Wednesday, January 30, 2008 . 8:09 PM
This song is for Ben Tung... I think it's amazing that these songs just... Pop up so appropriately when they're needed. I guess that's a benefit of having a huge song database in your head...
I think I want to dedicate this song to myself as well. Hahaha. Cui.
Music makes a huge impact on my life. I may not have as much knowledge of music or embrace it as much as other people, but that doesn't mean I respect it's ability to alter moods, to inspire... And to reach out to those who need it most. It's about the message the song sends, not just in the lyrics, but in the tune, the chords, the melody. They speak to you regardless... And the best part of it is, there is never a wrong interpretation of the song. (Unless you're really WAY off...) I don't sing because I have some talent in it, I don't sing because I want to show off.
I sing because I love it. I sing... Because I want to share what I feel with you guys.
One! Two! Three!
To every broken heart in here
Love was once a part, but now it's disappeared
She told me that it's all part of the choices that you make
Even when you think you're right, you have to give to take
But there's still tomorrow
Forget the sorrow and I can be on the last train home
Watch it pass the day as it fades away
No more time to care no more time, today
But we sing, if we're going nowhere
Yeah we sing, if it's not enough
And we sing, sing without a reason
To ever fall in love
I wonder if you're listening in
Picking up on the signals sent back from within
Sometimes it feels like I don't really know what's going on
Time and time again it seems like everything is wrong in here
But there's still tomorrow
Forget the sorrow and I can be on the last train home
Watch it pass the day as it fades away
No more time to care no more time, today
But we sing, if we're going nowhere
Yeah we sing, if it's not enough
And we sing, sing without a reason
To ever fall in love
Well we sing, if we're going nowhere
Yeah we sing, if it's not enough
And we sing, sing without a reason
To ever fall in love
But we sing, if we're going nowhere
Yeah we sing, if it's not enough
And we sing, sing without a reason to never fall in love
To never fall in love again
To never fall in love again
To never fall in love again
"You'll Never Walk Alone"
Archangel
Tuesday, January 29, 2008 . 1:39 PM
My 100th post! Let's take a look back at the online diary which I've been (not so) faithfully keeping this past 1 1/4 years...
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Sunday, September 24, 2006
First Post
Hello everyone!
This is my very first blog alone, your number one blog for crap, nonsense and most importantly, Liverpool match reviews! Yes.
Do visit my other blog! (which I share with Chicken and Jon)
This blog is still under construction, so please bear with the shoddy workmanship and lack of interactivity (how much interactivity can a blog have anyway). No comments box (cos there was some error in the coding) so use the tagboard! ...while I try to get this going.
Will add a music selector soon and maybe some alternative backgrounds... Expect some major revamping after the A levels! Yeah.
"You'll Never Walk Alone"
Archangel scored a goal at 10:03 PM
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Saturday, May 26, 2007
Worst Week Ever
Wow I'm glad I'm back home... This week has undoubtedly been the worst week in my entire NS life... Or maybe even my entire life. Haha. Let me relate to you my sad story...
Of all the companies in SISPEC, I had to end up in a company whose OC demands that we all have to run our Standard Obstacle Course (SOC) under 10 minutes instead of the usual 10:30... Or else we have to run again and again and again, until we meet his requirement.
So on tuesday, we had the actual test. Given that my timing (10:19) for the previous week's trial test (which earned me a long weekend) was quite a good one, I was confident going into this test... Confident except for the fact that I was feeling like crap in the morning... I caught the flu virus that was going around. Of all days.
So my timing ended up 10:23... Worse than the trial test, even though we ran a longer distance for the trial test than the actual test. This meant that I had to run the SOC again the next day. Oh well... Suck thumb.
Later that day, we had the Confidence Obstacle Course (COC). One of the obstacles required swinging from a rope to a large rope net kind of thing (like Jack Sparrow) then climbing up and crossing over to the other side of the net, then climbing down the obstacle. Sounds fun right? During the swing i didn't grip the rope hard enough and ended up sliding down... Burning off a lot of the skin on my left hand (my master hand) on the way. Major rope burns... Hurt a lot. Don't try it.
So I went to see the medic, who patched up the burns for me. I was debating whether I should run the SOC the next day or not cos SOC involves one obstacle where you have to climb up a low rope... I decided to chiong it.
The next day I borrowed a nomex glove from one of my friends, hoping that that and the bandages would provide enough protection against the pain when I do the low rope. I ran the SOC and when I reached the low rope, I grasped it and pulled myself up. Ouch. Fell. Tried again. Ouch. Fell. Tried again... OUCH. Fell. With a final last, FOURTH effort, I made 4-5 loops and clambered my way up the rotten rope. Sliding down, I ran the rest of the SOC.
After I finished, I thought I had a real chance of getting below 10 minutes and being free from anymore SOC for this stage... Then my timing came out... 10 minutes. With bleeding hands and a bloody flu... I ran the SOC... and I didn't make it. I really felt like crying at that very moment.
So never mind. Suck thumb. Just that this time I decided to report sick to the Medical Officer for my bleeding wounds and my flu. Got 3 days light duties, 3 days excuse upper limb. I was not going to do SOC in that condition anymore man.
The next day, the first news I got from the outside world was a sms from my sister that Liverpool lost to AC Milan 2-1 in the Champions League final. What a great way to start the day. It got better... Because of my excuse, I was not able to participate in the 6k fast march... And because of that, I was not qualified to get the company nights off... I could not book out because I had ATTN B status... Suck thumb some more.
Then I found out that for the company night, the choristers from my platoon whom I knew (and worked with) from RJC are going to put up a performance. They didn't ask me. You know how insulted I feel? I just know that HE doesn't regard me as a singer... That musically he looks down on me just because he's so good at it. But never mind... It's not the first time I've been slighted. If he wants to go all high-and-mighty... Then so be it. Chao show-off.
That about caps off the worst week of my life. I'm glad I'm graduating from SISPEC soon... Because the people I've been forced to live and work with... All the trainees for the past 2 months... Are like shit.
"You'll Never Walk Alone"... but I always will
Archangel
Archangel scored a goal at 11:25 PM
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Sunday, July 01, 2007
Goodbye NS
Well since disruption from the army last thursday I've had a lot of time to reflect and think about my short stint in the Singapore National Service...
It seems like I've spent many years in the army already, even though it's been a mere 6 months. National Service has changed me as a person, has put me through several trials and tribulations... Not only physically, but mentally and in terms of handling relationships with people as well.
BMT seems so far away now... Even though it was just in January this year. It was arguably the best portion of my 6 months in NS. Hawk COY was a great company, with good company-mates and commanders... I think we were all very tightly-knit and had a strong sense of pride in our company... This was displayed with great gusto during the games day for BMT. Sadly this attitude would not replicate for my next two postings, which is probably why I treasure the memories of Hawk COY the most. Onward all Hawk-ers!
SISPEC may have not been as bad as I made it out to be... But the disappointment of not getting into OCS, coupled with the disappointment of getting into the most 'xiong' company made all the trainees disillusioned I guess... Which was probably why I was unable to work with or motivate many of them. Of course that kind of attitude from the trainees was never going to sit well with the commanders... In my SISPEC platoon I think I was a prime candidate to crossover to OCS if not for my IPPT which only got a silver... But oh well. I don't think I'll be able to survive OCS anyway lol...
After getting the posting that said I was to go to Armour Training Institute, I had my fears and doubts about the vocation. Was it going to be tough? Are the people going to be the same as those in SISPEC? It seemed that way at first, but after a mere week or two, things started to pick up and I'm confident that the guys I left behind in the Specialist Training Wing of ATI will become as tight-knit as the guys from Hawk COY in BMT... ATI/STW is very systematic and organized in what they do and that's what appealed to me most.
There have been so many people who have made an impact on and influenced me throughout this short 6 months... I thank you all, it's certainly been a blessing to have met you guys.
From BMT: 2LT Wilson, thanks for being such a great PC and for playing DOTA with us!!! Haha. 3SG Thiru, hope you manage to achieve your dreams for your career in the future... 3SG Farhan, don't smoke so much! Haha... Our section had great fun with you as our section commander! 3SG Oong, the closest sergeant to the whole platoon... Don't so stress, be more fun-loving! 2SG Yee, who held us in awe with his discipline and military knowledge from the first day of BMT... SSG Faizul, for being such a funny and friendly sergeant major, you were like a godfather to all of us...
From SISPEC: 2SG Lian, yeah the best section commander from platoon 2! At least in my opinion... 1SG Ho, quite 'xiong' section commander but is always friendly and talking to us trainees... SSG Djohan and 3SG Jackjit, fellow Liverpool supporters! MSG Rajoo, who made us toilet cleaners scrub every single algae off the tiles... Haha... But a man to be respected, an inspirational figure. 3SG Ridzman, the SUPER nice sergeant whom I had the benefit of having as guard commander when I was doing guard duty...
From ATI: 2WO Muniandy, an ULTRA nice course warrant, almost like a friend to us... Too bad he nags a lot to the course haha... But to the three of us when we OOCed, he was the best. 2WO Koh, a fantastic PC, who boosts our morale all the time when we see him, always laughing and joking with us... You still haven't added me to friendster yet! Haha... SSG Patrick, my section commander, who is like a big brother to us in STW...
And how could I ever forget... My beloved parents, and family who have supported me through all the difficulties I'd faced this past 6 months... And my friends who've shared my pain and complaints about NS... Thank you all so much.
Thanks once again, and sorry to anyone whom I may have inadverdently missed out... It's been a hell of a ride.
See you all in 6 years!
"You'll Never Walk Alone"
Archangel
Archangel scored a goal at 12:14 AM
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Thursday, August 02, 2007
Recycle Bin!
Lolll my OG mates are uber funny... Today I had a chat with Glorijoy on MSN and after she struggled trying to receive and open my song via MSN (hence the previous post)... Here's an excerpt from what happened next...
spiderpig spiderpig says:OMG i just deleted my recycle bin by accident
Archangel says:WHATTTT
spiderpig spiderpig says:HEY HOW TO GET IT BACK!
Archangel says:okay isn't that just a shortcut
Archangel says:you deleted from desktop right
spiderpig spiderpig says:ya
spiderpig spiderpig says:how do i get it back
Archangel says:er
spiderpig spiderpig says:so weird
Archangel says:let me try
Archangel says:oh die it's a program on desktop one
Archangel says:no a shortcut
Archangel says:*not
Archangel says:ZOMG
Archangel says:try restarting your com
spiderpig spiderpig says:ZOMG
Archangel says:lol i shall google
Archangel says:"what to do when you accidentally delete your recycle bin"
spiderpig spiderpig says:*FAINT
Archangel says:ooh there's an entry in wiki
spiderpig spiderpig says:whatwhat
Archangel says:no help
spiderpig spiderpig says:FAINT
Archangel says:apparently no one has done that before! :D:D:D
Archangel says:hang on
Archangel says:wah the recycle bin looks so cool in vista
Archangel says:can you access windows explorer?
spiderpig spiderpig says:ITS BACK!
spiderpig spiderpig says:YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
spiderpig spiderpig says::D:D:D:D:D
Archangel says:how did you get it back? hahaha
spiderpig spiderpig says:i just went to personalize desktop
spiderpig spiderpig says:and restore default
Archangel says:oh okay
Archangel says:nice
Archangel says:cos see what i found
Archangel says:Also, the Recycle Bin icon cannot be deleted from the desktop like other icons. Deleting a registry key from the Windows Registry resolves this issue. The key varies with the version of the operating system. In Windows XP and later, the Recycle Bin and other special icons can be hidden by options in the Display Properties control. However in the Windows Vista operating system, the Recycle Bin can
Archangel says:be deleted from the desktop.
spiderpig spiderpig says:walau heart attack
Archangel says:hahaha
Archangel says:you should have tried to delete something just to see what would happen :D
spiderpig spiderpig says:-.-
Archangel says:hahahaha
Archangel says:how on earth did you delete the recycle bin anyway???
spiderpig spiderpig says:right click delete?
spiderpig spiderpig says:cos i was gg empty
says:oh hahaha
Archangel says:then you clicked "yes" without looking properly
spiderpig says:YAH
spiderpig spiderpig says:>P
Archangel says:hahaha
spiderpig spiderpig says:bleagh
Archangel says:damn funny when you panic
spiderpig spiderpig says:*konk
Archangel says:ow!
Archangel says:hey can i link you through my blog?
spiderpig spiderpig says:yup
spiderpig spiderpig says:i linked u liao :P
Archangel says:you did? hahaha i didn't see :X
spiderpig spiderpig says:haiya
spiderpig spiderpig says:im so tired from panicking
Archangel says:hahaha!
Archangel says:that's a first i've heard
Lolll... Okay Glori's gonna kill me for this... But it will be so worth it hahahahaha!
"You'll Never Walk Alone"
Archangel
Archangel scored a goal at 10:36 PM
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Thursday, August 23, 2007
Radiocarpal Joint
My wrist hurts to high heaven...
"You'll Never Walk Alone"
Archangel
Archangel scored a goal at 7:31 PM
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Sunday, September 23, 2007
Medical Notes
After just 10 minutes on stage, and it was over.
Yesterday's performance was the culmination of almost 2 months of practice for medical notes.It was a great success... I felt our acapella group performed much better than we expected, and were naturally the crowd entertainer for the entire concert.
The other performances were really great as well... There are so many talented musicians in M2... Such professionals too. Especially Kai Ping and Xunqi, masters of the piano and er hu respectively. I thoroughly enjoyed their performances.
It's going to be so surreal now... After school when I don't have practice with the M2s anymore, when I don't see them so often anymore. Haha... It just feels kinda weird. I still remember the first practice when I was roped in to audition for D&D with the group... That was more than a month ago. What a long way we've come :)
I'm gonna miss "jammin'" with you guys! Remember in the future, if you need a bass... You know who to call :)
AmandaseeE'chingFarahSarahGloriaGracechewShawnGohThomas
"You'll Never Walk Alone"
Archangel
Archangel scored a goal at 12:53 PM
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Monday, November 12, 2007
The 5 Stages Of Mugging
The 5 Stages Of Mugging (or Examination Preparation) is something I came up with when I was feeling really boliao and thinking about the House season 2 episode about the 5 stages of death...
The 5 Stages Of Mugging (or Examination Preparation)
1. Enthusiasm
It's true, we all start out thinking that we're gonna be fired up and going full speed ahead till the examinations come... The gathering and filing of notes, the anticipation of what we're gonna do the next day, it's almost... Exhilarating. Everyone starts off their mugging journey with this enthusiasm in them.
2. Burnout
But soon you feel discouraged as day after day goes by and you realize that you're not mugging as fast as you planned your schedule out to be. Every day seems to get shorter and shorter and time becomes your enemy as you attempt to get your assigned mugging for the day done.
3. Slacking
Speaks for itself... Pretty soon you just give up altogether.
4. Panic
Then as exams inch every closer, you realize that you've done so LITTLE! Panic sets in and may spur you on to a bit of mugging.
5. Resignation
Then there comes a point in time where you feel that whatever you do, you're gonna fail anyway, so you might as well just accept it. The feeling of resignation sets in.
So those are the 5 stages of mugging! The key is to get through the 5 stages as fast as possible so that the cycle can be repeated... Then remain on the first stage as long as you can. Alternatively, after the 5th stage you can get to a systematic method of mugging. That'll be like... Reincarnation. Hahahaha...
On a side note... I think the whole production is being turned into a farce. Turning that role into what it is not is pretty unfair to the rest of us, I think. I don't see how a character who only appears in one scene should be placed as above-importance than others who appear in dozens more. He's a great actor and should probably deserve a more major role, so GIVE IT to him! Instead of treating the minor role as if it's a major one and ostracizing the rest of us. Sometimes I wonder whether it's worth it all... Not being given any direction at all... I mean, it's my first time doing this kind of thing man... I don't know if what I'm doing is right, or whether he just can't be bothered. Somehow I get the feeling it's the latter. But oh well... Maybe I'm just being oversensitive again. Still, I made a commitment, and I shall stick with it, no matter how sucky I may feel. Rehearsals are rather fun though!
Will be blogging about World Diabetes Day soon I hope... If I can get pics from Yee Keow.
"You'll Never Walk Alone"
Archangel
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The "Zen" state is a state coined by the JONg counsellors, where you are basically in a state where you are your own person, and you do not care about the actions and doings or what you may feel for, mainly, the opposite sex. Basically, you are detached and aloof.
The "Zen" state is difficult to attain, and for some, impossible. But the "Zen" state is where your mind is at its clearest, where for once you do not expect anything from anyone, and do not misinterpret the actions of others. You do not hope for anything, you do not try to read his/her actions and how they treat you. Best of all is, you are unaffected by jealousy.
Depending on your situation, the "Zen" state may be a good or bad thing for you. Choosing to remain in this state will render you invulnerability to any bad "qi" or karma, but may deny you happiness and joy. Remaining in the "Zen" state will bring you to a state of neutrality.
While in the "Zen" state it is important not to give in to temptations that come your way every now and then, or what comes after will be devastating; because what is presented to you is usually, mostly a lie, blurred and distorted by what you want to see. And you see only what you want to see, not what is reality. By pulling yourself out of the "Zen" state in this manner, it will take several weeks, months of healing, to resume the "Zen" state.
On a side note, I seriously do wish people would shut the hell up during lectures... The poor lecturer is in front trying to teach us how to be doctors man... You don't have to talk among yourselves and make snide comments or make fun of the lecturer during his lesson! It's just plain rude. I mean, I can even hear super clearly the conversations of some people from the other end of the lecture room lah! It's always the same bunch of people... If you're gonna disrupt the lesson like that and break the attention of the other students, maybe you shouldn't attend the lectures at all, since you obviously know the topic so well that you don't need to pay attention to the lecturer. Show some respect, man!
"You'll Never Walk Alone"
Archangel
Archangel scored a goal at 2:19 PM
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2007
Oh yay I koped this from Glori's blog... I love doing stuff like this. Hahaha.
1. What did you do in 2007 that you'd never done before?
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
4. Did anyone close to you die?
5. What countries did you visit?
6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?
7. What date from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
9. What was your biggest failure?
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
11. What was the best thing you bought?My laptop.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
14. Where did most of your money go?
Xbox 360 games I think. Lolz.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
16. What song will always remind you of 2007?
I have no idea. I guess it will have to be either "In The End" or "P5hng Me A*wy" by Linkin Park cos they describe my life very well.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:(i) happier or sadder?
Thinner. After army I lost like 10+ kg and since then I've been able to maintain that weight.
Richer. I had a job for 6 months this year. Hahaha.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
21. Did you fall in love in 2007?
22. Did you break any hearts?
Hahahahaha! You're joking right.
23. How many one-night stands?
24. What was your favorite TV program?
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
26. What was the best book you read?
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
28. What did you want and get?
29. What did you want and not get?
30. What was your favorite film of this year?
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
32.What is one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Having things go my way for once. Hahaha.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
34. What kept you sane?
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
37. Who did you miss?
I'm gonna miss all the OT2 people I worked with, who are not in my batch or not in the M2 batch... People like Chris Seet, Chris Ho, Meng Chon, Siying, Muggy, Sunder, Xiaoke, Victor, Dennis, Amelia, Moira, Pearly and so on...
38. Who was the best new person you met?
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007:
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:"One thing, I don't know why, it doesn't even matter how hard you try."
"You'll Never Walk Alone"
Archangel
Archangel scored a goal at 1:29 AM
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Haha... Looking back, there were so many ups and downs over these past 1 1/4 years... It's been a hell of a ride so far... Hope that it gets far better from here on =)
"You'll Never Walk Alone"
Archangel
Monday, January 28, 2008 . 9:15 PM
By tomorrow, the dream that was supposed to end earlier this month, will disappear into the dust.
It's time to wake up and face the harsh, cold reality.
"You'll Never Walk Alone"
Archangel
Friday, January 25, 2008 . 11:52 PM
I want to dedicate this song to Glorijoy... Stay strong... And shine on, for everyone =)
Please don't cry
You know I'm leaving here tonight
Before I go I want you to know
There will always be a light
And if the moon had to run away
And all the stars didn't wanna play
Don't waste the sun on a rainy day
The wind will soon blow it all away
So many times I'd planned
To be much more than who I am
And if I let you down I will follow you 'round
Until you understand
That if the moon had to run away
And all the stars didn't wanna play
Don't waste the sun on a rainy day
The wind will soon blow it all away
When the days all feel the same
Don't feel the cold or wind or rain
Everything will be okay
We will meet again one day
I will shine on, for everyone
So please don't cry
Although I leave you here this night
Where I go how far I don't know
I will always be your light
And if the moon had to run away
And all the stars didn't wanna play
Don't waste the sun on a rainy day
The wind will soon blow it all away
When the days all seem the same
Don't feel the cold or wind or rain
Everything will be okay
We will meet again one day
I will shine on, for everyone
Shine on, for everyone
When the stars all look the same
Don't feel the cold or wind or rain
Everything will be okay
We will meet again one day
I will shine on, for everyone
Shine on, for everyone
"You'll Never Walk Alone"
Archangel
OMG... I can't believe so many things can just so seriously go wrong at the SAME TIME. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. This makes me want to take up boxing so at least I have some immediate method of venting. Hahaha.
Okay okay... Calm down. Once you're through this you'll be fine. I hope.
Haha... I should talk to Mingjie more often. He never fails to cheer me up =)
"You'll Never Walk Alone"
Archangel
Wednesday, January 23, 2008 . 9:57 PM
I remember I did a quiz before, and it told me that this was the song of that particular year for me. Haha. I think it's more like... the song of my life. Though I like to think of it as "In The End" by Linkin Park. Nevertheless...
I walk a lonely road
The only one that I have ever known
Don't know where it goes
But it's home to me and I walk alone
I walk this empty street
On the Boulevard of Broken Dreams
Where the city sleeps
And I'm the only one and I walk alone
I walk alone I walk alone
I walk alone I walk a -
My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
'Til then I walk alone
I'm walking down the line
That divides me somewhere in my mind
On the borderline of the edge
And where I walk alone
Read between the lines of what's
F***ed up and everything's all right
Check my vital signs to know I'm still alive
And I walk alone
I walk alone I walk alone
I walk alone I walk a -
My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there would find me
'Til then I walk alone
I walk alone I walk a -
I walk this empty street
On the Boulevard of Broken Dreams
Where the city sleeps
And I'm the only one and I walk a -
My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there would find me
'Til then I walk alone
Remember what I said? At times I may seem like I'm joking, but I'm actually more serious than I seem to be at that point in time. Dead serious.
You were right... You right from the start.
"I walk alone, I walk alone"
Archangel
Monday, January 21, 2008 . 12:12 AM
Seriously, what is it with some people and their incessant need to prove that they're better than me at everything? Or to prove that they're better than everyone at everything?
Is it so WRONG to be an authority at something? Huh? It's like if I'm supposedly better at them at something they watch like a hawk to see if I slip up and then point out my mistake so gleefully. What are you trying to achieve then? To embarrass me? Make me look bad?
Then when someone asks me to help them do something, these people behave that they will be chosen before I do if the person had thought of them and considered them at first. Like hell! Since you believe you're so freaking good at it, go ahead and DO it then. Then I don't have to do anything. When I volunteered for it, it was for interest's sake. I don't do stuff to prove that I'm better than other people or to show off that I know something.
It all boils down to the quote I mentioned in an earlier post: "I learned then that practically no one in the world is entirely bad or entirely good, and that motives are often more important than actions." So what's your damn motive? Am I competing with you for something? Do you feel THREATENED by me? It's sad but it's true. Motives govern actions, and no one person is inherently good or bad. You'd like to think that people do things because they want to, or because it's good. But most of the time (nearly ALL of the time, in fact), they have an ulterior motive. Even I'm not free of it, but at least I realize it. The point is, this has become human nature, and that's just damn freaking sad.
Okay, I give up, OK? You're better than me at every single thing I try to do. Better at singing, acting, dancing, photography, studies, looks, intelligence, fitness. Better at being sociable, at getting girls' attention, at any other thing that exists on this planet Earth.
Happy now? I've conceded. I admit defeat. You're the winner. Bask in all your glory.
"I learned then that practically no one in the world is entirely bad or entirely good, and that motives are often more important than actions." - Eleanor Roosevelt
Archangel
Saturday, January 19, 2008 . 11:46 PM
On 17/1/2008, I participated in a Canon photography workshop to brush up my basics and touch up some skills in photography.
I was playing with the aperture (Depth of Field) for this one. I quite like this picture... That's Perry in the background.
Another one. Notice how the aperture makes it possible to just focus on the subject that you want specifically.
I koped this idea from Perry. Hahaha :P The half-shade half light thingy. I was trying to use the Rule of Thirds, but I think I only succeeded in adding a distraction into the picture (see the people at the top). Oh well. Skill not there yet.
I thought this was quite a nice pic... The sunlight reflecting off the building. I under-exposed this shot on purpose to bring out the clouds in the sky as well as to make the building look metallic.
I thought this shot was quite interesting... In the perspective of the worker. Notice the Singapore flag flying in the background! Whee... I only feel patriotic when I'm not in the army. Hahaha!
Those are fake flowers haha... Jon Teo and I chanced upon this... Rag-like preparation while walking toward the Esplanade... Don't know what they are for though... Once again playing with the DoF with the aperture.
I like the colour of the sky on this one. Almost perfect. 
Haha we decided to take a break and went to Max Brenner where Jon Teo bought a Suckao (or so it's called)... It's almost like a fondue kind of thing... Too bad the flame is such a distraction and too bad I didn't manage to get some milk pouring out of the jug when I took the shot... Haha.
I ordered this... Some chocolate banana split latte thingy. Hahaha... It wasn't too bad, but super expensive la. I thought the cup was very cute :P Hahaz
This was one the rooftop terrace of the Esplanade... I tried to use the framing technique, taking the ferris wheel. I think this turned out quite all right.
This shot is nicer in black and white than in colour... Cos the pink flowers at the bottom are very distracting. The only bad thing about this pic is the rotten rope at the tree! ARGH. 
Look! The Esplanade can change colour! Hahaha... Nah I was just playing with the white balance for this one... I used the white balance for incandescent light, giving the picture a blue tinge.
You can't imagine how LOW I had to go for this one. Hahaha... I was practically lying down on the floor. In the end I took this without looking through the viewfinder. That's another technique I want to perfect. I like this pic, except for the tube running below the rim of the basin.
After the photography at the Esplanade, I had a meeting with the Resonance Production Committee for Vocal Obsessions III at Raffles City. Sumi was 15 minutes late, so Jia En and I were just sitting at the fountain crapping stuff haha... I was feeling super boliao so I took several shots of the fountain. I quite like this one, see the difference in the water at the bottom and at the top.
That's pretty much about it! Hahaha... I hope Pearlly doesn't criticize my photos until like so cui like that... Then my morale will be uber low. Hahaha... Have mercy!
The cloud has (somewhat) lifted.
"You'll Never Walk Alone"
Archangel
Why does everything I do, everything I pursue, end up being so damn demoralizing.
I'm just simply not as good as I think I am in everything that I do.
Not good enough for anything...
Or anyone.
Just not good enough.
On a more positive note, my sister has gotten into RJ Chorale! Here continues the tradition of singing in our family. I wonder how long it will take Mr Toh to find out that she's my sister. Well... I hope she has a hell of a better time than I did in those fatetul 2 years... Congratulations!
I shall end off with a quote that bears no relation to this post... But it's been on my mind and bugging the hell out of me this past few weeks... Perry should know what it is. Posting what I think will probably be detrimental to my health and bring unwanted repercussions.
"I learned then that practically no one in the world is entirely bad or entirely good, and that motives are often more important than actions." - Eleanor Roosevelt
Archangel
Tuesday, January 15, 2008 . 9:35 PM
I was studying in NUS today when I was feeling super bored with my ipod music. So I decided to listen to some albums which I had not yet listened to... Namely Josh Groban's "Awake". A song caught my attention immediately with it's musical-box-sounding beginning... And then he started singing those lyrics... I got goosebumps all over. I cannot remember the last time I've been so enraptured by a piece of music, a set of lyrics so... So beautiful... So appropriate. By the end of the song my eyes were wet.
A waltz when she walks in the room
She pulls back the hair from her face
She turns to the window
To sway in the moonlight
Even her shadow has grace
A waltz for the girl out of reach
She lifts her hands up to the sky
She moves with the music
The song is her lover
The melody's making her cry
So she dances
In and out of the crowd like a glance
This romance is from afar
Calling me silently
A waltz for the chance I should take
But how will I know how to start
She's spinning between constellations and dreams
Her rhythm is my beating heart
So she dances
In and out of the crowd like a glance
This romance is from afar
Calling me silently
I can't keep on watching forever
I'd give up this view just to tell her
When I close my eyes I can see
The spotlights are bright on you and me
We've got the floor
And you're in my arms
How could I ask for more?
So she dances
In and out of the crowd like a glance
This romance is from afar
Calling me silently
I can't keep on watching forever
And I'm giving up this view just to tell her
Sigh... =(
Makes me wonder... Sometimes I sound like I'm joking but actually most of it is the truth... Haha. The sad part is I don't dare to make it not sound like a joke. Cos if I do, I don't know what the repercussions will be.
Made a new friend today, Hao Tian (possibly one of the tallest guys in M1... can go compete with Zhou Hao liao)... The two of us plus Alvin, Celeste and Yu Kit went for lunch together in NUH Enclave after our (rather unproductive) mugging in the morning... Then after that we went to play pool in BTP.
I must say even though I haven't played in eons I think I started quite well, then later dunno why all my shots kept refusing to go in... Either the ball will totally go in the wrong direction or it will almost go in but bounce out at the last second. Lol. I wanna play more pool... Cannot be so cui.
Dug out some random shots from my handphone just now... Here's one I took after Saturday's football at RI:
Know what that is? That's a picture of a vending machine AFTER I bought the green tea. Notice the final position and what's wrong with it. The stupid mechanized lever came down to the level of the drink-drop, and just continued going down. Haha. The machine is REALLY earning money man. It freaking stole 90 cents from me!
This is a photo I took today after our pool game. We were just roaming around BTP, coming to Popular bookstore, where we saw this assessment book. Look at the second white box from the top. I tell you, if you can solve HE + HE + HE = AH, you really must be a math genius.
Oh well. So she dances...
"You'll Never Walk Alone"
Archangel
Monday, January 14, 2008 . 12:10 PM
Okay... Let's focus on the positives, shall we?
...
...
...
I need more, better friends.
"You'll Never Walk Alone"
Archangel
Sunday, January 13, 2008 . 11:19 PM
She rolls the window down
And she talks over the sound
Of the cars that pass us by
And I don't know why
But she's changed my mind
Would you look at her? She looks at me
She's got me thinking about her constantly
But she don't know how I feel
And as she carries on without a doubt
I wonder if she's figured out
I'm crazy for this girl
Yeah, I'm crazy for this girl
She was the one to hold me
The night the sky fell down
And what was I thinking when
The world didn't end
Why didn't I know what I know now?
Would you look at her? She looks at me
She's got me thinking about her constantly
But she don't know how I feel
And as she carries on without a doubt
I wonder if she'll figure out
I'm crazy for this girl
Yeah, I'm crazy for this girl
Right now
Face to face
All my fears
Pushed aside
And right now
I'm ready to spend the rest of my life
With you
Would you look at her? She looks at me
She's got me thinking about her constantly
But she don't know how I feel
And as she carries on without a doubt
I wonder if she's figured out
I'm crazy for this girl
I'm crazy for this girl
Would you look at her? She looks at me
She's got me thinking about her constantly
But she don't know how I feel
And as she carries on without a doubt
I wonder if she's figured out
I'm crazy for this girl
I'm crazy for this girl
"You'll Never Walk Alone"
Archangel
And I'd give up forever to touch you
'Cause I know that you feel me somehow
You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be
And I don't want to go home right now
And all I can taste is this moment
And all I can breathe is your life
'Cause sooner or later it's over
I just don't want to miss you tonight
And I don't want the world to see me
'Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am
And you can't fight the tears that ain't coming
Or the moment of truth in your lies
When everything feels like the movies
Yeah you bleed just to know you're alive
And I don't want the world to see me
'Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am
And I don't want the world to see me
'Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am
And I don't want the world to see me
'Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am
I just want you to know who I am
I just want you to know who I am
I just want you to know who I am
"You'll Never Walk Alone"
Archangel
Friday, January 11, 2008 . 1:16 PM
Attempting the impossible... Is it brave? Or is it just stupid. Or is it somehow coincidental that the situations always are not tilted in your favour.
It's interesting... I'm constantly reminded of the conversations I've had with Jon Teo, Shuo Jie, and even Zeying...
Maybe it's the fact that perpetually choosing to do the impossible removes all the risk of failing... That's because you already know that you are going to fail. And that if you somehow manage to succeed, it will be all the more sweeter because it was supposed to be impossible anyway. Maybe that's the attraction... The attraction of the challenge.
I find that kind of behaviour a little worrying.
Or maybe you're just unlucky... And whenever in this kind of situation... The game you are attracted to playing is of extreme difficulty. In that case then it's your problem... You can only try your best to win the game.
Hmmmm.
Okay I'm gonna go write an e-mail for the army-going J3s of Raffles Chorale now... Shan't mull over this for too long... Just play the game.
"You'll Never Walk Alone"
Archangel
Wednesday, January 09, 2008 . 9:25 PM
2008 has been like a breath of fresh air for me... I feel more free, more relaxed and more revved up than ever before. It seems as if a dark cloud above me has moved on... And now I see the light of day.
This is me with Chris Ho (Alzheimer)! Probably my best buddy from OT2... Hahaha... It's amazing that his brother was my RI Choir Junior. We're happy members of the Cui Kias Club and the Cool Club Boys (CCBs). =D
And this is another member of both clubs! Meng Chon (Cushing) the crowd-favourite! Haha. Poor Meng Chon had diarrhoea in the few days leading up to the performances... But he didn't let them get him down. He's a perfect example of one who feeds off the crowd response to serve up a masterpiece. The two pics were before we ventured to the girls' room to get our makeup done.
Here's the man himself: Chris Seet! Hahaha... With Yi Liang as well :P Chris rocks man, he's the most "family-oriented" guy on the set. With all the frustrations and nonsense boiling over, he never once lost his cool (at least not in front of us)... He always sought to make everyone happy and comfortable (most of the times at the expense of himself). He's a really funny guy, such an enthusiast when it comes to music and acting... I really admire Chris.
Lol this is a spastic pic I decided to take during a certain very long (and dreary) briefing. The big face is Sunder =P. I was not gonna put this up till I realized Eunice (Claire) actually spotted me taking the pic! Hahahaha. So unexpected. You can see Shawn and MC having their makeup done by Rachel and Moira respectively in the background. Kudos to the makeup and hair team... And most of the girls. They were great helping all us cui kia guys putting on our makeup and doing our hair.
This is me (after I put on my makeup lolz) and Si Ying, our... Dance IC? Hahaha. She took charge of all the dance stuff and basically made everything look good. In just one week we evolved from cui crap to stage-ready, and it's largely due to her :) Good stuff. We were enjoying doughnuts that our lovable Chris Seet bought for all of us! Such a great guy. In the mirror you can see Ben (Joe Average) admiring himself. Hahahaha :D 
This is Zhi Yong (Prof Hippocrates) handing over a "certificate" to Muggy (Chao Ah Ben/David). Lolz... These two (incredibly tall) guys were great fun to work with on the set. I still feel injustice for those pple who laughed at Muggy and Dennis dancing on Saturday... They worked really really hard on the dance and the audience just failed to appreciate the effort.
Those were just some of the pics I took on the second day... I didn't take many more, there was simply not enough time as we ran through the full musical once (with brushing up) in the afternoon, before the actual performance... And I left soon after the performance so couldn't take more... I'm gonna miss all these great guys (mostly M4s). Thanks all you guys for making this journey such a memorable one :)
On another note, I wanna say a very very huge thank you to Beatrice, who helped me buy "Simple Things" by Zero 7 when she was in England! It's a really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really *deep breath* really really really really really really really fantastic album. I love every song on it, it's true genius at work. I really admire people who respect bass and percussion, who use it as their platform or foundation to their music, rather than just a side note, or a side effect. This ambient alternative or trip-hop genre is really enjoyable and relaxing to listen to. A true masterpiece.
Okay that's about it for now. Haha. Go read someone else's blog.
"You'll Never Walk Alone"
Archangel
Sunday, January 06, 2008 . 1:29 AM
Oh yay I koped this from Glori's blog... I love doing stuff like this. Hahaha.
1. What did you do in 2007 that you'd never done before?
Er lots of stuff I guess... Hard to list them all. I disassembled, assembled and fired several guns, threw a grenade... Basically, went to the army. I sang live in public in an a cappella group, I played a role in a musical, I started learning how to drive, started playing full field football instead of just street soccer, went to med school... Etc etc.
2. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't really make New Year's resolutions... Cos I don't really know what to make. Everything seems wrong lol.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Nope.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No.
5. What countries did you visit?
No countries this year... Sigh. I would've gone to Taiwan with my armour unit if I hadn't disrupted though.
6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?
I seriously have no idea right now... Haha. A girlfriend? :P that's gonna be uber unlikely.
7. What date from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
I've got 2 actually... 13th January. It was the day my freedom was taken away from me. And 1st July. It was the day my freedom was given back. Lolll
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Actually pushing for a gold in IPPT! Hahaha. Though I'm like 1 full minute off my 2.4 timing to get a gold... =\ Just kidding though. My biggest achievement would probably be completing OT2 with all the great guys around me... It was a fabulous culmination of all our efforts, and I'm really, really gonna miss all those guys...
9. What was your biggest failure?
Probably relationship and friendship-wise... I haven't really been the friendliest of people around.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
3 major ones... In the army I burned a freakload of skin off my left hand swinging down the rope in the confidence obstacle course... Then I still had to do SOC the day after with the burned hand. I also sprained my wrist while playing netball with my OG, and recently I got a very bad case of gastric flu which left me vomiting and having diarrhoea several times... Not exactly a good year =\
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My laptop.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Christopher Seet, our beloved director from OT2. He's the most encouraging, most family-oriented man I've ever met. Always cheerful, civilised, never once losing his temper and always caring and thinking of others. If I had an elder brother I'd love it to be Chris Seet.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Well... I don't really wanna name people here. But some people really only think about themselves and the worst part is that they... or rather he, does not bother listening to people's opinions when he sets his mind on something... It's like... He asks people for opinions just for show... To show he's like some sort of "democrat" or something. It's just disappointing really.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Xbox 360 games I think. Lolz.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Disrupting from the army.
16. What song will always remind you of 2007?
I have no idea. I guess it will have to be either "In The End" or "P5hng Me A*wy" by Linkin Park cos they describe my life very well.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
(i) happier or sadder? Sadder. Things haven't really been going that smoothly of late...
(ii) thinner or fatter? Thinner. After army I lost like 10+ kg and since then I've been able to maintain that weight.
(iii) richer or poorer? Richer. I had a job for 6 months this year. Hahaha.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Study.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Daydreaming and thinking of impossible things... Or maybe losing control of my feelings and regretting it later.
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
I spent it with my both my maternal and paternal sides of the family... Just two dinners in the two days. I also spent the Christmas period carolling with Medsoc and with Resonance, as well as having all the rehearsals for OT2.
21. Did you fall in love in 2007?
Unfortunately.
22. Did you break any hearts?
Hahahahaha! You're joking right.
23. How many one-night stands?
None leh... I usually lie down on the bed at night... Don't spend it standing up all night. It would probably be really tiring you know. Also cannot sleep.
24. What was your favorite TV program?
Avatar: The Last Airbender.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Er... I don't generally HATE anyone.
26. What was the best book you read?
Yes Glori, I will personally beat you up for giving the answer that you gave to this question. ZOMG. I've read several good books this year... The best I guess would be the two books I've read from the Troy trilogy by David Gemmell... "Lord of the Silver Bow" and "Shield Of Thunder". I'm still reading the second one, in fact.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Zero 7... A band from the UK. They're simply fantastic... I "discovered" them when I was watching House MD and they played one of their songs at the end of a show.
28. What did you want and get?
Into Medicine.
29. What did you want and not get?
Many things... But let's not go there, shall we?
30. What was your favorite film of this year?
Ratatouille.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I was in the army. I can't remember exactly what I did, but I bet it was tiring and unpleasant. I turned 19 this year.
32.What is one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Having things go my way for once. Hahaha.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
Non-existent.
34. What kept you sane?
My incredible ability to be able to survive alone, without the need for socializing.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Felicia Chin! Omg!!! She came to NUS like twice and I didn't see her at all man. Perry got to see her 5 times in the 2 days and even took a PHOTO with her! Life is so damn unfair.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
I dunno. I'm pretty apathetic to politics. Apathetic or ignorant.
37. Who did you miss?
I'm gonna miss all the OT2 people I worked with, who are not in my batch or not in the M2 batch... People like Chris Seet, Chris Ho, Meng Chon, Si Ying, Muggy, Sunder, Xiaoke, Victor, Dennis, Amelia, Moira, Pearly and so on...
38. Who was the best new person you met?
It's a five-way tie between Chris Seet, Chris Ho, Meng Chon, Sunder and Si Ying. Okay I guess Sunder doesn't really count since I met him in my Medicine interviews. I guess it would have to be Chris Seet.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007:
You can't always go it alone.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
"One thing, I don't know why, it doesn't even matter how hard you try."
"You'll Never Walk Alone"
Archangel