ORD, back to studies, get degree, so happy?

Was chatting with an old buddy of mine from NS days and I realise I really really missed those days. Those good old days. All the soil and toil we went through. Can you imagine how many times I have dreamt of days in NS? It is almost like a recurring dream. Of my old pals, of my Sergeant Major especially. I guess NS really made a HUGE impact in my life.

I missed my BMT life quite a bit too. Being a transition period for me, from civilian to military life, it brought back really strong memories. Those Tekong days. The numerous ferry trips from Singapore main land to Tekong. The route marches, heavy fieldpacks, rifle, 7 days 6 nights field camp which I nearly broke down if not for my section mates, those choral singing of "training to be soldiers..", queuing up for meals at the cookhouse, going for SIT test and encountering a really stormy weather, kena 'tekan' from our commanders, learning some guitar playing from my buddy, heart-to-heart talk sessions with my mates...

I guess I really missed those good old days. And my BMT mates as well. Hope they are doing fine.



And then there came unit life, where I spent the most of my NS days in. Unit life was really memorable as well. I have a bunch of great Detachment mates to begin with, and a really strong and dedicated Sergeant Major leading Alpha company. Those many outfield exercises, action-and-ceasefire of our Guns, numerous guard duties at Amoy Quee, booking in and out of camp, talking and laughing in bunk, getting all 'wet' outfield, setting up camo nets for our Guns at Sada Hill, HongKah etc, shouting at one another, occasional misunderstandings and quarrels, watching TV and Dvds at the "Mess" room, buying supper from 2SIR, cleaning of our guns almost every Friday, uncountable running sessions, staying in the tonner when it's raining out there during the exercises, singing in the tonner, rehearsing for SAF day, parades, footdrills, comaradie...


Seriously I don't mind re-living those good old days. But they were long gone. What remains are memories etched on my mind that I won't forget forever...

A walk at the Botanical Gardens..

Went to Botanical Gardens yesterday with dearie. It was really nice to walk around the whole garden, snapping pics along the way. Except for some mosquito bites, I guess we had a really good time. We took lots of nice pictures! Here are some! For more of the wonderful pictures, do take a look at my facebook! =D

Haha.. Ms bun trying to imitate my pose when I had a candid pic of hers! "AR YUU GENN!!" XD

Sunlight too glaring? Haha.

*sniff sniff*

What a nice pic I took!

Macho?

Argh!! I didn't put sunblock lotion!

Thinking of someone? =D

Argghhh!

More pics soon!!!

When change is the only constant..

It's been eventful so far these few days. Time passed pretty fast. Christmas is just around the corner, and 2009 is already beckoning.

Been through some bouts of emotional issues too. Guess it simply happens. Be it friendship or relationship. They all go through the test of time. There are those who thought I have changed. Be it for the better or "worse". Those who are close to me, and got to meet me every now and then will know that I am still me. If there's something I changed, it is to be less proned to dwelling over bad situations. Over sad feelings. Sure. There are bound to be some 'low' moments sometimes, but I guess I have acquired the ability to move on fast. It is a far cry from the previous me. I don't want to dwell on unhappy thoughts, because I know they won't do any good. It is different from acting strong cos I know that I AM STRONG. Perhaps this is due to the increasing awareness that I am no longer a teenager man. And probably cos I have "squandered" those years away, I think I need to stand up from all those past mistakes and do myself a big favour.

Of course, a BIG credit to my dearest dearest LOVE. Without her, I won't realise that there are so many things I ought to learn. Without her, I probably won't truly understand the importance of saving for the future, or how a $20 CD can actually buy 10 packets of $2 chicken rice. Hehe.

To my dearest Ms Bun, my new year won't be complete without you. And of course, many many more years to come. For you I'm willing to change for the better! =D

You know, though sometimes I feel "empty" inside, I feel a deep sense that there is something great within me that I can probably unleash. It's like I feel I can accomplish lots if I am able to unleash that side of me. I am really working towards that now.

I'll write down my new year resolution soon! 2009 has got to be a better year!

Hyper BOLEH!

Watched the movie "Twilight" today with Dan at JP. Thought would like to check out what's the hype was all about. My sistaz have been earlier MAD over the books by Stephanie Meyer. I wasn't at all interested to read the books.

First of all, I NEVER read books by female authors. (Sorry I don't mean to offend anyone but this is just my personal preference due to some odd reasons?) Haha. Unless I am forced to read one like a Lit text. But still, I acknowledge there are great female authors out there.

Gothic genres like vampire-y stuff are cool. But I seldom read gothic romance kind of books. So yeah, if you know, the story is big on vampire-mortal romance. Which is kind of unrealistic, but fascinating to some.

Oh, and before I forgot, I went for a piano concert organised by my piano school "Play By Ear" yesterday with dearie at Jubilee Hall(Raffles Hotel). It's so GOOD. I didn't regret going man. I mean, the performers, most are talented players, and I am really inspired by the songs they play, the jazz, the funk and all that. And the best part of the show is to see my own teacher play. He's really DAMN good la. His jazz grooves and all that. He got so engrossed with it that he was literally jumping up and down while pounding on the keyboard in one of the duet performances with another instructor. So cool!

Before the concert ended, the head founder of the school went up the stage and was holding on to a piece of paper, his hands trembling throughout. I guess it was rather obvious. And then he announced that he has been hospitalised for a month or so due to panic disorder, which he revealed to the audience. He also said about losing probably 50% of his memory as the side effects of the treatment. And said that his parents are the best in the universe. I thought he was really so brave to stand up in front of an audience, albeit his hands are shaking. He explained he wouldn't have dared to face the audience previously and didn't think of playing the piano on the stage previously cos he thought he was not that good. But then, he gave himself that chance and he played a heartfelt mixture of songs that really tugs at the heart-strings man. Kudos to you, Andrew. What a heartfelt and earnest performance!

I tell you, I'm so gonna perform next year!!!

And you know what was the joke of the day? After the concert, was leaving the hall, and I thought dearie was just beside me. So the "blur" me was just walking straight and then I lifted my right arm to reach for her, wanting to keep her close to me. Who knows I sensed this reaction of someone retreating. To my surprise, I turned my head and saw that I actually touched the wrong girl! How could this happen?! Lol. She actually smiled bashfully at me and I was like quite embarrassed by my moment of folly. And you could have guessed how dearie laughed at me. Haha. MALU sia. Funny huh! XD

*****

Anyway, dearie is having her exams this week le. Just wanna say to my dearie Ms Bun that you must hang on all the way ya! Jiayou! Mr Bun is always there for you. Give you the moral and emotional support you need k? *flashes out pompom* *\(^-^)/* I know you can do it! Look forward to the days after your papers are over ya! Kambateh! =)

JP - bigger and better!

I couldn't believe that I spent more than 3 hours shopping at JP today. It has expanded. I was oblivious to the expansion previously and though I saw some renovation works going on in the previous months, I didn't bother to find out just how big the expansion gets. Until today. It is so freaking big la. Like Vivocity, if not bigger. Like a mini orchard. So thrilled to know that there are so many new shops including Gramaphone, Starbucks, Harris bookstore and so many more. Honestly, JP has almost everything now. You don't really have to go to town again. With the buzz of the new expansion, it won't be a surprise if the mall is flooded with people and the carpark full every now and then. Damn. They better don't add an ERP gantry near JP because of the its popularity. If not, somebody write in to the forums soon. Lol.

2a.m.

So I just came back not long ago after spending an "unexpected" night outside. Decided to go down to "Prince of Wales" at Dunlop St, Little India, to show my support for trio who's holding a mini gig there. It's a nice cosy little place I must say. Some backpackers' hostel but the cool thing is that they actually have a nice cosy pub! Have earlier heard trio rehearsing with her guitarist Don at her house last week, but I guess the 'live' sound is still so much more pleasing to the ears. Great job, TT! =D Got to meet her friends too. Went to Balestier area to have bak kut teh for supper, egg tart and ice jelly drink as well. Quite a cool night to chill out .

Heh. One of my tutee's back from Malaysia. So that means I need to go for tuition tomorrow! Haha. Oh man. The flow of income now is rather slow now. Since tuition assignments for me have been on a hiatus for quite some time, not to mention the fact that I am still jobless. -.- Didn't receive any call from Walton yet. So I guess I should start actively sending my resumes again. Blah.

Aaron called me to tell me about going to Ubin and Batam. Wah. Haha. Seriously I am not in the mood to go such places now since it's December and I guess I just want to chill out a bit in this chilly season. It's like not the right time of the year for beach "affairs" and hikes, don't you think so? Haha.

I practised piano for a while this afternoon and am so glad to know that I can finally play jazz! Well, still starting out. But at least the chords sounded jazzy. Hahaha. Cool. Can't wait to perform some day when I'm really good enough to. =)

I'm going to sleep soon. The title of this post tells the time now, in case you were wondering. =P

Sunshine+Grooves

Went to Rasa Sentosa yesterday. My sis had booked a room at the resort. Had planned a post-celebration for Joe's bday. Had a whopping fun day I guess, except for the little disruptions that happened. Joe got hurt while cycling. He literally got flung 360 degrees into the air while trying to brake when a girl rushed out in front of him. Got badly bruised and scratched but was lucky to be still in one fine piece!

AnywayS,

Here are some pics we took!

Look at my sis. Model-material eh? Lol.

I like this pic I took. Loved the "sunset" effect. And of cos, dearie's natural smile. Must be smiling at me. =)

And the pic of the day... *drumrolls*....

There you go! Ms bun's unglam expression caught on camera by Mr bun! Haha.. Quite cute though. =P

So I guess the pics spoke volumes! Lovely pics aren't they? =D

Let's talk about today..

Today, went to ChongQing Steamboat restaurant at Tanglin shopping place with my parents and my sisters. I would say the food there is good, but not filling for me!!! I don't know, but for me, I can hardly get full eating steamboat. It's just I prefer a big big plate of fried rice anytime. Oh, and with a fried egg too. Haha..

After that, met Daniel in town. Browsed around kino due to its 20% storewide discount this festive season from 7th to 29th Dec. Quite a good bargain. But I didn't buy a single book yet(because I have several books that I haven't finish reading back at home!). I did buy a nice organizer though. Simple but nice. It's a 2009 organizer. Guess it's time to organize my time better huh~! Cos I didn't usually have the habit of writing down daily/weekly plans. So maybe it's time to do so for the new year!

Was eating at one of my favourite restaurants, "Soup Spoon" at Paragon. Daniel ordered a green apple instead of an iced tea cos he heard wrongly that it was "apple tea". I couldn't help but laughed at his silliness. He could have asked for a change but he didn't. But anyway, I was asking him to bite his green apple from a distance away from me cos I said I didn't want any of the apple juice bits to find their way to my food. He said no one would ever say anything like that. To which I agree. Because I think I REALLY have an unconventional mind. Good and bad, I must say.

On another note, I bought another album today in a span of just 2 days! Daniel heeded my advice and bought Mraz's limited edition CD+EPs+DVD too. And after he bought it, there was only 1 copy left at Gramaphone @ Taka. And He must have been really glad to buy it. He ought to have trusted my taste for music long ago. Hahahaha. So anyway, the album I bought today was Rachael Yamagata's latest "Elephants.. Teeth Sinking Into Heart" album. It is an album separated into 2 records. I'm hearing to the 1st record now. Mellow and moving like her previous album, but still fantastic!! Haven't heard her 2nd record now, but heard that it is supposed to be ROCK stuff. If so, it'll be so different from the music image she portrayed all along. But still, glad I bought it, since it's sold out in Gramaphone. Bought it at Music Junction @ JP and guess what? It was the last piece left!

Daniel was asking me of my top 3 all-time favourite singer/band. I immediately replied..

1)Travis

2)Jason Mraz

3) ??

I don't really know what's the 3rd. Maybe "Queen"?? I don't know. Anyway, the list is not in particular order. It took only ONE album for me to like Travis. And it was their "12 Memories" album. It was so emotional listening to it!! I could still remember. Really heartfelt and amazing. Fran Healy has amazing vocals and falsetto. As for Jason Mraz, need I say more? He's DA MAN man. Full of talent, AMAZING vocals, composer of catchy songs and melodies, great rhythm, great raps, and GREAT 'live' performances.

Oh yeah. Btw. I have a new tuition assignment again! It was actually my sis' previous student who got back to her after 2 years. Alright. Sec 2 English. But it'll only start nearer to the new year I guess.

So where will my source of income be for now?!

Guess I HAVE to continue my jobhunt very soon.

Ciao.

0612

I just went for a career talk at a land investment company today. It looks really promising and inviting. The company is Walton, supposedly the best land investment company around. But what I'm really impressed is its office at Republic Plaza @ Raffles Place. Looks immaculately clean and professional. Looks like a wonderful place to work in.

Sat through the talk by one of its senior team managers. And gosh, would I say that the speech was rather motivating. At least I kind of felt clear-headed and wanted to work there right away. Again. I know it's my impulse thought working again. Cos previously I had zero knowledge on this land investment thing. And my idea of investment products are still quite vague. But I guess the figures still knocked more motivation in.

Anyway, I was given a personality test to do, and after tabulating the scores, I was told I am a PERFECTIONIST and a "PEOPLE'S PERSON". For the latter, that means I'm popular, will be called along for parties, have lots of friends, etc. I kind of rolled my eyes when the manager told me about it. Cos he kept saying "Am I right?" Then I was like "Still Ok la.." Cos I don't think I have a lot of friends to start off with. I guess a personality shift has occurred? Maybe I have the potential to be popular now? Away from those geeky studious years? Hahaha. I really don't know. What do you think? ;)

Back to the topic, can you imagine that the division manager(equivalent of director) of the company is earning more than a million a month?!? It's true. We were shown the paycheck. So I was there along with a few other "wannabes" who looked older than me(thankfully) but looked more experienced and qualified than me(sadly). Anyway, after hearing what they have to offer, it seems REALLY promising. Until...

Until I got back and talked to my sis about it. She is a financial planner in an independent firm so she has acquired much knowledge about investment stuff. When I told her about land investment, she immediately identified the company as Walton. She said she has a friend there. But from her side, she would find that it's a niche product of the company, but too narrowed to just one investment product. But I guess Walton being such a prestigious land banking company in the whole world must been effective in promoting its only niche asset - land. For your info, Walton is a MNC originating from Canada and has 17 offices worldwide. Singapore happens to be the TOP division in sales with the TOP division manager!

Oh well, so my sis was saying I should explore the market more first, and look around other investment products. Maybe I really should stop being too impulsive. I must settle with something that I have acquired enough knowledge on, right? The senior team manager has said he would give me a call within 1 or 2 days if I were selected. So I guess I really have burning issues to ask. Cos after being chosen, I will be required to undergo a week of intensive training and will be under 3 months of probation.

Now I'm really having second thoughts. I was seeking my sis' opinions if I should settle with a fixed salary job first since this job's purely commission-based. But honestly speaking, I don't think I'm suitable for office jobs. Seriously. She pointed out a point about me. That I am ambitious but lack of will. I guess I would really commit to it if I'm serious about it. I don't know? But I know a lot of hard work would be needed if I want to see any results. And the results may not be instant. I know that in this field, you need to slog SUPER hard. And probably be rejected a lot to finally get to see any good returns. I am not sure if I would be able to handle the emotional part though.

On another note, I bought 2 albums yesterday. And here's Daniel's response..
"You are so Chao Shun. Haven't changed a single bit." IS THAT RIGHT?! 2 albums only mah. I don't really hesitate when it comes to good music you know? I trust my taste. =)

Anyway, I bought Jason Mraz's latest limited edition CD+EPs+DVD. And I tell you.. it's superb!!! I heard the EPs.. Really have the acoustic feel. It's different variations of the original songs from the latest album. And the DVD.. wah.. would really blow you away man. He really sings well! I like the way he raps. And his lyrics and tunes are very catchy.

Another album I bought is KT Tunstall's "Eye to the Telescope". Actually, it was after hearing trio sing her songs. And the album is not disappointing at all. KT Tunstall's songs genre appeal. At least I like. =)

So it's back to music again heh. Haha. Oh, and you know you know. I am beginning to learn jazz improvisations at "Play By Ear". After pop, now it's time for some jazzy! Haha it's so cool. Jazz chords are entirely different from pop and it takes some time to get familiarized with the new chords. I'm still starting on it though. And I had an enlightening chat with my piano tutor, who's very good in his skills. He was telling me how ABRSM certs are not exactly necessary, and that most GOOD musicians don't even have any cert to start with. Cos he said that there should be no restrictions. ABRSM is only big in Singapore and some parts of US and so. But in countries like Japan and Australia, musicians go directly to music colleges to get their degree. Listening to what he has to say really inspires me.

Ha. Can't believe I am inspired twice in 2 days. By the way, I need a new keyboard! I only have a Yamaha piano at home. And it's a very old one. -.- Thinking of investing on a DGX 630 portable keyboard that my tutor recommended. Either that or a laptop. Which one should I consider first? Cos I actually need the USB port to connect to rhythms and background melodies to help in my jazz playing. And I only have a desktop. And it looks quite vulnerable. LOL.

And before I forgot, I checked out my application status as a relief teacher from MOE. It says that I am given the provisional permit to teach in schools currently! Till the final application status is shown in 1 months' time. But hor, now holidays leh. Which school needs a relief teacher now?! Lol. Nevertheless, at least there's progress.

Wah. Quite a lengthy post. Quite rare right? Go buy 4D lah. The 4 numbers are right at the top. Actually it's today's date. =P

Todos~!

Blessed.

There are times in life that things may happen against your will.. Unexpected situations, obstacles, whatever. But I always believe in the calm after the storm, the rainbow after the rain.

So glad everything's fine now. =)

Had a heart to heart chat with trio last night.. Thanks for the song therapy and of course for the earnest advice. Thanks for opening up and confiding in me as well, trio. :)

Guess what? Going for a career talk tomorrow.

I'm starting to see light at the end of the tunnel. =D

It's so pointless.

I don't feel the motivation to do anything now, though there are bouts of urgency and inspirations every now and then. Still, there is no progress. I don't even have the tendency now to pick up any of the numerous unread books on my bookshelves. And even if I do so, it won't be for long before I shove the book away, no matter how plausible it is.

The thing is, I seem to have reached a bottom-low of my life now, being rather aimless and just in a daze. It is especially evident when you don't get to study in a tertiary school like NUS or NTU. And instead, you are doing part-time studies at SIM. Yes. The flexibility of the study schedule is one of the pros, provided if you are doing something concrete and constructive for the rest of your schedule. Which I am, sadly, NOT.

I did sign up at MOE's website to be a relief teacher though. And I'm still waiting for a confirmation. Guess I might go into teaching if given an opportunity. I don't really mind at all. But seriously, I wouldn't think of settling down being a school teacher though. The thing is, I'm quite an ambitious person when it comes to what I want to achieve in life. 9-5 kind of office jobs are seriously not my cup of tea. And hence, whenever I looked through ST's Classifieds Jobs, I would give "Admin" a miss. Having said that though, I have agreed to go on a career talk with this land banking company this Saturday. Though I have absolutely no knowledge in what it is about, I guess I'm giving myself a chance to check out if it is a prospect that I can look into. So let's see how it goes.

You know, I guess waking up late almost everyday now, having a lack of energy and motivation to do things, all these probably attributes to a lack of exercise, which dearie has always reminded me that I should start working out soon. The thing is, I even lack the motivation to do so. *laughs at pathetic self* Initially, I used to be able to do things alone. But as my social circle widens, or as the years passed, I find that it gets more easy to feel lonely.

Adapted from one of my earlier poems..

"The meaning of loneliness bothers me so, why oh why am I feeling so low?"

Actually, I guess a large part of this is due to the fact that I'm jobless, and thus I feel this emptiness that I simply can't describe. School's starting only in mid Jan next year. So I really must find something to occupy myself.

Hopefully 2009 would be a MUCH better year!

Waiting for my world to change.

It seems that I won't be posting any pics on my blog soon. I guess if you want to see the recent pics I took, like those from HK, you just got to see it on my facebook.

A blog serves as a sanctuary for your thoughts, isn't it?

Well, truth is I have fixed my comp but the sound system is still down, which I don't know why. There goes my favourite entertainment - music and videos for now. =( And what's more appalling is that I'm not at the least bothered about getting the whole sound thing fixed. My mind is set on getting a new laptop. What my sis and dearie said kept ringing in my head... "Buy what you want using your own money."

But the fact as of now is I am still jobless. My tuition kids are off on holidays. That means that I have no income for now. Recently, I'm just surviving on that $800 tuition fee that was owed to me for more than 2 months. And what's more? It's now nearly halved.

Sometimes I just feel like laughing out loud at my pathetic self. But even so, the normality of the world around me would probably snuff any echoes out. And worse still, my mind is still occupied with irrational thoughts at times. It's getting harder to stay sane.

However, another part of me is constantly inspired by stuff that is going on around me. Stuff I have learned to take a liking for. Music and movies. Not so much of books nowadays though I feel an odd sense of obligation to visit Kino everytime I drop by town. It doesn't matter if I buy any books. More recently, I find myself renewing 2 years of Kino membership, just because I felt a need to. It's funny how I can relate to the "bookish" self in me when I usually find it a chore to finish a book, unless it can really capture my attention. And I think I get sleepy easily while reading a book.

There's this part of me that is yearning to break free, to unleash any possible talent I have within me. I feel like I have the capability to accomplish a lot of things but I have not settled down to any. Worse still, I procrastinate about sourcing out for any available opportunities.

As such, I feel empty.

For now, at least.