greetings

merry christmas to one and all

been pretty tied up lately with moving the house and random other stuff.

getting my work out of the way soon and having proper hols, i hope.

2007 coming to an end.

Wee~~~

Time passes so fast when you are so young.

Sigh

no more 42

that's it.

i am officially declaring i will not participate in anymore full marathons.

i went thru the first time alright. the second time, i went thru the same agony.

Never again.

My body is not made for the 42 torture.

Sado-maschoist I'm not.

I might consider taking the half marathon, at least I can survive that far with glee.

Oh, and that said.

I have a job.

Been busy.

I got what I wished for so I gotta suck it up.

Yikes.

Ben

the reality of being a student

it was only yesterday that I did something out of my comfort zone once again.

it was just like any other day.

i woke up late and floated around the web before heaving my fat ass off to the gym.

after which, i met my close polymates, tiffany and aaron who have adjusted well to their high flying jobs.

joked a lot, shared a lot, laughed a lot.

and as it turns out yesterday, it only brought attention to my plight as a student on how my "allowance" limits me.

i had to reserve my finances to my main course while I look on with a glean of jealousy as they drank their tea and feast over their gourmet.

granted tiffany was nice enough to treat the fruit fondue, it only just highlighted it's time to wake up from la la land for me.

that said.

it sucks to be jobless.

i know it's my vacation but i have to watch the slimming bulge of my wallet.

what's eating up the hole is my dental costs and driving lessons.

speaking of which, i had my first lesson yesterday and i think it was super fun despite the engine jams. Weee~~~

and back to reality, these few days will be an intensive search for any jobs out there.

decent jobs that pay well. i abstain from insurance related jobs, just a personal peeve.

other than that, i really think by December, i should be earning my dough or i will feel damn downright miserable.

to carry on with the rest of the day, a mahjong session was held at night and since my wallet was being a miser due to my studently ways, i vehemently chose the cheapest route.

the reliable bus transport. from simei, i took 2 buses and walk 4 km to an ulu ulu place to reach my destination at 1.30 am.

it's an adventure for me i reckon.

and a normal day turned out not so normal after all.

forgetting to mention after 2 round of session, i chose to take bus home again and walk home from bedok reservoir which was like another 5 km.

yes, i'm crazy but you only live life once.

ben

smell the singapore air

Yoz.

I'm back on da mainland.

First off, it's good to be back.

Lemme recount my steps and share my thoughts throughout my return flight.

Somehow, I was not as eager as the previous time.

It was a feeling of wading through wanderlust.

Went for last minute shopping to get necessary souvenirs like nougats and fish oil.

Showered and packed my luggage.

Went for tibetian food with Zane and Marcus before heading to the airport, courtesy of Geri.

Upon arrival, the check-in queue was long.

My head was telling me, sianz, must be a full flight and worst off, from the sample population of the people in the queue, it looks like it's gonna be a miserable flight.

Finally was my turn, my 2 check-in luggage was H-E-A-V-Y as accounted for by Mr. Zane.

And yes it was. 42 kg in fact.

I tried to be polite and smile to her while I talk.

A little flirting goes a long way, although I wasn't sure how to measure effectiveness of the "smile", I was able to pass thru.

I always though student allowance was 40kg, didn't know it was 30kg as a matter of fact.

Went to the bookstore and got a magazine to while away time.

Waited at the lounge and like 1 hour before the boarding gate was open, Asians started to queue.

So kiasu [roll eyes].

I managed to book the last few rows where I could lie all the way back without anyone kicking me from behind.

Was pleased with Singapore Airlines as usual.

Everything was up to expectations, just that of the top 5 featured movies, I already have downloaded 4 of them on my laptops so there wasn't much movie selection left, save for Underdog and a Mighty Heart.

There was this gal who serve me, i think she's quite pretty in her dolled-up SQ girl persona.

Throughout the whole flight, I barely even slept.

I just couldn't and didn't know why.

I visited the loo like 6 times, not because I had an upset stomach but just wanted to find something to do.

I always like SQ toilets, it's SO much spacey as compared to the rest of the other airlines I've taken.

Collected my luggage, didn't use my alcohol allowance and met my brother and parents.

It was a great feeling, haven't seen them for 3 months plus.

It was barely dawn, headed down to the SAME market for breakfast (The previous time I came back, we went to the same market). Begins to think this is a family ritual.

Ate vegetarian bee hoon, you tiao, half-boiled eggs and milk tea. Most of the other stores were not open, although I look forward to oily carrot cake.

Went home to unpack a bit, but my kind-hearted tired brother fetch me to Aljunied to get my handphone back from Jacque.

Grrr... he scratch my new phone cover. Then, headed to Sheng Shiong supermarket to get my toiletries.

Headed home, unpack till 12 noon, had a light shower and tried to nap.

Failed terribly as I barely clock 1 hour of sleep.

Right now, I'm just feeling out of sync, my head is light headed from the lack of sleep.

Am heading down to City Hall later and also meeting my family for dinner again.

Further thoughts to share, I'm beginning to feel more family-oriented and starting to cultivate a gentlemanly behaviour after my overseas study stint.

Oh yar, not forgetting, I'm in need of mahjong therapy, so *waves*, I'm back !!! Call me, call me.

I'm free now before I start finding work.

And to end this entry, I'm trying to finish my mom's porridge which was meant for lunch but it's like 3:45 pm here and it feels like dinner for me. Yikes.

i'm walking on sunshine

Yes.

My exams are over.

It just seems like a breeze as compared to my friends who have YET to start having their first paper and their last paper are like a fortnight later.

So yea, lucky me.

I'm coming home soon.

Whoopie.

My internet at home is down. =(

Am just slacking these last few days, really nothing to do.

Am looking ahead at job opportunities and really do hope that I'm able to seize one.

Packed my luggage halfway le, really nothing much to do.

Oh well.

Singapore, here I come.

Ben

ten study commandments

It just hit me like a thunderbolt of realization that I'm not living in fantasy land.

It's 11 days to my first final examination paper and I still have 2 uncompleted assignments and no undue revision.

That's bad in my books.

I only can blame myself for my slacking.

Hence, I have whipped myself to abide by my self-inflicted 10 commandments to get my brain into shape.

Ben's 10 Commandments

#1: Thou shalt not login to World of Warcraft servers at any given time till the final papers are OFFICIALLY finished.

#2: Thou shalt not engage in World of Warcraft related chat lest Ben gets distracted

#3: Thou shalt follow his study schedule of topics

#4: Thou shalt not engage in mindless and idle chatter on MSN

#5: Thou shalt have 7 hours of sleep everyday and sleep no later than 2am unless rushing assignment deadline

#6: Thou shalt not even attempt to shop or think of shopping for clothes (thereby erasing the thought of going to direct factory outlet).

#7: Thou shalt not covet in friend's luxury of freedom to enjoyment.

#8: Thou shalt not purchase ANYMORE snacks ESPECIALLY chocolates until my supply has disappeared to my stomach abyss

#9: Thou shalt visit the gym regularly to maintain a healthy lifestyle for an active body for an active brain.

#10: Thou shalt be diligent and surf less internet and spend more time in books.

That said, I will be in hiatus and be in book haven for like the next fortnight.

Have mercy on my soul and pray for me.

i'm not dead ... yet

Hiho.

It's been a long while since I posted.

I'm still sacrilegiously alive.

Bogged down with assignments and World of Warcraft.

Can be pretty bored down under but I make do = )

Have one assignment due in 5 hours and I'm like 80% done.

I so hate third-person essays.

I'm like SUPER distracted to concentrate on finishing my assignment.

Life is well and good, played lawn bowling last Saturday.

Something unique and interesting that I wouldn't mind going again. It's not an "old people sport".

Counting down the weeks and soon I'll be back !

Until then.

Not forgetting photos which I look horrendous by the way. If you use your magnifying glass, you'll be able to spot Marcus. Wahahaha.

one week hols

Blogging has taken a backseat lately, guess my penchant for blogging depends on my moody typist fingers.

That said, it's my one week semester break now.

So, less busy with no assignments due in the next fortnight or so.

Still, have to be busy mugging for my marketing research exams.

On one note, I seem keen to be a market researcher, since I fared pretty well in my assignments.

Must maintain my scores, at least get 2 distinctions.

Chants ***work harder***

I had my share of fun too k.

I went down to Wet n Wild which is a water amusement theme park near Gold Coast and I had a ball of a time.

I have photos of course but kinda lazy to load. = P

Had a decent tan, then headed down to Gold Coast for dinner.

Got my nephew a little something, so he'll get it when I get back.

Will be heading back to the beach in a few days time.

Winter is over and the sun is out in full blast. Love the heat, hate the chill.

Been watching So Do You Think You Can Dance and they always play this song at the departure of the eliminated female contestant.

"I will remember you" by Ryan Cabrera.

Love the song, and it's NOT representative of what I'm feeling now whatsoever.

I'm happy being a student, mugging and getting my grades.

Just can't wait to go back to Singapore to get down nitty gritty aka work.

Looking for holiday jobs like an internship in an advertising agency or a bank.

Anybody got lobang ?

EMAIL ME !!!

Ben

realization of age

It occurred to me recently that I'm no more going to be a young adult.

20 - 23 would what I classify as young adult.

And 24-27 would be what you are as an adult I suppose.

I shall not get into the technicalities of 27 and beyond because by my own definition of 30 and above, that would be a label befitting for a relic.

Okay, I exaggerate.

Back to my main point.

I have roughly less than 365 days where my label as a young adult will come to an end.

I spend a majority of my life studying, acquiring knowledge for the good of my future.

And I'm still in the midst of it.

I read somewhere you spend 1/6 of your life at work.

And since you spend 1/3 of your life at sleep then that leaves half of your life for whatever.

I also reckon you spend 1/10 of your life traveling too.

Ok, enough with the numbers.

But yeah, starting to look at the young ones around me and how I'm so significanly mature.

Then again, I have the heads up because I have some what of a mature point of view.

So yeap.

Chants mantra of "Think positive".

Been busy with work lately, spend last Thursday overnight doing up an assignment.

It was crazy and manical and I woke up for a Friday morning lecture.

Things I do when I'm young.

I think must try all the dare devil stuff now before next time I do it, people see me do it must be thinking I'm some fuddy duddy that is acting young.

Fwahahahaha.

Oh and I just burst into laughter a minute ago.

I'm now mugging in the library and I saw a fire evacuation poster, and someone liquid of the V and change it to a J.

Back to mugging,
Ben the soon-to-be ah pek

hitting 23

I'm another year older.

Don't feel any different though.

Still look the same I suppose haha.

Had a casino buffet to celebrate with uni friends.

Nothing much.

Had a 16 hour World of Warcraft marathon session.

Something special for the weekend I suppose.

Much ado with all my school stuff now.

Ben

quick update

Just a quick buzz on what I'm doing lately.

Mid-semester exams are approaching, I'm steadily doing my preparations so I'm assured on that part.

Got one coming on this Saturday morning so am amped up for it.

Just make scrambled eggs for breakfast, no fuss really.

I do need a change of breakfast menu though, I alternate between bread, oat flakes and eggs.

Need to add in more variety like maybe finally including some panacakes or waffles of sorts.

Life is pretty much sedated as usual.

Played Texas Hold'em poker yesterday and I think I quite like the play.

Using wit, luck and guts, it's a bit like mahjong, just less noisy and some quick thinking.

It's end of week 5 here in Oz, can't wait to pack my bags for sunny Singapore.

It can be terribly cold and freezing here, especially with the change of season and the monsoon typhoons drastically alternating weather conditions everywhere.

Today is grocery day so yeap.

That's all to update.

Ta.

planning the weeks ahead

I know I'm going to sound crazy.

But, I'm beginning to get into the groove of school.

And I love the adrenaline rush of projects and assignments.

Just keeps me going and pumping.

I guess when I was planning my next few days out, I kept looking at my scheduling.

And how excited I was.

And yes, call me sick but I love to plan my days ahead.

Keeps me on the ball and alert of things to come.

I have a checklist of items to clear this weekend.

And like all other weekends so far in Australia, I hardly venture out for more than half a day.

And I'm contented being cooped in my room.

Be it playing computer games (World of Warcraft) or doing my assignments.

Now, WoW has to take a backseat as I'm assignment-oriented.

I hope this keeps up and I don't run out of steam.

I'm looking forward to the weeks ahead.

In a flicker of the eye, soon it will be final exams, and soon, I will be home again.

Woot~, I hope to get an internship or find a work placement.

Can't wait to start work and earn my moolah.

Corporate ladder, here I climb !

a lecture of irony

Today's afternoon lecture was as stale as usual.

There was a only whiff of irony when the lecturer threw a question to the floor.

Lecturer:"So, define the Australian culture."

Student #1: Drinking.

I sniggered along with the lecturer nodding his head in approval.

Student #2: Laidback attitude to work.

I smirked along with the lecturer nodding his head in approval.

Student #3: Multicultural

I rolled my eyes, in irony.

For those who don't study in a foreign land, you'll know what I mean.

"sniggers"

morning sights and sounds

Every morning, you wake up to familiar sights and sounds.

My forever-missing alarm clock, a cup of milk and the iTunes whistly soothing your morning nerves to awaken.

And in my living room, I've been looking at this 2 cute animals in this position for the last 2 weeks.

And I wonder if they are ever tired.

To not 'beat around the bush' anymore, just observe below.


No wonder I hardly ever use the living room.

And yes, poor Eeyore ... or is it .... poor Shark ?

***Note to readers, they are NOT mine =) ***

Singaporean solidarity

I think to testify being a Singaporean, you would need to be away from Singapore for a period of time to know what's it like.

Just a few hours ago, it was Singapore's 42nd birthday.

And, unlike every year where I try to avoid watching NDP as I still reckon it's whole waste of tax payers money to show our neighbours our military strength, I went against my own convention and WATCH it.

Along with 100+ Singaporeans crammed in a lecture hall.

Watching from thousand miles away in Brisbane.

Watching the live telecast from the distance.

Feeling the big difference. Of a thousand miles.

On missing the whiff of home.

Because I did. I did not tear but when Kit Chan sang the theme song for the year, I think it was throughly heartfelt among the people that sat around me.

A still silence of soaking in the lyrics of the song, sinking deep into our hearts.

The camaraderie is amazing.

The national pledge and the singing of the anthem.

You can see the wholeheartedness from the spoken words.

I found that truly amazing.

From a thousand miles.

And everyone yearns to be home to familiar sounds and smells.

This is where the heart is.

Happy Birthday Singapore = )

Heroes

One of my favourite TV shows main characters are coming down to Singapore but I won't be there.

So sad = (

Waiting for season 2

Rum0ure has it they have the prequel of Heroes the beginning.

So exciting.

"Save the Cheerleader, Save the World"

farewell, my comrades in crime

Farewell.

It seemed harder to let go.

Still recalling the events of few days abuzz.

I can still remember the departure scene at the airport.

My friends and family was there.

How it all seemed so easy to just wave goodbye with a glean of a smile that everything was gonna be okay.

But at the boarding gate, my tears just welled up and shed.

It was a wave of sad regret that I'm leaving my friends and family once again.

For a long period of time.

And the 36 days I had with them, was truly tremendously amazing.

I thought it was a little crazy sobbing at Changi Airport when I hadn't even left Singapore ground.

Suprisingly, the flight on Qantas (which was terrible in terms of service), my journey back to my new apartment and the last few days unpacking has not been a similar scene.

I miss my friends back home, and I'm glad the photos I take with them is something visual I can appreciate.

entourage of swines n smartypants alike

harem of wifeys =P

BFFs

Pop, Momma & Me

36 days

The vacation back to Singapore has certainly been a memorable trip.

36 days.

Well-spent, I admit.

My time however one sees it, can be short or long.

But I made it worthwhile.

My outings with friends for KTV, mahjong, coffee and clubbing sessions has cemented my friendship with them.

I'm thankful for them and I cannot wait to be back soon in the later quarter of the year.

Got loads of important agenda to settle back in Brisbane.

In a way, my break has given me new perspectives.

Of my self-worth, my standing in society and new possibilities of directions in life.

How I steer myself through the journey has yet to develop.

It seems maturity is seeping into my bloodstream.

Now, I cannot wait to get back into the grind of the get-go.

School is abuzz and a new semester begins.

I came back knowing that I had loads to do and I left knowing that I had accomplish so much what I had set to achieve.

Elation.

Ben

Day out with the gals : Lays n Qianz

My cute lil nephew



Back to school with my lecturers n poly mate, Tiffy



Birthday boy, Tim



MOS with Gwenne babes



Edi @ Cathay



Me with one cute mutt



John & Me



BFF Jacque

home to momma

It's been a fantastic week back in Singapore.

Did so much wonderful stuff.

Eating food not found in Ozzie like You Tiao, Hainanese Curry rice and mee rebus.

Catching up with friends over Gelare, bubble tea and clubbing.

I guess it is an amazing feeling to be back home.

I start to sense the stark difference in lifestyle.

The weather is a killer of course, with the humid weather being a scorching factor.

Getting kind of burnt out by going out every single day to town area.

Taking a few steps back now to pack my room.

Realize I have loads of thrash in my room.

Those meaningless trinkets that have accumulated, it's gonna be a big clearance sale literally speaking to the rubbish chutes.

Photos to commemorate the last few days:

Just the 3 of us

Clara n Me =)

Sexy Gwenne n Me =)

Me n my uni mates in Din Tai Fung (within 8 hours of touchdown lolz)

Few more weeks before I'm Brisbane bound once more.

Part 2 is commencing soon.

Can't wait to graduate and get it over and done with.

Ben

mugging time

it's time like this where the week is long.

you loathe the tick of the clock.

and the belly starts bloating from no form of exercise.

yes. it's exams now.

and i have to sweat it out this period.

wish me luck.

ben