Buffet Buffet Buffet

#17: Moved

2009-05-24T09:00:00.001+08:00

Moved

#16: Under Pressure

2009-02-13T20:23:00.000+08:00

#15: And finally, it is...

2009-01-11T20:54:00.004+08:00

Back to school, tomorrow - 11 January 2008

#14: The year in retrospect

2009-01-01T21:15:00.004+08:00

Countdown @ Boon Lay - 1 January 2009

The year of 2008 has been one mad fucking roller-coaster ride, of insane highs and agonizing lows; and before you know it, it's over - leaving you contemplating in its wake, the have-beens and have-nots.

I can easily remember my first day in RJ - the chilly morning I arrived, almost an hour early, huddled onto the bench at the amphitheater with my ex-classmates from 2G. And then there was Orientation with my orientation group MR11, after which came my class 09S07A aka the "walrus-est class in RJ". Life in the initial term of JC life was really relaxed, as we got ourselves used to a new environment with new people. I remember we had a buffet of free blocks on our timetables during this period - many of which were spent lounging about in the canteen or partaking in frisbee-throwing. And after school, I'll probably be found in the gym with Chue.

Then, I found myself in canoeing after much emo-ing about wanting to join, which on hindsight was really unnecessary. Canoeing has been a life altering experience for me. It became the largest source of stress in my school life - both physically and mentally. Yet, without it, I would never have obtained a drastically increased level of physical wellness and of course, would never have got to know an awesome bunch of crazy guys. They are why I'm still here, fighting the odds, the bleakness and my own inaptitude. In a way, canoeing was like a path of self-discovery: I found out what I could do, what I couldn't do and discovered many other things about myself. It also directly or indirectly taught me certain values and lessons which will continue to remain relevant in the many years to come.

Thereafter, as the days, weeks and months passed, I found myself progressing and zooming through school life, which consisted largely of routine days with nothing special on, where I probably just did the same things I did yesterday which I will probably do again the next day. These are indeed the days where you experience life unfold with sheer simplicity, watch the world go round without realising it and basically live life without thinking about living. And pondering about it now, especially when one is nostalgic, such plain rountine life actually has quite some charm in my opinion. It's those days when nothing is bothering you, when you walk through the school with a certain lightness in your steps and you can just sit in the canteen all day with a cuppa and with friends, talking about life.

Of course, once in a while, there are definitely things extra that pop out to add a little more dynamism into my life - like class dinners, class camp, National Day celebrations, going to Haji Lane, watching Fourplay, etc. just to name a few. From high insane periods to more quiet escapades, these little events, outings certainly allow one to take a break from reality for a brief moment and enjoy one of those you-wished-the-night-would never-end kind of feeling.

And speaking of the New Year, I was glad to have spent the last days of the year hanging out with my friends, experiencing the exact same blissful feeling I was talking about earlier. The dinner with the class guys at Waraku, sleepover with Nick and Chow, lunch at Marutama Ramen with them and Neo, Marcus's and Naomi's birthday dinner at Sakae, Canoe farewell and finally Countdown @ Boon Lay and the subsequent stayover at Zhenxiao's. Although I did rack up an insane amount of sleep debt, it was all worth it - there can be no better way to end the year than this.

Ah 2008, what a year this had been. I've grown, matured, made new friends, learnt new things, gathered new insights, went to new places and basically did many new things this year. I finally participated in Drama Feste as crew, expanded my music taste, experienced almost daily trainings during the holidays, went on a self-induced highness in New Zealand, chilled out onboard the Legend of the Seas, and shouted a big "Fuck You!" with friends at the top of our voices as 2008 turned into 2009. Indeed, despite 2008 being a really tiring year, I'm thankful for the people around me - my friends and my family - for pulling through the year together while still having so much fun.

One key takeaway that I've realised this year is that good times are just so fleeting. It's like an orgasm - it feels so good, but after a while, it's over. To wish the night would never end, well, is a wish that would never come true. And thus, I guess if you're having a blast of a time, there cannot be anything better to do than to fully immerse yourself in it and enjoy yourself as much as you can.

For we only live once.

And so, my new year resolution for the year would be to, well, PLAY HARD. I want to enjoy the final year of my school life, and end my schooling life with a bang. And at this time next year, I want to look back at the year with fondness and nostalgia, knowing that I had enjoyed myself tremendously and that there was no better way to have spent the year.

With 2008 fading into our memories and 2009 beckoning, new responsibilites and new opportunities emerge. And as I head off to the new year, I know, at the bottom of my heart, that 2009 is going to be yet another mad fucking roller-coaster ride. Let's go!

#13: The perfect getaway

2008-12-22T15:05:00.006+08:00

The Legend of the Seas - 19 December 2008

This december, I rediscovered my love for cruises onboard the beautiful Legend of the Seas. To dump all my worries, troubles and whatnots onshore and hop onto the ship for a little vacation is certainly an excellent way to end off a really tiring year and recharge for the next. For this short trip spanning three nights, time really stood still. There were no worries and life felt really good and carefree.

I could stroll around the ship whereever and whenever I wished - all 11 eleven decks of it - and perhaps see a couple of familiar faces that I know or I think I know. Not only could I tranverse the top decks with the wind caressing my whole being, but I could also linger around the Centrum enjoying the live music and plush decor. And if I wished to just chill out and people-watch, I could just lie on the many deck chairs around or retreat to one of the lounges onboard. And finally should I get hungry, I could just proceed to the Windjammer Cafe or the many small eateries to grab more than just a bite - but a whole array of food enough to cause indigestion and excessive flatuence.

As a passenger, I feel really pampered living onboard. There are good amenities, good food, good entertainment, good music and of course good service. The crew onboard are warm and friendly, always greeting you with a "Morning!" and a smile. All these little things certainly enhanced my holiday experience. Indeed, life onboard is, colloquially put, shiok.

And yes, I'll definitely be back next time. :)

For more fun in the sun,

more cosy accommodation with great views,

more tee time,

more lounging around in the Centrum,

more photo opportunities,

and for more good food and singing waiters.

#12: We're fated to pretend

2008-12-10T19:58:00.003+08:00

Time To Pretend - MGMT

Everytime I listen to this song, I am inclined to remember the night before I left for kiwi land. I remember setting this song on repeat on my playlist while frantically scurrying around the house, trying to find all the miscellaneous paraphernalia that I was going to bring over to New Zealand. I felt really high, like I'm flying, as I listen to the irresistably addictive tunes of the song. There's this 'fuck the world, I'm going to enjoy myself' vibe to it, and it really reflected my mood then.

Come to think of it though, the New Zealand trip really went by in a flash. I can remember it as if it just occured yesterday and I really can't believe it is over. And no matter how much I am aware of this sad fact, I still can't help but miss and yearn for it. I would definitely do it again, anytime, for both the place and the people. But still, at the end of the day, it was really good fun while it lasted.

From Kenneth's cam

#11: And I wished it didn't end

2008-12-02T15:21:00.006+08:00

Photomanipulation - 2 December 2008
Waikato River - 29 November 2008

8 days ago, I ran away from my life, feeling all gay and as if I was on top of the world. Then, the days and nights felt like they would never end - this fleeting moment when one could be forgiven if they thought happiness was eternal.

I went to a little paradise called New Zealand, with a group of like-minded individuals. And in the ensuing days, we lost ourselves to both the splendour of New Zealand's natural beauty and the intensity of our own euphoria. I cannot forget the rolling meadows dotted with sheep against the dense defined streaks of clouds lining the horizon, nor can I forget all the madness and gayness we exhibited. I surprised even myself with my antics too, but I guess at the end of it all, it was all in the name of good fun ain't it?

The jokes, the roaring laughter, the perversion, the many card games, the mealtimes, the chitchats about naughty stuff, the late nights gazing at stars, or just the many times doing insane things that no sane person would do (think the last night at the marae) all made this trip special in its own way. It was really the people around me that made this trip so magical, and I believe this can be said for everyone else as well.

Today, I returned back to my life. And things just felt different. I feel like a part of me is gone and I will dearly miss those days of being carefree and gay. These days might never come again, but I'll live on hoping to relive them one day. Indeed, I'll miss New Zealand; I'll fucking miss New Zealand.

#10: All packed and ready to go

2008-11-24T19:54:00.004+08:00

Changi Airport - 9 November 2007

I will be off to the land of the Kiwis from tomorrow till December 2nd while aunty Grace, my maid of three years, is also going home tomorrow. Hmmm, why does everyone seem to be leaving at just about the same time?

#9: Escape from Reality

2008-11-20T21:08:00.004+08:00

Photomanipulation - 20 November 2008
Stocks from www.sxc.hu

It feels so damn good running away - the feeling of being on top of the world. But when it's time to return, it will, as always, hurt.

#8: How time flies

2008-11-10T19:26:00.004+08:00

San Francisco - 10 November 2007

Exactly a year ago, I was in this quaint but beautiful sea-side city. Rustic, laidback and reminiscent of a time of a not-so-distant past, San Francisco was really the ideal place to chill out, sip some cocktail and enjoy the evening sea breeze. I really hope to come back one day, to bask in the sunset on Pier 39 once again, amidst the warm hues and soulful music that descends on the area once night beckons. Ah, what can I say but seriously, a year really flies.

#7: The little things in life

2008-11-01T17:06:00.010+08:00

Assorted toys - 19 October 2008

So many small things, all seemingly insignificant. Yet, these are the physical manifestations of our memories, however distant and far-flung they might be. Behind their dusty facades lies faint reminders of past childhood days and boundless fun, serving as little souvenirs of a life passed.

#6: Contented

2008-10-20T20:39:00.004+08:00

Bellossom, Marill & Wigglytuff - 19 October 2008

I feel rather contented now, just like the faces on these pokemons. It is nothing extreme though, no wonderful waves of euphoria nor bitter sadness; just a simple tiny tinge of satisfaction mixed with a couple of "what-ifs" here and there.

#5: The anticipation

2008-10-19T15:25:00.005+08:00

Tomorrow will be the day when the results return, when everyone will be experiencing that moment: the tense sensation of anticipation, however brief, before the truth is revealed. Whether our hearts will rise or sink, this sensation is universal. Some have already started to do so while others have not. But at that very instance, before our eyes meet the paper, we'll all feel it - that feeling of a stretched rubber band or of gritting teeth; that feeling of sheer anticipation.

#4: That perfect cloudless sky

2008-10-12T17:13:00.002+08:00

Blk 240, Pasir Ris Street 21 - 10 October 2008

The sky was perfect on this fine morning - an expanse of unspoilt blue. There were no intruding clouds; just the morning crispness coupled with a sea of aerial calmness.

#3: That glimmer of hope

2008-10-03T18:42:00.004+08:00

MacRitchie Reservoir - 10 July 2008

I can't wait for the day when I'll be able to transverse these waters deftly, with grace, elegance and utmost dexterity; the day when I'll be able to be at home in these seasoned waters. Till then, pain and anxiety will only continue to be my best friend.

#2: A beautiful day

2008-10-01T15:36:00.002+08:00

Changi Boardwalk - 21 December 2007

Underneath the plumes of intermittent hues of white and grey, the sea rages on. The distant lands were further away than ever before while the storm encroaches. The last rays of emancipation fades from the noxious expanse; is this indeed the end of days? All the signs continue to point to the end of the world while my vision fades. Yet, this is certainly still a beautiful day.

#1: Terminal

2008-09-28T14:06:00.001+08:00

Changi Airport Terminal 3 - 17 February 2008