Tuesday, December 30, 2008
The past few days at work has actually turned out to be pretty interesting. Instead of the usual looking-at-each-other-with-nothing-really-much-to-say (wow that’s long), we started to entertain ourselves. Or should I say, I started to entertain myself entertaining myself. We played Hangman, of which I realized maybe I might have a knack for choosing pretty easy-but-tough-to-guess words (or maybe they’re less game-inclined than me, which I dare say is super sad if you know how bad I am), and of course, act-ionary (guessing words & phrases based on the actions we do). My personification of “Cinderella” was, in my opinion, one of my best acting chops in my entire life, considering I don’t have the flair for drama and desire for attention (that’s why I seldom do anything attention-seeking haha – bitching is the furthest I go hehe).
Well, amongst all the fun and laughter we all were enjoying in these last few moments of 2008, I pretty much felt that was the general vibe of the year - a year of good (mostly) cheap laughter and feel-good stabilizers in life and work.
The year started off with two big bangs. One bang of absolute ecstasy (at the spur past midnight of 2008!!!) which was quickly slumbered by the second big bang of disappointment and personal insecurity. Without the need to go into details (cause it’s always the same old stuff), let’s just say friends are only friends who see who for who you are, what you are and even what they see themselves with you. I mention the last one because it’s always the one which make me realize how stupid and foolish I was to allow myself to fall into this pit. In a nutshell, what am I to them? Nothing. Therefore, nothing I do (no matter good or bad) will ever matter in their eyes and so there’s no point why I should be bothered to live them to their standards. What are they to me? You know my answer too.
In the past few years, I have gone through phase after phase after phase and this year is no different. In 2006, I turned from study freak to anxious pre-soldier. In 2007, I changed from mediocre soldier to budding clerk. And in 2008, I changed from budding clerk to busy clerk to budding worker back in the real world.
Transition phases are always tough for me, and they always indicate a moment of paranoia, of uncertainty, of anxiety. Taking on a new job scope took on a different set of rules altogether. Different people, different working styles, different procedures and finally different directions. So many differences that with a temperamental boss, things can get even rougher at the start. But, what don’t break you, make you stronger (and I add, wiser). It took a lot (of late nights hehe) upon me to learnt and be independent to pick up everything by myself, adapt to the surroundings and procedures but I was glad I managed to achieve a sense of accomplishment knowing what I have contributed at the end of my journey.
All these coincided with a few surprising turns in my relationships with people too. Having begun budding friendships with both parties on similar frequency, all I had to do was to find it in me to see that in my other “older” friends I felt the same way with. I managed to reconnect with some friends and began what I feel is a change in our connection (to a better level) and surprisingly, a change in me. I must say with each and every chance I meet up with any of my friends filled my spirit positively. What will in the long run, it’s too early to tell and it’s not something I sure of. But what is certain is I’ll cherish each of the memories and appreciate what we all share now.
I also took on this final year of personal freedom (before university and whatever that lies further ahead) to live life more free-spiritedly, aiming to please myself more. It was important to me to try to make people around me happy (mutually) but I also needed to make myself happy. To do what I want and to enjoy what I do. There was travelling (taiwan and cheena), watching / purchasing my favourite rom-coms, catching up with my good friends, shopping for gifts and clothes, watching performances / movies and of course, listening to my beloved music. This might seem insignificant to most but for me, it was catching up with whatever I’ve not been doing to myself for a long long time, even before service.
If 2008 is anything to go by, it was a good year. Didn’t start too well but still I managed to pull through and feel contented with the way I lived this year. 2009 will see another transition from budding worker to budding student (!) and this makes yes, another trying period. No expectations on how I’m hoping it to turn out. Just go with the flow and be myself. Short and sweet, simple as it is, cause that’s just me.
Cheers to 2008, on to 2009!
Push The Button
One quick post before i close the year with my Reflections 2008 in the next entry.
Lookback to Dec:
1) Music Features
Hope everyone enjoyed the JMA winners as well as my Top 100!
2) Meetup with Yuk and Krys
Steamboat catchup was pretty fantastic and last minute Christmas shopping was fulfilling. But SGH Volunteer cum Bus Ride was THE BEST!!!
3) Reunion with Hern
Missed seeing him for so long so it was just great to see him again :)
4) Other catchups
With Yang Sis, Ter, Ex-office etc. Always good to be around good company.
5) Stabilising at Work
Work has reached a plateau but hopefully more fun/gossip to last the way! haha
6) X'mas Shopping and X'mas Party
Merry X'mas Everyone! A bit dulled by the recession blues but still alright.
December was half very good and half not-so-good so i guess it's alright haha. Enjoyed meeting up with Krys most cause we have the most laughs. Well, it's a new year ahead so we'll see how it goes! (therefore no looking forward... haha)
Continue to enjoy the holiday mood well you can! :)
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Last year i presented my list of anything that made me happy and unhappy. So, as a special lookback before I close the year with my year-end reflections, these are my Top 10 Moments of 2008. Whether good or bad, they define the year of budding changes and rekindled friendships. The smiles and laughters as well as the frustrations and tears are best captured in these once-in-a-lifetime moments. To all friends who were part of my little journeys in 2008, just wanna say thanks again.
1. Laughter Therapy
With: Krys and Yuk
Quoted (from facebook): "Krystelle just had the most amazing day ever"
Marking the year of 2008 was a night of absolute spontaneous laughter. What started as a simple volunteering affair at SGH turned into a day of embarassing mini-disasters for Krys and i, so laughable that if the combination of Lauren and Audrina in "The Hills" is trouble, the combination of Krys-El is mishaps, sprinkled with lots of laughter. Moreover, a bus ride will never be just a bus ride from now on. The bus ride home with Yuk and Krys marked THE BUS RIDE of my life so far. We were shameless cam-whores immensed in our photo frenzy, amongst the bus-full of curious onlookers, and having the time of our life. This pair of friends brought me one of the best gift for 2008 and that was joy and laughter. Absolutely awesome.
2. The Hills Marathon
With: The cast of "The Hills", especially Lauren "Love" Conrad. And not forgetting Krys.
Quoted (from facebook): "Joel wants to live like the hills"
I was finally was able to relate my principles of friendship after watching this defining show of 2008. Watching how the dynamics of friendships and love were played out in this drama-filled reality tv series caught me up for two entire days and counting. The show also made the idea of going out to have fun, for holidays or for celebrations so super glamorous i was in "The Hills" dream for a pretty darn long time before i awoke to my own less-than-perfect reality. Well, at least i can work towards living like the hills from now. ha
3. Triple Birthday Bash
With: Family, Office and Friends
Quoted (All three groups): "Happy Birthday to you... Happy Birthday to You..."
Moving on the big TWO-ZERO was quite an unbelievable fact for me, but the fact that my friends and colleagues were happy to celebrate it with me i guess made the fact much much easier to swallow. I must say i'm really touched and pleasantly surprised at the effort people took, not for themselves, but for their little friend - your truly. Once again, thank you! :)
4. Romantic Comedy Fanaticism With: Kenny G and a now-defunct Yishun Branch of Laser Flair Quoted (from blog entry): "I've imagined myself being the star of my own romantic comedy..."
I never took my interest in Romantic Comedy seriously until the recent buzz of VCD sale prompted me to head down to Kenny's neighbourhood Laser Flair's closing down sale to hunt for my favourite light-hearted love-themed films. It slowly turned into such an obsession that i was pouring through any VCD shop i came across in hopes of finding the rom-coms i wanted. Tiring it was but the satisfaction came when i rewatched each and everyone of them at my own time. Love makes people do crazy things. I think.
5. Photo Lookback Hilarity
With: Kenny G
Quoted (from Kenny G): "Oh My God!" (to a uber ugly photo of my past)
Lookback never felt so fun until that simple day when Kenny G stopped by my little crib and chanced upon the photos i printed, some of which are the less-glamorous side of my past. All i can say is words were exchanged and tears were shed. But all in the good sense of laughter. If there's a chance, or should i say when i'm more emotionally ready, i will show it and you'll understand why. I swear it's good stuff. But highly confidential.
6. Many Many Late Nights at Work
With: Bosses
Quoted: Nothing (too tired, too pissed to comment haha)
Work amounted to so much that late nights with Macdonald's Delivery with my boss became almost a norm. A Norm, i can't even believe myself saying that. There was a sense of frustration towards work (the unfair distribution) as well as towards my boss who somehow took for granted my "willingness to help". But then at the same time, i finally understand why some people say money is hard-earned and i guess in some way i'm proud that i really did deserve the allowance i worked for. Plus it was not just money i gained but also friendships and experience which were more valuable than anything.
7. Kitty Kats
With: My family and some girlfriends (not mine) who fell for the "love trick"
Quoted (from my cats, Baby and Avril): "Meow~" (in one of the rarest occasions)
Two little creatures made their way into my little home in tomato town and proved to be a popular feature with many of the guests who visited. These two furry animals were only palm-sized when my brother picked them up on the streets but have grown into such strong and adorable purr-toys. I've always dreamed of having cats as pets but i never expected that to happen so fast. And to have two in one go was a sugar overdose, too sweet to handle. haha. 8. Emotional Rollercoaster (Jan to Mar)
With: Myself
Quoted (from blog entry): "This is the struggle i go through" When i first heard the theory of "Try not to be SUPER HAPPY" - because things will surely go down subsquently and the bitter aftertaste can be quite hard to take - i didn't really believe. Until i have the most ecstatic countdown of my life and ended up foolishly sobbing over people who don't mean a single thing to me. More personal insecurities about myself and work set in time and time again from Jan to Mar 08 which only served to bring me down further. But like any other bad experiences, i walk out wiser than before. And that's what's most important. 9. Taiwan Travel
With: Fengie, Gracie, Aunty Nancy and some random strangers on the same tour
Quoted (from blog entry):"late night shopping at Ximenting yesterday night...and now i'm back in Singapore!"
I took my own first step out of sunny island Singapore in March with gal pals Gracie and Fengie and left for Taiwan. That was the first step in fulfilling my dream of travelling round the world and experiencing the different cultures every destination has to offer. 10. National Day Parade
With: Kenny G, Astra, probably the whole of Sg
Quoted (from blog entry): "Certainly a far cry from my choir days..." 
Occupying my weekends from July to August, very unwillingly, was ironically for the national crown affair of my country's birthday celebration, which i volunteered for (well, Kenny pulled me in). Truth be told, i wanted to relive my days in choir when i participated way back in 2001 which i had so much fun. But guess good thing never happen twice. It was tiring, unsatisfying and sadly, boring. Maybe the Singapore sun really shone too brightly cause it reflected my social and musical drought in Jul/Aug and added on to the "does it have to happen right now too" lameless of it all.
P.S: ORD is not on the list cause... i never really felt i was enslaved by anyone all this while (though i was by my workload). haha. I was basically just working in a governmental organisation under a "bond" which requires me to be in uniform. haha. Plus all the buzz of ORD amounted to NOTHING.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
2004: Your Love Is King
2005: Perfect Little Things I Can’t Release
2006: Don’t Miss the Diamonds along the Way
2007: My Sense of Solid Ground
Headlining this year’s Thank You List 2008 is the hit song from British band, Keane’s “Somewhere Only We Know”. I think it has been a rather satisfying year of friendships, whether it is retying the knots of long-lost connections or the beginning of a special bond. As I’ve mentioned a couple of times before, I genuinely hope my wish of “may the good remain and the best never fade” hold true as long I’m alive. To all my mentioned friends, thanks for being part of me, my life and my 2008. Each of our experiences will also be remembered fondly in me, as Somewhere Only We Know.
1. Yang Sis
I think we both agree there’s no real need for us to exchange mushy words of thanks whether in a card, or even on my blog because we both know our place in each other’s heart. For the past 8 years it has been. Thanks for being there for me anytime, anywhere, for any form of moral and emotional support (as much as I have been for you) and as good company for shopping and movies.
2. Kenny
What a year it has been for both of us indeed. We definitely had a very different year, with countless attempts at volunteering (especially the “memorable” NDP) and varying experiences in life in and out of service. For all things in life, for better or for worse, it was great to have you as a reliable and good listening ear all this time for me to pour my woes (if any), share my encounters as well as musical obsessions.
3. Ter-weeds
Well, things happen and somehow we end up being break and lunch buddies in camp. As I’ve said, lunch will never be the same without you haha. It’s always good to have someone around (who’s not from office) to share my gossips with and to talk about anything but work (away from other less like-minded people haha).
4. Office Friends
Believe I’ve thanked all of you enough in my ORD Thank You email but to reiterate, I’m really glad to be part of this group I can really have fun working in. Everyone of you have made my time in service much more memorable and enjoyable. I will always remember all the office jokes and happenings when I was around and hope there are more to be made as I (we) move on in life. Special thanks to Josh for your guidance, Marc & Jem for your willingness to help and Jen, for the jokes.
5. Krys, Yuk
To the two who have brought the most amount of spontaneous laughter in me in the shortest amount of time. It’s just great to know that the chemistry we had in college, though not well-developed back then, was able to extend beyond academic shelf-life. Of course, to Kryssie, I love “The Hills” more now that I know you love it too haha.
6. Giddy (aka WS)
I will always miss my gossipy phone calls to you on anything. It takes my mind of the darn work I do and provides me with the “hyper-ventilation” I desperately need. Haha. Thanks for listening and laughing along haha. (Thanked before in “ORD Thank You” too)
7. JJ (Tan)
Other than my own boss, you’ll probably understand the extent of workload I (we) were handling back then. It was great (or sad) to know there was someone pushing on like me on the other side of the island (haha). More than a colleague, you were also a great friend to talk to and share every little thing with. Must admit things went a bit awry towards the end as the dissatisfaction from work started to set in but after all, it’s just work. You’re my friend and nothing non-personal should change the way things are :)
8. Fiona This once-little "sister" of has certainly grown a lot since our music-hunting days to become confident and outgoing haha. It was good having the chance to mentor you (as well as volunteer with you) in your studies but i think you'll do just fine. Well, finally after years of lagging behind me, we are both now waiting for the next phase life called university and hopefully we will move in tandem from now :)
9. Feng, Gracie
We (including Kenny) has certainly seen each of us grow throughout the year, moving on with different phases in life. But you both were a great constant to have.
10. Ah Meng, Jem
Last year marked the unexpected start of a friendship but the completion of service certainly should not be the end of the “bond” we have. If asked about service, other than a heavy workload and great office friends for company, it’ll definitely be the memorable BMT period during which we shared all our silly moments.
 
11. NDP Mates / CPF Mates
NDP mates including Astra for the company and CPF mates like the mighty brothers (James and Fab), GML etc for being on the last few moments of 2008.
12. Parents
Contrary to looks, I’m not exactly the nicest son material. But thanks to my parents for (1) driving me to camp when I was in service and (2) giving me te chance to travel two times this year (cheena and taiwan!) and lastly, providing me with whatever I have.
13. Kitty Kats
Thanks for being the cutest “toys” I know I can definitely turn to when I reach home (and they can turn any foul mood good) haha :)
Small thanks to other friends like Hern, Eliz, Clara, Jian Hao & Evonne for meeting up and catching up during this year as well as my various bosses for which without them I won’t have learnt what I have. You all played considerable roles in contributing to my growth in 2008.
Under The Bridge
what i expect to be probably the last two outings of 2008
1. Gathering Cum Jen's Mini Bdae Celebration
Wishing Jen, One: Find her own lovey dovey Two: More Smiles and Laughter Three: More Chipmunks in her life! (we bought a X'mas Chipmunk for her, courtesy of yours truly)
some other photos to share
dinner at Ajisen Ramen (Bugis Junction)
then walk abit
We settled for deserts at Macdonald's (exactly... don't ask me why haha) before heading home. Pleasant gathering during which we had the usual talk and laughter.
2. Twilight Movie Outing With KGS
We watched the movie at Marina Square, after which we did abit of walking around as both gals were not feeling too well (in fact, all four not feeling too in-the-mood...). The movie was so so-so. Nothing close to the whirlwind romance i thought i might feel. Blahh...
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Christmas came slightly early for me on Sunday when Kenny organised his very own X'mas party at his own crib. Well, it was pretty nice to see the gals (Gracie and Fengie) which i have met for a really long time as well as whoever was there (coincidentally some were ex-schoolmates).
There was some simple games (picture-phrase guess and uni orienation games) were played to enliven the mood in the little Yishun flat. Ok, i don't really have much to say about the mini-party so photos shall do the talking haha:
the party
merry christmas everyone :)
the girls return
yups, me in green
host (kenny) with his diff groups of friends
family photo?
kenny and gracie
After some guests left, gracie, fengie, kenny, kelly and i stayed to open our little presents. it's always nice to receive presents and exciting to open them infront of the "givers" haha. we have a pretty fun time haha.
the after-party aka gift-opening
I LOVE MONICA (from friends)! haha
displaying our gifts
vogue girl
peekaboo (scary... haha)
3 pairs and a trio
i feel i look abit beng here (better not agree with me... haha)
final shot! whew!
Well, thanks to kenny for the invite to his little par-tay and for the gifts/cards i received! Thanks alot for keeping me in mind when buying those gifts :)
P.S: Short entry cause photobucket kept giving me problems. by the time i uploaded the photos, i'm too tired and sianz to write my usual "blog essays". haha.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Some few updates before i turn in and close yet another of the last few weeks of 2008.
Well, the weeks has been generally slow for me, with usual work on weekdays (nothing to really talk about here).
On Saturday, i met up with long-time-no-see friend, Evon, for brunch. I think i saw her sometime after i ended my army training and was starting office life and didn't get to meet up with her until recently, of course by now i've also completed service.
After which she and me shopped around at Bugis, which after she left, i continued to do my own leftover christmas shopping for my deserving friends ha. And managed to grab some cheap CDs for myself while pouring myself through the entire discounted cd section at Gramophone :)
During the intense CD sweep, Yuk asked if i wanted to come down to support her choir at Orchard as they were doing Christmas Carolling. Well, somehow Krys and I were both in town so we decided to meet up once again. But she also had to do her leftover christmas shopping so we literally shopped til we dropped cause we both were quite indecisive hah. Krys of course, was also immensely lovestruck with her impromptu encounter with Mr XXX. ha.
Somehow things also go wrong with Krys and I cause we're either at the wrong place, or doing the wrong thing, and at the wrong time. And this time, we thought Yuk's first performance at 830pm was at Taka when actually it was at Heeren. We settled down after finding good seats at Taka and somehow didn't think the choir performance was beginning anytime soon. So i checked Yuk's msg again and then we realised our silly mistake. So we had to make our way to Heeren (thank god that was still some time before it started). Of course, during which we managed to piss some crazy idiotic guy on the streets who thought we were blocking his way who became more angry after we were laughing at the inconvenience we caused him. He was really crazy haha.
We reached Heeren on time and decided to eat some chinese desert while watching Yuk's choir sing christmas carols. Well, something stupid happened again. Krys wanted to eat the Prawn Chee Cheong Fun (definitely not my kind of food) so i was okay to try it. Turns out the gravy of the chee cheong fun was SUPER SWEET. We requested for soy sauce and salt and were given none so we both suffered so much just to finish eating it. I couldn't take it so i could only eat the prawns. haha. But the pain we went through while watching Yuk's performance. haha.
After which we walked to the bus-stop to head home cause both of us were totally exhausted after a day of shopping. It's always fun to meet Krys cause we get into all sorts of funny mishaps everytime haha.
Well, i'm just satisfied i've completed my christmas shopping and now just waiting for the end of the year to pass by. Speaking of which, my inaugural "Thank You List" and Year-end reflections will be coming up, which means more blogging from me. A good thing if you're sick of the music stuff i've been posting for the past few entries haha.
Alright, enjoy your holidays for now :)
Monday, December 15, 2008
Unless you're a WOMANIZER, a hundred songs isn't alot. This is the list of HOT (N COLD - to some) songs of this year. Don't worry, we'll take it ONE STEP AT A TIME. After all, it just KEEPS GETTIN' BETTER as we countdown to my
TOP 100 SONGS of 2008
SONG OF THE YEAR 2008 
1. I Kissed A Girl - Katy Perry
Can't Help But Wait
Well, FINALLY after so long i managed to do my Christmas shopping, buying some gifts for friends and, most importantly, MYSELF! haha. Though i must admit i'm not really in the mood for Christmas. Guess it wasn't like last year when the mood sorta came with all the fun things happening. This year's more dull and i just don't see the point of being in the holiday mood because it's the holiday season. But it's still not bad, being able to see most of my friends more often lately :)
Coming back, Kenny and i met up in Bugis for shopping and after a day of shopping, my harvest was not bad, not bad at all! haha
1) Leather sling bag - have wanted it FOR SO LONG and never got down to buying it
2) New Watch - same as above haha
3) T-shirt - love t-shirts!
4) Checkered Shirt - finally collected a checkered design
5) Gifts for friends (X'mas and Bday)
I'm really quite satisfied with the harvest cause most of them are what i've desired for a long time. I still need my new pair of shoes (i have none now...), new ear plugs (the ones i'm using are going to spoil soon...) and probably new wallet haha. Greed breeds more greed indeed hah
And yes, i spent ALOT. Super broke now, don't think i'll ever want to visit a restaurant at least in a month or two haha. Somehow i'm more accustomed to food court and coffeeshop (which i used to ban) now that i've started working outside. Not really something good to be used to those type of cheap food but whatever, i hardly even eat much so why spend so much on them haha. But that reminds me i have got to eat more!
Photo-time
eating at HANS
 another xmas shot shopping around at marina square kenny with dorae   the left one reminds me of my kittens!!! Well that's all for now! Catch my Top 100 Songs of 2008 next! I worked very hard on it!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
After what seems a boring half a day of work and one quarter of alone christmas shopping in orchard (going orchard to pass my temp timesheet so i did some shopping along the way. haha), the day seemed pretty tiring for me. Especially when i've become really tired after last week's gathering season haha.
But EVERYTHING CHANGED when i met Yuk and Krys for this SGH Volunteer stint. Yuk, being the veteran volunteer there, invited both of us to the christmas concert the hospital was holding for the patients over there and volunteers were in charge of inviting and helping to bringing interested patients over to the concert venue (only a mini concert btw).
Krys and me ended up on the same group and as past volunteer experiences go, the combination of both of us SPELLS DISASTER for volunteering. Krys and my volunteer experience go way back to the first three months of college, at the AJ renowned Chesire home (if i didn't spell wrongly). Together with Sumitha (first three months friend), the three of us were accompanying one particular handicapped indian boy that was probably around our age for drawing.
But for whatever reasons unknown to all of us, he probably just didn't like me and kept throwing sarcastic comments at me while being very nice to my Sumitha friend. If i recall correctly, it was about a stupid drawing of a dog and i asked him why he wanted to paint his dog purple when that colour was SO NOT THE COLOUR FOR ANY LIVING DOG IN THIS WORLD. And i asked nicely of course but he was just being plain mean to me, as said by Kryssie. haha (so don't blame me for being judgemental ok. i'm a nice volunteer haha)
bimbotic volunteers
Anyway, back to the concert, in our group of three (Krys, me and another old lady) managed to invite 6 patients to the concert but we only had 3 wheelchairs (i kept saying 'trolleys' that day). So Krys and i had to go and collect 3 more from another block - which was also good cause both of us didn't really dare to approach other patients to ask if they want to go for the concert haha. (shy la!)
Apparently we had to go from Block 1 to Block 3 but that stupid block seems SO FAR AWAY. Then when we're there we saw no freaking signs of any wheelchairs so we walked around aimlessly within the wards cause we thought the possibility of finding wheelchairs there would be like high. But we being really quite lost. After walking for like 10 minutes (concert approaching...), we met other volunteers pushing wheelchairs so we asked them where they got them from. Turns out they were at the hospital entrance just a turn away from the Block 3. It was like we're in an episode of Amazing Race and we had to find where the cluebox was and we would lose cause we were so clueless. haha. We just kept laughing at how dumb we were.
Then the Roadblock came. TWO of us had to push THREE wheelchairs. Krys and i adopted the three wheel chair together method with one of our hands on the middle wheelchair so all will move concurrently. But we were like so clumsy and could hardly manoeuvre the wheelchairs that we kept laughing and laughing along the way. We two should never join the Amazing Race cause we'll just laugh all the way and be eliminated on the first episode. haha.
 Dobby with Harry Potter (haha)
When we finally reach our floor, we found that other volunteers had managed to push more wheelchairs there as well and at much faster speed that us (much to our utter disgrace haha). Then after pushing one patient up the concert, our job was pretty much done and we sat down to watch the mini concert of handbells and chorale performances - though Krys and i were like bitching throughtout about this overly-sweet girl who couldn't wipe that ever-so-happy smile off her face haha. (we're so mean!)
Chorale performance
After the concert, we tried to help out with some packing up (though we didn't really do much cause we were so slow... haha) before settling in for some catered food for the volunteers. But in a way it was really fun because the last volunteer thing was NDP and it was pretty bad and this time round my friends (though as stupid as i am) were with me haha.
ok, don't forget Yuk hah
We left shortly after the dinner since we didn't want to participate in the volunteers' game and since Krys wanted to see the maternity ward - baby's room - badly. But after searching for some time, we figured it was probably out of bounds. Too bad for Kryssie tho haha.
Then we proceeded to walk to Chinatown area for some deserts and more talk as usual.
But along the way we saw Yangtze Cinema and apparently Kryssie has never heard of it. So most of the time we were talking about it. Everytime we go out we talk about SHIT, PUKE, URINE and now DIRTY OLD MEN who watches movies like "Sales Girls". haha.
Time must have passed really fast cause it was becoming late so we all decided to take the same bus back. Then cam-whore party began!
at the bus stop
nice and normal
ugly and emo
then we boarded the bus
permutations
group shots :)
individual shots
my "girlfriends"
love hate relationship haha
posers
Just in time for XMAS!
All the cam-whoring was really great laughter and fun which TOTALLY made my day. Had one of the most amazing nights, provided me the laughter therapy i so needed haha.
*******************************************************************************
And Krys did this today:
nice!
And one for each of us! (i'll only feature mine big big haha)
mine   theirs
I Wish For Better
Work has been absolutely boring for me the past week, and although it's gonna make me sound very loser-ish and whiny, i really feel like quitting the job. haha. I'm currently trying to find a better job (yeah right? in this recession time......) so that i can have a change in environment and of course change in workscope.
My desk
Well, the current work that i do, which is purely picking up calls and answering public enquries on national schemes, is like one tenth of what i used to do when i was in service. And this is suppose to be THE REAL WORLD. Weird but true. Which is why if i want to find a new job, i want it to be something more meaningful where i am able to manage certain administrative matters etc. After all, i'm a fruitful learning experience right now so what i do now to me is very crucial to my future. I just don't see the point of me hanging onto a job where my learning curve is by now plateau after two days of lecture and about a week of settling into the job.
So keeping my fingers crossed on finding a better paying and more meaningful job, but since i'm on the topic of work, shall show you some pictures my colleagues and i took when our two days of lecture training ended (tat happened like two weeks ago):
It's pretty random how i got to know GML (the one in brown jacket) and Sharon (one in white). I met GML when i first went for the interview. When i reached the HQCPFB building, GML was behind me. But of course i didn't know who she was and though i suspect she might be another candidate for the interview, it would be out of character to approach her to ask. But we boarded the same lift and arrived at the same floor and followed some other people (also applying for the same job - alot of vacancies it seems) into the office. GML and i was assigned to sit at a particular corner, slightly away from the main group, to wait for the interview. Apparently, there were more than 10 people waiting for the interview which sorta worries me cause it would be so nauseating trying to sell myself to the employer in front of other strangers.
Which is probably why i said to GML, "So many people...!" haha. And from then we talked a bit. Then enter Sharon, a secondary school friend of GML, of which both of them has slightly lost contact for a while. So they talked and i briefly knew her.
So after the interview, if we were selected, we would definitely see each other the next day due to training for our batch of new workers. So ya, all three got selected and saw each other the next day. Since GML was the only one i talked to, it was natural to maybe just be with her and her friend Sharon. Don't want to bore you further so i'll keep it short. After training, we three ended up in same place and so now working together, suffering the pain of boredom together.
Well, there are other people along with us at the woodlands workplace like Brinjal and i managed to meet other colleagues there so it's pretty alright, though i still miss office life with all the boy-ish fun and office gossip (not the work i stress, maybe a bit! haha)
That's all i'll share about my current work for now haha. Major update coming up! haha.
Bring On The Day
This week has been sufficiently meaningful for me, especially since GATHERING SEASON is back!!! haha...
31 Dec 08, Sun: KBox to celebrate Josh's return to Singapore
the guys
Yups, ex-Boss and Ms Chipmunk were there too
1 Dec 08, Mon: Meet Kenny for dinner at the "new and upcoming" Northpoint, unveiled my JMA winners to him first hand and talked about other people's life more than our own haha.
2 Dec 08, Tues: Meet Ter for dinner at Khatib (he suggested it haha) and caught up with whatever was happening with both of us since i left service. Well, he saw me in office wear for the first time and said it was an "overkill". I don't look that old and funny ok! haha.
3 Dec 08, Wed: Steamboat with Krys and Yuk (blogged earlier)
4 Dec 08, Thurs: Watched BOLT with Yang Sis. It's one of the funniest movies this year, omg. Bolt, his toy carrot and Rhino are all so cute haha. Really provided some much-needed laughout-louds.
5 Dec 08, Fri: Finally able to rest at home haha.
6 Dec 08, Sat: Lunch Reunion with Hern (blogged earlier)
7 Dec 08, Sun: Met up with Yang Sis again to go window-shopping as we both seriously need to buy X'mas presents for our friends! No time already...... haha
8 Dec 08, Mon: Family outing - Met with my aunty and my pri school cousin.
Well, hopefully more to come with this holiday season! Really enjoyed catching up with my friends, just in time for this mood of Thanksgiving and celebration of people who matters to you.
Hard Candy With A Surprise Center
Today I SHALL REMINISCE! haha.
But i must brave myself for whatever jokes and comments that will come my way after anyone who reads this post. Well, you will know the reason why later.
Thing is, ever since A levels ended in 2006, my college class, one that is not so united, has hardly met up for anything. In fact, there was only ONE class outing which half of the class didn't even turn up. But that one time went pretty okay so i don't really have much comments on it. Even so, i was kinda expected the cold reception since i mentioned my class wasn't the type that is all up for gatherings.
But i didn't expect myself to lose quite a bit of contact with my closest college classmate, Hern. There are probably a few reasons for that, and i'm sure he'll kinda agree haha. First of course, is that we've seen each other almost every single day in school for that one year plus in college and we're totally sick of each other. haha. Truth be told, i can be quite hard to get along sometimes. You know, SERIOUSLY CONCENTRATED ON MUGGING? DON'T DISTURB! haha. Ok, i'm not that extremism but close hahahahaha. (joking la!) Second is that ever since we entered army, all the different transitions and training schedules make it very difficult to keep in contact. And we're both too tired to try to keep in contact.
Anyway, abit about Hern and i here. After all, i promised him a "cover story" so i will give it to him haha. (But warning, i will use this chance of reminiscence to show my college photos since i've never gotten the opportunity to do so. A few - you know who you are... tsk tsk -have seen the photos and said i look "DAMN UGLY LA". Super honest friends. So if you wanna laugh, laugh but i hope you choke. yay)
Talk about ugly side of me, probably Hern has seen it all better than others since he's the closest to me in college. Yes, i admit, i was pretty muggerish back then. I had one aim and that's to get good grades.
In one of the class outings - Yeah.. i look tired haha
But it was good to have Hern to balance my inate bitchy side haha. We used to play bitchy to each other, acting sly (especially when it comes to studies... and i will win hahaha) and gossiping about others. But of course, i love him most for his immaculate impersonation of Tyra scolding Tiffany in one memorable episode of ANTM (we're both big fans back then). Never fails to make me laugh til i cry.
Hern: Any tips for exams? Me: (SO NOT TELLING YOU!)
But well, hopefully things will change from now. After trying to meet up for god knows how long, we've finally done so, without waiting for some others who couldn't care less like us both (haha).
No prizes for guessing where we ate
Speaking of eating, i used to eat very little when i was in college. The food in college sucks but i was usually not in the mood to eat (in the mood for mugging only mah hahaha). So maybe it was a bit irritating for Hern who was quite flabby then =X haha. After walking around Wisma and Orchard, we settled at Pastamania, Cathay Cine for lunch and caught up with each other, any gossips and whatever there is to say. After all, we have hardly spoken to each other for SO LONG!
just want to show myself :) PS: Not being biased bcoz Hern deleted the "ugly" photo i took of him PPS: Then again, it might be a deliberate plot of mine :) muahahaha
Back then, i wasn't exactly in the mood for anything, plus i always look tired so i never really liked to take photos. But of course, with recent times, there has been changes and i've become a bit camwhorish so it was just great since i know he was quite camwhore then already haha.
Me and Hern, finally
Well, it was really a good thing that we met up. But then, he'll be leaving for Aussie in late Feb next year so we'll not see each other again haha. But of course, we will make an effort to meet up more often from now til then (and before we make our own future "best friends"), RIGHTS? hahahaha.
Feels Like You're Gone Too Soon
Quite a number of catch-ups this week but update more on that in the next entry.
No doubt, one of the catch-ups were with my "girlfriends" (they say so haha, WITH HEAVY STRINGS ATTACHED of course.) who i have not met for a long long time since they were busy with their university exams.
We met at Bugis for steamboat but Yuk was fashionably late (with a new haircut no less) for a whooping 47 minutes! But it was alright since Krys and i were obsessively talking about our favourite show in town, THE HILLS (!!!), while walking aimlessly around Bugis Junction. We tried to sit down to talk but the stupid ringing bell from SA totally irritated us - in a funny way strangely ha.
Shortly, Yuk arrived and we set off for Steamboat. (Alert: Photos Galore! Finally haha)
Before the food came
 
L: Krys and Yuk, R: Joel & Coke (great..... haha)
 
No la, they still like Joel :)....
I think they were seriously alot of lame jokes almost every second that it was so hard to eat ha... Especially when we keep making jokes on SHIT, ANUS (double anus anyone?) and PUKE. Plus i shake alot when i laugh haha. Two people who can't use chopstick well in pick-the-clam competition I WON :) haha
Krys and I seriously ate like ALOT of the meat and stuff while Yuk claimed she ate alot of mushrooms and clams... haha. But it was nice steamboat i guess, especially with them. Can't really narrate the whole thing out since the feeling wont be the same. haha
  Joel.Krys.Yuk Then because Krys and I needed to eat some deserts to get rid of the sick meat feeling after the steamboat, we decided to walk to city hall, while camwhoring along the way like drunken fools. ha.   Me and Kryssie Mummie....   stupid poses   dreaming   X'MAS!!! Unfortunately when we reached city link all the shops were closing already so we had to leave. Yuk was leaving for clubbing so Krys and I took the same bus home while continuing our Hills-y talk.
Felt like i just had my own The Hills moment that night haha. Absolutely great :) hah.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Hi Guys, in just one month, there has been a couple of changes and well, that's what i call November. And it has, on a very simple note, ended. haha. Well, a recap of the memories in November:
1) Pre-ORD
There were a couple of pre-ORD celebration (and three post ORD celebration) so thanks to all who were part of it :) Besides that was also Pre-ORD gift purchase which took SO MUCH of my free time during my last days of leaves and offs. But it was worth it, i'm sure, to show my gratitude and everything deep inside me which i shall not elaborate.
2) ORD :)
Obviously that was the major happening of this month. Said my thanks (note: NOT GOODBYES) to my friends and superiors. Well, i'm really glad it has come to and end and i really have learnt a great deal during my time in service. Not just work skills, but also well, importance of core values. Ok i'm joking on that. I mean things like friendships and tolerance (for irritating leeches and rudeboxes). Basically, appreciating everything good that comes my way (like i always - TRY to - do... hahaha) and learning from all the wrongs that i hope i have made right before i left.
3) Maintaining contact with ex-office friends
Whether was it disastrous Tropic Thunder or certainly-not-disastrous KBox, quite glad that we are still keeping in touch. Or to put it more crude, glad that they still want to hear from me. haha. I would love to say that maybe "THEY MISS ME" but i would get bashed and lambasted for sprouting nonsense so i'll just keep it as "they don't mind to continue hearing about me" haha.
4) Catch-ups
There were still minimal catchups since everyone else was busy haha. But there was post-ORD meetup with Meng and Jeremy :) and regular catchup with entertainment guru, Kenny. Even Yang sis squeezed in the last week after her long period of exams so it was nice to see them all. Again.
5) Re-discovered and New Hobby
Rediscovered - I like swimming :) keeps me healthy and i get to do something other than "swimming" (literal: wandering aimlessly, i mean). New hobby is Reading! Can't believe i finish FOUR (nevertheless they were THIN) books this month alone. Love Saffy Love Amanda! haha.
6) Giddy's 21st
It was moderately scary affair since i was target board. Fortunately i'm smart and ended with just a slight giddiness haha. But it was an interesting night and thanks Giddy for the invite :) haha.
7) Job-hunting
Never did i thought job-hunting was THAT difficult and the wait was THAT excruciating. But it was. Especially when i have NOTHING TO DO. So special thanks to Kenny, Diong, Mr 28 (Jiansheng) for an "career advice" given during this period haha. But FINALLY I found one - tho i'm not fully satisfied... haha.
8) New Job / Trg
Well, the end of November was the prelude to a new month. Repeating the socialisation process with new friends at new workplace. Training for the new job brought me back to days in college when we had to sit through arduous hours of lectures but it was quite interesting that i was able to handle it and make it thru with little jokes with new friends haha.
9) JLOE Music Awards 2008!
Yups, my year-end awards have finally concluded... Thanks to all who expressed any bit of interest for my little musical obsession :) haha.
Generally Nov was a tad too bland for me, but it was also a good time to clear my head (not totally until bimbotic la) for relax before this new change.
So looking forward to the next month - HOLIDAY SEASON - DECEMBER!!!
1) Meetup Meetup Meetup
I have to meetup with all my friends again after not seeing them for ages, be it college friends, usual friends, good friends, army friends etc etc. As if i celebrate Thanksgiving...
2) Christmas Shopping
First i have to shop for myself. I need to reward myself for the hard work this year! haha. Second for all deserving friends who hopefully will be exchanging presents with me haha :)
3) Year End Music Sum-ups!
More coming up with JLOE Top 100 Songs of 2008 and the JLOE Personal Music Awards 2008 (in it's second year) on 15 December 2008. Do look out!
4) Year End Reflections
Of course, reflections come in timely with the end of the year. To lookback to THE ENTIRE YEAR and learn from the good and bad memories before closing Blogbook 2008.
More updates coming up...
You have a nice December!
JLOE Music Awards 2008 - Winners' Roll
JLOE Music Awards
presents
The Winners' Roll 2008
BEST MALE
Chris Brown
(Coming in close at 2nd: Kurt Nilsen)
Chris Brown Vs Kurt Nilsen: Kurt's also the better singer but Chris has the whole package.
Chris Brown Vs Will Young: Will's the better singer but Chris' 08 performance outshines Will.
Chris Brown Vs Jason Mraz & Ola & Sam Sparro: Chris has bigger / better hits
Chris Brown Vs T.I: Chris can sing (well) and T.I can't. I'm sure Chris can rap too.
BEST FEMALE 
Rihanna
(Coming in close at 2nd: Alicia Keys)
Rihanna Vs Alicia Keys: Rihanna's chart performances have been nothing but GREAT.
Rihanna Vs Katy Perry: Both have wicked songs but Rihanna's the far better performer.
Rihanna Vs Mariah: Mariah disappoints with her lacklustre releases this year.
Rihanna Vs Duffy & Leona & Taylor: SUPER-STAR against newbies. Need i say more?
BEST GROUP 
The Veronicas
(Coming in close at 2nd: Alphabeat)
The Veronicas Vs Alphabeat & Pussycat Dolls: The dolls' and beat's releases just isn't as strong.
The Veronicas Vs Linkin Park & Daughtry: Pop reigns over rock.
The Veronicas Vs Jonas Brothers & Onerepublic: No group beats the sisters at POP.
BEST BREAKTHROUGH 
Taylor Swift
(Coming in close at 2nd: Katy Perry) Taylor Vs Katy: Katy might have been wonderful, but one wonders if it's more of controversy/drama than real raw talent.
Taylor Vs Adele: Both have style, but Taylor has the long-lasting appeal.
Taylor Vs Alphabeat & Duffy & Paramore: Taylor's more versatile.
BEST POP 
Katy Perry
(Coming in close at 2nd: Britney Spears) Katy Vs Britney: Katy DEFINES pop in 2008, not Britney. You know it.
Katy Vs The Veronicas & Alphabeat: Pop needs to WOW. And Katy did it far better.
Katy Vs Madonna: Queen Pop loses her touch with her there-but-not-there singles.
Katy Vs Jordin & Jonas Brothers: The double Js are good, but not great. BEST R&B / HIP HOP 
Alicia Keys
(Coming in close at 2nd: Keyshia Cole) Alicia Vs Keyshia: Keyshia's a great singer with great song this year, but Alicia is also the better performer.
Alicia Vs Chris Brown & Rihanna: Chris-hanna were half pop, so that's not too fair if either of them wins, isn't it?
Alicia Keys Vs Ne-Yo & Brandy: Alicia has better / bigger hits.
Alicia Vs T.I: Same rule apply as with Chris Brown (read above) BEST ROCK 
Daughtry
(Coming in close at 2nd: Paramore) Daughtry Vs Paramore: Both rock hard but Daughtry's the more versatile / listenable one.
Daughtry Vs Coldplay: Coldplay's songs did not WOW, though they did perform.
Daughtry Vs Puddle Of Mudd & Linkin Park: Daughtry has better / bigger hits.
Daughtry Vs Flyleaf & Panic At The Disco: Daughtry has better and more hits. BEST POP SONG 
I Kissed A Girl by Katy Perry
(Coming in close at 2nd: Love Song by Sara Bareilles)
'I Kissed' Vs "Love Song': Both songs are innovative and creative but 'I Kissed' had the additional Umph factor but being so amazingly, even orgamsically (=x), wicked.
'I Kissed' Vs 'Wow' & 'Bye Bye': Both are good, not great, releases by great artists.
'I Kissed' Vs 'Boyfriend': 'Boyfriend' is fantastic but not definitive as 'I Kissed'
'I Kissed' Vs 'I'm Yours' & 'Pocketful': 'I Kissed' performed way better than the other two. BEST R&B / HIP HOP SONG 
American Boy by Estelle Ft Kanye West
(Coming in close at 2nd: Fallin' Out by Keyshia Cole)
'American' Vs 'Fallin' Out' & ' No Air': 'American' wins by being more creative.
'American' Vs 'Forever' & ' Disturbia': Both songs are good but don't define R&B well enough.
'American' Vs 'Whatever': Rap is.. well, WHATEVER. BEST ROCK SONG 
Shadow Of The Day by Linkin Park
(Coming in close at 2nd: Livin' In A World Without You by The Rasmus) 'Shadow' Vs 'Livin' In A World': The Rasmus wins on creativity but Linkin's great songwriting and amazing melody wins the award.
'Shadow' Vs 'Psycho' & 'Nine': Both are amazing rock delights, but ultimately just 'delights' .
'Shadow' Vs :'What About Now' & 'Sorry': Shadow emotes better than the two.
'Shadow' Vs 'Fall For You': 'Fall' don't emote as well BEST SONG 
To Be Revealed on JLOE TOP 100 SONGS (15th December 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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