Work has been pretty slow for these past weeks. Sent propsals after proposals and still not seeing any 'green light' from the clients' end. Sometimes I am just wondering, is this job really lucrative enough? Can I sustain a good income? Looking at the past two months, I am saddened to say that that's probably not the case.

And then I ask myself, am I working hard enough? They always say, blame yourself before blaming others. How true can this statement be? Can't be for every context right? Factors need to be weighed in, you need to push the blame, you need to find self-assurance, that you are capable, that you are strong, that you can keep moving, that you just need that tinge of motivation...

To make matters worse, tution assignments have come to a halt. I am left with like one student right now? This is really 1-to-1 tuition. HAHAHA. I am laughing at the mum who chose a new tutor over me just cos' my schedule is probably too hectic to fit her son's, and vice versa. But I am secretly relieved to get that tuition cancelled, knowing how irritating and commanding his mum can be. Seriously, have you been to any tuition where the mum would just sit right in the same room as you and your student, indirectly/discreetly looking at you at every possible angle? One thing for sure, I produced results. Her son did well enough for his papers. So yes. This time round, the blame is on her.

*****

Past few weeks saw me in a book-buying frenzy as I attempted to stock my room into a book 'playground'. The four books I ordered from opentrolley arrived on Monday and I was super excited to receive them.

What's more interesting? After watching the HBO miniseries - "The Pacific", I have decided that it is the best drama series I have ever watched. I even bought the soundtrack album and went high and low to look for the books that inspired the series. I was quite surprised they were initially all sold out at Borders, Kinokuniya and Harris. And just a few days ago, I saw two copies of "Helmet For My Pillow" sitting on the bookshelves of Kino @ Bugis. You could imagine how excited I was. I got one copy for myself and another copy for Daniel (Yes, he became a fan after hearing me say things about the series. He also bought the soundtrack. But he has not watched the show yet!)

You Have No Idea

I am listening to the soundtrack album of "The Pacific" now. Just bought it yesterday from HMV. The music is just awesome. Such melancholy, such depth, such nostalgic feel to the pieces. I think I could just cry listening to the tracks alone, not to mention having the images from the show still vivid on my mind. That's the beauty of soundtracks, right?

Recently, I watched the HBO miniseries online. I have heard about the miniseries previously on HBO itself and was rather intrigued, though I haven't got chance to watch it. There is a good chance it is still showing on HBO now though. Anyway, it is a really really amazingly good show, I must say. Executive producers are Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks by the way. If you haven't heard of them, you haven't been watching movies at all.

Ever since NS, my interest for military films, literature has been peaking. Or maybe before that. I guess I am really intrigued by the comaradie and patriochy that a typical war film possess. Ever since NS, all the war films just make more sense. Weapons, movements, military jargons, all seem all too familiar.

And yes, the emotional baggage that comes along with it too.

Looking at past history, and of all the brave soldiers who have fought greatly in great battles, one can hardly imagine the fear and intensity that must have coursed through them each time they are standing at the front line.

We are blessed to be in a nation free of war indeed. And we must not take it for granted. Instead, we must learn from the brave American soldiers, and even the Japs.

My current favourite military films are "Jarhead" and "Letters to Iwo Jima", especially the latter, which is a super good flick by Clint Eastwood. Highly emotionally-charged!

And I would definitely check out "Band of Brothers" soon. It's the predecessor series to "The Pacific".

Here's the introduction and main theme song from "The Pacific". Simply fantastic.