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Wow.
The past week has just been incredible.
Am still trying to come to terms with my unemployed status and the fact that I am not a student anymore. But it just feels like a big holiday to me, and I feel as if I am going back to school come July.
Kill Bill on his 50 First Dates
After our last paper on Tuesday, I was overcome with a mix of emotions that I could not identify. It's not anything that I have felt before. Sure, we all have taken our last papers in schools before but this time, it's for real. No longer can I hide under the shelter of being a student, it's time to face the big bad world out there.
But thankfully, the romantic comedy 50 First Dates helped me regain some of my sanity. It was hilarious and I have to say, Rob Schneider is such a gem. Laughter rang out throughout the theatre every time he appeared on the screen.
I must make a confession here - I cried during the movie. I know, the show totally lacks social realism but hey, which girl wouldn't want to have a man like Henry Roth who tries to damn hard to win the love of his loved one everyday?
Since we were all a little crazy that day, we decided to do an excitation transfer and indulge in another movie - Kill Bill Vol. 2. It was such a masterpiece - Quentin Tarantino is brilliant. Pai Mei made me giggle madly, especially in the way he smirks and flicks his silly white beard. The ending was a little unexpected and as a reviewer mentioned, ultimately the show seems like a chick flick. Not going to say more here in case there are those who haven't watched it yet but hey, it's a must-watch!
"Do it" at Wala-wala
Chalked up fun points yesterday. Hee.
The day started sleepily enough, since I had to go to school to hand up my GE reviews. Mr Stead was a sweetie, as always, and he enthused about our writing so much so that I felt much better about the crap that I had churned out the night before.
After that, caught the guffaw-inducing Starsky & Hutch with the guys. I loved the show, especially Ben Stiller! Have a thing for retro stuff and the show just rocks. Huggy Bear! The cars, the music and the props......awesome. The appearance of the original Starsky & Hutch at the end was such a nice touch.
Went shopping for toy guns/swords ("schwingggg!") for tonight's party after that. Some smarty pants happily bought masks, only to realise that they can't wear them cos they wear spectacles. Hohoho, Merry Christmas.
Headed down to Wala-wala after that (pics here) and after the initial cooling down (I was darn tired and beer doesn't help), it was back to crappy times again! And as usual, the klutz struck again and she cleverly spilt beer all over Kenny (sorry!). Sigh. When will the girl ever learn to be more glamorous? No wonder she is of a buddy more than a girl.
Okiez, think it's timeout for me now. Need to ransack the wardrobe for some ideas on which murderous character to go as for tonight's party, hee. I shall end off with the best advice I have heard in the last two days,
"Do it!!"
What's Playing on iTunes
Lazy Days - Leona Naess from Music From the O.C. [UNOFFICIAL SOUNDTRACK] by Various Artists
There are girls. And there are girls.
But not all girls are seen as girls by the boys.
To boys, these girls are their friends, almost one-of-their own. In short, they see these girls are not really girls. These girls are buddies.
Buddies are different from girls. Girls are chicks that they desire. As girls walk by them, swishing their skirts, boys turn their heads and think to themselves, here's somebody I want to date. They glance admiringly at girls and those who are either courageous or desperate enough will actually try to make the transition from being "friends" to being in love. If not, they resign themselves to gazing from afar, enjoying the sweet torment of their longing.
When it comes to buddies, things get a little simpler. Buddies are buddies. They hang out together. They sit around and drink beer and talk whatever nonsense that buddies talk about. They watch soccer matches together and cheer/curse loudly, depending on the situation at hand. They go for movies together and laugh simultaneously at the rude jokes. They don't bother with dressing up with one another - afterall, they are buddies.
Sometimes, I think I belong to the latter category of girls. Among all my male friends, I am a buddy. We enjoy one another's company. We make fun of one another. We end up doing and saying stupid things because hey, that's what buddies do. We are not afraid of embarrassing ourselves in front of one another. Sometimes, things get a bit adventurous and we might end up at the old Changi Hospital looking for ghosts and then going for prata.
I enjoy being buddies with them. It's always a lot of fun being part of the group. But sometimes, I just wonder if that's how people see me.
Just a buddy.
What's Playing on iTunes
A Whiter Shade Of Pale from Medusa by Annie Lennox
Today is the last day that I can officially call myself a student.
Yes, after four eventful long years, I have finally taken the last paper of my life. I have the blister on my thumb to prove that I tried to go out with a bang. But as usual, silly me did not finish the paper again. Hee.
Well, what can I say? It's been a damn long four years. So much has happened since the day I stepped into CS (one week later than everyone else cos I was in Austria for Choir Olympics). I went in there as an naive, 19-year-old girl with a boyfriend, and emerged as a slightly battle-worn 23-year-old single gal. And I find that I like it better this way.
I know it sounds weird, who would prefer to go through a breakup? But now as I look back, I know that it's probably the best thing that has happened to me in these four years. And I am glad that it did.
These past four months went by so fast that I can hardly believe it. In many ways, I wish that they could be longer, that I can have the chance to live 36-hour days rather than the short and bittersweet 24.
This semester has been life-altering in many ways. Got to know acquaintances better, got to know me better, got to know who the people who will be there for me when I am down. If I had a chance to relive the past four years, I definitely would.
So many memories, so many "what ifs", so many "if onlys". But it's all over. This chapter is now closed. Officially.
How do I feel then?
I don't know. Think I will probably find out later, once I have had my needed dose of sleep (after moving my desk around, I am kinda tired).
This StaR is falling asleep at her desk.
What's Playing on iTunes
Calling from I Tried to Rock You But You Only Roll by Leona Naess
...falling flat onto her face.
Yes, that's me.
I, Queen of Klutzes, Mistress of Shopping, Princess of Imagination.
I fell flat on my face today, landing right at the feet of an idiotic Engineering geek. Who did not help me up (that bas****). Who merely grinned amusedly at me.
Damnit, why couldn't I at least have the dignity of tripping in front of a cute and chivalrous dude?
As I am typing this now, I am making small, whining noises, appalled at the pain that my kneecaps are giving me and the humiliation of it all. It's all Fur's fault, I was trying to get to her and her melons.
So my only conclusion is that I am Becky Bloomwood and Bridget Jones combined....without the men. Committing faux pas everywhere I go. Being the source of people's amusement at every occasion. Sees people walking towards me carrying Mango shopping bags during sales and go berserk, obsessing that they bought things which I like and actually fit me. Whine constantly to my (sometimes gay) friends. Need to develop inner poise (and stop doing unglamorous things like falling flat on my face).
Sigh. I need a Luke Brandon or a Mark Darcy. Or both.
I have discovered that I have a forte for not completing my exams. Did that for Media Law and Ethics, did that today for Psychology of Communication. Goodbye 40 marks! Hello unemployment!
I should be studying for tomorrow's paper but somehow, can't muster the energy. Think will go watch an episode of The O.C. Adore my sunshine-y boy, Benjamin McKenzie. Feel terribly like Anna sometimes.
Here's hoping that tomorrow will be a good good one.
What's Playing on iTunes
When I Look To The Sky from My Private Nation by Train
Overslept this morning again. Had my alarm set at 8.30am but somehow when I opened my eyes, the clock showed 11.00am. Oh blast.
Spent what's left of the morning reading the newspapers and came away feeling rather disturbed and sad.
The news that took centerstage at The Straits Times today is that of the Nicoll Highway tragedy. Due to fears that the wreckage would collapse, SCDF has decided to call off the search for the body of the last missing man.
The Grim Reaper has reared his ugly head here, leaving pain and distress in his wake. There is a sense of bitter irony working here - the family of the missing man needs his body to provide closure to the trauma that they have gone through for the past few days. And yet, to gain such psychological comfort, it would mean endangering the lives of many other Singaporeans, who have risked life and limb just to do that for them. In the end, the decision was made to call off the search. The family might not be able to accept the decision but ultimately, they have to resign themselves to the fact that they now have to obtain closure in other ways.
I admire the family members of the dead for their courage. Courage in sharing their grief with the rest of the nation, courage in the dignified ways that they have held themselves under the scrutiny, courage in their acceptance of the accident.
Another perturbing piece of news was that this website has, in the name of journalism, published a series of photographs showing the remains of dead American soldiers arriving home. Subsequently, many other mainstream news organisations also published the pictures, as detailed by The New York Times (registration needed).
According to the article, news organisations have criticised the Pentagon for limiting information about the dead soldiers in their bid to conceal negative publicity about the war in Iraq. And yes, press freedom is important to the journalists, as evident in their First Amendment. But obviously the good people at the site did not employ the Potter Box in making their decision to run the photos. And equally obvious is the fact that they have not heard of Rawls' and his Veil of Ignorance, or the Agape principle (yes, I have not wasted my four years of university education).
Do the families of the dead soldiers need to see the pictures splashed on their newspapers in such a manner? Sure, it's woefully ridiculous that they do not get to see the bodies of their loved ones being brought home to them. But does the act of running these pictures provide any sense of closure? I don't think so.
What's Playing on iTunes
Just The Way You Are from Billy Joel - Greatest Hits Vol. 1-2 by Billy Joel
It never ceases to amaze me how my friends (or rather, their parents) contrive to have their birthdays on consecutive days. The coincidence is so uncanny. So part of this posting is going to be dedicated to the joyous occasion of birthdays!
So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to
There you go, the happiness of turning older and wiser.
The Talented SCI Students
Yesterday was the day of my extremely traumatic FYP moderation (photos here). As if the trauma was not bad enough, I came face-to-face with the fact that my peers in school are miles ahead of me in terms of the creativity bank. After sitting through four hours of the FYP efforts of the Electronic Broadcast Media (EBM) division, I come to the conclusion that I am a very sad individual in a sea of talents.
The short films that that they made, be it documentary, mockumentary or drama, were all so outstanding that if I didn't view it in school, I would have thought that they were the works of professionals. The standards were so high that it's hard to imagine these people not winning awards and not getting A-grades. I especially loved the mockumentary, "Spaces" which focused on the realm of homosexuals, and Sham's "postmodern" piece, which apparently did nothing for the Dean. Oh well.
But the accolades go to the multimedia group, who created an educational website using flash animation called The Domed Survival. Comprising of only girls, this group conceptualised, designed and created the whole site by themselves! The site is so cool that it had everyone in the lecture theatre cheering at every chance they could get.
What can I say? After four years, my school life ended officially yesterday. It was a bit sad because I finally felt as if I truly belonged there and it had to end. But I am glad that it ended that way.
Because I feel so proud of my school mates and friends. Not only those from EBM, but also all those who worked their asses off for their FYPs. Here's wishing them all the best in their futures. And mine too. =P
What's Playing on iTunes
Why Can't I - Liz Phair from Music From the O.C. [UNOFFICIAL SOUNDTRACK] by Various Artists
Was supposed to be studying today. Afterall, I am due to start my final lap round the institution called academia on Thursday. But somehow, inertia set in and I found myself doing anything but study - re-reading The Lord of the Rings' The Fellowship of the Ring, playing games on my baby and sorting out my old photographs taken long before digital cameras were popular.
Discovered some old albums whose existence I had forgotten about.
Some elicited smiles and chuckles, like those taken during 1999's Symphony of Voices, 1999 Singapore Youth Festival's Grand Finals (where we were defeated rather unfairly by Singapore's elite students), 1999's trip to Germany, TSD's public performances (both prelims and A'Levels pieces) also in 1999.
I remember the day of the SYF competition. After the results were made known, I was in shock and could not stem the flow of tears down my cheeks. Perf and I went mad during the walk to supper, we were yelling and laughing madly along the way. Some genius took a photo of that.
I remember our trip to Germany. It had been cold and someone was there to warm my hands. We used to joke about getting married at the age of 30 if we were still single by then. At 18, the thought sounded preposterous - afterall, 30 was still a long way to go. And now, we are already approaching the wrong end of the glorious 20s.
I remember my A'levels piece for TSD. Everyone was against us going to Germany in early June when our practical exams were in late June. But we did anyway and went on to produce the best piece of our lives. The detractors had to eat their words when we became the only group where everyone had an A for A'Levels and where the examiner had nothing to criticise about. That remains the achievement that I am singularly most proud of.
And now I am 23. What have I done for myself thus far?
As a product of a single-parent and financially-challenged family, I am proud of myself. I have come this far on my own two feet. I have weathered through storms that most of my peers aren't even aware of.
And I am glad.
PS Apparently our performance in SOV 99 is on the web, with our songs available for download in MP3 or ASF format.
Life is all about balance.
There are good days. And then, there are bad days.
And today is not a good day.
Maybe it's because I have had only four hours of sleep.
Maybe it's because I feel taken granted for.
Maybe it's because I am tired, in more than one way.
Maybe it's because sometimes, I just wish people could just see me for me.
Maybe it's because I wish someone could hug me and tell me that I am doing a decent job.
Maybe it's because the joke is on me now, leaving behind a thorn in my side.
Maybe later will be better.
I am having trouble with my 403 op-ed. Stuck at 350 words. Can't think of what I want to write. Could it be due to the fact that I am singing along with the songs blasting out of my iTunes, looking through online photo albums, surfing The O.C fansite to look for songs to download, chatting online and texting all at the same time?
Speaking of photos, I love those that we took last Friday! Cutie! Although I look horrid in them, I shall be like Bridget Jones, develop inner poise and accept that I look like crap. But can't post the link here cos Shammie will grumble.
My handphone is dying. The buttons are not working anymore. My texting speed has gone down tremendously.
Train has got some fantastic music. Some of those that are on my iTunes repeat mode are Drops of Jupiter, When I Look to the Sky, and Meet Virginia. When I Look to the Sky makes me feel very happy and inspirational. Almost feel like dancing in the rain, not that it's going to rain soon. Last did that in JC, when I feigned illness and skipped Ms Goh's Lit lesson. Felt guilty later cos she saw me dancing in the rain with Tuckz and asked me to go back in so I won't get sicker.
[edited April 14, 12.09pm]Sham the Grumbler has allowed me to post the location of the photos taken last Friday!
Singaporean men have the worst taste ever.
I am serious.
After watching MediaCorp 5's "reality" show, Eye for a Guy, I am convinced that Singaporean men are stupid and sex-crazy. How else would you account for the 10 men who are vying for the affections of one FHM "babe"?
As Julie Andrews said, let's start at the very beginning.
In this show, touted to be Singapore's answer to ABC's highly popular The Bachelorette, 10 men are to slug it out for the heart of Singapore's representative at the FHM Bikini Heaven, Rachel Lee. She is supposed to be intelligent, gorgeous, sweet and have a fantastic body to boot.
All I can say is, after yawning through barely 15 minutes of it, this show is stupid, stupid and stupid.
First of all, the fair lady comes across as having a personality of an empty glass. Which means, she has none. She is as bland as distilled water. In real life, she might be vivacious or charming or outgoing. Whatever. In this show, she exhibits no traits that I would call discerning or even noticeable. When a guy gave her a portrait of her that he had drawn (doesn't that sound suspiciously like Ryan Sutter writing a poem for Trista Rehn?), her reaction was a plastic smile and, "Oh. Thanks. That was very sweet."
Maybe I was too used to thinking of Trista as the Bachelorette, which would mean that it's not Ms Lee's fault that I am panning her now. Trista is funny, warm and cute. Ms Lee is boring and lacks facial emotions. At least Trista had a reaction for everything that happened to her. All this local babe can do is smile. And I'm sorry but is she supposed to be beautiful? Because she doesn't do a thing for me. If the producers had chosen someone like Junita Simon, it would have made so much more sense.
Granted, that girl has a fantastic figure. Nice perky big boobs, luscious curves, long slender legs. Move your view a little higher over her neck and the sense of expectation that you have just falls flat on your face. And then she opens her mouth and you just want to turn sadly and walk away. And well, seeing all these men "fighting" over her just leaves me much perturbed.
Let's move on to the men now. Can someone tell them that dissing their rivals off on national TV is so not cool? I swear that these men are bitchier than the whole of the female population of Singapore combined. Being sneaky and telling the lady that all your rivals can think about is sex is not gentlemanly. Having your words bleeped out on screen is not funny. And although it's really sweet dear, passionately declaring that you are happy to look stupid (while acting out the frog song) just to see the lady smile (her plastic smile) is worth it, doesn't make you come across as SNAG. Your rivals know it and you know it.
As Singapore's counterpart to The Bachelorette, I can only say that MediaCorp 5 has failed miserably. The men in the show were impeccably dressed and well-mannered. The mansion that they lived in takes my breath away. They travelled in style, in elegant limousines. What do we have? A chalet which, frankly, looks messy. A SUV that seemed to be crammed with men. Men who have rather bad dress sense. The glam factor is just not there.
The show pained me so much that after 15 minutes (inclusive of advertisements), I just had to switch it off. Local TV just isn't working. And they are persecuting us for downloading foreign films and programmes to watch on our computers?
Here's a series of ICQ messages that darling Ah Tong sent me. Did not go for practice today because it's officially my exam break, hohoho.
Joicie: hoy.... so did u study huh huh huh.
Joicie: anyway, since you are ignoring me, i'll just let u know what's in my heart
Joicie: chorale was borrrring without u and dawn to talk rubbish.
Yay so happy somebody missed me!
Well, according to Sham anyway.
He thought that Good Friday is the equivalent of Hanukkah. Hmm.
It's 4am in the morning and I am still sitting in front of the computer. Something is wrong. Too much activity in one day, I guess.
Checked out Wala's just now after the persuasion of Big Backside throughout the week. He just kept raving about how great the band is and how fantastic the place is that I had to go. And well, he was right (to his credit).
The band wasn't great vocally but hey, they had the best taste in music. They played all the songs that I really like and I was almost bobbing practically the whole time. Coldplay, Five for Fighting, Matchbox Twenty, U2 (U2!!) etc. Man, the music was good!
Well, the vocalist was pretty good but when the surprise of the night - Mogan(!) - sang, he paled in comparison. Totally. And that's even with Mogan not at his best. I remember back when we heard him at AKA A Cappella, singing solo for Hold Me in Your Arms, we were all mesmerised. Just now, he sounded like he was going to swallow the mike any moment but the man is still good.
Right.
I think I am getting tired. Had a fabulous time tonight. Special thanks to Big Backside for the beer, hee. Once Sham uploads the photos (I adopted his camera, everyone thought it was mine haha!), I will post some here.
It's been too long and I'm about to be in time for me
It's been too long and I'm in time
Here are the photos taken last Saturday, during our wild night out! Click on the thumbnails for the full-sized versions.
Courtesy of Joyce, AKA MCA. And special mention to Kiat for his generous loan of his camera. *grin*
Nothing much to say, just that I had a great day today.
Even though I was positively malu-ed during practice today, haha. It was so mortifying to be standing in front of everyone and see them trying to muffle their laughter, especially people of substantial mass (like YC) whom you cannot miss. Sigh, what can I say, total nightmare. Am so not going for practice next week. (Zhan, if you are seeing this, let's just go for exam break yah.)
But hey, one good thing came out of it - Ah Tong was crowned Most Consistent Alto of Chorale! Go MCA!
It became even more eventful after practice, if that was possible. Music was pretty good, had my supply of beer again, which makes it twice this week. Company was fun and spontaneous. And I actually got molested, when some idiot poked me at the *uhhmm* wrong place. Thereafter, his similarly idiotic girlfriend blurted out to him (and the rest of the table), "Didn't you feel anything?" Thanks. Guess which meanie couple that is?
Ahhh....feel darn full after bak kut teh.....what a shiok feeling! Oooh and don't think I want to watch The Passion of the Christ afterall. Sounds gory and apparently made a pig lose his appetite for supper. Not my cup of tea. Or maybe he was just not intellectual enough for such an insightful movie. Hmm.