And the new year beckons...

And in some 1 hour and 4 minutes, a new decade will come forth.  Wow.  10 years gone just like that.  What have I done in that amount of time??  From 7 to 17 years of age.  Really.  What have I truly accomplished??  It's so befitting to hear "Hanging By A Moment" on my Windows Media Player now...  Very befitting.

When I think about it, how much have I changed, both physically and mentally.  Gosh, I'm soooo gonna dig through my photo album after this.

And looking back, I can say that I enjoyed my progress from kid to teenager, although I didn't fully utilize all the resources I had.  And for the next decade, new friends, college life, and the reluctant journey into adulthood.  It's gonna be rough, but it's just the way I like it.

Not gonna witness some fireworks tonight, since most of my family is down with illnesses.  Oh well, I don't need them to cheer me up.

I leave the decade filled with experiences good and bad,

with some mended hearts and some broken ones still being pieced back,

with laughter, tears, triumph, bruises, joy, scars, and all the ambiguous wonders I have left out.

Hopefully, I may just find some new life experiences to share with everyone, and maybe just someone.

I will stride down memory lane 2000-2010 with pride and my head held high.  Sure I'll look back in the bitter and tearful memories occasionally, but that's how I enjoy my reminiscence.  As long as we don't dwell in the past, I don't see what's the wrong at glancing back.

Damn.  I really got a write a song about this, don't I?  Then again, I'm SUPPOSED to record at least one song and post it before life at Sunway University College starts.  Wish me luck then.

To all, I bade a Happy New Year in advance and farewell for the last post in the year 2010.

Time for some Counter Strike: Source.

Love,

Fang

Goodbye - Paperplane Pursuit

Rejoice

Yay!!!  Malaysia just beat Indonesia in the finals!!!  Although they lost in this second leg 2-1, they had a comfortable 3-0 lead from the first leg at home.  So no worries!!  Malaysia Boleh!!

And for today, at least I'm making some progress by letting go little by little (like, FINALLY...).  Well, I can't just be in a slump forever.  So I guess...  I'm moving on.  Yes, I'm cutting a frustrated figure for the long delay...  I don't like it myself.  Oh well...  Till the next time we meet.

Hurricane Jane - Black Kids

Blink

Finally, I got a good book to read.  Yay me.  As you can see from the fine print below the title, it's about using your subconscious to evaluate and assess stuff instead.  It's seems... complex.  After the first few pages, I was very impressed as anyone can relate to the phenomenon which is Blink.  

The author, Malcolm Gladwell, does look pretty smart, with his Einstein-lookalike hairdo.

I just finished learning Chapter One, which is the Theory of Thin Slices, a sophisticated method of making a quick evaluation or judgment within a short amount of time.  For instance, a person who can apply this theory properly can be as good, if not more accurate, at understanding someone better than his/her close friend for, let say 8 years, just in a window of 30 minutes.  Unfortunately, about 45% of people who understand thin-slicing can't apply it.  I haven't tried it out yet.

Currently learning the art of "Priming".  This'll be fun.  Okays.  That's it for today.  Not in the mood for prom blogging yet.  And it just hit me that I'm starting pre-u in a week's time.  Crap.

Cassie - Flyleaf

After

You know what??  I just re-visited a presumed "dormant" blog of a friend and man... is it deep.  I guess the more I try, the more it's backfires.  But on the flip-side, if I don't do anything, what will stop the decay?

Haizz... Damn problems.  Oh, one more thing.  The driving agency just called me not too long ago to notify me that they lost ALL my personal info so I have to register myself again.  Utterly superb.

Well, Malaysia just thumped Indonesia 3-0 at Bukit Jalil earlier, which is great, since they lost 5-1 to them earlier in the group stages.  Celebrated with some awesome dessert with the Americans and the Tans.

And prom was seriously, a blast.  Can't blog much now la...  Losing the hype plus I gotta help my dad assemble and re-organise the new furniture for his office at Studio 46.  Starting to look like a cool place to work in, or a super cool cyber cafe!! *hint hint*

Oh well, I'll just end this post with one nicely taken photo of me during my solo performance.  Maybe it'll give me some motivation to blog more on prom...

Well, here it is!!

Thanks, Brandon!!  Fantastic work.

The Son of Flynn - Daft Punk

A Night In Paris

It was a really

Stressful

Emotional

Tiring

Psychotic

evening.

Will blog more once I have the pics (and more passion).

And I got my desktop back!! YAY!!!

Tonight - FM Static

Agenda

Yes!!  It's finally done!!!  I finally finished the agenda for prom night.

And I finally suited up!!  With Liang beside me

But the main topic would be my cousin's wedding.  Hats off, Jack.  10 years of dating with the wonderful Jordan, now you have the rest of your lives ahead of you together.  All the best for the many years to come.

Us and the rest of the guy cousins

(From left: Liang, Me, Sheng Tat, Kok Kuan, and Geoff)

Again, I was one of the few reluctant people to hit the dance floor.  It was damn awkward.  I mean, there I was, with about a dozen other people, dancing the same set of 20-odd moves in front of 400+ people enjoying their dessert.  It was... hilarious.

And yesterday I went for the KPP course for driving.  And it was DAMN BORING.  I actually took a power nap during the course as it was so dull.  Lucky I had Sabr there with me.  Oh well, thank god it's over.

Now for Tron: Legacy.  My mom's booking the tickets as I type this out.  Can't wait!!

And Tenji buffet after that!  It's a brilliant excuse to eat like a pig and still look good doing so.  Hahaha.  Whee!!

Differences - Ginuwine

Matrimony

It's funny how I'm having a massive headache although I'm not the groom for the day...

I have a hunch that the fever's coming.  And sh!t that ain't good.  Well, the schedule for prom STILL isn't complete yet...  I got about 5 bands not replying my messages...  But the good news, I have a little time extension till tonight.  Moreover, I managed to break a new record for screwing up the head of the poor Akar Karya worker as I called him a total of 8 times.  Oh well, the customer's always right, eh?

Can't wait for tonight!!  I hope that the stupid pimple below my nose doesn't show.  Otherwise I'll have to do some massive photo-shopping.  Ciaoz

Damage Control - John Petrucci

Rejoice!!

Needless to say, this may be the only happy post that I posted all week, which is quite double-edged, ironically.

We had our re-auditions this morning, with our new song.  But after our performance, we were suddenly told that we're gonna be the band playing for the dance floor!  So we had to change practically all our songs all over again... Haizz.  The good news is that we already settled the new song while waiting in the studio lobby.  Just need to practice a little now.  Time to dig up some old tabs to relearn...  Oh, and I got a part for my solo performance : ]

I'm probably smiling like a goofball now. Hee hee.  What to do??  It's quite an elated feeling hahaha.

Now all I gotta do is inform all the performers of their performance time and get the names for the bands, dancers etc.  Currently typing out the agenda on Microsoft Word.  Wheee

Always Be My Baby - David Cook

Chores

Today's futsal with the Scout Seniors failed to materialize... Which blows.

But, looking to the upside, finally!!  I got a day all to myself, no events or assignments attached.  I can't believe I'm saying this but I feel so... ALIVE!  You know?  I thought that it'll be something incredibly fun just to bomb my entire week of joyous events with friends to commemorate my freedom from all secondary school education.  But fatigue's getting to me real quick and it blatantly sucks.  Big time.

I suppose the event jam-packing is partially (PARTIALLY, I said) to inhibit some thought process on some past and pressing matters, damn my brain for being able to document bitter memories with some glimmer of efficiency.  But when I think about it, the more I make myself busy, the more it makes me reminisce and think about all the crap in the world.  It's odd how I plan something, and the results are the total opposite, undesirable ones.

So I currently have both houses to bow to my every whim.  Well, for me to bow to their every whim will be more befitting.  And for the first time in months, I actually did all the house chores WILLINGLY (minus vacuum-ing the floor).  Yes, you heard right.  The funny thing, it's quite therapeutic!!  And I guess, is what will make today a good day for me.

Homecoming (The Death of St. Jimmy) - Green Day

Awake

Watching the Man U - Arsenal game.  Got a small wager on them.  Gotta make it three winnings in a row!  It's not easy guessing the scoreline you know, compared to giving certain number of "balls".  Never took time to understand the concept.

After 3 days with some of my closest friends at Studio 46, I am currently some 8-10 hours in sleep debt.  Not nice.  Considering it's now 5 a.m. on the ball, I guess I'm now about 12 hours overdue.

But during their unpredicted stay at my place, it got me thinking (for almost the gazillion bazillion time)

Maybe you were confused,

perhaps you were trying to learn more about yourself still,

you probably didn't notice everything in detail,

all the sacrifices made were overlooked.

Then again, you didn't ask for anything,

all I did ask for is reciprocal.

In my defence, I was just thinking.  I'm pretty much over (most of) it now.  Okay, I'll refrain myself from emo-ing further by ending it here.

Vagabond - Wolfmother

Fear

In some bid to ward off Star Wars junkies, no.  Fear isn't the path to the Dark Side in this post.  I was just reflecting on what drives me to un-drive me.

What I'm trying to say is that on some (seldom) occasions, I take some "risk" here and there, however mundane or minuscule it may be, in an effort to instill some dire need of courage in myself.  Note that seldom means about 1 in 15 tries and/or scenarios.

On a regular basis however, I don't want to make a change/ take a risk with whatever I do.  I'm not so sure whether it's the fear for change, but it seems so.  Yea yea, the only constant in life is change.  I get it.

The thing is that I really hate that fear that holds me back, but I embrace the flaw at the same time.  Does that make sense to you?  It surely does not to me.

I suppose it's that "split personality" I have.  No, I don't have Multiple Personality Disorder.  It's just that I seem to hold 2 sides of a coin with my character.  I know it sounds weird and some people may not get it...  But that's what I am (to any grammar Nazis out there, it's not "who I am" as it is not of any importance).

Am I crazy?  One day I'm in a bullish mood, the next day I play it close to the chest; one day I'm adventurous, the next I'm just a slouch.  Does this equate anything to anyone?  Or am I just some average Joe of a confused teen turning into an adult?

And in the end, fear.  That's what grips me like a parasite and engulfs my like a plague.  Fear of love, lost, triumph, ruins.  Fear, may be just what makes me, another grain in the sand.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”                                               

 - Marianne Williamson-

I would like to add that this quote wasn't originated from Nelson Mandela himself, made famous by his Inauguration Speech in 1994.  But he still is all the more of an incredible man, with or without the crediting of this speech being his or not.

Now to get ready for my jamming/ party.

Snow (Hey Oh) - The Red Hot Chili Peppers

Saving

Well... Today's master plan of trying to record a song from start to end failed miserably.  After lunch, Roger and Chin paid a visit to my place for what I thought was the occasional jamming.  Nope.  Chin brought his laptop so that we could watch some movies.

So we three camped in my room for 2 hours watching "Saving Private Ryan" (the authentic, uncensored one), since I only watched the ending part and Roger had never seen it.  Most of the time, Roger was going "Holy Sh!t!!" whenever some dismembered limb was shown.

We only managed one half of the show before playing football.  Next week, we'll finish it.  Got the entire week booked.  Busy busy busy.

Muzzle #1 - The Whisp

Last

I baliked to my kampung on Saturday night to celebrate my grandfather's birthday the next day.  He would've been 73 this year.  It's such a sad thing that he couldn't see me through SPM...  But I bet he's having the time of his new life now.  I guess it's what we all would've wanted for him.

Moving on so we went back on Saturday and I forgot that there wasn't any phone charger there for my Aino.  So with 50% battery life at 5 p.m., I had to use it wisely.  And I came back here with 7% battery life left at 5.05 p.m. the next day.  Another funny thing was that the water there tasted like barbecue sauce... Freaky.  Maybe the kettle had burned... I don't know.

So we celebrated his birthday with full joy, not a single tear shed, which I was extremely grateful and happy for.  He would've wanted that.  Definitely.  And it's very nice to see that his favourite foods are my generations' favourites too.

And I'm so happy that I can finally watch a weekday game of football.  Since there's no exams on Tuesday, I can happily watch the 4 o'clock of Liverpool against Aston Villa.  It's gonna be quite memorable!  Gerard Houllier, the man who helped Liverpool to the treble in 2001, will make some emotional comeback man, now managing the opposition.

Well, one more paper left for SPM, which is Biology.  Can't wait to get it done with.  Fang, signing off.

Cassius - Foals

The truth of a thousand lies

It's always love and affection,

but you don't like me,

you just want the attention.

4 months living with an ironic inception.  Wow, I feel so much better now.  You'll probably read this, but this post isn't for you.  It's plainly for my self esteem.  Don't take it the wrong way.

Love yourself first, then maybe you can reciprocate.  Farewell, babe.  We had a nice imaginary run.  Well, maybe you did.

And for the record, I embrace my flaws because I accept my defects, that I am only human.  Hell yes, I make efforts to change, but there must always be a balance: the void left by an erased mistake will indefinitely be substituted by another mistake.  It's inevitable.  And maybe that's not good enough a reason for you to see that I don't want to change sometimes, but this is one of the few post that I intend to make it self-serving.

It's funny how feelings can just polarize overnight, huh?  But believe me when I said it back then.  I genuinely did think of a future with us together.  It wasn't that far-fetched.  Just ask yourself, one last time.  How minuscule is a probability that a combination is 100% faultless?

Run me through that again, will you?

Soothsayer - Buckethead

Walk

Today, since a 6 o'clock rain ruined my football time, I took an early shower and decided to wear my "night clothing" early.

What does that teach me?  I learned that some 17-year-old walking in the rain, holding an umbrella, fully clad in pyjamas under a bright evening, is very appealing to my mother-of-two neighbour.

Life changing

Now to learn how to uphold some moral values!  Yay, Pendidikan Moral!!

Change Your Mind - Boyce Avenue

It's been a while...

This week's been gone in quite simply, a flash.  Yes, SPM is still on.  It still isn't fun, no.  But there were some "interesting" events.

Tuesday

One being the night before my first paper, BM.  I woke up an hour early due to a freaky dream.  I was dreaming of a white Glen Johnson, complete with glasses and dressed like some corporate worker.  

Seriously, can you picture him being white??

Wednesday

I drew some inspiration from watching Watchmen last Sunday for my English paper.  I have to say, the "comic book adaptation that is too complex to be made into a movie" wasn't as bad as doubters thought of it.  Although set in an alternate timeline, the movie was smart albeit dark and wee bit violent.  And I just love the characters of Roscharch and Ozymandiaz (forgot how it's spelt) and how complex they are.

Thursday

And my ordeal of visiting the toilet during the exams.  You see, the rules state that when a student wants to "go for the pitstop", he/she must be accompanied by an invigilator.  So since I had some time to kill in my Sejarah exam, I got curious.  When being escorted, I was thinking: Hmm... So how can I cheat??  No, I didn't cheat, what for?  Besides, I was just brainstorming.

Three ways, in fact.  Though I rather not state them as a safety precaution to future participants.  So I was thinking, would he be standing beside me in the cubicle when I "release some tension"?  Nah, he just stood outside.

Later that day, me and my mom went to celebrate the end of my Sejarah paper with Carl's Jr., which was fantastic.  Since my dad was in Penang, my brother in camp and my sister at the kampung with my grandma, this was the best time.  But my mom already had her lunch so I was eating for one.  So I ordered the biggest burger I could see to fully enjoy this moment.  Then my eyes saw the Chili Cheese Fries and I gave in to temptation.  So, at the end of the day I was struggling to chow down half of the Chili Cheese Fries and the normal fries left by my mom.  It was bittersweet, as I was still half full at dinnertime.

Fast forward to Saturday

The Form 5s decided to pay a visit to the Usaha Camp participants.  I had fun owning the others in Monopoly Deal while waiting for the main event to commence, since they were all new to the game.  We had lots of fun during their Malam Kebudayaan (Culture Night) and our sketch was unanimously the best performance we seniors have pulled off since... EVER.  Then we celebrated Miss Melody's birthday, who is
21, I mean 18. I mean 15.  Yeah... Fifteen.

Then on the way back, Zee's car broke down cos the brake fluid was leaking.  So the initial rendezvous point, SMKDU was scrapped,

Well, that was kinda the entire week as I can recall it.  Gotta blog on a lot of other stuff after SPM...  Oh well, got a date- I mean,
study group soon.  Till then

Astair - Matt Costa

Gotta muster every ounce of confidence I have...

Are we ready?  I'm certainly contemplating that answer prior to the biggest 3 weeks of our high school life.
Did we give it all we've got?  Some might say so.  I didn't.
Are you in a state of regression?  For I am too meek, yes.
Am I going to live through this?  Yes, but how successful the outcome begs to differ.
Why aren't I studying my ass off as we speak?  Cos my mind and heart can't seem to coincide at the time being.
Am I afraid?  All the time.

Should I choose to stay afraid?  Heck no.
What I'm trying to say?  I'm not fully prepared, but I'm gonna go play my hand and skin out next week.  Period.
Will it be enough?  We'll see next March.  Till then...

Heart - David Choi

My first kiss went a little...

...like this

Sir Licks-a-lot, Didi, aka Steffi's Shi Tzu (is that how it's spelt?) just greeted me with the trademark licking and all.  But when I finally sat on the couch, he jumped onto the couch as well and continued licking me.  Thus, I lost my unofficial first kiss to my furry friend, well at least it was only my lower lip.  Rest assured, I have thoroughly decontaminated my mouth.

And today is the Form 5's last German class...  That just sucks.  We'll be getting our final term results next week.  Hope we all ace the exam!

All this events, on a memorable International Fart Day.  And I uncontrollably gave out about 12 butt burps today.  Yes, I actually kept track.  So what if I contributed to global warming via my hynie, we all do.  Sorry to disappoint.

Slow Dancing In a Burning Room (Live) - John Mayer

Doubt

Exams are nearing... Some 17 days from now... I'll be on the hot-seat instead... And the worst thing, I'm not fully prepared for it.

Yet I keep walking down familiar routes,

in doubt, and in dejected times.

Can I pull myself together,

when others are looking?

Can't even stop the rot,

that's slowly chewing off my foundation.

If only I knew...

Currently watching the "AC Milan - Real Madrid" Champions League game.  Real really bore me...  Although the "Special One" is at the helm.  Still lacking killer instinct.  They just lost the lead and are now trailing 2-1 to an aging AC Milan side.  Filippo Inzaghi, one of the best goal poachers I know, netted the brace.

Still trying to get used to the new text editor...  This will take a while...

*5 minutes later*
And Real Madrid equalises through Pedro Leon... Damnit

Heartbreak Warfare - John Mayer

Mr. A-Z, or The Musical Hobbit?

When car-pooling Chin back home, we were listening to Jason Mraz's album, "We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things" and he told me :" You know, Arlene (our drummer) insist that maybe Rock isn't our thing, and that we should do Jazz. I don't mind, since I LOOOOOVE Norah Jones. But I think he meant that we should pursue Folk because he started talking about John Mayer (the blues-y part of folk) and then drifted further away to Orson (solely alternative rock). In the end, I'm cool with Jazz or Folk ( Team Tracy Chapman!!)

Either way, I'm definitely interested on the direction the band is heading. And Chin, for the last time, it's Resonance, certainly NOT Butterfingers! Peace.

Decided to post some photos from graduation. Here they are

Kev, Dan and I with our Form teacher in 1 Kenanga, Pn. Rosniza


Danny and I with Biology teacher extraordinaire Pn. Wong and
Pn. Khoo, head of the Science Department


Fellow 2 Kenanga and some 3 Teratai peeps


4/5 Kempas 09/10


We also got a pic with our headmistress!! Gotta tag her on Facebook...

The 73rd Petaling Scouts Movement 09/10

I'll miss you guys, and all the trials and tribulations that we endured together
(and I'm wearing our senior tee while posting this ^^)


The LEO Club's Board of Directors 09/10
(Isaac was missing and we took another photo. Still can't find it yet...)

*Update*
Got it!  Here it is.

We were saying : "We help people!"

And saving the best for last, the people who define me.

Best buds of 4/5 Kempas
Aiman, Sab, Atia and Joyce (Sunshine was unavailable at that moment)


Me and Little Miss Sunshine


Kevin, Danny and I
Best buds since Form 1 a.k.a You, Me and Dupree


Das wunder von Damansara und Herr Annadurai
Part of the German class 09/10


The gang with Pn. Tan, Additional Mathematics teacher


Chin, Azrai, Sab and I (she used the large fan to her advantage, see picture below)




The most fashionable dude I may ever know, Aiman
(yes, the fan was blowing)

I'll miss you guys a lot. But I'll see you guys very soon. Love

God, do I miss posting photos on this blog!!

Always - Blink 182

Ascorbic acid will never be more annoying

Yeap. It was graduation day. I got up and immediately switched on my radio and played it on shuffle. It gave me... well I don't quite remember. But it was nice and befitting song, I'm sure. Hahaha

Well, today was filled with lots of drama... and photos. I'll keep it short, since I got Bio and History exams tomorrow. It was tears, hugs, more tears, photo sessions, singing to Vitamin C's "Graduation Song (Friends Are Forever)" [as corny as it was], some more drama, group photo shoots, yea... It goes on and on.

Then after that, Chin, Dharsh, Suzie, Kevin, Roger, Gayathri, Li Min, Sam, Lydia and I ate at Food & Tea in TCM. Okay, I'm getting verrry sleeepy now so I'll summarise things.

- the emcee got my name wrong when I was about to get my mock cert
- Sunshine gave me some shocking news (initially)
- Steffi got cramps on both of her feet when in TCM
- Roger Ng and Suzanne Chan killed some patient(s) with me in this Wii game (I think it was "Trauma Knife" or "Trauma Centre" or something like that)
- a kid I played football with got shot square in the nose by Fang Liang ... Very nasty. Massive bleeding. But it's all good. He's okay now
- and my sister just suggested me a prom date. Surprise who... Lucky my mom got my back.

Yeap. That's about it, in a statistical, no-emotions attached sort-of-thing. It's better that way. Still, I can't wait for the pictures!! All 1000+ of them

Don't Worry (Be Happy) - Bobby McFerrin

Cast

Yes! I found another band similar to the now-disbanded Oasis. Unfortunately, the band I'm talking about has disbanded before Oasis did... But they still freaking rock. I'm talking about "Cast", an English rock band from Liverpool. Just like The Beatles!

Noel Gallagher of Oasis described watching the band live as being like a "religious experience"

Here's one of their songs

Cast - She Sun Shines

She opens my eyes, she's all around me
And the brighter you shine, the more she sees you
She sun shines with you

If I can't be free, what am I to be?
If I can't have you, what am I to do?
What am I to do? What am I to be?
What am I to do, if I can't be free?
She opens her eyes, she looks right to me
And this feelin' inside, is what she gives to me
She sun shines with me

If I can't be free, what am I to be?
If I can't have you, what am I to do?

What am I to be? What am I to do?
What am I to be, if I can't have you?

She who takes my hand, she leads the way
She is in my morning, night and day

She opens her eyes, she looks right through me
And this feelin' inside, she gives it to me
She sun shines in me

If I can't be free, what am I to be?
If I can't have you, what am I to do?
What am I to be? What am I to do?
What am I to be, if I can't have you?

If I can't be free - what am I, what am I to be?
Can't have you - what am I, what am
I to do? (can't be free)

As the great MTV says, Britian Bloody Rocks!!

Idol!

Nah, I'm just putting that as my header because I'm wearing the American Idol shirt which I've won from the Kris Allen concert. It's part of the deal I made with my tuition mate, who I'm seeing later today. I won't say she loves Kris Allen, but she admires him a lot. So to commemorate her birthday, which was last saturday, I'm wearing this shirt to please her. See? Who needs to give presents all the time?

On another note, I hate the psychological turmoil I got myself into (refer to last months' anger post, you'll get an idea). I mean we're done, but I still find every little window of time to remind me of her. Hope my parents don't see this (or at least if they do, not talk to me about it. It's the I-need-some-space-to-think-it-through sort of thing).

And Danny, I love the past two post on your blog. I feel happier and more touched now. HAHAHA

And this blog needs more photos... Damn I miss using my desktop. Stupid anti-internet-access virus. Will get it done after SPM. Confirm.

Whatever It Takes - Lifehouse

Viper

The only reason why I'm posting this is for the sole intention of trying to note this (un)eventful ordeal down for as long as this blog exist.

We were enjoying our brand new ice cream that we bought earlier while watching Austin Steven's Adventures on Animal Planet. Who? He's a professional photographer and snake expert (what do you call that, paleontologist?) who travels around the world snapping photos on all different kinds of animals.

This one scene, they were showing him having to be face to face with a Gaboon Viper. He did the usual stuff, extract venom, snap photos and then released the viper.

This was the interesting part. He was on the verge of releasing the head of the snake but warned the crew that it could strike back. My sister was sitting right behind me when that happened. Guess what? The snake striked, with the typical "doom anthem" being played.

My sister, being the sad girl with her slow-mo reflex but killer-quick reactions, she actually THREW the porcelain cup filled with chocolate fudge heaven in her hands to the marbel floor. To no one's surprise, the cup broke into pieces. Not just that, now there's a chip in the marble floor! Damn idiot. I liked that cup.

Sidewinder - Avenged Sevenfold

This just in...

I learnt that Manoj reads my blog... Huh, interesting.

And I just found out that my blog had just surpassed 150 posts. And that took me 4 years to accomplish. Isn't that slow?

One more thing, dancing tango is a giant pain in the hind. Sure, I didn't have to do the fancy lifts and spins, but I find the passion-infused dance to be too hot for me. It's not because of my hormones, I can manage that. It's all the body contact you know... Gives me the heebie-jeebies. Cross my fingers that my dance partner's boyfriend doesn't kill me when he sees us dance to that during prom, before my parents do I mean.

Oh the other hand, I got my English results back. Yes, I'm omitting the mention of the other 8 papers just cause I don't wanna talk about them, and because I haven't got them all yet. I wrote an essay for my late grandfather who sadly passed away last year and while writing that essay, I swore I nearly broke down in my classroom 3 times. Luckily, I managed to suck it in and focus. Pn. Shaja wrote one simple, short and sweet line at the bottom of my paper in red ink. It said: "Well done, you have successfully immortalised your grandfather in this essay!"

I was elated. I was finally able to give my grandfather the recognition he truly deserves, although I didn't have time to add everything about him in the essay.

Hopefully, I'll get the chance to type everything down for everyone else to see. And maybe someday, my kids and their kids will learn more about their roots. I gotta do that someday... Retracing my roots, I mean. Well, it's almost time for football. So, signing off.

Chasing Pirates-Norah Jones

Warmness

The tennis court at my field now looks like it's from Mars since they added extra spotlights and changed all the light bulbs to "warm light" instead... Freak-tastic

Vultures-John Mayer

Untitled

Sorry, no idea what to put as a header to this post. Lacking some creativity lately... Band practice was super. We jammed to our prom numbers and also some extra fun like AC/DC's "Back In Black" and Guns N' Roses's "Sweet Child O' Mine", with Kevin and I screaming in utter vain in a bid to beat Axl Rose's messed up (in a good way, I mean) vocals.

Now blogging at 5.55 a.m. while watching the Spain-Lithuania game. Why so early? Well my sister has developed a highly inclining interest on Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles, which means more computer hogging than EVER before. Period.

The odd thing is that NO ONE, or as far as my intel goes, actually reads the manga enough to influence her. Not to sound too skeptical, but I think she's reading it for the hormonal relief. No diggity.

I bet that she'll choke me with the pillow in my sleep if she were to see this post, which may give me the odds of surviving the next month(s) of 100 gazillion begillion/1, since she doesn't bother checking this mundane thing of a blog. Maybe my mom will though...

When recalling AC/DC's music, I had a sudden weird idea to put in my lyrics bank. It's just one line though...

I rather take a shotgun wedding than have a six-shooter showdown with you

Odd much? Could've done better? Oh well.

3 a.m.-Matchbox 20

Basically...

Arghh I still can't keep my head in the game as the past still creeps into my mind... I nearly fell apart during the trial examinations. Gotta get myself together, man. Craaap

Another Kate Nash rendition. She's such a brilliant artist. Absolute musical talent. And we can all relate so much to it, with a change of perspective, of course...

Gotta post this quick! My com hogger sister wants to continue reading her new-found waste of time activity: Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles. I have nothing against the manga, don't get me wrong. She's my problem. I can't even have a decent amount of time on Facebook.

And those spammers on my comment box are getting annoying...

Nicest Thing - Kate Nash

All I know is that you're so nice
You're the nicest thing I've seen
I wish that we could give it a go
See if we could be something

I wish I was your favourite girl
I wish you thought I was the reason you are in the world
I wish my smile was your favourite kind of smile
I wish the way that I dressed was your favourite kind of style

I wish you couldn't figure me out
But you'd always wanna know what I was about
I wish you'd hold my hand
When I was upset
I wish you'd never forget
The look on my face when we first met

I wish you had a favourite beauty spot
That you loved secretly
'Cause it was on a hidden bit
That nobody else could see
Basically, I wish that you loved me
I wish that you needed me
I wish that you knew when I said two sugars,
Actually I meant three

I wish that without me your heart would break
I wish that without me you'd be spending the rest of your nights awake
I wish that without me you couldn't eat
I wish I was the last thing on your mind before you went to sleep

Look, all I know is that you're the nicest thing I've ever seen
And I wish that we could see if we could be something
Yeah I wish that we could see if we could be something

Bloom

Just a short, yet incredibly good quote

The more of what you can tell about what you see, the more obscure the meaning behind the image.

-Penelope (Rachel Weiss), Brothers Bloom-

Now, isn't she an amazing person? In the movie, I mean.

Speechless-Lady Gaga

Interval?

Well, trial exams are, well still what they're all about: leaked papers. It's ridiculous! Some students study their asses off to prepare for the unknown while the other party gets to close one eye, sip on some pina colada and wait for the answer scheme to simply fall on their laps. It's unfair and utterly disgusting. Anyway, they'll get what's coming at them.

I'm incredibly bored right now, hence reverting back to blogging. I got Add. Maths tomorrow so I got some free time on my hands today, quoting Pn. Tan "Add. Maths is a subject where you can't study out of a book. You got to practice a lot. But if you don't study, the better for me. I just have to put a giant cross on the blank paper and give you a "0". Simple as that". I say that's crude, but darn effective.

But tragedy struck this week, more accurately yesterday. My brother's ex-classmate, Zhi Qi, tragically passed away in her sleep. Today I got the news that the doctors concluded that er untimely passing was due to kidney failure, but no one took notice. She just said that she was tired the day before and had slight heartache so she took an early snooze. Thank the heavens that at least she passed away without any pain or suffering. Here's the Facebook page to remember her for all the wonders she was. Although you may not know her, it would mean the world if you guys were to join the page. In her memory. May she rest in peace.

And referring to the post 2 or 3 ones ago, all I can say is that frustration and anger are incredibly powerful tools. But it's words that make the tip of the blade. ALWAYS NOTE THAT, future readers. And perhaps, future-me as well.

Another poem to distort the obvious message.

Does it make sense?
I'm still running in a meadow of dreams,
where all I left behind is what I crave for.
A dream turned to reality.
Now, I live in a distorted dimension.
Where the grey is where I roam,
in an endless whisper.
Can I grasp a second chance in this life,
where all I wanted was to be accepted by someone,
but it's just one mind in the sea of 6.5 billion.
Yet I would stand in the line of fire for that person,
eventhough there's probably another hostile shore I will have to land on.

I Belong To You (New Moon Remix)-Muse

Oupern Hous!!

Atia's open house was amazing!! The food was incredible and I couldn't help but whack 2 big helpings plus desert. I guess my weight-gaining regime is back on track!

Speaking of which, I checked my weight last week and found out I gained 2kg (out of the targeted 6), which made me superbly elated. I only learned a few days back that the reading was off-scale and it read 2 kg extra... So much for hard work...

Okay, back to the main event. I got the chance to show off my new Transition lenses, which taught me another new con to the glasses. Even with a little extra sunlight, the lenses are extremely sensitive and will adjust accordingly to the light exposure. Now, how can this be bad? Well, it means that any outdoor pics will look like I'm wearing shades. I'm not complaining (that much) but then my eyes can't be seen clearly anymore when taking pictures. In defence, guys can have their little, microscopic, minuscule fair share of vain, okay?

An hour into the open house and the last guest, Rakesh hasn't arrived yet. Aiman got fed up and decided to give him a ring. And guess his excuse? "Oh, I'm stuck in a jam outside the house"
He actually meant that he was caught in a jam at the highway, on the way to the house.

Then later we all had a shot at her PS3. I was especially excited since I've never touched one before. We all took turns playing God of War: The Collection but the main highlight was when we played GTA IV. Aiman, a seasoned noob in console gaming played first. I think he died about 6 times in the span of 20 minutes, all deaths being pretty hilarious as Joyce, Rakesh, Sarah, Atia, Aiman and I filled the entire house with ever-bursting laughter.

His "deaths" are as follows:

Round One

Atia showed him the basics of the gameplay and its mechanics on how to run, shoot, hijack a car, bla bla bla. Then she quickly obliterated a car with a RPG and immediately passed the control to him. Panicking, he tried to run away from the cops until he was stuck on a bridge. Seeing that there was no vehicle in sight and capture being imminent, he did what any fugitive on the run would've done in the runaway movies: he jumped off the bridge. Unfortunately his character wasn't some parkour expert or Spiderman so he just plummeted to his death from 20+ metres.

Score: Cops 0 - Aiman -1

Round Two

Atia gave him access to all weapons, unfortunately he didn't know how to cycle through the weapons. She used the given RPG and opened fire at a random car at the curb, which immediately alerted the police. Then she gave him the controls and started ordering him to run. Hastily, Aiman used the D-Pad to move (which was used to cycle through the weapons, leading him to use his fist as a weapon). The cops eventually arrived and he starting running as instructed (yelled, actually) by the panel of spectators while "shooting". So what we next saw was some fugitive running, being pursued by the authorities, while doing weird basketball chest passes, which was eventually apprehended.

Score: Cops 1 - Aiman -1

Round Three

Aiman managed to alert the police once again in a bid to settle the score. Again, the cops managed to apprehend him. But this time, he defied their orders and started assaulting them, with his deadly chest passes. So in the end he was gunned down to no surprise.

Score: Cops 2 - Aiman -1


Round Four

Learning from his mistake, this time Aiman brandished the RPG beforehand, finger on R2, at the ready. After he dispatched his first taxi, his excited-ness just skyrocketed and before you can say "supercalifragelisticexpealidocious", he was running down the street like some madman only existent in "Rambo". After his third victim, he quickly targeted the car right next to him and fired a point blank shot into the driver's door. Next thing we know it, his character was shown being flung somewhat 10 metres back from the force of the explosion. Funny stuff.

Score: Cops 1 - Aiman -2

Round Five

Atia decided that every bad-ass in the game needs a bad-ass ride, thus granting him a Huey assault helicopter courtesy of the game's built in cheats. Surprisingly, Aiman got hold of the controls quite well this time. He was happily flying around the city until he suddenly lost focus, causing the chopper to fly in a vertical motion. If that's not bad enough, Hani (Atia's sister) tricked Aiman to ejecting, hinting that there was an emergency parachute. There wasn't. So we saw THE coolest dive from easily 100 metres above ground earthbound. In the end, he landed on a railway track.

Score: Cops 1 - Aiman -3

Round Six

Aiman got better after the previous 4 deaths and actually managed to hijack a getaway vehicle to scamper away from the cops. He managed to last a solid 5 minutes with his health bar close to nil simply by driving in a large circular motion around the highway. Then, in another one of his errors, he collided into a tree, causing his van to catch fire, which in GTA lingo means "get your butt out of the car before it goes ka-boom". Aiman quickly ejected from the vehicle right before it burst into a giant fireball of death. Unfortunately, none of us saw the car at his left when he jumped out of the van due to a sudden camera angle change. So, the car rammed the rolling character which, you guessed it, killed him instantly in another modern movie cliche kill.

Score: Cops 1 - Aiman -4

So, GTA IV taught us a lot about being bad-asses. But it was tons of fun be it.

Club Foot-Kasabian

Got me some new specs

Yea... Nothing fantastic, but worth posting I reckon. Me and my siblings went to the optician yesterday for the occasional eyesight checkup. Then I got interested with the Transition lenses. So the owner, a friend of my parents, immediately showed me the lenses with incredible enthusiasm.

I remember him saying: "In my opinion, whoever has these lenses are very, very lucky people. It's very comfortable once you put them on. Unless you eyesight jumps like a rocket. But for you, no problem."

So I'm getting them this Thursday. Can't wait!

Renaissance-Mat Kearney

Reestablishment

Since I don't wanna give too much away, I shall embrace the poetic rambling that Pn. Shaja, my evermore esteemed English teacher, enjoys reading at the back of my exam papers.

Sometimes, solitude is my answer,
Though not always was it the right one.
Countless attempts to rebuild the broken bridge,
Seemed to constantly contradict with malicious specters.
Mimicry is what they deliver,
Nearly made me a believer.
Still the reestablishment process took place.
Now maybe, just maybe,
I can see my reflection again.
I can sing for her, for me, for anyone, again.
Maybe, just... maybe...

Contemplating on changing my URL... Retarded much?

Don't Stop Dancing-Creed

Rewind

Funny how after all the anger and frustration vented from the previous post, I still want to turn back the clock.

But, as I learnt from Dane Cook and Alec Baldwin's characters in I-forgot-what movie, she may be the best for you, but are you the best for her?

Damn those good lines from the movies...

And through all the tough stuff I've been through for the pass few months, I was reminded that we really did care for each other. We were just short on the "similiar interest" department. So was it all worth it? What do you think I'll say?

I'll just say this: Never was it a waste to fall for someone that amazing. It was just the end point that fell short for me.

So the question still remains, does love exist? I'm still searching for the answer. But I guess I should tone down the effort a little and not try too hard next time. Till then... This is my parting note

You Don't Know What Love Is (You Just Do As You're Told)
-The White Stripes

Reconcile

There's nothing much to say... You just had to kick dirt in my face. Not that you'll see this post, anyway. Well you had me, alright. And you just fiddled with my heart all that while. Screw this. I'm just posting this so that I'll remember all the wonderful things you are, even though in the end it's just a double-edged sword.

As quoted by an unknown source, passion goes both ways. Turns out I finally saw the other side of it.

Well, when browsing through random songs online, this said close to everything I need to say to you. I don't hate you, but I don't feel sorry as well. It's time I stood up for myself once again.

Merry Happy - Kate Nash

Watching me like you never watch no one
Don't tell me that you didn't try and check out my bum
Cause I know that you did
Cause your friend told me that you liked it

Gave me those pearls and I thought they were ugly
Though you try to tell me that you never loved me
I know that you did
'Cause you said it and you wrote it down

Dancing at discos
Eating cheese on toast
Yeah you make me merry make me very very happy
But you obviously, you didn't want to stick around

Dancing at discos
Eating cheese on toast
Yeah you make me merry make me very very happy
But you obviously, you didn't want to stick around

So I learnt from you
Do do do da do do do do do da do do do do do da do
So I learnt form you
Do do do da do do do do do da do do do do do da do

I can be alone, yeah
I can watch a sunset on my own
I can be alone, yeah
I can watch a sunset on my own
I can be alone
I can watch a sunset on my own

I can be alone, yeah
I can watch a sunset on my own
I can be alone, yeah
I can watch a sunset on my own
I can be alone
I can watch a sunset on my own

Sitting in restaurants
Thought we were so grown up
But I know now that we were not the people
That we turned out to be

Chatting on the phone
Can't take back those hours
But I won't regret
'Cause you can grow flowers
From where dirt used to be

Dancing at discos
Eating cheese on toast
Yeah you make me merry make me very very happy
But you obviously, you didn't want to stick around

Dancing at discos
Eating cheese on toast
Yeah you make me merry make me very very happy
But you obviously, you didn't want to stick around

So I learnt from you
Do do do da do do do do do da do do do do do da do
So I learnt from you
Do do do da do do do do do da do do do do do da do

I can be alone, yeah
I can watch a sunset on my own
I can be alone, yeah
I can watch a sunset on my own
I can be alone
I can watch a sunset on my own
(do do do da do do do do do da do do do do do da do)

I can be alone, yeah
I can watch a sunset on my own
I can be alone, yeah
I can watch a sunset on my own
I can be alone
I can watch a sunset on my own
(do do do da do do do do do da do do do do do da do)

It was nice knowing you, both sides of you. Too bad you couldn't accept or appreciate me for what I am or what I did. Now the scar on my left arm, where I literally bled for you, will be all I remember you for.

Referring to "The Sound of Music",
So long and farewell, it's an eye-opener to say goodbye.

The All-American: Rejects

I recall watching a commercial with both my parents on UFO Hunters of the History Channel. Then they showed few people claiming that they have been abducted.

With that statement in mind, I asked my parents... and that's when our "heated debate" commenced. The conversation is as follows.

Me : Why do Americans in particular claim to be abducted by aliens and no one else??
Mom : I don't know la... Maybe it's because they're unique, in terms of their whacked mental state(s)
Dad : No... You're both wrong! It's just that all the Americans are like rejected goods. You see, everyone else gets abducted and don't return, it's just that they are all "damaged goods" so they have to be returned to Earth lor...

And so, I've learned a bit more of our Western friends. Interesting much?

The Turning-Oasis

Elated much??

Well... One short announcement here.

MY BAND MADE IT THROUGH AUDITIONS!!

WOO

WOO

WOO

WOO

WOO

WOO

WOO

Okay. I'm good now. Haha. Well, yea we, honestly, kinda suck compared to the other bands, but I tried very hard and appealed to Suo Leng a lot. So, with a stroke of luck, she decided to give us another shot. So... that'll mean lots and lots of practices... And karaoke sessions for Kevin and I. WHEE!!

There They Go-Fort Minor

Strings on my fingers

I don't wanna say much cos everytime I see this post, I'll probably taste the bitterness I went through yesterday all over again.

In short, my band worked really hard to try to impress the judge(s)... We did great during practice, honestly. But we screwed up damn lot during the audition... Ah screw it. I'm getting sick just by typing this. My solo was equally crappy, since I went out of rhythm a few times. Oh, screw it. At least I have another day to look forward to... Yay...

Should've Try Harder-Hey Monday

A walk to remember

Okay, before anyone jumps to any conclusions, let me explain. No, it wasn't romantic as the book and movie is. Mine was rather mundane of one. The sole reason I'm blogging on this was due to the fact that I attended the Taylor's University College of Sri Hartamas's Jog For Hope. It's this charity event organised by PAWS, 1Taylor’s Community Project and the Tree Huggers. It was 6 km but although it really is a walk in the park (no pun intended) for me to complete, I had the most subtle stroke of bad luck to have my ankle sprained days after I registered for the event. Sure it's been 6 weeks already, but my ankle still isn't 100% recovered. Hence, the "walk to remember".

Fortunately, I was accompanied by Sun, Kien Beng and Joyce. Kai Sheng, Qizhan, Hazim and Derek, being the athletes for the day, just took off. I also met my cousin there, though I didn't realise it until she greeted me first. There were also a lot of familiar faces in the form of my ex-seniors.

And so our "race among peers" began. Initially, it was me and the girls as everyone else just bombed forward. Then as time passed by, the crowd was reduced to Joyce and I. It's not that I was so pathetic that I was reduced to walking to the finish line; it's just that Joyce has this funny sock that keeps slipping into her shoe almost every 5 minutes (I didn't mention that she is totally unfit, just saying). I didn't want to leave her behind, so I accompanied her. Besides, I couldn't possibly catch up with the rest of the pack. So, we had an entire hour to ourselves walking under the kind sun, chatting about random stuff. I guess it was quite relieving, you know, to listen and have someone listen to your stories occasionally.

In the end, we both received a standing ovation for being the top ten... from the back. Despite the emcees cheering for us to make that "final sprint" to apparent victory, I couldn't care less as I slowly strolled to the building. Anyway, the post-run goodie bags were awesome. They gave us a can of Sarsi, 2 granola bars (Peanut Butter!!), shower scrub, facial wash, a certificate of completion and .................... 14 days trial at Celebrity Fitness for FREE! That was the bomb. So me and the girls are gonna try to use that pass to go for dance classes. Why dancing for me?? Cos I'm on a weight-gaining regime until my ankle decides to stop holding me back. Then, the guys were given free sports deodorant and Kai Sheng was slick enough to smuggle 5 cans of them out. In the end, most of us got double goodie bags by handing in both our running numbers, as one tag entitles us to one bag. It was RM15 well spent on so many stuff. Too bad no one brought a camera along...

Then later that evening, my family went out to watch Inception. It was THE most mind-blowing movie EVER!! This certainly is Christopher Nolan at his best. Christopher who?? The director of "The Dark Knight", silly. It was very complicating at first, grasping the entire idea of "Extractors" specialised in infiltrating people's minds to steal their secrets. The plot was another major hair-pulling issue. I think I can spend the entire day typing the plot out and STILL not concluding it. For a 2 and a half-hour movie, it seems way longer than that. And at the end, the audience is left with the choice of 2 alternate endings: whether the main character Cobb, played brilliantly by Leonardo DiCaprio, has returned to reality, or is his mind in limbo, stuck in an endless loop. It was superb. After the show, my family spent the entire dinner at Ninja Joe (which serves the awesomest, perhaps the only pork burgers around) debating on the ending. Yet after much trifling, we still couldn't come to a unanimous decision... Yes, it was THAT good. To all out there, watch it. You won't regret it, unless you didn't take a nap before watching it, then your poor fatigue-driven brain may not be able to grasp the plot. Yes, it's that complex as well...

So... is this an inception as well?? You tell me.

Subculture-Styles of Beyond

Mmm... Durian

My family had like, what? 7 durians for supper?? The thing is my dad's friend owns an orchard so we get a constant supply of it every year. This year's one was a bit... odd. There was one which was infected with worms, but only in one (what do you call it?) chamber. So we ate the others and to my surprise, there were 2 pieces which tasted partially like pineapple, which was so cool. And I single-handedly cut open all of them. Well in the end, I gained like 1.5 kg solely from chowing down 3 of those fruits. Yes, 3 of them, not in pieces.

Oh, and I didn't get called up for National Service!! Woot! But Joybunan, Sabr, Atia and Aiman got called up... Well, I'm kinda on two halves here. On one hand, I dislike the fact that I couldn't go because then I couldn't spend more time with them; and on the other hand, I'm happy that I don't have to go so I won't be held back from furthering my studies, since I'm aiming for the January intake. But then... Aiyo I can't decide. For her, will I??

Now, my life beckons. Stupid Sejarah... and guitar/vocal practice... having sore throat from the screaming...

Tourists-Julian Casablancas

Darn those Vuvuzelas...

Love them, hate them. That seems to be the case ever since those darn instruments were introduced to the spectators during the World Cup this year. The Serbs blasted it after they lost to Ghana, I think the vuvuzelas had to withstand more flak than the Jambulani itself.

Well... You can hear more of the racket through these videos. The second one is quite funny... Suckers





On the other hand, last night's Netherlands-Brazil game was one of my favourite so far. The Dutch boast one of the best midfield squads in this year's World Cup, comprising of 2 creative midfielders (Rafael van der Vaart and Wesley Sneijder), a stamina runner (Dirk Kuyt), a lightning dribbler (Arjen Robben) and a defensive midfielder as a shield (Nigel de Jong).

Unfortunately before the game started, Van der Vaart picked up a calf injury so they played with 2 defensive midfielders instead, replacing him with Mark van Bommel. Brazil played with absolute flair in the first half, and backed the Dutch up against the wall with no room to breathe. Moreover, their lone striker Robin van Persie was incredibly below par and had a horrible game. Well, I guess they were in a pinch because they offered too much space for the Brazilians to roam around with. Look at how much room was left on the left flank for Dani Alves and Maicon to exploit.

But something happened after the interval. The Dutch began to play more fluid football, with their crisp passes and making more movement off the ball. They began to close down the space they once gave willingly to their opponents. Maybe it was me, maybe the Brazilians just got too complacent with their flaccid one goal lead... But still, the Dutch managed to come from behind to upset the 5-time world champions. That, is why I love the beautiful game. It builds and exhibits character. Maybe that, or maybe I just love midfield-oriented squads of any kind. Anyway, I can't wait for Germany-Argentina tonight. Ales gute, Deutschland!!

Music Again-Adam Lambert