Noob? No no no...

I am so happy to know that I have just successfully ordered 5 books via www.opentrolley.com.sg Yep. Currently on the website, there's promotion for books below $25 at 10% discount. And free delivery to home for 5 books and above.

Considering the fact that I am such a noob to online shopping, I actually felt a great sense of satisfaction. I mean, the last time I bought something online was probably early last year? Bought some protein shake from nutritionpark.com. So ya. But I think I would not really consider buying clothes online. Cos you can't try to see if it fits you (in all aspect - size, if you can carry it, etc) So what's the point?

But ya. I'm still pretty contented with my books purchase for now. :) To think that I just bought Palahniuk's latest book Tell-All at Harris two days agon cos there's 20% discount! Really quite a steal.

Especially it's the GSS season now. It means more worthwhile to shop. But it also means I need MORE money to be more worthwhile to shop. So yeah.

So exams were over last week. My first and only paper that I officially took this semester. Haha.

Past few days, have been out like every single day. Went to club at St. James on Friday night. I'm totally not a clubbing person but I had much fun that night.

Went out with Daniel on Saturday to town. Walked around. And gosh, I really need to get the Yamaha DGX360 soon! It's on sale now on Yamaha. But it costs $1299. Previously $1599. Still quite ex!

Just yesterday, met up with some good old JC classmates(my first year bunch). Had dinner at Manhattan Fish market @ PS. Good to catch up.

Reservist in two weeks. I'm half excited about it though.

Right now, gotta set up more appointments. And for a long while since, I am starting to find more tuition already! Cos some of my students stopped lessons due to the hols.

This can't work. Seriously.

Reminder to self: Buck up!

Paperwoes

One final paper tomorrow. Actually it's the only paper I am taking this semester considering the fact that I have skipped the first paper.

Taken a few days off from work with an intention to study. But guess what? Not too much of a progress yet. Trying to cram everything now.

Realized something that is funny. Whenever it is nearing exams, instead of stressing myself to study, I will always look for other anti-stress alternatives like writing, facebooking, etc.

As such, I wrote a new short story yesterday. You can read it at http://authspot.com/short-stories/bleak-truth

Kevin Kern's music has been serving very good therapy for my studying sessions as well as lulling me to sleep. I need to get all his albums! Haha.

Came across a random poem called "A small hotel", by Thomas Thurman. Like his style of writing, hence would like to share it with you guys. Another one for his lover "For Fin" is really good too. He even recited it on his youtube vid. http://hellopoetry.com/poem/for-fin/ If you would like to check out more of his works, can go to http://hellopoetry.com/poet/thomas-thurman/

A Small Hotel
If life should ever leave you left behind
just take a holiday. I'll stay with you
within a small hotel I call my mind.

A quieter place to stay you'd never find.
I'm hoping you'll remember what to do
if life should ever leave you left behind;

remember me, if you should be so kind.
And though I sometimes decorate in blue
within a small hotel I call my mind,

in every room I've written and I've signed
a note reminding you my love is true,
if life should ever leave you left behind;

and every evening finds us intertwined;
and every morning finds the bed as new
within a small hotel I call my mind.

A week becomes a century or two;
and when you're checking out, I'll follow too.
If life should ever leave you left behind
within a small hotel I call my mind.

Ready! Ready READ Rea, Re, R....

Currently in a book-reading frenzy mood. Ha.

Am currently reading this book called "Lowboy" by John Wray. Am loving it so far. I think the prose and dialogues were very very well written. It's about this sixteen year old boy suffering from schizophrenic, escaped from institution, and is on his way to save the earth from global warming. Know how he is going to do it? According to his logic - to lose his virginity. Not to mention his anxious mum who engaged a detective to look for him together but ended up flirting with him.

I mean, what a plot! I like how the author dvelve into the world of a schizophrenic, offering a microscopic view of the mentally unstable. Psychology-related. Hmm. Am already halfway through the book and I really like how the prose flow. Very smooth writing and some exceptional prose quality in there. Too bad I can't find John Wray's other previous books at Kino or Borders. Also, I really like the paperback cover to "LowBoy". Very nice.

Recently, I have already finished reading two books. "A Single Man" by Christopher Isherwood and "Pygmy" by Chuck Palahniuk. That is good news that I am reading to try finish the unread books on my sheleves.

I have always been quite a Palahniuk fan, though I have not read all his works. But Fight Club is good enough a reason to make him a favourite author of mine. Then again, not anyone can appreciate his way of writing. He is just so experimental and different!

Books to check out / buy:

Tell-All - Chuck Palahniuk
Paul Neilan - Apathy and Other Small Victories
Dan Chaon - Await Your Reply
Thom Jones - Cold Snap
Will Christopher Baer - Phineas Poe omnibus, Godspeed

Gosh. Have been checking out http://chuckpalahniuk.net/ for book reviews and recommendations.

I just checked out this new author called Will Christopher Baer, another recommended author on the Palahniuk site. I read one of his short stories and am quite impressed by his way of writing. Searched kino site but his books are nowhere to be found. Still, if you are interested to read, can check out the short: http://chuckpalahniuk.net/features/shorts/suffer-the-fool

And yes, "Palahniukian" books are really unorthodox. But if you are a thinker who enjoys words and the out-of-this-world ideas and plots, you can try my recommendations.

I definitely like reading literature. With a twist. Bah!

More books to buy. Would probably going to check out how to buy at http://www.opentrolley.com.sg/ which is a local online bookstore selling books at affordable prices! There is even promotions for DBS/POSB cardmembers currently. The book prices alone are generally cheaper than Kino's or Borders'. So worth a check. But some books I cannot find, some really rare books, need to be bought through Amazon I guess. But then again, I am such a noob at online shopping. Lol. I would be really proud if I managed to secure a successful purchase. Haha.

By the way, I don't know of many friends who are so into books as I am. Probably only my new Piscean friend - Yvonne. Daniel seldom read literature though I can still talk to him about books. Then again, I think quite different to find someone who has a similar taste as mine when it comes to books- non-mainstream, sometimes-twisted. Of course not all so distinctive la. I enjoy the occasional entertainment-only fiction, but less tempting to buy. If you are interested to find out what books I read, can ask for my recommendations. :)

I think I am spending quite a lot on books. So much so that the collection could be bricks to build a new house. Gah!

Quit Being Bossy.

I'm at Starbucks at Vivo now and I have approximately 25 more minutes to finish typing this. The store is closing soon. Maybe I can ask them not to close yet because I have much to rant about. But who cares anyway?

This afternoon, had a "tiff" with my boss. Can't believe that he crossed the line to question my "commitment" to the job. Goodness. I was flared up and I actually rebuked a couple of times. If he's such concerned that whatever "basic" salary he is giving us is not well justified by our commitment or results recently, he has little to be concerned about. As much as we know, the basic, minus the CPF, is probably like an intern pay. He asked if I was ok, cos I didn't respond quickly to him on skype earlier today.

*Roll eyes*. And he expects that I sit in front of my computer all day long just to reply him immediately in case he skyped me?

And who spoke about flexibility in the first place? Really ridiculous to bound us according to our availability on skype. Worse still, he thinks someone who responds fast to his messages are more responsible.

Ok boss, keep that theory to yourself.

Pretty fed up with your pettiness and stingy-ness. If you want to save cost so much, go ahead and do everything by yourself.

And now that you want to adjust/deduct my basic this month cos I took 3 days off for serious personal matters (visiting my mum in hospital and exam), go ahead. Don't talk about how you already "closed one eye" when I went Phuket for that few days. Truth is, you didn't specify about deducting these days' pay. Now that you have blabbered it out, thank goodness. It further confirmed that I am not going to stay for long.

So boss, don't need to feel sorry for what you said. Cos you have stepped over the line. And I'm not going to be that obliging anymore.

About Marriage - Some Talks & Thoughts

Dearie told me that one of our acquaintances - a guy - is going to propose to his girlfriend of 1 year plus, this weekend.

Though I don't really know that guy well, I must say I was pretty taken aback by the news.

To decide to get married takes more than just enough financial ability and commitment. I think it takes a whole lot of courage. Especially to decide that the person you are going to marry is going to stay with you for the rest of your life. He claimed that the girl is the ONE he is looking for. I wonder, is that part of instinct to make such a decision? 1 year plus of relationship, I must say, is a bit too short for marriage. Then again, knowing the possibilities in the world now, it is definitely possible.

I do admire that guy though. At least he is confident enough to take the next step - to progress into the stage of commitment.

Actually, it struck me pretty hard that I am old enough to start a family already. My dad was 23 when my elder sis was born?

The thought of nearing the 'riped' age of getting married pretty much sends some tingles within me. And I say that because if I look at my current situation - financial, stability, character development, etc, I know that I have quite a long way to go.

As much as I want to settle down soon, I want to be successful enough first to be able to settle down soon.

Withdrawal Syndrome

So it turned out that I didn't go take the exam paper today. Quite expected actually. Though I tried to do some last minute mugging last night, but I guess it just really was not enough.

I could hardly focus. So many things been happening lately, and had taken a huge toll on my mood. And if you could have already guessed or know about me, I am a very emotional person.

I just couldn't stand it when my sister started accusing me of things like I am non-chalant towards family matters and stuff. All the quarrels and whatever did not make sense to me. While I know clearly that her judgements contained many flaws, I seriously did not bother to argue my way out. What's the point? It is just disappointing to know how your own sibling could think of you in a different way. As if she already know me that well. Oh please.

Mum's back at home, recuperating. I have been pretty worried previously, and couldn't focus much on my work. I guess my siblings did not know how much I really do care for her, and that how much she matters to me. Like do I need to say things out?

I hate it when people judge me by whatever flaws I had in the past. Face it. People do grow and change. If you refuse to see the change and just get stuck in your previous delusion of whoever you think I am, then I am seriously sorry, but you guys need to open your eyes bigger and just be more sensitive.

I guess all the laughters and talking escapades with them are pretty much a facade of some degree. I am just so disappointed.

Back to what happened today. I was feeling anxious and jittery over missing the paper, although I know the consequence is little or insignificant. Took a break by walking around town with Daniel, and later joined by Yvonne.

I guess dearie's right, that I really should start to get more organised.

But who can teach me how to organise my emotions properly?

I definitely need a breather.

Why We Shouldn't Be Doing Academics Studying - Much.

Sometimes, I wonder why am I studying for? If you have heard me say earlier, I have long abandoned the idea that "certification is king". Not anymore. The shifts in society, or at least, what I have noticed, are not looking at just academic certification. Not anymore.

Perhaps previously, I did not want to lose out in the "rat race". Then again, I don't think I subscribe to that thought of getting a degree is like VERY important. Not anymore. I hate it when I have to do all these mundane studying knowing that I might not be able to use possibly ANY of what I learnt in uni in my work life. Face it.

Sometimes, I have this thought of just wanting to withdraw from this whole degree course. But then, having just one year left, I think I should just follow suit and complete whatever's left. Whatever it takes. Even though I'm clearly not a fan of academial studying.

Maybe why I say this is because I realise that there is too much out there that talks about skills and experience compared to what you learnt in school. What you learnt in school would bring you to certain heights, but that's about it. To reach greater heights or beyond require so much more. The school textbooks can only revise and update like every year? But NEWS are happening everyday. The economy changes without warning. The world is shifting. So are you REALLY sure school textbooks work much?

I am still complaining even though I'm doing part-time studies. It is just that I don't find any utmost relevance from what I'm studying, except that I am doing so because everyone thinks that getting a degree is a MUST.

Then again, I have my own thinking. And my thinking tells me that I should not forgo where my skills or talents lie: Music, Arts, Writing, etc.

It will be a folly to just focus all energy on tertiary studies.

Someone needs to educate this badly.

Dear Mommy, Get Well Soon!

Mummy went to Gleneagles Hospital for surgery today. It was up till last week or so that I knew about the news that she had to go for an operation. Since knowing that, I could not help but feel worried. Well, though I have heard similar cases of the surgery among a few relatives and some other friends' mums, I did not like the idea of it. But well, things happen, and sometimes, you just gotta accept fate.

It was until last night that I realized that surgery would take place today! I was watching some movie halfway in my room when I heard my mum talking to my sis about waking up early today to go to the hospital. Wah, I just stopped whatever I was watching. I guess I really felt emotionally connected to my mum. And though I have not explictly shown her how much I love her, she really means a lot to me.

These few days, been monitoring her expressions whenever she's around at home. Although she appeared to be 'normal', doing her daily chores, I could tell that she must be feeling jitty about this whole thing. My dad, on the other hand, appeared very calm about the whole matter, and assured us that it would turn out fine.

Early this morning, my whole family accompanied my mum to Gleneagles. In the car, there was still some random chitchat and laughter going on, and I was also trying not to express any worry towards this matter as I know this would only make my mum worry more.

So yeah, 'checked in' to the hospital, which is a private one. So, the fees for the operation and accomodation are pretty steep. But then, we would definitely want our mum to have a more comfortable stay. Also, she already knew the doctor for very long - over 30 years?

What I like about the environment at Gleneagles is that it does not have too much of a 'hospital' feel to it. Unlike the previous hospital I was admitted to - TTSH, Gleneagles does not even have a strong 'medicine' odour hanging in the air. In fact, the place looked spruce and clean. My dad even joked that it was like checking into a hotel, to which I also concur!

While waiting for her turn, my mum was waiting in a duo-patient ward. Already changed into the surgery attire, I could tell that she was starting to feel panicky. She would sit by the bed and just stare at the window, occasionally talking to us. When she was eventually rolled into the Operation Suites, I could see that tears were running down her cheeks.

Towards that, my dad told us that my mum is somebody who is strong on the outside and soft inside. Actually, I know that too. It just pains me to see her like that. I would rather she not have to go through such an 'ordeal'.

After she was admitted into the Operation Suites, we headed back. Took some rest before we set out again in the evening. By the time we went back, she was already back in her ward. And to my surprise, a few of my aunts, plus my grandma were there too.

Though she must have been feeling very tired from the operation, we tried to cheer her up and talk to her. And we cracked a few jokes to lighten the atmosphere too. Grandma - on the other hand, was being uber sweet. She went over to my mum and caressed her forehead, looking at my mum dearly and comforting her.

I am just very relieved that the operation was a success and that my mum is now on the road to recovery. Just hope that she could have a speedy recovery. Though it is difficult for me to express my emotions, I just wish that she knows how much I love her.

Get well soon, mummy! :)

Some "shitty" entry...
Warning: This entry might be visually intense and explicit. Read it if you dare.

Why it's a "shitty" day for me...

1) While going for tuition in the morning, I felt my tummy's bloated and not feeling that well. Not to my surprise, I unloaded a huge "load" when I went back. Haha...

2)Went to town after morning tuitions. Parked my car at the ulu carpark at Grange Rd. Parked at the double yellow-line though. When I went back to get my car, I saw this white narrow long slip of paper from afar. Thought I dio summon... I muttered "Oh Shit!" To my surprise and relief, it was a prank by my sister, who happened to park her car there too... And I thought April's Fool's long over. It got me though! =.=

3)When I returned home at night, had to unload more "loads" cos tummy wasn't feeling well. This time round, was less solid. LOL.

Ok, so......

The in-betweens of the events in the day included..

Meeting tintin for lunch at Soup Spoon @ Paragon to which I redeemed a free Grande bowl of soup and a free can of Sprite. (Thanks to my loyal patronisation of the restaurant). My second time getting a free lunch at the restaurant!

Some freaky incident occured in the afternoon. Went to the Gents with tin tin. We were like standing one urinal apart when this stranger came from nowhere and stood right between us. He was like staring at us and our ****s can!!!

I avoided looking at him and zipped up soon after. I nearly wanted to show that d**kwad and shout to him "I KNOW I HAVE A BEAUTIFUL C**K. SO QUIT STARING". And possibly after that, pee on him. Ok, probably that's just an exaggerated scenario.

But seriously, I mean, incidents like this, I have already encountered quite a number. Can't comprehend why there are those pervssss out there. Go stare at your own la, disgusting piece of crap.

*Takes a chill pill*

On another note, I bought another book from Kino. It's called LowBoy by John Wray. Came across this book while browsing on Chuck Palahniuk's site. Under recommended books. And I thought the plot was really interesting.

Shall finish reading some other books first.. Gosh. My bookshelves are really piling up with my books.

Hahaha.

Oh, I met an acquaintance at Kino too. She was at the cashier counter at Kino. I recognised her almost instantly. Surprisingly, she couldn't recognised me. She said I changed a lot.

Perhaps she zoomed in at my chimmey chin chin and my moustache which I haven't shaved for a week or so? Still, it should be testimony of my new found masculinity right?

HAHAHA.

By the way, exams in a week's time! And I haven't yet started on the revision.

Oh shit!!!

One Night in Beijing's Not-So-Far-Away Neighbour Singapore's RP's Auditorium Hall.
Of Singing, of Cheering, and of some sneezing somewhere. =*

Just came back not long ago from a splendid evening out. Went to support peng at his guest performance at JJC's talentime at Republic Poly Cultural Centre. Brought back some good old reminiscences of the good old JJC times. Saw lots of new teachers sitting in the auditorium, and just a handful of familiar faces.

Anyway, it was overall a good showcase of talents in JJC this year, though I wasn't so much in favour of the vocal acts. The dance groups though were better in comparison. The guest performances by the alumni were awesome, especially peng's rendition of One Night in Beijing, of course. It blew the audience away with lots of gasps and "wow" and shrieks and cheers. One of your best performances yet, dude. Keep it up and I'm pretty sure you are on your way to finding your own "voice" in the singing industry. :)

After that, headed to JP for late-night dinner with dearie, peng and yvonne. Had some Carl's Jr combo meal before deciding that the night was still "young". So, to add on to the combo, we went to Mac @ West Coast Park to chill out for a while.

Didn't realise I have so much in common with my fellow Piscean-new-found-female-younger-friend - Yvonne. Alright girl, keep up with the book readings, and authentic-music listening. Bet we have so much to chat about in the future. :)

Headed home after that. Nose been running all day. Woke up with flu earlier this morning. Guess I "chilled" too much that I caught a chill. Gosh. Hated that feeling of stuffy, runny nose. Hate the "reddish nose" image and lethargy that goes along with the package. But surprisingly, I was pretty high the whole night.

Just took some paracetmol-containing med. Supposed to stop my nose for running. But is one pill enough? I'm starting to feel the drowsiness kick in though.

Now, I'm feeling high.

Off to bed.

Just Chillin'

So I spent the whole day chillin' at home today.

Did get some work done though. Registered for my new semester modules. And sent out some proposals to my clients.

And rest of the time, just listening to music, checking out on some writing stuff. Has always been a habit of mine to check out some book reviews, especially from my favourite authors.

And then, sudden spur of inspiration to write a short story. My elder sis was like showing me this introduction she wrote of a story she was writing. I was pleasantly surprised. I thought I was the only one who loved writing. And then she said she liked to write in "Irish style", whatever that means.

Still, to read the short story I wrote, it's newly posted on my Triond already. Or you can go to http://authspot.com/short-stories/heartache-station/

Anyway, by now, it is pretty obvious that my new updates will appear in the widget at the left column of my blog. There are widgets for both my triond and twitter. So, yup, sure can check that out regularly.

Listening to some jazz compilation album i bought not long ago. Wow Jazz 2. Pretty random jazz album with some good old jazz classics, and some contemporary ones as well. Quite a good mix.

Should I watch some movie now? Pretty much feeling sleepy though.

Read Good Books to Get Into the "Good Books" of Others - Wow, I came up with that! Lol.

It has been pretty much a routine to sleep late nowadays. And I added another routine to this routine - to read a book or/and watch some random movie before I sleep late.

Well, I guess that is some sort of entertainment for 20-ish guys like me who are yes, pretty much not attracted to the hustle and bustle of the frivolous night life out there.

I can self-entertain I think. Haha.

Just recently, bought two non-fiction books from Kino. Yes I know. New books again. Ah...........

Ok, I have to clarify something again. I am definitely not a bookworm. But one thing for certain, I like to browse books at bookshops like Kino and Harris and just check out the latest books. Of course, interesting ones do serve to tempt me to buy!

And you would probably ask why I am not borrowing books from the library anymore. While I used to love visiting the library, borrowing books, etc, it all came to a stop from one particular incident. Once, when I was reading a book, I found something miniature and hideous on one of the pages of the book. Dry, brownish.............. You get the picture. Somebody had obviously picked his nose while reading!!! I mentioned "his" as I don't suppose that was a feminine act. (Or maybe I could be wrong?)

So ya, from that day onwards. I stopped borrowing books from the library.

Having said that, since NS days, I already cultivated this habit of buying books as I didn't like the idea of having to rush through reading books I like only to have it returned soon.

As some psychologists have pointed out, you could tell a person's character and personality by looking at the books on his bookshelves.

I welcome any of you who would like to look at my wonderful collection of novels, non-fiction, graphic novels, etc.

You could pretty much predict my inner world - but that's not gonna be easy. ;)

On another note, I have just started to use twitter again. Though I am seriously trying to make sense of what the hype is all about, it is pretty cool being able to "follow" your favourite singers/authors. Best still, have them reply you! Mr. Templesmith - artist of "30 Days of Night" replied to my message! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh............................. ! I could laugh myself to sleep later. =D

Add me on twitter if you know how to tweet too. http://twitter.com/nightcharmer

Some after thoughts after watching Ip Man 1 & 2.

Got to watch Ip Man and Ip Man 2 yesterday. Had initially heard the buzz about Ip Man, but had not got the chance to watch it previously. Thanks to the possibilities of the internet, I actually watched it online - streaming, and quite possibily, DVD-clear quality.

And I loved the show.

After watching it, I decided to go catch the latest installment at the theatres. Checked GV screenings, all good seats taken up. Not surprisingly, considering the hype the movie gets. And so, I booked for two tickets at EngWah @ Westmall. Watched with dearie.

Again. Great great show. I really like the cheoreography of the fighting scenes. And I thought Donnie Yen portrayed a more 'humane' side this time, getting hurt during the last fighting scene with the Western boxer.

I laughed out loud at some attempts to create a satire and mockery over the pompous and arrogant westerners in the show, and applauded the good Chinese philosophy and teachings - morals and values of Chinese tradition. Donnie Yen was just fantastic.

The show was part-documentary of Ip Man's legacy. And he was really a well respected man of his times. While the movie serves primarily to entertain with its action-packed fighting choreography, messages behind the movie never fail to be revealed every now and then.

After watching it, I almost thought that I could be a long lost disciple of Ip Man. And that I know the martial art - Wing Chun. HA!

Great movie. Highly recommended. 4.5/5.