"Light the Way!"

"We Sing Glory, We Sing Glory to the King, We Sing Glory to the One and only One whom we will sing!!!"

Hort.

I haven't been online much these 2 weeks, except for 'work' stuff. I haven't been replying sms-es too, because i always end up so tired at the end of each day. But it's improving. I'm pretty consistent on Twitter though, so save me the hassle, read my updates there. Alternatively, a phone call would be good. Peter Laoshi called me last night and we had a pretty good chat. =)

Went to Hort earlier this week, pretty interesting place, i'd definitely return to further explore the place when time permits. Alright, shall share some photos taken, and a song whose lyrics i find rather meaningful (even though i feel she can't really sing).

I can almost see it

That dream I am dreaming
But there's a voice inside my head saying
"You'll never reach it"

Every step I'm taking

Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction

My faith is shaking



But I gotta keep trying

Gotta keep my head held high



The struggles I'm facing

The chances I'm taking

Sometimes might knock me down

But no, I'm not breaking



I may not know it

But these are the moments that

I'm gonna remember most, yeah

Just gotta keep going



And I, I got to be strong

Just keep pushing on


There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move

Always gonna be a uphill battle

Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose



Ain't about how fast I get there

Ain't about what's waiting on the other side


It's the climb



~The Climb (Miley Cyrus)

I'm leaving in a matter of weeks. There are so many things to prepare, to finish and there are also many things i know i'll miss. But this is something i want to do too, I'm really lucky i get to do it at such a young age. =) Oh and dreams die, especially in the sea of aimlessness, don't try to convince yourself otherwise.

4 - 2 = 2

Currently Listening to: Suddenly I See - KT Tunstall

I took a break from studying and witnessed something refreshing today yesterday. It was the baptism of 2 people very close to my heart. Had fun catching up with Yahui. I also met some people i haven't seen in a while... and i decided never to let myself live in a well, ever. Now? Back to my books. 2 more papers! Bowling away my unhappiness soon! 

*comments closed*

Recharged!!!

Currently Listening to: 关于 － 孙燕姿

我想要旅行 没有目的地 单纯逃离..

最近比较忙
考试

压力
睡眠不足

心情好糟...好糟

*继续备考*

"为什么而辛苦 "... feeling NUMB.

Currently Listening to: Halo - Beyonce

After disappearing for almost 2 weeks, 我回来了！

The past 2 weeks haven been a physically and mentally draining ride. Having 3 consecutive quizes and ongoing projects in a week was a real experience for me and i must say i took away a lot even thou i did not pass all of them. I didn't feel affected by the grades. I'm not nonchalant, i'm just seasoned and i know better than to let such little things get to me.

The curtains for the first 7 weeks have drawn and the 'break' is being stuffed to the brim with both individual and group projects. It's likely that it'll be another 'no-show' week for me. I guess i'm already giving my best, even though my best might not be enough for some people. Hopefully the numbness would wear off soon. On a happier note, i finally realised who's meant to stay, who's a passer-by. Ending off with photos.... belated photos --- Pre-CNY, During-CNY, and Post-CNY photos. =)

Reunion Dinner @ Hey Hey Hotpot!

CNY Visiting!

探班!

'Uncle' ChengXi came to 'visit' me before the concert started!

Yes, his photo-taking skills are indeed far better than mine. =)

Alright, i updated, stop bugging me. *disappears...again* I'll update more when school semester ends in April.

Reality Check...

This is a crazy world
These can be lonely times
It's hard to know who's on your side most of the time

Who can you really trust
Who do you really know
Is there anybody out there who can make you feel less alone
Sometimes you just can't make it on your own

~ Here i am, Leona Lewis (Spirit)

I've been contradicting myself on several occasions lately but no major issues la. However, i find it worth of a mention, to reinstate the fact that i'm not going crazy, i'm just growing up/old.

Since the exams ended, i've been hit, rather badly by the insomnia bug. Somehow, the biological clock that went haywire when yours truly braved several nights to mug failed to adjust back to the 'normal' hours. While 'normal' is subjected to each individual, the frustration that resulted from the inability to visit dreamland makes having a selfish project member seem like a better deal.

There was a party a few weeks back, and i really wanted to attend. It was out of my normal practice to look at my priorities and forgo something that i deem important. Still, i did not turn up, apologized, moved on. Then a friend told me the star-stubbed attendance for the party and i regretted for like 5 minutes before convincing myself i'm too *ahem* old to be kicking up a fuss over a such stuff. Even though i fell in love with her music 8 years ago, age seems to convert that idolization to admiration and motivation. What's more, there will chances in the future.

Looking at the impending 'exposure' performances coming up, hopefully 'practice' really makes 'perfect'. Otherwise, what would be presented would be that of exhausted vocals. Bleargh.

I'm ending off with photos, as usual. I've been so busy with school and stuff that i haven't seen my god-parents/parents for awhile since August so needless to say, i jumped at the chance when i knew they were organizing dinner/catching-up session at "Jalapeno's Pepper" at the Singapore Flyer. I've been to the restaurant before and the Seafood Bake Rice is heavenly. okok.. I'm having a great time since Dec started so hope you guys are too! =)

Toodles.

"... just like the circus"

I had a crazily busy time since my last entry.. But i also had loads of fun on a few occasions too! Here's a short peek at what i did!


"Movies and FOOD" Day!
We bought/cooked so much food i swear i almost exploded. From the huge wok of fried rice to the plate of eggs to the tubs of ice-cream and packets of chips. We are such gluttons la! =P The food was good, the company was awesome and the movie-marathon movies were commendable. =P Ok. The next gathering will be planned by yours truly, countdown shall we?

"Bring Your Cousins Out" Day
It was super last minute decision but an unexpected free saturday allowed me to hang out with my cousins and give them their birthday treats. We went to shop for Dad's birthday present at Zara and Cousin John bought a couple of things from everywhere. We then dropped by Lee Teng's shop STAGE and NCORE when i got his SMS. I've done an advertorial for STAGE earlier this year and he actually gave me a few items la. This time round, he showed us around his new shop NCORE, and filled me in the details of the Launch Party along with an advertorial but we haven't really sat down to talk about it. We're been really busy but.. More on NCORE soon!!! So anyway, i bought John's birthday present from WrongWorks @ NCORE. Lee Teng said i looked tired when we met up last Saturday, i guess it's because i haven't had time to really rot at home since exams ended. Soon i hope? After sis reached town, we watched BOLT (3D) at Lido and the movie was a bore and the effects were well, below expectations. Still, it was an experience.

"Singing without Expectations" Day!

This was in my schedule yesterday but circumstances changed and the 'event' didn't happen. I guess there's no such thing as "Singing without Expectations". Bleargh.

I feel the adrenaline moving through my veins.

Spotlight on me and i’m ready to break.
I’m like a performer, the dancefloor is my stage.
Better be ready, hope that ya feel the same.

All the eyes on me in the center of the ring
Just like a circus.
When i crack that whip, everybody gonna trip
Just like a circus.
Don’t stand there watching me, follow me
Show me what you can do.
Everybody let go, we can make a dancefloor
Just like a circus.

Circus, Britney Spears.

Sg Flyer Revisited

I'm starting to pen proper entries again, which is a good thing right? But of course, photo entries will be posted periodically (like this one), depending on how fast i finish editing photos. I've had a few free nights last week, which i dedicated to learning to use GIMP on my Macbook. Nathaniel recommended it after i told him Adobe Photoshop (which he is using) is too expensive for me to afford. Therefore... this is the first entry blogged from my Macbook!

A few weeks back, I visited the Singapore Flyer for a second time. I vaguely remembered it was after a night of partying at Zouk so i was in dire need of sleep. We arrived in the late afternoon for dinner prior to the actual ride. The food at this restaurant was pretty damn good i must say. I had this 'seafood baked rice' thing which, for the first time, was stuffed with more seafood than rice. The restaurant does not serve ice water, which meant the only way to quench my thirst was to order. Sparkling water turned out to be a horrible experience for my sis but not for me since i've drank it before. Post dinner, we walked around and enjoyed the view before finally boarding the capsule.

Dinner...

This being my second visit to the Singapore Flyer, (My first visit could be read HERE. It was with ChongQing and John and it was in the afternoon.) I expected it to be slightly different as it's in the late evening. Possibly due to my fatigue, the excitement wasn't there. People around were 'Ooh-ing' and "Ahh-ing' about the buildings they spotted but I couldn't even be bothered about the buildings. Instead, staring at the entire landscape, my mind drifted off. On the whole, the only take away this time round was witnessing the sunset. The sunset against the backdrop of our skyscrapers was a rare gem in our urban landscape. That sunset made me feel even sleepier. I'm amazed No One spotted the Merlion. How disappointing.

Alright, next week's kinda intense. I have tickets for The Dark Knight!!! *grins*

Fine Modern Japanesque

I'm seriously zonked from the past few days. Undeniably, it's been fruitful, and eventful and expect at least 2 entries the coming week. I completed a second assignment with Nuffnang this week, the first was completed couple of weeks ago. You can read it HERE. I kinda enjoyed myself more for this second one, minus the fact that it stretched until 5am the next day. I'll blog about it in a couple of days..

Here's a belated entry, for Father's Day.

Father's day was celebrated at Dozo. Thanks to the management for acceding to my request of a private room. ;) I've been to Dozo once before and it was a pleasant experience so i've been spreading the word since. The excellent service, the quality and presentation of each course is really worth the time and money spent. Still, it was a first time for the rest of my family so i'm glad they enjoyed the food.

Family Potrait.

John, me, Sis.

We had our lunch there, which comprised of a six courses. Along with the courses came laughter and conversations. I guess the ambiance and privacy really made everyone relaxed and happy. Thanks to Eric for being a such a good host too!
Food photos are taken by John. Here are our takes on each course. (=

Starter.
(From left: Scallop, Goose Liver and Smoked Salmon)

Side Dish.
(From left: Steamed egg custard with scallop and foie gras topped with cavier; Tempura batted Soft Shell Crab on galette of mash; Grantinated escargoats topped with garlic and yuzu butter.)

Soup.
(From left: Japanese kon-bu miso soup; Infusion of cepes mushroom and truffle)

Main Course.
(From left: Baked Atlantic cod fillet with miso cream cappuccino; Beef tenderloin on 'pu-ye' and granite hot stone; Grilled chicken roulette with wild mushroom on baked apple risotto)

Dessert and Drinks.
(From left: Freshly baked warm chocolate cake served with ice-cream; Japanese 'mua-chi' ice-cream with red bean; Hot roselle rhythm; Iced fruity refresher)

The Night Safari.

This is my first proper entry in awhile.. In conjunction with the 'Family's Day Out' celebration, Nuffnang sponsored me (and my family) tickets to the Singapore Night Safari. In return, I'm supposed to dedicate an entry to this outing.

Cousins.

We arrived at the Night Safari slightly past 7 and immediately made a beeline for the ticketing booth after realising a large crowd was swarming in at the same time. We carried out the nights itinerary as planned, starting with the walking of the 3 main trails - Forest Giants Trail, Leopards Trail and Fishing Cat Trail. Along these trails were a large number of animal species that you do not usually see at the Zoo. One of the more memorable ones would be the Fruit Bats enclosure. The key that made that particular visit special for us would be the fact that we actually entered the Fruit Bats enclosure and are actually inches away from these flying mammals.

Close-up shot of a Fruit Bat feeding.

After completing all 3 trails, we watched the "Creatures of the Night" Show. The emcee gave an impressive and entertaining delivery throughout the entire 30 minutes show. There was laughter, enthusiastic clapping and more laughter.

Wolves at the Show.

The Tram ride was the last part of our itinerary. It was the most relaxing one too. With the cool breeze blowing softly on our faces, we enjoyed the company of the animals (and their smell), the nature and the voice of our guide. Several species could only be seen if you take the tram ride, something which i found out on my previous visit so i insisted a ride this time round. On the whole, it was a tiring but fun-filled event, perfect for a little bonding session with your family. So if you are reading this, hurry bring your entire family down to the Night Safari this school holidays.

Family.

Z'Bar.. Zebra.

Mommy's Day!

I've been rather pre-occupied with stuff the past week. I guess that is exemplified by the lack of updates and back blogging about an event that took place last week. Ok, i did have some personal time to myself. But i dedicated that time to watching episodes 13 and 14 of Grey's Anatomy Season 4, episode 16 of Gossip Girl along with some other movies. You cannot blame me for choosing my dramas over editing photos right!

Mothers day was celebrated a week earlier to avoid the crowd. This years celebration is different. No luxury products were bought for the occasion. Instead, quality time overtook the place of expensive jewelery and luxury bags. Mommy decided on the restaurant we were to dine in herself - East Ocean Teochew Restaurant aka 东海潮州酒家. The food was excellent, thankfully, else i would think the 300 bucks spent as a little steep. Anyway i shan't narrate much seeing that the photos tell a better story.

Happy Mommy with her Sharksfin Soup.

Food!
Yam Claypot rice, Pekking Duck and Asparagus with Clam.
Dessert was Birds Nest which is not in the pictures.

Me, Sis and the piece of wood.