Happenings and Ponder..

Past few days been quite eventful...

Dinner with dearie at a western restaurant at Farm Mart few days ago. Nice ambience. And good food with no GST and service charge!

She had Fish & Chips!

I had Grilled Chicken with Mushroom Sauce. Not bad not bad... haha. Quite yummy!

On Tuesday, went to Qiaoyu's place to have dinner in conjunction with her birthday celebration. Had a hearty feast! We ordered pizza, chicken drumlets and wings, plus other home-made bread with cheese and ham and chocolate cupcakes! Look at the spread of food!

Fast forward to yesterday...

Caught this movie "A Christmas Carol" with my siblings. It's been like don't know when since we siblings caught a movie together. Seriously, I couldn't remember the last time when we watched a movie together.

Then again, it was such a brilliant movie. So heartwarming, and just so so nice! The graphics were awesome! And Jim Carey did great voice acting. Very very nice movie to watch. Highly recommended!

*****

As for today, woke up early in the morning to join my sis to go for her company's monthly training session held at SMU Admin building. Wah, at this rate I think I really am going to be become a part of their company. Seriously. I have been thinking and exploring about this career for quite some time now. And have spoken lots with people around.

The only thing that is stopping me is probably knowing that I'll be so busy when I first get started that I have no time for other things like tuition and whatsoever. I've been "warned" that it's 7-days work week for newbies. Gosh. Am I ready to take all that kind of stress? I really don't know. I don't want to give up my tuition. Cos I like teaching somehow. Then again, I want to do something right this time. Something good and worthwhile. I really need serious consideration.

And I'm feeling so tired right now... -_~

I like it freestyle.

Guess what? I met a new bunch of friends yesterday. They belong to a group called "SGxpress" formed on this online game called meetoto. So basically, it's a game for singing fanatics. And of course I do play quite obsessively sometimes. Cos I get to sing. Haha. So yup, this group is an all-Singaporean group who shares the same passion in music and singing. Heard from peng about it first. So ya, was recruited recently. Heard they were very happening and meet up every week without fail.

Well, for one, I really crave a kind of bonding a group like this share. Since I am not studying full time, don't really have 'cliques' to hang out with. Just nice this group is one that will not probably only be one that shares the same passion, they go all out to nurture this thing called singing. And when I said "all out", I really meant it.

Met them at Far East plaza yesterday as they were there to support some fellow members for a singing competition. After which, we went to this place near Selegie road to eat tau hui & you tiao. I guess I was sort of quiet at the start. I mean, at the competition stage there, they were the loudest to scream support for the two members. And by the way, I think both sang really well. And all the group members can sing!

They literally sing everywhere they go. While waiting for the green man, while eating, while chatting, while waiting for others outside the toilet. Gosh. Their unabashedness to sing in public, is really quite 'admirable'. It kind of reminded me of those days hanging out with Elaine and peeps. I like this "freestyle", singing and harmonising everywhere we go. Although of course many stares and looks are invited along the way, but it's only natural. Cos it's unmistakenly a youthful group brimming with vibrancy and talent.

Joining them made me feel so "teengage-y". Seriously. Lots of them are like 18-20 odd. So, I actually do feel a bit 'old' for the group. But then again, I thought I could relate to what they are doing. And we definitely share a same common passion - to sing and perform. Hopefully, it's an opportunity to broaden my social circle and delve deeper into my passion.

Then again, I don't think I'm able to match their "hyperness" and "availability" to meet all the time. As a 23-year-old that has long past that stage of adolescence, I have other priorities to meet. However, it's always good to know more people, and belong to some group. Brings along a sense of belonging and identity. =)

*****

As for today, brought my tutee Weice to JP. Initially wanted to borrow books from the library but he didn't even have a library card in the first place! And applying for a new membership requires his parent's IC. So ya, quite disappointed. But then, bought him two books at Harris. One's a magazine while another's a self-enrichment book for teens by Sean Covey. Hope that he finds the book useful and partake in ideas outside of the school textbooks!

After which, I went Two Way Holistic salon @ Jurong West to have a haircut cos I couldn't stand my thick hair which looked quite unkempt and messy. So ya, cut it shorter this time. I think it looked more neater. :)

Alright. So much for now. Gonna slack for the night. Haha. =P

我和"达芙妮" 一同去乌节！

Met up with Daphne in town today after not having seen her in quite a while. Looks like that girl is doing good back in Taiwan! Good for you girl!

Anyway, we talked lots and shopped around. I bought a really cool bright pink tee-shirt with the words "Dreamer Loves Music". Looks quite nice. She thought it was very nice and suit me. And yes, I think I like the imprinted words! "Dreamer"... "Music"... totally. Shall post a pic next time I wear that tee-shirt.

Heh. Anyway, we were hanging around Orchard taking pics. I joked that she looked like a tourist, which technically she is, except that she has been quite a frequent "tourist". Hahaha.

Both pics taken while shopping at some shop. Think it's River Island @ ION. Haha.

Ok, we were at Wisma.


Some pic taken at Orchard...

Not bad right.. this pic.. haha.. She liked it too. Must see who's the photographer leh. ^^

After she left, I attempted to take a self-pic of myself via the front VGA cam of my hp. ;)

"Tourist" Daphne. Lol. ^o^

Cute reindeer stature.

Busy traffic, as usual.

Well, I would say that the lightings this year at Orchard area really quite nice. I was saying how Daphne would take photos like a "tourist". And the next thing I know, I'm snapping photos with my HTC phone too. The photos you saw all taken by my phone. Those blurry ones were self-taken using front VGA cam, so that explains why. But still, not bad huh.. haha. More pics taken with her digital cam though.

So, am I ready for the festive season? Am I in a festive mood?

I definitely hope so. =)

Emancipation -> anticipation -> jubilation -> emancipation !!!

I am finally done with the papers!!! Finally! Yesh! Yesh! Yesh! Lol. If you were to scrutinise at me for the past one week or so, you will find that I have been such a hardworking and diligent guy who spent afternoons and evenings studying in school in preparation for the exams.

Then again, it was really all last minute revision. This week's papers were all cluttered together back-to-back. I had more time to study for Monday's paper since my last paper was on Wednesday. Then again, there were too much to cover so I didn't start on Tuesday's paper only until Monday's paper was over. So yes. Tuesday's paper -> Started revision on Monday. Wednesday's paper -> Started revision on Tuesday.

Hope to pass with decent grades though. Haha. I know it's quite an 'amazing' feat to only have a day of revision for a degree module. I couldn't believe it either. But then again, I only had to blame myself for procrastination. Whatever it is, it's all over!!! Well, maybe I should start revising earlier next semester. Maybe I should be a conscientious student. Haha.

After the paper, went JP for lunch and bought two amazing albums. One was Jason Mraz's latest 'live' album. Watched the concert on dvd just now. It was SUPERBLY amazing. The recording was very well done and could even be said to be 'beautiful'. Mraz mentioned he wanted a good recording for his grandma who complained about the sound quality and fuzziness on youtube. That was funny. But it was such a nice gesture by him.

Another album I bought was Sondre Lerche's latest - "Heartbeat Radio". Have been a fan of that dude ever since I heard his "Two-way monologue" album. Unique voice with really compelling melody and lyrics. But the album that got me hooked was his jazzy album of "Duper Sessions". Very nice. Haven't started on listening to this latest album I bought though. Would probably start later. But I'm sure it's good. Read reviews that it was rated a 4.5/5. Amazing huh!

Ok, now that the papers were finally over and done with, guess it's time to pick myself up again and start to do some constructive stuff. I think I should try to finish reading the shelf of unread books ranging from novels to graphic novels to non-fiction. Oh, and magazines. Hahaha.

Other than that, am looking forward to new tuition assignments. And I would probably continue to attend training seminars conducted by my sis' company.

More to look forward to include leading a healthier lifestyle by starting to exercise(especially after my injury previously) and keeping fit!

And of course, performances to watch out for!

On another note, dearie is still having her papers. That bun ah, can see that she's quite stressed out. Nevertheless, I'll always be supporting you k! Don't be disheartened ya. Do well for the rest of the papers! I'm sure you can do it! =) After the papers I shall bring you go shopping, relaxing and more exciting things to await k? Look forward to the concert too! =)

Alright, for now, just feel like enjoying the rest of the night doing nothing stressful. Probably listen to the new cd, read something, and just relax my mind.

That sounded so ZEN. Lol. ><

Eh.. Good digression?

Went for tuition on a Sunday morning without fail(well, sometimes it does, lol). Even in the midst of my examination, I thought I would need to go for tuition, as I felt it's my responsibility. On a value-sense, ya. On my pocket sense, YA!

Yup, but I look forward to going tuition each time cos I like to teach something new. Haha. You know I came up with this holiday program for my top student(who recently got top in his class) - Weice. So I'll be teaching him not just Chinese now, but English, and literature. As part of the holiday program, I'm teaching him poetry writing, song writing(written 2 songs so far!), and creative writing.

Oh, by the way, I gave him a short lecture on "public speaking" as well. Previously, I asked him to prepare a speech on the topic "Friends". I was quite amused by how he took the topic - "You can't buy friends. Friends that are 'bought' are not genuine friends". That was quite amusing, and somehow true. I asked him why he approached the topic this way and he said it was "an open topic mah". Haha. So I shared with him some pointers regarding public speaking. Not that I'm a qualified professional public speaker of some sort, but at least I did go through a course on that. I even took the effort to draft out a multiple-paged article based on it!

Go check it out at
http://socyberty.com/advice/speaking-with-confidence-how-to-dazzle-an-audience-with-your-speech/

So yes. And I had an idea for a tuition advertisement which I posted up on Gumtree yesterday.

http://singapore.gumtree.sg/c-Jobs-teaching-nursery-Need-help-in-Eng-Chi-Higher-Chi-Lit-Try-my-methodology-W0QQAdIdZ168751930

Think it's working quite well cos I had an enquiry call by some parent just this morning!

Well, I must admit I'm a tutor who tends to digress during my lessons. But usually, all the "digression" spark new topics, new ideas, and new things to talk about. That, again, is part of my methodology of teaching. :) And then again, it is to lighten the atmosphere. I asked Weice about his other tutor and he said the environment was totally different with him - tense and serious. While I'm not in any time ready to be such a tutor, I believe in forging friendships and good tutor-tutee relationships with my students.

Coincidentally, it's Weice's birthday today! Happy 13th! Bought him currypuffs from Old Chang Kee on my journey to his place. Not as his birthday presents of course! Lol. And guess what? I'll be bringing him out on Thursday. Probably go catch a movie, and then bring him to Kino to browse on some books!

I always believe in outside-classroom-and-textbooks learning. So tutees, you are WARNED ADVISED!

After tuition today, I headed to JP. Went to Gramophone and got to know that Jason Mraz has a new 'live' album! And Sondre Lerche too! Oooohh!! So tempted to buy them. And I even saw "Paris36" DVD - a movie I sought after!

Gahh... all these are making me so motivated to look forward to post-exams period, where I'll go back to exploring my music, probably know more people, get involved in more performances, indulge in my world of music, read some novels/graphic novels, non-fiction books, post more articles on my Triond account, etc.

I'm already getting excited.

Though I should be mugging now, really.

As I said, I tend to digress. But well, writing all these is part of motivating myself. So ya, it's good digression.

And I can't believe I haven't started revising on Tuesday's and Wednesday's paper. >.<

No man's island

I think I am the only one who can blog (and even excessively) during exam period. I can't think of anyone. Not anyone that I know of, who blogs during exam period.

And I know of those who just shut themselves off from the rest of the world. Just because they are busy with their studies. Or so called "busy".

I don't fall into this category. And would never. Even if I'm studying full-time. Trust me. People who know me well know for a fact.

There are many more important obligations than academics.

If I have a paper tomorrow and were to receive a call from a close friend who's met with some problem and need a talk, I will lend a ear, or if needed, meet him up. People who know me well know this for a fact. If you are skeptical, you don't know me at all.

Sadly, I haven't known of anyone who adpopts the same ideology. I'm not trying to offend anyone here. Just a general sense of my opinion.

And when I have a problem, I don't have any friend to turn to. Well, I do know one or two who might, though. But then again, nothing's for sure.

Everyone's caught up in their own world of some sort. Who has time for you? Wake up your idea.

Who cares if you feel stressed?

Just a random thought.

Stress=inspiration?

Been writing some songs recently. One of which with my tutee, Weice.

Here's the Chinese song we wrote together.


(Written By Anson and Weice :)


这么小的绿豆

需要温暖及爱护

少了雨少了光

没了你好孤单


这么大的风雨

吹不走你的温柔

这么大的勇气

是你存在的意义


Chorus

让我们手牵手

在雨中慢慢走

不回头，不回首

让我陪在你左右


让我们去享受

这段美好的节奏

不要哭，不要愁

像绿豆不低头


Repeat verse 1 & 2

Repeat chorus


Here's another song. We started the first two verses together. And I completed the rest. :)

[Verse]

Crying day by day
Looking at your face
Tear drops in the ocean
Missing you again

I just want to say
How lovely you look today
The day you came my way
For our love i strongly pray

And then you walked away
Without a word you say
I am left with questions
Left alone to sway


[Chorus]

Cry no more a river
The waves no longer matter
I am left alone
By my very own
Tear drops lost
Were never shown

Say no more my baby
It does not make a difference
You have gone away
By your very own
The love we shared
Was never shown

[Verse]

Thinking of you day by day
Time just seem to past away
Tear drops in the ocean
Missing you again

I just want to say
How lonely I am today
The day you walked away
The day you wouldn't stay

[Bridge]
And I was thinking what you told me the other day.
That you have lost your way,
That you don't want to stay...

[Chorus]

Cry no more a river
The waves no longer matter
I am left alone
By my very own
Tear drops lost
Were never shown

Say no more my baby
It does not make a difference
You have gone away
By your very own
The love we shared
Was never shown


Do you think I'm under stress? Cos of the exams period? Lol. I wrote three new poetry in two days. And three new songs! Hahaha.

Can't wait to add the melodies to these songs. Once I'm over with my papers!

Ok, back to mugging. =)

It suddenly dawned upon me...

That my tutees and other friends would see what I wrote on my blog...

And look at the pictures I post... including 'unglam' ones...

And probably stare in disgust.

They might make the following expressions:

=.= , T_T, -.-", ><


But then,

you know something?

I don't care.

Not at all.

You know I don't.



Cos I'm feeling awesome. =D

When mugging gets pretty "awesome".

Hello again. Had a long day in school today. First paper today. PR module. Spent days doing last minute revision. Guess what? I memorised so hard on the definitions and whatever, turned out it was all based on case studies. Argh.

Well, I did not study thoroughly actually. Even forgo a few chapters. But ya, luckily all my worries were uncalled for. Think I could still manage the paper.

So, I have been spending recent days in the school library. Studying. Mugging. Or whatever you call it. Had a long day today. And I got bored while studying for a few hours.

And I had to do this.









Then it got a bit out of control...

Ok. You get what I mean.

So ya, after revision in school, headed home.

Joined my family for dinner with my cousins and family at Tung Lok @ Arena country club. Very satisfying and filling meal. Had great laughs.

And when I got back home, still couldn't get into the mood to study.

Wrote two poems instead.

http://authspot.com/poetry/on-the-bed-of-roses/

http://authspot.com/poetry/maybe-you-did-hear/


And one song written in just 10 minutes.

Say It Once More

[Verse]
Show that you love me,
Don't hide away from me.
Let it be, baby,
Let our love be free.

Show that you care,
Even if you really don't.
I long for you to be there,
When I'm lost and alone.

[Chorus]
Say it no more,
My love.
When it just doesn't change.
Say you adore,
My girl,
And say it once more.

Say that you are,
The one,
I truly care for.
Say that you need me,
Again,
And say it once more.

[Verse]
Show that you love me,
Don't hide away from me.
Let it be, baby,
Let our love be free.

Show that you care,
Even if you really don't.
I long for you to be there,
When I'm lost and alone.

[Bridge]
And there are things that you see,
Would never be the same again.
When love has grown apart,
And brought all the pain.

[Chorus]
Say it no more,
My love.
When it just doesn't change.
Say you adore,
My girl,
And say it once more.

Say that you are,
The one,
I truly care for.
Say that you need me,
Again,
And say it once more.

Ok. I think I'm pretty awesome today.

And I'll be awesome again. =D

Our Singalongsong!

Last Sunday morning meant different for me. It was my first time performing to a huge crowd after a long hiatus. Also, it was the first time ever I performed on stage with dearie! So memorable! Here's some pics and the video! =D







The video isn't on high definition. But I think our performance were! Don't you think? Haha. What's more, it's really unrehearsed and very impromptu. Cos it's quite a last minute decision and we were informed about the performance not long ago. Yup, and if you were wondering, it's our first performance as official members of Cacophony, a new music interest group under Frontier YEC. Haha, pretty exciting.

Right now, gotta go back to mugging. Have a paper tomorrow. And next week 3 more papers. Gosh.

After which, I'm excited for more performing opportunities! It's time babeh. Wahaha. =P

Not my MUG of tea.

I think I could be pretty "extreme".

I actually went to school early afternoon yesterday and studied before a revision lecture around 8pm. I reached school around 3 plus I think. That was really the first time I actually studied in SIM library. Gosh. I couldn't even remember when I last mugged. Before 'A' levels? Well, I tried going to the study room at Nanyang CC there, also went to some Mc Donald's to study with some friends. That, to me, was so "studious" la.

Nowadays, I don't find myself getting back to the "mugging" mode even though my first paper is like next week? I don't know. I guess it's because I'm doing part-time studies and hence, I don't consider myself a full-time student who needs to mug to pass time.

I think I spent my time doing other things, thinking of other things, thinking about what I can do, thinking about what I should do, thinking about my future. To me, there is a world of other things out there much much better and well-worth the time than mugging on incessant lecture notes and thick textbooks that I won't even use again after the modules. I just find this whole you-have-to-mug-to-ace-your-papers thing quite ludicrous. Therefore, I am not going to partake or be a "victim" of this vicious cycle. No thanks.

And the only reason why I went to school yesterday to study was because the flat below mine was under renovation. It was super duper noisy that I was woken from my sleep at 9+am for 3 consecutive days, unable to sleep because of the noise. So ya.

But then again, I think I still need to mug for the papers. Just get it done and over with. After that, no textbooks and lecture notes for months, thanks.

I have better things to do.

Dude, that made a philosopher out of me!

Hey guys, been a week or so since I last updated my blog! How's everyone doing? I'm fine I guess. Just finished rushing through a series of assignments. Now just waiting for the big papers, which are like a little more than a week away only? Other than attending the revision lectures dutifully, I haven't really started mugging!

So anyway, been quite an eventful week. Last weekend, went to Portsdown area to celebrate Qiaoyu's birthday as well as to do some photoshooting. Was quite a cool day, and everyone enjoyed themselves I guess. :) Here's the collages I made. For more photos, can check out my facebook!

Nice pics, aren't they? Haha I know you might think why I'm like so free can go edit photos and blog and whatever. Lol. Sure, I get such questions sometimes. However, I guess I really like taking nice pictures, and thought editing them and putting them up would showcase those splendid moments, don't you think? ;)

Although I think I could be a very talented photographer or graphic designer, if given a chance to pursue. Hahaha. Eh, but no joke k. Lol.

On other updates, I have recently been approached by a tuition centre to help them out to teach their Primary level students. The tuition centre is just minutes away from my place! Though the pay sucks la. Much lower than my private tutoring rates. But then, I'm not complaining since it's really very near and I can further my passion for teaching(well, I think so?), and I can earn some extra moolah!

Other than this, I have been to my sister's company to speak to her colleagues and her manager as well. Been to a few of their training seminars. While I was still contemplating beforehand whether to join her company and the industry, I thought the job scope was what I wanted: flexibility - applies to both time and income.

So yup, guess I should start saving up first since the start of the business might take a little while.

On another note, I have bought a new handphone! I am so HAPPY to get it because after seeing it, it was almost 'like at first sight'. Gorgeous design and boost terrific functions. Loving it!

Oh yeah, it's none other than the... *drumrolls*....

It's the HTC Touch Diamond 2!!!

It's retailing at $988 at Singtel shop. But guess what? I got it at only $188. Initially, with my plan, it was supposed to be $288. Then I requested for voucher by calling up the Singtel hotline to speak to one of their operators. But then, the operator refused to give out any vouchers, saying there's no vouchers for recontract. Like I was so angry then. After that, I went to speak to one of the staff at the shop and demanded for a voucher. I started to reason out with him, saying that it did not make sense that there are people who get vouchers for an ordinary plan, but I don't get any for a 2-year re-contract that's bundled with the Mio Plan. Besides, I think my entire family uses Singtel service, my broadband's Singtel, and I even have MioTV.

And guess what? I was granted a $100 voucher! I was so proud of my little "achievement". Therefore, never bow down to "higher" costs when it comes to buying what you like. You need some to have some "auntie-ism" or "uncle-ism" traits to bargain for a better deal. HAHAHA.

And from then onwards, I learnt that, "what you want in life, you gotta 'fight' for it."

Wow. Dude, that made a philosopher out of me!

Totally.

Next up, it would be dearie's turn to get her new handset! Actually was supposed to buy a new phone for her first. But she was already granted vouchers from Starhub side(look at Singtel.. tsk..). Hence, after the arrival of the vouchers, I'll be getting her a new phone! Yay!

*****

Joined yingpeng yesterday for one of his performances at Tampines Mall, organised by SGExpress, a group that was formed via the virtual game Meetoto. I did play that game but only to sing at the virtual k-rooms. But there's this Singaporean group of music enthusiasts which conduct regular meetings and go for performances. Yingpeng joined them. So well, was a pretty alright experience.

I also have performance coming up! This Sunday, 8th November, starting around 9am at Frontier CC(beside Jurong Point). Would be singing a song. So yup, if you are free, do drop by k! Haha. It's our group - Cacophony's first event. We are a music interest group initiated by Yingpeng as part of the Youth Executive Committee group. So I'm getting back to my music roots again! :)

*****

For soccer updates, I'm disappointed by Liverpool's performance in their match with Fullham. They lost 3-1. Honestly, I think Benitez needs to stop making weird decisions by substituting Torres and Benayoun out for no good reasons and replacing them with ordinary players. Also, the referee of the match had weird judgments too. Anyhow give red cards to Carragher and Degen when it's obvious that they did not deserve those. Can't believe it. Must be quite an embarrassment for Liverpool especially since they just beat Man Utd 2-0 two weeks ago. That was a proud moment. Still, I believe that they can pick up once again. So... go Liverpool!!!

Ok. Better stop writing here. Blah. Why so long-winded right? Hahaha.

Till next time. =)