:: Little Bruises and Meanderings ::

:: How to make Chocolate Mousse (?) ::

2009-02-21T19:53:14Z

I laughed so hard at this.

"Yom Yom Yom, Cho-co-Lat Mousse!"

:: I wanna Fly Away ::

2009-02-18T23:27:50Z

I enjoy OTT videos which are exaggerated and theatrical.

Lenny Kravitz's "Fly Away" music video, in my opinion, qualifies. Mind you, he really hams it up but it's still a really fun video and the song is quite nice too. Simple chords, simple tune but it still rocks.

Incidentally, female drummers fascinate me to no end. More girls should start hitting the skins! So sexy.

:: When I come around ::

2009-02-16T16:08:28Z

This song brings back fond memories.

We used to night cycle to this song, amongst many others.

I remember this hilarious time we tried to ape the music video by filming ourselves walking nonchantly down the secondary school corridors, to the song.

Lame but funny, all at the same time.

Enjoy.

(P:S the smoking guy at 1:46 looks scarily like Nicholas Cage)

(P:S:S I can't help but notice how young the 3 of them used to be...)

:: Shopping list for Feb '09 ::

2009-02-10T01:26:04Z

Necessities:

1. Contact Lenses - Daily Disposables (for when I need to look fierce for meetings)
2. Facial moisturizer (to contain eczema) - Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream
3. Ear phones (the one that plugs out external noise)

Desires:

1. Erykah Badu's "New Amerykah Part 2"
2. A proper Hoobastank album pending research
3. A new MP3 player - iPod Touch?
4. Sunnies - Anyone knows a good place to get? I want something bigger but which sits nicely on my bridge and not touch the sides of my face.
5. An under-stated trucker cap

:: Do you have to let it linger? ::

2009-02-09T16:51:00Z

The song speaks for itself.

I can never get over Dolores' voice though.

A truly talented lady.

And I particularly like how the two of them harmonise so beautifully together. It's almost like the CD...

:: This is for one or two people because I mean it ::

2009-02-09T15:31:09Z

I don't really care about what people think in general.

That's because I don't really believe in the "values" which are made up by society.

I do have my own principles though, that I hold dear to and if they somehow align to the "values" which are held by society, that's purely coincidental.

Cynicism aside, I don't agree that people should be judged by how many times they allow themselves to fall.

The true test of character, to me, is how you pick yourself up again and make good of a bad situation.

I think each of us is unique. We all have our quiet strengths which could do with developing.

To you, I say persevere, and when the times are fucked up, i'm just a phone call or SMS away.

:: Pipa: Dance of the Yi People ::

2009-02-01T14:05:41Z

Heart-wrenchingly beautiful...

:: Soul makes me happy ::

2009-02-01T11:59:47Z

I know I've raved about Erykah Badu before, but I ain't over her yet. : )

I could be pissed, stressed, irritated, or lousy on a bad day but a quick cuppa in my bed with a book with Erykah groovin' in the background always does it for me.

I thought I might post this video to show what a fantastic performer she is. She's incredibly theatrical but yet so under-stated. She is so incredibly talented and soulful, yet so unassuming.

Erykah is performing "honey" here with a group of really talented people. They are extremely reactive to Erykah's every request. For example, she will unexpectedly tell the band to "hold on" and "wait" in between verse so that she can groove without music for a bit. The band will then kick in mid-way at the precise moment. So hot.

In this video, she also tells the band to "slow down, real real down" and the song becomes like a completely different number altogether. Way groovier and soulful. : )

Have I mentioned that her lyrics are really clever and she milks every moment of imagery in the use of the metaphors. For example:

"honey, you so sweet...
all i gotta do is add a little lemon
you my favorite drink, you make me think,
honey, you so sweet"

I love also her sense of humor...

"So tell me Slim what you trying to do
I'm tryna get me yo interview (pats her affro)
Look for ya all over town
But you gave me the run-around"

But enough of my prattle.

See for yourself.

:: Haiku attack ::

2009-02-01T11:22:44Z

:: To Lisa ::

Sad you sing; tender,
quaver, words so deep, so hurt.
what have you gone through?

@@@@

Below: One of my favorite songs from Lisa.

:: The Earth Warden ::

2009-01-23T03:27:34Z

This is accurate of me.

Your result for The Perception Personality Image Test...

NBDS - The Trailblazer

Nature, Background, Detail, and Shape

You perceive the world with particular attention to nature. You focus on the hidden treasures of life (the background) and how that is affected by the details of life. You are also particularly drawn towards the shapes around you. Because of the value you place on nature, you tend to find comfort in more subdued settings and find energy in solitude. You like to ponder ideas and imagine the many possibilities of your life without worrying about the details or specifics. You are highly focused on specific goals or tasks and find meaning in life by pursuing those goals. You prefer a structured environment within which to live and you like things to be predictable.

The Perception Personality Types:

Take The Perception Personality Image Test at HelloQuizzy

:: Disturbed ::

2009-01-09T15:21:14Z

Disclaimer: Angry music ahead. LOL

Bounced across this band while playing Rock Band 2. The girls pretty much love drumming to this song while I strum lead.

The lead singer has incredible voice control. He makes evanescence and Linkin Park sound like pre-schoolers.

He alternates between a metal growl and a normal singing voice extremely dynamically.

Until today, I do not regret purchasing Rock Band 2. The graphics are fantastic!

What do you think? (P:S I almost want an "emover". LOL)

:: Tats ::

2009-01-07T06:32:33Z

I've always wanted to get a tattoo but considering that I have a completely f***ed up immune system, resulting in a whole basketful of allergies which often manifests in terms of some respiratory, eye or skin related ailment, I figure I might not want to tempt fate.

This doesn't dampen my passion for a tat well done though. I particularly love the black and grey ones which have detailed shading because the lack of color really makes it all the more challenging; the tattoo artist HAS to have immaculate skill to compensate for the lack of color.

In terms of ranking on my "fantasy jobs" list, a tattoo artist would probably rank third on my list after classical musician (rank 1) and liberal arts academic (rank 2).

Back on topic, if I could have a tattoo, I would want a black and grey one of Japanese-style waves stretching from the start of my right elbow all the way up to my right shoulder-blade. At the top (where the shoulder-blade is), the waves should metamorphize into the head of a dragon; BUT not the cheesy asian dragon type but one with a western take to it. I think it would be a nice metaphor of what I am (and what many of my generation are) - the transitionary asian generation of the 20th and 21st century who have been exposed to the western culture.

I wanted to check out the tattoo festival which will be held from this Friday to Sunday at the Singapore Expo(http://www.tattoo.com.sg/) but I don't think I can make it this weekend. *Sigh* Oh, incidentally, talented tat artist, Chris Garver (of "Miami Ink" fame) will be in attendance. I think the whole concept of hosting him and/or being a tat artist is just mind blowing.

:: Easy going, dispassionate or just lazy? ::

2009-01-06T04:04:57Z

I've been ill lately and a bit despondent, which is when I usually start brooding.

But out of this exercise, which I snap out of quite fast usually, I made some "self-realisations".

There are many issues which sometimes riles all of us up. It can range from being cross with your colleagues, fellow commuters, family members, tax rates, politics or inane social commentary.

In my case, I certainly have my own view points on certain issues, which I, from time to time, bleat or yell out (depending on how strongly I feel about an issue). However, I realise that I often let a lot of things slide.

Some, especially the more critical ones, will think that I'm dispassionate or simply too plain F-ing lazy to develop a view point.

The truth of the matter is that I do have my views. It's just that I feel life's too short to waste time arguing over every little, nitty gritty issue. If you can make a change, even to one individual, then it's ok. But if the benefits are so minuscle, why bother?

I'm too busy being happy. : )

:: My friends help me expedite my decision making process ::

2008-12-31T06:32:53Z

Conversation with my "twin"

Me: So, are you going to the gym later?
G: I already went at 10am this morning.
Me: -_-" ok. -conversation ends-
G: wei, don't be like that lah. you might want to watch out for vivocity though, it's completely crowded due to some countdown thing.
Me: oh fuck. hmmm... I'll go to Suntec then...
G: er... eh, countdown there also leh.
Me: Fuck, ya hor. Shit lah. Why do they need to count down so many places? How big is bloody Singapore? *indignant* Erm... Great World City?
G: That's a better bet.
Me: But GWC has like, got no MRT...
G: Yar.
Me: ...Fuck it, I'm going home straight to make Macaroni and Cheese *GRIN*
G: Up to you... I'm playing mahjong! :D

I love my friends. LOL

:: Decisions Decisions ::

2008-11-26T06:03:23Z

Should I get Rock Band or Guitar Hero?

I love the music and the look of Rock Band... it's a bit more edgy...

Decisions Decisions...

:: Sleep deprived ::

2008-11-06T03:10:24Z

My pimples and eczema-ridden skin say I am sleep deprived. I am beginning to agree.

Since last I blogged (geez loiuse, time flies doesn't it), I've:

1. Gone on a work trip to Kunming for a week - lovely place; humoungous work mountain resulted
2. Made it out of a slumber party at Lav's in one piece - Love the gal; Love da friends; Love da food; Love da Pole (private joke)
3. Halloween by myself - chased the lonely monster away by making 3 types of muffins
4. Bringing my aussie friends around - GREAT FUN! I LOVE THEM!

re: item 4, a lot of memories were revived in the back of my mind. As a result, I am thinking of going back to World of Warcraft again just to catch up with some people who matter to me. Only problem is, I will get addicted.

It's also bad in the sense that a certain Lion is also getting his interest piqued. I don't want the fellar to get addicted to it too, especially since college will beckon in 1.5 years time!

@@@@

I hate having no time to write the long-winded stories i'm so used to. However, in other news, it looks like I'm really going to have to start planning a trip to PERTH!!!!! *hugs myself* yay!

:: Minor frustrations ::

2008-10-08T01:37:34Z

Work is really beginning to irritate me.

I think I'm handling the work pressures alright but I certainly have begun to start wishing nasty things on people.

Argh! sin sin sin... lol.

The financial crisis couldn't have come at a worse time when I want to look for a NEW JOB!

@@@@

It doesn't help that my desktop at home just crashed on me AGAIN right after it was sent for servicing one week ago.

It looks like I have to start REALLY saving up again for a new comp. :S

@@@@

I hate my lonely nights.

:: Sharp ::

2008-10-06T04:17:32Z

Sometimes you're so sharp
you risk getting cut yourself;
but wounds always heal

@@@@

People are complex.

It's hard, sometimes, to determine whether one should be happy or to be honest, in situations when you can't be both.

:: Thank you ::

2008-09-29T01:31:39Z

Thank you so much for making it so memorable for me on Saturday evening. I had a lot of fun and the company was heart warming. The presents were not necessary but very much appreciated and so thoughtful. : ) And the Saturday dessert was the best in the world. Thank you so so much. You know who you are.

Thank you also to those who took the time to drop me a line / message. These were appreciated and brought a smile to my face.

Last but certainly not least, thank YOU for the gift from the heart. Needless to say, no words can begin to even touch how much it means to me. : )

:: Something funny my friend said ::

2008-09-25T02:39:32Z

Well, some of you know what I do for a living and it's a work hazard because I tend to nag people...

Anyway, one of my baby lovedolls said this after I nagged her:

"you need to leave your job. you are becoming a nehneh"

LOL

:: I've lost count ::

2008-09-24T06:13:04Z

I've lost count of the number of years that I've been ~~terrorizing the people around me~~ walking this earth.  However, it's a good time to recount all my blessings. Needless to say, I would have to start with my parents and work down to my friends.

If not for these people guiding me in my walk through life, I wouldn't be where I am today.  I think "Thank you" doesn't fully encompass what I have to say but I think it's a good start. : ) So thank you to each and everyone of you. You know who you are. ; )

@@@@

In other news, I've lost count of the number of hours that I've been clocking on Star Wars: The force unleashed! The graphics are so beautiful, I feel like I'm really there dodging laser beams and levitating explosives. Helps that I look like a bombshell too. :p

The next few games that I will be looking at are as follows:
- Assasin's Creed
- Devil May Cry 4
- God of War 2 (when it's finally released)
- Samurai Showdown

I can't wait!  : )

:: Haiku Attack (again) ::

2008-09-23T06:57:28Z

Enigma

You are a puzzle
I have not yet deciphered -
But I still want to

Yet

My heart is bursting
with feelings I don't yet know;
Too afraid to know

:: Desire gets you nowhere ::

2008-09-17T08:22:09Z

I've been a little bit under the weather lately. There are plenty of germs flying around, not least in the buses and at home where Dad's nursing a fever and sniffly nose. I can only Thank God that the x-ray of his lungs showed them to be spotless (re: Mom and I suspected a recurrence of pneumonia).

That being said, I still think I have been lazy and not taking enough exercise. Regular gym visits lately have only involved cardio on the ~~torture-rack~~ treadmill when I should be adding some variety to my work-outs with some arm and leg work (look at me: I'm using pretentious terminology!).

The truth of the matter is I am extremely (x100) self-conscious and hate to do bench-presses in the gym. I carry a really ridiculously little amount of weight and I swear some of the aunties do way more heavy lifting than me. I would like to cry foul at this juncture though, as most aunties carry really heavy hand-bags or shopping and hence, have much more practice than me. :p

Whatever it is, my new resolution would involve doing more arm and chest exercises to help in my fat burning. Arms will be on Fridays and Chest will be on weekends!

I am also determined to be more disciplined in visiting the gym more regularly. As such, no more outings on Mondays, Fridays and Wednesdays! ROFL

Let's see how this pans out. If the physical strain and testosterone levels get a bit out of hand, as alluded to in a highly entertaining discussion with runecircle , I'll have to cut back.

@@@@

Dolores O'riordan sang it right in "stars". "Desire gets you nowhere" and I think that makes sense. No more cat and mouse games for me.

It's back to focusing on the important, productive things in life. I need to use my time more efficiently.

@@@@

To do list:
- get bloody desktop fixed
- get back into shape
- get a gaming console soon to keep me company on Sundays

Back

2008-09-14T12:58:20Z

I just came back from BKK despite the warnings.

I didn't notice anything different in terms of riots and protests.

I am not, however, advocating that it's 100% safe to attend.

I'm just saying that I went despite warnings and misgivings and survived. : )

@@@@

In other channels, my thoughts keep gravitating to a particular person.

I hope it passes soon...

:: Is it asking too much of my vacant smile ::

2008-09-07T14:51:28Z

Band: Dubstar
Song: Stars

I like this song a lot. It's a good song to listen to on a wet and rainy day alone, watching the drops pelting against the window, left open just a crack for ventilation; mug of hot tea steaming in your hands...

We used to go night cycling to it and somehow, the 2 of us would just revel at how big the world is and how little and insignificant we were. Yeah yeah, I know, we were kinda nihilistic but hey, we were (and I still am) angsty and still looking for meaning...

I remember sleeping under the stars together during the secondary school orchestra camps on the open air benches in the exercise area... this was one of the many songs we would listen to along with stuff from radiohead and the smashing pumpkins. It's kind of special when you can just bask in the presence of someone and lose yourself in the solidarity... it's kinda cool.

*sigh*

I love how the introductory bass riff begins the song. The lyrics are kinda... I dunno... cynical? spacey? questioning? contemplative? After all these years, I still haven't fully comprehended them but somehow, they feel kinda right... and in the right atmosphere, I can just shut myself out from everything around me listening to this song... well, just for 4 minutes then. : )