The Year Gone By

Woah, hold that champagne bottle! New Year is not here, not yet anyway.

Where has the year gone?! I wonder. It seems like I just read the newspaper about the The Aughties and write that post to celebrate 2010.

Looking back, 2010 is a year filled to the brim with events and memorable memories.

The inaugural Youth Olympics Games held in Singapore, now who can forget that? It was a defining moment for us as we stood in the stands at The Float singing the National Anthem and world youth athletes celebrated their legacy. We are part of history.

Riverdance at Marina Bay Sands is another first. Riverdance tours is bidding Singapore goodbye and I am so glad that I managed to catch it live, for the first time at the gleaming new Marina Bay Sands theater.

Not to mention, this is our first time staying at Marina Bay Sands, in a suite no less. The view from the Sky Park is amazing and now I see can why it is the new jewel in the skyline of Singapore.

I got into Director's Honours List 2010 which made the past year of hard work worth it. I have been waiting for that day for one year. To earn that certificate is more than what I deserve.

How could I forget the 11weeks of internship that haunts me till this day. It was, overall, a good experience but I wouldn't want to do it again. Now, that is one thing best left in the past.

On the entertainment side, 2010 earns special mention for "movies of the year". There is the start of an end - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, Eclipse, Rapunzel: A Tangled Tale, How to Train your Dragon, Alice in Wonderland etc.

There is also the grand opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park at Orlando, Florida, World Cup at South Africa which Paul the Oracle Octopus got famous, the problems-packed Commonwealth Games at India and many more.

Orchard Road flooding, anyone? Where passers-by were trapped by knee-height muddy waters along the prized shopping belt. Now, that was memorable because up till that day, flooding in Singapore is close to non-existence.

Other more sombre matters to note are Mdm Kwa Geok Choo's passing - others would remember her as the late Mrs Lee, the Downtown East fatal slashing where apparently gangs are still thriving in Singapore.

Like always, I don't want the year to end. It's too fast, always too fast for me to play catch up. I look back and think, why? Year 2010 leaves much to be desired and yet, 2011 is not any better. For a start, the first 2 months are jam-packed of exams and projects submissions and did I mention, I am graduating.

Finally

Ho, ho, ho! I had finally had the interview with my ex-boss and I got my cheque. Phew, I thought I will never see the day. There's only the performance appraisal left. But, they say they will mail it by year's end.

As Christmas nears, I am sort of getting a whiplash. I dread it, yet love the whole season in general. Why dread, you ask? It's because it means a lot to me, to see it passed, means I will have to wait for another year.

Seriously, the prospect of the new year is not very tempting. I guess I dread 2011 more than any other years because I will be graduating soon. Like real soon. And I have been in a "quarter-life crisis" since I was in secondary school.

I want to continue studying, really. But, we'll see how it goes. I seem to remember vaguely the troubles I have when I left secondary school and going on to tertiary education.

Ahh well, I want to promise that I won't put any more depressing posts, at least till the end of the year. I'll try.

White December

By Canele

Only 5 days to Christmas.

December always move too fast for my liking. For 11 months, I lamented over the slow pace of the year, yet when December comes around, it just disappears in a twinkle of an eye.

After this week, it's the New Year's week and poof! 2011 is here. Arghhh, no! It's too fast, I have yet to enjoy myself fully.

I always hate the new year, it's a year of beginnings, expectations and hopes. And I dislike that. There is the feeling that you have aged one more year, and the world will be different.

It's another year to endure. I'm the type of person who looks back and thinks of the good old days.

We all dream of a white Christmas, especially in the tropics. But, as you know, too much of a good thing can become a bad thing. Just look at the conditions in Europe now, I'll bet they are sick and tired of the snow.

Indeed, the heavy snow storms and blizzards wrecked havoc and chaos across Europe. From London to Paris to Belgium, international airports has to close in the busiest season. Traffic comes to a standstill and people are suffering.

Next week, I will compile a list of the interesting events that took place in Singapore and the days which are the most memorable in my life.

Flustering

It's a week to Christmas and I am in a fluster. It's all pointless worries, maybe. The year is ending and I have so much to accomplish, to do, to hand up. I have deadlines to meet, which stinks.
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The more I think about, the more depressing it seems. I can't even properly enjoy Christmas and New Year in peace. I hope to finish what I want to accomplish by the first week.
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I don't know, I need to get back on my feet again. After nearly 3 months of internship, which I have sort of lost track with, I can't find myself. Like my friends, I shared the same feelings as them.
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You CAN'T be a zombie when you are in school, that's for sure. Back in internship, it's all robotic and you can shut your mind out. When the sun sets, oh, it's time to go home and enjoy yourself before repeating the motion again for the next day.

I like school, I just don't like the responsibilities you have for yourself, the stress you pile yourself with.

I'm very bothered by the fact that I am relying on the company to help me in my individual project. Please, if not for that, and my pay and appraisal, I wouldn't have care about what they are doing or whatever.

All that I do, I do it for myself.

Commercialised Christmas

Who doesn't love Christmas? Not me, for certain. In fact, I love Christmas and it is one of my favourite holidays of the year.

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What's that not to like? The sights. The sounds. The smells. The feel. Christmas fills your five senses and it's everywhere!

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People have been saying for years that Christmas has become too commercialised. I agree but that is partly what I love about this festive holiday.

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The Christmas advertisements for various shopping malls, the streets all decked in in Christmas finery. The fake poinsettias and wreaths. Christmas shopping and exchanging presents have all but become part of the norm, even a tradition.

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I grow in an environment of commercialised Christmases. Besides, I am not a religious person so Christmas is all about chocolates, lots of goodies, sales, presents and being with family. I can enjoy everything at its fullest, from Ole St Nick to Christmas trees to presents to traditional Christmas songs.

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Don't be mistaken though, I love the idea of traditional Christmas too. You know, snow gently falling outside, logs smothering in the fireplace, sharing a toast and roasting chestnuts, building a snowman, having a real Christmas tree. I love all those and it's one of the dreams of mine to live this out.

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I want to celebrate a white Christmas, not what Europe is facing now though. But, when you situated in Singapore, the epitome of what Christmas is not, you have to make it work. No snow will be falling but we make do.

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Christmas always makes me nostalgic, as I have said over again. I don't know why but I just feel that another year is ending and I didn't achieve what I wanted. Somehow I feel a little excluded, like a person who look from outside at the celebrations going on inside a house. It's silly thinking but Christmas makes me feel that way.

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I make it a point to visit Orchard when it's near Christmas time to soak in this festive spirits. I want to see the Christmas lights and take in the sights of the wondrous displays of presents and sales. I love the sounds of Christmas carols in the air and the bags of presents that shoppers carried.

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Commercialism has never look so good.

Bad Start

This week is a bad start of November. I should have known better than to get out of bed.

On Monday, I don't have to report to the workplace but had to go to 2 schools instead. I was to be the stand-in facilitator as they cannot find any SMU students for it.

It wasn't fun, as per say, but I wouldn't mind doing this once in a while. As I am still a newbie, they practically throw me to the sharks, I sit around and make myself useful from time to time. Otherwise, I just took photographs of the on-goings.

There is no briefing for us interns, as we are their last resort. I didn't know what to do or to expect. I am not good with students or children, and I am quite "wooden" in a way.

It was so awkward as the students greeted me with a salutation or "teacher". I mean, c'mon, I am barely older than them, especially the secondary school students. It is mushy and weird to put a label to my name.

Certainly, this is an eye-opener for me and this is what I want to experience during the course of this internship. This is fodder for my report, to be frank. I have a lot to write about this and of course, writing it down here just means that it will be so much easier for me when I start on the report.

I went to red-dot museum with Bartley students on Monday. At first, I thought that it will be fun, as I can get to enjoy a field-trip. Alas, there wasn't much to see at the museum, the 'normal' students lost interest after a while and even I can't really appreciate the designs.

Thankfully, I got to go home early after the programme ended at QiHua Primary School.

I already feel sick, rushing here and there. Still, I thank my lucky stars that so far, I did not encounter any real problems finding the different schools. I had brushes with bad luck, but still, everything went quite well. I hope to continue riding on this wave, until the end of this internship.

Today, it wasn't a good day from the start. When I was waiting for the MRT, I received this SMS that I or the other intern has to report to Bartley Secondary because the original facilitator couldn't make it. Internally, I groaned. Why did I have a bad feeling that something like this will occur?

In the end, I had to go. I was prepared to be late anyway, and should there be a need for me to take a cab, they better pay it for me.

I wasn't very late and those students are getting on my nerves. I can't take rowdy and boisterous people and this is exactly what those 'normal' students are. They fooled around and cannot sit still to listen. Even the trainer is at wits end.

This week, it's same-old for me, all I can say is, thank goodness the week ends on Thursday. I have never been so grateful for a public holiday until now.

November Dreams

Hooray, agony October is coming to an end! The countdown can officially begin for "numb" November.

Although, I must say, with public holidays, birthdays and of course, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 all scheduled in November, I can hardly hate it. These are the only things that can make me happy.

I've kind of lose my fire over the everyday posting of the going-ons in my internship. After a while, it kind of gets old as the same old things happen over and over again.

I realise being an intern means you are pretty much a "dog". When the person throws the stick, you are supposed to run after it. Now, I don't mean it in the literal sense. I know the saying that a person will only treat you how you want to be treated. But, I am not in a position to negotiate or even voice out.

When things start to look better, things will go downhill after that. I have a new term to coin this period: zombiefied. I am not myself.

It is not just me who see this in the company. Even the newcomer can see it. The company, which supposedly dabbled in innovative and creative courses, is not so innovative and creative afterall. In fact, the system it adopts is a rigid and narrow one.

The whole system seems forced. They can't move out of their bubble although they tried. The result ends up being neither nor there.

They want to accept others' ideas but refuses to change. They have this thinking that "oh, you can go ahead and do it, I trust you". However, when you submit it, they will be like "no, you should do this, you should do that".

I mean, what is the point of giving free rein to someone only to dash it by wanting the final outcome to go your way. It's beating around the bush and they are just wasting everyone's time. You want it your way, fine. Do it yourself or just tell that from the start, for god's sake!

And the worst of them all sits at the boss seat. He is the one who started this whole "creative" and "innovative" business, but he fails in what he preaches. He can't see things beyond what he has in mind.

All I can say is, I am glad that I am a temporary staff. It's too stuffy in that sort of place.

Singapore Grand Prix 2010

Singapore is called the "crown jewel" in the Formula One race. As a Singaporean, I couldn't agree more.

Singapore is so spectacular and amazing at night! The skyline is really beautiful, now that Marina Bay Sands stands proudly against the night sky. While it is not exactly dazzling, Singapore can be on par with other countries'.

This is the 3rd race in Singapore and it still is getting rave reviews from foreign viewers. Yesterday's race was indeed a good one, with crashes and fires and situations that makes your heart thump. Such is the case of Hamilton and Webber incident. I'm so glad that Mark Webber came out unharmed and finished in a podium finish.

Fernando Alonso won, fair and square this time. He maneuvered with style and was leading from start to finish.

This year, since my original favourite was not inside, I decided to support Mark Webber, Sebastian Vettel and Jenson Button. There are two who are in Red Bull and Jenson Button in McLaren.

Singapore is still the only country with a night race and it certainly up the standards. With the street circuit aglow with megawatt lights, it seems like the sun shines on the particular route.

The night race attracts people because it is something new and with the backdrop being picture-perfect, who could ask for more?

Gotta Fly Once

Does it make me a lesser being the way I act with the idea of internship, particularly under this circumstance? I don't think so. Just like how it doesn't make one a greater person by being so accepting and thrilled.

There is, ultimately, only one path to go. If I have to be dragged, kicking and screaming into this insanity, I might as well feed my inner-self. As least one of us will be happier. Oh, I can be very accepting and supportive, this is just not the right situation.

I have done some soul-searching and have came up with this conclusion. In fact, I'm not upset over the general thought of internship, because I know it's a rite of passage that I've no choice but to go along. It's the mere thought of being exploited in a first-world country that makes me fumed.

I am toying with the idea on writing to someone, somewhere about whether all these are justify. Even if it doesn't help, hey, at least I know a bit of the law, right? And I will know that under what kind of circumstances I can draw a line at.

All I wanted was to better understand my rights as an employee, even though I'm actually an intern.

What a load of crap! Ok, I am still going to work during Saturdays, in my part-time job. I guess I'm eating my words now, because once upon a time, I ranted about quitting once September rolls in. Sighs, I am certainly not being forced or coerced into this.

I just thought that I should continue, afterall the job is very flexible, and I can treat it as a form of supplement to my measly pay.

You know what? All these just makes me more determined to make that trip to USA as a form of reward for all the crap I put up with this 3 years. I mean, if I have to do all these, I should have a form of "carrot", non? I hope to concrete my plans once the year ends.

Oh boy, Year 2010 kind of stings, me thinks.

The only way I'm calling it quits is when the end is nigh. I think, that's when nobody will care whether it reflects good on them or affect their goals. Now's that when I'll say "take your job and shove it".

Celebrating 600th Post

This is to celebrate my 600th post! Hip, hip, hooray!
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I can't believe I managed to reach this far! It's pretty amazing for me. To think that I felt apprehensive when I first started this blog because I was so worried about what people are going to comment.
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I guessed I gave myself too much credit. My lack-of-experience in the past made me think that people put emphasis on blogs. I am not famous, for one. Besides, I don't publicise my blog like some people do. Nor do I forbid others from reading them. There are but a few posts I privatised due to various reasons.
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Now, this blog was set up for myself. It is the only site I can do free writing. I love fanfiction but I don't write them. This is the only place I can practice my English skills since I don't take English as a subject anymore.
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This blog is very different from others, say other teenagers. I have seen quite a few who wrote about their outings and lives, period. Ahh, that's where I differ.
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I do write about outings and what I thought to be pathetic stuff like school and Life. But, I also do reviews for books, movies and thoughts about current affairs, world issues and anything under the sun!
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As long as I have the inspiration and time, I will pen them down. I considered myself to be a rather self-righteous person. I am opinionated, and I can't take things lying down, especially when it just begs to be written. I don't see myself debating, just giving my views.
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I don't always read what others have to say, because most of the times, they are narrow-minded individuals who can only see what is and not what it can be. I am talking about current affairs here, like the recent Youth Olympic Games. Only when I feeling a little masochistic, will I read those comments for fun and then I will get all riled up.
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Another thing to take note, I dislike changes. Therefore, my blog display remains pretty much the same when I first started out. I just couldn't bring myself to make a change because all the formatting and stuff will be gone. Though, if I have a nice title, I will do a new title banner.
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Here's to many years to come, and many more entries. Hopefully, it will be filled with good things and not the bad.
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Christmas in August, I like the sound of that!

Slowly, Softly, Sweetly End

With the tune of a single flugel-horn, and the beating of drums, the sacred flame was slowly, softly, sweetly extinguished. This brought out a torrent of emotions from me.

I didn't even watch the whole closing ceremony, just snippets of it. But, I think it was a fitting finish, it's very touching and reflective. As with the dramatic and youthful opening, the closing is a finish of promises to come.

As the young athletes bid goodbye to each other, the night was still young as the closing ceremony was dedicated to them and the volunteers. It was just reward for them as for the past 12 days, they have toiled and competed.

Ahh, how great it is to be young!

It's been too awesome a journey to put into words. Kudos to the team of volunteers, who have stories of sacrificial to tell. Kudos to the team of reporters and media who bring us news. Kudos to the people manning the twitter account and Facebook, whom a lot of people rely on for live updates.

Kudos to the organisers and committee who did it despite all odds. For a major event like this, past experiences are crucial when it comes to decision-making. Only from mistakes made in the past, will the current host country delivered a better event. Therefore, for us, without any main guides, we did well.

The IOC president akin the birth of the YOG to that of the birth of a child. In that short 12 days, the "child" has grown up and is ready to move on, in the words of Mr Ng Ser Miang.

Indeed, for many of us, how could we forget the day history was made? It has been two weeks of celebrations, competition and mingling. I'm extremely pleased with the rave reviews from athletes.

Through the Cultural and Educational Programme, athletes and volunteers learnt about different countries. The clinics and talks held by some Olympic medallists is great as well.

This is not farewell, because the Youth Olympics is just the beginning and the stepping platform for many of these athletes.

As spoken by Mr Jacques Rogge, goodbye and see you in Nanjing, China. The spirit of the YOG will live on and all this starts in Singapore. I hope that by Summer Olympics in London in 2012,
we can see many of these athletes again.

Saying Goodbye to Fond Memories

As Day 11 of the Youth Olympic Games winds down, you know it's time to snuff out the flame.

Tomorrow, the closing ceremony for the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games will take place and Nanjing, China will be the next host, in 2014.

Soon, YOG 2010 will become a distant but fond memory to many, for me as well. As some may rejoice life going back to normal, many will suffer withdrawal symptoms. Already, I can feel the panic settling in, because it will be D-Day soon. As soon as the YOG closes, it is technically, the end of holidays as well.

I will never forget this period of time, I have been, from the start, an active participant in all things YOG. While I did not sign up to be a volunteer, I was there when the flame arrived in Singapore. I was there, live, for the Opening Ceremony. I bought lots of memorabilia, from collectibles such as collar pins to official coin to DBS card. I have my daily dose of YOG action online and on TV.

It has been a great lesson for us all. For me, YOG 2010 is a crash course of Event Management, from risk management to staging to volunteerism to sponsorship.

Of course, how could I forget the hostility and negativity some Singaporeans had? It has truly been a good time to filter out all these people. Now I understand how some people, adults and what not, can whine and groan and complain at everything. For god sake, this is a joyous occasion, and yet it has to be marred by these people. And please, posting all these negativity online, where the whole world can see what whiners they are? And in turn, they may form bad impressions on Singapore.

Although, I must say, in every major event and decision, there will be people for or against it. Perhaps, it is the smaller-scaled here in Singapore. Perhaps, other places have it worse, what with riots and demonstrations.

For us, at least, they are confined to online sources and "fake" newspapers. These naysayers and trolls are on a roll and by right, the most efficient way to deter them is to ignore them. Their minds are so twisted and narrow that nothing positive can go in.

Frankly, we should ignore them and don't care about them. But, sometimes, they just get on people's nerves and you feel like rebutting them.

Anyway, it's ending. I am so angry that I will miss the live feed of the closing ceremony because I am working! It's too bad we are not going for ceremony, but we have already spend a lot on the opening.

Singapore Youth Olympic Games

Because nothing else comes close.

After nearly 2 years since winning the bid to host the inaugural Youth Olympic Games here in Singapore, after passing the 99 days countdown, all those planning, organising and rehearsals will finally take form tomorrow!
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Congratulations, to those who make this happen and work! You all deserve so much more than just another echo of thanks.
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Tomorrow, we'll show the world what we are like and what we have to offer. Tomorrow, hopefully, people will form new perceptions of us. A small country, an island to be exact, has manage to come this far and the first ever to host the Youth Olympic Games, which is the first big-scale event for us.
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By big-scale I mean that it is a smaller-scale version of the Olympics which can never occur in Singapore, likewise for FIFA Worldcup and others. Therefore, it is a blessing that the Youth Olympics comes along and small countries like us will now have a chance to welcome the world too.
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I'm so excited for tomorrow's opening ceremony because we're given a chance to be part of a historical moment. Yes, it may cost a lot but I think it will be worth it. There could only be one Opening and there could only be one chance to view it live, perhaps in this lifetime, especially so for my parents.
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How many years will it take for Singapore to host the Olympics again, perhaps never, perhaps in the not-so-near future. And when you think of it this way, it will make you feel better because a chance lost will never be found again.
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Even if the Games does come back, I'll be no longer the same person I am now, a youth. I'll no longer be feeling the same, the excitement and pride of a young person.
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I'm so glad we are going to be part of this movement. As Singaporeans, I feel that we should all have a part in this. Of course, the Opening Ceremony will be an eye-opener as well as a lesson.
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I will be really surprised if the Event Management exam does not have a question on the Olympics. Knowing the kind of person he is, the lecturer will surely pose questions on this, be it on sponsorship or volunteerism or event planning and staging. I want to do well and there are all these articles which are real-life examples of what we learnt in classroom.
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Now, I really feel the event management is a big business and all, but too bad, there are no more lessons. I feel that we can really discuss a lot in class. Surprising, huh?
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Once again, I'll not have the time to update again until I return home tomorrow night. Tomorrow is a long day, what with work in the morning and going to Auntie's house in the afternoon and leaving for the Floating Platform in the evening.
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I can only hope that it will not rain tomorrow, especially in the afternoon and night.
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Here wishing all the best to the performers who have come so far for this big day!
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Cheers!

JYOF - Northwest District

Oh yes! I'm so thrilled as I took shot after shot of the Journey of the Youth Olympic Flame, right here, literally at my doorsteps.

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I had this planned since Saturday. I tracked the flame progress live online and was so shocked that it started raining heavily around 1 plus. I just couldn't bear to be disappointed.

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My brother managed to skip his CCA session and came home to catch this moment with me. We made our way downstairs around 3.40pm, once I saw the flame icon was moving again on the screen.

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It was supposed to arrive around 3pm but perhaps due to the bad weather, they were deterred. I was so nervous, my heart was beating unevenly, when the flame stopped for so long. I even went twitter to ask why.

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I was so worried that I won't manage to take good shots but I did. The whole thing happened so fast. The entourage came on two open-top buses, the traffic police, the torch-bearer and the accompanying runners and more buses following behind.

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We saw the exchanging of torch as well. And then, they were off.

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Ahhh, it feels so satisfying to manage to catch this live, it's indeed a moment of a lifetime. This Saturday, I will part of Singapore's history as well.

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National Day Parade 2010

Happy 45th Birthday, Singapore!
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National Day Parade 2010 was wonderful and the lighting effects are so good! The theme this year is “Live Our Dreams, Flag Our Flag”.

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One thing that got me was how they butchered the beloved national songs. I can hardly stand to hear them.

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This year, the Parade was held at the Padang due to the Floating Platform being reserved for the YOG Opening and Closing Ceremony.

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Guess what? For a once in a lifetime experience, my family blew S$400 on the tickets for the YOG Opening ceremony. It will be worth it because how fast will the flame come back to Singapore again? Not at least till many years, perhaps.

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So, it’ll be Singaporean pride there. Even though our seats are the second cheapest, can you imagine us buying the grandstand which cost a whooping S$200 each? It’s too crazy.

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Anyway, back to the NDP 2010. The fireworks are magnificent, with the new Marina Bay Sands as a beautiful backdrop. Who is to say Singapore skyline isn’t comparable to other countries? It’s just as beautiful, if not better.

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The military march-in and the mobile column are some of the best highlights. Each year, I can’t help but to be teary-eyed as I think of how great it is that I’m in Singapore.

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I also noticed that this year, the word “grateful” keep popping out, this is indeed a timely reminder to us that we must not take what we have for granted. Just because we have all these up-to-date weapons and military, does not mean that we just forsake ourselves in our trivial battles.

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Everytime I watched the parade, the mood never fails to grab me by the throat and squeeze. I get chock-up over the pride.

Of World Cup 2010 & Paul the Oracle

"You know the World Cup is ending when people starts doing crazy things"

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And the World Cup came to a close this morning with a closing match between Netherlands and Spain.

I, for once, did something crazy. Like waking up at 2.30am in the morning to wake the match with my brother and having classes later on.

I'm glad I did it though. It was pretty fun although tiring. Once the TV was on, I quickly got online and started hanging out on twitter and facebook. In the darkness, I updated my facebook page and laughed at those posts by fellow viewers. Trending topics on Twitter were particularly funny.

I was rooting for Netherlands, just because. I just like their name "Oranje Army". It was quite the boring match, with lots of yellow cards being dished out. The players from Netherlands were almost half-booked with yellow cards.

They went into overtime around 4.30am and I went back to bed, since I had to wake up at 5.30am for school. At 5.00am, my brother came in and told me that Spain shot in their first goal.

Minutes later, Spain won. 1-0 to Spain. Hmmm, too bad for Netherlands, although my heart ache for them. Still, I'm not that big a football fan to groan and moan about it. I did think the referee was a little bias towards the Spain though, mistakes were blatantly made, yet he did not give them yellow cards like he did for the Netherlands. I agreed that the Oranje played it ugly and rough, but so did the Spain.

This is my first time waking up at an ungodly hour to catch the World Cup. I wouldn't say it was worth it, but I am certain I'll regret if I'm not in the action.

This year's World Cup proves to be entertaining, very entertaining. Ultimately, one winner emerged and it's not Spain. In case you live under a rock, you would have heard of a certain 8-legged "oracle" in Germany.

Paul the Octopus is declared as a Oracle and have bought uncontested entertainment to the world. He encountered joy and death treats and yet silently went on his life.

8 times he chose a country as a "winner" and 8 times he was right. It's hard to think that there is not some powers at work here. How many times can a person get this lucky? Regardless, he has to be a special creature that got onto the trending topic on Twitter as Pulpo Paul and dominate the news for days.

Fan pages are made for Paul and gathered so much of fans.

A Spanish businessman wanted to buy him, the Spanish Prime Minister vowed to protect him, people wanted to throw him to the sharks and fried him, people wanted him to be their mascot. And the list goes on and on.

Over the weeks, he has shot to fame by predicting the winner from a certain match. Over the weeks, his exposure grew. And then he take over the world by storm. World Cup was so much more fun when Paul was in it. This have got to be the first time ever in the history of World Cup that a sea creature hogged the limelight.

Now, if that's not a winner, who is?

Viva La Pulpo Paul!

World Cup Season

"The world stops turning when the World Cup is on"

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The World Cup season is here again! This time it is held in South Africa.
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I still remembered the good old times of past World Cups, my brother and I would childishly cheered our favourite teams and jeered the others at home. Sighs, I even wrote out a list of teams I like, determined by how I love the country.
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This year though, we would be only able to watch the opening, semi-final and final matches on free-to-air TV. For one, we are not huge enough fans to subscribe that highly debatable price the Telco charges.
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I, personally, can't wait for the World Cup 2010 despite not being a soccer fan in the first place. No, I don't chase after the English Premier League or other significant games. But, World Cup is a must-watch, isn't it?
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And isn't the World Cup's goal to bring together people, be them fans or not, to get them excited for their countries? In me, they have achieve that purpose, because I am excited and geared up for it.
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Productivity will go down, absentee rates will go up, sleepless nights are bound to be, cheers bound to be heard in the various pubs. You know it's World Cup season when these happen.

Le Premier Jour

"When Life gives you lemons, throw them back and demand something else"

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First day in school as a senior. Officially.
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Wow, it was a torture waking at 5.30am after a nearly 2 months hiatus. Naturally, buses were full of people but the bus I took had vacant seats.
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When I reached school, the front area near Engineering School had lots of people milling around. I bet most of them were first year students waiting for friends. It's quite funny though.
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Like my friend said, freshmen usually tend to stick around as a class for the first one month or so, and then they will start to spilt into their various groups and cliques.
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For us, we have "been there, done that". I'm quite desensitized.
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The situation in the canteens and buses are going to be bad for the first few weeks. There will be lots of students, all eager to make it. After the original first few weeks, attendance will drop and canteens will have vacant seats again. Not that I like canteen food.
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So, first day lecture was Event Management. I just found out that the month of August will be a holiday (study weeks) for us. It is due to the high participant rate in the Youth Olympics Games and the fact that the few week of September will be the examinations.
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Yay! All the more for me. I can treat it as a minor holiday before the day of reckoning.
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However, rather than cutting study materials short, I guess they squeeze all the syllabus before August. The deadlines for projects are certainly so. Oh boy, projects here and there. Have to start early.
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Well, that's that. Nothing to talk about actually. I'm glad to see my friends. One last year before everything changes. The debacle on JCs, Polys and Universities is making me very nervous and anxious. It's certainly a reality check for me.
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I know that going to University from a Poly route isn't going to be easy, but never have I thought it will be so tedious and difficult. I used to think that as long as I get good results, I can stand a fairly good chance of making it. Now? Not so much.
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I never think of stopping with a Diploma only from Day One. In my opinion, that's really not a choice if I want what I want. Each of us have different thinking, it's how you work it out that matters.
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In the past, I harbour thoughts and plans to go to an overseas University. I still do so, but I guess my dreams are going to crash. Going overseas is and still is my first choice for studies. If I can't make it this time round, there is always higher education like Masters. Then, I'll go overseas.
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At least, I have one year to work things out in my favour. I just need the strength and will-power to do that. If I am not changing now, when will I do so?
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Things aren't looking too good now. Life isn't a bed of roses, I know that. I just never thought that it will be a bed of steel needles. Sighs.
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Having work on Tuesdays and Fridays. Double Sigh.

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From the past to present

Brand new start in a brand new year.

I bet no one is too thrilled about it, be it going to school or back to work. I think that after nearly 2 weeks of hiatus/fun, reality is looking far too gruesome.

Oh my, the last 2 weeks of 2009 has been perfecto. It is the best days of my life. It is like we were making up for not being able to go overseas to spend Christmas. It certainly felt that way. I felt so blessed.
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Enough fun and indulgence to last me through the weeks ahead.
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Although I'm back to school for a few days on the last week of 2009, it was more relaxing than I thought. My father, who was on leave, drove me to school almost everyday.

I had more shopping done than in years. Shopping almost every week in the month of December. I had pre-Christmas and post-Christmas presents.

On Tuesday 22nd December, I went out with a primary school friend and caught up with each other. On 24th December, I went out for a movie gathering with some Sec 4 friends. The week before, the whole family went out and enjoyed ourselves, as if the weekdays were weekends.

New Year equals new beginning. My father scheduled to take his brand, new car on 31st December. Just in time to usher in the new year. The new car is in medium grey metallic, with a hint of olive green undertone. The colour was chose by us. The new car is slightly more spacious than the old one.

This Christmas, even though we spent it in Singapore, it felt more fun than ever. Or was it because of our expectations? It certainly exceed expectations, in my opinion.

Well, well, is it too early to start counting down to the end of my semester? February is just around the corner, isn't it? By mid-February, I'll be free! Before than, I'm going to be wound tighter than a screw.

It is going to be hectic. I don't need Alice to tell me that. Rushing for project this, project that. Oh goodness...

Indeed, my fantasy world is looking brighter as the moments slip by, reality is just this smack to your face, telling you to wake up.

I feel as if I haven't sort out my priorities, and even if I do, I am not adhering to them. Why am I feeling more relax than what I should be? Despite the new year, I feel I have not changed.

I have such expectations for 2010, since 2009 has been more or less great for me.

We drank a toast to now

31st December 2009.

Was nearly late for the movie as time was not on our side. We parked our new car at Raffles City and walked that long underpass to Marina Square.

Watched Sherlock Holmes with the whole family and cousin's family. This was my second time watching. The whole theater is full, what else? We were sitting too in front for my taste.

After that, we went for a late dinner at Hans since everywhere else were full with queues. Most of us had black pepper chicken chop since that's all that's left.

With 1 hour plus to spare before the the clock strike twelve, we walked around looking for a place to pass the time. Walked from Marina Square to Suntec City and drank drinks at Gloria's Jean Coffee.

It was about 11.30pm when we started to make our way down to opposite Esplanade at Marina where the firework display was held. You can see groups and groups of people walking the same way, it's almost like going to war.

Found a good spot where there's no buildings and trees blocking. The whole place that went on for metres were chock-full of people; foreign workers, teenagers, families, friends, couples... sitting on steps, on the grass patches, standing...

As the minutes ticked by, the noise got louder. People started giving out false alarms by shouting and whistling. It was rather funny.

No countdown was given since we were not directly at the party itself. The first fireworks splayed out on the clear night sky, almost as if pots of paints were splashed on a canvas. The cheers got to the maximum. Everyone was high. SMSes were sent out in record time.

The night sky was alighted with fireflies and falling stars, SOS signals and bursts of flowers.

Everyone was dazzled and awed by the magnifique display.

Fireworks creation has come a long way. I can still remember the limited colours and display of fireworks that was red, green and yellow of the past.

Now, there are fireworks that changes colours as it rained down. Fireworks that linger in the air for a long time as the sparks slowly fall. Fireworks that represent palm-trees, falling stars and fireflies. Big and small fireworks. Fireworks that literally light up the night. All that's left is the creation of fireworks that have words or numbers.

It can be comparable to Gandalf's fireworks. We joked about how that we can have black fireworks for the morning.

All the hours spent on just 8 minutes of wonder was worth it. Isn't this what most people are looking forward to? Once a year of beauty. The festive spirit was infectious there, after the last fireworks were shot to the sky, people started jumping around, wishing each other Happy New Year. Then, there's when things turned nightmarish.

The crowds went as fast they came. Most people started leaving the area and since barriers were set up, congestion formed. Thankfully, we came by cars, I shuddered to imagine the conditions in the public transportation.

It took us at least 45 minutes to get out of there and backed into our lovely car. We were all sweaty and cranky since the air-cons in the City Link were off. Luckily, there was no frenzy, we will all fall like dominoes if someone were to push.

We said that next year, we shall book a hotel room with a good and comfortable view of the fireworks display. How cool is that?

Reached home, bathed and turned in for the "morning". It was 2am plus when we slept. It was all worth it though. Even though we woke at 11am today and the leaving was tough.

Well, 2010 is here at our doorsteps.

My resolution for the new year is to toughen myself up. I need to maintain my good results. I want to be able to say "Frankly, me dear, I don't give a damn". I want to change, for better or worse.

I wish that 2010 will be so much better than 2009, economy-wise. Comfort-wise, I almost have it all. And that's is enough for now. There are times when I have the cake and eat it too. I have a wonderful family although I get irritated with them at times.

Entertainment-wise, 2010 will be a good year. The Sentosa and Marina IRs will be up, Eclipse and Harry Potter DH part 1 will be scheduled for screening, the grande opening of The wonderful World of Harry Potter theme park in Orlando, Florida, etc. Eeek, I can't wait to go!

I will be doing another post, looking back at the year 2009.

Goodbye to the decade with no name. The "Noughties" as some called it.

Cheers