the time, due to their apparent lack of trustworthiness among the older generation. As for my dad's side, they seem to be more closely bonded. We are able to understand each other on the same wavelength and chat on much more similar grounds. Apart from some of my other cousins such as Liang Qi/Kai, Jiayan and Cheng Mun, Jingli, I don't really find there's much common topics among the rest.

Oh yeah, and two IUF of my family:
"For those who don't know what's that, it stands for Interesting Useless Facts"

1. Each person in the family branch has a left handed in the family - Stated by Sophia.

2. Of all my cousins, I realized the girls are the ones in JCs, while the guys are either Polytechnic or ITE students. - Stated by ME.

Here's the Pics for today.



After brunch, the relatives and me went window shopping. I rarely enjoyed such outings with my family. We mostly buy stuff straight and hurry back home to sleep/shit/work. Everytime its the same, thats why I'm so bored with this life. At least when I'm in Melbourne, I meet up with friends to chill in the night, go over to each other's place for a chat, go to La Dolce Freddo for ice cream. Else we might just hop down to do grocery shopping n window shopping at the Queen Victoria Market.

Well, I'm reminiscing about those times.

Going in circles

Just finished my last security test last week.

After that stage was over, I began to ask myself, what if I failed the test? Then my wait for my employment with my dream company since December of 2007 would be dashed. The first time I looked at the advert, I knew it was the career that I always dreamt that I would wanna embark on. Even to that point, I even start looking at programming languages, which would definitely be the last type of reference text that I would look through.

So please. I really want the job. Its been too long a wait, n no matter how self-inspiring I can command myself to do, its reaching the limit soon.

So what have I being doing these past few weeks while waiting the wait?

1. Being working out with the mates, specifically Mr Wang. and Mr Emo. Mr James wanna join me tomorrow, but yet we haven't reached a confirmation on what to do yet.

2. Helping out in my uncle's wine shop, contrary to what my mom thinks, which in her definition are places where people get drunk and slug it out at each other. However, the place I'm at begs to differ. I heard none of the raving, loud rock music, yet I keep hearing the repeat tunes of the classical and blues being played through the speakers of the player. At first, I was a little apprehensive about helping to run a shop with zero experience in, but after today, I realized i rather liked the challenge. At least, this gives me a short-sighted view of how my dream restaurant management would be like, if I were to have one.

Man. I need to change my occupation soon. Its at "Unemployed" for fucking way too long.

The long awaited QM Gathering.

Untitled...

Few months have passed since I came back from Melbourne.

I found that alot of places in Singapore has changed over the short duration of a year. New buildings are in the midst of being built.

New technologies are up and running in Singapore.

I met up with a few of my camp mates from 36th Singapore Combat Engineers. Yeah, those were the days where we could just slog out in camp with one major goal in mind, yup, to ORD. Notably those guys which I really could chat a lot with were Andrew, Qinghui, Daryl, Gerald, Guan Kheng, Melvin, and some of the others.

There were those that I really disliked back in camp, hopefully I will not meet them ever again. As the look in their eyes really disgust me.

I came back and met up with some of my secondary school friends, mainly Pei Pei, Ray, Fen Fang, Bingyu. These are the only ones that I have met up with, with my good friend Siu Fung flying kite at the last minute on one occasion.

It always happens, when one is attached, friends tend to be kept on one side of the shelf and soon to be forgotten until the next downturn.

I met up with another group of my closer friends, my polytechnic friends. Mr Wang, and Zixian. These two mates really influence me a lot by making me drag myself outta bed early in the morning to go to the gym together, nonetheless, either one of us would be the super latecomer. I thank them for allowing me to be part of their group after so long, especially when some other friends are not what they seem. Other friends that I've met up with, Serene, Shi Qing, and Joy. There are some which I wasn't able to physically meet, due to their personal stuff, such as wedding plans.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Another group of friends that I met up with, are my friend in University. I hope to see some of the others, especially when they come back to Singapore for their holidays. I met Jake, Danielle, Edna. I hope to see my two best buddies some time, George and Daniel. I also hope that Amy and Renkai are getting on well in their studies and 'life'..

Current Reads,
1. Sun Tzu's Art of War
"As per norm, I'm still stuck at a certain chapter of this book, where all wisdom are imparted through the use of poems."

2. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
"Finally, after a long hiatus, I've hit the dependence paradigm part of proactive-ness."

3. FREAKONOMICS
"Darren highly recommended this book to me. Its about economics, though I have zero experience in this topic, thought it might be good to learn about something new, such as personal finance in Rich Dad, Poor Dad, as recommended by Uncle Albert."

MVs that make up my dreams?

This is the first time such a weird post has come up here. But really wanna post this. Haha.

I don't really like some of the singers, but these are my personal views on the music videos.

Christina Aguilera-Candyman
"Strangely, such a wonderful video is unable to be embedded. Well I really liked the coordination from the dancers and the song has a really catchy tune. It can be found here."

It's not the sexiness of the singer that lures me over to the dark side, but more to the powerful and pure voice that she projects while singing the songs.

Rihana - Don't stop the music.

"Apparently, I heard this song for most of the time when i tuned in for 'So You Think You Can Dance' reality show while I was residing in Melbourne. Really catchy tune and soon I was hooked on to it."

PS. I don't have a fetish for non-asian girls, but yupz, she has a great voice as well.

Like bygones go.

Actually dunnno what to write for today. Heartbroken? Nah. Not so. Some other friends are feelings rather heartbroken for the week. GF/BF dumped. So many people who dunno how to treasure someone who loves them.

So here's the question today.

Would you rather be the one loving or the one to be loved...?

Job hunting is coming to an end..my thoughts.

A new chapter of my journey is about to begin.

No more university blues. Now is the time where everyday importance would be the coming of the friday night fever and the pushing back of the monday blues. I don't think there will be a chance for long weekend like in NS.

How would the next 2 years of my life be life? Wallowing in misery of the collared worker's life? Or being able to adapt to the various changes in the office? I don't know, and I don't plan to find out. I'll let God lead me on this path that he's given me and that I have chosen.

Doesn't matter that I seem to be re-doing my national service. I really find that this might be where I can find the suitable career for my journey in life. Never mind that I will not be able to earn big bucks like others in my family, at least my pursuit of joy in life lies in work experience, instead of the lure on financial gains that have changed the loyalties of many. Kinship is forgotten in such cases, and such people are really so blatantly despised in my world.

Why ignore the older generation when they do not recognize you anymore, even if they are faking it, what concern is it of yours? Human life peaks at around 80 or so, and not everyone can live till the age of that level. Let them feel wanted and there is no loss to yourself or at your expense. What others love to gossip about, don't care about them and let them say.

Dating women...no...I will not date people who are 8 years younger than my current age. I'm not like you, sotong. Only go for girls who do not know better. They see you as 24 years old, mature and caring type of guy, someone whom they can look up to and talk to. Instead, the vibes that I get from you are like you are looking up to them. They asked u to study n work, you do as you are told. I think need a mom, not a girlfriend.

Jobs....Career...Where can I find you?

Aaah. Where can I find you? Time passes by fast, even while you are languishing at pace you do not want. Work work....the lines a orc would say in Warcraft 3.

Where's work? I ask Mr Orc.

James smsed me today to inform me that he has found a temp job. As a factory packer in Tampines Industrial Park. 9am-6pm. Timing's rather ok with the 6 day week range. But seriously, what is a ITE graduate doing a primary 6 qualification job? And yeah, the Casanova haolian asked me to convert my single-hood status to attached like him.

So I asked him back. Wow, you work so long, later girlfriend can go relax one corner in school n make better choices. ;P

But I don't think I'm gonna consider dating till I get a decent job, and considering now with the lack of it, it shouldn't be anytime soon..which girl would go for a guy who has neither a wallet with substance, nor a richness in future? I think not many right? Maybe except those who think LOVE can sustain everything.

I don't condemn such people though, I used to think the same way, and in a certain way, I still do. Love can't make food, but it can keep a couple strong throughout times of despair and toughness.

Better go sleep. Tomorrow going gym with Mr Wang.

Singapore and Mi

This entry is titled "Singapore and Mi".

Well some of my friends have been asking me why there are no pictures of my life in Singapore. Well, previously I did not own a camera while I was living in Singapore. But since some of my friends wish to know what I have been up to and whats going on with me nowadays, especially TED, who just wanna know.

So this is a slide show of the random stuff I have being taking around the place. Enjoy. ;P

How to motivate myself further...

The drag from the job hunt is catching up on me.

I don't know. Should I go try out the agencies? I wouldn't want to go to Recruit Express.

I feel so unmotivated damn it. But I gotta buck up. Its only a small setback. Instead of moaning over my current worry, which is particularly unproductive, I should take a leaf from Jake and do other better things to motivate the confidence in myself.

For example, what should I work on?

1. Decreasing my ever expanding waist-line.
Considering that I have a free 2 week gym arrangement with EnergyOne, I should just make a trip down SAFRA Tampines tomorrow. I realized last week while I was trying to catch the bus home at Bedok, though I failed to catch the bus, I really enjoyed the brief sprint towards the bus stop. Since Bingyu is also currently interested in going exercising, that means i will have another exercise kaki, besides Mr Wang and Xian. Alright! I'll hop down to the Gym tomorrow for a workout then! Then go for some archery shooting to train my forearms followed by aikido practice in the evening! Then after the trial period is over, Bedok gym here i come!!!

2. Increasing my chances of a reply in a company.
If there is a decrease in my waistline, there should also be a increase in the frequencies of people calling me up for interviews. So what should I do? Should I go approach friends who are currently in the recruitment consultancy company? Kelly Services, Adecco? I would have to up the ante on the frequencies of the search for jobs using the search engines in the various job portal accounts that I have. Also, go try out the various companies that relatives of friends have recommended that I try for such as Accenture, as recommended by Ivan. And maybe, on a lighter note, as said by my dad, apply anything that comes your way, even if it has no relevance to your degree. Well, its just your first job anyway.

3. Training up my level.
Now here's the Yi-sha! of the next phrase. What's the next phrase? Its just my as slow as ever path to the acquiring of my driving licence and my first degree black belt in Aikido, after that I will have two degrees,(pun intended.) So what do I have to work on? my movement, physical and mental fitness in all timings of the training. Showing face more often, raising the needed amount for driving practice, getting a PDL again. Learning the correct patterns of performing the 31 Kata and the 7 Ken Shiburi. And learning 24 Kata as well is a plus.

4. Getting the ante up for my skills.
Not just physical skills, but also work skills. I plan to improve on my knowledge of security systems by studying the CEH course program, and taking the certification later once I am confident of my level. I may suck in Java programming, but I can't let this simple round of failure get to me. Maybe I'm no good in Java, but hey, there's still C++ and SAP down the road, So I wouldn't know until I have tried them all. I got a morale boost today on this aspect, after helping liang qi speed up his computer.

ALL RIGHT! FIRE UP!

Where is the love?

Today's title seems to be abit off. Its not the usual lovelorn moan of mine. but more to the general version of it.

WHERE IS THE LOVE..?

Just finished my MRO 2nd interview on Saturday. I met Merry Riana! In case anyone doesn't know, she's one of Singapore's self-made millionaires at the age of 25. But also, its nothing to hype about someone's else personal success.

I believe that instead of thinking that she can do it and so can I, I prefer to think that I would rather delve in on my own and create my own goal for myself. Millionaire or not, I would be happy.

So what happened in the interview? Cannot disclose. But one thing to say is, I really enjoyed myself with the new company they I've not had since so long. But one stupid rule in the interview was the idea of no private exchanging of contact details, in case of attempted conflict of interests. But what could be said for this poor soul here who wished to befriend some new friends. Damn.

So what interviews do I have this week?

CSIT - Wednesday
MRO - Friday

Wish me best.

Welcome to the SVF Movement!

I really wanna say this out loud to whoever in my family is causing me this unhappy night.

STOP VIRUS FARMING!!!

You can farm creeps/grubs for all I care in online gaming, but please, don't farm viruses in the shared computer!!!

You know how freaking retard is it to sit up at this time of the night solving shit caused by people who don't give a shit? and expect others to clean up the shit for ya. Argh. Wait till I find out who is the joker...!

Just because of you, I'm having pop-ups all over my screen and the computer illiterates asking me what is going on, why does so many things happen when I come back..?

I just did a complete scan 2 weeks ago and zero hits, now i get >40 hits!!!

Rise and Shine.

Another month is going to be over soon.

But I'm not depressed or discouraged as still being unemployed. But in the meantime, according to friends alike who have given me precious advice on the perils of working life, I thank you.

1. Enjoy whatever time you have right now, cuz when u start working, you gonna slog like fuck.

- Well, if I'm going to embark on a career, it has to be satisfying to me, else I would just call it a job, not a career. To me, if it is something interesting to do and something that can further allow me to enrich my life further, why not? Even if I have to journey to some freaking far industrial area, work 2 shifts, I will do it, but only it the job has any benefit to building up my career.

2. What do you want to do? IT or Business?

- Seriously, I haven't got a detailed clue, just a vague idea. Why I wanna do IT? Because i still have some interest in it especially in the sales, security and networking areas. Though my programming skills still suck like hell, I'm not afraid to try building it up. I guess thats my main weakness in IT, but to put it in my own words, no weakness, no further gains. As for why I think about pursuing a career in business, well, its a more or less proven fact in Singapore that only through business, money comes rolling in. And management skills can be picked up from business much more readily than other fields where you traditionally work up the chain of seniority. So I guess its still a two way answer. But well, thats why there's such a thing called a double-edged sword right?

3. Aiyah, any job that comes, just take. Do it for the experience.

- True. I agree to this point. But wait a minute. I still have to look at the pay regardless. I don't want to get a damn low pay < 2 K. I might as well just live with a diploma right?

Social woes: Spiralling downwards...

After coming back to Singapore for so long, I still feel so lost.

My social life is gone. Everyday, I'm either reading the news on the wiki, else I'm busy chopping monster mincemeat in CABAL. Besides that, I'm job hunting in jobstreet or jobscentral. I pretty much gave up looking in the Strait Times for work, since their executive position wants experience. How in the world is anyone going to get the experience when :

1. Anything you have slogged during the holidays doesn't really seem to count as experience.
2. The company states fresh grads are welcomed to apply, and follows by knowledge of this and that will be an added advantage.

HOW? HOW? HOW?

One sentence. MY LIFE IS SOMEWHERE NEAR THE DUMPS AS WE SPEAK.

I may sound moody with all these negative posts here, but rest assure, this is the same old guy at work here. Got hit by a small bout of food poisoning yesterday. Maybe I should start sleeping earlier....:)

Woes of a Job Hunter.

Been job hunting for a week and not a positive catch yet.

I sorta think fishing sounds easier. I'm just an average grad. No top grades to count as a achievement. Would I still be wanted in the Singapore society? How would I be able to find my mark?


All these questions lie unanswered as I seek my first job, or my first kill. So what do I do nowadays. In short, I'm tired from all the free time that I have. How should I go about making good use of it when I'm so sian from all this?

What could I do?

1. Get a licence.
2. Join a new art, probably capoeira?
3. Meet up with new people?

Sardines - Made in Singapore.

I'm not talking about the ayam brand that is so popular in all the major groceries stores. I'm talking about the one that is produced by SMRT. During every single rush hour period there is, every singaporean squeezes into the carriages in their mad rush to get home and can be compared to the cluster-fucked sardines in a tin can.

Back in Australia, there are frequent complaints on the quality of the train runs and schedules, where there is a breakdown and nothing come to the aid of the aussies stranded until pretty much later. Its always "Boycott Connex" and similar stuff like that.

In Singapore, I don't think we have this problem. The staff trains are pretty much the most efficient in all that I've seen. Kudos to the SMRT for their efficiency on such grounds. However, once the ugly Singaporean mentality is added into the recipe, the brew changes to one that beats the crap outta the sardines of the ayam brand.

The adults, oldies and kids alike are squeezed all the way in. There isn't even enough handles for people to hang on for dear life when our beloved train driver speeds into the underground tunnel. Women flick their head left and right, checking out for perverts who might be out to get a piece of them, or rather, their butts, to be precise. But what of the innocent male behind them? who, owning to the squeeze of the 'sardines' together with the incessasant flicking of hair like some dumb shampoo commercial of the 80s, result in them tripping and stepping on the poor kids who are dragged into the SMRT tin by their parents.

Weeks pass and alas..

Yay...my Internet connection is finally up! but no thanks to the snotty work done by the contractor. This is the first time I have seen so many design flaws in a designer's perspective. Though I must admit Desmond's work is rather arty, but the quality is somewhat much to be desired.

Experiences in Australia somewhat left me thinking. What has changed since I got back?
1. I forgot how to take the bus...no Serious! I took too much trams.
2. I learn a lot about foodie appreciation.
3. I learn to judge stuff based on their quality.
4. I learn not to look at people from the first impression.
5. I learn how to properly utilize people in my work group.
6. I learn that advertisements don't just belong to the bin.
7. I grew sick of beef and pasta.
8. I grew to love wine and fine dining.
9. I learn not to count ISO into services standards as it is non-existent.
10. Singaporeans out to be thankful. OMG.

Feeling like a "Stranger" in your home

After just having reached Singapore, I'm beginning to feel 2 ways. One, either I have missed too much of the life in Singapore so much that I have forgotten what its like to be a Singaporean. Two, life in Melbourne is so nice for me, that somehow although I love Singapore, I pretty much yearn to be back in Melbourne.

So what have I become?

Not that I really know, but things have changed so much. I got into my new place and found myself all alone. Everyone has their own lives to lead with their studies and girlfriends, that I have felt that I'm pretty much alone in my life on this Earth. Nope, I no longer feel the pang of jealousy at a passing couple, but yet, I'm now on the edge of finding a meaningless void in life.

Also, the wait is over. Not there has been a success, but more to its time to move on with my life, since I have been living for myself, obvilious of the time that has passed. I'm already close to reaching 24, yet it seems that my siblings are already happy with their other half. Could it be that my requirements/standards are way too high? or is love in my life just a passing like my memories?

Hullo Singapore, Miss Melbourne

Well, I just touched down around close to 3 days already.

I felt so awkward when I reached the airport, the feeling was like I was going to another foreign country. And not to the one that I grew up in. I saw my parents for the 1st time in one year, but yet I felt so empty. The feeling of emptiness was brought back together with the luggage.

I gave my parents a hug. Hoping that when I reached home, things would not change with time as it was often said. Not long after I reached my bed, my mom came in and started nagging at every thing she saw. Congratulations mom, you always win the record in spoiling my mood whenever I see you again. And what would be your next combo? It would be to nag more n more n more n more n more.

Damn, I really felt like going back Melbourne after the first night. I'm close to going nuts. I saw my new place, and realize that my room looks like a pet shop window. I better get some curtains or something like that. I would just be inviting stupid comments from stupid aunts trying to be funny and start acting like the fucking idiots they are. Really curtains are a necessity in the stupid design. I really feel like boarding up the stupid window.

Anyway. Here's the photos I took during the 20th Anniversary.

Melbourne's gonna be missed.

A surprise in the mist.

Just took my supplementary paper on the 18th of February. Thought it was quite an okay paper and really hoped that I would pass.


A few days ago, I switched on my notebook to try checking the results, with dread in my heart. I'm never good in my exams, and neither was I any better in my programming skills. I would have to buck up.

Well, onwards I typed, and I saw an 'SP' replacing the 'RW' on my Programming 3 course. Wah. What was SP? Turns out that I passed!!!

Oh yeah, time to carry on with life. I was so happy that I shouted for joy. Finally I can go home. Months of missing out the Singapore life was coming to an end. Went to school to find out what was the next step to graduation. :P Got a handshake from Dale. Not really worth mentioning actually, considering that he almost got me extending my program over another semester. :(

Time to go back and enjoy the food. hehe.

Listening to oldies now.

I remembered when I was a kid, I use to hear lotsa English oldies on the radio, and sometimes my dad would sing this particular song, 500 miles to me almost every night before sleeping.

I really love hearing my dad sing that song, his voice really sounded really soothing. And so that song became my childhood song.

If you missed the train I'm on
You will know that I am gone
You can hear the whistle blow a hundred miles
A hundred miles, a hundred miles,
A hundred miles, a hundred miles
You can hear the whistle blow a hundred miles
Not a shirt on my back
Not a penny to my name
And the land that I once loved is not my own
Lord I'm one, Lord I'm two,
Lord I'm three, Lord I'm four
Lord I'm five hundred miles away from home

A hundred tanks along the square
One man stands and stops them there
Someday soon the tide'll turn and I'll be free
I'll be free, I'll be free
I'll come home to my country
Someday soon the tide'll turn and I'll be free

If you missed the train I'm on
You will know that I am gone
You can hear the whistle blow a hundred miles
Lord I'm one, Lord I'm two,
Lord I'm three, Lord I'm four
Lord I'm five hundred miles away from home...
Lord I'm five hundred miles away from home...

I'll be free, I'll be free
I'll come home to my country
Lord I'm five hundred miles away from home

You can hear the whistle blow five hundred miles.

Just listening to the various songs really bring back good memories.

So these are my favourite.
1. Rhythm of the Falling Rain
2. Tom Dooley
3. 500 Miles
4. Sixteen Tons
5. Stand By Me
6. Save the Last Dance For Me
7. Tennessee Waltz
8. Tell Laura I Love Her
9. Corrina Corrina
10. The End of the World

Exam blues over - for now.

Can't really use the Internet back home in Aunt Jennifer's place due to bandwidth constraints. So here I'm in school updating my blog.

Exams are finally over, time to get on with life and start sending out resumes. Some may ask why I have yet to send any resumes so far, but I didn't want to do a fool's job of applying for a unqualified job.

So what should I do when I get back home..?

1. Firstly I miss my family. Especially my siblings.
2. My parents as well.
3. Then I shall go meet some of my friends, those who are still free at this time of the year.
4. Time to move house as well. Better get the change of address from my dad so I can update it into my resume.
5. EAT!!!
6. Walk around Singapore and see what has changed so far.

Well, time to get a haircut. Realized long hair won't suit me when I start working and that yeah, I dislike my hair becoming thick. And I had such a sweet dream. hehe.

Fond memories of the past : Closure?

Was sleeping over at Kai's place on Friday, when I had this dream of past fond memories.

Dreamt of the moments I spend with Jori. I remember smiling in my dream of how lucky I was to have such a caring girlfriend, how she baked a pizza for me, though I said it was normal, but deep down, I really appreciated her effort and moments of how we shared somewhat of some happy moments together.

I recalled blaming myself for not being able to send her home after our dates due to army commitments. I remember how one of her retard friends who kept spoiling the mood among us with his non-stop irritating persistence in planning for your future. I really loved her then, despite all the misgivings I heard from friends and how I should go for someone better, since we were both very different. Went through the tests that you put on me grudgingly, knowing full well the intentions. I hated that.

I felt sorry for the stupid jokes I cracked on you. I knew you would feel hurt, yet I didn't understand why did I did that. I have just myself to blame for changing the light you viewed me as. Somehow or rather, I seem to love seeing your sulky face then, but two days ago, all I could remember was your smile and laughter and couldn't sleep while reliving the times. Always thought about how irritating that song book on the table was.

I reminisced about how you found the SNAG magazine in my bag, and commented that such magazines brought about naughty thoughts. But why, would I fantasize about the women in the mag with you by my side..? It was not to be, since you were always smiling while we were out. Loved pinching your cheeks then. Sorry that sometimes I pinched too hard.

I thought back of the times that I sent you home on the train, with you dozing by my side and those two funny aunties who kept smiling at us. Didn't think you knew about it. Remembering those sweet times.

Thought about the final SMS that didn't sound like you. Thought about the final email that you sent. I really wanted to give you a proper reply then, but decided to stone thy heart as its often said. And yet, your are still somewhere there around my thoughts.

As I sat in the plane, leaving my past behind on that fateful day, I thought of you, wondering would there be any changes when I'm gone and back. Yeah, from what I last knew, you were happily attached. Congrats and hope life is still ongoing for you.

Alas. a year and half plus has passed since I shut down the old blog of my memories and yea, while sitting in the meadows with the Aussie cows in the secluded countryside, looking at the bright passing clouds in the bright blue skies through the visible shade of my hat, something triggered in my head that registered clearly, silently, with a hollowing via my heart.

Its February and I miss you.

First day in Mount Dandedong.

I arrived at Aunt Jennifer's place around 7 yesterday, owning to a walk down the wrong path. And yes, I realized a few things.

1. Gas need to really run for awhile before it starts moving.
2. The cows are rather far away.
3. The pilot light is finally on.
4. Its really cold here.
5. The bus does run on Saturdays, so I guess I'm just left Sundays.
6. Weather looks hot enough to get a tan.

Nice Skies huh?


So what did I eat for dinner yesterday? : Beef and Mushroom flavoured rice.

No doubt this was from a packet, but I guess one might need a certain amount of skill to get the measurements right. Its my 3rd try, and finally, success!

The End Product


Walking Down


Finally, the pictures taken during the trip to the Melbourne Aquarium are out.

Last day @ Global House

Today is the last day that I'm putting up in my place in Carlton, after today, I would be moving to Aunt Jennifer's place in Dandedong.


Sounds like I'm going to live in seclusion and become a hermit. Haha.

Here's what I might concentrate on there:
1. Studying(IMPT!)
2. Running/Jogging/Cycling around the place.
3. Practice Aikido at Belgrave Station.
4. Getting a prefect tan.
5. Try to get the job at Red Roosters. ;P Better pay, nearer to home.
6. Improve on my culinary skills.
7. Explore the place.

Just wanna highlight, THERE'S A LOT OF COWS AROUND MY PLACE!!!

I should be updating my blog with new pics soon. So stick around.

Life with an uncluttered mind.

Focus.

This is just one thing I lack. I'm never able to focus on something for long, not sure why. Focus on your studies, regime and work. Pray on. I'm just 1 step to a new paper in my portfolio. Just 50 marks.

Loss of Mind.
Have you ever just before sleeping? Starting to see images of people you have no recollection of ever before met in your life. I've no idea where these images come from. And funny thing is, this always happened just before I fall asleep, and when I put my body to rest first. My eyes are closed, but I see images of people floating around, and I could see the happiness in them. This used to happen in Singapore, but now I'm seeing a lot more non-Asians. Who are they? ?_0 Am I losing my mind from being alone for too long..?

I've changed my taste in music. No more Techno/Trance for me anymore. Not that I dislike it, but life isn't moving really fast right now. I need something peaceful to stop the image rush in me. Thinking of getting that hat I saw at Ripcurl House. Fits my head. I've just moved to Dandedong, all my luggage that is. Currently still staying in the city, with just bare necessities within my reach.

I just watched The Biggest Loser on TV. Really inspirational, or motivation, as Joy calls it. Plus So You Think You Can Dance?, really liked these two shows. The dancers well, they were really fit. I'm not looking to be as fit as a bodybuilder, just a bod good enough for me to train martial arts with ease and minus the extra fats around would be good. A sculptured and toned front and back would be the best. Hehz. A six pack? Nah. Just an option not a requirement.

If only I could. Then I'll laugh in someone else's face and call her FATTY. Maybe I might.

I'm waiting. Judith and Daniel....come back. I'm missing you both. ;P

Gazing into the Melbournian night skies. : Changes.

Somewhat of a lonely moment right now.

Kai and Amy just arrived yesterday. For those who do not know. Kai is my neighbor, and Amy is his girlfriend and also my secondary school classmate.

I realized that I have changed since I came to Melbourne. Things that I like has begone and changed. My habits have changed, my view of life and the other half has been modified. My life goals have also took to a twisting road. My tastes in fashion and style have changed and my tone and reasons for conversations have been updated.

I no longer bear a liking for cute, round eyed, and sweet-sounding women. After some reflection, I thought I should look around and take a single walk down the boulevard, since there's other things to look around at. So what kind of women do I prefer now?

1. She doesn't necessary have to be Singaporean. Just no Indians or Malays.
2. She has to be matured and know how to think long term, instead of making decisions based on short term benefits.
3. Think of others first, but spare a thought for herself on sensible matters.
4. Suited to my whines. Heh.
5. Satisfy me? Not physically, just be that girl that I'm looking for.
6. Looks? well, it matters. Still an option up to me. And of course, based on that, she's free to judge me.

I used to love taking in the sights, but was too financially unsound to own something on my own. In the end, I got a idiot-proof camera after saving a long time for it, and decided that the human brain doesn't have enough space to store the lovely sights of the world. Just taking into mind the glancing of a beautiful women is enough to make the male system hang. Used to love taking people in pictures.
But now:
1. People just outta stay out of pictures. The world looks fine without humans.
2. I'm in love with cute animals and pretty flowers!
3. I just adore the sunset and open skies shots!
4. If people want to stay in my shots, don't pose for me k?
5. Something that hasn't changed, I still hate being in the picture of my own camera. =P

Fashion sense? I used to love clothes with black, white or gray. I didn't like bright colors, thought that they had no place in my life to begin with. Now, the colors in my life are brighter, and coupled with the fashion display in Melbourne, I've reached another level. ;P
1. Noir clothes for me please.
2. I love flowery and tribal designs!
3. Something about 'opposites' suits me fine and nice.
4. Heh. a certain style suits me now. Experiment experiments.
;)

Found it!

The exam schedule is out. So that means no more running around the place having fun being the priority. Time to study harder and go home in peace.

Programming 3
18 Feb 08
5.45pm- 9.00pm

I saw the pre-designs of my room and really liked it. Cindy said that it was really nice....


First Look.


Second Look.

I'm thinking of adding a fridge inside. Wonder what will my parents say? Haha. And a bean bag. I've always wanted to have a bean bag in my room. A tv inside would be rare. Considering that I can't find any place for a tv to exist inside the room. I thought of the wall furnishing that I'm going to get. Hehe.

I got this korean music video: Kiss- Because I'm a Girl. Really touching.


I personally don't like Paris Hilton much, but I must admit, this song is really catchy. =P

Chomp...Chomp. Singapura?!

Just started my first day of work @ the Singapore Chom Chom at Bourke Street.

Kinda like the game Diner Dash.

Friends familiar with the game will understand what I mean. =P

Now its Terence turn to start leaving for Singapore. Hope I can see them when I get back home. I should revise my Java on a daily basis, and hopefully finish at least half of it before the examination date is out on the 18th. Then I'll start revising for the practical parts after I know the codes. If it can be done, I shall go look for Charles to discuss with him, since I find that he's a really helpful lecturer compared to Dale.

Also, my OUA issue is in the midst of getting settled. Waiting for their staff to get back to me on the issue. Then I'll be able to transfer my credit over to my degree and presto! additional 12 points and another 12 points more to graduation. It seems that the next graduation will either be onshore in December 2008, or September 2008 in Singapore for the offshore graduation. Think I should opt for the offshore one, at least my friends and parents would be able to make it for me.

Then, on with life. I've learnt that just depending on your education to bring u riches is just plain bullshit and its a no no for the average joe.

A searing hit of 41.

Melbourne's temperature's hit 41 today, and now in the night its 27. Guess my body couldn't adapt to the sudden change and fell sick.

Coughed out some blood, and ate some antibodies. The sick me. I used to be really frail as a kid, needing the use of various medicines to keep myself alive. Ginseng, steroids, you name it, should be there.

Its so difficult to find a job in Melbourne. Nor to mention if it is a high-paying or moderate one in all. And Dale has yet to reply. The Ultimate in RMIT inefficiency. Well, Actually, it does not go to him. Ron should be the one to receive the award.


Pictures taken in Mt Dandedong.

Tears in my Eyes?

Went to see Yu Zhen off at the airport, she should have arrived in Singapore by now, I guess. Another one of the list, before the countdown hits me as the last to go back.

When was the last time I really cried for someone honestly...? I guess I can't remember anymore, the last time should be somewhere in secondary school, and a bit of feelings when my grandfather passed away.

But what can I say? most of the time I feel I'm more suited to doing things devoid of feelings. Its not that I'm a cold-hearted inhuman creature, but just that the in the place where the feeling is supposed to be, its just emptiness. Whatever happened to me in my childhood? Well, I don't wish to talk about it.

But the impact it brought on me, rather bad, I began to see people as empty husks of flesh containing souls. I never really spared a second thought of playing with their emotions if I got the chance, and seriously, everyday was just a new experiment to me and the people around were just like lab rats for me to do research on and see their reactions. Slowly, I started to realized that this wasn't the method for making friends, but sometimes, reverting back to the old me does indeed make me happier, even for a while.

I admit being in the center of the thin black line is really lonely. But it does have its pros. I used to often think why some people talk to their stuffed toys. But I realize my folly, since I'm no better by imagining my own world everyday. However, yeah, this imagination does help me to sleep, help me to stay happy and feeling contented with life. It did have its cons as well, I thought of things too much. Up to the point, whenever I closed my eyes, horribly mangled images and carnage that were so bizarre that I couldn't understand how it would happened in front of my closed eyes. And that is where I found my true fear. I got to the point that I saw the images whenever I closed my eyes. I saw faces of agony on the walls and the movement of the ground in a strange fashion. Then I found out how I could remove them by listening to music. Not just any, but music where I could get the beat into my mind, and focus on it.

Then along came aikido and photography. My two current loves. Two precious things in my life to put my heart and soul into. Contrary to what some others think, currently, looking for a girlfriend or someone to go out with me isn't exactly the top priority in my life, since kinda after the last relationship, I'm still cold and choked after it.