2013: the world still turns

Fantastic, Meretricious and a Happy New Year!

It feels great to finally have the chance to use that much loved phrase from Sherlock.

So, it's the first day of year 2013. What changes? Probably nothing much. The world is still turning, the rain still falls, the economy still remains sluggish and we're still hit by downturn. US is scrambling to meet its deadline to deal with its "fiscal cliff". In other parts of the world, conflicts still rage on.

If only everyone could better oneself, I'm sure the world will be a better place.

The Good & Bad of 2011

I can hardly believe that 2011 is ending! Hold your horses though, because I intend to make good use of the last day of 2011.

Year 2011 is a year full of ups and downs, personally, locally and internationally.

For me, I graduated with a Diploma with Merit and an award for the Kingsmen Creatives Prize. That was the glory of my life, my pride and joy. I was at the top of the world. Then, came the task of choosing a University. I fretted over whether I am good enough to enter a local University and thought that I lost my chance. In the end, I chose NUS and am planning to major in Geography.

I wouldn't say that 2011 is good to me because it isn't. The year seems to hover between good and bad, besides, I am not entirely pleased with myself and the way things are heading. Indeed, I would say that the earlier half of the year was so much better than the later half.

If there is one regret I have for 2011, it is that I failed to fulfil my goal and dream of going to USA. All these years, I worked so hard and am going to reward myself with a bang but yet, it failed to materialise. That goal is still standing. I can only hope that I can fulfil it sooner not later.

In Singapore, this is nerve-wracking year. Toes are trod-on and fingers are pointed at. We witnessed the watershed General Election and Presidential Election. I finally realised that Singapore is not what I thought it to be. I thought that people will be more grateful and thankful for we have, alas, that was not the case. People, especially, the younger generation, have grown contemptuous and cynical. They have grown "fat" from all the coddling and protection.

2011 is a year full of disasters that one can almost say it's a disastrous year. Not only are there earthquakes, floods and tsunamis with thousands of lives lost, there is also the financial crisis that sent countries into debt and the stock markets a-tumbling. The powerhouses of the world are not so powerful after all.

The technological world lost a visionary, Steve Jobs, who redefines technology. The world, too, lost dictators such as Gaddafi and Kim Jong Il.

All in all, it's been a roller-coaster ride of a year. However, I will still miss it simply because the year is gone. The new year ahead seems daunting and tough, for the world economy and for myself. Not to mention, the supposedly end-of-the-world will arrive. I will be entering into my second semester of studies and I have to grit my teeth to bear with it.

For all the pessimism I show, I still have hopes that 2012 will be wonderful as it can be. Besides, the year 2012 is made better already with the thoughts of Sherlock season 2 in January and The Hobbit in December starring both Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman in both shows. Oh, it's Christmas!

Stuck

Another year. To go from an end to a start takes only a short transaction. But for a start to reach an end, wow, it takes ages.

Friday's night was a blast. We ate at Bakerzin at Jurong Point and played two rounds of bowling.

Sometimes, I amazed myself with my bowling skills. I do not have the strength to exactly swing the ball and roll, you see. My style is practically non-existence. However, I did manage to hit a score of 100, not bad for someone who play for a few times a year.

I still remembered that humiliating experience when I went for the bowling trial in my school.

After that, we went to TCC at Clarke Quay to pass time before making our way down to Marina Bay to be part of the crowds for the countdown.

The fireworks were beautiful, as always. It was a nightmare after that ended though, as expected that huge crowds were eager to be out and what was made worse was people pushing and squeezing.

I had my first anxiety attack of the year. Some inconsiderate people kept pushing and in my mind, I was thinking what will happen if there is a stampede. Or worse, given these unstable circumstances around the world, a bomb threat.

In the end, the roads that were cornered off by barricades were pushed aside by anxious people and we're literally stopping traffic. All the people, including us, flooded the roads, just like that. The traffic lights makes no difference as were the cars, since they were the ones not moving.

We got stuck in the middle of the road because it was another bottleneck in front. It was a traffic jam alright.

I witnessed a bus with passengers on it being pushed by a commuter and a couple of traffic police opening the road for it.

As most people swarmed to the nearby MRT station, we breathed a sign of relief as we got into our cars. Of course, we got caught in another jam but it wasn't as bad.

It was 2 am plus when we reached home. I can only imagine the conditions on the public transport. Phew, I was lucky enough not be one of the commuters.

The Year MMXI

Pop the champagne bottle!

It's a brand new spanking year, everyone! Though there is not much difference between the last day of 2010 and the first day of 2011, the new year stills seem to thrill.

Let's ring in the new year with deadlines, exams and oh, graduation. How lovely, if you get my satirical tone.

By the way, did I mention that my ex-boss in that godforsaken ex-company still owe me the very important performance appraisal? Seriously, what is wrong with his mind?! Is it that difficult to do it, and mail it to me.

I told him that I have definitely have to get it by this, no, last year. He gave me his promise. Hmm, from what I learn in contract law, there is a binding contract between us. The offer is accepted by both the offeror (me) and the offeree (him).

Now what? I sms-ed him freaking twice to remind him of the importance. What did I get? Nothing, nada, nil. The way he does things is starting to piss me off. To think I wrote good things about his company. Pheesh, I pity whoever is interning with him this year.

Gods, what is so difficult about sending a reassuring sms, or an email telling me that he has sent that letter. Is it so freaking difficult?! Huh?

30-35% of my grade is in that appraisal. Do you think I like being a "loanshark"? It does reflect badly on me, doesn't it? But what can I do? If I do things otherwise, I'll only be letting myself down.

I have come too far to let everything go to waste. I've been the perfect "servant" for 11 weeks, the last thing they can give me is to pass me back my appraisal.

I thought I can leave those memories in the past, but it seems to haunt me till today.

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.

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.

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

No moniker for this decade

1 more day to New Year's Eve.

Read a very interesting article today about how the decade slips away with no name.

So, we have the 80s and the 90s, what do we call this decade? Some suggestions: The Twenty-hundreds, the Ohs-Ohs, the Ohs, the Zeros, the Big Zero, the Aughties...

It's pretty entertaining, to say.

In the perspective of economists, this decade is a Big Zero. Nothing really good happens, what with the financial crisis and all the unemployment rates going up. So, according to one economist, good riddance to this decade and let's hope that 2010 will be a better year.

Tomorrow, there will be New Year celebrations for us! Movie followed by bowling in the evening and then hopefully fireworks when the clock strikes twelve.

I'm still in that holiday mood despite the start of school. Seriously, this is all screwed up. Going to school for 2 hours or 30 minutes is not as crack up as it should be.

I'll doing my New Year's resolution either tomorrow or the day after. I want a change. I'll be summing up this year with an entry too. All the good and bad and the everything in between.

Cheers.

Soon, it'll be time to make a New Year's resolution as we usher in 2010.

Goodbye 2008

A new year is about to begin, again.

Time passes so fast, huh? I know, I keep complaining about how time is always so slow and all that, but upon looking back, time is indeed speeding.

I think I will do my new year reflections and resolution tomorrow. There's nothing much to write anyway.

Ahh, no luck. He'll be returning in the night tomorrow. No more New Year's Eve celebrations. Hoping to go to the airport though.