Sunday, October 11, 2009 @ 10:05 PM
thief in the night
Thief In the Night - David Choi
Somehow through this house of mine
The windows shattered
The brick walls crumbled down
All without a sound
How this happened, I dont know
But this funny feelings something
Ive never felt before
Like a thief in the night
you came around, you came around
To steal away my heart
Didnt see, didnt hear
When you came around
When you came around
to steal away my heart
You took everything away
You took my soul
You took my heart
But Ive been smiling these days
If theres one thing that Ive found
Its that love can sneak behind
And pin you to the ground
Like a thief in the night
you came around, you came around
To steal away my heart
Didnt see, didnt hear
When you came around
When you came around
to steal away my heart
Oh it came to be
Sounds hard to believe
That love found me
That love found me
Like a thief in the night
you came around, you came around
To steal away my heart
Didnt see, didnt hear
When you came around
When you came around
to steal away my heart
When you came around
I gave away my heart
The windows shattered
The brick walls crumbled down
All without a sound
How this happened, I dont know
But this funny feelings something
Ive never felt before
Like a thief in the night
you came around, you came around
To steal away my heart
Didnt see, didnt hear
When you came around
When you came around
to steal away my heart
You took everything away
You took my soul
You took my heart
But Ive been smiling these days
If theres one thing that Ive found
Its that love can sneak behind
And pin you to the ground
Like a thief in the night
you came around, you came around
To steal away my heart
Didnt see, didnt hear
When you came around
When you came around
to steal away my heart
Oh it came to be
Sounds hard to believe
That love found me
That love found me
Like a thief in the night
you came around, you came around
To steal away my heart
Didnt see, didnt hear
When you came around
When you came around
to steal away my heart
When you came around
I gave away my heart
Sunday, June 14, 2009 @ 11:59 PM
donate to charity... without paying a single cent!
If you need a break from all that playing/partying/studying (applicable for us poor Sec 4s) in this vacation, I suggest you do something really simple and meaningful. It will cost you absolutely nothing (not even your time), but will benefit many underprivileged people and support charitable causes. What do you need to do? Just watch Jumbafund!
Let me explain. Kevjumba is this cool guy that blogs over Youtube, with millions of people watching and subscribing to his videos. He's been around for quite a while, just doing videos about random stuff like
Girls are like MnMs
and
Asian's Just Aren't Cool Enough?
I'm not sure how this works, but Youtube has decided to cash in on his popularity and pay him for every video he uploads, and for every person that views his videos. And since he will/has been receiving quite a huge sum of money, he opened a dedicated channel just to earn money to donate to charity. The videos are also about random stuff, but more centered around his college life since now he's studying in UC Davis.
Now your part is really simple. To contribute, simply:
1) Watch Jumbafund videos
2) Ask more people to watch Jumbafund videos!
You will be able to choose which charity to donate to, so you do have some say in who gets the money.
And if you think his videos are crap and not worth watching, WAIT! You don't have to watch them at all! Just click on the link and turn down the volume or something and continue with your usual activities. But do tell your friends about Jumbafund.
If you think that your single, puny effort is not significant, think again. For the month of May, Jumbafund earned US$1708.51, and this sum was $1257 just 5 days ago. All this money will be sent to St Jude's Children's Hospital for research and rehabilitation.
I hope I was able to convince you to participate in this effort. I'll leave you with a Jumbafund video =)
Sushi boats and X men origins
Let me explain. Kevjumba is this cool guy that blogs over Youtube, with millions of people watching and subscribing to his videos. He's been around for quite a while, just doing videos about random stuff like
Girls are like MnMs
and
Asian's Just Aren't Cool Enough?
I'm not sure how this works, but Youtube has decided to cash in on his popularity and pay him for every video he uploads, and for every person that views his videos. And since he will/has been receiving quite a huge sum of money, he opened a dedicated channel just to earn money to donate to charity. The videos are also about random stuff, but more centered around his college life since now he's studying in UC Davis.
Now your part is really simple. To contribute, simply:
1) Watch Jumbafund videos
2) Ask more people to watch Jumbafund videos!
You will be able to choose which charity to donate to, so you do have some say in who gets the money.
And if you think his videos are crap and not worth watching, WAIT! You don't have to watch them at all! Just click on the link and turn down the volume or something and continue with your usual activities. But do tell your friends about Jumbafund.
If you think that your single, puny effort is not significant, think again. For the month of May, Jumbafund earned US$1708.51, and this sum was $1257 just 5 days ago. All this money will be sent to St Jude's Children's Hospital for research and rehabilitation.
I hope I was able to convince you to participate in this effort. I'll leave you with a Jumbafund video =)
Sushi boats and X men origins
Sunday, June 7, 2009 @ 8:15 PM
invest + pop
20 May 2009. CHS SL Investiture, the day when I suspend all my student leadership activities. NPCC Passing Out Parade happened on 8 May, so now I officially have no more commitments in school (other than studies). It's not really how I expected it to be. Pre invest and POP, I was in high spirits, looking forward to finally getting rid of all these 'commitments' or 'burdens', and the loads of free time I would have. Post invest/POP, although I am happy that I can finally step down, but life is strangely very empty for me now. What Tian Ming sir said about us feeling like 'there's something to do, but nothing to do anymore', or having no purpose anymore, is eerily coming true. There can no longer be the sense of satisfaction experienced when we complete a project successfully, or the bonding (and lame jokes) I enjoyed with juniors, squadmates and Council mates. Life feels like it's going to turn into endless days of mugging, tests and exams. I hope that doesn't happen.
Nevertheless, I have lots of lessons to take home from NPCC and Student's Council. I learnt people skills: how to interact with and engage people, how to show confidence and pride in yourself; work skills: excellence and dedication in whatever you do, and the initiative to help. I also learnt that as leaders, in order to have change happening, we must always speak up for what we believe in, and fight for what we want. The incident of Friday the 13th really made me see the diastrous consequences of not speaking up and quietly following even when we didn't like the system. And lastly, by working with others, I saw the different types of people in society and how to accomodate everyone, even if we disliked someone. And I really believe these lessons will put me in good stead when I leave CHS for other places.
As Councillors, we went through a lot of hardship, especially so during Council camp. The pledge we recited today during Invest brought back vivid memories of very gruelling and trying moments during that night in the hall (I can't reveal much due to it being secret). But it was all for the good of us, and I'm sure we emerged stronger as a batch. It's heartening to see our Sec 3 batchmates maturing and stepping up to lead people and organize events. Council must have really taught them something. The only regret I have about Council is that I didn't join earlier. If I did in Sec 2, I could have contributed more to the board and made more out of my time in SC.
When I was in Sec 1 after I just joined NPCC, our squad leaders told us that after 4 years, our squad would be 'closer than classmates'. This statement is true to a certain extent, as although we are rather divisive and had occasional falling outs, there are lots of people in 30th batch that I can call as 'great friends'. I won't forget the times we spent going for camps, hikes, organizing stuff and having fun outside.
To my Council mates and squadmates: Thanks a million for all the memorable experiences, and the great friendships we shared. I hope the organization won't be the thing that keeps us together, but the solidarity we share.
To my juniors: Thanks also for all the great times we had together. Congratulations if you got a desired post! And if you didn't get the post you deserved, don't be crestfallen or anything. A teacher once told me that 'even if your talents and ability isn't recognized now, someone will see it another time, and you will definitely be rewarded for your effort'. Keep pressing for what you believe in, and if you have proven to be comptent, people will surely approach you. I know this sounds all cliched and cheesy, but I myself have gone through such failures and disappointment before, but saw the truth in my teacher's statement. So all the best! =D
So yeah, that should be it. By the way, Nixon shared with me this song by Switchfoot which basically sums up my life in Council/NPCC.
Switchfoot - This is home
Nevertheless, I have lots of lessons to take home from NPCC and Student's Council. I learnt people skills: how to interact with and engage people, how to show confidence and pride in yourself; work skills: excellence and dedication in whatever you do, and the initiative to help. I also learnt that as leaders, in order to have change happening, we must always speak up for what we believe in, and fight for what we want. The incident of Friday the 13th really made me see the diastrous consequences of not speaking up and quietly following even when we didn't like the system. And lastly, by working with others, I saw the different types of people in society and how to accomodate everyone, even if we disliked someone. And I really believe these lessons will put me in good stead when I leave CHS for other places.
As Councillors, we went through a lot of hardship, especially so during Council camp. The pledge we recited today during Invest brought back vivid memories of very gruelling and trying moments during that night in the hall (I can't reveal much due to it being secret). But it was all for the good of us, and I'm sure we emerged stronger as a batch. It's heartening to see our Sec 3 batchmates maturing and stepping up to lead people and organize events. Council must have really taught them something. The only regret I have about Council is that I didn't join earlier. If I did in Sec 2, I could have contributed more to the board and made more out of my time in SC.
When I was in Sec 1 after I just joined NPCC, our squad leaders told us that after 4 years, our squad would be 'closer than classmates'. This statement is true to a certain extent, as although we are rather divisive and had occasional falling outs, there are lots of people in 30th batch that I can call as 'great friends'. I won't forget the times we spent going for camps, hikes, organizing stuff and having fun outside.
To my Council mates and squadmates: Thanks a million for all the memorable experiences, and the great friendships we shared. I hope the organization won't be the thing that keeps us together, but the solidarity we share.
To my juniors: Thanks also for all the great times we had together. Congratulations if you got a desired post! And if you didn't get the post you deserved, don't be crestfallen or anything. A teacher once told me that 'even if your talents and ability isn't recognized now, someone will see it another time, and you will definitely be rewarded for your effort'. Keep pressing for what you believe in, and if you have proven to be comptent, people will surely approach you. I know this sounds all cliched and cheesy, but I myself have gone through such failures and disappointment before, but saw the truth in my teacher's statement. So all the best! =D
So yeah, that should be it. By the way, Nixon shared with me this song by Switchfoot which basically sums up my life in Council/NPCC.
Switchfoot - This is home
I've got my memories
Always
Inside of me
But I can't go back
Back to how it was
I believe you now
I've come too far
No I can't go back
Back to how it was
Created for a place
I've never known
Chorus:
This is home
Now I'm finally
Where I belong
Where I belong
Yeah, this is home
I've been searching
For a place of my own
Now I've found it
Maybe this is home
Yeah, this is home
Belief over misery
I've seen the enemy
And I won't go back
Back to how it was
And I got my heart
Set on
What happens next
I got my eyes wide
It's not over yet
We are miracles
And we're not alone
(Chorus)
And now after all
My searching
After all my questions
I'm gonna call it home
I got a brand new mindset
I can finally see
The sunset
I'm gonna call it home
(Chorus)
Now I know
Yeah, this is home
I've come too far
And I won't go back
Yeah, this is home
Always
Inside of me
But I can't go back
Back to how it was
I believe you now
I've come too far
No I can't go back
Back to how it was
Created for a place
I've never known
Chorus:
This is home
Now I'm finally
Where I belong
Where I belong
Yeah, this is home
I've been searching
For a place of my own
Now I've found it
Maybe this is home
Yeah, this is home
Belief over misery
I've seen the enemy
And I won't go back
Back to how it was
And I got my heart
Set on
What happens next
I got my eyes wide
It's not over yet
We are miracles
And we're not alone
(Chorus)
And now after all
My searching
After all my questions
I'm gonna call it home
I got a brand new mindset
I can finally see
The sunset
I'm gonna call it home
(Chorus)
Now I know
Yeah, this is home
I've come too far
And I won't go back
Yeah, this is home
And why can't time just slow down?
Labels: I
Wednesday, May 20, 2009 @ 4:41 PM
Coldplay meets Taylor Swift
Mish mash (more like one song after another with a fantastic transition) of 'Love Story' and 'Vida la Viva'. I have only one word to say: Awesome. (I rarely use this word, so you should understand the significance when it appears) The piano and cello are wonderfully paired, and it brings out the essence of 2 otherwise common songs that you hear everyday. Anyways,you must really watch this video. Creations like this make me appreciate the existence of music, and feel that it must be a higher being that inspires people to make such beautiful tunes, especially so when it's for his '7 year old daughter, who just loves the song'. Damn I wish I could make music like that.
Btw, sorry for the long break in posting. I'll get back soon. :D
Tuesday, May 19, 2009 @ 12:17 AM
my fabulously awesome sixteen
Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you Thank you! :)Thanks everyone for making my transition to sixteen years all the more fun, fantastic, awesome and memorable. Without all of you, it might have been a very different kind of day. I know this sounds cliched, but without all of you, this day would not have been special or meaningful for me, so yeah, thanks again.
To Dennis and Ken, it was really great having a 'combined celebration' with you guys. It wasn't exactly perfect (no thanks to that GV auntie who refused to give us NC16 tickets), but it was definitely fun and a great way to spend a relaxing Sunday. And of course, Jiasheng, Joey and Ken's friends Edward, Shawn Matthew and You Zhe (sorry if I accidentally missed out your name), thanks for coming along to make the outing more vibrant and jovial. You guys really added life to everything and I hope you enjoyed it too. :)
To the School Of Thought people (Amanda, Sarah, Ryan, Preston, Daphine, Sonia, Joel, Xifan, Ximian, Zhi Wei, Natalie and Miss Eu) it was really a pleasant surprise to receive the book and card (and song)! I'll treasure all the gifts (and our friendship too), and a really big THANKS for making the effort to do all these stuff. Keefe, Josh and Ryan (Keeshuaaaa =D on the card), thanks for the really cute bread - squeezy toy! I would have walloped it had there not been a metallic key - chain dangling from it. Anyways it's really nice and I appreciate the gesture tremendously.
The bird between the Happy and Day is a 'Sulphur Crested Cockatoo'. The pointy head is a reference to my occasionally spiked hair I believe? The book 'God Explained In A Taxi Ride' was a really interesting and intriguing read. I finished it in a train ride. I'll read it again, though. Thanks for the book! And on the bottom right is the dear squeezy - bread. :)
Of course, I can't forget my wonderful family for contributing the rest of the gifts! I really love the new Apacs racket, which feels heavenly to hold and use. Somehow it has given me inspiration to perhaps consider going professional in JC. :) The watch (sorry I forgot to put it in) is also a brilliant gift. I had been without a watch for quite a while since my old watch broke and this watch is really a great help and a nice addition to my life. And lastly, the new phone is a blast. It sure beats the Nokia, which broke down on me, and I like its slim, sexy, lightweight design. And lastly, thanks for bringing me to dinner on Sunday. Yeah it was one hell of an overpriced dinner, but I enjoyed the company and food nonetheless. :)
And to everyone else who made my day by saying 'happy birthday', or making this day such a joy to spend, you have no idea how thankful and grateful I am for all these gestures. All of you prove the notion that life would be meaningless if there were no friends to go through it together, and also the fact that simple gestures can actually brighten up the lives of others. So thank you!
16 is the legal age for a couple of things, including NC16 movies and the right to own a pilot's license. =D And it carries with it a lot of responsibilities. Being on this world for such a short time, perhaps it's not fit for me to say this, but I've been through quite a lot in these short 16 years. There were many occasions of joy, happiness, successes, and an equal amount of heartbreak, tears shed and grief. What I've learnt, however from all these events is this: No matter what happens in life, always move on. And with regards to what you believe in and your pursuits, never stop fighting to achieve them, and always press on. Don't let others change what you want or deserve in life. And I believe that one day, you will be rewarded for your efforts, some way or another. =D With regards to today, I've made some personal resolutions for myself, and I hope I can achieve them. :)
1) To press on steadfastly and dilligently in whatever pursuit of life I set myself on, and not stop until I reach my goal.
2) Take a more serious viewpoint on my religion and how I can be more committed to it.
3) To make the lives of the people around me brighter and happier :)
So yeah, once again, Thank you, Domo Arigato Gozaimasu, Xie Xie, Merci Beaucoup.... and the list goes on. =D
To Dennis and Ken, it was really great having a 'combined celebration' with you guys. It wasn't exactly perfect (no thanks to that GV auntie who refused to give us NC16 tickets), but it was definitely fun and a great way to spend a relaxing Sunday. And of course, Jiasheng, Joey and Ken's friends Edward, Shawn Matthew and You Zhe (sorry if I accidentally missed out your name), thanks for coming along to make the outing more vibrant and jovial. You guys really added life to everything and I hope you enjoyed it too. :)
To the School Of Thought people (Amanda, Sarah, Ryan, Preston, Daphine, Sonia, Joel, Xifan, Ximian, Zhi Wei, Natalie and Miss Eu) it was really a pleasant surprise to receive the book and card (and song)! I'll treasure all the gifts (and our friendship too), and a really big THANKS for making the effort to do all these stuff. Keefe, Josh and Ryan (Keeshuaaaa =D on the card), thanks for the really cute bread - squeezy toy! I would have walloped it had there not been a metallic key - chain dangling from it. Anyways it's really nice and I appreciate the gesture tremendously.
The bird between the Happy and Day is a 'Sulphur Crested Cockatoo'. The pointy head is a reference to my occasionally spiked hair I believe? The book 'God Explained In A Taxi Ride' was a really interesting and intriguing read. I finished it in a train ride. I'll read it again, though. Thanks for the book! And on the bottom right is the dear squeezy - bread. :)
Of course, I can't forget my wonderful family for contributing the rest of the gifts! I really love the new Apacs racket, which feels heavenly to hold and use. Somehow it has given me inspiration to perhaps consider going professional in JC. :) The watch (sorry I forgot to put it in) is also a brilliant gift. I had been without a watch for quite a while since my old watch broke and this watch is really a great help and a nice addition to my life. And lastly, the new phone is a blast. It sure beats the Nokia, which broke down on me, and I like its slim, sexy, lightweight design. And lastly, thanks for bringing me to dinner on Sunday. Yeah it was one hell of an overpriced dinner, but I enjoyed the company and food nonetheless. :)And to everyone else who made my day by saying 'happy birthday', or making this day such a joy to spend, you have no idea how thankful and grateful I am for all these gestures. All of you prove the notion that life would be meaningless if there were no friends to go through it together, and also the fact that simple gestures can actually brighten up the lives of others. So thank you!
16 is the legal age for a couple of things, including NC16 movies and the right to own a pilot's license. =D And it carries with it a lot of responsibilities. Being on this world for such a short time, perhaps it's not fit for me to say this, but I've been through quite a lot in these short 16 years. There were many occasions of joy, happiness, successes, and an equal amount of heartbreak, tears shed and grief. What I've learnt, however from all these events is this: No matter what happens in life, always move on. And with regards to what you believe in and your pursuits, never stop fighting to achieve them, and always press on. Don't let others change what you want or deserve in life. And I believe that one day, you will be rewarded for your efforts, some way or another. =D With regards to today, I've made some personal resolutions for myself, and I hope I can achieve them. :)
1) To press on steadfastly and dilligently in whatever pursuit of life I set myself on, and not stop until I reach my goal.
2) Take a more serious viewpoint on my religion and how I can be more committed to it.
3) To make the lives of the people around me brighter and happier :)
So yeah, once again, Thank you, Domo Arigato Gozaimasu, Xie Xie, Merci Beaucoup.... and the list goes on. =D
Monday, April 27, 2009 @ 10:46 PM
back to the stone age
If you were browsing through the World section of the April 18 issue of the Straits Times, you might have come across this eye catching, full - page advert:
On first glance, it might look like Uniqlo Singapore is thanking all its patrons for their great support during its opening in Tampines last week. However, if you take a closer look, you will realize that it carries a very different message.
It reads: "To avoid overcrowding when the store is busy, we will have to maintain a queue. This is both for the comfort of shoppers to view and try the apparel, as well as ensure the safety of any expectant mothers, children and senior citizens. We seek your understanding on this."Forgive me if I misinterpreted the advert, but I think it was reminding shoppers the importance of a queue? I was rather taken aback by this, because since when did humans need reminding that it was important and essential to do something basic, like queuing? It's like putting a sign in a toilet cubicle, stating "For the convenience and comfort of the next user, and to maintain the cleanliness of the toilet, please understand that you must flush after using the toilet." Pretty obvious, right? Don't get me wrong. I fully applaud Uniqlo Singapore for putting up such an advert, to urge patrons to behave sensibly and have proper decorum in the store. However, I feel that it really says a lot about how much society has progressed (or matured), if we need to be reminded that basic stuff like queuing was important.
Oh well, just some food for thought. :)
Oh well, just some food for thought. :)