Done Deal

Just heard from Mom today that she's sold Mayflower. Bittersweet memories. God... I am going to miss my room so much. Countless significant events have transpired and come to pass within those walls. The very smell of the room is me. Come September, someone else will be living in it. Year 2007 has just been one heartache and parting after another. I hope that with our new place, there will be a fresh start and things will take a turn for the better.

Together, the family has to be strong.

Mental Note to Self:

Never..... ever take a nap late in the evening no matter how tired I am. It is now nearly 7am and I only have myself to blame before dragging myself to classes at 9am. Oh well... at least I finished some work and my report. Here's something I found while surfing to while the time away:


Japanese fooled in poodle scam



April 26, 2007 - 8:59PM



Thousands of Japanese have been swindled in a scam in which they were sold Australian and British sheep and told they were poodles.

Flocks of sheep were imported to Japan and then sold by a company called Poodles as Pets, marketed as fashionable accessories, available at $1,600 each.

That is a snip compared to a real poodle which retails for twice that much in Japan.

The scam was uncovered when Japanese moviestar Maiko Kawamaki went on a talk-show and wondered why her new pet would not bark or eat dog food.

She was crestfallen when told it was a sheep.

Then hundreds of other women got in touch with police to say they feared their new "poodle" was also a sheep.

One couple said they became suspicious when they took their "dog" to have its claws trimmed and were told it had hooves.

Japanese police believe there could be 2,000 people affected by the scam, which operated in Sapporo and capitalised on the fact that sheep are rare in Japan, so many do not know what they look like.

"We launched an investigation after we were made aware that a company were selling sheep as poodles," Japanese police said, the The Sun reported.

"Sadly we think there is more than one company operating in this way.

"The sheep are believed to have been imported from overseas - Britain, Australia."

Many of the sheep have now been donated to zoos and farms.

The website




Note: Will be locking this place down on monday. Bye bye readers who I don't know.

Crazy Pilot!!!!

But I would *love* to have been in the plane for the ride.





SU-27 FIGHTER - Click here for the most popular videos

That Time Of The Year Again..

... Where everyone has to gear up for exams

... Those who are heading home expectantly waiting for the day to arrive

... The days get longer and longer

... I break out the hair-band to keep from getting poked in the eye repeatedly while studying

... I will soon say goodbye to a few for months and say hello to another select few at last in months.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

No, this isn't a rant entry on how I wish I could forget all about Ling - because I don't. I was just wondering if we somehow both totally forgot about each other (maybe I will suffer a stroke in the brain due to my high blood pressure, at least that is plausible... don't think anything would happen to Ling, she's too healthy) would we fall in love with each other all over again? That's what happened to Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet eventually in the movie, their fucked up personalities and chemistry just pulling at each other like magnets.

Personally, I would say "yes" I would fall in love with the love of my life all over again. I guess what this post is really saying is this : I don't regret having been with Ling one bit. Thank you Ling, for what once was.


note: 9 days to lock down. for those who have asked - no it doesn't mean I will stop blogging. Just means that if you want to read my blog from 1st of May onwards, you will have to log onto your blogger account. Just that first time. If you choose to "remember me" while logging in, you won't have to repeat the process everytime. Cookies will have to be enabled of course.

Please Don't Tell Her

so why after the all of everything that came and went
I care enough to still be singing of the bitter end and broken eras
i told you i don't but
i am only trying to be the best with my attempt
To cure the rest is sure to lay me ease
The plural hurts of the words of reverse psychology
that's easier said
easier than done
please don't dare to tell her what i've become
please don't mention all the attention i have drawn
please don't bother cause she'll feel guilty when i'm gone

because i'm crazy like the rest of us
but i'm crazier when i'm next to her
and it's amazing how she's so self-assured
but i know she'd hate me if she knew my words
do i hurt anymore
do i hurt, well
i don't
i don't
i don't


the creative realm loves the depressed and the loved. 

It's Coming!

Finally.... delivery date is expected to be sometime this October. Now, dear SIA, which flight routes do you plan to test your new baby on? *hint hint*

Reminds me of a great video I once saw...

Top 10 Posts

14/04/05... the birthdate of this blog. It's been 2 years since I've started this blog. Amazing. Ever get the dual feeling of how time flies and yet moves forward at a crawl as well? That description would fit how I feel about this blog right now. As a sort of "birthday gift" to this blog of mine, which has seen me through some of the darkest as well as brightest spots of the past 2 years, I am sifting through the posts and choosing a few gems to be my all time top 10 favourite posts. This was no mean feat of course and I've still labelled the few that have fallen by the wayside under "top 10" even though I won't be mentioning them below. And so, the top 10 are....


10. SingNite!!!

9. Basketball and DOTA times...

8. Lake District

7. In Eternal Randomness

6. I need...

5. Back in.... (February only lah)

4. I am Him

3. The Day Of Handedness

2. Smile

1. La Kopi


Reminder: This blog locks down on the 1st of May

edit: I didn't realise it at first, but this makes it the 2nd hundredth post on this blog! Hmmm...where did the first hundred go?

Dear all

After much consideration and pondering, I have decided to lock my blog down. Largely due to the dear "Anon" and the recent random comment. If you would still like to read my blog, just msn me, email me or CONTACT me some way or another and I'll add you to the reader's list. You will receive an email and a link in it to activate subscription. If it's too much of a hassle, I guess this is goodbye then.

Countdown: Till 1st May

Congrats

I hope she loves you as much as we all do. May you two be happy and your road to recovery be steadfast.

God Bless.

Saw this on Angel's Blog

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

If you smile/laugh, you lose.

More on this post when I feel like it...

You scored as Buddhism. Your beliefs most closely resemble those of Buddhism. Do more research on Buddhism and possibly consider becoming Buddhist, if you are not already.

In Buddhism, there are Four Noble Truths: (1) Life is suffering. (2) All suffering is caused by ignorance of the nature of reality and the craving, attachment, and grasping that result from such ignorance. (3) Suffering can be ended by overcoming ignorance and attachment. (4) The path to the suppression of suffering is the Noble Eightfold Path, which consists of right views, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right-mindedness, and right contemplation. These eight are usually divided into three categories that base the Buddhist faith: morality, wisdom, and samadhi, or concentration. In Buddhism, there is no hierarchy, nor caste system; the Buddha taught that one's spiritual worth is not based on birth.

Buddhism		71%
Islam		63%
Christianity		50%
agnosticism		50%
Satanism		50%
atheism		42%
Judaism		42%
Hinduism		38%
Paganism		38%

Which religion is the right one for you? (new version)
created with QuizFarm.com

I'll Be...

This song gets me. Everytime. I find it so contradictingly beautiful. Full of hope and yet depressing all at the same time. Go on, captivate me.

Edwin McCain - I'll Be


The strands in your eyes that color them wonderful 
Stop me and steal my breath 
And emeralds from mountains thrust towards the sky
Never revealing their depth
Tell me that we belong together 
Dress it up with the trappings of love 
I'll be captivated, I'll hang from your lips
Instead of the gallows of heartache that hang from above

I'll be your cryin' shoulder 
I'll be love's suicide 
I'll be better when I'm older
I'll be the greatest fan of your life

And rain falls angry on the tin roof
As we lie awake in my bed
You're my survival, you're my living proof
My love is alive and not dead
Tell me that we belong together
Dress it up with the trappings of love
I'll be captivated, I'll hang from your lips
Instead of the gallows of heartache that hang from above

I'll be your cryin' shoulder 
I'll be love's suicide
I'll be better when I'm older
I'll be the greatest fan of your life

And I've dropped out, I've burned up
I fought my way back from the dead
Tuned in, turned on
Remembered the things that you said

I'll be your cryin' shoulder 
I'll be love's suicide
I'll be better when I'm older
I'll be the greatest fan of your 

I'll be your cryin' shoulder 
I'll be love's suicide
I'll be better when I'm older
I'll be the greatest fan of your life

The greatest fan of your whole life

Take Life With A Pinch of Salt

I feel you dude... I feel you. So pass the salt.

Sunset in North Wales

Took a road trip to North Wales with a few friends and managed to catch a splendid sunset. The colours of the sun resplendent in all its glory. Hopefully when I die, it will be after a wonderful life, just like the magnificent sunset filling the sky with a blazing concert of colours before winking out.

I wonder...

how is she now?

Are things at work looking up? Maybe a raise soon?

Is she getting along fine with her family and Teh Peng as smart as ever?

Has she started dating someone or interested in someone?

I wonder... and hope... she is fine.

Remnants

Remnants. Yes, I suppose that is what I would call it. Now that a certain period of time has passed and I am able to look back/around/introspectively with a sheen of protective numbness, it is kind of amusing. What is, you ask? Well, take a gander across my room and you will see the room of a single male student - maybe a little tidier than average - but the pad of a bachelor nonetheless. Funny how just a few simple changes can alter the feeling and atmosphere of person's room so drastically. All it took was for me to put away the triple photo frame (imagine a leather frame that has 3 slots for photos that can be opened and closed like a book) and another photo of Ling and I on the notice board. That's it.

But look a little closer, beyond the obvious. See the white card embossed with silver drops to outline the shape of a heart? No need to guess why it occupies top position on the notice board. The small fan whose soft whirls will lull me to sleep come summer? It travelled a fair distance from Oxney Gardens to Victoria Hall. The letter set she gave me which I only used once. The journal she never found out about - it was really her idea for us to write down thoughts and feelings in a journal and pass them to each other, but she never knew that I started it for real - because I meant to surprise her with it. The extra phone line that was meant to be used exclusively for her. And so the list goes on... down to the very subtly placed jacket we picked out together inPrimark. Every item possessing a memory and feeling.

My point is this: when you truly love someone and share your life with them, it is impossible to extradite them completely out again. I suppose you could say that in a certain way, a little part of them has been infused into you. Of course, it's not just the materialistic items. Locations, situations, interests and many others. I just wanted to refer to items because they are the most tangible.

To deny the past is to deny the truth and what's the point in lying to yourself? Do not deny or try to erase these little nuggets of memories, but cherish them for the good times that were shared. Stop looking upon these remnants of a life shared as articles of a hurt once suffered, for the hurt was in the parting and not the sharing. Instead, remember them for what they truly are - expressions of love. Each and every one of them. Let them warm your heart and tug at your smiles once again. Surely that was the original intention of the person when she/he gave it to you? Back when she gave you a piece of her heart, so that she could touch yours.

Smile

Best line I heard today in conversation: "Life is like a sine curve. After the X-axis it will get better again." It was smart and borderline tacky enough to make me smile. Hehe, but oh so true. What is life if not a tumultuous roller coaster ride? There's always a future to look towards and a past to learn from if you allow it. It's time to accept and through the pain, the heartache and the sadness, to just.. smile. Self-pity is a very painful thing. It only harms yourself. Look for inspiration and motivation in the little things everyday. In songs that you've forgotten in your hard disk. In mundane conversations with friends. In late night chit-chats with flatmates. In the clear blue sky on the walk home. In being alive.

Therefore, today, thank you Mr Cole. Let's smile.

Smile - Nat King Cole

Smile, tho' your heart is aching, 
Smile, even tho' it's breaking 
When there are clouds in the sky, 
You'll get by 
If you smile 
Through your fears and sorrow 
Smile ~ and maybe tomorrow 
You'll see the sun come shining through 
For you.

Light up your face with gladness, 
Hide every trace of sadness.
Although a tear 
May be ever so near 
That's the time you must keep on trying, 
Smile ~ what's the use of crying? 
You'll find that life is still worthwhile 
If you'll just smile. 

I understand.

You and I,
A love story that has ended.
We now gaze out of different windows.

Silent memories enact mute movies,
but no one notices.

I move on in life,
carrying your name and mine inside,
but this mind of mine shuns at remembering you.

Try as I might I can't forget,
this annulled history that still remains,
stuck on the day we parted ways.

It hurts so much precisely because I understand why.

Without you I can only listen to the wind's breath.
But something called Time says we'll be alright,
we'll heal in the end.

I can't help it precisely because I understand why.

I know I will cry no matter what I decide to myself this time.
Some regrets can only be felt and said when alone.

I'm sorry,
I still cherish ...us
I still cherish ...
Everything.

In Relation To Letting Her Go...

This song just popped into my head when I was posting the previous entry. Rick Price's classic song, Heaven Knows. Pretty apparent in the lyrics why it did.

She's always on my mind.
From the time i wake up, till i close my eyes.
She's everywhere i go.
She's all i know.
Though she's so far away, it just keeps getting stronger everyday.
And even now she's gone, i'm still holding on.

So tell me where do i start, cause it's breaking my heart.
Don't wanna let her go.

Maybe my love will come back someday, only heaven knows.
And maybe our hearts will find their way, only heaven knows.
And all i can do, is hope and pray.
Cause heaven knows.

My friends keep telling me, that if you really love her.
You've gotta set her free.
And if she returns in time, I'll know she's mine.
But telll me where do i start.
cause its breaking my heart. 
Don't wanna let her go.

Maybe my love will come back someday, only heaven knows.
And maybe our hearts will find their way, but only heaven knows.
And all i can do, is hope and pray.
cause heaven knows.

Why i live in despair, cause wide awake or dreaming.
I know she's never there.
And all the time i act so brave, i'm shaking inside.
Why does it hurt me so ?

Maybe my love will come back someday, only heaven knows.
And maybe our hearts will find their way, but only heaven knows.
And all i can do, is hope and pray.
cause heaven knows.

Heaven knows.
Heaven knows.

So when will I recover from it all? Heaven knows.

手放开

歌手：李圣杰 专辑：绝对痴心.手放开

我把自己关起来只留下一个阳台
每当天黑推开窗我对着夜幕发呆
看着往事一幕一幕
再次演出你我的爱
我把电视机打开听着别人的对白
也许那些故事可以给我一个交代
你要的爱我学不来
眼睁睁看情变坏人怔怔看情感概
不能给你未来我还你现在
安静结束也是另一种对待
当眼泪流下来伤已超载
分开也是另一种明白
我给你最后的疼爱是手放开
不要一张双人床中间隔着一片海
感情的污点就留给时间慢慢漂白
把爱收进胸前左边口袋
最后的疼爱是手放开
不想用言语拉扯所以选择不责怪
感情就像候车月台有人走有人来
我的心是一个站牌写着等待
最后的疼爱是手放开
我把收音机打开听着别人的失败
啃咽的声音仿佛诉说着相同悲哀
你的依赖还在胸怀
我无法轻易推开我无法随便走开
感情中专心的人容易被伤害

When you love someone, sometimes you have to let them go.

Tears Well Up When You Least Expect Them To.

你已经远远离开
我也会慢慢走开
为什么我连分开都迁就着你

我真的没有天份
安静的没这么快
我会学着放弃你是因为我太爱你

你说你也会难过我不相信
牵着你陪着我也只是曾经
希望你是真的比从前快乐
我才会逼自己离开


At least she seems happier now without me in her life.

So many goodbyes

It never ceases, does it... heart wrenching moments followed by soul rendering words. How much more, before my back meets the proverbial straw and breaks? Maybe it has and I just don't know it yet.


I see you, You (don't) see me - Magic Numbers

Feeling...

like a spoilt brat. It's -3 degrees today. Wana complain to someone. Be pampered abit. Whatever... "Shower some love on me" ...


Fucking hell, it sucks being sick.

Randomness

Samious is Dubious

Samious is dubious
Gone are the days when he was ambitious.
Everything is just horrendous.
Even in weeping the loneliness is monstrous,
For his soul mate is lost and burdened with being industrious.

Samious is dubious
Gone are the days when he was curious.
Everyone is just too serious.
Even though the reason are various,
And sometimes downright ambiguous,
The world's favourite past time is being furious.

Why does it have to be so malicious?
All it takes is to be a little more gracious,
For an act of kindness is wondrous,
It can placate even the murderous.
What's the point in being studious
When I have lost all impetus.

Goodbye

Take care great-grandpa. These silent tears I shed for you. Take care on your journey onto the after-life. I know it was an inevitable event for you and you tried your best to fight on for the sake of the family. Mom may be devastated, but may she take comfort in the end of your suffering. I salute you in your strength and wit and humour to the last hour. If I could do the same in my dying moments, I would be proud. Only you can understand now, this drawing of strength from within required of oneself at these dire times of need. How you cannot show weakness and not let your grand-daughter (my mom) know how sad and afraid you are. I cry for you and with you. I will miss you, Ah Zor. Go in peace knowing you are ever in our thoughts. Hopefully, your passing will finally bring the family together again, if only for a while. Take care in heaven and remember that we will always love you. Together, we must be strong for the living and weep in secret for the dead.

Ah Zor, le ai ka ki chiu kor ka ki. Zhong Tai bui sai tio le eh sheng bu, chin eh dui em ki. Le tio ti teng hou hou hiu sek. Wa lang eh dai zee, le bian huan lor liao, eh sai ka Tai Ma hou hou gong wei, hiu sek. Zhong Tai tio Eng Gok tak chek, bah lu ko liao chek, bo tang hor le xio hiong, chin zah pai seh. Dan wa tak wan gim ni eh chek, deng lai liao, gah le pai pai hor? Tiong kim, le ai boh bi Mami. Le kia liao Mami chin zah xiong xim. Ah Zor, le ban ban kia. Wa lang eh xio le eh, bye bye.

Fuck it. I don't care anymore. I should just die like the piece of shit I am and rot here not bothering anyone.

-------------------------------------------------------

judging from what happened, I wasn't too far off on my self-assessment after all. Now to just wait to die.

If anyone ever felt like giving up...

Which is why we should always cherish it when we have the good fortune to be in love. Regrets are the worse remenants to have from a relationship. Never give anything less than your all is what I say. If you ever find yourself lacking, the least you could do is be honest about it.

This is IT

From here on, there's nowhere to sink any further. As I withdraw into my shell, depression is settling in and hitting me hard. It is like some sick movie as I watch myself morph into a kind of person that can do nothing but despise everything about himself. Oh yeah, this is the pits alright. I am past being angry. That phase has run its course and expended its fiery energy. I can't even be bothered to hate myself any longer.

DAMN IT

I forgot so many things this time, coming back from Singapore!!!

Most importantly I forgot my green tea leaves!!!! What is going to keep me warm through the long long nights now? :(

I should kick myself. And eat more fish.

Time to ... say goodbye.

*cues orchestra*

If you found out

If you found out very specifically that you had EXACTLY 24 hours left to live. To the second, what would you do? You are very sure that there is no hope of rescue and in fact, these 24 hours are a gift when your body will not fail you in any endeavour you might have. You will not feel ill in any way till the alloted hour is up. How would you spend these 24 hours?

I think this would be a very interesting question. The manner one would spend the precious moments left will definintely change with the years. What I choose to do with my remaining time now will not necessarily be the same if I ask myself the same questions 5 years down the road. This shall be my little project then. Every 5 years I shall ask myself this very question again, on the end of the year. Let's see, what happens. And so... on with this year's... ending notes.

I find out at 7am in the moring:

1. As any normal human being would, I will need some time to reflect when this news is broken to me. Time to think back on how this short life has passed and what I have managed to do these past 23 years. At this point in time, I think I will not let anyone know of my impending departure. I do not wish for anyone around me to treat me differently just because the end is nigh. Sorting out my piority and getting myself into the right frame of mind to do this last rite of lifehood.

time left: 23 hours (8am)

2. I would have breakfast with my mother and talk to her over the meal. Ask her how is work, business and the guys chasing after her. (My mom is not one for lack of suitors, known that since MRT first rolled out in Singapore) Do the dishes and then send her to work. Talk to her again on the way to Mandai in the car. Times have been tough for everyone in the family and it helps everyone to know there's someone who still bothers.

time left: 21 hours (10am)

3. Getting home from Mandai, I would call my financial planner and ensure that all my assets are in place. Having made sure of that, a check with the company's lawyer to make certain that my will is drafted and properly handled. At this point in my life, I have no family to care for and as such, I will be leaving half of my remainings to my younger sister. There is the added clause that she will only be able to use the money for the following reasons: To finance her own education, a HDB flat, medical fees and/or those of her children (my nieces and nephews basically).

That done, I will be giving $5000SGD each to Ling, Uncle Han, Auntie Heok, Auntie Yang, ML and RB. Ling's just started work and things aren't too easy for her financially. Hopefully a little aid in her attaining financially stability will ease her stress load a little.

Times are hard for my Uncle and Aunties as well. Especially so for my Uncle in New Zealand. Their household has to depend on his wife as the sole source of income at the time being and living in a rented house all the time can't be nice. Hopefully with this little cash he can go and get something nice for the 2 kids, his wife and himself.

Whatever may remain, I will be leaving for my Mom. She doesn't really need the money, but since I can't be around anymore, this the least I should give back to her for all the hard work she's done through the years for my sister and I. Dad, I am not worried about. He has more than the needed cash reserves to retire comfortably in a few years time.

That settles the money. I hope. A will should make things neater. Not like the mess that ensued when my grandmother and then my grandfather passed on. That was ugly.

time left: 20 hours. (11am)

4. I will try to meet Ling for lunch at Mohd Sultan.

Try I say. Why?

It's not a guaranteed thing that she will be able to meet me for lunch. Work is a piority for her right this moment. Not much of a choice there, considering the line she is in. Long hours, commitment and fatigue is piecemeal. All the more so since she just got confirmed by her employer and will be expected to perform up to or even above standards. They have got high hopes for her I think. Workaholic my is my gal's middle name. :) Alchie is her last, in case you were wondering.

Even if she should not be able to make lunch, would still pop by at lunch time to give her a slice of cake in a box from one of the places she likes. Just because. I lie. It is because I would still like a glimpse of her even so. On my last day. Hopefully she won't be irritated at my impudence and demanding ways (which should surprise her a little) and I will get a last hug and smile as she totters back up the stairs she just came down from. Inside the box there will be a chic little card accompanying the cake, inviting my Darling to a dinner that evening that will totally cooked and prepared by me for her, my mom and my sister. The 3 girls in my life.

time left: 17 hours (2pm)

5. Grocery shopping in preparation for the final dinner. Thinking of the menu (might as well indulge myself since I do like cooking) I will probably do my Japanese Hamburgers. The ones that have both pork and beef in them with bread to help hold them together. The braised pork ribs that I recently mastered (they really taste like divine Kung Bah but without the fat from the pork belly). Flash fried broccolli with carrots and mushrooms because everyone I'm cooking for loves them. Especially Ling. Will also cook some Xiao Bai Cai with garlic because I have always liked some leaves in my meal. Will order those cute little cups of tiramitsu from www.tiramitsutra.com for dessert. Will have to start marinating the pork/beef combination the moment I get home if they are to have any flavour after baking in the oven.

time left: 15 hours (4pm)

6. I will have to be cruel and stick to this, but I will be only calling 2 people to have a chat with them. I only have so much time (24 hours to be exact) and will be talking to each of this person an hour each. Piority goes to my Uncle Han since it is not possible to meet him in person. Should he not be available, I will move on and call the following people in the following order until someone is free for that hour. Patricia, Bao Guang, Angel, Desmond, Nerissa, Roger, Hui Zhen, Dad and lastly Winnie. Should no one be free, I will go and shoot hoops until these 2 hours are up. Then it'll be time to put the burgers in the oven and start cooking for dinner.

time left: 13 hours (6pm)

7. Time to get everything together for dinner. The burger will already be baking in the oven and I will have to start on the pork ribs first as they have to be braised. I prefer to stand over them over the first 30 mins as this is the most crucial period in the braising process. Once the sauce is properly done and simmering away, I will transfer the ribs and sauce into a slow cooker to let the flavours grow and gain more body on low heat. ABSOLUTELY no more boiling from then on. With 30mins left, it will be just nice to fry the vegetables, cook the rice and take the burgers out just before serving. Stick the 2 plates of vege into the oven, check the burgers are cooked, turn the heat to low to keep things nice and warm and go take a shower before Ling, Mum and Sis arrive for dinner.

Time left: 12 hours (7pm)

8. Dinner will be a quiet affair. With the 4 of us at the dining table, just unwinding from the day. Slowly eating a nice (I hope. Everything should turn out fine. These are tried and tested dishes of mine) home cooked meal and letting the knots ease out of the muscles. Random conversation. Commenting on interesting stuff that might have occured in the day. A nice, homely dinner. Great way to soothe a tired mind at day's end. Time always seems to fly by when at the dinner table.

time left: 10 hours (9pm)

9. Ling and I will retire to my room after dinner. As is usually the case when I am around, I am sure Ling will be stuffed and her tummy satisfied. She can finally let loose and relax for the day. Lying on my bed. Cheekily slipping under covers, knowing full well she doesn't need my permission, but asking just the same. Maybe we'll watch some anime, maybe not. Maybe she'll snuggle up to me in bed and fall asleep. I would be blessed and be able to hear her mumblings and breathing while she slumbers. One Last Time. Kiss her ever moving eyes, closed or not. Breathe in the perfume of her. Feel the warmth of her touch.

Before too long, she would awake and tell me she has to get home. Work on the 'moro you see. I drive her home and kiss her goodnight. And Goodbye.

Time left: 7 hours (12am)

10. I would make a quick detour to Chinese Swimming Club. I am very sure that my Dad will be there playing Mahjong, winding down with the last game of the night, as has been his practice for the past decade or more. A few games of pool, a few shots of whiskey, the kind of things I usually do with my Dad. Won't do anything out of the ordinary with him, lest he suspects. A cop will always be a copper. Talk to him about life and listen to him about his women problems abit before calling it a night. It gets tiring when you have to advice your own Dad. Even more so when he doesn't take it.

Time left: 5 hours (2am)

11. Drive to Jook. Call the boys (ML n RB) out to supper, go 7-11, whatever. Will talk crap with them and have a good laugh. Maybe shoot some basketball, just for fun, nothing that would break a sweat. Being with them is always a laugh. I live in the east as much as I live in AMK. We will finally tire and say our goodbyes, but by then, hours will always have gone by without us realising. 3 hours tonight might be stretching the limit for us, but we've been there and done that. Won't be the first time we "talked cocked" till the wee hours.

Time left: 2 hours (5am)

12. Drive to Upper Seletar. My favourite hideout in the whole of Singapore. I'll climb that tower and let the sight of the water and trees calm my soul. I have no idea what will be going through my mind for the final 2 hours. Never been in such a situation. I'll just... Stone. Watch the waters turn blue along with the sky. All the colours in the world coming to life along with the Sun as mine comes to an end. With the Sun fully risen, I'll send a "Good Morning" txt to my darling Ling to say I love her and maybe, if my maker is merciful, I will breathe my last with the sending of that message.

Time left: zero (7am)

Thresholds (1)

Hello there old friend. It's been a long time, back to visit again?


Yes, it has, hasn't it? I believe it was in secondary 2 that we last met? When your youngest Aunt passed away, wasn't it?


That's how long ago it was? I didn't even realise. So, why are you back again this time? Unfinished business?


Oh well... you know me. My business with you is never finished. Hey, it's not like I want to be here you know? You summoned me. I suppose... It is inevitable from the string of events going on in your life.


Hey hey, I didn't exactly invite you either. You just... Came! Yes, I know my thoughts have not been exactly healthy of late, but like you said, can you blame me for my state of mind? It's just a reaction to the circumstances around me, is it not? Even though I can accept you as part of my life, doesn't exactly mean that I want you to be. I would be more than happy to see the back of you, thank you very much.


And I to show it to you, young Master. You, of all people, should know that the link between us is such that the phrase "Unto death do we part" is a mockery. Either you die or dispel me back into the abyss of your heart I call home. Even then, you know I will return. If only to congratulate you for what you may or may not have accomplished as the bells of time keel out your death toll. I exist only because you do.


Be gone then! If your existence is dependent on mine, I demand that you leave me at once in peace.


Alas...It is you who will not let me go.


Blasted creature, you torment me so. For all the raging emotions you stir up in my soul, all actions are also quelled into inaction by your presence. I am impotent to act upon my despair as I drift along with my drained heart. Be gone, I implore you, be gone. Numb are my overworked senses. Tired is my unused body. Restless is my aimless mind.


And tighter does your grip on me ever grow. You watch me - grow stronger, larger and darker as I loom more and more over you - and you despair. You despair and your mute, pointless and mindless sorrow feeds me. It strengthens and emboldens me. You see the source of my power, but yet you still despair. The blasted one is you, insufferable fool.


Silence the mockery you utter. Do you think I am not aware of what you said. By-product of my existence, of course I know what you think. And yet... For that.. a greater fool I am. Helpless to help myself in spite of the knowledge we share. You have me at knife point. This is a checkmate I saw coming and did not avert. I have made you the scapegoat of my suicide, have I not?

I now stand at the threshold. A choice I have to make on the precipice of the plunge. How ironic that the plunge should be into the abyss of my own heart. The halls of your home from which you hail. Funny how my own heart is lethal and treasonous ground.


...to be continued

Echoes in my head....

Words and thoughts I can't exorcise out of my pysche. Meaning and implications that haunt me. Possibilities that terrify me....


"Why are you like this? Can't you give me some personal space and leave me alone?"

Meeting me is more of a chore than your household chores perhaps. A source of irritation I have become. Actions and gestures which only a boyfriend should/would think of doing now trouble you and even angers you.

You are more attached to whoever is texting you on your phone than me when we're alone. Is it really that terrifying and boring to be alone with me now?

3 full days I have been back. 30000 times my heart has cried. 1 weekend gone, 3 left, only 1 real weekend left to us. Has that occured to you this time around?

"you're leaving in 3 weeks. -clings on-"



Heart: I hurt.. why does it hurt so bad?
Soul: Stop beating yourself and the pain will stop.

Tell me what to do.

I wish you would gaze at me like you used to. I wish I could have so many more "10mins". This sense of me inexorably fading out of your life is such an excruciating pain. As though a part of me dies with each passing moment. "I love you" doesn't do it anymore. It isn't enough anymore. These 3 words might be in you, slowly turning transparent and vanishing. You try to form them into words, but they are as lead weights sinking further and further into the abyss.

I miss you. Your simple touch. More importantly, your smile. If dying would make you free of the shackles and chains weighing you down, I would commit love suicide.

This is the worst kind of torture, to be sitting beside someone, but knowing that she isn't there with you.

My arms go limp knowing they may never envelop you again, my claustrophobic darling.

Tell me what to do. Say "frog" and see me Croak and jump.

Love of mine some day you will die,
But I'll be close behind.
I'll follow you into the dark.

I Want...

... somebody to share
Share the rest of my life
Share my innermost thoughts
Know my intimate details
Someone who'll stand by my side
And give me support
And in return
She'll get my support


She will listen to me
When I want to speak
About the world we live in
And life in general
Though my views may be wrong
They may even be perverted
She'll hear me out
And won't easily be converted
To my way of thinking
In fact she'll often disagree
But at the end of it all
She will understand me


I want somebody who cares
For me passionately
With every thought
And with every breath
Someone who'll help me see things
In a different light
All the things I detest
I will almost like
I don't want to be tied
To anyone's strings
I'm carefully trying to stay clear
Out of those things


But when I'm asleep
I want somebody
Who will put their arms around me
And kiss me tenderly
Though things like this make me sick
In a case like this
I'll get away with it
And in a place like this
I'll get away with it

Been A While

Haven't blogged about my cooking endeavours here since.... forever. Came across this recipe at ChubbyHubby, one of the best Singapore based food bloggers around. Worked like a charm. The needed ingredients are remarkably simple, but the care and attention inherent weren't. It was well worth though in the end. It reminded me instantly of home upon the first bite of tender meat. Tastes like.... Kung Bah Pow is the best I can describe it. Sadly, didn't pause to take a photo of it before it all disappeared. Delicious!

Find out how it's done

Ingredients:

Pork Riblets Braised in Vietnamese Caramel Sauce
from Molly Stevens' All About Braising
Serves 2 as a meal or 4 as a starter

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/3 cup fish sauce
1/3 cup sliced shallots
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
1 slab baby back ribs (1.75 to 2 lbs)
sawed lengthwise in half

Why does the problem always come down to CABLE?

Taken from today's papers, Airbus website, ChannelNewsAsia and various other sources:



TOULOUSE, France - The Airbus A380 starts a global journey Saturday which will take in the North and South Poles on the last of a series of test flights before it applies for its air safety certificate.

The plane, which is being tested under commercial conditions, is seeking to gain its airworthiness certificate by mid-December from European and United States aviation safety authorities.

It will fly from Toulouse, France, where it is assembled, over the two poles and is set to stop in Johannesburg, Sydney and Vancouver in Canada before returning to France on November 30.

It was due to leave at 9:00 pm (2000 GMT).

On Friday, the giant plane returned from 18 days of testing which took it to Asia, with stop-offs at major airports including Singapore, home of Singapore Airlines (SIA).

This airline which should take delivery of the first A380 next October -- deliveries are around two years behind schedule because of electrical cabling problems.

"During these three flights, the plane performed remarkably well.

"There were no major breakdowns, only some faults which we were already aware of.

"Each flight and each landing were on time," Fernando Alonso, vice-president of Airbus's flight testing division told AFP.

"Overall, at the moment, you could say 'move along, there's nothing to see,'" he added, indicating that, during tests, the plane was set to notch up 150 hours' flying time.

"We are a month ahead of the programme schedule," Gilles Robert, former director of testing at Airbus, added.

The plane's first flight took place in April 2005.

The Asian leg took the world's biggest plane, which can carry up to 840 passengers, to Seoul, Hong Kong and Tokyo as well as the Chinese cities of Guangzhou, Peking and Shanghai.

Those on board included pilots from the European regulatory authorities.

At all the destinations, "the welcome was enthusiastic", particularly from clients and members of the public who often "overran terminals to see the plane", Alonso said.

When asked about clients' concerns over late delivery, he simply said that "people were so happy to see the plane that they did not raise the subject with us members of the technical team".

Highlighting the plane's qualities, Claude Lelaie, an A380 test pilot, revealed that in Ireland 15 days ago, the plane took off and landed in 56 knot crosswinds.

Companies in Asia and the Pacific area represent around 30 percent of orders placed -- 44 out of a total 149.

At the end of this latest flight, the giant plane will have completed 17 days of tests in a normal operational environment.

Asked of its chances of gaining certification, Alonso replied that "until the ticket is delivered, you never know, but we are beginning to see the light very clearly".

- AFP /ls

With the grossly large amount of time that passes from the design phase to production, manufacturing and certification, how do designers ensure that the technical aspects of the design keeps up with the advancement made in other fields? Like the wiring/cabling mentioned in this case, vast improvments in optic fibres have led to the phasing out of old fashioned copper wires in view of the data transfer speeds and, more importantly, safety improvements in term of fire regulations. As they scramble now to "upgrade" this plane that isn't even operating commercially yet, the time scale and effort of coming up with a new aeroplane is just mind boggling.

Have You A Song?

You know, the kind of song that sticks by you throughout your life? This song, Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen) by Baz Luhrmann is one such song for me. I think it came out in 1997, nearly 10 years now since it was first on the radio waves. It made such an impression on me as the words of whoever wrote the text sounded... felt even... so sincere. Yes, those aren't lyrics, but actual words dedicated to a graduating class. I suspect that this is one song that will stay by me for a lifetime. I may forget the title, I may forget the words, but I will never forget this "SONG" of mine. Which touched me in a very implicit way that I can't describe. This is the first time I've seen a video made for the song and, happily, it doesn't take away much of the original feel and effect of the song. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.... and still do.




Everyone Must See This! - video powered by Metacafe






Ladies and Gentlemen of the class of ’99
Wear Sunscreen.
If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be
it. The long term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by
scientists whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable
than my own meandering experience…
I will dispense this advice, now.

Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth;
oh nevermind; you will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they've faded.
But trust me, in 20 years you’ll look back at photos of yourself, and recall in a way you can’t grasp now how much possibility lay before
you and how fabulous you really looked….
You are not as fat as you imagine.

Don’t worry about the future; or worry, but know that worrying is as
effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubblegum.
The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind;
the kind that blindside you at 4pm on some idle Tuesday.

Do one thing everyday that scares you

Sing

Don’t be reckless with other people’s hearts, don’t put up with people who are reckless with yours.

Floss

Don’t waste your time on jealousy;
sometimes you’re ahead, sometimes you’re behind; the race is long,
and in the end, it’s only with yourself.

Remember the compliments you receive, forget the insults;
if you succeed in doing this, tell me how.

Keep your old love letters, throw away your old bank statements.

Stretch

Don’t feel guilty if you don’t know what you want to do with your life…
the most interesting people I know didn’t know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives,
some of the most interesting 40 year olds I know still don’t.

Get plenty of calcium.

Be kind to your knees, you’ll miss them when they’re gone.

Maybe you’ll marry, maybe you won’t,
maybe you’ll have children, maybe you won’t,
maybe you’ll divorce at 40,
maybe you’ll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary…
what ever you do, don’t congratulate yourself too much
or berate yourself either – your choices are half chance,
so are everybody else’s.
Enjoy your body, use it every way you can,
don’t be afraid of it, or what other people think of it,
it’s the greatest instrument you’ll ever own..

Dance…even if you have nowhere to do it but in your own living room.

Read the directions, even if you don’t follow them.

Do NOT read beauty magazines, they will only make you feel ugly.

Get to know your parents, you never know when they’ll be gone for good.

Be nice to your siblings, their your best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.

Understand that friends come and go, but with the precious few you should hold on.
Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle because the older you get,
the more you need the people you knew when you were young.

Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard;
live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft.

Travel.

Accept certain inalienable truths, prices will rise, politicians will philander,
you too will get old and when you do you’ll fantasize that when you were young
prices were reasonable, politicians were noble and children respected their elders.

Respect your elders.

Don’t expect anyone else to support you.
Maybe you have a trust fund, maybe you'll have a wealthy spouse;
but you never know when either one might run out.

Don’t mess too much with your hair, or by the time you're 40, it will look 85.

Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it.
Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal,
wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it’s worth.

But trust me on the sunscreen…

I read too quickly for my own good

Just finished the book Eragon recently. Yes, the soon to screen fantasy movie of the same name. I just seem to gobble up the books. Ravenously taking in the words as they paint the world depicted by the author. Only acquired this book on saturday and today, Wednesday, I am left wanting to know how our hero progresses in his challenges and, more important, how he makes the choices he is faced with.

The book is a typical fantasy story with Urgals playing the role of Trolls/Monsters in this world. Elves, magicians, knights, swordsman, Kings and Queens fulfill their needed roles as always but somehow I never tire of this. Anyway, here's the book : Link to amazon. I prefer the original cover (which I got :P) than the one done for the movie tie-in

Things I need to get in Singapore

A reminder for myself:


1. A water-proof school bag that I can fit my laptop into.

2. A new set of headphones for my sony ericsson w800i

3. My IBM laptop serviced. The Hard Disk sounds like it's going to explode any moment.

4. 2 Water bottles. One big one small.


...will add to this list as they come to mind.

edited 19/11/06

Cos we all need to laugh from time to time

DONE!!!!

YYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's finally over. The monster project for Singsoc, ADnD. It's been a very very very very very very very bad time for me so far in school. Countless projects and coursework to do. Had to ensure that ADnD ran smoothly as well in the same time. At least this takes a load off of my mind. Pictures soon, if I am not dead yet by then :P

The Day Of Handedness

Feeling cheeky, a little devil tip toes across my conscience dropping seeds of mischief in the fertile soil of my mind. Manchester is prime land for sprouting thoughts of random whims - the incessant rain nurtures gloomy ideas to pregnant acts filled with eccentricities.

Today, just for one day, I refused to conform to the yoke of society's accepted norms. Such a small act, walking down the street. You veer in and out of the throng, avoiding any possible confrontation by maintaining that bubble of personal space. The cardinal rule of having a minimum distance around every individual. Walking down Market Street today, I switch it off. The little switch of self-suppression where I adhere to the rule that one always shifts to the right when attempting to avoid crossing paths.

It's amazing how many people get flustered when I shift to the left instead of the right. Even if they don't shift in order to avoid me and walk straight on, many still do a double-take as if struck by a sudden case of the "herky-jerkies".

Not that I care. Today is the day I push my civic brain back and not do things for the sake of others. I will walk how I wish and move in whichever manner that is instinctive. Today is the day that I will not make exceptions and suppress my handedness. Today is Sam's Lefty Day.

I Miss You

I

Miss

You


*I'll smack you if you say you dunno who I mean by you"

Perspective

Sometimes we just forget to look at the beauty surrounding us and it requires someone with a fresh take on things to come along and point it out to us. Have you been taking the things/circumstances, or worse still, people around you for granted? Following photos were taken by a traveller from Japan at Yongfook.com while in Singapore for a few days.

Best enjoyed in large format at *his* site.

电话不接不要被人发现我整夜都关在房间
狂欢的笑声听来像哀悼的音乐
眼眶的泪温热冻结望著电视里的无聊节目
瘫在沙发上变成没知觉的植物

落单的恋人最怕过节
只能独自庆祝尽量喝醉
我爱过的人没有一个留在身边
寂寞它陪我过夜

In A Lecture

Lecturer: "Modern aeroplanes are so advanced they have a pilot and a dog in the cockpit. The dog bites the pilot when he tries to fiddle with the auto-flight systems"

And the whole lecture theatre laughed. Oh Gawd... we're turning into aero-geeks.

The Touch

Saw this at my cousin Angel's blog.
There are so many ppl I wish I could hug right now.

Hands

There are so many secret msgs in this picture, 10 lines wouldn't be enough. Yet, this one picture is enough.

How To Get A Heart Attack

Drive in this city. Check out this video clip

The Video

Tell me that isn't a drive in hell.

Online

Whew, finally. Things over here in UK are looking up at long last. Got my internet connection back online and school adminstration is pretty much done. Only have to confirm my timetable now.

My new address in UK is as follows:

Sam Png,
R2.03
Victoria Hall,
28 Higher Cambridge Street,
Manchester,
M15 6AA
UNITED KINGDOM

Will update more on things here soon. Maybe a photo on how my new room looks like, that would be a good idea yeah?

To Mr Steve Irwin:

I am sure everyone's heard/read about the tragedy of Steve Irwin's passing. This post is a tribute to a conservationalist who stayed true to the cause and did things in his own fashion.

Heard on Class 95fm today that irate Steve Irwin fans were lashing out indiscrimately at Stingrays or Rays of any form as a form of revenge. They seem to think that Rays are now "evil" and should be persecuted for the hand they played in Steve Irwin's death.

Hand? "HAND"?! Only the sick species called "human being" strike out in spite and not for food or self-defence. Such tragic irony. How is that fans of a conservationalist are striking out at harmless animals. If anyone(thing) is entitled to taking a swipe at the Rays, it would be the crocs. They practically just lost their patron saint! You don't see a marine Jihad between Crocodiles and Rays being held, do you?

Mr. Irwin,

R.I.P.

May your legacy live on in your children and the zoo.

Wednesday. Thursday. FRIDAY

Unbelievable. Ten days gone. Just like that.

So the day of my flight approaches. The Boa constricts ever so slightly more.

I can't help it

I know it's morbid, depressing, tasteless and weird.

But every year, I wake up to this date wondering if this one is going to be the last one. 

.
.
.
.

I'm sick.  

countdown: 10 days

Count Down: 12 days

 

The best way to relax while having some quiet time. Taking in the sights of Singapore while sipping champagne. Reflections for the 23 years pass. Dreams for the 23 years to come. Time to say farewell soon my dear ones. 

Try This

go to www.google.com and search for "failure" ...... go do it already...... back? Tell me what you see as the first result and if you're not laughing along with me, you ought to be shot. :P

Of Birthdays and Such

As requested by a few certain friends... things that I might like to receive on my birthday. Really had to crack my head for this, but here goes.

1. Pair of comfy and stylish sandals. The kind suitable for wearing out to town. (Ling has claimed precedence and bought a pair of very stylish leather sandals for me. Hehe. Thank you my dear, they're wonderful! )

2. The special box set of Band of Brothers. This is the collectors version that comes in a metallic box. For those in the know, I used to own this already, but I've somehow managed to misplace it somewhere. I was going to get it again, but of course I wouldn't mind if I got monetary assistance in replacing it ;) (ALREADY ACQUIRED BY MYSELF)

3. A pair of shades. Just felt like having something different to wear on sunny days.

4. A tribal wrist band. You know.. those kind that are made primary out of leather, wood and string? (Acquired by the Hooney :P)

5. A few nice books to read. You all surely know by now that I am a biblomaniac?

6. David Tao's new album called Beautiful 太美丽 (acquired by RB)

7. A new wallet. I realise that ML n RB just got me a wallet for Xmas, but the one I am replacing is the wallet I use in Singapore. Thinking about it, this wallet has already been with me for over ... 5 years. It has certainly served me well.

Of course, there's the customary rant (or so you all cruelly say) of how I would LOVE to get that dream car or airplane of mine ;) Haha, most of you must be sick of hearing me going on about those few things mentioned every single year :P I am not saying that these 5 items are the only ones I want for this year's bday, just that they are the only ones I managed to think of after cracking my head on the wall. There's still wx and rb's bday to think about as well.

In a way, I've already managed to give myself the best birthday present ever. Singapore Phillips Cup would be the closest I've come to fulfilling one of my life resolutions to date. Being able to see some of the best NBA players in Singapore, playing for their National Teams was amazing.

The coming of my birthday also heralds my departure to UK once again. If I haven't met you yet, hopefully we'll be able to catch up soon before I embark upon the 2nd year of my university life. In the mean time, take care everyone.

No Turning Back Now

I've signed up for the AHM 10km run. In a way, I am secretly glad that applications for the 21km run closed on the 23rd of July... Don't think I will be able to train up in time to run 21km by the 27th of August. Meanwhile, TRAINING time!!!

Played basketball tonight. Feels good to be zonked out after a session of sports. =]

I am an addict.

Works in Progress

Well, at least the IBM is still working :) Just reformatted now. Now comes the long and ardous process of rebuilding it.

Best Line I've Read in A Long While

"If we can take the calories out for the food, the pregnancy out of the sex and even the sex out of the pregnancy, why not take the harm out of alcohol?"

Help me be a Bookie

No, I am not changing careers and dabbling into the bookmaking/gambling/betting scene. Just feel like getting a few books to read and would like to appeal to everyone who reads this. Please recommend a, in face THE, book you would recommend I read. Lets see if we can make this a list worthy to be proud about :) Here goes, my first input:

1. Dance Dance Dance by Haruki Murakami

2. Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger (intro by Ling @ 18/07/06)

3. Waiting for Godalming by Robert Rankin (intro by Ling @ 18/07/06)

4. The Dreamers Book 4: The Younger Gods by David & Leigh Eddings

5. Totto-Chan: The Little Girl at the Window by Tetsuko Kuroyanagi, Dorothy Britton (Translator) (intro by Wanx @ 27/07/06)

6. The Plague by Albert Camus (intro by nai @ 11/09/06)

Why oh Why?

- Life seems to be on hold until she's back

- Can't I go to sleep at night

- Random ideas plague my sleepless nights

- Colours in my life seem somehow... dull

- A hermit I'm changing into

It's Official

Got this in the mail today.

"Dear Zhong,

On behalf of the School of Mechanical Aerospace and
Civil Engineering I am pleased to inform you that you
have passed the first year of your degree programme. I
can confirm that you are not required to retake any
papers during the summer vacation

Your personal tutor will discuss your marks with you
when you return.

In closing, may I offer congratulations on behalf of the
School and our best wishes for the summer break.

Yours Sincerely,
W. H. Craig
Director of Undergraduate Studies"


The exact breakdown of my scores isn't included, but what the heck, at least I know I've passed everything.

Answers

In the sweltering heat of Singapore. Dear old sunny, humid and scorching Singapore. Sustain yourself through the mid-afternoons with a mug of freshly squeezed lime juice after some lip smacking Hokkien Mee at your favourite hawker centre.

Ahhhh...

 

Here's to you my Dear.

Like a flower
Waiting to bloom
Like a lightbulb
In a dark room
I'm just sittin' here
Waiting for you
To come on home
And turn me on

Like the desert
Waiting for the rain
Like a school kid
Waiting for the spring
I'm just sittin' here
Waiting for you
To come on home
And turn me on

My poor heart
It's been so dark
Since you've been gone
After all you're the one who turns me off
But you're the only one who can turn me back on

My hi-fi is waiting for a new tune
My glass is waiting for some fresh ice-cubes
I'm just sittin' here
Waiting for you
To come on home
And turn me on
Turn me on

Thanks to Fifi for this. Saw this in an email before, decided to post it this time around. The teeth brushing one was particularly nostalgic. I'm sure all the marist boys remember that.

Got this from a friend via her blog... Brings back the sweet memories of the good old days... That's why they always say... Young and Innocent...

Signs that you are a late 70s early 80s' baby:

1. You grew up watching G-Force, He-man, Transformers, Thundercats,SilverHawk, Woody Woodpecker, Chipmunks and Mickey Mouse. Not to forget NinjaTurtles, Mask, Smurfs and Voltron too.Girls watched Japanese cartoon like My Little Pony, "Xiao Tian Tian", "HuaXian Zi" etc.

2. You grew up brushing your teeth with a mug in primary school after recess time. You squatted by a drain with all your classmates beside you, and brushed your teeth with a colourful mug.

3. Remember the days when the school nurse, comes with a list for the dentist appointment, the sound of the drilling when your friend has a fillin his tooth.You remember the packets of milk we get in primary school to encourage us to drink more milk. (It is only cost 30 cent per pack)

4. In secondary school, girls go to the library to borrow their favourite romance storybook. In secondary school, girls altered their school skirt to shorten it and guys will go to the school appointed school uniform tailor shop to tailor make their school trousers to the then fashionable "baggy pants"!

5. During primary school days, the teacher will punish you using a ruler to hit your palm. A bowl of noodles soup cost only 30cent in primary school days.

6. When you were in primary school, girls like to go to the bookshop to buy cute stuff such as animal erasers, various shape sharpeners, colourful notebook etc. Hankyu Jaya, Yaohan departmental stores used to be a favourite hangout for families during weekends.

7. In secondary school days, you buy the Bata BM Turbo or Pallas Jazz school shoes. Some guys like to wear those china made ankle high shoes.Some even like to wear those very thick socks with their school shoes.

Internet? E-mail? What the hell is that? So you thought a decade or more ago, your friends don't have pagers or handphones in school. CDs? What's that? Cassette tapes were the norm. Movie tickets used to cost less than $5 last time.

8. The goodies from Mama shop used to be Chickerdis, Mamee , Kum Kum, UFO, O-Ya, Ding Dang chocolate balls with toys in the box, colourful hard "egg", "cigerette" bubble gum, KIKI Bubble Gum, pink bottle of bubbles c/w a small tubes with yellow sticks to blow "more lasting" bubbles that you can pop more air in or slam it on. You never forget 'Ti Kam'.

9. When exams are over, the board games (e.g Monopoly, Donkey, Transportation Comparison Card, Magic the Gathering Cards and handheld brick video games will be all over the class rooms.

10. Your favourite sound is the bell! For it's the homemade ice cream man. The cream that tops Haagan Dazs! And the other peddler you love is the old lady who sells juicy Muah Chee and thick olden syrup rolled in a balloon the tip of a chopstick stick.

11. Another bell is the recess bell, a time to get away from school work and to eat. Another time when there is no bell but all guys will anxiously wait for it...The PJ (Pendidikan Jasmani), PE time (time for football)

12. Your favourite childhood games were playing "gu li"(marbles), five stones, five bottle cover, zero-point, catching, "Pepsi-Cola one two three" and/or "Police & Sentry"!

13. The best thirst quencher of all times is the yummy colourful ice tubes you can buy from provision shops for only 10 cent. To eat them, break the taband and suck while holding the freezing tube!

14. All gals have a girl doll/strawberry shortcake/my little pony/pound puppy, while all boys have a soldiers figurine (combat) or a rubber band catapult that shoots folded paper!

15. Once was the era whereby ice-cream sticks were valuable items, then came the paper aircrafts, chalk fights. Some boys made their own guns from wood, and used 'Bacali' as the bullets. Some even used matches to shoot and burn kids' lanterns during MoonCake Festival.

16. And your favourite holiday was Lunar New Year! New clothes, Ang Pows, shopping, junk food and family outings!

Let's see, the majority of students in universities today were born in1987/ 88.... They are called "youth". For them, they have never heard of the song "We are the World, we are the Children..." And the "Uptown Girl" they know is by 'West Life' but not 'Billy Joel'. For them, there have always been only one Germany and only one Vietnam. AIDS exists since they were born. CD exists since they were born. Michael Jackson is already whitened. John Travolta is always round in shape and they can't imagine how this fat guy could be a god of dance. They believe that Spiderman and Incredible Hulk are just new films. They can never imagine a black and white screen for a computer. They never know what is Atari or 'Game & Watch'. They can't believe a black and white television ever existed and they don't even know how to switch on a TV without a remote control. And they never understand how we can go out without a mobile phone when we were in university...

Let's check if we're getting old...(any of the below hits you, means you are!)

1. You understand what was written above and you smile.

2. Most of your secondary school friends are getting married.

3. You are always surprised to see small children playing comfortably with computer.

4. When you see teenagers with mobile phones, you shake your head.

5. You spend less and less time talking on phone with your friends daily.

6. When you meet your old friends from time to time, talking about the good old days, repeating again and again all funny stories you experienced together.

7. Lastly, having read this mail, you are thinking of forwarding it to some other old friends. You think they will like it too...

Hahaha! Yes! We are getting old too...Brings back old memories huh? - so much for the young ones back then...