Thursday, June 26, 2008

What's Life?

First of all I came across this thread in SgForums which spurred my thoughts:

http://sgforums.com/forums/8/topics/321659

You could say I'm guilty of the situation that was mentioned in the thread. It made me realise how negative others feel about such lifestyle. But again I'm starting to doubt the definition of 'got life' and 'no life'. What kind of activities could contribute to having a 'life'?

From what I understand a 'life' should be:

- Enjoyable. Doing the things we like, motivated by our desire and not being forced to do so.

- Fulfilling. Participating in various kind of activities. Making good use of our spare time. Non-routine, as in one should not feel bored by doing the same thing everyday, every week, in long term.

- Meaningful. Learning something which could probably become useful in the future. Doing something that will result in personal benefit or bringing good to others.

- Experience. Getting to know the society and world better. Trying out things that one has never done before. Clocking 'first times'.

I believe in order to make our lives truly 'a life', combination of these factors must exist, otherwise we might feel something is lacking.

I can't say my himajin-lifestyle now has all these factors in proportion, but I don't really understand why some people will think that one must have a job to constitute to 'a life'. True that work & job form a basis of our lifestyle, but I think we should not over-embrace it, even though it is our main income generator. Perhaps this kind of mentality is inevitable due to our money-driven society. Everything needs money, and as a result our personal enjoyment becomes very limited. You guys can probably remember the survey some years ago on how happy Singaporeans are with their life.

When I watch dramas and shows, I really do envy the characters' way of living. Their lives seem to have lots of happenings and they look very carefree. Though I know it is merely a story, I can't help to think how good life would be if we were part of them. (Let's not talk about the anxieties and tragedies =p)

As much as I'm trying to instill some 'life' into my life, I just made 2 new friends this week thanks to XH! Haven't made new friends for a long time, most of them were just acquaintances (aka Hi & Bye), especially in NS.

About 1 month left before my once-in-a-lifetime lifestyle finally comes to an end. Any suggestions on what to do to make my current life more fulfilling? Haha. With so many temptations from my dear computer, can't imagine how I could settle down on my school work. Sigh...

Recently I'm addicted to another MMORPG: Cabal SEA! Dunno whether to be happy or not. Hopefully this is my last addiction before Uni starts.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Nature Walk @ Southern Ridges

Southern Ridges? In which country?

Haha, for the uninformed, Southern Ridges refers to the stretch of nature parks located at the southern part of Singapore. It connects Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park and Kent Ridge Park into a approximately 9km route. These parks already existed long ago, it's the park connectors that were built recently.

Anyway thanks to XH for accompanying me for this nature trek, though it was not an effective way of exercising haha. Since I wasn't able to go overseas, I guess this sightseeing trip could do a little to satisfy my desire to experience extraordinary sights.

Started off from Marang Trail behind Harbourfront MRT, climbed severals flights of stairs before reaching the peak of Mount Faber, which they called as 'Faber Point'. Saw many tourists which made me feel part of a overseas tour haha.



This was seen along the way to the peak. Though this photo cannot compare with the one shown on the situated board, it pretty much covers everything of what I can see from that point, including the 'teeny weeny' Merlion on Sentosa Island. There are just too much trees blocking the wonderful view.



The view at the opposite direction looks better and clearer. Shows how Singapore is densely populated with flats and skyscrapers. One of the more outstanding buildings would be the pagoda-roofed Tangs building, if you can spot it. =p



From this distance you can actually make out that the 3 tallest structures in Singapore are of the same height.



Here's the Henderson Waves! Bridges the connection across Henderson Road between Mount Faber and Telok Blangah Hill. The design is pretty interesting.



From the top of the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore, this can probably help you judge how high it is from the road underneath.



Lots of joggers as we pass by this area. The crests of the wave also act as a shelter for people for relax under. As you can see, the bridge is slightly inclined.



The Terrace Gardens! Used to be a popular spot for couples to take wedding photos. The previous time I visited here was 15 years ago during my aunt's wedding. The stone railings used to be much whiter...



Looks like we visited the top of the terrace at the right timing, coincidentally we witnessed the F16 flypast rehearsal. From the unobstructed view of the sky, the rehearsal actually looked more spectacular than what I saw from Marina in last year's NDP.



They left a mark in the sky after what seemed a random flutter.



Zigzag elevated metallic walkway in the Forest Walk. From the top it looks rather complex.



Once again thanks to the F16, a 'rainbow' over the tree was formed. Some...where...over the rainbow...



The Alexandra Arch bridge. Doesn't look as magnificent as the Henderson Waves.



Along the route we came across a Horticulture Park which displays and exhibits various plants. Unfortunately I'm not very interested in plants.



Somehow I like this picture a lot. How I wish I could sit on the cozy sofa and observe the sunset.



A long path of nurseries and playground. Nicer than Botanic Gardens. It makes a good hangout spot for families.



A redhouse is made of red bricks, a bluehouse is made of blue bricks. Then what is a greenhouse made of?



Another right timing! Caught this beautiful sunset view from the top of Kent Ridge Park. The sun was setting really fast! Within the next minute the sun was gone.

After some confusion of how to exit the park. we finally found our way out before it became completely dark. To reward myself for finishing this trek, I went for dinner at Botak Jones! Really value for money! Large servings, cheap prices! You can request for more fries without additional charge! Hope to visit Botak Jones again in the future.

Yup, that's all for my account on the nature walk. Hope XH enjoyed it too. =) However it doesn't change the fact that I still want to go overseas.

Friday, June 06, 2008

Game!

Japanese is an interesting language. Though it uses similar writing characters as Chinese, the meaning of certain words can be completely different. Some seem so far-fetched that I can't imagine how that meaning developed about.

So now we shall play a 'Guess the Meaning' Game! Try to guess/deduce by whatever means the Japanese meaning of these Chinese characters (kanji)!

Example:

勉強
A) Exercise
B) Study
C) Work
D) Play

In this case the answer is B. Got it correct? Now we know how Japanese view studying haha.

Now let's get to the real thing! *Don't worry, only 5 questions*
Please don't search the net or use any dictionary otherwise it will spoil the fun.

我慢
A) Boredom
B) Ignorance
C) Endurance
D) Shyness

風船
A) Parachute
B) Kite
C) Frisbee
D) Balloon

八百屋
A) Provision shop
B) Grocery shop
C) Bookstore
D) Supermarket

海老
A) Prawn
B) Crab
C) Jellyfish
D) Oyster

*The last one is funny*

怪我
A) Failure
B) Injury
C) Scandal
D) Quarrel

Yup that's it! The answers will be revealed at the end of this entry.

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Can't believe I haven't gone for an outing for the past 7 days. The first time since ORD I stayed home for such a long time. Partly becos my friends have gone overseas during this period.

My heart is filled with envy and sadness whenever I hear my friends going for overseas trips. Hong Kong, China, Japan, Vietnam, Taiwan, etc. Everyone seems to be making use of this period to go for trips before uni starts. When can we be more free than now?

Haven't travelled on a plane for almost 10 years and I yearn for that day to come again. The feeling of checking in at the airport, crossing the gates and waiting to board the plane is so great! However after the increased security I dun think the experience is that enjoyable as before.

Since a long time ago, my family has stopped planning trips, partly due to consideration of my sis. My parents are workaholics and I dun think they can set aside time to go overseas. And my bro doesn't seem to be interested in visiting any countries...

I believe there are much more to see beyond this tiny island. Until I can get a chance to do so, I guess I would just have to look at others' photos at most.

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Finally F.I.R is holding its first ever concert in Singapore in August! Anyone interested to go with me? =)

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Here are the answers to the Game!

C, D, B, A, B

How many did you get correct? Not easy eh?

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

End of Spree

Was shocked as I checked my bankbook. I've been spending money like water for the past 2 months! Anyway I think my shopping desire shld more or less stop alr. Have bought most things that I wanted, like shirts, jeans, spectacles, shoes, belt, jacket, etc. Fashion can really cost a bomb.

Went for a $20+ haircut today. Just feel like trying out salons and see if anything can be done to my hairstyle, which I've been unsatisfied with since primary school. Got some insights from the hairstylist abt how I could make my hair look nicer. Better make use of the time to play ard with my hair before I go bald haha.

Also bought a Japanese magazine today. It has always been so tempting to buy one whenever I visit Kinokuniya. So finally I decided to take one home:



Him again? Haha his exposure is never-dying (eg. the new Gatsby commercial). As a Japanese drama fan, a TV mag would be the first in my mind. But it's quite frustrating to see so many pages used for daily TV schedules. Gonna take some time for me to read up the interviews, drama reviews and features. Not easy to understand neh...

Here is another of my goodies:



Nope I din buy this. Was given to me =p. Kinda obvious what this is, and I'm sure YF would know that feeling of anticipation. A strategy-based game, luck is hardly involved. The outcome would greatly depend on the players' decisions.

Received the NUS freshmen guide! Feels like I'm one step closer to being a University student. Can foresee more stress also.

The weather is erratic nowadays. When it's hot it gets really hot. When it rains it rains really heavily.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

The Thicker Blood



Humour aside, it has been a long time since my entire family sat down together for a meal. Reunion dinner? My grandma's funeral? It's only during these 'special' events which kind of forces everyone to eat together, otherwise I dun think a family meal would be very possible nowadays.

Pathetic right? If you were to come to my house and observe during dinner time, you would probably notice some abnormal habits. The whole family dun sit together for a dinner at all. My bro and I eat in our individual rooms, my sis eats in front of the TV, and as for my parents, whoever comes home first will eat first (though normally they come home ard the same time).

For most families, as what we usually see on TV, eat together at the dining table. Sometimes they will go to the extent of waiting for another member to return home first before digging in the warm sumptuous food. Sadly this has never happened in my family, at least from when I could remember. I eat with my friends, eat with my army mates, eat with my colleagues, but I dun eat with my family...

From small, my bro and I have the habit of eating away from the dinner table. Long ago we used to sit in front of the TV having our meals, munching away while gluing our eyes on the TV. (the TV can't be seen from the dinner table) After we have grown out of TV watching, we started to eat in front of the computer. Ya, both of us are Spiderman (becos we 一整天都挂在网上). Our computers used to be in the same room until we splitted.

My parents return home at irregular times. Can be very late sometimes. Thus no one will wait for each other. Those who are hungry will just start eating first. Yup that's the norm. This feels so normal that getting everyone together at the table will not be a possible sight at home.

That's probably the reason why we dun usually share our personal life with each other. I rarely talk with my parents and brother regarding things that happen in school, in camp, or whatever things I've experienced. Same goes for my bro, I hardly question him about his personal life. Dunno whether he got any gf or not, but I think for a 宅男 like him confirm dun have one hahahaha. He told me once abt his future plans and I think I might end up in the same fate as him haha.

When I went to eat out with my parents last Sunday, I also realised it has been a long time since I followed my parents for an outing. If my bro were to be present too (which is highly impossible), it would have become a rare family outing! One good thing abt family outing is I dun have to pay a single cent haha. Thanks to my mum, we over-ordered food and I really had my fill!

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For the first time in history, Mediacorp is going to hold a charity gala not for any charity organisations, but purely for the Sichuan Earthquake victims. Following Hong Kong's and Taiwan's fund raising concerts, Singapore has decided to hold it too. This impromptu event will be held this Sunday night. Details abt the programme are not known yet, but confirmed guests will include JJ, Gary, Kelly, Tanya, Harlem, etc...

Just finished watching 太王四神记! The first Korean drama I have ever watched from start to end. The story is really captivating. Bae Yong Joon's acting is superb, but heard that he was injured badly during filming. Which is probably the reason why the ending felt rushed and wasn't very satisfying though the plot and characters were very well developed. This show will debut in Channel U this Sunday too! As much as I would encourage watching this, the fact that it will clash with the charity event means it might not be very well received.

Just got a 22-inch widescreen monitor! Now the screen feels terribly huge haha. I can even put two full browser windows side by side. Enlarging video into full screen really looks like watching TV haha. The downside is the fonts have become tinier and most webpages appear to have too much plain space.

I guess most of you would already have heard this song, composed by JJ within 2 days for the earthquake victims.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Monster!

What's this freak? It's so hideous!



Give me free I also dun wan...

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Last week I went shopping and was asked by a shopkeeper if I am a local. Erm, do I not look like one? I guess with the increase of foreigner population in Singapore, it's probably common to be mistaken. Maybe the way I speak or my actions gave the wrong impression I dunno. But as a true-bred Singaporean, I wish to be identified as a Singaporean. =)

Have you ever been mistaken as a non-local? (for locals obviously) That feeling sure feels weird. I think that means you have done or shown something atypical as a Singaporean, which gave the wrong message.

In that case what is a true Singaporean behaviour? Speaking Singlish? Rushing to board MRT/bus in a disorderly manner? Being rude and impatient? Isn't it quite sad that we are condemning our own behaviour, putting bad labels on ourselves? This phenomenon is especially evident in Stomp. Reading some of its articles can really make your blood boil haha.

However I think in a few decades time, things will probably start to change. For the good or worse it's uncertain. The younger generation is maturing in a different environment as the mid generation (eg. our parents) due to the sharp progress in technology at the end of the 20th century. The current teenagers are born under the age of embracing computers, internet, handphones, cameras, etc. Hence their lifestyle habits and practices will definitely differ from that of their parents.

When it becomes our turn to replace the elder generation, we might probably be able to witness things that we will never expect to see today: Ah Ma sms-ing intently on their keychain-dangling phones. Ah Gong plugging earphones and playing handheld games. Senior citizens' corner becoming a cyber cafe/Lan shop. All elderly can understand, speak and write English (as opposed to what we deem elderly now as only able to understand their mother tongues or dialects). Hmm, imaginations running wild alr? Haha.

Then our children would be indulging in their era technology. Something that we probably can't really appreciate...

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Talking abt children, below are instructions on how you shld handle your baby next time.



Very useful eh?

Friday, May 09, 2008

A Simple Look; A Simple Life

Haven't introduced my new template yet haha. After all the custom designs, it's back to blogger defaults again. Agree that the previous template was too kiddy and I'm lazy to change to another design. Dealing with HTML is really a headache for me, esp when editing the sidebars. Now this is much much easier for HTML-noobs like me haha! I guess plain and simple may look nice too. =)

'Himajin' is a Japanese word. (Google the meaning yourself =p) This name came from the fact that I'm jobless currently hehe. You probably want to know why I chose to remain jobless while others plunged into job-hunting right after ORD:

After entering Uni, most ppl will switch into the 'mugger mode' and after graduating, the 'working' mode. There will be hardly any time to do things we enjoy. Hence the period between ORD and Uni would be the best time to enjoy life without any pressure from both study and work. Of course, upon setting up a family in the future, personal time would be virtually non-existent. In other words, this is once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Furthermore upon completing our studies, we will probably spend the next 40 years in the working society all the way till we retire. In that case why situate yourself into the working life so early when we have plenty of time to work next time? Heard many ppl have lost their lifestyles as they venture into adulthood, merely alternating between their work and family. Even friends start to stray off after that. Quite a scary phenomenon I shall say. Thus I would hope to cherish my lifestyle now, enjoy my carefree moments, and live without regrets.

Currently I'm busy watching several dramas (including the Korean period-fantasy drama 太王四神记), engaging in my Japanese language studies, playing XBox, RPGs, games I've yet to complete, exercising, etc... So 'busy' that I hardly update my blog now, even though I'm jobless/school-less/NS-less haha. Do you think I will have the time, energy and mood to do all these if I were to take up a job? NO! Weekends would become terribly crammed.

It has been 3 weeks since I ORD-ed and yet I have never, at any single moment, felt bored at home. So unlike many others who require a job to kill time haha. Can gladly claim (for my case now) that I USE time, not KILL time.

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Back to my blog introduction. Looking for song MP3s is such a hassle (esp new songs), and I dun think anyone ever clicks to listen to them except myself when my radio is down =p. Therefore this time I will just list down my recommended songs under the side column. Want to listen go search yourself...hah. Or at least it can let you know this song ever exists and is on play now.

Added forum links too. Those are the online forums I usually visit. Have learnt a lot of things from there. Gained lots of insights and came to several realisations from others' experiences and various views & opinions. These are things you can't learn in school. (sth like 学校没教的事 from 我猜) Filtering threads/posts is necessary though cos some are really pointless =P.

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Some interesting stuff to share:

This is how you cross a road in India (the traffic is scary):




One of the theme songs for Beijing Olympics [北京欢迎你]. Comprises 100 singers! Can you identify all of them? Dun worry if you can't, cos I can't too haha. Stefanie's in this too, and her voice is one of the more recognisable and unique ones.



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Just to test water: Would anyone like to go for Gary's concert in July with me? Haha...