La Musique

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Innocent Poetry

It's not everyday I get to have a packed day of anything but my army work, and yesterday was one such day. It was one of the most peaceful moments of my time at home and elsewhere. I'm not sure if it's a good thing, especially when there's a tendency of people to drop the bombshell on me at one go, but I guess there's no point in thinking too much into it. I'll just do whatever I can until I'm free from the shackles.

I started the day with the computer, surfing the blog of friends, as well as having conversations on MSN, which by the way, has very shaky connections for some reason. I can't seem to stay online for long. Anyway, with that done, and a small dosage of the latest episode 'Late Night With Conan O'Brien', I proceeded to my aim of the day. It was the time to pack up things in my room again, and it amazes me at how I find things that dates back to primary school still here.

I chanced upon my so-called autograph book. Back then, everyone was busy doing this early, while I was oblivious to such. It was rather last minute, but I tried anyway. I bought quite a cute, childish book called 'Miao Miao Club'. Haha. I didn't manage to get everyone's profile, but I did catch some important ones. Reading it all now, it seems really stupid how kids think, yet admirable. I remember back then, everyone made lame jokes and poetry, about girls, studies and friendship. I would say its pretty well done, considering we were kids after all. Here are some that will make you frown, but I still love them. (Hope you don't mind a little vulgarity in it.)

'April fool go to school
Tell your teacher she's a fool
If she scolds you, you don't cry
Pack your things and say chee-bye!'

'You in the taxi
Wearing a maxi
Drinking a pepsi
Looking so sexy
That lechers want to see
Remember to call me!'

Heh. That's by Poh Leong Ping, and he's a different kind of man now. I managed to chance upon him while learning driving at Singapore Safety Driving Centre (SSDC), and learned he has signed on with Army as a technician of Armour vehicles. Whoa. I'm quite embarassed to say he recognised me way faster than I did, but at least, I managed to say the correct name. Take care dude.

'I met you as a stranger
I leave you as a friend
I hope we met(meet) in heaven
Where friendship never end'

Short and sweet, and that's by Joanne Goh. I purposely didn't correct the grammar for the word 'met', as there's something special about mistakes. I kind of love this poem, as it reminds me of how friendship was a big deal for kids at that age. I wonder how they got the idea that friendship never ends in heaven? Haha. Seems very assumptious. Thank you!

'Birds fly high, hard to catch
Friend like you, hard to get!'

I'm not sure who this is by, because the person just signed off. I presumed its the girl who was best at 'English' in our class, Jamie Tan. She's grown into a fine, spunky, kinky woman. I know she was in Mass Communication in Ngee Ann Poly, and is now in NUS. We've met up as 19 year olds, and it was good to know she's doing all good. And her language is awesome now. Kudos to that. I've got quite a few links to her, as it turns out. What a small world eh. My respects to you!

'When you fall into the well, there's a rope
When you fall into the river, there's a boat
When you fall in love, there's no hope!'

'Before it's a city, Singapore is a town
Before you get into university, study hard now.'

Now these were written by Lok Miao Teng, one of the two "children" I had in primary school. She was so called my partner in class, together with another girl, Joyce Lin Huey Ling. I was in between them if memory serves me right. I really liked playing with them, and we would always remind each other to have good posture and not slouch by poking each other's ticklish spots, an action that brings about immediate good posture. I am a pretty sensitive person, so a slight tickle is really like major damage. Haha. They always called me 'daddy', and I had to settle down their fight for attention. It sure brings back memories. I've already met both of them again, in SRJC during the first 3 months. Miao Teng is still rather funny, and with a good heart at that. Joyce has grown to be quite the woman, and she looks really good now. I'm glad I raised both of them well. Hoh. I still care for you both!

'Ahmad Ahmad in the air
Ahmad lost his underwear
Ahmad says he don't care
Cassandra will buy him 2 hundred pairs.'

'Kick the table
Kick the chair
But....
Don't kick Cassandra down the stair.'

'See you in the ocean
See you in the sea
See you kissing Cassandra
Opps! Excuse me!'

Now these "masterpieces" were done by Sing Geok Shan! Haha. But I don't blame her. The reason she wrote this was because I used to tease her quite a lot. But we were still friends. Just kids having childish meaningless fun with each other. Hoh. Cassandra was a girl in my class who, I think, liked me. I was very shy about love then, and I was totally horrendous at handling such things. I used to recall always trying to avoid her, not because I don't like her, but I was just shy. Haha. I still managed to talk to her a little, but I wished I handled the situation a little better. I understand that a girl's emotions and feelings are nothing to play with. Alas, shyness was such a big obstacle back then. Cassandra, thank you for your feelings, and I appreciate them. I wish I could tell you that in person, but I have not been in contact with you for donkey years man. Thank you for the fun experience. And Geok Shan, your time will come! (>.<)

Well, that's all I'm going to share. I'm smiling as I'm writing this, because it's really quite funny, thinking through it after all these years. Have I really grown 20? Maybe not. I can still feel the kid in me, just waiting to burst out once more. Thank you, my wonderful rojak of friends. You've made me what I am today, and you all will still have a big place in my heart.

11:39 AM

Friday, September 22, 2006

Belief

Is there anyone who
Ever remembers changing there mind from
The paint on a sign?
Is there anyone who really recalls
Ever breaking rank at all
For something someone yelled real loud one time

Everyone believes
In how they think it ought to be
Everyone believes
And they're not going easily

Belief is a beautiful armor
But makes for the heaviest sword
Like punching under water
You never can hit who you're trying for

Some need the exhibition
And some have to know they tried
It's the chemical weapon
For the war that's raging on inside

Everyone believes
From emptiness to everything
Everyone believes
And no ones going quietly

We're never gonna win the world
We're never gonna stop the war
We're never gonna beat this
If belief is what we're fighting for

What puts a hundred thousand children in the sand
Belief can
Belief can
What puts the folded flag inside his mother's hand
Belief can
Belief can

(Taken from 'Belief' by John Mayer, from his new album Continuum.)

The more I listen to John Mayer's new album, Continuum, I find a certain maturity in his songs. He's reached a level to express words in beauteous wonder. I'm a fan of words, and although I'm still green in expressing them at a higher levels, I find motivation in his songs. It's not like heavy metal songs, which utter a few words in one line, constantly repeating to no end, just to make it sound nice with the banging of heavy guitars in the background. Every word is very well constructed, like the stacking of bricks to build a house, carefully positioned and cemented to make it strong and sturdy. I'm not an architect, but let me be one of words. I'm not trying to be biased here, being an avid John Mayer fan since his first appearance, but go give it a try. =)

Speaking of belief, the fasting month is coming up, starting this sunday. I know people know me as some sort of a weak believer, but I still respect religion and its teachings, hence I will fast as best I can. Like my father always says, "No matter which religion you're in, it's always good, because they teach you the good qualities in approaching life. It is man, the students of religion, who bends the teachings." I find that very true. Man is an uncontrallable creature, given with the power of choice. Where good can be a conceptual bad, and vice versa, every one of them thinks differently. There is no iron grip to bar them from anything they wish to do. As such, religion only shows the path. It is only a matter of following the path, like a sober man could. I emphasise the word could, as it is a matter of choice. Man, the creature of choice.

My train of thought goes in the direction of choices. At every intersection, there are signs of choices, and as the driver, I direct it in the path I wish to go. That's my simple outline of life. Life's all about making choices. Decide for yourself, and not let others make them for you.

I'm rather thrilled about the upcoming movie marathon. The last time, it was wally, val and me, over at the house of wally. We didn't watch an insane number of movies, but it was fun. And here we are again, about to organise another one next monday night. We will be going to sam's house this time, thus introducing our possible 4th member. Haha. Much appreciation goes to her for 'offering her house' for this occasion, in the words of wally. This is the plan so far, and it is still pending confirmation. Nonetheless, I await the good news.

'Mansy. Half-man, half-pansy.'

Damn you Conan O'Brien, for making the most ridiculous characters alive. Haha. Love his show. I am a regular viewer now. You should too.

That's it.

4:14 PM

Monday, September 18, 2006

The Banquet

I went to watch 'The Banquet' today, hearing that it's an adaptation of the masterpiece by William Shakespeare, Hamlet. I'm not exactly sure of the whole story, but went ahead with the idea of watching it with hoon today. I would say that the politics, scheming and fighting got me a little tense in my seat, as I sat there half-figuring what he hell is going on, and half-gazing at the wonderful visual display offered to me. The props were well made, and you can hardly compare it to the old chinese movies. Much has progressed in the world of chinese cinema.

To the people who have already watched the movie, WHO DID IT IN THE END MAN?!?! Yes, I'm sorry to those who have not watched, but this is killing me. I'm researching Hamlet right now, and I've even considered reading the whole book if I have to. (Well, it is interesting.) After the movie, me and hoon went on a rampage to uncover the secrets and such, but to no avail. Even here at home, I've still not found an answer. Damn damn damn. WHO?!

Well, I'll give it a rest for now. No use playing Sherlock Holmes all night.

I'm reading 'Life Of Pi' by Yann Martel right now, so pardon me from blogging for a moment. I've reached a point in life where I'm thinking to myself, is there life after computers? Haha. Seriously, the computer is a hazard to my lifestyle now. The old me would have only touched the computer on certain occasions, filling the rest of my time with other recreational activities and socialising. I need to get my life back! And that is definitely close at hand. With ORD around the corner, it's just a matter of time.

Anw, I'm off! It's about time I spent a little time for myself. I've been missing out on that.

Oh, to zubaidah, you look damn cool in that outfit. Haven't seen you in such a long time. I'll definitely catch up to you after I ORD. Take care.

8:47 PM

Sunday, September 17, 2006

Hellos To Goodbyes

Hello.

The thought that came to mind as it becomes aware of a certain day, a certain date, as to the arrival of a certain person who has been absent from the island for nearly a year. Busy in the passage of study, she's been gone too long in the western country, however, unfazed by their cultural attempts of linguistic lingo and intellectual behaviour. However, the day has come, through months of patience and, of course, waiting. It wasn't long until they made contact, catching up on the archives that is their memories, as well as sharing new ones to expand it.

It was just like old times, bringing back a sense of deja vu. Nostalgia filled the mind as time went past, slowly while they're apart, and unnoticably while they're together. No matter the distance there, it definitely brought a sense of happiness to know that such an important person is here, within his reach, and within a ten minute drive from home. He treasures the friendship that has evolved through a strange first meeting, which shall never be forgotten. How strange that fate has brought together a strange mixture of events to strengthen the bond between them, as if experimenting for newer solutions to offer. It's not always about fun, but about being there for each other, listening to one another whenever you need to be listened, with full intensity. He's not a worshipper, but a friend, and he's glad that they became one.

Time's running out. He knows it, but yet he can't accept it. His cries are ignored, as time does not understand language. It understands that things must move, and move on. He tries to stop it, but only the photographs he took could fulfill that wish. A picture in hand or in the mind, he takes as many as possible, to remember whatever that can be remembered. But still, time moves in an unrelenting manner.

Time's up, and he's lost the battle yet again. But he's prepared, resolved, that someday, he'll see her again. He never said goodbye, as it will never be for good. But in his mind, it was the goodbye for another small chapter in his life. He finds difficulty expressing his sad self, but holds steady to ensure her that he'll be okay, and that he has trust in her in doing the same. It was his first time seeing the waterfall that day, and how serene it was. With the same hug that meant hello, they hugged to bid their farewells. A flurry of emotions overcame him that dumbfounded, randomizing the words he meant to say. Too late for any repairs, but never too late to say a "Take care" and "See you soon". He meant it.

It was short, but a time well spent. She can always count on him to be there, at any time, any distance. He'll be waiting once more, on that small island, until the day he can grow wings to fly over the boundaries to see her. The wings are taking shape, and it will slowly take shape with time. Until that day, he waits. For now, he has to say his farewell and thank you.

Goodbye, for now.

10:43 PM

Thursday, September 07, 2006

Down The River

I'm floating down a river
Oars freed from their holes long ago
Lying face up on the floor of my vessel
I marvel at the stars
And feel my heart overflow

Further down the river

Two weeks without my lover
I'm in this boat alone
Floating down a river named emotion
Will I make it back to shore
Or drift into the unknown

Further down the river

I'm building an antenna
Transmissions will be sent when I am through
Maybe we'll meet again further down the river
And share what we both discovered...
Then revel in the view

Further down the river

(From Aqueous Transmission by Incubus)

I''ve finally reached the 2 month mark. It's exactly that much to my ORD date, and it feels quite good, amidst the heavy load of work I'm still doing in camp. It's nothing to complain about really. I'm more than content knowing I'm reaching the finishing line. It's the same feeling I get from my Army Half-Marathon (AHM) this year. A freakin' 21 km, and boy was that one wicked run. But despite the tired feeling I get from running, the knowledge that I completed my first half-marathon was rewarding indeed, and within the target timing as well. My timing was two hours thirty-six minutes. Sure, that may seem nothing to seasoned runners, but it means a whole lot to me as I've missed quite a lot of the training sessions, which is the only time I have for such things. I'm definitely up for running again next year, and when that time comes, I'll definitely make something better out of it.

Had a good small talk with Aloy today in camp. It's good to know that we'll both be in the same course next year in NTU. Imagine finding someone of the same faculty before you even started. Definitely cool. He's the only one I know of, who I don't really know of, who's in the same course. Looking forward to having partnerships with him.

It's been quite a long month, and you can tell by my absence from the blogging world. There's just been so many things going on simultaneously in my life now, especially at work. It's never been heavier, but somehow, I've made it through. I'm becoming more and more involved, and that's quite a bad sign really. Signs of a workaholic. It's about time I laid back and let my understudies settle future problems. I've delayed my leave plans a little, but nothing is going to change me from actually taking them. Hoh.

It is a moment of temporal silence between me and my friends. I've been keeping quite a low profile, messaging more to those I am closer to. My handphone has never been so inactive, as if it suddenly stopped taking Viagra pills. But it is only for these last two months, as I've been using my trusty, old Nokia 6610. I still love it. It holds quite a lot of fond memories of the past, with messages from people I care about, dating as far back as 2003. Alas, it has its limits, and I've deleted some of it. Nevertheless, memories never die. Back on track, I'd like to apologise in silence to my friends for my inactive status. I'll be sure to pop back right into your life in the next corner of life. I can alread see the turn coming. Just a little more.

There's been another question annoying me recently, and I wonder if anyone knows how to choose it. Let's see what you think about it.

'Would you rather love a girl who loves everything you love or hates everything you hate?'

Rather tricky. I came to the conclusion that I should choose the latter.It may be quite obvious to some, but have you thought of the consequences?

Let's say you chose the first option. Sure, she may like the same things such as PS2, rock-climbing and guitar, but what if she hates your idol and your favourite dish that always perks you up with a slight taste on your buds. Wouldn't that suck?

But let's say you chose the latter. You have already settled on the fact that you will definitely hate techno music, lady fingers, people who talk too much but show no balls and the show Singapore Idol with the bad music. Then you slowly spend time on finding out that you like John Mayer and she's ok with it, and she idolises Alanis Morisette, and you're ok with that too. Wouldn't that be a better option?

Well, this is just one of those pondering moments again. Well, time to dream and think again. Good night everyone, and I hope you've been well. Adios.

9:05 PM