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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Musings on Life

It is what we want in life that shapes the person within.

It’s true, we all started out more or less the same, as time passes, people change, for better or worse. And when we are in our twenties and look back at where we started, would we wish to change things then?

It is the priorities one has in life that makes him do the things now. Do you want to be a sportsman? If then, what would you sacrifice to get what you want?

I have priorities, in life and in schoolwork. Because I'm not that kind of person who go about life in a haphazard manner. Just like how you have a million and one things to acquire, but only have the means to get what are the most important first and leave the rest for later, or perhaps never.

I'm sure I'll regret not choosing the other paths, but won't Life even be more pathetic if I keep thinking about the "have-beens" and "may-bes"?

If I have a time-turner, I would love to go back in time and see the other paths. Would I have chosen them then, or would I still choose this, ultimately?

Lately, I've been thinking a lot. The meetings with friends and the suddenness of seeing myself out there, I have been thinking about life.

I don't regret going through my school years oblivious of the trivial things that had been going around. Firstly, I am not one for gossip. Secondly, frankly, I don't see myself gasping in horror or otherwise just because this guy goes out with this girl.

I've always been oblivious to the surroundings since young and maybe I don't plan on changing now. Still, it will be good to keep up with times now and then.

I am too afraid of being pathetic, of being stuck in nowhere. I want to change, you know? But it is harder than I thought. The human mind is resilient and I'll just have to believe.

Like what my lecturer said, "it's about the mindset, you can't be competing with people all the time, because you'll end up falling or getting a brain hemorrhage. Just compete with and push yourself. Just because you are lecturer and a friend is a CEO doesn't mean you fail as an individual. If you keep thinking about how unfair life is, then you will get nowhere."

Another lecturer said, "to be successful doesn't necessary mean in monetary terms or credentials. Perhaps, your parents are successful because their child has come so far. This is a form of success too".

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.

Letters to Sir

Because I didn’t get to do teacher evaluations this time round, and since I have a lot of things to write, this will have to sate. I wonder why the lecturers didn't give the evaluation to us, were it just plain coincidence?

Dear sir,

I get it that you have tons of experience in the working industry, but do take note that you are not in that kind of environment anymore, where looking down at your subordinates is the norm. Even then, there are all kinds of protocol that "forbids" this. I would like to remind you that, first and foremost, this is an educational institution.

We, as students, are here to learn and get good grades. True, the school may be preparing us for the working world, but this is, alas, not THE working world. Do take care of you treat us.

Please, regarding that attitude of yours, you could always be a little bit more approachable and friendly instead of keeping a distance away. We need your advice and help.

Yours sincerely.

My dear sir,

I get it that you have the best intentions for us, but please tone down your enthusiasm. It’s really getting on, I can only assumed, everyone’s nerves. Since Day 1, you have been repeating and repeating yourself over and over again that we can quote directly.

And you really need to work on your time management skills. Do not treat us like fools. When you say something, do make sure you adhere to it, only then, can you use your authority to make sure your students stick with the regiment.

It’s pretty unbelievable that you said one thing and did the complete opposite.

Stop the nagging! I wish you well in your endeavours.

Yours truly.

It’s over. Hooray!

I told myself that this will be the last post on my depressing life in school for this semester. But, the teacher just had to nag and nag and nag and blah his way through the last lesson. There really is something wrong with him.

Everytime a student shared, he will add in his 10 minutes speech and you get the point. An originally short lesson turned out to be a full-blown session with him. For freaking sake, this is terrible, extremely terrible.

But, it’s over and I’m glad. It is hard to hate someone when he gave good grades to us. My discontentment with them has gone down a notch after these few days. I can even say I feel fondly of them, too bad, it just have to be the last day before the feeling come.

Slaving for Glory

"We slaved all this while, just for recognition and a moment of glory"

But, it is worth it.

Today, we got back our Events Management group project, and the lecturer wrote lots of remarks. What got our attention was the "good". Woah, I never thought I'll see this day. I guess it is worth the gruelling hours we put in and more.

I don't know if he write all that for the other groups, however, I felt great and alive at that moment. Finally, isn't this what we aim for? I still don't know the grade and never will. I can't only hope for an A.

His praise and attention is so hard to get and this makes everything tougher. He wrote that we should edit the report and keep a copy each as a personal proposal, to help us should we ever need it.

And here, we ended the term, more or less. Tomorrow's the last day and we shall cheer and grab the chances we have left, because the end is nigh. What we leave behind, shall never be found again.

It's too depressing for my poor mind to take. I can't think about the holiday-less future. Can you imagine it? I literally live for holidays, with them gone, what else is there to sustain me? Books? Sure, if there are good ones.

SIT Exam & Sentiments

What a heck of a ride!

Phew, I am glad that I went through it alive, more or less. I am certain that my brain cells died, a lot, and of course, my spirits.

Semester 3.1 is a killer term. I never saw this coming.

Hmmm, today's SIT exam, how should I put it? I am speechless and I think I required therapy to get over it.

It's not difficult, as per say. But, you know me, I didn't finish studying till the last minute. I swear I won't do that again. It's hard, so hard to remember everything.

The test is very lengthy. There are so many things to write and I ran out of time. Damn you all! I can't believe my mind went blank at the crucial question! I just sort of gave up when I realised the time I lacked.

No, no, I don't think I won't do well. But, the ball is not in my court now, all eyes will be on the teacher's decisions. Please, I really need that A, I still harbour hopes that I can get that A.

The questions asked are not exactly common sense, there are some which requires pure memorise work. I think I did fairly well, I just hope that the points I gave fit.

1 hour and 50 minutes is not enough! I scribbled my way on the second hour and thought that I will still have time. I should have done the case-study questions first! The problem is that I spent too long on the short-answer questions.

Sighs, the term is almost over and I thank god for it. Any longer and I can just go bang my head. It's too much, I can't take it. I really need a getaway to escape from reality.

Who will sponsor me for a getaway? Nobody but myself. If I have the means, I will surely go for a nice little retreat. This is what I plan to do when I start working proper. So, saving is the top priority.

Now, now, I keep putting off things for "Destination Orlando", I'll really hurl if I don't fulfil my year-long goal. I save and save, all for this trip. I must make it successfully or else... It will be a reward for all the things I have done over the years. I deserve it, don't I?

All the things I did, I did them for the greater good. So, please, don't ever disappoint me.

Semester 3.1 has been really tough. It's been a uphill battle. It's as if we are some poor soldiers with nary a weapon in our hands. The lecturers this time round have been tough too. I've witness the good, the bad and the weird. This term, they consist of the bad and weird.

I've lose hopes of getting a good lecturer.

Anywho, I won't see them again, I hope. This semester is nearly done, well, except for the exams. I'm nearly out, which I fear. There won't be another chance like this, ever. And when the time comes, I'll look back and scoff at whatever I am writing now.

I will look back with fond and not-so-fond memories and laugh in horror over these posts. Sheesh, I am getting too sentimental. I guess what I need is a good cry.

Panicky

"When I panicked, this is the time to pay no notice of me"
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No, it's not that I'm not confident. Perhaps I always panicked because I feared for the worst. What-ifs always float around in my head. What if my mind just went blank in the middle of the exam? What if I fail?
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But, I guess the point is that I have done well in the mid-semester tests, so why should I fear now? Am I adding unnecessary problems and scenarios to myself? Maybe. Truly, I am scared, anxious and my heart is palpitating.
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What's more is that the subject I fear is kind of common sense. Environmental and other problems are considered to be my area of forte. Didn't I do this again and again for Geography?
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However, I fear that common sense will desert me when I need it the most. Speaking of which, looking back, I can't believe I've come so far. How ever did I make it past the 4 years of constant mugging and memorising?
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It's a vicious cycle.
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Another problem with me is that I never learn. Humans don't ever learn, do they? I told myself again and again that I shouldn't revise at the last minute and yet everytime, I did just that. For all that is holy, this has got to stop.
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Starting from this week? The problem is that I just can't bring myself to study when I am finally free from the curse. My mind has been blissfully blank over the weekend, it is the only chance after a few consecutive weeks of torture.

Non-existing Presentation & JB

Hmmm, how should I describe yesterday?

We made plans to go to Johor Bahru, Malaysia as soon as our presentation ended. It was meant to be our last presentation yesterday.

We reached school as usual, 9am and sat outside the class due to the lecturer stating that only the group presenting will be allowed inside, with the exception of each group's representative to ask questions.

He was the one who said that each group is only given 20 minutes at most to present and the question-and-answer session. He was the one who said that each member is to keep the speech to 1 and 1/2 minute.

So, why did he allow blatantly allow the groups to cover more than 30 minutes of presentation, hence exceeding the timing and left the two last groups hanging?

It pissed me off to no end that we got scammed into coming to the non-existing class, wasting two full hours sitting outside the classroom in our formal wear.

This is what I hate about people. He was the one who make it a point to say those instructions and everyone was present to hear it last week. Therefore, it is only polite and correct to adhere to the instructions.

Even if the students themselves exceeded their allocated timing, then, proper timekeeping should be made. I don't see a problem with Special Interest Tourism presentation a couple of weeks ago. The lecturer made sure that there is 5 minutes grace should a group exceeded time.

Naturally, we were angry, given that we are the 4th group. When the 3rd group finished, the hour was up and the lecturer had to rush to another class. Please, don't do something you can't even keep.

If he had wanted a long presentation, just say so and allocated the presentations over 2 weeks, alright? This is common sense. Don't go making false promises just because you are a lecturer.

The worst thing was, he assumed that we will be free, for him, and he wanted us and the last group to present at 1pm. Sheesh, what did he think he is? That we exist purely for him, for the school?!

So, we told him, that we are leaving Singapore at this moment and we will not be free. Which is true, we already made plans to go JB in Malaysia to sort of celebrate.

And he did not apologise to us. Please, for god's sake. The least thing you could do is to say you are sorry for keeping us waiting. Sighs, this shows that teachers aren't infallible and have no sense of apologetic.

Originally, he wanted us to go back on a Friday to present but a friend said that he is flying off on Friday, again due to his empty promise that he will change his class to a Tuesday. Urgh, what is the matter with him, anyway!

Anyway, so now, we're still not done with our presentation and had to go back to school on Tuesday to present, from 11pm to 12pm.

We took group pictures and surprisingly, we took a class photo too. For a class that never bond in 1 year, this is really surprising.

We changed and took a bus to Woodlands and from there, take the MRT to Jurong Est interchange before going up the bus to Malaysia.

It was quite exciting actually. I have never travel overseas with friends before.

The bus sped all the way to JB and we were shocked that the bus seemed to know where to stop and the commuters seemed know where to the bus, when there are no bus-stops. The commuters stood under trees and the bus will pick them up. Strange.

We had fun in the big shopping mall called Jusco. They ate at Pizza Hut and I had take-away KFC. The food is cheap there. Of course, we mustn't forget Baskin Robbins! The one we did for the franchise project.

The ice-cream cakes look so nice and the flavours are plenty. Too bad there is no Love Potion. We ordered triple scoop ice-cream and it costs us 13 ringgit, which is cheap for us. Normally, one scoop would have cost around S$ 3 plus.

We did some window-shopping and walking around. I though that their OPI nail polish will be cheaper there but, alas, that's not true.

By 5.30pm, we were leaving the place and had to walk a long way in order to take the bus home.

It was fun, albeit a little too short. Although my feet were killing me.

Rose-painted Glasses

"What, afraid of a little competition?"

Yes, as a matter of fact, I am. Who isn't? Though I hate myself for feeling so competitive when I am looking in wonder at my life.
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PDI presentation was over and I guessed it went ok. Other groups were better at this, I had to admit. For some reason, I just don't find this subject and presentation as satisfying as the others. But, I still hope that we can get at least a B+.
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For some reason, I'm having conflicted feelings whether the term ending is a good thing. Apparently, I can't make up my mind. On one hand, I am voicing out my happiness vocally, because this is the almost the end of the crap of a term. On the other hand, though, there have been good days.
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The August holidays is something that marks the end of the polytechnic life and yet, while I look forward to it since the beginning, it is something sinister.
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3 weeks, there could only be 3 weeks of utter relaxation and bliss before everything will turn into a neverending nightmare. Of course, I have forgotten that during the 3 weeks, I am suppose to be studying for the end-semester exams.
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So, I've to plan on what to do during that precious 3 weeks. Surely, it will be the time to catch up on my previously bought books and more new books. Which means that I'll have to cut down on the time spend online.
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I have to make the Harry Potter DH countdown clock! With help from my brother, perhaps. It have to be magnificent, so I will have to find gorgeous pictures.
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I have to tidy up the room as well. I have to paint, ah, must not forget. I have to continue to make beadwork. I have to work! Which is a stupid idea.
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I'll write more when time permits. But, if not now, then when?

Reflections

"Selfish is a beautiful word"

And why not? For everything you live for, it's for yourself. While the world does not spin for you, things do revolve around you.

I believe everything happen for a reason. I must credit luck and the higher powers for the things I have and achieved, but at the same time, I believe I deserve it.

Of course I feel proud whenever I got good results, because I know that it's another hurdle passed. Let's just say I would stop at nothing to get there.

And is it truly a bad thing to wish so hard for things to go your way? Perhaps they don't need it as much as I do. Perhaps given the effort I put in, I believe I should get a greater share. Don't ask of me to share the success with the rest of the people who did nothing to contribute. Afterall, we aren't even acquaintances.

"As the term winds down, it's time to reflect"

Truly, I am right. It's been an emotional roller-coaster. It's been a "hell of a ride". I've been through highs and lows, pretty low in fact. I must say, I am blessed with good group members who are dedicated to the course.

Because I know we couldn't do it alone. As much as things differ and feelings may arise, we still stuck close and let's pray that our hard work pays off.

I don't know. I know we can't possibly dominate all subjects, but a girl could wish. Besides, one or two teams are pretty competitive this time round.

And this is what I fear and hate. I hate myself for feeling competitive and wanting to compete on everything. I had to. I fear that suddenly we will ease to exist. This is why I try so hard, to do well and be good. I am a firm believer that overall matters.

Somehow, I am not as sure this time compared to last semester. It's near impossible to get all As again. I swear I'll scream if I did it. I need a miracle, a couple, actually. Please.

Disgusted

I'm thoroughly disgusted by the subject of Product Development and Innovation. Perhaps, I'm just not into designing products from scratch, especially all those technical parts.

Anyway, things are wrapping up and winding down. Let's just get tomorrow over and done with and I can finally start on housekeeping. By deleting away all those bits and pieces of drafts. They are all over the place. Urgh.

I'm thankful for the group members who have stuck through, since they are the ones who more or less keep this project alive. But, it is not saying I didn't keep any project alive. I guess everyone just have his/her day.

The final hours are always the hardest to pass. I'm so stress over the freaking presentation. 30 minutes! How am I going to endure that? And we have to show our prototype as well.

Luckily (or not), we are the first group to present. In a way, there is no benchmarking for us, once the presentation is done, we can relax and see other groups' presentation.

If ours is good enough, we can perhaps breathe a sign of relief. If it's not, then what is done is done. I think the lecturer won't be changing our marks, unless there is moderation again.

Tomorrow...

There and Back Again

It's not a hobbit's tale.

The "pet" project had been handed up today. Strategic Entrepreneurship, I can't say I dislike the project because it is the only one interesting around. And I must say I learn quite a lot from it. The only problem, the lecturer.

The worst? Product Development and Innovation, closely followed by Event Management. Gods, these two are killers. My brain cells have been battered, steamed, fried, kicked around and more.

Thankfully, Event Management had been handed up and there is no presentation. Phew. What a relief. I won't have to see the accursed thing again in my life. Grades won't be given, and I can only hope that I can get an A.

Now, the main topic for this post. I'm fried. I'm really weary of the world, of projects. I'm sick and tired of these, alright?

I'm so glad that everything is ending, soon. But, please, the last few days are the worst. Money can't buy you time.

PDI sure is disgusting! I hate this subject to the CORE. Yes, so there is no exams. If I can give it up, trust me, I will. Just like what I did for A Maths. I thought I am beyond hating something non-substantiate but it isn't so.

What? Develop a product from scratch? You've got to be freaking kidding me. Do you have any idea how difficult this is for us, for me? What a load of crap.

Partially, the blame is on us, who asked us not to start doing it during the holidays? Enough with all this blah-blahing. I know, we never learn. The day we learn is when we lament.

If there is one thing I will write for the evaluation, I will state clearly that this project does not help us, at all. Firstly, we are not design or technical students, thank goodness for that. I thought we are suppose to be developing proposals and ideas?

PDI is nothing I thought it will be. It came as a nasty shock. Arghhh, if I'm a lesser being, I'll be swearing my head off now.

Mind-boggling

Tell me again, why?

It's a torture, completely a torture. Projects are considered one of the worst.

You can't do without me, and dare I say, I can't do without you. So, let's endure for now and we never have to see each other again. Please, all I can do is to keep up this facade and once this is over, which is in less than a week, we'll shout hooray and see you.

Yes, I can't believe it is going to be over soon, like real soon. Why is it that the last few days are always the hardest? The hardest to pass and the hardest to let go.

Why is it that we never seem to learn our lesson? Time and again, last minute work occurs. WHY? I desperately want to change but it seem that more work just bog me down.

Because we are human, and humans never learn their lesson. If they do, the world will be a better place. Sometimes, I just wish we'll all disappear.

Attempts

"In an attempt to surpass ... I seem to have lost humanity."

*Snort* How dramatic.

But in truth, I seem to get so fixated on doing well and above average that I somewhat lost my direction. No, it's not losing what I want, it's just that I don't enjoy life anymore.

Everything revolves around doing very well, not perfect, but close to it.

What happened to that person I was when Bs are enough? I guess that Life and circumstances got in the way. At this point, there is no other way but to continue my conquest. Perhaps, when everything end, for good, I can finally let it go.

Trust me, if I can do whatever it takes to make sure I get As for my subjects, I will. I was thinking to myself today, if I can afford to break down and cry and things will mend by themselves, I will. That's easy, I feel like crying all this time.

I'm miserable for the better part of my school life, the only moments of happiness come when I have the end to show it. The means to an end is tough.

This idiom just screams "ME". To me, all these are means to an end.

Just like how work is. I don't enjoy it but I have to do it, for the cash. Same goes for striving to be a high-achiever. You have to do all sorts of "disgusting" things to get to where you are.

Because I firmly believe that the end will justify the means. No matter how I feel now, nothing can compare to the pride I feel when I got my just rewards.

Sometimes, I feel as if I'm on a different wavelength from others, people say how they miss school and all sorts, but I don't now. They have fun and have a "heck-care" attitude. I guess I just can't afford that.

So, cheers to being a worry-wart and the minority who don't enjoy Poly life. Life will be good.

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!

What is in Life

Life is miserable, how could I not known? It's either do or die trying. Either way, you still have to "do" it. It's just whether you can do it well or not.

I saw this coming, didn't I? I said it would be an emotional roller-coaster of a lifetime and it is true. Crap, it's even worse than I thought. I am getting enough radiation to "kill" myself from all those hours in front of the laptop.

I really need a break, get-away from all these. If I'm a lesser person, would I have bulk? But, I can't give up even if I dreamed of doing so. I have too much at stake and not now, not at this stage.

Have I mention how much I hate a lecturer? It's a school for god's sake, don't act as if we are your employees whom you have no respect for.

So what? With all the impressive resume and credentials in the world, and you can't even have good EQ? I know, I know, I'm just a fresh-eyed student and he's this big person in his other life. Please, you are just a lecturer now, relying on your past experiences to make it, don't think for a moment that you are still that big boss.

I'm so going to rate him badly during the appraisal. I hope that by doing so, along with many others, the school can at least know how favoured he is in students' eyes. It's the only way students are given a chance to speak up. Life is unfair, they say, deal with it.

Sometimes, I do feel sorry for him, but that swiftly change everytime Thursdays roll in. It pissed me off seeing the way he treat us.

Downfall

Would this be my downfall?

Event Management sure is the bane of my existence in this semester. The lecturer is really not good despite having all the credentials he has, and the project is slowly killing me. One good thing is that I won't have to see the projects again once they are done. "Out of sight, out of mind."

The only thing I can get back is to rate him badly in the appraisal. I swear I will. God, he just isn't suitable to teach, that's all. He don't reach out to students, are not helpful at all!

Once upon a time, I nearly gave up on Marketing, and that was back when I had nothing to lose. Now, with glory within reach, this just have to happen. Please, please, I beg of you, let me have the As.

For just one night, I would like to not think about projects at all. Damn you all, I can't believe my eyes get teary as I type.

As weird as this sounds, I can't wait till Friday. But first, we must be satisfy with the projects first.

Eclipse movie review

This is the review from a fan, more so of the books than the movies. I've put categories for each aspect of the movie this time for better references.
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Cinematography:
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Kudos David Slade and the crew! Eclipse was pretty impressive!
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I love the addition of beautiful scenery and backdrops such as the snow-tipped mountain ranges and fields. The meadow is the prettiest so far. I’m so glad there is no more ugly blue-tint and too warm tones like that in New Moon. The colour tones used are just right. David Slade put his eye for beauty in good use.-
Extremely cool action scenes in the training and fighting parts! It looks really surreal, fighting between something not quite humans.-
Romance scenes are hotter now, making me feel a bit uncomfortable, most definitely the bedroom scene. It could have gone better though, prolong it a little like that in the book. Tent scene and the fighting scenes stick closest to the book and I love those!
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To quote the words from a fan in Twilightlexicon ”the newborns died as described in the book” which is quite disturbing actually. All those pings of crystal shattering and wrenching of limbs and faces, woah, I love how they stuck close to it.
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Acting:
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Acting certainly had step up a notch. Robert Pattinson still looks like he is grimacing when he smiles, perhaps it’s the contracts?
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Xavier Samuel’s acting is very notable as Riley. The way he moves and delivers his lines, it’s very professional. Kristen Steward and Robert Pattinson’s acting are better, at least they show the right emotions when talking.-
Dakota Fanning is truly very deliciously evil as Jane. I just love her lines, especially her “decisions, decisions” and “The Volturi don’t give second chances” quotes.
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The Cullens have more screen time which is great, especially Jackson Rathbone, who talks and acts more than the 2 previous movies put together.-
I think that Taylor Lautner’s acting is not as bad as some people said it was. For me, the jealously, hatred and sarcasm Jacob has is presented on screen. I don’t think he sounds so wooden either.
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Billy Burke is hilarious as Charlie, in the sex talk scene and graduation scene. He provides comic relief and did well in the portrayal Bella's father.
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All those agony felt by the newborns and Jacob is truly heart-wrenching. Those screams, wow, they raise goosebumps for me. I truly can feel Jacob’s pain in some scenes.
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Make-up:-
Wigs are generally better this time round for everyone. Refresh my memory, but did Rosalie have bone-straight hair? I hated the way Esme’s and Rosalie’s hair are piled up on their heads during the training and fighting scenes.-
Make-up looks more natural, more so on some than others. Pattinson’s face still looks slathered on with too much white-powder. Xavier Samuel’s on the other hand, looks very natural on him. Perhaps it has to do with lighting.
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Plotline:
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Eclipse is the best so far in following the plotline of the book. Twilight is the worst, even though I have said it so many times before. If New Moon is 10 times better Twilight, then Eclipse is 25 times better.-
Although some scenes are mashed together and others cut out, I don’t feel like I’m missing something. The movie is well-paced although scenes are switched around. The second half of the movie sticks closer to the book than the first half, which is acceptable to me.
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Soundtrack/score:
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Nice accompanying music along with the scenes. The songs used matches the feel and overall tone of the movie.
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I love Jacob's score by Howard Shore. The genius who did the Lord of the Rings soundtrack. It's just too bad I didn't know which scene it is.-
Bad points:
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The opening scene was great though the ending wasn’t as nice. It should have ended when Jacob ran away as a wolf, leaving behind his life. That would have been a better ending and a nicer way to lead the story to Breaking Dawn.-
Jasper’s back story is too water-downed. I would have like to see Alice and him meeting at the diner, and delivering their lines in the loving manner.
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Some great quotes are cut off, like Rosalie’s “If we have any happy ending, we would have been lying under gravestones by now” and Jacob’s “I can’t fight with an Eclipse. “ The movie could have more details to it and could have been longer.
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Bella shouldn’t have leave with Jacob in one of the scenes, it just goes against the grain of the book. As much as she loves Jacob, she wouldn’t do that kind of thing in that kind of circumstance.
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The “I’m Switzerland” line could be better delivered than what is shown. It would have been better if Bella have said that “I don’t who is a werewolf or a vampire. From now, I am Bella, you are Jacob and he is Edward. If Angela is a witch, she can join the party too”.
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Good points:
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I like the backstory of Riley and the meeting with Renee at Florida. I am glad they included the graduation party and Bella hitting Jacob and the bracelet. It’s all this small details that make Eclipse works.
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I like the legends Billy told at the campfire scene. It was more than nicely done. The chase at the beginning was awesome, with all the snarling from the wolves and vampires chasing Victoria.
Rosalie’s backstory could have last a tad longer but it still good.
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More quotes directly from the book this time round which pleases me very much.-
Overall feel:-
All in all, it was a satisfying movie session because it stayed close to the book. Everything is much better than before, partly because Eclipse is the beginning of an end. Things are tied up while others break down and most fans agreed that Eclipse is their favourite book.
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Eclipse is without a doubt a movie made for the fans. In the words of Producer Wyck Godfrey “You people count. You people matter. The fans matter. Did you like it?”-
The movie is made as though audience are expected to understand the backstories behind it, the way some scenes and dialogue links back to the books. Which is great, in my opinion.
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It is no doubt the best of the three produced so far and it doesn’t help that Eclipse is my favourite book. I have high expectations for it despite knowing that it was a stupid thing to do. Thankfully, I wasn’t disappointed. I learnt my lesson the last time that comparing the book too much with the movie adaption is going to give me heartaches.
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So, that’s two ticks now. It made Twilight the movie seems like a bad memory. I get it that it was a first try and a film either make it or break it. Sequels, on the other hand, can too make or break the success. In the case where book sequels are concerned, generally, it just keeps getting better and better.
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If I have the chance, I would want to watch it again and again. Too bad for me, money don’t grow on trees and I feel guilty for going even for a second time. Like they said, the first time is for the overall feel of the film. The subsequent rounds are to savour the movie bit by bit, analysing the scenes if one wants or just enjoy a second helping with an open-mind.
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I am buying the movie companion guide though. It is just too good to be missed.
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Though I get it how some people, who aren't readers or fans, will not get the story at all. Indeed, if I am a non-reader, I would feel like I'm missing a lot of things.
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But, all I can say is, as a reader and a fan, I am heartened to know that a movie was made with fans in mind. They can't possibly review all the details again, this was an unnecessary thing to do. It makes fans feel special and it is certainly too bad for non-fans and non-readers.
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The Twilight saga movies are just like any book-to-movie adaptions. The main audiences are expected to understand the back stories and relate back to the movie in question.
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In the words of a fan "Do they think that by going just for the last part of the Lord of the Rings trilogy will allow them to understand everything? Or going for only the Deathly Hallows showing?"
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Another issue. I don't get it how some fans are disappointed by the movie. I thought it was quite magnificent, but to each his own, I guess. People have different expectations and hopes. Like how I don't understand why there are fans who like Twilight the movie.
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As long as the box office around the world continue to ring in money, we should feel proud. Money matters, you know it does. Continue breaking records! I'm in awe over the millions of dollars earn in just the first 2 days of the showing. It may fall short of what New Moon had, but it was still very, very cool.
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Happy Eclipse Day!

Happy Eclipse Day!

This came in just a tad late. It was on July 1st 2010 that the movie opened with a bang.

I fretted over about not getting to book seats one week in advance and my father was kind enough to help me book since he went home early on Wednesday. On another note, Golden Village has really bad customer service, I emailed them and did not get a reply.

Wednesdays are a bane in this semester, classes just have to end early on this day.

Anyway, I got the seats I wanted, I guessed I was not surprised that on Wednesday night, only a small portion of the theater was filled. However, by the next day afternoon, the theater was almost full.

I did not finish re-reading Eclipse despite going home early on Thursday. But, I tried to absorb as much as I could. Then, it was time to go off.

The review will come in later.

DHL ceremony 2010

Yesterday was when I got on stage to collect my Director's Honours List award.

I reached the convention centre by 5pm and sat in an almost empty room for almost an hour.

My new heels are literally killing me slowly. My toes were like crushed, still I do love the heels. Slowly, more students arrived. The AY2009/2010 freshmen side were almost filled up while the AY 2009/2010 junior side had seats empty.

My row was the worst, only 3 students were there. I saw some friends who are in other diplomas getting this award too.

It started out with an corporate video of TP and how TP came to be. For some reason, I felt a torrent of emotions ran through me. I don't know, perhaps I just feel like something was right for a second.

Everything happened so fast then. Row by row, we made a big turn to the side and as our names got called, we went on stage to collect the certificate from the director of Business School. I was a little afraid of making a fool of myself.

My name was pronounced wrongly and I thought "It just have to be my name", walked the best I could and shook hands with the Director. Camera light flashed and I was off the stage. I just sincerely hope that the pictures turned out right.

There was a performance from a student and the event ended. My parents and I didn't stay for the buffet though. Somehow, as much as my feet hurt, I wanted to stay. But, oh well. I did saw a former lecturer and he congratulated me.

And I love the feeling. Why not? Something in my life went right and I feel proud. Almost 14 years of schooling and this is the first major achievement I made.

Happy Trailer Day

Happy Trailer Day, to all Harry Potter fans out there! The latest Deathly Hallows trailer to totally awesome that no word can describe it!
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Epic is too mild a word for it. Woohoo! This is fantastic! It's so dark and angsty that I'm sure I will cry each time someone dies. The music is just great!
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I sincerely hope that this trailer will be played during the Eclipse movie this Thursday and it will be the best of both worlds.
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Speaking of which, I am terribly disappointed by Golden Village who fails me a regular patron. Perhaps, it's time to look for an alternative? Seriously, what is wrong with them?
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I heard that the Eclipse movie companion is out and if the movie is as good as fans put it, I'll be getting one myself simply because Eclipse is my favourite book.
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Oh boy, I have long given up on having high expectations when it comes to these movies. If I hate it like Twilight the movie, then I won't watch it again.
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I haven't not yet finished re-reading Eclipse! This is not acceptable at all! What can I do though? I'm so tired everyday and projects are killing me slowly. It's a wonder I'm not bonkers yet. Despite all these, there is a bright sun ray in my bleak horizon, at least I have something to look forward to.
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And when all projects end, that's when I will truly be happy again. Of course, I must be sure that I can do well.

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Dawn of an Eclipse

I can't attend last night Eclipse premier at Los Angeles. I can't attend the grand opening of the Wizarding World at Orlando. I'll be darned if I can't even booked good seats for Eclipse the movie for Thursday.

Sighs. Golden Village better step up on its act. I only go to Golden Village for my movie outings yet it never fails to disappoint me each time. Everytime I want to book tickets for a movie event of the year, I'll have to wait forever to book.

This time round, it leaves on the edge of seat for something to fall. In the midst of waiting impatiently, I emailed Golden Village with a simple question. And they replied saying that only certain cinemas will have advance booking sales. I emailed again, this time asking a straightforward question that can either make or break my days.

I sure hope that Marina can have advance booking. Please, I beg of you. I really want this. Perhaps I have a mild form of OCD but when it comes to something I love enough, I will make a fuss to make sure things goes well.

All I want is to book nice seats as soon as possible for Thursday's showing of Eclipse. Is that so freaking hard?

C'mon, Golden Village, get it right.

In Which We Cheer & Lament

"What if being good is not enough anymore"

So, I have 2 As as of now.

It's not much, seeing it's just a small hurdle passed. But, a hurdle, no matter how small or easy, is still a hurdle passed. And if I can make a leap over that, why not? It's only going to help me pick up momentum.

I have an A for Special Interest Tourism test which a lot of people didn't do well so I was quite proud of myself. I have another A for Managerial Accounting. That paper was quite easy though. Still, at least 20% is secure with a high A.

Sometimes, I wonder if what I am pushing myself is worth everything. But, I guess it does, even if it is for myself more than others.

The desire for excellence is no longer a want, but an obligation and a need. Eyes are on me to see a tumble and I am not going to do that, not at this situation. I needed those grades.

There is only a path for me as of now and that is to do well and get As. I am literally trying to make both ends meet.

I can't believe I can't get the scholarship money from the clan association this time. It's so stupid actually. I didn't fill in the form properly, they sent it back and I sent it back after filling it. I can't believe the deadline went past!

Yes, there is nothing to do about it, but I can't help but lament the money lose. It dropped down for me and I didn't manage to catch it. It's $200+, I can do so many things with it!

I can only pretend it doesn't hurt. Next year won't be so great, would it? Let's see. Well, at least, this time, I have the DHL certificate to be content with. Just like last year I had the money to be content with. Sighs.

Of Beautiful Nights

Last weekend was superb! I've never had so much fun for quite a long time.
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On Saturday, the family went to Night Safari! It was actually a spontaneous decision.
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We left house around 5 plus to go for dinner. In the end, we ate at Night Safari itself. Woah, the price is atrocious! One dish of grilled stingray and a bowl of rice cost S$17. By right, we shouldn't have gone there to eat, but we can't find any parking spot at other eating places.
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The tickets with the tram ride cost us around S$100 plus. And despite being excited in going inside, I felt a little guilty for spending so much.
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Night Safari as usual was chock-full of tourists from everywhere. It's bad for us but I guess, it is good for the attraction and Singapore in general. We can't stand waiting in the snaking queue, in this humid condition, for the free show so we just left for the leopard trail instead. Besides, don't get me started on the queue for the tram ride.
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After walking the whole trail in the twilight hour, we were perspiring due to the moisture and lack of breeze. It was a good walk though. Too many animals were sleeping and my particular favourite creatures are the mewing otters and a very tiny mousedeer.
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The queue for the tram ride was still quite long so we went out for snacks and drinks first. I bought ice-cream from Ben's and Jerry's and sat at Bongo Burgers where my brothers and parents drank S$5 per cup of ice peach tea.
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These tourists' spending power must be so great that they can afford all these highly-price items. I shake my head in disbelief and in awe.
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By now, the queue had shorten somewhat and so we joined it. The tram came and we hopped up. -
If there is one thing I can change, I will change the freaking attitude and lack of consideration of some of these people. What is wrong with them?! The rules said "No flash photography is allowed" and still they go on flashing away. If it was up to me, I will ask them to leave the premises for not following the common sense.
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It was still the fun ride I loved and enjoyed over the years. Night Safari is my favourite because of its air of mysteriousness and concept. Now, if only the the weather is a little cooler and dryer.
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On Sunday, to celebrate Fathers' Day, the whole family went to Bosses at Vivocity. It seems that the "children" can't get enough of the dishes there. The parents said that this will be the last time in a long while before we eat at the restaurant again.

My parents and I, together with my Aunt who was sharing the car ride with us went to Vivocity earlier as I wanted to get black covered heels. I need new black heels for the DHL ceremony.

After browsing through a few shoes shops, I finally settled for a pair from Everbest. Well, they are not exactly cheap but there was a 30% discount. My mother too bought a pair of shoes from there.

I decided to buy a Montagut polo shirt as a Fathers' Day present and he accepted.

The others came and we ordered almost the same dishes as the last times. I still like the dishes there. We enjoyed ourselves tremulously, laughing and eating. It is moments like this treasured most with my family.

There was cake after meal, made by my other Aunt and cousin. It was good.

Monday was the start of the school term for me, so we went home without staying back further.

So You Want to be a Wizard

http://www.grandopeningwebevent.com/

Let's us, Harry Potter fans, rejoice in another milestone in the Harry Potter Universe! Nothing else can come close to this!

Today, 18th June 2010, is the grande opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter located at Universal Studios Orlando! The stars from the films were there to welcome the first wave of visitors.

3 years. It has been 3 years since Universal Studios Orlando first announced of the plans and blueprint to build a wizarding world for muggles. I'd been stoked then. Now, it's officially open to muggles all around the world!

The first thing I want to do when I am there will be to soak and breathe in the sights. It's going to be so awesome! I'll send letters home via owl post. All letters passing through will be stamped with a exclusive motif only found inside the theme park.

I want to get myself a wand, lots of goodies and merchandises and literally spend till I drop. I want to try butterbeer too! The reviews are good, from what I heard and seen.

Before that, I must get on the Forbidden Journey ride first. I need to see what it is like inside Hogwarts and experience it. The Forbidden Journey ride is going to take a lot of courage to get on because it is almost a roller-coaster of sorts. I'll have to do it at least once because this is once in a lifetime experience!

Oh boy. I can't wait till it's my turn to go! Even though the means to the end will be very tough, it will be worth it, won't it?

Some people think chasing after something fictitious is silly and stupid. But, from one Harry Potter fan to another, only we will understand what the buzz and fuss is about. Besides, the more for us.

You know, salivating and staying awake in the wee hours watching men chasing after a ball is silly to naysayers too. In fact, every other hobby in the world will sound silly to some. "One man's treasure is another man's trash", the saying goes.

"To each his own", I say. Fishing and stamp-collecting is boring to some, yet others love it. So, don't judge me for what I adore and love. Everyone is different and the world don't revolve around you.

Live from Orlando

I'm so glad I can be part of this glorious moment!
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This morning, which is Florida's Wednesday night, there was a live feed from Universal Orlando Wizarding World of Harry Potter grand opening kick-off event. I'm so thrilled that I can be part of this, despite living halfway across USA and sitting at home viewing via telecast.

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This is most awesome news ever for the Harry Potter franchise! Ever since 2007, when Universal announced that they will be building the village and Hogwarts, I've been eyeing to go. I lost track of its progress for a few years and suddenly, in late 2009, coverage of the construction and wondrous promises reached my ears and I decided to make it my graduation present.

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Voila! The quest for earning enough money to enjoy myself fully is born!

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June 18th 2010 is the grand opening day for the Wizarding World. Today's event had actors and J K Rowling herself attending.

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At 9.10pm, J. K Rowling was on the red carpet. And the Hogwarts frog choir led by Professor Filtwick (Warwick Davis) started off singing the Hogwarts March and Something Wicked This Way Comes.

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John Williams, composer for a few Harry Potter movies, directed the Orlando orchestra. Haunting notes from Hedwig's theme floated around. My heart clenched a little because it just brought back memories.

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The Knight Bus arrived to the scene with the Harry Potter stars: Tom Felton, Oliver and James Phelps, Bonnie Wright, Michael Gambon, Matthew Lewis. Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint arrived in the Ford Anglia. Cheers rose as they went on stage.

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With a swish of the wands, led by Dan Radcliffe, shouts of Lumos were heard. Then, the most spectacular sight and memorable moment appeared. Hogwarts was finally revealed! It was aglow with lights; a light show and fireworks set the atmosphere nicely for those who were present.

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Even for viewers across the globe who have managed to catch the live feed on the official website, this is the moment to be savoured.

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Of course I would give anything to be there, right here, right now. It's my greatest wish to attend the grand opening! Sighs, the chance is nada unless someone offer me a ticket to Orlando.

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I couldn't be there this year, but never fear, I'll be there the next. This is my promise to myself. I will spend all I can there, to bring back memories I will always look back with love.

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Oh, what I would give for the year 2010 to speed by.

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They promise that the Wizarding World will meet the expectations of Harry Potter fans and we will get a completely immersing experience once we're there. You breathe Hogwarts, you live Hogwarts. Now is the chance to see what the other world live like.

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For a day, you can pretend you are a student, destined to graduate from Hogwarts, buying and eating wizard goods. Oh, I can't wait to get my hands on some Slytherin merchandise.

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Director's Honours List 2010

Ho Ho Ho! Finally! It's a dream come true for me!

Last year I was disappointed I didn't get into the Direct Honours List. Guess what?! I got in this time round!

Wow, I would say I can't believe it, but in truth, I can. I work hard for one whole year, semester 2.2 was extremely gruelling but I pulled through with all As and distinctions.

Yes, now my efforts paid off and instead of the more subtle results slip, I can have my parents attending the ceremony.

I've to say this is my and their first time attending such event. This is the moment of glory and pride for me. I am going to treasure it like no other. One more happy moment to add into the list.

In all my school life, I didn't get close to getting awards. Recognition for my yearly efforts is practically close to none. Sure, I was first in class once in secondary school and that was it. Nineteen years later, this came and I was ecstatic.

The Director's Honours List is awarded to students in the top 10 percent of the whole Diploma in Business cohort.

Now, the last year for me. I don't think this chance is going to come to my doorsteps again. It's just too difficult with the way things are going. With luck and help from divine powers, may it be that I can grace the doors again.

This is extremely helpful in giving me the boost I desperately needed in this godforsaken term. Hopefully, I can get back on my feet again and be the best that I can.

Memories

In my other life, I seem to have remembered these familiar faces. The faces of teachers who had taught me and whom I esteemed.

However, with the pass of time, my memories of them become fuzzy. I cling tightly to these memories because they are of the best in my schooling life. The upper secondary period is something I treasured most, now that O levels was a thing behind.

It's not that I don't like my school life now. It's just it is not up there on my list. There are some aspects which I like. I guess that when graduation comes, I will only look back with fond memories.

On another note, holidays, even short ones, are enough to make you forget about your other life. Other life being the life in school with dreadful projects.

Oh gods, I heard that people received their Direct Honours List already! I sincerely hope that on of these days, when the letterbox is opened, lo behold, the invitation will be waiting for me. Please, please, please...

GSS

Yesterday, my father and mother took the day off and we went shopping since it's the Great Singapore Sale season. My brothers went for a cycling session with my cousins.

First we went for lunch. After that, we went to CentrePoint's Robinsons to look for clothes. We didn't manage to get anything from there though. This is just typical of us. We left for OG across the road and my mother bought a blouse after a long time. I bought a shirt and 2 shorts.

We were quite tired by then and had ice-cream at Haagen-Dazs. I ordered strawberry ice-cream on a waffle while my parents ordered one ice-cream creation with 6 mini ice-cream.

We bought a pendant from Simont as a birthday gift. In the end, we saw another pendant that looks good and got it it. The design is very unique, a triangular-shaped piece, with swirling blue and black glass.

We made a trip up to Esprit. I managed to get a dark blue dress which cost quite a lot. I love Esprit designs but why does the clothes they sell cost so much?

My father and I went back to Robinsons to get me a new pillow and we had this $5 voucher for spending more than $50. My father actually wanted to throw it away since it only last till end of the month. I suggested spending it on something small and trivial. In the end, we got a mug. It originally cost $9.90, after discount and using the voucher, it was $2, which is worth it.

It's a great day! It's been ages since we did something like that.

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.

Shrugs

Despite my own misapprehension, I would like to think that I can work wonders too. I would like to give myself the benefit of doubt too.
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I should think everyone desires that. I may be sceptical of what they say, but deep inside, I would like to think that it will truly benefit me.
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I want to see results in the long term. The way some lecturers put it, the subject we are taught now will have great cause to our future. Don't be mistaken, I've no doubts that things will work out, if you truly put your heart into it. I guess I'm just worried that I can't work it out now.
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And whether it will be of use to us next time, let me just get pass this round first.
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I'm, of course, talking about Strategic Entrepreneurship.
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Blah, blah, blah, the lecturer goes. Nonetheless, I don't deny he has good intentions in mind. Perhaps I can't feel it now, but when I look back in the future, I would want to think of fond memories. Let's not make things worst the way they are. I want the memories to be of goodness.

A Peek into an Incoherent Mind

Questions, questions.

Have I been thinking too much so much so that I can't even form a coherent thought in my mind now?

What prompt me to think that going back to school on holidays is a good idea in the first place?For goodness sake, I don't even feel like leaving the bed.

There could only be one bad thing about holidays and that is this: holidays with responsibilities!

Holidays in mid-term is a very bad idea. The idea of having a holiday but having to work on your projects is a torture with the capital letter T. It's a tantalising thought complete with torture devices.

I welcome holidays with open arms but this is a little bit sadistic. You get holidays but have to use the time to work on so many different projects. Is it little wonder that my brain is mush?
Update: My Muse is back, it seems. I just hope it doesn't go away too soon this time.

Alright, there are lots of thoughts swirling around now. I'm not exactly the most eloquent person around. I think a lot, and when I don't put them on paper there and then, I lost them. It gets really frustrating.

It's a good thing I'm not an aspiring author because this is a bad habit to have.

You know what? I want a beta reader to proof-read my projects. Not necessary to correct but to see whether it works and flows properly and put in their 2 cents. Hmmm, if only I dwell within the fanfiction world, since the authors are always looking for a good beta. Too bad, it's just a thought.

Eclipse Posters

-Eclipse official poster-

-Fan-made posters-

Disclaimer: None of these posters belong to me.

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Now, let's see. I figured I would do a "New Moon" and put up an entry on posters (fan-made and official) for Eclipse the movie.

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The first on top of this list of Eclipse the movie posters is the official one used for the promotion.

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I've been wanting to say this for quite some time, but never have the chance of doing so until now. It's quite plain, in my opinion. Other than the colour tones used, I don't really like the poster. It says nothing of the plot of the story and they looked too photoshopped.

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The designers really need to step up on their work, as echoed by many other fans.

Showcase something dramatic, something pivotal in the plot. Asking the 3 main actors to pose like that did nothing to arouse any fancy.

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If I am someone who is not a fan, I wouldn't even bat an eyelid when I see the poster.

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The rest of the posters below are fan-made and they are my personal favourites after looking through the net for them.

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Of course, people are more agreeable and forgiving where fan-made stuff are concerned. Firstly, they are made by fellow fans who love the series enough to do that. Secondly, for all we know, they are not professionals and did them during their free time.

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Besides, these are the real good ones, even looking more professional than the official one. So, they still used photoshop, but at least these look more authentic and original.

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I'm so excited for the movie! It's my favourite book of the series and judging from the early review I read, it looks to be really awesome! Both in the romance and action parts. Wow, I hope David Slade really delivers.

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Movie Outing & Musings

Went for a movie with my friend who is back from the States on Friday.
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Too bad I had work or else we could have gone further places. But as it was, we just went to Causeway Point to catch Shrek Forever After in 3D at 11.50am.

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It is a fun film though I didn't catch the prequels in the theaters. The 3D effects are great!

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After the movie, we went for lunch at Crystal Jade before parting our ways because I had to go back.

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"Begin each day by telling yourself: Today, I shall be meeting with interference, ingraditude, insolence, disloyalty, ill-will and self-fishness - all of them due to the offenders' ignorance of what is good or evil"

It's almost too easy to forget that I still have a daunting task in front of me whenever the holidays roll in. It is too easy to put the thought of school aside when you don't have to be physically there. Like the the old adage; out of sight, out of mind.

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I don't have to pretend and put on a false front everyday. I don't have to grit my teeth to go with the flow. Most importantly, is what I don't want to put here. If you think I am happy in school, you have another one coming.

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No, I'm not. Not for once. Perhaps only on a few occasions. Say, when the projects end and when I get back my good results.

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In the holidays, I can actually be happy for once. More so now.

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I'm thinking of starting another more personal blog post in another place. Somewhere where I can actually write what I want to say.

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That's that.

One Enchanted Evening book review

Finally! Montgomery got his own book! And his own ”fairy”! Besides, the cover art of Sedgewick is to be died for.
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I love all of Lynn Kurland’s time-travel romance novels and on top of that, Montgomery is one of my favourite characters since I read about him as side character in other novels. Needless to say, I am extremely thrilled to find out that he is to have his own story.
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I finished the novel as soon as I can and something hits me. As much as I love the novel, I feel that something is lacking. I guess I was looking forward to Pippa and Montgomery staying in the Future.-
For me, I don't think I can give up all the comforts of the modern life. Perhaps, because I am a Future girl and there’s no way I am giving up all I have. Or maybe, I feel that the girl shouldn’t always be the one giving up all she has to be together with a guy. But still, someone has to give in this sort of relationship.

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I would have loved it more if more emphasis is placed on Montgomery’s trip to the Future. The modern wonders and gadgets through the eyes of a medieval character should prove to be very entertaining and soul-searching if the author focuses on that.

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But, of course, the main plot revolves around the relationship of Pippa and Montgomery and so, this issue is just brought-across.-
It’s hard to have ultimate favourites when each and every novel is beautiful in its own way. My favourites are Another Chance to Dream, If I Had You, This Is All I Ask, To Kiss in the Shadows, Stardust of Yesterday. I figure that I like the ones best that have the 2 main characters stay in their Time.
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It too is getting confusing what with the number of characters appearing, visiting the Future and going back to the past. Phew.
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I can’t wait till next year for Lynn Kurland’s new book! It’s really awesome that she manages to stick to a schedule; that is to publish one novel per year. Isabelle and John’s stories are my most anticipated ones.