Mad Rush

Just finished a second assignment which is due in two days' time. Well, sorta finished. Gotta do some touch-up.

Still, PHEW.

Having said that, I still have one more assignment to do. Argh.

I already said, I am not a fan of doing school homework.

In fact, I was never a fan.

Ok, gonna get some sleep now.

Four tuitions tomorrow.

Hoho.

More Than Words

"Let music heal thy soul"

Just bought Kevin Kern's compilation album - More Than Words, for the 3rd time!

I think I first bought the album back in '02 or '03. Then a few years later, lost it somehow. And then I decided to buy it for a friend's birthday present. But just recently, I kept thinking about his music. So I bought his album again! Lol.

Really really liked his songs. Soothing, sentimental, and very sophisticated. Very enchanting, uplifting. Talking about music to heal your soul. This is what music should be. All those trashy pop songs pale in comparison with songs that really speak to you, bring you to another realm of enchantment, tranquility, and relaxation.

I am also very intrigued after getting to know abit of his biography. Kevin Kern started playing piano at the age of 1 and half years old! Also, he could hardly see properly. This is what he said about his passion for music:

"My music has always drawn from three main influences, a strong classical education, a love of cinematic writing, and a deep respect for the great popular songwriters who have gone before me...”

I like how he respects other songwriters but still stay true to his roots. Definitely an inspiring musician!

You have probably heard one of his most famous pieces, Sundial Dreams:

Another of my favourite, Pastel Reflections:

Few years back, he attended 张菲's 综艺大哥大 and played his piano while 菲哥sang "When I Fall In Love". What a good performance! And excellent singing by 张菲！




Now, I'm very motivated to improve my piano skills. What a good form of expression - via music. :)

Lost in Wonderland

Argh. Down with flu and sore throat. Bad combination. Gosh. And guess what? I skipped school today. Yeah. 2nd lesson of new module and I haven't attended any lecture yet! Assignment for this module due in a few days' time. "Bravo"!

Yesterday, met up with my dearie bun. Finally, she's done with her papers! Yay. Happy for her. We went to Marina Square as I wanted to get a freebie bag! Hahaha. I'm not giam peng k. Just nice there's a magazine and some freebies. (Refer to my previous post) 不拿白不拿right?! Hahaha. Wah, so typical Singaporean hor? Lol.

Heh heh. We caught the Alice In Wonderland movie in 3D, finally! All in all, thought it was quite an enjoyable movie. Entertaining, though story line was very familiar. As the second 3D movie I have watched, I don't find it any spectacular in comparison to Avatar. Still, if you are in need of some weekend entertainment movie, this will do just fine.

However, the highlight of the day was not about the movie. It was about spending time with my bun princess. Hehe. Brought her to eat at Jack's Place. Overall, the food really quite nice! The ambience at MS also good. Quiet and romantic. Wooo. Recommended!

Enjoyed myself last night, thanks to dearie's company.

However, dearie just flew to BKK this morning. She joined her cousins for a shopping trip there. Suddenly miss her a lot. I know very mushy.

But sometimes, you only learn to cherish someone only when she's not around you, agree?

Dearie bun, miss you lots. Enjoy yourself at BKK ya. Don't forget to buy some things for me. Hehehe. =P

F for Freebies.

Ok. I'm back to playing this Alphabet game again. Lol. Can you suggest a more original title? I'm too tired to think of one. It's nearly 3am now!

So my lovely bun princess is finally done with her papers! So happy for her. Don't bear to see her all stressed up. So ya, look forward to your holiday trips ya, dearie! :) Yay.

There's a promotion going on at GV Marina. It's called the "All About Men Movie Nights At GV Marina". So on Wednesdays these few weeks, if you are a male, and you buy a ticket at GV Marina for a show after 5pm, you will be entitled to one goodie bag! And you know what the goodie bag consists? For this week and next Wed:

- August Man Magazine
- Eternity Fragrance Vial
- $10 Fragrance Voucher
- Fitness First 3 Day Pass
- GV $2 Movie Voucher
- L'Oreal Paris Men Expert 3pc Set
- Exclusive World of Sports 15% Coupons

For more info, you can check it out at http://www.gv.com.sg/promodetails/gv_promotions_3101.jsp

So cool lah. Seldom see this kind of "pro-male" promotions. Hahaha. The freebies look good!

Haha... Just nice I'm looking forward to watch a movie with dearie too. Most probably we will be going down tomorrow! Yep yep. Gonna have a nice dinner and movie. Time to relax ya, dearie bun? Hehe.

Ok, but before that, have a new appointment in the afternoon. Not sure if I want to go or should I postpone to another day. But I already have two other on Thursday and Friday. And I'm still in the midst of rushing through my school assignments - 2 heavy-weightage End-Of-Course assessments and 1 module assignment. Oh well, at least I sorta completed one. Just needed to do some touch up.

Alright, heading to bed for now. Why am I always sleeping in the wee hours?

I do hope my biological clock still works fine!

A Single Man Walks into A Room and Finds Himself All Alone.

"Waking up begins with saying am and now. That which has awoken then lies for a while staring up at the ceiling and down into itself until it has recognised I, and therefore deduced I am, I am now. Here comes next, and is at least negatively reassuring; because here, this morning, is where it had expected to find itself; what's called at home."

That is the first starting paragraph in Christopher Isherwood's novel - A Single Man. Upon reading that, it immediately made me want to buy this book. I have read a couple of pages now and I think the author was simply ingenious in his way of prose writing. And what's more? The movie adapted from the book, directed by Tom Ford is going to be released soon in cinemas here. I can't wait to watch it! I heard rave reviews of the movie, and definitely think it is going to be good. Then again, I hope to finish the book first before I go watch the movie.

Here's the trailer:




Yesterday, after tuition in the morning, met Daniel for lunch at jp. It has been one of our routine meet-ups on Sundays, though not every Sunday. Had lunch at Pizza Hut. Ordered so many chicken meat. Haha.

Roasted chicken salad plus chicken soup plus chicken wings plus cheesy mushroom baked pasta with roasted chicken!

The cheesy mushroom pasta I had. Quite yummy!

Yeah, we had 10 drumlets in all. Nice!

Due to Daniel's lack of adjusting skills to this photograph when it was taken, the salad looked too bright to be eaten. Lol.

I guess Sundays for me are usually one of the most busiest days in the week. First of all, it is usually jam-packed with tuitions. Sometimes up to four tuitions! But in between, I like to take breaks and go to JP to relax and unwind. Sometimes I will have lunch with family. Other times, I'm usually with a friend or alone.

Looking at my schedule now, I seem to be really busy. Juggling with work, tuition and the school assignments that kept pouring in, it tends to get a bit stressful.

Luckily for me, dearie has been very supportive of me. Now that she's busy with her examination preparation, we meet lesser. Jiayou ya, dearie bun. Let's look forward to our holidays at Phuket in April!

Phew. I definitely need to unwind.

我可以treat you Like A Rose, 但这只是黑色幽默！

Headed to IMM this evening with my sis to go support peng's performance there at the Garden Plaza. As I would have expected, the crowd wasn't big at all. And I presume not many people know about that place, or if any event is held there, only until they hear sounds and music booming from there.


So anyway, peng was there to deliver three songs. Good effort definitely, and as usual, great singing. Except, could improve on the utilisation of the stage and stage presence yeah? Like I mentioned. Still, I think it's a good improvement from your past performances, where you were proned to 'crack' at times. Haha. Now at least it was a smooth performance. So way to go dude!


Anyway, after the performance, the Emcee - his manager, came down the stage and interview my sis, and Yvonne, who happened to be there too. So ya, it was very funny and peng was like looking awkward when sensitive questions were asked if they were his 'fans' or if Yvonne liked him, etc. Good effort on that, but you gotta watch your proximity with the ladies dude. Too close!


Some question and answer session...

Ya... to win some free donuts from donut empire. And that's Yvonne being 'forced' to answer some questions - "funny" questions...

Check out that "mic-to-ur-mouth" approach! Yvonne almost toppled backwards! Gosh!

After that, went to AjiTei together with Shuang and Yvonne. I like the ramen that I had. GongBao Ramen. Not bad not bad!

Anyway, Shuang and Yvonne cliqued off pretty well. So chatty. I definitely don't seem to have any common topic just now. Haha.

Saturday night ended on a rather normal, boring note.

Sigh. I would LOVE to perform someday soon. Where's the excitement I once sought for?

V for Versatility.

It's a Saturday afternoon. Thought of going out for some shopping or movie or walkabout, but due to the rainy weather, I'm just staying put at home for now. No tuitions whatever. 3 assignments to rush, including 2 end-of-course assessments, and I still don't intend to look at them today. How wonderful.

Went for 4 appointments in total this week. Postponed one to next, if not would have 5! Gosh, it's pretty tiring having to travel to meet clients. But thankfully for my car. Speaking of which, it gets frustrating when you get lost on the roads, having to watch out for traffic and direction at the same time, you know? And I hate the feeling of getting lost out there and having to drive around and around to look for the particular location. But well, all these are good training. I definitely think I have a better orientation of the directions now. :)

I guess the thing about meeting managers, directors, or whoever is that there is a certain amount of pressure. Presentation of project idea is one thing, but worrying about 'screwing things up' is another thing. For me though, I have sorta managed to 'psych' any emotional level to a low during such meetings, to keep a 'distance', to UP my professionalism. I think it is very important to be able to reduce any emotional baggage. Especially in the sales/service line, emotional labour can be very high. As I do know myself very well, I know I used to be easily affected by people's rude remarks or upfront confrontations. Now, I will just laugh my way off if I encounter any.

This must be "self-psychology" at its best. Being able to think out of stressful situations and not get yourself emotionally involved. I definitely know it's easier said than done. For my case, I'm definitely someone who likes constant challenges and then trounce every obstacle that tries to belittle me.

I guess having been through many experiences so far helped. Those previous job experiences and other forms of encounters - they do shape my perspectives now.

And at the end of the day, I really believe that the best 'asset' anyone could have is to have an OPEN mind.

And yes, the trick is knowing when to be 'open' and when to be reserved - aka versatility.

I can choose who I want to be, how I want to be, when I want to be.

Gosh. That seriously makes me think that I am all cut out to be an actor. Then again, I'll leave that thought for now. Hahaha.

Hello Biceps! =D

Guess what? After like close to one year or more of not doing any full-fledged exercising, I managed to do 8 pull-ups in one go. No sweat. No panting. I'm SO proud of myself. HAHAHA.

No but seriously, I was quite surprised too that after slacking for so long, I could still manage that. And I am pretty sure if I hanged on longer, I could do another 2, which I did after a short interval.

That totally spurred some good motivation. At least I know that I am still FIT. Hahaha. Eh, getting IPPT Gold for two consecutive years during NS time is no easy feat k. I think I totally worked hard for it. I think I was totally in the mood to get gold then, hence my achievement. Yay!

So yup. Guess I should really start an exercise routine soon.

Tough times don't last, tough men do.

I AM TOUGH. Heh heh heh.

F for Flexibility.

Waking up early? Good habit. Getting ready for work? Well, not the most wonderful feeling.

Thank goodness I'm not in a profession that I must oblige to stick to the mundane 9 to 5 timing, with myself plonked in front of the computer screen, squinting my eyes not just on the computer, but on loads of paper and words which might just seem to crawl all over.

I like it with a good twist. Plonked in front of the computer screen. Definitely not 9 to 5. The day could start at 10.30am, or better still, near noon. No loads of files and paperwork. And speaking of going on facebook, checking out youtube videos, singing whenever I feel like it, etc? Totally. Flexibility? Check.

That is why I think I only go for jobs that I have control. And I like jobs like what I am doing now, that enable me to meet clients - new people each time. Since I've embarked on this job, I have been calling and meeting direct employers, bosses, CEOs, managers, whatever. I guess I like to be "serious" too.

Not sure what's my point of posting this entry. Just kinda feel like expressing some thoughts before I go to bed. Time check? 2.45am. Appointments and tuition tomorrow.

And I am so going to bed.

Yawns.

Shopping Time~ Woots!


Ok, time check now. 2.25am. I aim to sleep by 3am. In fact, I aim to sleep earlier every night.

Talking about time, guess what?

I bought a new watch! Have been pondering for weeks whether to get this Fossil watch which I like it at first sight. And yay! I got it, after much hesitation! My first watch after like XX years of not wearing a watch. Er, I think I last wore a watch back in secondary school days? I still remember having 2 G-Shock watches back then. Hahaha. That was so old-school. But I loved my G-Shock watches ok. Just that now not sure where they are.. hahaha.

Anyway, I LOVE this new Fossil watch. It costs $215. Most expensive watch to date I ever bought. In fact, first ever time I'm buying a watch. Haha.

Sweet huh!

Anyway, met Daphne this afternoon. We did some shopping around town, again. Yes, again! Hahaha. I don't know what's with me these few weeks, seem to be in the mood for shopping. I even think that I am a "long-lasting" shopper, cos I didn't get tired easily so far (considering last week with sistas). Gosh. Rare breed? Haha.

So ya, Daphne's back from Taiwan. And heard from her that she's back for good! No more travelling to and from from SG to TW and from TW to SG. Good for you girl! Glad to know that you are coming out of your comfort zone! Jiayou wor!

Anyway, was pretty excited to know that there's big discounts at bookstores in town today! Kinokuniya's having 20% storewide discount for members! Prologue @ ION also having 25% discount storewide for Popular card members. I was so spoilt for choice. Headed to Kino first before checking out Prologue. But both had super duper long queues! Nearing the end of the day, went back to Kino again to get two magazines. Haha. At least better than nothing.

After Daphne left, I wandered around aimlessly. Decided to check out River Island @ Ion again. I guess I really like their stuff!

So I decided to try on a random shirt. Just for the sake of trying to see if that design suits me. Not bad huh. Got that 'Zac Efron' feel I suppose? HAHAHA. XD




I got bored and took some self-pics in my own attire.


Sweat-knit long-sleeve top: Uniqlo $29.90
Khaki berms: Fox's Men $39

Photography: Anson Ong
Model: Anson Ong

=D



Ok, I guess retail therapy does work! So ya, MORE motivation to earn MORE! Moolah moolah come to mua!!! ^^

Covers!

Recently just started to upload some videos onto my youtube account. Think I am just starting to use it 'wisely'. Haha.

Hope it could be an avenue to showcase my original songs in the near future. As for now, did some covers. Some casual recordings. Exclusive on my blog. Don't think I'm gonna publicise on FB as yet.

Includes one casual recording with YP. Just some casual singing at West Coast Park on a random night. Nothing glamorous. I know he's gonna hate me for this. But peng, I don't care. HAHAHHA. =P

Why do we find ourselves only when we get lost?

Ok this phrase just popped out in my mind just before the type of this entry. I guess it tells a whole lot.

Work and school are attempting to drown me out, figuratively.

And I find myself desperately trying to surface for some free air. Although this can be much of an exaggeration.

Last weekend, went on a shopping spree with my sisters at town. And I spent close to $300! That could be the only time I remember that I spent so much in one day. Ha.

Bought a top, a pair of berms and a jeans. Oooh, by the way, I love Uniqlo's stuff. Good quality apparel that are worth buying!

I can still recall how I used to splurge on clothings back in NS time. I guess it must be the desperation to 'express' myself since book out time was always so limited. Though I didn't really go for branded ones, of course. Then when I look back, those I bought back then seemed almost too "teensy". Of course, I could still be wearing them. Just that I feel that style changes with time, no?

Still, I consider myself quite an adventurous person when it comes to doing what I want, and wearing what I want. I don't like to follow mass trend as I believe fashion is a personal perspective - as long as you don't go overboard.

I don't think I am too much of a fashionista yet though I have heard a couple of comments about my unique dress sense. Think I have toned down pretty much recently.

That is why I seriously think I should 'liven' up abit!

On another note, am looking forward to get a new keyboard. Have been procrastinating to get one but had some budget constraints previously. Right now, just didn't know which to get though I have a few in mind. Really want to get back in touch with my piano playing and see where I can go from there.

I miss the soft touch of the keys. I feel for them.

FOREVER YOUNG - oh yeah!

I suddenly feel an immense need to blog, or to express myself in words, though I have found it getting more and more difficult to do so (blog) due to the amount of work I'm doing now.

If you look at the number of things I am doing, you might think "woah, I'm like some busy man". Yes, so besides my recent new job working as internet marketing consultant, I'm still giving tuition, and still attending school (though I have missed a number of lessons!) and am also some sort of part-time trainer in some training consultancy. But then, I still feel as if I'm not doing enough yet. Seriously.

For your information, I just turned 24. And it suddenly dawned upon me that I am no longer labelled as a "teenager" of any sort, though I secretly hope that I can still be that YOUNG. Then again, I heard people telling me that I AM still young whenever I grumbled about getting older.

Here's what I really hope to accomplish before the big "3" knocks.

-Really go all out to develop my music passion - be it keyboard/piano playing, song-composition, or singing.
-Try some acting, or best still, broadway
-Be an active contributor in magazines - get my writings published!

I think I totally have much that I want to do. And I seriously think I can do a lot of things if I want to. I secretly think that I could dance, and paint, and sketch, design, whatsoever.

I KNOW I CAN.

Sadly, the society confines you to doing things that you might not truly like to do. Like studying for the sake of a piece of certificate which in my point of view, is utter crap.

Hence, I am firm that I won't be a victim of societal pressures. Rather, I want to walk my own walk and talk my own talk. (Go ahead and quote me, lol)

But right now, the "practical" side of me is really working towards building my future paths. Trust me when I say that I am working now, but I make sure I don't slog myself too much. Too much stress ain't good. I am seriously my own stress manager.

Ironically, I find myself struggling to find more time to do what I want. And the thing is, I always seem to find ways to de-stress and unwind no matter how busy I appear to be.

That's my aim. To get "busy" but at the same time, get some "freedom" along the way. I think I'm totally defining my way of work-life balance here. Hahaha.

One thing I need to credit myself: For being bold enough to do what I want to do.

That, minus the procrastination. Thank you very much.