Happy 22nd Birthday Shinobu Maehara!

Happy Belated Birthday Shinobu! I have been busy creating birthday threads for you on the forums I visit, thus neglecting my blog.

Although it is already 16th November 2007 over here, some parts of the world are still enjoying their 15th, which is Shinobu's date of birth. Looking back, it has been another year since I last started a similar thread on my blog.

Thank you for being with me through the years, Shinobu! Thank you for looking after me while I was ill last weekend, thank you for cheering me up when I was upset by the tree cutting incident, thank you for spurring me on when I couldn't complete my assignments! Thank you for everything Shinobu!

As a tribute to my beloved (some say imaginary) waifu, here are more images of Shinobu:

Cosplaying as the girl who sold matchsticks


Erm... every man's dream of his waifu only in an apron?


Shinobu trying on lipstick for the very first time


"Gambler! You did something wrong again... right!?"


Even cuter when blushing


And finally, all grown up

Enjoy your day Shinobu!

There Goes the Wonderful Trees...

When I was returning home from lessons last Friday, I was shocked to discover that the cutting of trees in the neighbouring park has begun. At this very point in time, the process of cutting them down continues.

I remember a representative of the town council telling us that no trees will be chopped. So which part of the following pictures do not show the cutting down of grown up trees?











This huge tree, like so many others, which is marked with a cross, will be gone sooner or later too:


I am fustrated and angry at my inability to do anything about the situation. If only I had more power... While standing in the middle of the park, watching the workers cut down these trees, it was almost as if I could hear them, as well as all the other animals, screaming in pain and agony. Of course, hatred runs within me towards those who masterminded the cutting down of these trees just for their urban activity centre. I know it is not very nice to curse and swear, but I can't help it this time round. For those of you who have caused destruction to this neighbouring park for your own selfish gains, may retribution claim you slowly, painfully and torturously. I may not know your names and faces, but you know who you are.

Ironically, there are a few pages concerning a special report in Saturday's newspaper entitled "Be Clean, Go Green". Did I mention that the news centre is located just across the road, opposite the park? Speaks a lot about my country, doesn't it?

Goodbye Tori! Feel Free to Visit!

Two Thursdays ago, on 25 October 2007, I said goodbye to Tori for the final time when I left my house to attend my RT session at Maju Camp. Around 5pm, when Tori was given its daily session of hopping around freely in the balcony, I sensed that something was amiss, though I was unable to determine the source of my uneasiness.

Something prompted me to look back up at my apartment while I was climbing the stairs of a park located next to my block, when I saw a mynah flying off. Shrugging it off as just some other mynah, I received the news only when I returned home.

I am definitely glad that Tori is now able to roam free though my family and I will definitely miss its presence. This incident also proves that without its natural parents, a bird can still learn to fly. What worries me is whether it will be able to hunt in the wild, but if it couldn't, I believe it will return, right?

Once a family member, always a family member. Goodbye Tori and take care! If you ever decide to return for a visit, we will be sure to welcome you with open arms.

Nowadays when I see mynahs anywhere else, I can't help but wonder if one of them could be Tori...

A Temporary Family Member... and Anonymous People can now post comments!

I didn't realize that readers weren't allowed to post comments anonymously until today. Therefore, I have made some changes to the options and I hope to hear from you people!

The main topic for today would be to introduce the newest member of my family... albeit a temporary one. On the fourth of October, my mother found a baby mynah sprawled on the ground, most probably having fallen off its nest. Taking it to the vet and after checkup, it was certified safe to be kept at home and thus, my parents decided to adopt it (for now), until it gains the ability of flight, as well as the ability to survive when back in the wild.

At the moment, Tori (the name I gave the mynah) seems to be doing well, having a good appetite, not to mention its relentless energy to chirp whenever it sees one of us approaching. Its left foot has healed at a faster than expected rate, though I can't be sure if it can match the capability of other injury-free birds.

Even though I am delighted by Tori's recovery, I am somewhat apprehensive of the future. The burning question of whether birds gain their ability of flight naturally remains in my mind. What if Tori can never learn to fly without guidance from its parents? In addition, if released back into the wild, can Tori look for its own source of food, since we have been spoonfeeding it? I fear Tori may have become over-dependent on us, placing too much faith and trust in all human beings.

Nonetheless, once a family member, always a family member. Tori will always be welcomed if it ever decides to return upon release.

Here are some pictures I took:



The above two pics were taken during a feeding session


Tori's incessant's chirping.

A Huge Update... with photos included!

It hasn't been too long since my last post, but quite a lot has happened since then, though not necessarily of great significant. For a start, results for my previous semester has been released. Fortunately, I managed to pass all my units, though I can't say that their grades are ideal. If you have to know, they are as follow:

-Marketing: 60 (my only second class upper score)
-Corporate Finance: 46
-Introduction to Business and Management: 44
-Organisation Theory: 36 (phew, I passed)

In order to get my second class upper classification, I have to work doubly hard for my remaining units this semester, which doesn't seem like it is going to be easy, after attending my first 3 lectures. Coincidentally, on my first week to school, while walking along King Albert Park, I spotted a pair of cats, just like I did last year, when I chanced upon a female cat with her kittens. Perhaps the kittens have grown up to be the same ones I saw? As usual, I shared a packet of fresh milk with them. One was slightly more wary of humans, since it jumped off the rock and stared at me from a distance. The another, presumably more greedy, sniffed at the packet of fresh milk before lapping it up enthusiastically. A kawaii sight to behold...

With the holidays over, my life is now packed with more activities. Apart from lessons on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, I have to attend RT sessions on Tuesday evenings and Sunday mornings. Yes, I failed my IPPT once again. As for work, Thursdays are the only time when I can head back to the office.

I am sure there are more issues I wish to talk about, but I can't recall them right now. Oh yeah, that and the fare hike of public buses. Grrr...

Previously, I promised photographs of my birthday celebrations. Without further ado, here they are:

Birthday cake from Cailin, one for Chai Bak, the other for myself


Boston Nut Brownie and Belgian Chocolate drink, courtesy of Gan and Mark


Botak Jones meal from Hui Shi


Kallen figurine from Luke, Marcus, Aw and Jason Tan (edited this post when Luke told me who contributed... hehe) Some people weren't willing to chip in?


Louise figurine from Hui Shi


Mugs from Chai Bak and a Cupid Voodoo Doll from Cailin


Shana figurine from my sister


Shirt from my sister and cards from Tracy and Hui Shi respectively

That's it for this post!

Thanks for the presents, and for remembering!

Now that the day is over, I should start a thread and thank all those who have remembered my birthday. It really means a lot, even if it is just a sms greeting. Without any further ado, let me start on my list:

-Chai Bak: Thank you for the wrapped present. I have yet to open it (as of typing this very post). How can I forget your efforts in organising our dinner outing at Waraku restaurant too?

-Cailin: I am sure the the Cupid Voodoo Doll will bring me luck!

-Hui Shi: Thanks for the Louise (Zero no Tsukaima) figurine, the dinner at Botak Jones and the Tatty Teddy card! Of course, the Happy Birthday song you played on the guitar was lovely. I appreciate your efforts in organising the activities on Sunday even though the scooter was unable to start. Maybe we are just not fated to take a spin? It may be a blessing in disguise too!

-KunaiX for starting a birthday thread for me on Tetra, as well as those who have posted in it. I am sure there will be more posts to come (hopefully).

-B-Studio for starting a birthday thread for me on HL. Again, thank you to those who have posted in it.

-Jianwen: For your sms greeting. After all, we celebrate our birthdays on the same day.

-Luke, Marcus and Aw: Your respective sms greetings. I have no idea how some of you obtained the information, but thank you all the same.

-Adeline: A SMS from Copenhagen!? It must be expensive. I will definitely store it in my mobile phone for a long time. And yes, I will be expecting souvenoirs from Denmark when you return. :P

-Jeffrey (Media Research): Thanks for the day off and the well wishes.

-Dad and Mum: Thank you for the red packets!

-My dear Sis: To think I was fooled by your acting. I never expected to receive presents at the last minute. Thank you for the Shana figurine and the funky T-shirt. Must have cost you a bomb. At least I helped to type your documents. Lol!

-Gan and Mark: We finally had a reason to meet up. Thanks for the supper at Coffee Bean; a slice of Boston Nut Brownie and a regular cup of Belgian Chocolate.

-Yoke Thye, Aw (again) and Janice: For your respective comments on friendster.

-Tracy: Your birthday card was just in time. :)

I have yet to upload all the photos onto my laptop. Once I do, I shall post them for viewing. Thank you once again!

Tribute to the 80-year-old Angsana Tree along Braddell Road

As much as I would like to talk about the new LG LCD tv at home, the recently redeemed LG Chocolate phone and my all my other current activities, I am compelled to make this post in regards to the recent turn of events concerning the 80-year-old Angsana Tree along Braddell Road.

According to the reports in last Thursday's Straits Times, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the National Parks Board (NParks) said they have decided to cut the tree down after receiving feedback from motorists involved in 'near-accident situations' along the stretch of road. The tree was saved in 2005 because studies had shown that a forked road between the tree would be safe as long as motorists observed the speed limit of 40km/h. Due to its size, authorities have claimed that it would be impossible to transplant the tree.

What does this move by the authorities represent? In my opinion, are they implying that it is all right to flaunt speed limits? If motorists do not make an effort to abide by traffic rules, and should accidents occur, then they rightfully deserve to be in hospital... or some other realm. Why should the tree be made to bear the brunt of the responsibility? When a consumer purchases an electrical product in perfect working condition, only to use it with wet hands, even when the manual clearly advised him against doing so, thus resulting in eletrocution, who is to be blamed? Definitely not the electrical product, and in the above scenario, the tree.

Countries and organizations all over the world have realized the importance of saving our earth. Less than 2 weeks have passed since the "Live Earth" concert and Mediacorp, the local broadcast station, is going green this month in order to raise awareness among Singaporeans. Shouldn't conservation and preservation of nature be part of the agenda too? By chopping down the 80-year-old Angsana Tree, what message are we sending out to the world, as well as future generations? Are these "green movements" just an act or gimmick to get into the spotlight?

I am currently 1 hour and 9 minutes into 15 July 2007, Sunday. Plans to remove the tree will begin today, if the current decision is not overturned. If I did not remember wrongly, removal of the tree will take a few weeks, so as to minimise inconvenience to motorists. Trees are supposedly non-sentient, but if they could experience pain and emotions, then this particular one must be feeling terrible. For it to be saved from the "gallows" two years ago, only to be proclaimed guilty now... for a crime it did not commit.

Here are some photos I took to commemorate the tree before its demise:

As seen from the opposite side of the yet-to-completed expressway


As seen from the stairs of a nearby overhead bridge


Rear view from the point of motorists


Oncoming view

I will be heading for my low key In-Camp-Training (ICT) this coming Monday, but once I am done, there will be another issue to tackle, the survival of the existing park, and what I deem to be a "mini nature reserve", beside Blocks 101, 102 and 104 of Bishan street 12... Wish me, or rather Mother Nature, luck.

Is there Life after Death?

Upon waking up late in the morning on Saturday, I heard from my sister that our grandmother has gone in a coma, with our father already rushed down to the hospital. Needless to say, my sister and I headed down to the hospital, and fortunately (in a certain sense) for us, we managed to catch a glimpse of our grandmother before she left us.

Grandma was supposedly admittted to Tan Tock Seng early on Saturday morning, with most of us expecting her to recover after some treatment. Instead, things took a turn for the worse and she fell into a comatose state. However, I believe that Grandma still had some awareness of her surroundings even though she could no longer speak or move freely. Why do I say so? When my sister and I arrived, we greeted her. Perharps it was my imagination, but I am pretty sure that she responded. Furthermore, her heartbeat was initially consistent around the 90 range, until Grandpa arrived, with it falling to the 80s. Finally, when her eldest son arrived, her heartbeat began to fall drastically. Deep down inside of me, I know for sure Grandma was waiting for everyone (those who can make it and those whom she seldom see) to arrive before leaving for the next world. Thus, I must make a point to remember the date: 9 June 2007.

The funeral is still ongoing and right now, I am at home because the various family members are taking turns to stand vigil at night. I do feel upset at her death, though most of the tears were shed by Grandpa and his children (my dad, my uncles, my aunts, etc). There is a certain extent of regret in myself, lamenting my lack of communication with Grandma due to the language barrier. I understand Cantonese, but I am unable to speak the dialect with ease. Nonetheless, memories of my Grandma remain, with one of the most important being her wish for me to do well in my studies during my younger days. Neither can I forget the photograph of my 3-year-old self with Grandma.

Grandma, wherever you are now, do know that your husband, children and grandchildren love you, even though some of them may speak loudly towards you in the past, with others seldom meeting up and communicating with you. On the surface, our actions may not seem like it, but at the end of the day, all of us wish the best for you. It was evident at the hospital and now, the funeral.

Without Grandma, my father would not have existed, and neither would I. Thanks to your strict upbringing, it in turn, made me into the moral person that I am today, or so I hope. Please have a smooth and peaceful journey, without worries, into the next world Grandma, which I believe would be a better place as compared to the one I am living in right now. Goodbye and take care, Grandma.

The Long Awaited Update!

Ever since my examinations ended last Friday, I have been too busy catching up on peaceful sleep, anime-watching, game-playing and basically, other "slacking" activities. However, as much as I am enjoying my holidays right now, I can't help but feel a little worried about my results. Hopefully, I would be able to achieve at least some second class (upper) honour grades for my subjects.

Since my "sis" mentioned it, I guess I should do the same too. After our Corporate Finance paper last Friday (which was also my last paper), Chai Bak, Cailin (my "sis") and I shopped around the Food Fair and MPH Book Sale at Expo before heading down to the Suntec Branch of Sizzler for dinner. It is difficult to imagine that 2 years have passed us by, from our initial introductions upon our sociology group allocation all the way till today. My final year at SIM would definitely be less exciting and more lonely without the two of them, and of course, Hui Shi as well. Unfortunately, we missed the opportunity to take more photographs while having dinner at Sizzler, but I remain optimistic that there will be another chance in the near future. Cailin is right; even on normal dining occasions, photographs can be taken. Photographs should not be reserved solely for special occasions such as birthdays, etc.

Apart from the ramblings of my daily life, I would like to introduce my readers to a relatively new and cute anime series, known by the name of Lucky Star. It follows the high school life of four girls, Konata, Kagami, Tsukasa and Miyuki, with other characters appearing gradually. The first thing about Lucky Star that would catch almost anybody's eyes would be its cute opening theme song, combined with the funky animated dance moves. There is no particular storyline to the series, simply following the typical lifestyle of high school girls (though for Konata, it is not-so-normal). If you are an avid anime fan, then you will definitely be laughing at some of their original jokes and parodies of other anime titles, with the notable examples of "The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya", "To Heart" and "Initial D".

To prove my point of cuteness, here are some pics to go along:

From left to right: Tsukasa, Konata, Miyuki and Kagami


A screenshot from the opening theme song


Lastly, Konata approves of this thread!

Friendships mean nothing when compared to relationships...

When friends place more emphasis on their girlfriends than on friendship, it angers me. What angers me further is that the friendship supposedly lasted for 16 years...

I had initially planned out a birthday gathering for some of my closest friends, two of whom are the "main characters", since their birthdays fall on the month of April. I had humbly requested that they postpone their other activities, since we no longer get to meet up that often. Unfortunately, things don't always go according to plan.

One of them had urgent matters to attend to at the last minute, whom I don't blame. The other... Here was how our conversation went:

Gambler: Can you make it?
Friend: How about lunch or supper?
Gambler: You have something on? Can't you postpone them?
Friend: How to push? I have to check my schedule.
Gambler: Ok, try your best to make it.

The next afternoon,
Gambler: Are you joining us?
Friend: I don't think so.
Gambler: You have work?
Friend: Er... ya, i have a project... and my girlfriend is at my place. Sorry
Gambler: Bye

I believe he last saw her this week, on his actual birthday, while we have not met for at least 2 months.

Happy Belated Birthday, my dear friend! Here is your present:


Lesson learnt: Remember people, even if you are in a relationship, do place sufficient emphasis on your friends too, difficult as it may be.

Spoilers: The Death of Sweet Princess Euphemia...

By the time you read this, Princess Euphemia of Code Geass has been dead for days, ever since the broadcast of episode 23 in Japan, in which Zero fatally shoots her to stop her genocide of "Elevens". Ironically, it was Zero who geass-ed her into doing so, albeit as a joke.

Suzaku witnesses the shooting, but unfortunately, even the medical knowledge of the Britannia Empire was unable to save Euphie. Euphie spends her last moments with Suzaku, with no recollection of her genocide acts, believing that the Elevens are happy with the Japan she created.

*Sob Sob*. Even though members of the 4chan community dislike the pairing of Euphie and Suzaku, likening them to Lacus and Kira from Gundam Seed/Destiny respectively, I actually developed a fondness for them, especially their love for peace and non-violence. Although idealistic, they are simply trying their best to achieve such a dream...

Not only did they kill off my favourite Euphie; to make things worse, it has been announced that episodes 24 and 25 of Code Geass will be postponed till summer 2007, due to the limited slots available on the broadcast station. Argh... Can't wait for Suzaku to avenge Euphie's death by killing Zero, who is secretly the former's best friend too.

In tribute to the sweet princess Euphemia, here are some pics:

Cornelia to the left and Euphemia to the right, during happier days.


During their younger years...


Euphie on her deathbed with Suzaku by her side


Soon to be the ultimate villain... I think


"Sayonara"


Departed...

On a last note, for users of tokyotosho.com, do check out their main page for the April Fools joke. Happy April Fools' Day everyone! Even though you know it may be prank, participate in it to liven up the atmosphere!

Thoughts and Opinions on Kimi Ga Nozomu Eien

What happens when two girls fall for the same guy, only for one of them to date him for a short while, before meeting with a car accident and falling into a coma for 3 years? Not a recipe for disaster, but rather a show that tugs at your heart strings. Now that the re-run of Kimi Ga Nozomu Eien, or better known as Rumbling Hearts to some, has ended, I can finally put my mixed emotions into words.

Mitsuki Hayase introduced her best friend, Haruka Suzumiya to Takayuki, with both the latter going out together and only for Mitsuki to feel miserable after that. An unfortunate turn of events saw Haruka involved in a serious car accident, where she falls into a coma for 3 years. During this period of time, Takayuki grows fond of Mitsuki due to her constant support and eventually, a relationship develops between the both of them. Then one day, Haruka awakes...

Personally, I am in support of Haruka and I can't wait for the new ending to be released. True enough, 3 years is a long period of time, and no one can control the various changes that would take place, particularly that of a person who has fallen into a deep sleep. However, to sacrifice friendship for love makes me detest Mitsuki and the indecisiveness of Takayuki fustrates me...

When Haruka uses the storybook analogy of Mayauru's Gift to describe her situation to Takayuki during their final farewell, it nearly brought tears to my eyes. Mayauru, a fairy who ages slowly, made friends with a little girl, who then brings other friends along to play. However as these humans grew older, one by one, they forgot about Mayauru, until the first little girl remains. Eventually, she too, has no choice but to teach the meaning of parting to Mayauru... the final parting gift being smiles from both parties...

Catch the series if you have the time, but be forewarned as storyline development is pretty slow. Typical of romance animes though.

Here are some preview pics:

Haruka and Mitsuki during happier days...


Mayauru's Gift


To the right is Akane, Haruka's sister, also my favourite character in the series...

P.S. The images are obtained from the original game series.

The fall of yet another great site...

As of today, http://danbooru.donmai.us is officially dead. Seems like its owner finally had enough of the unsavoury pics and decided to shut the site down for good. Nonetheless, it was good while it lasted. I pray that someday, the wonderful danbooru would be revived. For now, rest in peace.



After my late night jog earlier, I was walking past the local S11 hawker centre, staring at the various menus when the "fried fish slice bee hoon" stall caught my eye. Memories came flooding back. Two years ago, on the very day my A-level results were announced (the results for 2006 were released yesterday too, coincidentally), I remember having the exact same dish with her for lunch, at Toa Payoh, just after her Sociology mock exam.

Coincidence? Or did my brain will my eyes to look at that menu?

Happy Lunar New Year

Sorry for the late post, but like they say, "Better late than never"... Anyway, Happy Lunar New Year, my dear readers! May the year of the pig be prosperous, healthy, peaceful and smooth-sailing for everyone!

Finally returned the PS2 to Luke so that I can concentrate on my studies and prepare for the upcoming mock exams. However, I will miss playing Disgaea 1 and 2. For the sake of my first class honours, I have no choice but to give up on them... for now.

A major distraction would be the full set of the Eiken Club manga, now lying in one corner of my already packed, but recently cleared room...

Happy Singles Awareness Day (SAD)!

You want to know how I spent my Singles Awareness Day (SAD) on 14 February? Oh, before I continue, some of you may call it Valentine's Day, so don't be confused. We just have different perspectives on this issue.

According to Wikipedia, Singles Awareness Day (SAD) is a humorous holiday celebrated on February 14 (although some prefer the 13th or the 15th to get away from the commercialism associated with the 14th). It serves as an alternative to Valentine's Day for people who are single: that is, who are not involved in a romantic relationship and can therefore not participate in Valentine's Day traditions. Some observers of SAD do so out of spite for Valentine's Day, as a Hallmark holiday, or for other reasons.

On Singles Awareness Day single people gather to celebrate or to commiserate in their single status. Some want to remind romantic couples to remember those less fortunate than they are. A common greeting on this day by its adherents is "Happy SAD!"

Sadly, the day is often used by less-friendly couples as a day to simply remind the singles they know about their current, uninvolved status.

Back to my story though. I did not get anything for her this year, lest my gift would create more misunderstanding, but still, I have not forgotten that our 7th anniversary of friendship falls on this very day. Anyway, I spent the whole day at home, particularly with my corporate finance assignments, which were definitely too difficult for a typical student like myself. At least Shinobu was around to accompany me (in my screw loose mind and in the form of manga) whenever I took breaks. Never again will I spend this occasion in such a pathetic manner (though I get the feeling that the same scenario will repeat itself next year, just that it will be assignments of another subject)!

Stay tuned for more updates, especially my rant on the GST hike. Budget 2007 was announced earlier this afternoon...

Did I miss my chance?

As stated in the Life! section of the Straits Times.

Horoscope for Virgo(s) on 9 February:
Learning to let go is one of the best and healthiest things you can do for yourself. The trouble is, you know you could make everything better... if only you did this one last thing. Now breathe and release.

Horoscope for Leo(s) on 9 February:
Give that difficult person just one more chance. If you open your heart and shut down your ego, you might be surprised at what transpires. And, okay, if he messes up this chance, you can wash your hands of him.

I read the newspapers only around 1am on 10 February. Does this mean that I missed the perfect opportunity to put everything between myself and her right once more? Argh!

The Mysterious Workings of Fate

For two consecutive Thursdays, I have caught a glimpse of her out of the corner of my eye, whenever I am at the Food Court. For some unknown reason, I could sense her presence, even if it is for a split second. Sometimes, when you know a person very well, you will be able to identify them from a distance, distinguishable by their style of dressing, walking posture, etc.

However, this brings about my next point. As much as I would like to see her, I get a stab of pain in my heart as well, though it is definitely far less uncomfortable as compared to the earlier period of our so-called "misunderstanding". Seeing her brings about some form of joy, since I know that she is alive and well, but at the same time, I try to avoid her, and most probably, she is doing the same with me. Once again, I believe the term "coward" can be put to use appropriately because, somewhere deep in my mind, I am afraid that she would not acknowledge my presence, even if I were to say "hi". Many times have I resisted the urge to call her, and only by indulging in other activities have I managed to do so successfully. Perharps, a time will come when it is suitable for us to chat amiably once again.

Affairs of the heart aside, I am praying that volume 13 of GachaGacha has been restocked at Tian Di (local manga store). Still contemplating whether or not to purchase the manga edition of Elfen Lied.

If you felt that the anime "The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya" was good, go read the novel. I believe up to volume 9 of the series has been published, but public libraries only hold the first four books. A note of warning: Some of the chinese characters are difficult to understand, since they deal with the paradox of time and space, so it may take some effort on the part of readers to grasp what is happening in the storyline. Nonetheless, the novels fill up gaps left in the anime, and to get a headstart as to what one can expect in season 2 of the anime, READ the NOVEL! :p (Sounds like free marketing for the author)

Besides, I spent $25 or so on the Haruhi Suzumiya fanbook (chinese edition). Definitely worth my money.

My ranting for the day is coming to an end, but before I log off, I declare that I only have 12 days left before Valentine's Day and 332 days left in this year to find the Shinobu of my life! Gambatte!

HAPPY NEW YEAR... and my resolutions!

First and foremost, HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone! Although the first day of 2007 is coming to an end soon, may all of you have a prosperous, smooth-sailing, healthy, peaceful, and [insert your own desired term here] year!

Please continue to guide me along in 2007!


Shinobu: Gambler-senpai, do I look cute in my kimono? Let's visit the temple later today.

Jokes aside, here are some of the New Year resolutions that I have come up with (though I doubt I can actually fulfill them).

-Firstly, it would be to stop procrastinating (not even sure if that is possible, but I can always try to reduce the level of procrastination).
-Secondly, start paying more attention to schoolwork rather than indulging in affairs of the heart. First Class Honours, here I come!
-Start treasuring the stuff and people I have around me, rather than wait till they are gone before starting to feel regretful.
-Most importantly, try to be a more sociable person in public places, so that I can find my "Shinobu"!

That's about it for now... Again, may all of you have a great year ahead!

At the heart of Life is one big "If'... (back dated post)

Time for me to get a little philosophical today.

"At the heart of LIFE is one big IF." Comment.

Some scenarios that I have experienced over the past few days made me come up with the above sentence (maybe someone already did so in the past). Hence, I would like to ask you people: do you believe that some of the situations that you have ended up in are solely coincidences, or were they pre-planned by what we call fate?

Some examples for further clarification:
Last week, I held a birthday celebration for one of my closest female friend. Our friendship begun only a year ago, yet we are able to get along very well. If she didn't speak to me during our university orientation, and if we weren't put together in the same sociology group (randomly picked by the lecturer), would things have been different? During my earlier schooling days, there were some students in which I was classmates with for about 4 years, but yet, we spoke less than 10 sentences to one another.

Earlier on, after my remedial training session, I headed down to Junction 8 to shop a little (and for dinner). I lingered around the Singtel shop for some time and when I left, I bumped into Hong Liang whom I have not seen for years. If I did not linger for that few minutes, would I have met this old friend?

On the last day of my remedial training session, while I waiting for the bus to arrive, I noticed a man wearing black, looking at the bus routes posted on the on the signboard of bus-stops. Other than the fact that he was totally dressed in black, I took no heed of him, till he turned around. Only then did I realize that he was an old camp-mate!

Think about it and you may be surprised by your very own examples!

Note: Of course, if I did not watch the Love Hina anime series, would I be the Shinobu fan that I am today?