Merry Christmas
12:12 a.m. x 25.12.08
I'm reading with MTV on, and every song that pops up is Christmasy...so erm..
Merry Christmas!
It's beginning to lose its magic but still, Merry Christmas people.
Rejoice, party, have a wonderful Christmas and continuing loving.
God bless all.
------------------------Starting to read all over again.
5:01 p.m. x 21.12.08
Yay I'm happy to be finally making good better use of my pathetic remaining 2 weeks of holidays.
I've picked up the hobby which I let go of more than a year ago.
Reading.
It was either a lack of time or a lack of good titles which both appealed to me and were popular enough to occupy a good, easy to spot place on the shelves. Maybe it was both. In any case, I stopped reading a year plus back, except for the time where I tried (and succeeded yay!) reading a Japanese novel. So, what made me pick up a book again?
Firstly, it was the lack of better things to do. How sad it is, that the best option I have, as I count down to Christmas, to New Year, to school, is to read books. Not that reading is not a hobby worthy enough. Not that I dislike reading. But it's just that I expected something more exciting for my last holiday in school.
Secondly, because I was presurized by how much reading my younger sibling had been doing. Some from Charles Dickens even (oh, is that how you spelt his name?). And I've not gone past chapter 2 of Great Expectations, since I got forced to start on it some time in Secondary 2. I felt so...poorly-read as I looked back at the past year. I've read nothing but magazines (usually tabloids or entertainment stuff) while he read science magazines, which used to be my personal favourite. Mangas, while he read literary works, although mainly of the war/violence genre. And so, I decided it was time I do something about this, since for once, I had time to myself.
And so, to Kino I went yesterday. Not on purpose, but by chance. And as Brandon returned with 4 books, I found myself picking up 2, just for the sake of getting some books. Twilight and The Time Traveller's Wife.
The former because the plot appealed to me. Well, the fact that the movie adaptation was airing in the cinemas right now helped bring it to my attention, but don't be mistaken, for this time round, it's not because I'm besotted by the lead or the movie that I bought that book. I just have this thing for vampires fics which write about better sides of these non-humans. Add a forbidden romance in and you've got me!
I picked up the second book because...it topped the rankings and I felt that it could do some miracle for me, someone who had not touched a proper book for quite a while. That it would helped me get back my command of English, my beautiful descriptives, my imagination. Oh course I don't blindly pick any book on the ranking list. The plot sounded interesting too. I haven't started on it yet but I think I'll reach it pretty soon.
Later the day, we returned to the bookshop and I picked up another book. The Five People You Meet In Heaven. The one book Shuwen was recommending. While, I had considered To Kill A Mockingbird, also recommended by her, but I decided that the gernre and plot was not too much my type. I've just finished reading Five People and I quite enjoyed it. Thanks mok2! It's strange how my emotions can be so easily affected.
Sometime my heart sours as I listen to the the lyrics to a song that seemed to tell my story.
Sometimes I tear when a 2 hour movie finished with a bad end.
Sometimes I cry when someone's sad fate onscreen reminded me things I took for granted.
Now, I sniffed when I read the first page of the book, at these words:
...The version represented here is only a guess, a wish, in some ways, that my uncle, and others like him - people who felt unimportant here on earth - realise, finally, how much they mattered and how they were loved.
And then, at every other page, I feel my heart sour just that bit, as the author's skillful usage of words created sentences which made readers reflect about one's own life for that one moment.
I've also finished Twilight; it's amazing how much one can read in 1 day, huh? And I dropped by popular this morning, after my visit to the beauty saloon, to pick up the sequal New Moon. New Moon's a much thicker book so I guess Time Traveller's have to wait for a few days. Twilight's a good read. Much better than the other vampire (or, as the book spells it, vampyre) fic I was reading 3 months back. Oh wait. So I've been reading a bit in the past year!! But I don't deem those books good enough. I need better stories. I hate to see myself turning in someone with no much depth or appreciation for stories with more of the said element.
Yeah, I've been reading fics on vampires, and the new book to the series I had been reading just came out. I'll get that one day, just to complete the collection, but honestly speaking, the plot is dwindling and losing my interest, going too....erm...teenagily-bimbotic? Oh that's that strong a judgment, lower it by 4 notches and you'll get what I feel. I'll still read it though, because I am still a little teenagily-dumb. But I'll finish the Twilight series first, hopefully. Seems like the movie's making the book more popular and stocks at the bookstores are running out. I'll start on book 2 soon, and hopefully it's as good as book 1 was.
------------------------Japan 2008 + its aftermath...
11:09 a.m. x 19.12.08
I've been really busy since I came back on Monday. Tues tennis with Uni friends. Wed shopping/dinner with Sec sch friends. Thurs checking out my godbro's new Sec sch. Today fetching him for registration at 745 (gosh so early!! -for me, especially in holidays, Dec, when I hibernate) and rushing to post my Christmas cards out. Busy busy busy! And the last time I checked the calendar (yesterday), it's only 2 weeks to sch reopening. My very last holiday has zoomed past just like that. =(
Aniwaes, I've been packing my stuff (old out for in new) the past few nights and so my room's in a state of "morning messy, evening even messier and night neat". Look at it now
Messy messy messy. And that's only the desk. Oh, and I've finally put up something on my wall. Or rather, the cupboard. It has been almost 5 years since I last did so and I remember it was Zaizai's poster. XP Then the other one was my A levels exam study timetable. lol..
It's Yongha's calendar (that's why I was looking at the calendar last night!) which I bought from outside Yokohama Arena. Now, why did I put his up when I refuse to put my Arashi DAL posters up? Not because I like him more than them, but because his came laminated (unofficial but who cares) so I can put it up without much worries. =) Aniwaes, I do not agree with my Leehom buddy that we should only support one idol. For her, my liking of Mayday is near betrayal...but, Mayday and Leehom are very different artistes. Their music style differ. One is a band and the other a solo singer. Add Arashi, a Japanese pop idol group with so much love and so much varied talents. And also Yongha, a J/Kpop singer with lovely ballads and vocals. They're good in differ ways and areas, and I see no conflict in liking them all.
Aniwaes, as I have mentioned, Brandon is heading for Sec sch already. As I see him so excited...getting ready for new school life...going to the school to register, buy new uniform and textbooks...I get reminded of the first day I entered NHSS. And then, how I ended up in choir, how life in 1/10-2/10 turned from bland, to sour, to bittersweet. All the memories...the youth, the stupid acts, the trouble we got into together, the laughter we had, the memories we made...all seemed so familar, so near, yet so foreign.
Oh well, time and tide wait for no man. Or woman.
Aniwaes, here are some photos I took from Japan (1 Dec - 15 Dec). I took like almost a thousand but I've picked only a bunch to put on my other blog and from that bunch, just a few for this diary. Yes, I've been updating that blog a lot with loads of details about my trip so look there if you wish to know. Otherwise, just stick here!! So, here you go, pictures!
I went for my very first concert in Japan and met really really nice people who helped me with stuff, bought me gifts on our first meeting, told me interesting stuff...A great experience and an amazing concert. The guy who held the concert is on the left and the one on the right is HyunBin, whom I mistook for Yongha. Compare them. Don't they look alike??? I like people with such looks hehe!
We visited Mt Fuji and I tell you, the scenery was soooo breathtaking. The mountain was really beautiful and smoking at the cape!
A photo I took outside Disneyland. In case you're interested, the moon was very clear on the other side of the sky.
My first time wearing a kimono. After 2 hours, my back started aching! The belt/Obi was worn really tightly so it was hard to run or walk quickly because you'll either trip over yourself or go out of breath. But it is really beautiful!
------------------------Exams are over!
12:39 a.m. x 27.11.08
Exams are finally over! I know that I did not put in my best this time round, but somehow I don't feel the same way as I would have 1 sem back. Am I getting jaded? Burnout? Is my very last bit of that very teenie bit of passion already used up? I don't know, but I just want a break. But I can't. Ironically, despite it being holidays. First of all, I have so many things to do by this week:
1. Meet up with sw and gang
2. Pack my laggage for Japan
3. Pack stuff for Sunday's bazar (And I'm leaving S'pore on Sunday night T.T How can I make it on time to the airport?)
4. Prepare for BBQ on Friday
5. Plan my timetable for next Sem because the course registration starts on 2nd/3rd Dec and I'll be overseas
And when I come back from Japan mid-Dec, I have to:
1. Prepare Christmas presents
2. Pack and throw/give away old stuff
3. Plan for internship
4. Revise for JLPT2
I went shopping yesterday to buy winter wear for my upcoming trip to Japan next week. The one I had the last time was too heavy so I wanted to get a lighter one so my arms won't break when I carry it around. Buying that was my purpose but I ended up buying much more stuff, like two pairs of pants, tops and a pair of shoes. Everytime an exam period ends, I will kind of go on a shopping spree. Not that those sprees always cost me a lot - sometimes they don't, but I just go buying stuff which catch my eye, not worrying too much about whether they're worth the money (although they usually do) or whether it's just impulsive shopping. Shopping does relief stress ne. But too much shopping is unhealthy!!
And the plan has been changed. Instead of one week at Hokkaido followed by one week in Tokyo, the latest plan is three days at Tokyo, then a few days at Kyoto/Osaka, followed by another few days at Osaka/Kyoto and ending with another three days at Tokyo. Plus, for the first time, we're getting a tour guide to help us with the Osaka and Kyoto trips! That's the plan I was informed of. There may be last minute changes, as usual. But with regards to this plan, I don't really feel good about it. I mean, so much travelling to do because we'll be going to three places. That also means less shopping because if we bought too much stuff at one location, we have to lug them all around with us as we travel! *shrugs*
Plus, I was looking forward to going out by myself one of the days in Tokyo. Harajuku, Shinjuku, Akihabara...I want to go to these places! But now I can't plan well because I'm still not sure where we will be at on which days.
Furthermore, mom just told me we're not departing on Sunday night, and it may be on Monday 1/12 or Wednesday 3/12. All these when my godfather told me personally yesterday that we're departing on Sunday night.
So now, I can't plan my time properly because everything's not confirmed. My gosh and we're supposed to be overseas next week!! How last minute can things get? It is so frustrating! But I would go for departure on 1/12 because then I won't need to rush on Sunday after the bazar. Haiz....when will things fall into place? And I'll have to decide on my next sem's time table soon. Maybe after tomorrow's gathering bah.
Btw, I'm currently in love with this kdrama called On Air. I've written a truckload about this drama in my other diary so if you're one of the privileged few who knows the url, go read it if you have time. It's a good, and different drama. =) Ciao!
------------------------HSM 3...........J'aime le th殁tre!!!
7:00 p.m. x 27.10.08
I just wanna shout out that
I LOVE THE THEATRE!!!
musicals, plays, concerts,...I went to watch High School Musical 3 : Senior Year this noon with my godparents and godbro. Well, I'm kinda on a high now haha!
Because I totally got sick of books on Sat, I rummaged through my godbro's collection of dvd/vcd and found the vcd of HSM 1. It's been quite long, I think, since the movie but I've never watched it before, so I grabbed the vcd and started watching. And as you may know, I don't like to do things halfway and the same principle applies to articles of leisure too. So, I continued on to HSM 2 on Sunday and finally, HSM 3 today!
How should I put it? I've not heard much about this series of movies except from my godbro and some random people whom I overheard saying that they don't understand what's so nice about HSM and that it's something only kids will like. Oh well, I kind of agree with them.
The plot isn't much, but I guess that's because the target audience IS the kids. Too heavy a plot will not look attractive to the below 14s. XP That's an arbitrary number btw.
I can't say I love love love the movies, but I won't say I didn't enjoy them. The lack of a substantial plot is made up for by tons of groovy dances, never ending easy to sing/hum along songs and loads and loads of eye candy.
Of course it starts to get a bit irritating at times, because they keep breaking into songs here and there, and sometimes the scenes (of them suddenly singing out of nowhere etc etc) seems too ridiculous. But I guess the key to it is not to think too much. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the show! As simple as that. Don't ask "why" and "how".
And that guy acting as Troy Bolton is darn cute, esp in HSM 3, because he's grown up since HSM 1 and has the young, cute, yet hot and charming kind of look...And I love the dances. Not the jaw-dropping type but they're pretty amazing still. And the last movie hit me straight at my heart. I could so relate to it, to every single incident/song in the movie. Haiz, I was young once too.
And still (quite) young now.
------------------------JIAYOU JIAYOU JIAYOU - FIght song
11:21 p.m. x 17.10.08
Contains Jap characters. Rmb to change the encoding to Japanese (Shift-JIS)!
Fight Song by ArashiLyrics: Arashi
Music: Ninomiya Kazunari
ファイトソング - 嵐
作詞：嵐
作曲：二宮和也
いつも通りの君でいい
なんて言わない方がいい
そこからまた始まりだろう？
これが君には似合ってる人は人 自分は自分
比べた時点で負けてる
自分に負けない強さが
どんな壁をも壊していく
時には泣いていいよ
弱いとこ見せても大丈夫
でもそこで腐るな！
まだやれるその先の夢（さき）
どんないくつもの言葉よりも
たった一つの言葉がいい
まずは自分で踏み出してみて
「頑張れ」そんな安いヤツでいい
いつも通りの君でいい
なんて言わない方がいい
そこからまた始まりだろう？
君に届け 僕らの言葉（うた）
今は悩む事もあるでしょう
ヘコむ事だってあるでしょう
でも未来のどこかで君と
笑い合えれば道は作られる
どんないくつもの言葉よりも
たった一つの言葉がいい
やっと一歩踏み出せたよね
「頑張れ」ほらね似合っているよ
Translation
You should always be who you are
But it's probably best not to say that
Isn't that where you'll start from again?
This is perfect for you
People are people, you are who you are
Comparing yourself to others is the point where you lose
The strength not to lose to yourself
Will let you break down any walls in your way
It's alright to cry sometimes
It's fine to show that you can be weak
But don't rot like that
You can still do it, those dreams ahead of you
Rather than numerous words,
Just one phrase is fine
First try to step out by yourself
"Good luck" just that simple phrase is enough
You should always be who you are
But it's probably best not to say that
Isn't that where you抣l start from again?
We send you these words in our song
You probably have worries right now
You probably feel down at times
But, if in the future you and I can laugh together,
We can make a path to walk down
Rather than numerous words,
Just one phrase is fine
You finally took the first step
"Good luck" see, it fits perfectly
FIGHTO-OH!
------------------------A dilemma - take a risk or play safe? Make a 'dumb' choice or live a dummy life?
10:56 p.m. x 17.10.08
It has been really long since I last blogged! That's the result of being too buried under piles of work and me passing each day without an aim other than to finish my assignments and to survive through each quiz and test.
Tonight, I'm really sick of books (as if I haven't been for the past weeks) so I'm going to sleep earlier and continue tomorrw (how sad). Before I do so, I thought I could just update the diary a bit. Just to let those who cares know that I'm still alive, here. At least for now.
As mentioned, my days are without an aim. Seriously, I haven't got any idea why I'm doing what I am doing. I just have this sick feeling and realisation that in 18 months' time, I'll just become another one of the white-collar workers, working for the sake of working, viewing the job as, well, a job. Of course there's nothing wrong with that, otherwise perhaps 2-thirds of the world would be having big problems. It's just that my preferred life isn't like that. Even if I can't make it big, I want to do something useful, I want my job as more than a job, but as an avenue for me to be passionate in. I want my work to push me forward. Honestly, I can't see how accounting people's books can work that effect. It is a good job, but just not meaningful in a way.
So, I was seriously considering switching toanother course, just a week ago. The applications supposedly started this week, but I didn't apply, not because I didn't want to (of course that doesn't mean I want to), but because applications for that particular course I am considering only starts next sem, for Sem 1 2009/2010. Now, that takes another mark off the switch. I mean, I would be as old as the guys in my batch if I were to switch. And it would be really silly since I would already have done my attachment, and have only a year to go before graduation. It would be both a waste of time and a waste of money if I were to switch. Also, I doubt O'll still remember my JC stuff by then, which means I need to work extra extra extra hard if I were to switch. The risks are huge, so I want to calm myself down first and make sure it's not just a passing interest and desire. On a brighter note, at least the deadline is still far, meaning I can really think through it calmly.
I haven't told my family about this consideration because I don't want to scare them even before I've decided anything. If I were to switch, I want to tell them confidently and hope to convince them about it. I did try to drop hints, but thus far, all have been met with negative response, from my godparents. Things aren't looking good, I can say.
I'll see how.
Other than this, life has been boring, as usual. Each day pass just like that. Tests. Quizes, Projects, Hw....mundane stuff. Do I still have a life? I wonder.
And I'm already halfway through uni. Is my memories of Uni going to be just like this? From the way it's going, seems so. Worse thing is, none of the people in my cricle of friends see that as a problem. Oh well...
------------------------
A.RA.SHI.