Thursday, November 27, 2008
(Edited on 29th November 2008, 10:16pm)
After this past week, i've been rather lazy to update about what is happening in my life right now. Not that there is nothing to say, but nothing significant and nothing i want to reveal at this point of time. In fact, there is a part of me that wants to be elusive and exclusive for now. I've kinda lost my tempo for anything right now so waiting on others to drum it right up for me, though that would probably mean it MIGHT just never happen. But we'll see... haha.
A few things that happened the past week or so:
18/19 Nov (forgot) - Lunch with Ter, Dinner with Kenny
22 Nov - KBox with Oh-My-Tian, Marc, Ron, BBQ, Maxim
23 Nov - Breakfast with Fiona, Night Recital Performance (watch only la...) with Kenny
25 Nov - Lunch with Yang Sis, Job Interview and got the Job
26 & 27 Nov - Trg for new job, new friends with Sharon, Meiling and co... (headaches and lame jokes - "Later Hell also got account..." ha)
28 Nov - First day of attachment (which i didn't learn much but play Hangman ha)
I will update more when things are more stable but for now, i remain yes... ELUSIVE. Counting down to the end of the year, there isn't really much looking up plus i don't exactly feel the holiday mood ringing through just yet. Maybe it's the recession looming over the festive period, or maybe the buzz just hasn't gotten to me.
That's for the personal side but on the MUSIC side, things are getting more frenzied as right now i'm finalising the winners for my own JLOE Music Awards, JLOE Personal Music Awards as well as JLOE Top 100 Songs of 2008. Yups, i'm in my own musically-obsessive world of songs and more songs.
Meantime, while awaiting what we chemically term as "equilibrium" in my life, i don't seem far to interested in many things at the moment. Which is probably why there is a lack of updates until i find that inner stability. Not something bad though, but not something good as well. It's more like a transitional phase of change that evokes feelings of insecurity, uncertainty and mainly, unfamiliarity in me (and i believe anyone).
I guess it's prelude to my inaugural year-end reflections. Something along the lines of PRE-NATAL depression (minus the depression) and the FIRST DAY in a NEW environment. A combination of both in fact. Believe things will clear up once stability is achieved.
Let me hover around for the moment and remain ELUSIVE. haha.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
JLOE Music Awards 2008 (RE-POST)
Nominee's List (Released on 3rd Nov 08)
Best Male
1. Chris Brown (For “With You”, “No Air”, “Forever”)
2. Jason Mraz (For “I'm Yours”, “Lucky”, “Make It Mine”)
3. Kurt Nilsen (For “All You Have To Offer”, “Silence”, “Reality Kicks In”)
4. T.I. (For “Whatever U Like”, “Live Your Life”)
5. Ola Svensson (For “Love In Stereo”, “Feelgood”)
6. Sam Sparro (For “Black & Gold”, “21st Century Life”)
7. Will Young (For “Changes”, “Grace”)
Out of the seven contenders for this year's “Best Male”, only Will Young is a previous winner for the award. He had clinched the prestigious title back in 2004 for his amazing efforts on “Leave Right Now”, “Your Game” and “Friday's Child”. Will he be the favoured one amongst the rest this time round? He faces strong competition from the reigning Hip-Hop princes, Chris Brown and T.I, both of which have enjoyed tremendous success with their recent albums. Notably Chris Brown who managed the feat of having 3 concurrent Top 10 Singles [“With You”, “Forever” & “Shawty Get Loose (with Lil' Mama)”] in the Billboard Hot 100 at one point of time. Similarly, Jason Mraz, with “I'm Yours”, has certainly taken a leaf from John Mayer and created the sleeper hit of the year, creating his own unique sound and making himself a hot candidate for the award. Not forgetting Swedish teen favourite Ola Svensson and young and upcoming musician Sam Sparro. Ola has enjoyed phenomenal success back in his native Sweden with his two singles, swiftly becoming a pop icon in a Scandinavian region. Sam Sparro, with his international smash “Black & Gold”, has made him one of the new sounds of 2008 to look out for. Will the veterans truimph over the new starlets? And how much more will musical style be valued more over sales and popularity?
Best Female
1. Taylor Swift (For “Teardrops On My Guitar”, “Tim McGraw”, “Love Story”, “Fearless”)
2. Leona Lewis (For “Forgive Me”, “Better In Time”)
3. Mariah Carey (For “Touch My Body”, “Bye Bye”, “I'll Be Lovin' You Long Time”)
4. Katy Perry (For “I Kissed A Girl”, “Hot N Cold”)
5. Duffy (For “Mercy”, “Warwick Avenue”, “Stepping Stone”)
6. Alicia Keys (For “Superwoman”, “Like I'll Never See You Again”, “Teenage Love Affair”)
7. Rihanna (For “Disturbia”, “Rehab”, Take A Bow”)
As always, the “Best Female” award is contested by equally qualified and successful female singers. Although Katy Perry and Duffy are recent news, they have created heat waves throughout the music industry with their groundbreaking musical styles. Their singles - the controversial yet irresistible hit “I Kissed A Girl”and the soulful smash “Mercy” - catapulted both Katy and Duffy into the same likes of pop princesses Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. Similarly, rising star Leona Lewis tasted international success with her No.1 single “Bleeding Love”. She is now widely deemed as the new Mariah with her stunning vocals and singing style. Country favourite Taylor Swift also gets in the intense action with four hit singles this year. She proves that music knows no boundaries when it comes to quality singles. Grammy darlings like Alicia Keys and Mariah Carey are also a mainstay in this category, having roaring successes with their sophomore releases “As I Am” and the much-anticipated “E=MC2”. But no one has certainly enjoyed mainstream success like Rihanna. Her dance-pop gems like “Disturbia” reinstated as the force not to reckon with after last year's supersmash “Umbrella”. Who will come out triumphant in this fierce contention?
Best Group
1. Onerepublic (For “Mercy”, “Say(All I Need)”, “Stop & Stare”)
2. Jonas Brothers (For “When You Look Me In The Eyes”, “Lovebug”, “Burnin' Up”)
3. Daughtry (For “What About Now”, “Feels Like Tonight”)
4. Pussycat Dolls (For “When I Grow Up”, “Watcha Think About That”, “I Hate This Part”)
5. The Veronicas (For “This Love”, “Take Me On The Floor”, “Untouched”)
6. Linkin Park (For “Shadow Of The Day”, “Leave Out All The Rest”)
7. Alphabeat (For “Fascination”, “10,000 Nights”, “Boyfriend”)
Vying for this award this year are 5 pop and 2 rock groups, all of which have had stunning success this past year. With the success of “Apologize” last year, Onerepublic continues to shine with the follow-up singles “Stop & Stare”, “Say (All I Need)” and “Mercy”. The Jonas Brothers also made record-breaking success with the release of their sophomore album “A Little Bit Longer”, tapping onto the current teen-pop fanaticism. Ever sexy and sizzling, the Pussycat Dolls proves that their heat will never fizzle by gaining a nomination based on their current hit releases “When I Grow Up” and “I Hate This Part”. Raising the bar further are the biggest winners from the ARIA awards, The Veronicas”. The pop sister-duo choped up 3 massive wins at the ceremony. Both “Untouched” and “This Love” made Number 1 in Australia earlier this year. Fresh Danish pop outfit, Alphabeat charms their way into the nomination as well with their catchy and fun singles which have done very well in the European region. Not forgetting, rock groups, Daughtry and Linkin Park, both of which had overwhelming response to their song releases this year. Who will come first in this game of numbers?
Best Breakthrough
1. Adele (For “Chasing Pavements”, “Hometown Glory” )
2. Paramore (For “Crushcrushcrush”, “Hallelujah”, “That's What You Get”)
3. Gabriella Cilmi (For “Sweet About Me”,“Save The Lies”,“Don't Want To Go To Bed Now”)
4. Alphabeat (For “Fascination”, “10,000 Nights”, “Boyfriend”)
5. Taylor Swift (For “Teardrops On My Guitar”, “Tim McGraw”, “Love Story”, “Fearless”)
6. Duffy (For “Mercy”, “Warwick Avenue”, “Stepping Stone” )
7. Katy Perry (For “I Kissed A Girl”, “Hot N Cold”)
One of the most prestigious awards of the show is beyond doubt the “Best Breakthrough” award. With Katy Perry and Alphabeat with the most number of award nominations at this year's ceremony, bets are high on either artistes to clinch the title. But with four hit singles on her stride, rising country star Taylor Swift raises the competition bar further. She has already won similar titles at the various country music awards. Would she repeat the success here at the JMAs? Touted the “New Sounds of 2008” by BBC, Adele and Duffy certainly did not disappoint with their releases this year and making the all eyes turned towards them for their soulful musical styles. Furthemore, ARIA's newborn Best Breakthrough Artist, Gabriella Cilmi makes the competition more intense. Her soulful and cheeky debt single “Sweet About Me” is highly well-received on international charts, a feat for Australian artistes. Lastly, Paramore put ups a fight for the Rock and Roll family in this cateogory. Spawning great success for their Riot! Album, they were also nominated for the “Best New Artist” at this year's Grammys. Who will outshine the rest and win this title?
Best Pop
1. Alphabeat (For “Fascination”, “10,000 Nights”, “Boyfriend”)
2. Britney Spears (For “Break The Ice”, “Piece Of Me”, “Womanizer”)
3. Katy Perry (For “I Kissed A Girl”, “Hot N Cold”)
4. Madonna (For “4 Minutes”, “Give It 2 Me”, "Miles Away")
5. The Veronicas (For “This Love”, “Take Me On The Floor”, “Untouched”)
6. Jordin Sparks (For “No Air”, “One Step At A Time”)
7. Jonas Brothers (For “When You Look Me In The Eyes”, “Lovebug”, “Burnin' Up”)
Making up the top7 for Best Pop are all winners in their own right. Alphabeat and Katy Perry both hold the most number of nominations this year, proving that their success cannot be contained, especially in this genre. Both The Veronicas and Jonas Brothers have also been nominated for the Best Group title based on their excellent chart success the past year. Queen of Pop Madonna and Pop Princess Britney Spears continue their reign in the midst of all the widespread media frenzy over their personal life. Rounding up the nominations is Jordin Sparks who has against all odds proven herself worthy as an American Idol. She has been nominated for Best Adult Contemporary Artiste at this year's American Music Awards. We know all of them are great, but who can pop to the top this year?
Best R&B / Hip Hop
1. Alicia Keys (For “Superwoman”, “Like I'll Never See You Again”, “Teenage Love Affair”)
2. T.I. (For “Whatever U Like”, “Live Your Life”)
3. Chris Brown (For “With You”, “No Air”, “Forever”)
4. Ne-Yo (For “Closer”, “Miss Independent”)
5. Rihanna (For “Disturbia”, “Rehab”, Take A Bow”)
6. Keyshia Cole (For “I Remember”, “Fallin' Out”, “Heaven Sent”)
7. Brandy (For “Right Here (Departed)”, “Long Distance”)
2008 is a year where R&B and Hip Hop ruled the charts. From Chris Brown to Lil Wayne, all produced numerous chart-toppers making this year's Best R&B/HipHop a tough fight. Grammy favourite Alicia Keys reinstates her position with a stunning nomination based on the hits from her multi-platinum album, “As I Am”. Chris Brown and Ne-Yo both rising princes of R&B both also showing great showmanship in their single releases this year, producing Top 10 hits after Top 10 Hits. No surprises for Rihanna, who is currently one of the most well-received and popular singers. The R&B songstress has embarked on an amazing rise to the top ever since the phenomenal success of last year's “Umbrella”. Most recently seen dueting with Rihanna on “Live Your Life” is T.I. The hip-hop rapper makes a smashing return with both his current hits making the No.1 Spot in the USA. 90s R&B Sensation Brandy also makes a last minute quality nomination for her comeback hits “Right Here (Departed)” and “Long Distance”. Mirroring her success is Keyshia Cole, nominated for her soulful releases this year. She has been nominated for Best R&B Adult Contemporary Album for her album “Just Like Me” at this year's Grammys.
Best Rock
1. Linkin Park (For “Shadow Of The Day”, “Leave Out All The Rest”)
2. Puddle Of Mudd (For “Psycho”, “We Don't Have To Look Back Now”)
3. Paramore (For “Crushcrushcrush”, “Hallelujah”, “That's What You Get”)
4. Coldplay (For “Viva La Vida”, “Violent Hill”, “Lost”)
5. Daughtry (For “What About Now”, “Feels Like Tonight”)
6. Panic At The Disco (For “Nine In The Afternoon”)
7. Flyleaf (For “All Around Me”)
Rock shows no mercy this year with numerous quality releases this year. Linkin Park, with a slight Adult Contemporary turn in their musical style, reaches out to greater masses. Recently, they won the Best Group Video at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards. Similarly, Puddle of Mudd, Coldplay and Panic At The Disco all made well-received returns with their sophomore releases. New rock artistes Paramore and Flyleaf also made their mark in the rock arena with their groundbreaking singles this year. Last but not least, Daughtry proves that life after Idol is indeed sustainable by continuing their string of hits with “What About Now” and “Feels Like Tonight”. Who will rock up the night and receive this year?
Best Pop Song
1. “I Kissed A Girl” by Katy Perry
2. “Boyfriend” by Alphabeat
3. “Love Song” by Sara Bareilles
4. “Wow” by Kylie Minogue
5. “Bye Bye” by Mariah Carey
6. “I'm Yours” by Jason Mraz
7. “Pocketful of Sunshine” by Natasha Bedingfield
Best R&B / Hip Hop Song
1. “No Air” by Jordin Sparks & Chris Brown
2. “Fallin' Out” by Keyshia Cole
3. “Superwoman” by Alicia Keys
4. “Forever” by Chris Brown
5. “American Boy” by Estelle
6. “Disturbia” by Rihanna
7. “Whatever U Like” by T.I.
Best Rock Song
1. “Psycho” by Puddle Of Mudd
2. “Livin' In A World Without You” by The Rasmus
3. “Sorry” by Buckcherry
4. “What About Now” by Daughtry
5. “Shadow Of The Day by Linkin Park
6. “Nine In The Afternoon” by Panic At The Disco
7. “Fall For You” by Secondhand Serenade
Best Song
To Be Revealed on “Top 100 Songs of 2008”
(Released 15 December 2008)
Make Your Predictions Today!
Results out on 1st December 08!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Note: NOT an emo post. just whining.....
By now, the sick feeling of being at home, with nothing to do at home, sitting around for things to happen has kinda started to kick in. On my list of things i hate, waiting has got to be one of the top pests. Waiting is like the act of wasting probable effective work (effective in your own opinions...) and energy and TIME. Though technically and physicaly i am not old, i'm certainly not agreeable to give out my youth so generously and i'm pretty sure all of you agree with me.
But then there's nothing i can do but wait. Oh, that sickening feeling returns upon mention... Well, though i said i won't reveal anything before things were done deal (whether i'm "in" or "out"), i figure since i've told a number of my colleagues and friends about it and i don't even hear a rustling sound from the company, i might as well tell you my intended plan post-ORD.
Just like any other aspiring job-seekers, i found my small beacon of hope when i received an email calling for any interested in an certain internship with a certain company where i would get the chance to write, plan and basically work like i used to - but probably more professionally and under less "sheltered" environments. This is pretty enticing considering besides my ex-unit, i've had the privilege to sit and home, bum my life away and not having to worry about finding a job since secondary school (plus time and space didn't allow me then. I'm NOT SO LAZY LA...) Therefore the chance and need to expose myself (be it that it might be a painful experience) to the real working world. Which is probably why i decided to apply in hopes of building not only my resume (working with a slightly reputable organisation) but also build upon the work skills i've picked up at ex-workplace.
But after two weeks, during which i've very gracefully completed my service, my only bulb of hope didn't seem to shine so bright by now. So technically, i've put my eggs (though obviously, i have no eggs of my biological self) in one basket and the basket seems to be collecting dust instead of producing healthy yellow chicks. But i'm still holding on the the hope, after since i find it a good opportunity and i am certainly hope within their thick stack of better, if not equally, qualified applicants, they might find favour in me and call me AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND STOP TORTURING ME! haha.
Then again, if things so happen to work out (i didn't even want to say, "if i'm lucky" cause i know i'm not, and well, there's my own stupid superstition...), the apprenticeship will only commence in December, which leaves me ALOT of time, even if i start to count from now. And this period of waiting, as i've mentioned, would be a severe waste of my energy (thinking about it, you know... anticipation and stuff), time and money. Which brings me to my next interim alternative, TEMP JOB.
To someone who has never really "worked" before, Temp Jobs are like meaningless and they pay very little (but obviously more than service allowances). All that i've gathered from friends who had signed on for temporary jobs are that they spent either hours in office typing bland data into the computer or that they waste their time presuading (some don't) innocent strangers to purchase their amazingly comfortable pillows or mind-blowingly delicious "Kuey Ji" (i still have no idea what that freaking thing is that Kenny tried to sell when he worked at Taka's food departmental section). But then again, i didn't want to judge. Plus i'm a freaking jobless bastard staying at home, wasting national resources at this very moment to write his who-cares -about-what-you-think-and-feel entries on his pathetic blog. Not exactly in the position to past any judgement - just look for a freaking job!
And yes, i got the number of a job agency from Kenny and made the call. Since i didn't want to rule out my chances of possibly hitching the internship, i only requested them to help me find a job that has a commitment time of around 2 to 3 weeks. I sent them the resume after i made the call and haven't heard a single news yet.
So here i am, jobless and hopeless (have i already mentioned this for far too many times?), and surfing the net when i decided to check out some online job agencies to search for potentially good job offers that fit the time criteria i was looking for. Which is when i found this particular internship (yes, another one can...) that allows me to work in the Healthcare industries as various positions (low-level, requiring not much skills - i hope). So i made the call enquiry and mailed my resume over almost immediately. Which just goes to show the level of my desperation to do something considerably productive quickly. Reading a few chapters of Jason Hahn's adventures with "Saffy and Amanda" or Neil Humphreys' Omnibus Edition of his quirky Singaporean experiences (though i've technically completed 3 books, which is already considered "miraculous" for me) does not count as productive, beyond doubt.
Which means YET ANOTHER ROUND OF WAITING. I've subjected myself to not one, but (now) THREE rounds and i believe more rounds as long as i don't get myself a job. And oh, constant nagging by my mother and elder brother (recently seem to take interest in my "work status") which are well-appreciated but even more appreciated if they stop. Cause it's not like i'm not finding a job myself. Or that i'm not listening to what they're saying to me. But that i'm trying but IT NEEDS TO WAIT (right?). Seriously...
In fact, this entry already reflects my state of paranoia and anxiety. More than anything, i know that there is a now-and-getting-worse economy inflicting it's nasty effects on all. Which pressures on me to find a decent job as soon as possible and before all the decent-paying jobs are snatched up by annoying (being childish here i know haha) rafflesians or hwachongians who are better qualified and, i dare say, younger and more impressive than this skinny boy you're reading about.
Waiting, sitting, waiting. Waiting, sitting, waiting. Waiting, sitting, waiting. Waiting, sitting, waiting. Waiting, sitting, waiting. Waiting, sitting, waiting. Waiting, sitting, waiting. ........ ...... ..... .... ... .. . . . . .
Monday, November 17, 2008
Before i start proper today...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIDDY!
My "coveted" 3 wishes for you are: 1 - Better Skin and Self-Confidence (not that u lack any self-confidence - just needed sth starting with "S" to go along with skin) 2 - More Friends and Fun 3 - Good luck and Good Life!
*************************************************
Well, well, well... Saturday night was pre-birthday bash for Giddy to commemorate him stepping into the new age zone of adulthood, or in another words, he's getting OLDER!!! I know most women hate to talk about age, but somehow, ME TOO! haha. Thing is, i look younger than my true age (a pretty sad fact actually, being mistaken as "secondary school BOY" when i go for cheap neighbourhood haircuts...) and i do feel slightly younger as well which together reflects a level of immaturity about me which is utterly unfair. haha.
But anyways, back to Giddy and his party. I was very cordially invited to his party weeks ago, though i kept reminding him that i will forget it (just to tease him), and i did turn up for it (and very probably only because i had Ivan to send me there by car. Going all the way to East Coast would be SUCH A CHORE - i hope his heart don't break after reading this haha... Joking la!).
Leaving my mark on the Wishboard "Stay Foxy and Happy! - no more threats pls :) -"
Somehow i dunno why, i became a target amongst all my other friends who turned up for the party. Maybe i am a good, pure, morally upright and oh so innocent - not forgetting clever - person that's why they wanted to make me drunk using all means. Ya i think so too :) haha. Anyway yeah, at first they tried to get me to drink by saying i need to try to drink more (a whole lot of bullocks! ha). Which kinda failed cause i "accidentally" passed my "intoxicated" drink to Theo when he asked for a drink to quench his thrist after barbequeing for sometime. So Theo got kinda drunk and i didn't. HAHA.
Then they tried to play games and thought, with my level of intelligence and wit, they could outsmart me and thus, make me drink. Which failed AGAIN. haha... Technically, under most circumstances, i would lose at any game hahaha. But it JUST SO HAPPENED i knew how to play the "frog" game (of course i'm not that dumb to admit infront of them...) and so i was quite familiar with the rules and tempo. So i ended up drinking only three small sips, while the others drank a few more than me. Stars were on my side :)
But before i proceed with the third, and most successful, attempt, let's go back to the birthday. After all, it happened after the cake was cut.
Giddy with us (unit friends) WHO IS MOST STRIKING? (*proud* haha)
But before Giddy could cut the cake, his friends forced him to down a cupful of alcohol. At least his friends know what is happening. Hello? It's HIS BIRTHDAY. He's the one you should torture and take photos of the whole process and put it on the net (Oh, that's what i'm doing! I'm such a GOOD friend ain't i? HAHA. ). Not an innocent and good guy like me... haha.
-the lowdown-
1: Why so sad?, 2: Really hafta drink it? (these idiots...) 3: Half can? *acts pitiful*, 4: I HATE YOU GUYS!
5: *breathe in* (hope my qigong helps), 6:(slowly drink, maybe they'll pardon me) 7: SOMEBODY STOP ME! *Gulps*, 8: I like it man, I want some more......
when that was done (quite fast, he's quite the drinker in fact)
happy birthday!
If you thought the pranks were over, no... His friends decide to put some cake on his face haha. I would really sympathise with him but i wouldn't since he tried to play me. And what's bad about a lil' fun on your party right! (trying to get away from saying all these bad stuff about him) :)
the result of that
good friends stand behind and watch
HAHA. But in fact i wasn't standing behind there to just watch (the word "just" makes me laugh). I was actually with Terweeds preparing some alcohol drink for Giddy as part of "Make Birthday Boy Drunk" Project on the pretext of a birthday toast by two of his good unit friends. (Haha, i'm such a devious fella). But before i can actually laugh, the trick didn't pull off as i "naively" expected. He took a sip and knew what he was into. (Argh...) Instead, he now forces both of us to drink before he would agree to down that 70% (or is it 80%) Chivas + 20% GreenTea concoction. Which i'm okay until Terweeds BETRAYED me and joined evil forces with Giddy to pour ALOT OF VODKA/CHIVAS (i don't remember) into my cup!!!
If there's one thing i don't do, it's drink. Ok fine, i don't do ALOT of things. But this is one thing i NEVER do. But then, i was thinking that since i've been pretty unsporting the whole night (i can't blame myself for being clever right? haha) and Giddy's my good friend at office, WHAT'S A LITTLE ALCOHOL RIGHT!!! *claps claps claps* (all you reading better clap lol, it takes alot for a ME to do it ok... haha)
devils in our own way
smiles :)
cheers and down it goes!
And with that, the night faded as people took turns to leave and me too since i became pretty giddy shortly after the drink. It's like that feeling in lecture when you wanna sleep but you can't and you're trying your best to stay awake - the devil in you teling you "Just one second la... Go sleep :)" while the angel says in the next second "No! Don't if not..." And the fight keeps on going and going. Which is probably why i said i had to leave... haha.
But somehow i'm glad i did actually drink. It's out of the box for me, like doing something totally not me, totally different. haha. (I know, it takes a VERY boring guy to say that... :( haha)
So thanks Giddy for the invite and HAPPY BIRTHDAY ONCE AGAIN! :)
Friday, November 14, 2008
Part Two of yesterday's Post-ORD activities is dinner with many of my unit's friends. Office friends aside (which includes Oh-My-Tian, CM, Xiao Ron, Maxim, Jer and Marc), three guests were also invited - namely, Terweeds, Candy Tang and Vic.
This dinner was arranged specially to commerate the end of service of Candy Tang, Marc and of course, your truly.
ORD LOH!
Well, we ate buffet at the infamously popular Chin Huat Live Seafood Resaurant (buffet style) at Novena, which was jam-packed with so many people. The fact that the place was so small didn't help either. The ten of us were crammed up in a corner, hardly feeling good (because not only was it squeezy, it was HOT). But food was alright, not fantastic but alright. I probably won't go there again though. Comfort and class over so-called great food. haha.
But after that we decided to head to Paradiz, during which we camwhored on the way there.
Vic is so weak he can't stand straight
Max is not straight again. (as in hunchback in this pic haha)
2 pics, 2 words: Kiam Pa
Partae! (joking lol. not so happening)
Well, at Paradiz, there are three main things to do, all of which i don't excel in. One is LAN, two is Arcade and three is Pool. LAN and Arcade is O.U.T since i suck big time at games, whatever game it is. And Pool... Let's just say, i don't have good control of balls (i meant non-living type, you perverts), or sticks for that matter. But the rest like it so i'm more than willing to accompany them:
pools and guys
i ALWAYS second fiddle (see ball)! Yay!
this is disturbing. haha
So what does lonely boy do since he can't do nothing... He Camwhores :) haha. (Cries of Narcissism!!! haha)
me with fire extinguisher. saded
But not long after, everyone joins in the fun...
Oh My Tian...
L: Marc and I, R: Jem and I
L:Vic and I, R:Marc and Vic
old friends
break buddies :) (ter looks old with the specs... haha)
And as customary...
Group shot before we left (there's sth so wrong about Xiao Ron & Candy Tang: The pose, Xiao Ron's expression haha)
I guess it was a pleasant night meeting them for the first time, not as a colleague anymore but a friend, an ex-colleague. Thanks to all for showing up!
Standing By The Best
Going right back to my first day of enlistment, i finally met up with Meng and Jem, the only two BMT mates i keep in touch with, yesterday in town. I first met Ah Meng at City Hall, where we proceeded to have lunch at the hongkong cafe. We three were all supposed to meet together but i guess having two friends named Jeremy sorta confused me. I sent the confirmation message to the wrong one and Jem, receiving no news from me, thought it was well... cancelled. haha. (But he made it up later when he turned up halfway.)
Can't believe time really passed that fast. 1 year and 10 months ago, we were still trying to get to know each other at the island. 3 months ago, we were discussing how are we ever going to get through the rest of our service days. And now, we're sitting down at a hongkong cafe, enjoying (ok, not really) our lunch on a weekday afternoon, without having to take leaves, off or anything of that sorta. No obligations, nothing.
3 months ago... (in sad-der times)
Well, over lunch, we talked about the past, present and future.
But before i go on any further, i was pretty shocked that during our casual conversation, Meng - the avid fan reader of my boring blog - has actually introduced this little online diary about my nowhere-near-exciting escapades to his group of army friends because he said it was interesting. There is obviously still a lot of things i still don't understand about that fairskin politician-look-a-like friend of mine called Meng. Not that it's anything bad, obviously since a boring blog like mine can never contain anything remotely scandalous (no one would count my teenage obsession with Mandy Moore scandalous. PLEASE... haha). But to introduce it to his friends is plain weird. haha. Though i might have Paris Hilton's desire of media exhibitionism, this goes nothing close to it haha.
Since now i know there is a possibility that Meng's friends (yes, you) might read this, i shall take this opportunity to divulge some unknown facts about Meng. First, he actually watches Care Bear when he was younger. I know boys who watch Power Rangers and maybe the freakish turtles from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles but Care Bear is quite off the range even for me. haha. Second, for such a neutral face, he is quite the gossiper. And he gets away with it by being UNDER THE RADAR. So beware of this silent killer. haha. Thirdly, he is a PLAYBOY, girls! He has like so many girlfriends that i have to put an appointment months before i can meet him.
Yeah alright, i made the last one up. If there's anything i know about Meng, he's not the flirtatious type (look at him, if he can, ANYONE can. hahaha). He's more the magnet for lost travellers trying to find try way around Singapore.
Alright, enough of him for the moment. Coming back to past, present and future.
As for the present, i'm sure you know very well. We're jobless school-leavers who're taking a short break after almost two tiring and idiotic years in army and wondering around before we find a decent job.
As for the future, it's the job we're intending to get and impending university admission next July/August. Apparently, he's taking Mathematics and Economics which spells M.A.T.H.S T.E.A.C.H.E.R. Don't listen to him if he says Pharmacy is spelled G.U.A.R.D.I.A.N.
As for the past, if you're a follower, you should have by now read alot about this Meng's experiences with me back in BMT. I guess for the VERY MEMORABLE two months back then in BMT, he was, FOR GOOD OR BAD, a very big part of the experience. For goodness sake, i spent 48 boring rounds with that soul, he better be a big part. haha. But other than that, there are two primary things i associate him with. One, Jokes, about me, about others (some with me), with me and very seldom, about himself. Two, that stupid hole. Ah Meng is all about laughing at people (i mean it in the nicest possible way). If the line "It's only funny when it happens to someone else" is anything to go by, he exemplifies it, as much i do myself (but he does that to me, so he's better haha).
He laughs at me for saying "PT IC" ever since it happened. And he is still the only one who find it funny. Reading back on past entries, i've never quite told this joke before other than naming it the "PT IC" joke. (Probably because it was nothing funny to begin with lol) Ok thing was, there was a ice-breaking team-bonding session where each bunk group had to come up with their own unique roles and responsbilities. So because obviously there is an alarming disparity in physical capabilities in our group (me - and a few- and the rest haha), we decided to appoint a "PT IC". So when it was turn for our group to present our roles, i was very cruelly thrown to do the embarassing job of presenting what we've thought of to the platoon.
So i said something along the lines of "To help everyone in our group to achieve at least Silver in IPPT, we have decided to make one of us a PT IC". And the instructor asked "What is PT IC?". Generally, it is quite a no-brainer, having done numerous PTs in secondary school and college. But maybe i was unsound that day, "PT IC", instead of Physical Training IC, adopted a new name - Personal Trainer IC. Apparently i was thinking along the lines of a PT IC, acting LIKE a personal trainer, not so much of PT being the short form for Personal Trainer. Now i don't know who was more stupid - the instructor who asked me the understood question, or me who gave an equally himbotic answer. But whatver it was, it made Meng crack up everytime he mentions it.
Besides that, it was either the jungle proning where i was forced to keep re-doing until i got it right (something so humiliating but something he has so much pride when laughing about it i remembered, with no sense of sensitivity for my already-lost dignity as a person), or the panting during SOC, interpreted as my love for making sex-moaning sounds by the retarded instructor, that comes in second.
But i do my part to laugh at him, though distinctively not as successful. Besides poking fun at his obscruity in the platoon - no one would remember his name, much less pronouce it - i try my best to laugh at his amazing failure at SBJ. Meng was a decent performer in IPPT, a pass or silver was no problems back then. So it was interesting when he decided to join the weaklings for Remedial Training. (thinking back, it seems like poking fun at us. Someone who can easily pass needs remedial. Is there anything that can make us failures feel more useless? haha). Apparently, he claims he needs more practice on his SBJ and so decided to join the SBJ failures on their trial jumps. I was pretty much idling around so i decided to take a look at his skills when it came to his turn.
The previous few failures who attempted their SBJ did a decent job, some reaching the passing target two attempts and some ALMOST reaching the target, missing out by a few centimetres. So it was down to Ah Meng, the "silver award" holder who decided to crash the practice under no one's knowledge (other than me of course). He swing front *looks promising i though*, swing back *good posture*, swing front and back *ok, maybe he looks abit funny* for the second time, swings for the last time and BOOM! That split moment when he landed on the 120 mark i was down on my knees, laughing til my tears came out. I swear i could have died of instant heart attack due to the spur of laughter i experienced. haha.
But we generally do our part to laugh at others, giving them nicknames like "Grandma", "Shrek", "Molely" and "Mr Brown" haha.
For the genuinely good part, it is that freaking hell-hole we all had to dig. Honestly, if there was a war and he have to dig a hole the size of a coffin that fits us, i would rather die. Cause i would die either way. Everytime i think about the extreme exhaustion and desperation i felt when trying to dig the hole, it still sends shivers down my spine because other than SOC, it was possibly the other thing (for now haha) that can make me groan and moan so much - due to pain and lethargy. Though i must admit, the groaning was a desperate and pathetic "intended" call for help, though never explicitly mentioned ever before haha. But Meng was the only kind soul out there who stepped up despite not finishing his hole (though it looked MUCH BETTER than mine) to help me with mine. Someone who helps a friend in need is a friend indeed. Though i question if it's all a plot for him to undo the sins of laughing at me.. haha.
As for Jem, he was always the one i can talk to outside my bunk. He was in remedial training like me, so it's better cause we can understand how sad we feel when the others could rest in bunk. He helped me just as much as probably Meng did on a certain long march where i also peng-ed (and to my recent knowledge just yesterday, Meng saw my bag broke and thought along the lines of "Oh my, that seems bad, but what the hell, who cares, i'm in similar pain as he is. just continue with my walk and not help him.. someone will" haha. Selfish Bastard.) Jem and i also shared jokes with Meng and was in the loop when we laughed at others haha.
Alright coming back to yesterday's meeting, we met Jem later at Bugis where we walked around before settling for tea and talk at JCO Donuts till we had to leave for our separate appointments.
But what we talked about is what i've mentioned generally. haha.
I know i've thanked Meng and Jem before (at last year's Thank You List 2007") but since i'm all for my army experience closure, i shall thank both of them again for being such fun friends to be with and being such amazing parts of my army experience. Wonderful haha! :)
Return The Flavour
Rise and shine, and i'm a (slightly more) liberated person, not tied to the chains of national duty for now. (though i believe it'll come back and haunt me...). With the new life and new day ahead, i set out to pursue my latest interest in reading - borrow the omnibus edition of Neil Humphreys' trilogy adventure in sunny Singapore. And this will be the third book i'm reading this year.
Yes, you read me right. READING. I never could quite read, and the borrowed "For one more day" (from Kenny) is still stuck and page 14 and no signs of changing (though i promise i will try to move the number further SOON hah). But even since i got hooked onto 8days' "First Person" writer, Jason Hahn's columns, i have since read two of his amazingly funny books about his adventures with his two quirky roommates Saffy and Amanda (fictious...). And two books is an amazing feat. One book was already a miracle but two, mind you. I feel almighty just thinking i've managed to beat off the ever-so-successful-in-entrancing-me-into-deep-sleep-when-reading monster and overcome the odds. Now you know how hard it was for me to read. Well, to me truthful, neither of the two books are thick but it's already a big improvement for me.
I'm not sure how this interest will last but i know i better make it last. Reason being, i find i have no distinct interest, and i know how lame, and how amazingly shallow, it is to try to pick up "Reading" so that i can say i have an interest in anything other than music and gossip. Like what Kenny says, i might be a music fanatic, but IT"S JUST MUSIC AFTER ALL and almost everyone listen to music. Plus i've always like the IDEA of reading, cause it seemed people of class generally read books, and i'm certainly not one person to refuse to climb to a *breathes deeply* higher class haha.
Well moving on, dinner was sorta celebratory for me, since i got to meet up with Kenny, Gracie and Feng for dinner at Astons - just below my block haha.
the food shall represents us since we weren't in the mood for ppl photos
L: Feng, R: Me
L: Kenny, R: Gracie
Besides the "ceremonious" hand-shake to signify my re-entry into civilian world, it was usual catch-up - gals are busy, guys are not (ok just me it seems) - for the four of us who have not met for a long time since...... i'm forgotten. haha. Guess we're just really wishing for the December Holidays to come by to make us all holiday-fuzzy and excited... haha.
Some photos before we said goodbye:
(i wasn't in the shot cause i've taken with the HSM stars before... u shud know if u read my blog)
Thanks all for gracing this mini-event to mark my "freedom"! haha.
Well, that's about for now! More updates coming up...
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Almost two years ago in november 2006, i've just completed my A Levels and was anxiously awaiting my entry into the world of Army. Honestly, back then, i am pretty amazed that for a physically challenged (just a sugarcoat for WEAK), and so-not-sports-inclined person, i was pretty calm about the whole idea of army. Maybe truthfully, no one really talked about it and even if i heard about it, it was from my Commando brother, who said it was like CHALET. Seriously comforting words to a clueless weakling like me. And seriously deceiving.
College Days - No wonder i never could quite "break out" -
Not to say that Army training, having experienced it in BMT, was really that tough for me. It was on some levels, stressful, but using the word "chalet" was pretty far off. I really shouldn't have listened to a guy who was a COMMANDO, and of all things, had his picture on a safety message which he proudly framed up in his room. And i never had since then haha (he = commando = my elder brother = someone who lives beside my room and makes a lot of noise when he sings in his room, very possibly unaware of the fact that i can hear his terrible singing).
My stress came more in the form of keeping up. After all, I only merely managed to obtain the coveted "SILVER" in Napfa (in college to get the two-month service deduction). I still remember myself on the last Napfa attempt trying to get that 5th pull-up, crucial for the silver fitness award. Usually, i was done after 4 pull-ups. But miraculously, that FATEFUL day, i did a Jennifer Hudson and managed to do the 5th one. And for god-knows-what reason, i couldn't wait til i got down to get excited with my success. I had to shake super-excitedly on the bar to express my ecstacy and anyone who's seen my thin figure in person would know it would look like a scrawny money having fits while swinging on a tree branch. Certainly not the best sight of me.
Anyway, STRESS. Stress came straight up on the very first day. As everyone who's been there know, there is a sickeningly big and heavy bag, packed with our training equipments and stuff, which we have to carry to our bunks. And for a lean soul like me, it was pure torture. And it certainly didn't help that my bunk was located at the highest level - 4th level (why does it sound so harmless now? haha) If my memory didn't fail me, I was one of the first to reach the stairs but somehow, i DEFINITELY was the last. People even had to come back to "rescue" me from the obvious torment i was under. Besides my ugly photos of the past, this was probably one of the most embarassing moments of my life (many more to come after that). Beyond doubt, worry and anxiety became good friends with me from then now.
 Take a good look - these "idiots" stress me out lol haha-
If anything was to get worse, it was 2 minutes after when i reached my bunk and was further discouraged from the sight of generally fit guys. Hopes of finding anyone who also scraped through to get the SILVER award was diminished. But of course, as time went by, some - like Ah Meng - were the ones who managed to deceive me at first glance. But i was feeling so unsettled (as if the new environment wasn't stressful enough for me) that when i finally got the chance to speak to Yang Sis (my God Sis) that night, i almost teared while telling her how i worried i felt. This moment always brings me back to an episode of Desperate Housewives (ok shameful i know, but that's a past of me. I've stopped watching DH since Army. Moved on to THE HILLS hahahahaha) where Lynette cried to one of the housewive, saying why she was the only one thinking that she can't handle her problems and everyone else seems to be in control. Which Gabrielle/Bree replied by saying that "everyone has problems, but they just... don't say it out loud". If only i met one of those similar people on my first day (of course i did subsequently), i wouldn't have wasted my energy worrying so much then. haha.
Anyway, with BMT, my fitness improved slightly but still generally known for being one of the weakest in the entire platoon. But i guess i was never shy to claim my weakness in all things physical. I guess if you're bad at something, either 1) don't do it (which obviously wasn't a choice since service was compulsory) and 2) put the ugly upfront and save all ridicule - if there was any ridicule, at least it was expected haha. I also got to do so many stuff i would never ever have the chance to do in life ever again (and i never want to do it again to make things clear). I think that is why the experience is memorable. But it was a short 9 weeks and things ended before we knew it.
Then i moved on to further training to be a basic leader. Yes, you didn't read wrong. (i know...) If there was any word to describe me, it was NOT the word "leader". I realised that after a few unpleasant group projects and unsuccessful group outings. Even in the area of gossip i excelled tremendously in, i would never like to spearhead a gossip or be the chief "gossip" king. Though once a rumour gets to my ear (meaning i didn't initate the rumour), i do my best to "pass down the message" haha. But i guess i almost managed to pull through it with considerable challenge (but still tolerable). I think my fitness was at its peak (though VERY SHORTLIVED) at this point of time. Even i'm amazed that my body can do such wonders haha. Many interesting experiences also happened during this period, though i must say, not as charming as in BMT. And after 12 weeks, i ended my training in service after which i became a restless soldier then clerk which did anything but exercise.
my work place for the next one year plus (Boss in blue, female =X haha)
Clerk life became in Aug 07, which turned only full force extreme in May 08 after taking over a new portfolio with a new and much more difficult boss. But it was glad to realise that even if i was bad at physical stuff, i was pretty much in control of my work, despite it being SUPER HECTIC and STRESSFUL. And i still miss the days when i was in control. I learnt most about working during this phase, considering i have never worked before. Soft skills and life knowledge that matured and wised me up for the real world now. But besides work, i was able to know more people due to the very interactive nature of my work. Having to ask and request help from others, i had the opporunity to know more than the usual group of office friends only. Right then, and since then, i'm in control of both social and work life which impresses myself tremendously.
Looking at my IC photo, a terribly ugly photo taken in secondary 4, i have certainly grown a lot and changed for the better since then. I'm glad that my army life happened but i'm also glad that it has finally ended because i'm really ready for the next transition in life. Somehow my stint as clerk has made me confident that if i can do so in army, i can do the same outside. Like how birds feel it's time to fly, i feel it's time to get out and do something else. And the time is now.
P.S: This entry is entirely for personal "closure". haha.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
YES YES YES.
I HAVE ORDed! haha...
Pics of the presents i've spent my last few days of leave shopping for them - it was tough!
I spent so much time walking around and thinking of what suited them most. Didn't want to buy generic gifts for them because i know how sucky it feels to receives cups (like we don't have enough) and photo frames... As a goodbye gift from me, i felt there was a need for me to put in effort to think of what suited them most and expresses my immaculate talent for choosing gifts. (haha the last part is me exaggerating... not true haha)
pig calculator for piggy, bread pencil for bready lady, and owl for chai chai.
thank you present for boss
More on reflections tomorrow but here's more "THANKS FROM JOEL..." which i sent today before i left office for the very last time (censoring what i need to censor...)
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ TO MY BRANCH:Hi All in Manpower Branch,
Just want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for being part of my learning experience at HQ MC. I've learnt many work skills and life knowledge from many of you who has taken the time to guide and nurture me.
I hope i have done my dueful role as both a CM(Med) ASA as well as a collegue to all my peers. I really appreciate all the help everyone has given me when i needed it and i hope i have been able to assist you in the ways i could (or even when i could not) when you required help. Apologies to anyone for which my mistakes (at work) have given you some unintended inconveniences.
To Ma'am and other DXO supervisors who have been understanding and caring towards my well-being as well as in my field of work, thank you very much for the concern and for recognising the effort i put in the work that i do.
As a friend, i would also like to thank my fellow colleagues for being there for me all the time, being good friends who not only bring laughter to the office but sincerely show care for me.
So, once again, thank you all. :)Simply,
Joel
****************************** Ma'am (Br Hd), thank you for the guidance you've provided me all this while since i'm in Manpower Branch. Thanks for being an extremely fair and understanding boss to me (and all the rest). I'm very glad to be able to assist with the transformation as well as with the posting plans and i hope i've been able to help in any way possible.
Boss ("Ms Yv"), i've learnt alot during my stint at Manpower Branch and much is to be accredited to your mentorship, teaching me the ropes and educating me on the ethics of work etc. The work skills i've acquired will certainly be of use when i step out into the real world. Besides work, thank you for the care and understandng you've shown towards me all this while.
Ms "Chai Chai", sincere thank-you-s for guiding me so much throughout all this time. I'm very sure besides Ma'am and my Boss, i turn to you most for guidance in work due to your work experience. Really grateful that you are very willing to help me whenever i had doubts and queries. I've also learnt a great deal about life and lessons from the little stories you tell us. So thank you very much.
Ma'am "Bready Lady" and Ms "Piggy", I'm glad that you both see me as a cheerful and nice boy (cause that's what i am hahaha) so thank you very much for treating me really nice (and it's not just because of the bread and food you get for me haha).Workwise, i really appreciate the help you provided me.
Mr "CAT" and Ms "Chatterbox", hope i was of considerable help when i was under you assisting on resource & documentation matters, as well as WITS. They have certainly broaden my knowledge and helped in my work.
Ms Tan, Ms "Chipmunk" and Ms "Explosive", thanks for all the laughter and concern you've shown towards me when you were around. It enlivens the office mood and makes the office a better place for me to work in.
To the guys, as what you've already seen. :) (previous entry)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To EXTERNAL PPLE I WORKED WITH
(this excluding the friends from other places which i've already thanked them)
Dear Sirs/Ma'ams,
I'll be ORDing today so i'll take my last opportunity to express my thanks to all of you who helped me and whom i've helped throughout my past 1 year or so at HQMC.
I hope i've been able to assist any of you if your queries and requests and i hope i've managed to help you in the best possible way. I've learnt alot during my stint at HQMC from the work that i do and from the guidance that all of you have provided me. Ms "Piggy" and BBQ will be taking over me so hopefully he can better assist you in the future.
Apologies if i have made any mistakes and given you some inconveniences. I am a fresh graduate from junior college with little or no work experience. So I do all i can, keep up my learning attitude and hopefully improve along the way. No matter what, thank you all of you for being my mentors in any way possible.
Thank you!
Simply,
Joel
Monday, November 10, 2008
Well, today is my final working day at my unit/branch (though technically, due to the amazing workload i have, i still have to work tomorrow...), so i took the opportunity to say my thank you-s before i couldn't do so tomorrow.
THANKS FROM JOEL... (To friends)
page plus of words
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hi friends,
Joel here saying my last goodbye before i officially ORD tomorrow.
To be honest, National Service has been a useful period for me both professionally and personally, DURING and THROUGH which i've learnt a bountiful lot on working relationships and of course, friendships.
I might not be the most likeable person, nor am i the most personable but i hope i've been a good-enough friend/colleague who's there to help and share. (Though not all help comes without my share of "complaints" and not everything shared is "nice" - hahaha) Work has been pretty hectic for me all this while so I do really appreciate all the help you've provided me, and i hope i've done enough as a friend, if not colleague, to repay what you've done for me! haha.
Just want to say a big THANK YOU for being beside me all this time, no matter which unit or which branch we all came from.
If you still don't know, my email is simply_jloe@hotmail.com. This is a end of our working relation, but a start of a new, possibly better, friendship. And i do hope we will keep in touch :)
So, thank you again and all the best in life, love and luck.
Simply,
Joel
******office friends******
Office friends - Ronald, Jeremy, Junjie, Jun Qi, Chee Meng, Max, Marcus, Naz - Thanks for being a wonderful circle of amazingly easy-going friends who's brought laughter and joy to both the office and my life.
Marcus: Thanks for really helping me out on some of the stuff i might not be experienced or knowledgeable with. It's great to have a friend who understands what i do. haha.
Jeremy: Mr Role Model, thanks for being a very "initiative" person (this i quote) and nice friend, especially with the branch birthday celebrations etc. Numerous occasions you've helped me out also with the nitty gritties and i really appreciate it! Thanks!
Jun Qi: All about work is said and done so good luck to that. Besides work, hope sinus turns for the better for you (P.S: can't stand the dirty tissues you leave around on the table lol haha)
Ronald: Xiao Ron, more than anyone in branch (in the time i'm around) you've brought a lot of fun to the office. Keep the ball rolling :) but PLEASE, drop the "macho cream". haha
Junjie (the one that goes Oh-My-Tian): Spears can't get any bad-der / better than this - you. Your flair for drama has certainly brought some challenge to my sarcasm haha. I give my final lowdown here: As they say, "Think before you speak". But you also have to know the connotations behind it are "Think (wisely) before you speak (wisely). Bite the dust, baby.
Chee Meng: You're the other one in office that super-hyperventilates when laughing and that's a good thing (makes me feel i;m really funny haha). Pls continue to help suan a certain oh-my-tian when i'm not around k! haha
Max: You continue to work your wit when we see each other in NUS. It's always been fun to talk to you, and it's certainly nicer to know you're finally... straight. haha.
Naz: If anything is to go by, i'm your "neighbour" (love your radio until there was "interruption" on my very own table) And i hope i manage to help you whenever you ask me what mails for for you haha.
******others******
Terrence - Being my break buddy for this past one year or so, i must say lunch from now will definitely be different without you. Thank you for being a really good friend to me.
Wei Siang - Thanks for being the really nice friend that you've been throughout all this time we've known each other, listening to my little episodes of all sorts and helping me out through stuff (something about someone who somehow doesn't really like me - haha you know who i mean, and something i shouldn't mention about thursdays - cause i'm SUCH A GOOD FRIEND - so people will not know.) haha. We will continue our G.O.S.S.I.P somewhere else... haha.
Benny, Diong, Neo, Warren, Leo - I don't know how we got along but somehow we did (or maybe still not - but at least i know it's not with/about me) haha. Those stupid days of drawing maps, cleaning stores and COS duties were never really nice but surely memorable. And i'm glad you guys were there with me. haha.
Ruzaini - During a certain trying period, must say you were a great source of help from "the other side". It's been really great to have someone as musically "inclined" (as in inclined to english music haha) to talk to and help me with my stuff (though towards the end it was more like giving you "unnecessary" work). Must say, you work your wits well with me and well on me, so Kudos to you for that haha. (P.S: will not forget little ACS incident haha)
Junjie - Well, it's been an "exciting" few months working with you since i started to work full force on my work. For good or bad, as friend AND colleague, we indeed have gone through alot together. It's been nice to have you along through the hectic times, so thanks...
Boon Han - Thanks alot for being my source of advice whenever i have doubts or queries. It's nice to have someone to guide me along and i'm glad that he's someone nice to talk to - you (haha). So Thanks alot!
Other fellow friends at JMPD (Sam, Ren), SMTI (Baohe, Zhonghui), HQMC (Ivan, Benjamin), and the rest (Caleb, Kang Zhuang, Bryan, Tim): It's been great to know every single one of you in the little ways, and it was really great working with all of you. Thanks alot for helping me!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
More goodbyes (from me to my office) tomorrow...! THE FINAL DAY!
Until The End Of Time
Amazingly, i've lost the interest to blog anything personal for the past week since there hasn't been anything remotely HIGH-ing.
Some short updates on what i've been up to:
1 Nov 08 - Out with the office guys to watch Tropic Thunder (one of the worst shows ever...) before going to MINDS cafe to play some games. The highlight of the day was in fact about me making a major blooper that totally questions my reputation as self-acclaimed MUSIC GURU. We were playing this quick thinking (though must admit, none of us really came close to being REALLY quick-thinking) games where we had to say a word that is of a certain category and starting with a certain letter (of which either the topic or first alphabet changes). At one point, the topic was SONG, and the alphabet was the changing variable. So when one of them flipped the alphabet card to reflect the next alphabet in play, being extremely confident in my memory of songs of ANY starting alphabet, i raced to touch the "i know the answer" handmat. The letter was "B" and for god knows what reason, i was astounded, speechless and stunned. COULDN"T THINK OF ANY SONG. Only "Britney" kept popping up in my head. Of course, i was disqualified for pressing the button but not being able to provide an answer. Stupid Britney. (and of course, my friends had a field time laughing at me boo hoo hoo haha)
Mon and Tues was back to work to settle my outstanding matters before going back to my last two days of leave on Wed and Thurs during which i spent entirely on shopping for ORD gifts for the supervisors who mattered to me during my span of work. More on that tomorrow...
Friday was back to work again. But it was great cause there were not one but TWO ORD meals for me. Lunch was pre-arranged ORD treat by me to my two not-same-office-but-same-unit besties, Ter-weeds and Giddy. I didn't really planned it such that i will be treating but they certainly made it impossible for me to "refuse" their "orders" haha.
Dinner was ORD treat for Marc and me by boss at Raffles City Shokudo (Market Place) restaurant. I was treated to a range of delicious and certainly very delightable Japanese food. (If you don't know, i don't have a liking for Japanese food... but this was different hah). It was a nice sumptous meal coupled with the usual fanfare of office gossips and drama inputs from Oh-my-tian. (Sadly, no photos to show for both.... haha)
Saturday was Shopping for ORD gifts Part TWO. Fortunately, this time i had Kenny to accompany so it didn't feel as boring... haha. As mentioned, more on the gifts tml... As usual, conversation's great so it didn't feel bland... haha. Dinner was at DOME restaurant, Marina Square. Some photos, finally...
wishlist 08? haha. (speaking of which, my wishlist is coming up too haha)
Kenny's Gourmet Pie
My DOME-Club sandwich
nice and class food. :)
brow-boy and skinny boy
That's all for now, more tomorrow! See ya!
P.S: Dear All, Pls comment on JLOE MUSIC AWARDS 2008!
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music.city.soul
jloe is a serious music addict, with an slight inclination towards swedish and scandinavian music. he will always be mandy moore biggest fan, though currently he has a (huge) soft spot for lauren conrad. in his spare time, he enjoys chatting with friends, watching movies, and basically doing whatever his heart tells him to do. Peace.
SONG OF THE DAY: fibes oh fibes - run to you
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