MERRY CHRISTMAS

No matter who you are, Merry Christmas, dear reader of my blog! May Santa (or Santarina) bring you the gift or present of your dreams! In addition, may you have a Happy New Year in 7 days' time!

Seriously, this Christmas has been a very quiet one for me, apart from the fact that Jeffrey, Aw, Luke and I headed down to VivoCity and HarbourFront Centre on the eve of Christmas eve to celebrate the first two's belated birthday. Don't forget my Saeke Sushi treat to both of you, Jeffrey and Aw! I expect you to remember my birthday next year.

Cleared up the misunderstanding with Hui Shi, and so, I guess things are back to normal... or not?

For those of you who took the time to visit my blog, here are some pics to reward your effort:

From the cast of Ai Yori Aoshi!



From the cast of Love Hina!




From the cast of Haruhi!


Nanoha and Fate

For those of you who are spending Christmas alone, meaning wihout a partner, just like myself, this year, don't give up hope! I am sure we will be spending it with our special someone next Christmas! Gambatte!

Christmas Wishlist

Before I begin to post the details of my letter to Santa, let me talk about the weather in Singapore. Over the past few days, it has been raining cats and dogs (not that I am complaining, since the cool weather makes it excellent for sleeping and my RT sessions are less demanding), but yesterday it was unusually wet and heavy. For the past 24 hours, it has been raining non-stop, resulting in floods occuring in certain areas. For the first time in my life, while using the public transport system, naming bus 157 and 52, the drivers had to take a different route as Lornie road was closed by the traffic police. According to the news report, the rainfall recorded was supposedly the highest in the past 75 years in Singapore's history. Makes me wonder when it will start snowing... :P

The following has been posted on some of the forums I frequent some time back, but it seems like Santa didn't manage to read them, so I shall post the letter on my blog as well, in hope that he (or she, or at least the helpers, for that matter) will be able to do so this time round and grant me my respective wishes.

Dear Santa,

Apart from the times I have skipped work for no valid reason, made sarcastic remarks (to both family and friends), swore and cursed whenever the traffic is moving slowly, and countless other mistakes, I have generally been a law-abiding citizen, fillial son, caring brother, loyal friend and studious student throughout the year.

I am not a greedy person, so I pray you will bring me the following presents/gifts:
1) Most importantly, I would like a date this Christmas and perharps, a permanent girlfriend. If possible, I would like her to be of reasonable character and personality, matched only by the cuteness of Shinobu.

2) I don't have a driving license yet, but due to the goods and service tax hike next year, it would be more costly to purchase a car. I do not wish for a Ferrari, a Porsche or a Lamborghini. However, I do hope to have a PINK Volkswagon Beetle.

*Shinobu interrupts my letter to Santa at this point in time"

Shinobu: Ano... Gambler sen-pai, I agree that a pink Volkswagon Beetle is very kawaii!

The following wishes are not as significant in importance as compared to the earlier two...

3) For the Hong Kong version of Tenge Tenjo to be released in Singapore.

4) For the latest issue of GachaGacha to be released.

5) A whole set of manga, either in the form of Ai Yori Aoshi, Love Hina or School of Watery Business.

6) More hentai movies for viewing if I have to spend Christmas alone again this year.

Thank you for reading my letter, Santa. I look forward to receiving your gifts.

Yours sincerely,
Gambler

However, Christmas number 5 has already been fulfilled, by myself and my wallet. I have gotten my hands on the full set of the Love Hina manga! It may be second hand, but the condition of the manga is pretty good and it only costs $4 per book. Yay, I got it at a bargain!

Here are some pics to share my joy with you people:

As this is a worksafe zone, let me remind you that this pic does not contain full nudity, but it does involve some extent of ecchi.



I know the pics are a little small and not in full colour, but they are taken from issue 14 of the manga. This is how Shinobu looks when she grows up. Cuteness + Sexy = WIN!!!

HAPPY Pre-BIRTHDAY CAILIN, my dearest sis!

Before I get on to the main topic for the day, let me give you readers some appetizer.

I doubt many of you stay up till 3-4am in the morning, but if you do, try looking out your window from time to time, and a wonderful scenery may just greet you. Yesterday morning, upon waking up from my so-called "late night nap" (it was 3am, for goodness sake), I walked over to the balcony for some fresh air. Have you ever experienced the full moon shining down upon you, with the cool, fresh air blowing against your face, and the added serenity of the silent night environment? I experienced it and I wished that you people were here to do so with me. As much as the scene calmed my my body, it filled my mind with thoughts too. Could it be that my "princess", my "Shinobu", the chosen one of my life that I have yet to meet, is living under the same starry moonlit sky, and enjoying the exact same scene as I am at this very moment?

Saw her in school on Monday, during Organization Theory lecture's break time. Caught a glimpse of her out of the corner of my eye. Out of so many people in the area, how is possible that I could sense her presence? Sigh, I better not think about it too much lest my heart aches once again.

Enough of ramblings and now, for today's top story... HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAILIN! I know the actual day has yet to arrive, but this post is my tribute to you! On Monday evening, together with Chai Bak and Wendy (too bad Hanee couldn't make it), we celebrated Cailin's birthday in advance at Sizzler (Suntec Branch). The all-you-can eat salad bar is definitely the main draw of Sizzler, but the partly uncooked dish that Cailin ordered kind of turned me off. No wonder Wendy didn't seem too keen on eating at Sizzler. Oh well, when your birthday arrives next year, we will try to hold a celebration for you and then you will be able to choose whatever restaurant you wish to eat at. :P Other than just celebrating Cailin's birthday, I believed we had a fun time catching up and joking with one another.

My message to Cailin:
Despite all my sarcastic remarks and teasings, you should know that I value you as one of my very good friends, if not the category of "best". I have always been amazed by the fact that we could click so well despite the short time we have known each other. Looking back at my secondary school days, there were classmates whom I spent 4 years with, but spoke to, in total, less than 10 sentences. However, with you, I could speak freely about my "emo" problems, my views and opinions about life... in fact, almost everything under the sun is possible! Thank you for listening to my bitching, ranting and problems patiently all the time; thank you for making my university life less boring and more vibrant; and most importantly, thank you for understanding the person that I am deep down inside.

If we weren't in the same orientation group... If you didn't speak to me during orientation... If we weren't allocated to the same sociology group... If you aren't a person who uses MSN and stays up late... If I didn't meet you at Mediacorp... would things have been different? Life is full of "If's, and looking back makes one wonder how things might have turned out as compared to the current situation.

Lastly, and once again, HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAILIN, my dearest sis!

Some pics from the birthday celebration:

My sis with her "mini-cake"


Our sociology group (missing from picture, Hanee)... To think I would post my ugly mug on my blog... yeah, that is me on the top left

P.S. In relation to the blog topic we discussed over dinner, I have decided to shamelessly promote my blog in hope that you people will post some comments... pretty please, with icing on top? :P

Wonderful weather

The weather was wonderful yesterday. Even though the sun was shining brightly, it wasn't humid and one could feel the cold fresh air blowing... in the afternoon! It is just the kind of weather I expect to experience in some western countries during summer.

Failed my first RT IPPT due to the chin-up station. Nothing I can languish about, since I have already expected the result.

Dreamt of her once again, and this time, I remembered her words clearly. "You still angry ah?" Maybe the dream is hinting me to apologize, since she will never do so in reality. Why do guys always have to put down their pride to appease the girl? Sigh...

Kawaii Kittens and a somewhat kawaii dream...

While I was walking to school happily on Monday afternoon, I came across some kittens together with their mother near the Drive-In MacDonald's along King Albert Park. They were well-hidden behind some rocks, but sudden, playful movements by one particular dark-furred kitten caught my eyes. I had wanted to buy them some fresh milk on my way back, but the heavy downpour dashed my hopes. Fortunately, I managed to do so on Thursday, when I found them at their usual hiding spot. The mother (or adult cat, presumably a female) seemed a little wary of me even after I placed the packet of milk on the ground. Oh well, I guess that is what the call the protective instinct of parents... Anyway, the scene is so KAWAII!

I had a dream of her the other day, where everything was as per normal... leisure chatting, joking, etc. In my dream, she seems to be of a cuter personality, rather than the cool person she is in reality. Again, the saying has been proved right... what you think about constantly in reality will eventually appear or happen in your dreams.

Attended my cousin's wedding last Wednesday. It has been some time since I last saw my relatives and being at the banquet together with them made me feel somewhat uncomfortable. Furthermore, my proficiency in dialect is somewhat lacking, so I was unable to communicate with them with ease. Looking on the bright side, at least I can understand what they are saying in cantonese (As for teochew, I absolutely have no clue as to what is being said). Sometimes, weddings make me wonder I will actually get hitched someday...

Fustration leads to Bitching and Ranting...

I am not exactly sure about what I am ranting and bitching about today, but here goes my story.

Earlier this evening, when I went down to the local manga store "Comics Connection" looking for the latest issue of Tenge Tenjo, I couldn't find it on the shelves. Upon asking the sales person (who was pretty rude), I realized that the Hong Kong version (import) has been banned in Singapore! Keyword: BANNED!

What the hell? I have been collecting the series for years, and now that the storyline is hitting its climax, it is banned!? You may start asking me why I know the manga should be in stores by now. Other than Comics Connection, there is another local manga store, which sells Tenge Tenjo as well. However, the only version they have is the Taiwanese import.

Now, you may start to question why I am not going for the Taiwanese version. As all my past issues come under the Hong Kong import category, they are red-sleeved. The Taiwanese version is yellow sleeved. If I were to place them all on my bookshelf, the collection wouldn't seem right, with a sudden switch in colour. If you do not understand what I am trying to say, look at your own manga collection. If one issue of a particular series had a different cover as compared to the rest, would you feel comfortable?

Furthermore, there is some difference in the dialogue style.

Why did they have to ban the Hong Kong version!? So what if there is sex and gore? Aren't we aiming to become a more open society?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHINOBU!

Shinobu is turning 21 on 15 November 2006!

I know most of you are going to tell me she is isn't real and is just a fantasy, but seriously, I have to say she was there for me when I was feeling depressed (via anime, manga and video clips). Looking at her face always cheers me up! Thank you for always being around Shinobu! Without you, there will be no Gambler.

HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY SHINOBU!


"Did you forget my birthday?"


"Are you going to get me a gift?"


Depressed look


She looks so cute even when asleep!


Sailor oufit!


"Are these all the pics you have of me?"


"Who wants to buy my matchsticks?"


"Thank you, Gambler!"

It's Anime Time!

You have been unusually quiet lately, not to mention that you did not reply to my sms request for surveying help, so I guess you have read what I have written earlier.

Anyway, it is time to add some pics to my blog. Lately, I have been indulging myself in the world of anime, so as to escape from the harsh realities of life. However, there is one anime series that I am particularly fond of, and I can't help but recommend it to you people (whoever you are).

The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya:
-First of all, there are schoolgirls, and there are a number of fanservice scenes
-Secondly, the artwork can be said to be excellent, especially the eyes of the various characters
-Unlike other anime with schoolgirl related themes, Haruhi is pretty much a comedy
-You may get a little confused by its storyline as it does not follow the sequence of episodes, but I believe this factor is precisely the reason why many people are attracted to it
-Have I mentioned storyline? Lots of twists and turns...





Stay tuned for more anime reviews... or at least pics. :P

Failure to recognize my efforts, Taking me for granted...

My horoscope for the day, as stated in the papers. "Now is the time to do some big-picture planning. It is time to re-evaluate where you are putting your time and energy. Is it really worth all the effort when you are getting increasingly diminishing returns?"

Call me a coward for not saying this in your face. I would prefer to consider it as not hurting your feelings. Feel free to rebuke me if I am wrong, but I seldom am. I don't know what has gotten into me, but I am really unhappy about the way in which you are treating me. I bet when you are showing off your new jacket (in which I PAID 50% FOR) to your friends and colleagues, you never bothered to tell them that I forked out for half the amount. You know I am damn right. Is it because I don't deserve any recognition or are you just taking me for granted?

Since I am already bitching and ranting, I shall get everything off my chest in one go. Next, I always find that you are criticizing me for no good reason; maybe just for your own entertainment?

Examples:
-"Can you don't behind me all the time?" Ok, after speaking to my sis (Cailin), she told me that girls prefer guys to lead them or walk by their side. However, couldn't you tell me in a less annoying tone? Morever, you never gave me the rationale behind it

-"Go wash your handphone pouch!" True, I haven't been washing it lately, but again, I hate that annoying tone.

-"You have a poor sense of humour." Get your facts right. Here I am trying to entertain you and not only do you not appreciate it, you have to hurt my feelings. Well, at least i make an attempt to lighten the mood. What do you do? You can't even tell a joke to save your life (or at least I have not seen you do so)

Ever wonder why those spiritual books aren't helping? Simply because you are not content with life. You want this, you want that, and can't make up your mind. Only when you are content can you realize the meaning of life. I agree that taking up motorbiking lessons and piano lessons are good for self-improvement, but when a teacher raises her voice or seems skeptical about your ability at times does not mean that she is a bad person. Furthermore, giving you free lessons does not mean a person may be good either.

So your witty friend has hurt your feelings and made you confused? Haven't you done the same to me for more than a few times? I know love cannot be forced, but you make it seem as if you are the only one suffering in the world. Stop being EMO!

I am glad to see that you are talking a lot more. However, maybe it is a mistake from the beginning. Talking more with hurting words is definitely much worse than not speaking at all. You definitely need more empathy and try putting yourself into other people's shoes.

I am sure this post is going to have some backlash when you read it, but I really need somewhere to vent my fustrations and to pour out my feelings/emotions.

Time passes by quicky,,,

Looking back, it has been one year (or so) since my last rejection. October always brings about nostalgic memories.

Anyway, Happy Belated Halloween!

Darn, Singaporeans should be allowed to go trick or treating too. Why do we not celebrate Halloween over here?

Empathy, Other People's Shoes... The World is not revolving just around you

If you think you have been hurt, then what about me? I have gone through heaven and hell countless times.

Maybe you are forgetting your own lesson. Before you criticize someone, look at yourself in the mirror before doing so. Everyone has their faults, but shouldn't we overlook these faults and concentrate on the positive points?

Some people tend to say things directly, not thinking of the consequences of their words. Have you ever thought about how the other party will feel? You may not be good with words, but think before you speak. Alternatively, try being more tactful. People tend to accept positive criticism more easily as compared to harsh words.

Then again, a person with sweet words and seemingly kind actions may not necessarily be good, while another with a vicious tongue may be doing so for your own benefit. The perfect scenario: A truly sincere man (or woman) who has an excellent choice of words.

Here ends my rant for the day...

More beautiful memories...

It all started on Friday night, when Hui Shi msg-ed me regarding the birthday present I owed her. A jacket at Espirit caught her eye and she hopes (or rather, wants) me to sponsor 50% of it. When she asked if I would be free to accompany her to go shop for it on Saturday, I amazed myself by rejected her! Well... partly due to work commitments and an appointment made with friends.

Anyway, I ended up sponsoring 50% of the jacket on Sunday evening. I have to admit it looks cool, but I thought that the pink version would be more "kawaii". Oh well, as long as she likes it, that is enough satisfaction for me. I can't wait till later today, where I get to take a photo of her wearing that jacket. :P

Now we move away from my love life. I had initially scheduled an outing with friends on Monday, which was then postponed to Saturday evening, and eventually cancelled. Sometimes, I hate it when people tell me they have something on at the very last minute, causing disruptions to my plans. If you give me a valid reason, my fustrations and anger will be reduced, but please don't ever tell me you can make it and then come up with some bulls**t excuse. You know who you are.

I have a craving to go visit Japan or any other snow-receiving countries. I wish to find out how Christmas is like in these countries, preferably with a loved one by my side. Sigh, I must be watching too much anime... However, I doubt I can do so this year, even if my finances allow me, but attendence at remedial training sessions is compulsory. I don't wish to get into trouble with the army...

Hence, my rant ends here.

Same old Eddery...

Same old Eddery, same old love problems.

Working with Hui Shi on the LTA project, over the past two days at Tan Queen Lan Street, was a new experience, but I doubt my memories of it would be too fond. On Friday evening, we had a heart to heart talk during dinner and once again, my feelings for her go unreciprocated. To a certain extent, I am used to it since I already know her feelings towards me. However, I still can't help but feel jealous about the new guy in her life, especially when he called while I was with her. It is obvious that he is going after her. Then again, Pride and Envy have always been my greater sins, so there is a chance that I am being over-suspicious.

I wonder if I will be able to hang out with Hui Shi and speak to her on the phone as often once she gets attached, as compared to the current situation. For now, I can only be content with the time spent with her and treasure these memories.

On a side note, frankness is one of Hui Shi's stronger points, but at the same time, it is also one of her weakest. She may not know it herself, but telling the truth outright can hurt the other party at times. Not that I am encouraging others to hide the truth; instead, they should find tactful ways to put things across to the other party.

Whenever I feel down, I have a tendency to watch either anime or drama serials. However, I have come to realize that life isn't a bed of roses and happy endings do not come by as frequently as protrayed in such programmes. Looking at those romantic storylines, will a character be truly content just because the person s/he loves is happy? Man has always been selfish; they always want the best for themselves, and I find it difficult to believe that someone will actually give the love of his/her life to another person willingly...

Another step towards darkness. Evil, more evil, most evil. Wicked, more wicked, most wicked...

A tinge of jealousy and comfort...

I was chatting to Hui Shi earlier on and she mentioned about a new guy asking for her number during her motorbiking lessons. In fact, he has already called her. Even though I don't stand any chance (hopefully, there is some) of being with her, my feelings still linger and a tinge of jealousy crept into me upon hearing this news. However, her claims of having no interst in him (at least for now) gave me some comfort. Looking on the bright side, it means I have good taste in girls too! :P

Sigh, affairs of the heart are always so difficult to understand. The Melancholy of Eddery Oon...

Ever get the feeling of being cold, wet and hungry? I did last weeek, while performing the pedestrian count project outside Shaw Towers on Saturday afternoon. Not only was it raining heavily, the wind was strong and my stomach rumbling. To sum it up, the word is "miserable".

Just when I receive a substanial amount of salary, the whole set of Love Hina on offer at the Tian Di branch of Toa Payoh had to be sold off. I really ought to have bought it last month. Sob... my lovely Shinobu...

Fortunately, the haze seems to have subsided for today. It was really bad over the past two days, especially at night. I could detect the "ash-y" smell during my vehicle count at Bugis. I pray it will never return, or hopefully, not any time soon. Human beings should really do more to save our beloved Earth.

Birthday Celebrations and Birthday Blues (part 2)

Apart from all those I have thanked earlier, here is the list of people who remembered, either at a later date/time.

-Luke, Wong, Aw, Gerald and Jeffrey. Luke supposedly told me that they were sharing a present and it came in the form of miniature Gundam Seed/Destiny figures. Very cute! In addition, Aw sent me a sms greeting as well.
-Saskia's card finally arrived and she promised a present too.
-Tracy, my thoughtful financial advisor, sent me a card as well, and included was a free movie pass. Yay!
-Janice, a sms greeting.
-Zhenling, a sms greeting too.
-Gan, who offered to treat me the next time we meet up, so I am guessing he remembered?
-And my sister, Shannon, who bought me an Artbook, though she felt she was ripped off... Never mind, my dear sis, I still appreciate your gift! :)

Caught the Lake House on Sunday. Not as slow moving as Hui Shi claimed, but I thought it was kinda predictable. Oh well, I love happy endings anyway.

Results were released online earlier yesterday night, and to my relief, I did not fail any of the subjects. However, neither was I ecstatic over my results. It was more towards 2nd Class Honours (lower). This means I have to work harder next semester. A summary of my grades:

-Intro to Econs: 72
-Stats 1: 48 (phew, I passed)
-Maths 1: 63
-Intro to Sociology: 36 (I am kinda surprised by my low score)
-Principles of Accounting: 58 (not too bad)

It is going to be a busy week of work coming up...

Birthday Celebrations and Birthday Blues (part 1)

It is the time of the year again, where my age increases. As a matter of fact, I am not too worried about getting old in this point of time. Rather, I see it as a role-playing game where the level of character increases. =P

However, whenever my birthday draws near, I tend to get a little depressed, wondering if anyone will remember. Fortunately, there will be some friends who come to my "rescue". On the other hand, there will be friends who simply forget, and these usually tend to be the males.

As of this moment, here are the people who remembered:
-Cailin, who specially came down to Lavender to pass me chocolates, even though she was dead beat and suffering from a hangover
-Adeline, who sent me a card, like she does every year, just that she keeps forgetting my address and ruining the surprise
-Saskia, who has yet to buy me anything. I am waiting... =P
-My parents and my sister. Dad gave me a red packet. Shannon has yet to receive her pay so I guess I have to wait a little longer for my surprise
-Most importantly, Hui Shi. She bought me my very first RHDX Meer Campbell (the sexy version) figurine

Furthermore, I owe Hui Shi a birthday present as well. After walking around Jalan Besar, Bugis and Mustafa Centre last Sunday and yesterday afternoon, I have yet to get her anything. Partly due to the fact that she can't make up her mind on what to buy. A motorcycle helmet is definitely on the top of her priorities, but she does seem to want a new pair of sneakers as well.

Over the last two outings I had with Hui Shi, I came to realize that she has a cute side as well, but I am definitely not going to reveal it here. =P

I hope I receive more birthday greetings and perharps more presents later today...

More Projects!

Lately, I have been given quite a number of new projects, involving traffic count and mystery shopping. I have yet to begin on the latter, but so far, I have enjoyed the former, other than the bad experience I encountered with the engineering undergraduate. In addition, I made a new friend and did I mention that the pay was fantastic too? At $10 per hour? =P

On the very first day of my traffic count project, I was assigned the same route together with two other newcomers, both undergraduates themselves. One of them particularly got on my nerves, talking about girls throughout the 2 hours, giving opinions on the type he prefers and the type he dislikes. When he made a comment of how degrading it was for him to be counting vehicles, given his undergraduate status, I felt as if my fist would connect with his face. However, after some discussion with my forum members, I realized that I should simply ignore him. If he felt that it was beneath his status to perform such a task, then why was he there in the first place?

Caught the fireworks festival last Friday and Saturday. Some of the pictures I took using my camera phone came out fantastic, just that the silhoutte of trees and buildings can be seen. Was it worth plowing through the crowd just to catch the fireworks? Definitely yes, because such events only occur once a year.

Backtracking a little further, I dined with Hui Shi at the Newton Food Centre on 3rd August. Not really worth mentioning, but I did feel the food sold there were quite pricey.

End of the World Cup, In-Camp-Training and lots of Jealousy

It is time for another blog update.

The World Cup 2006 has officially ended, and unfortunately for me, I lost $20 or so on my various wagers. The biggest controversy surrounding the final would be Zindane headbutting Materazzi. Even after reading all the reports, I can't decide who is right and who is wrong. Italy, on the other hand, even upon lifting the World Cup trophy, is still faced with problems regarding their domestic match fixing scandal. Although Fiorentina and Lazio were initially demoted to Serie B, their appeals were successful and are now reinstated to Serie A. Such scandals, in my opinion, allows one to identify which players are truly loyal to the club and those who simply play for money.

As for my 12 days of in-camp-training, I actually find it kind of fun, even though it had a much busier schedule as compared to the low key one last year. Yu Fong, Gabriel and Mogana, my newly made friends, were absolutely hilarous in their various antics.

Just had a chat with Saskia on MSN earlier. Surprisingly, I actually felt kind of jealous when she told me about some of her "wilder adventures" in Ireland. Is it because I am still single or have i developed a deeper level of friendship with this online friend of mine?

A new laptop and the World Cup!

Time for some updates again. I finally purchased a new laptop, and a NEC one at that! It was quite a bargain since I headed down to the PC Show 2006 on the very last day (4 June). $1800 for a Pentium M Processor of 1.86GHz, 2GB DDR2 RAM, 80GB hard drive, DVD+/-RW drive, bluetooth and wireless. How much more can you ask for? In addition, it comes with a free 1GB thumbdrive, a wireless optical mouse, carrrier case and 4 years warranty.

The World Cup has begun, and so has my betting spree, just that I am not as hardcore as compared to the past. Small bets of $5 and $10 for selected matches.

Celebrated Luke's birthday on 16th June, last Friday. Headed down to Suntec with him. However, it was he who treated Aw and I to dinner at Swensons. Since they couldn't finish the apple crumble, I had to do it after my main course of fish and chips, followed by my own sundae. Indeed, I must admit that the apple crumble was really filling

Had dinner with Hui Shi on Tuesday evening, 20 June. It has been a long time since we last hung out together. Due to a lack of funds on my part, I suggested Sakae Sushi and we eventually decided on it since I beat her at Scissors, Paper, Stone. Childish but fun! I only paid $10 and she forked out the remaining 20. I must remember to repay the treat the next time round.

Oh well, time to wake Mark up for the soccer match. More details on my next updates...

Exams are over and it is time to look ahead!

My final exams for my first year in university has officially ended on Tuesday. The papers were tougher than expected and I would be more than satisfied with second class (lower) honours for each subject. However, I have a bad feeling about statistics. Spent too much time on the stem and leaf question. Not to mention I was still tired out by the econs paper the previous day. Oh well, I can give all the excuses I want, but it is not going to help... In the meantime, I would like to wish Cailin, Wendy, Hanee, Chai Bak and Hui Shi all the best for their remaining papers. Gambette!

At least I am feeling better now. The cough is starting to subside. Must have been due to stress and heatiness of drinking essence of chicken for 3 consecutive days.

When I meet up with my friends these days, their first sentence would be "Eddery, you cut your hair!?" Even when I went to Luke's place the other day, his sister, whom I seldom speak to, asked me the same thing. Kester was equally shocked. LOL! I had to cut it before the exams, otherwise, I would be pushing my fringe back all the time at the exam venue. The good part is that it takes a shorter time to dry upon shampoo-ing.

Shannon has yet to assemble the figurine set I bought her. She claims that they look nicer in the box. Huh?

Lost $30 on bets for the Champions League final. As usual, I bought draw, and it turned out that Barcelona scored twice in 5 minutes to end the game in normal time. Couldn't they have been less kiasu and waited for extra time to finish Arsenal off? This way, I get to win some cash and they still win the trophy. Darn...

It feels weird not to be studying these days. With everyone still having their papers, and other friends at work, I am at home most of the time. Boring...

My latest update

I have been too lazy to update my blog lately, but after chatting with my dear sis, Cailin, I have decided to revive it.

Exams are drawing near, and I have done some revision. However, the economics UOL revision lecture was kind of demoralising. Everything the lecturer said was so difficult to understand, and I had plenty of questions to ask, just that I did not know where to begin.

Thanks to the free USB modem given to me by Kester, I am now able to access my broadband connection. Gone are the days of 2kb/sec download and here I am come, anime! I really should refrain from coming online too frequently, with the exams just a month away. Perharps I can leave the downloads on while I study.

A lot of events have happened over the past few months, but I can't remember them all, so I shall leave it for now, until they come flooding back.

It's raining men...ok, maybe not

It has been raining for consecutive days, and laundry seems to have a hard time drying. Not to mention it makes life difficult for me when I walk to and fro from King Albert Park to school.

Rainy days always make me feel nostalgic. Memories of stuff I have done on rainy days just seem to flood my mind, especially those that I have spent with "her".

Ever had your shoes and socks soaked with water? They make funny squishy sounds, reminding me of shoes that toddlers wear, so that their parents can keep track of where they are.

Have I really gotten over it or am I self-deluding?

It is about time I went for a haircut. Lunar New Year is just around the corner and my parents would most probably want me to do so. Cailin would be surprised and pleased to see my hair short.

Wendy always seem so distant during lectures. Makes me feel intimidated.

Hopefully, most of my "single club" members can make it for the outing this Saturday evening.

First update for 2006

It took me quite awhile to overcome my sadness and pain, though I doubt I can ever forget Hui Shi.

I did nothing productive during the one week break given by SIM for the festive season. Although New Year's eve and New Year's Day were pretty boring and fustrating, due to the fact that I had to complete a 2000 word essay on the theories of Karl Marx and Max Weber, Christmas eve was far more interesting.

Played in another soccer match on Christmas eve and again, my team failed to chalk up a 1st win. Perharps it was due to the fact that one of our star players was absent. 4-0 isn't a pretty sight and I must definitely train harder so as not to let the team down.

Special thanks to Wendy for inviting me to attend the church service conducted by City Harvest. I have to admit that the play they staged was excellent, combining acting, singing, together with lessons from the bible. Made a couple of new friends, and learnt quite a few things from my trip. Felt a little bad that she had to pay more attention to me than to her friends, making me feel a little awkward at times, but at least I got to know more about her. During our sociology lectures, she always seem kind of cold and aloof to me. Of course, I have to thank her for taking the time to decorate the glass container as well.

During our sociology "gift-exchange" session, Hanee brought hair-clips, Chai Bak chocolates, and Cailin, some random gifts and her specially made peach jelly. Thanks to all of you.

Paid my examination fees at RELC on Friday morning. Wonder if my parents truly have enough money for themselves after sponsoring my education. I should spend more time on my notes rather than in front of my laptop.

Seen Hui Shi's latest blog updates on frienster. Somehow, I feel she seems more depressed and gloomy as compared to the past. Maybe I should ask her about it and hopefully, she tells me more. Cheer up Hui Shi! A pretty face like yours should emit the warmth similar to that of the sun!

At long last, volume 10 of the manga Gacha Gacha is out! Time to re-read it later!