Monday, January 30, 2006
Stop
I can bemoan the world for all it's worth but who's to blame?
It's not so much a problem of what to do, but more a issue of where to start.
So rather than wallowing in a pool of self-pity, maybe you should do someting. Or simply tell me, and we shall go sky-diving, without the 'chutes. It'll be fun, I garauntee. =)
Living an uptight life, wearing the goody two shoes. Gets very boring in the end.
Carpe diem, and I should stop thinking the world stops without me. It doesn't.
I may still dream yet.
Gavin
pondered @ 18:18
Friday, January 27, 2006
Lunch Function
Never have too high expectations. In fact never have any expectations.
Especially not for a decent lunch function. Buffet style? Oh god. Whoever was in that origanizing committe should be hanged.
Ended up in Marine Parade Library in the end.
Anyways, did you know it was Mozart's brithday today? Now you do.
Gavin
pondered @ 19:00
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Tea Spa
Hidden in a little corner in Raffle splace is a little cafe I'd like to recommend.
Tea spa at the Caltex House. Nice ambience, and quiet. Almost empty except for 2 ladies seated at another table.Staring at the menu, one word came to mind. It was "huh?".Flower tea, herbal tea, green tea, white tea. It went on and on. Stare back at the decor, I saw incense coil hanging from the ceiling. Nope, they were definitely NOT mosquito coils.
Looking back at the menu, I still had no clue. The menu was rather quaint. A clipboard with printed brown paper. It was a really tranquil spot.
Still, the words made no sense.
I see, is that wooden mats on the table? How lovely!
Amanda had decided. "Bai Mu Tan" was her choice.
"You have to say it with the english slang 'Bye Moo Ten'," she enthused with an ernest face. I laughed, but nope, still not decided. So, I did what any intelligent person would do. Request for the waiter's recommendation.
That's how I got into trouble. "Would you like something refreshing?"
I ordered some sort of ginger tea with mint, a certain brew with the name "awake". It's not disastrous, but it's quite strange. Got me awake it certainly did!
On hindsight, I actually quite liked the tea. A light green, off-brown brew.
Tried the Chocolate Crunch, basically chocolate cake with a bottom layer of cereal. Nothing spectacular, nonetheless, decent. The chocolate was not rich enough. I very much prefered the Green Tea Tiramisu I stole a bite off.
Had a little lesson on how tea turns bitter if left standing, and listened to the wonderful jazz music playing in the background. I let Amanda exlpain how one could like to sing chinese songs but not necessarily like those songs, and rather prefer Nat King Cole. I don't mind, I like people who like jazz.
Tea leaves with hot water refils, and cake for just $9.90 (Last order at 4.45pm). I think I will go back there again.
This is Neko, Amanda's pet cat.
Gavin
pondered @ 22:24
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Mr. Lee
Harry Lee that is.
This post will definitely ruffle much feathers.
I happened to reflect on what kind of a man the founding father of Singapore is. I find myself unable to fault the man for being a bad leader. In fact I find that there are many fine points that I can learn from him.
Then again, there remains several points in his vision I take issue with too. However, I do recognize the fact that often, the lesser of 2 evils has to be choosen. Sometimes, it might even be a catch-22.
Tell me more about your story Harry. I want to know more of your exploits, and get to know your band of brothers. I want to find out the whole unadultered story, that no one wants to hear.
I admire your passion and your dirve, and even in this day, I see that fire in your eyes. A strong burning fire that sears through my very soul.
Please don't shun me, for I sincerely want to learn.
Gavin
pondered @ 23:34
Monday, January 23, 2006
Patience
Patience sorely lacking. Like a thumb that demands constant attention, and despite that, the crux of it is not touching the sore thumb.
It is a discipline.
Gavin
pondered @ 21:50
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Park Amsterdam
park amsterdam (the whole story)
Maaya Sakamoto
one day, sitting in a tree
i couldn't help but notice you there in the park
you weren't like all the others
you could fit me in your pocket
and just seemed so large
but then you really tried to talk to me
we chatted all about your mom and everything
and if somebody pointed out the fact you have no wings...
wouldn't mean a thing
and like a dream we saw the world together
"goodbye" to differences
"hello" to each other
harmony
unity
day and night
you and me
and paradise
met the queen of hearts
while out dancing on the lake
and she asked us to a party
"you can bring some friends
but don't be late"
climbed aboard a bus
and it drove us to the castle
but we didin't have to pay
cause the driver was the jester's brother
sadly sighed the king
cause somebody took his cake
so we gave him some of ours
and he smiled so wide
he ate his plate
he asked you to sing
and i won't forget the faces
or the awful melody
you and jester singing out of key
not a better time
could be had for all the moment
the king beamed, "allow me please"
"let my ballon take you across the ocean"
(you and me across the ocean,
in his ballon, you and me and harmony)
didin't try to put me in a cage of your convenience
like some others have
instead you took me to your favorite garden in Manhattan
and we had a laugh
along the way i fell in love with you
don't think i could ever get enough of you
and if somebody pointed out the fact that you can't sing...
wouldn't mean a thingI'd like to go on adventures just like those. Just you and me, on a magical journey. How splendid would that be?
But the last time I went on one, you got lost. How unfortunate.
Gavin
pondered @ 01:45
Friday, January 20, 2006
The Devil sitting in the corner smiles benignly at the Prince. On the bench in the park Amsterdam, verdant cover shading the precocious little one. The Prince nodded in acknowledgement. Both royalty in their little world and both peers from parallels.
The Prince offers the Devil an Ice-cream.
So they both ate in a moment of tranquility.
And along came the scholar, receiving a scornful glare from the unusual couple.What was one to do in that plight? One simple melts away into a far end of the park. There where the actor was rehearsing.
The hero was off saving some folks at the entrance of the park, and the warriros was off bashing some trolls.
The policeman was off patrolling the paved walkways, doing his best to locate the Inspector.
Up in the trees hid a Ninja, feeling sore that the Samurai had a better katana than he. The Samurai he simply sat under the shade, meditating in a zen state of mind.
A cosy little park with a hundred different characters. In conflcit, in competition. To express teir right to a word. A cast of different characters, but all are one. One together, but still one that is incomplete.
Adn then the Leader speaks. He asks the Devil to take the stage.
Gavin
pondered @ 23:31
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Regardless of the brilliance of a strategy and despite the genius of the player, all it takes to ruin it is one moment's lack of focus.
The pieces were set out in style, and the moves gracefully made, but I must apologize for attempting to step one foot to many boards. The spoils of one victory savoured at an inappropriate time. Typical.
Indeed, carousels in the clouds fall hard and hard straight to the ground. Over-confidence guaranteed a misjudged move, and obstinacy ensured impending failure.
Highly unplesant, but still a wonderful time. A solitary victory pitted against a lone defeat.
If time was a chum, I daresay two victories in the bag. Alas, time is hardly swayed by chocolate cakes.
At least I ate that bar of lovely dark chocolate, Lindt.
Gavin
pondered @ 11:13
Monday, January 16, 2006
Jest
In the royal court there is a Jester.
The Jester is a dangerous thing. Ceaseless plots to dispose of the Prince, the Jester he hides it behind the porcelain mask. He is a good Jester. Dances, sings, and fufils his role.
But he holds a knife, behind his back. He befriends the Prince. The Prince acknowledges him. Reciprocal. Or at least a form of basic courtesy.
The Prince sees him, somedays, sitting on the throne, but dismisses it as folly. The Jester though thinks it an eventuality. The Prince remains amiable. The Jester plays his part.
Today, the Prince became rather furious, for the Jester irked him so. Sought to undermime the Prince's right, and wear his crown.
More importantly, the Prince allowed himself get out of line. He feels quite rather disgusted, and mildly mortified. So he decided to show the Jester reality.
And the prince puts his crown back on. Reality the Jester will see.
But still, I don't like the Jester who steals my crown.
Gavin
pondered @ 22:47
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Perhaps the best way to beat the devil is to learn from the devil. Take from the devil his skills, share with the devil his wisedom and steal from the devil his secrets.
The day the devil embraces his new-found aide, that day you strike him down. Without mercy, without remorse, an impeccable copy of the devil's gait.
Then. Would you resent the devil that has become you?
Hush now, no more crying dear.
Gavin
pondered @ 20:22
Pulau Ubin
I had an urge to go to Ubin for some exploring, so I did. Albeit without a camera, for both my p-9 and Sl3000 ran out of battery.
Why did I want to go? I don't really know, but just that I know I haven't been there in 6 years. I like the feeling of roaming around that island. Ever since I've been back from Gunung Ledang, it seems like whatever nature has to offer in Singapore is so mild.
Arrival on the Island: After a little deliberation, the route was agreed on, and off we headed to Chek Jawa.
Chek Jawa
The flooded mangrove. Beautiful.
Taking a picture of houf taking a picture of me!
Holey wooden plank
Remains of a long-dead boat.
Actually, that island was much smaller than we had expected. an hour on the bike covered a great deal of the ground. Nonetheless, I was quite entranced by the rustic feel of the quite sleepy island.
Boat by the stilted hut
The beach
Seng on his bike
White cat
3 of the 4 explorers, Jac, Seng and Houf
He's the king of the world!
After that, it was time to say good bye.
Leaving on a bumboat
Sitting at the edge of the bumboat
Seng and I, sitting on the edge of the bumboat
And that was a good trip!
It was one of the first few times using my V3 as a camera, and it is a poor substitute indeed.
By the way, the Singapore expo is a good place to go to ona quiet night. The Tandoori Place is quite good.
Gavin
pondered @ 01:39
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Jack, and Jack, I'd like you to meet Jack
Someone did something really nice today.
She gave me this
Jack. In all his chibi glory! I can't stand it anymore...
Jack and Jack, I'd like you to meet Jack.
Quekie! Buy me more, ok?
Gavin
pondered @ 22:24
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Potpourri
MentorsI find that I am very fortunate to have elders who can guide me along. Like every protaganist has the wise trader or the knowledgable innkeeper to dispense words of advice. I am lucky that they share something in common with me, that is a sort of fire that burns inside.
I enjoy talking to them, in fact, it more accurate to say that I enjoy listening to them. They have years of ecperience over me, and many a time, I just rather take a backseat and let them do the talking. It's also a huge boost to know that they are willing to share their experience with me, when they can so easily pass me off as one of the otehr people.
People like them give me hope that there is something, someone worth fighting for. I really wish I can learn all that I can from them someday, and I think I'm starting to get infected with a bout of humaninteractingitis. It makes me want to go out and find more such people, talk with them, understand that there is more than one opinion on this world.
Unfortunately, people like them are few and far between.
Music obsession: MozartThe Tchaikovsky phase has worn off, and it is now replaced by an infatuation with Mozart. Mozart craze as I call it was (re)ignited by Piano Concerto No. 21 k467. Little needs to be elaborated on why piano concertos appeal so much more to me. (For the misinformed, I used to play the piano)
Tchikovsky's music had a gradeur about it, huge, large symphonies playing a powerfully strong song. Whereas Mozart's Piano Concertos are chamber pieces, and focuses more on finese and skill, unlike Tchaikovsky's pieces' raw power.
Needless to say, the value of the pieces also lie in the ability of their performers, and precisely because Mozart's pieces require more individual skill from the performers, that makes me feel more connected with the piece. They boast different kinds of beauty and for the moment, I am more entranced by the beauty that is present in Mozart's pieces.
For Piano Concerto 21, the crucial part of the piece is the piano. The better the paino player, the better the piece will sound. The more competent he/she is, the faster and better the piano solo can be performed.
For example, I have 2 version of the piece, and the differences between the two is a stark contrast. In fact, one of them is a full minute longer due to the slower and less capable pianist.
Dang. I feel like taking piano lessons again.
Clothes ShoppingI. Hate. Crowds. Full Stop
CDsBut I did buy 2 CDs, Mozart's Piano Concertos 17, 19, 21 and 25, performed by the Ambache Chamber Orchestra, piano by Diana Ambache. It's not as good as the version I already have, but that CD does not state who was the pianist. Damn.
I bought Miles Davis Kind of Blue.
I think I am going to be stuck on those CDs for the rest of the night.
Romeo and JulietDreaming that I was in a love affair as intense as theirs. Somehow love that deos not end in death of the two lovers do not appeal much to me. Masochistic streak? Maybe, but I definitely do not want to settle for anything less.
What is the point in meeting a girl, dating the girl, marry, have kids, and start a family? That would be just like everyone else. There must be pain, there must be suffering, and then there will be romance, flirting and all the intese feelings. Perhaps a little death can be thrown in too.
Something along the lines of old Romeo and Juliet would fit the bill. Love at first sight, followed by seperation, and the trials in between topped off with a generous dose of obstacles. You do not find anything like that in this day and age.
ThinkingUnable to stop thinking. Voices in my head, though not as bad as in the past.
ObsessionAlmost becoming a reflex action. It has got to stop. I'm not talking about me, but you. This one particular reader.
Gavin
pondered @ 09:04
Monday, January 09, 2006
Clover boy!?
Seems like I've been collecting nicknames like the cobwebs collecting dust. It actually is quite a pleasant surprise albeit slgihtly unflattering.
So it looks like clover boy is stuck fast. Not that I'm complaining. It almost was horseshoe/rabbit foot boy. I would be hiding from alot of people it were any of the latter.
Oh well, at least it's a positive start to a week.
Gavin
pondered @ 12:21
Sunday, January 08, 2006
Say what?
I spent a good hour delibrating on what to write. Usually, that would signal the setting in of a very well deocumented phenomena affectionately known of "writer's block".
However, I still forced my half-reluctant brain to produce at least a coherent work of writing. It's atrocious, the length of my recent entries, short, and short. I ask myself if it's worth the effort to press the publish button every time that happens.
It is quite alarming for one such as myself to witness an apparent deterioration of my language. It took me a good 15 minutes just to find the correct spelling of the word deterioriate. That is just plain unacceptable.
It is not merely an isolated incident, on the contrary, it has been increasingly common. To what extent has my linguistic abilities been impaired? I cannot fathom the damage, but judging from the state of affairs, I would say it could not get any worse.
It has also reared its unsightly head in my speech. Imagine speaking, and detesting the words that come out? The pronounciation, the vocalization, and the formation of sentences, it is all so repusively vile. That is what I feel about it on a good day. You would not want to contemplate the digust that is felt on a rotten day.
Practice, that is what I need. Write in proper sentences, start writing esay, just as long as it addresses the problem. Speak in proper english, think in full sentences, maybe that is what's missing.
Gavin
pondered @ 19:52
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Well, I used to think that being an executive required you to care for your guys. I do not doubt the wisdom of those words, but perhaps, the execution was not carried out in the right manner. Who in the world thinks that there can be no loss of "life"?
I did.
It sounds rather immature and slightly foolish. Micro-managing, they call it. It demonstrates, a distrust in the guys, and it indicates that I have no faith in them.
Or is it because I don't even trust myself?
First, know what you want, then perhaps you can achieve it.
Gavin
pondered @ 12:04
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Google t3h l33t
Oh my god! This one really had me impressed. Google spelt in Braille to commemorate the birthday of Louis Braille. Way to go google. =)
Gavin
pondered @ 22:48
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Sometimes, the greatest test of one's mantle is not the ability to act the "tough guy". It's not about being the first ff the line at the start of the race, nor is it about making the first shot.
It's more about being able to keep one's calm during times of adversity, the ability to finish the whole marathon and the calmness to hit the target when it counts.
Sometimes I wonder if I'm just a wanna-be under it all.
Gavin
pondered @ 22:55
Monday, January 02, 2006
Realiztic 2006 wishlist
1. Kayak 2-star Certification
2. Diving License
3. Metal Recurve Bow
4. Learn New language
5. Join Rifle Club
6. More Books
7. More Nightmare Before Christmas Collectibles
8. More Glow-in-the-dark thinga-a-ma-jigs
9. Laptop
Gavin
pondered @ 21:37
