Yes, I have been MIA on updating this little space on mine. However, I assure you it is not about boredom. Writing has become part of my daily life. Additionally, Facebook chronicles so much of my life that sometimes words do not need to be added.
Of course, it is not about me today but the institution which molded me to what I am today.
1 March 2011 – ACS's 125 years and counting!
With XinJian, we roamed our old school premises. For a couple of hours, we were transported back to a time where we ran around this place in white shirts and navy pants. To this day, I proclaim AC has the best looking uniform ever – Like seriously, when you see students out and about on a weekday, the AC uniform does not scream "OBIANG!"
We also attend the Founder's Day service where they awarded the students with the best academic scores of 2010. (How they can go up there to collect their plaques in front of the whole school is beyond me. Still remembering how I called in sick because why would want the whole world to know and point …)
Imagine just for an afternoon being a tai tai munching on some awesome-ly delish Japanese pastries?
Let me present a new dessert haunt. The very quaint and quirky K Ki.
Besides pastries by K Ki, half the store was taken up by a little pop up like creation - "The Little Drom Store". Here their shelves were filled with an assortment of knick knacks. You can find uber-chic old school lomo and instant picture cameras to little pictorial notebooks. Trust me, my inner geek was just screaming for me to purchase an item before leaving!
But of course, the focus is definitely on the pastries. Let the feast for the eyes begin!
Disclaimer – I did not take note of the names!
My favourite Chamomile tea
This was my favourite!
So do you need any more reason to go down?ha!
So good!
Thanks Ashton for the treat! Lets Tai Tai again soon ok? lol
Take note of their operating hours. And they are closed on Mondays!
"New York is appalling, fantastically charmless and elaborately dire." Henry James
Where do I start on my graduation trip? Every time I sit down and pen down my thoughts, they appear all jumbled up.
Can you blame me when my senses were overloaded with what I felt and saw?
Alone most of the time with the exception of Jui bringing me around to Manhattan's less explored, I explored much of Manhattan on foot. Unlike Singapore, one will find the urge to walk everywhere in Manhattan. If it is not the architecture of her buildings, it's the people with their chic fashion and their banter on everyday life.
Thanks to Jui, I managed to visit places not frequented by tourists. For example, the Meatpacking District where a long stretch of old railway lines have been converted to a park above ground. Flourishing along this park are works of art which amazed me at every turn. This was one of the many activities that must be experienced and not one that can be gotten from a tour group.
With Jui
New York gave me much to think. Trips to the Met, Guggenheim and Central Park provided the backdrop to my meditation. Surrounded by some of the greatest artists, you reflect on their passions and intellectualism hoping that some sense of their being can inspire you that much.
How can anyone not love Central Park? On my bike I rode around for five hours. I just could not get enough!
No visit to Manhattan is complete without visiting Times Square. It was tourisy to the max but it was where I experienced one of most magical nights of my life.
The musical "Wicked!". All I can say is if you have never caught a show on Broadway, you have never truly experienced a musical. It is just different! *Thanking my lucky stars that I bought the very last ticket in the whole Gershwin Theatre!!!*
Even as I listen to the Wicked OST now, I am brought back to the Gershwin Theatre where I sang along to Elphaba's "Defying Gravity"
And thanks Jerry for hosting me that one week! Please take care of yourself ok?
San Francisco brought my trip a notch slower. Everyone walks slower and are more chilled in their lifestyle. I really have to give my biggest hugs and thanks to Justin Jap who hosted me. This guy drove me around so much that it was bordering on pai-sehness! Justin! It was great just talking about anything under the sun! I cannot wait for you to be back for the winter hols!
The highlight of my trip was visits to Fisherman's Wharf and my cycling trip to the Golden Gate Bridge and Sausalito. Fisherman's Wharf was just a haven for seafood. I can imagine a day in Hong Kong like that. Every five to ten steps munching on something!
Thanks Matt for the company and the lovely bed in the Marriot!
Why walk or take the bus to the Golden Gate Bridge when you get to experience so much more by biking? There was so much to see and you get to meet other bikers of different difficulty levels. And Sausalito? I only have this to say – Retirement plans!
I am not planning to post all the pictures here as they can be seen quite easily on Facebook – so knock yourself out!
This trip has changed me on the inside. It has made me more independent than I was previously. I have come back sharper and more confident in what I want. It has made me hungrier for success. I also missed so many people back home it was not funny. One of the drawbacks of exploring alone most of the time is you miss your loved ones as the days went past.
New York. San Francisco. Give me 4 more years and I will be back. It's a promise.
The jumble of emotions tangled and meshed together… How can one live through it all? Furthermore when it happens again in the o-so-eventful year of 2010?
It gets harder when it involves the people close by.
How does one go by when the crux of the support system seems to be the one causing such pain?
So many questions… How does one deal with them all?
"The cure?" one shouts from the many voices. I reply:"Ever heard of an injured animal being at its most dangerous? Well, Bryan is now that bitch."There is no better cure .Tinged with sadism I agree but what isn't in this little world of mine now?
Pain – the bitch arrives. And please do not mistake it for the fluffy lovable kind.
In the midst of it all, a spark so bright makes one say a prayer of whispers.The spark of hope that holds one to be special beyond most… Ever since the start of the year when this spark was promised… The prayer of whispers – that the spark never changes.
Perfect Nightmare
Sometimes we fight Sometimes I cry Why don't I Just tell him goodbye Sometimes I should But sometimes I don't Build up the strength to Say that it's wrong Sometimes I hate Sometimes I love Sometimes I hurt
Sometimes I don't Sometimes I wait For him to change But it's okay I've disguised the pain And I don't ever wanna leave him alone They say i'm brainwashed but i'm in love With this man Yeah
Keep telling myself that it's not worth it I already know I don't deserve it But if it's from you I don't mind hurting This is my perfect nightmare So when will I wake up and scream
No way (x7) But if it's from you I don't mind hurting This is my perfect nightmare Perfect nightmare
Sometimes I keep my cool Sometimes I let him know Sometimes I even pack my bags to walk out the door Sometimes I feel safe Sometimes I really don't Sometimes I promise that i'm ready to let him go But I don't ever wanna leave him alone They say i'm brainwashed but i'm in love With this man Ohh ohhh
Keep telling myself that it's not worth it I already know I don't deserve it But if it's from you I don't mind hurting This is my perfect nightmare So when will I wake up and scream
No way (x7) But if it's from you I don't mind hurting This is my perfect nightmare Perfect nightmare
Hoping he's changing But i'm scared he's not Can't see a way to leave Help me open my eyes
Keep telling myself that it's not worth it I already know I don't deserve it But if it's from you I don't mind hurting This is my perfect nightmare Perfect
Keep telling myself that it's not worth it I already know I don't deserve it But if it's from you I don't mind hurting This is my perfect nightmare So when will I wake up and scream No way (x7) But if it's from you I don't mind hurting This is my perfect nightmare Perfect nightmare No way (x7) But if it's from you I don't mind hurting This is my perfect nightmare Perfect nightmare Perfect nightmare
A month to go before I land in New York. A trip that has been envisioned since last year is finally going to be realized. I have gotten many great recommendations (from fashion people. There can never be enough on Tokio 7 and Century 21huh? Hahahaa!)
The shopping! Unleash me at H&M, Urban Outfitters and Forever 21 and I think I might just go crazy.Not to mention just stepping into Bergdof Goodman, Macys and Selfridges! Imagine a well structured and layered t shirt or a layered cardigan at just 10 US bucks???! Someone even told me it is absurd but shopping in New York is actually waaaayyy cheaper then Singapore. Just checked prices at the NY store courtesy of a friend and my hands are already trembling! And we are not even talking about the factory outlets yet (Now that's a whole different level!)
Some have ask. Why the trip now? Well, why not?If not now, when? Go when all I can think about is the job I am holding back home? No, I would rather go when I have no worries with enough cash in my pocket. So there you go.
Many say one week is not enough. But hey, I plan to go back again… This trip is not just about shopping (though it's a huge part!). It is also about discovery and enrichment. Alone. Yes peeps, I will be alone say for those few times where my awesome hosts join me for meals, exploring. Museums(Anyone wanna embrace their Gossip Girl dreams and have lunch on the steps leading up to the Met? haha)… Central Park… A Broadway show! All these are a must for my first trip.
For now, I wait….impatiently..
Not looking forward to the 25hr flight though!!!
AHM 2010
Since I would not be able to take part in the Stan Chart marathon this year (damn!) the next best thing was the half marathon by the Army. Was great seeing a few familiar faces
Stretching and camwhoring after 21km
With Lisa. Thanks for all the rides to ECP!
With KX
kfc breakfast after!
Chunkfest2010
Never been to one. I got to try some awesome new flavours!
Coney dog. Was disappointing though. Can't wait to try the ones at Central Park!
Chillin' with Lisa
Its been ages since I saw Ms Lisa Hui! lol. Was great catching up over sushi and mudpie and coffee! Robyn, Ian Tatt! your turns next! you two got loads to update me about!lol
Pengarang getaway
A quick getaway to Pengarang.
On the 45min bumpboat ride
The interior. Such a rustic feel. They even used those retro fans to keep fanning themselves. Is it that hot ladies?
All i can say is, this woman just plonked herself in the middle of our group and nodded off. She sure has thick skin even when we were playing games
For those with motion sickness
A glance at Tekong. O the memories!
Imagine the squeals when we saw the water purifying machine!
Our seafood dinner! The crayfish, crab and prawns were uber yumps! and the kankong! *faints!* excellent!
A Thaipusam-like festival taking place
No where in Singapore can you find such awesome bak kut teh!
Relieving his childhood. lol!
The town's mascot - The crayfish
Who says you need a DSLR to take such breath taking pictures?
The Birthdays - There are so many!
very 90210. lol
Ting held her's at this exclusive hideout known to many. Luxury at its best!
Ting jumping around
Ehhhh! Take pictures for everyone then i forgot about myself with the birthday girl! aiiie! The life of someone who always has a camera. ha!
Playing around catching moments
Unexpected visitor that shhaaaat everywhere!
Yummy!
Happy Birthday Mandy!
Happy Birthday Ling!
"Hey Apple!"
Ting is so gone! lol
Huge mug!Though rey is trying is best to look as small as possible.
The first NDP I attended was in 1998 where the every kid in primary 5 went to the Kallang Stadium… as part of National Education. All I remember from that time was being totally excited for this uber huge school excursion with song, dance and colour.
The second NDP which turned out to be the longest ever for me was in 2007 where my entire division was involved. We started getting into action since April of 07. First ever parade at the floating platform… it was also where I left my teens forever and turned 20 while walking past the Esplanade on my way home…
2010… Thanks to a close, special friend, I garnered tickets to watch the preview… Definitely the biggest show put up ever…
Ironically, the most boring part was the mobile column where it was they showed off all our spankin' new equipment… How boring? I let out the biggest, loudest yawn of my life after that… And I was not alone in that action.LOL!
OMG Moments - Dick Lee seems to be a fan of Glee for there were so many mash ups. and.....
CAN YOU BELIEVE THERE WAS MADONNA'S "VOGUE' AND "CELEBRATION" IN THE SHOW SEGMENTS???! LOL!
Here is the celebratory mood in full colour with Rey, Xuefang and Raymond
Enjoy!
Yummy ice cream!
Checking out the fun tote!
XF with my ray bans
Our First class seats.... we re-queued 3 times so we wont' be blocked... typical singaporeans? hardly! lol
My funbox!
Old school biscuits!
Merlion biscuits? nice touch!
This is what happens when your camera is held for safekeeping. you end up with many such pictures.LOL!
The red lions in action
XF commented that they were not in a straight line! haha
Colours
Skipped the Mobile Column and only started snapping at the performances..
Did not manage to get decent shots of the hosts and singers for my zoom was not "pro" enough!
The show is starting!
You will never believe it but this segment had Madonna's "Vogue"!
Aerial flight
Lady Gaga would be proud to see these little monsters inspired costumes. hahahahaha
Depicting our island and its awe inspiring buildings which include MBS, Esplanade and Changi Airport
Fireworks time!
Love these two shots with the person waving the flag clapper with such gusto
No pictures today. Just musings late in the night.
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Writing has become my life. But hasn't it always been you say?
The earliest I can remember saying I wanted to become a writer was when I was in primary 1. Every composition made for joyous scribbling which always seem to end abruptly to the sound of the bell signaling the next class.Writing then became my escape when the grades for the other subjects just weren't showing.
Of course even in primary 1, there were already naysayers from fellow 7-year old tykes (I kid not!) saying I will apparently break my wrist from all that writing should I want to pursue it. *Apparently in 1994, using computers were not that big then*
Today, writing for a living brings the same joy. The thrill of the finished product still excites me. However, unlike my teenage school days where I could safely say I ranked amongst the best?The playing field has changed and the classroom has evolved into an industry. An industry which hold the best writers with such amazing trains of thought. Writers who amaze me with their wit and skill (Hearts Sally Singer, ex prolific writer of Vogue), making me wonder when my time would come. *Hey I am only 23!*
With an industry, I am pegged to hundreds but with varying degrees of exposure and talents. Should there be worry? Contrary to many, I do not worry whether my conglomerates will score the job instead of me. I stand by the notion that if it is meant to be yours, it will be.
Some say its because unlike many, I have already been blessed with much. I admit, I am though in all honesty, hard work played a huge part.
For now I wait in anticipation for the debut of my work to be published. Not as an intern but a full-fledged writer. Yes it has become a reality.
I leave with a quote by an author I used to fancy years ago, Nathaniel Hawthorne – Words: So innocent and powerless as they are, as standing in a dictionary, how potent for good and evil they become in the hands of one who knows how to combine them.
