Friendly Neighbourhood: January 2005

Bear

I found this beanie bear on the road on the 21st this month. Its left portion is flattened because a vehicle ran over it. I still don't know why I picked it up. And I still have it with me.

Head

Head mapped with yellow grids

Skull

A skull's forehead is taped. This is what happen when you've been abused by so many DMD students.

Chinese Eyes

It's been some time since I've blogged. I just can't bring myself to post inane and dull stories of my daily events. I prefer holding back all the good stuff until the floodgates break open and everything pours out ~ Surfs up!>>>>>>

A few days ago, Catherine commented that I had chinese eyes which I duly agree after extensive self-examination. Just look at 'em. The eye slits closely resemble traditional chinese eyes (or at least how other people perceive them). It's no wonder, that Malays and Chinese often mistaken my race.

For instance, today....I had 3 of the above mentioned incidents. The shop attendants just start talking Mandarin and my mouth is hanging open cause I don't really know whether to just nod my head or utter the oft-spoken words ,"I'm sorry but I don't underdstand what you are saying." Heh, it doesn't really bother me. It's cool, like in a "lost-in-translation" kinda way.

So what did I do today? I went back to school and tried rectifiying my animation(assignment). Celest and Yong An accompanied me for a few hours. Then Eunice finally arrived. (after having her breakfast at 2pm. her timing must be set to Australia's. Heh ~ sorry Eunice) Suddenly Zero popped in and twiddled with the PC. We retired at 5pm. Intially Eunice wanted to catch 'Finding Neverland' however she changed her mind. (again and again and....*repeat)

Unfortunately, I had told the staff at Zenith that I couldn't collect my badminton racquet today. BOY was he surprised to see my face there later. (Cos he sold my stringed racquet to an interested customer. WHAT duh! I paid a deposit...) I had no choice but to wait while his wife stringed another similar model/frame. At least it took only half an hour.

Burnin'

I threw caution to the wind as I made my way to school for the make up lesson. Just go for it. Though I didn't feel better afterwards, at least I felt contented that I had been present for the storyboard session. My mind was cranking with all sorts of wacky scenarios for the waterbomb commercial. My body may be weak but my mind is in peak condition...heh heh

Wheez...hack...cough...darn cold. I need to consume some medicine now folks. See ya, later.

Down with the virus

I knew when I started sneezing vehemently on the train(in the morning), it was a sign that I could only get more ill. It was a foreboding symptom. It doesn't matter where I got this cold virus from. Even though I tried my best to stay healthy, obviously I failed - miserably.

According to the doctor I've caught the cold virus that's notoriously infecting denizens here. Subsequently he gave me 2 days mc. My personal feelings though; I don't want to stay home. I'd rather be at school with my friends, learning and having fun. Furthermore...I'll be handing in my assignments delayed.

Well, it'd be selfish of me to drag myself to school tommorow. Why? I'd be spreading the virus to my friends...gee never thought of it that way till just now. Sighs...

The Monkey's Uncle

Aiyah...I didn't feel like going to school today...got sore throat mah. But I must go see Edwin loh.

Eventually I did see him at 12 noon at Blk R's drawing room. Ooops I went to the wrong room earlier...gee I thought it was Blk L. Anyway I remembered telling Haidar about this. SO in other words, I gave her the wrong information. Sorry.

Mr Ed gave me the green light for my chick design. Yes...oh yeah baby give me five. (slaps?snorts? chicklings?)

Later Zero, Yaoguang, Haidar, Wen Ping, Inez and I left Blk L. Haidar and Wen Ping went to Mac for work while the rest of us settled at Food Junction to discuss what we should do next. Then we started talking about the animation which gradually lead to research.

During our conversation, Jonathan arrived. We waited patiently for him to do his chores before marching off to Grassroot's bowling alley(For our research). What can I say our research was a hands-on experiment. Hmmm...so the ball goes thunk when you throw it -Eureka!

Afterwards the gang made headway for home whilst I returned to school. I still had to complete the animation assignment. What a nice surprise! I saw Catherine in the room doing her assignment on the lightbox. We left at 7pm.

Hey Jealous Lover

Do you know what's the problem with having your birthday coinciding with a public holiday? It's not twice the joy but instead misery. Let me explain the reason why. Well, in regards to the holiday(Aidiladha), your birthday will be a step down the ladder in terms of significance. In other words, you'll have to take a backseat and become a spectator on your day.

It doesn't really matter to me that very few people recall that it's my birthday. However, I wanted to be alone today at home. I can't even have that since my relatives are over at my house. Moreover, it was my youngest sister's birthday yesterday(she's 3 now), so she has a cake and everything. Then my relatives come over to the house and they realise it's her birthday cake and they're congratulating her etc. In a nutshell, of course I feel sidelined, neglected.

I'm the eldest, I have to relent. I have to sacrifice. I get--- nothing.

F***I just want to be alone today. I'm 22 now and I feel like shit.

Day Of Balls

My feet was itching for some soccer. I haven't had a decent play in months. So I decided to spontaneously buy a ball from AMK sportslink to kick around in school. When everyone else was busy doing their animation, I was at the basketball court spraying the soccer ball in all directions. It felt great whacking the ball with my left foot. All the pent up emotions went through my leg and slam the ball onto the concrete wall. WHAM! I immediately felt better after that.

Later after design fund class, Dorothy suggested playing soccer...

We did. It was fun too. Playing at the open rooftop, passing the ball around. Eunice almost kicked the ball off the roof and onto the parapet. Scary...I always had a fear of soccer balls flying into my face ever since someone broke my glasses by doing exactly that, sometime ago. Maybe we should've played dodgeball instead?

Spoons

I broke 3 plastic spoons during lunch. Does it bear any significant meaning? I could decipher it as a sign that something will happen in 3 days time, which would be the 21st of Jan(Hari Raya Haji). Consider this for a moment, I eat using spoons. Could it be possible that I will break something important on Friday?

Then again, maybe nothing bad will occur. I mean it's just a silly superstition, right...?

Words

Sometimes you say things without realising that its hurtful. You're caught up in the moment and everything's in motion. Suddenly you say something wrong and and you can't hit the brakes in time. You've gone over the edge.

I think it's rather extreme to scrutinize every word when you're having a casual conversation but it makes sense to exercise caution. Obviously everyone responds differently to a witty punchline or humour. Some will find it amusing. Other people might just get rubbed the wrong way.

Thus, I'm afraid that I'll say something impulsive, derogatory someday and lose my friends. It's just one of my many paranoia.

Love hurts (Censored and undiplomatic)

Wassup with this crap?! It's always about I'm in love...ooh aah wee or I need love...I'm a poor soul who's destined to live a lonely pissant life. Those who're in love just can't stop bitchin about how good it is. Those who're outta love, just can't stop bitchin about how ****ed-up their life is. Damn I swear I'm going to be a vegetable if I hear anymore of this $h1t.

Please don't be offended. Thank you for your kindness.

Rubberneckin'

I find that Monday is a good day to get some some drawing done in Blk R's room. The reason is that it's vacant on Monday. I was in total isolation. Just the easel, Mr bones and I .

Then I went to Mac's for some lunch. Guess who was at the counter? Wen Ping and her colleagues. I wasn't wearing my glasses (the spring in the frame has broken) so I wasn't able to tell at first, whether it was her.

After lunch I headed back to Blk R and continued my work on the animation assignment.

Later in the evening I took a detour to Ang Mo Kio's Popular where I bought myself Elvis: 2nd To None. I couldn't appreciate Sinatra the way that I could with Elvis, although they were music legends of the past.(Yesterday I bought 'Essential Frank Sinatra')

Last on my agenda was a trip to the optimetrist to get new spectacles. I'm spending way too much these days. I have curb my willful purchasings.

Spekkio is a War master who imbues magic powers. He evolves with the characters. For the moment, he is just a sheep (with devastating magic)?

When 4 or more time travellers use the gate, they get lost in time. This place is called the 'end of time'.

Radio.Active Extends

The Radioactive Streetsyler T-shirt design competition deadline has been extended to 22nd Jan 2005. Groan! It was because of their deadline that we had three weeks to complete our assignment. I can't believe this...we could've another week to finish our work. On the bright side, we have 2 assignments to hand in next week instead of 3.

Escaping the clutches of their pursuers by entering a 'gate', Crono, Lucca and Marle found themselves in the future. But it is seemingly inhospitable.

Crono was held captive in Guardia castle. While Lucca and Crono were trying to escape, they had to deal with 'Dragon'.

Almost Fainted

I woke up later than I had planned. It was 12:15 in the afternoon and I had a class at 3. Initially I thought, "Maybe I should just go to CCK mosque before going to school". Afterwards I changed my plan as I saw that the timing of the Friday prayers today was late( 1:15pm). This meant that I still had an opportunity to rush over to Yishun mosque which was nearer to NYP.

Dreadfully I left the house about 5 mins to 1pm. I panicked. So I increased my pace and cycled recklessly on the road.

(My mother wasn't at home so I didn't eat any breakfast or lunch for that matter.)

I reached CCK interchange at 1.05pm. Normally it would take me 20 mins. A record timing. No time to be proud. Checked my ego and walked past the crowds. Then I saw the ETA of the next train to Marina Bay. One minute left! I ran past dozens of people. It was a scene like those high speed chases in the movies(Except nobody was chasing me). I felt so embarrassed.

I ran past the service station and all the way up the stairs. The departing commuters were blocking my way so I push them away. I swear it's true. I really gave them a hard shove.

The doors were closing! I lunged and somehow--- I managed to board at the very last minute. A total of 8 mins.

Suddenly my body caught up to me. I began asphyxiating. I couldn't control my breathing. What's happening to me? Even in the cold air-conditioned train I start to perspire profusely.

I dismissed these symptoms as exhaustion and continued standing. Later I took a seat because somehow I didn't have the energy to stand anymore.

Although I thought sitting down was a good idea, I had neglected the consequences of my foolish action.

Let me list down my errors. No.1 I had expended an enormous amount of energy in a sudden burst in a very short time. No.2 I haven't had my breakfast. No.3 I sat down after a lung-busting sprint. Never, ever do these things together. I'm serious.

Because when I sat down my vision became darker and I feel nauseated. A few minutes later I lost my eyesight.WHAT's HAPPENING? I closed my eyes. My head is spinning now. Honestly, I've never fainted before. However, I know I was close to blacking out on the train today.

Fortunately I was still conscious. I couldn't let myself faint. NO! If I did, I would trouble a lot of people. Especially my family.

I fought the darkness and channeled what energy I had left to summon my eyesight again. It was so scary. It felt like I was becoming blind. Help me, God.

Thankfully the darkness became neon violet pixels. (I'm not joking) Focus! I did it...eventually I gained sight. Shit. I almost vomited. My whole body was dribbling with cold sweat. At least I didn't pass out. Imagine what would happen if I did. Nobody was there to help me. The passengers there certainly won't.

In the end nobody knew. I didn't tell anyone.Fortunately, everything functioned normally at school. It was almost as if nothing had happened to me.

You're the devil in the disguise

Elvis is so cool. Well he's dead(at least some poeple do think he is. ELVIS is alive & he's outta this world *Gasps) but his voice is sooo awesome. If I was a girl I'd be like swooning over him. OKAY...that didn't sound normal? Initially I was like...yeah love 'jailhouse rock', 'hound dog' but I mean what's so great about this man. Rhetorically speaking, of course.Duh 'cos he's the KING baby. You've heard of the catchphrase, "Before anyone did anything, Elvis did everything". His vocals are so good that he transcends all genres and imitates all forms with ease. You just name it, rock n roll, gospel, pop, ballads and many more. Although he had lived a rather controversial life...I think what's important for me is his music. Elvis Rocks!

I don't want no other love
Baby it's cause you I'm thinking of
-Don't be cruel

3:33 AM

I'm blogging in real time...it's morning and I haven't catch a nap yet. GOD I was going to sleep after I had mounted my t-shirt designs. But when I was helping yaogung with his template...I fooled around with debbie(my t-shirt girl). SO to cut a long story short...it looks*suspense* better now??? Way better than my printed work. Damn...this means I have to spend another $7 to print these templates. Sobs^^^^ Why AM I SO impulsive? Should've tinkered with the design a bit before printing. With this <------------------------>much effort put in my design I hope I win this crappy competition...

Radio.Active

I don't know why I took such an abnormally long time to finish my illustration. Zero took a few hours to do his. Well, on hindsight, at least that's one completed assignment(that is - until I mount them of course). Yay.

It was difficult transition for me to go digital. I've never tried using software applications to do art before, except for Win Paint? But I'm still worried about the radioactive logo. I've heard that we're not suppose to alter it. That it should be left in its original form.

However, I recall that the tutor had given us the nod on this issue. Then why did she do a 180 and chided someone for doing exactly that? It's so controversial.

On that subject, our female (Digital Imaging) tutor is hard to please. She's undoubtedly a perfectionist...that's plain to see. If I don't do something within her expectations, I'm certain to be axed. Groans* Dunno why but I felt gung-ho enough to let my logo be different. I'm definitely going to rue that decision in the future. Why do I take risks like these?

Chrono Trigger

Don't you wish sometimes that you had a time portal that can transport you through time? You could see yourself in the future or prevent bad things from ever happening. Or just witness the different events that have shaped history. Imagine seeing Caesar, Leonardo Da Vinci or Shakespeare with your own eyes. Solve the greatest mysteries on earth. For instance, how the ancients build the Great Pyramids Of Giza. It would be such an incredible, amazing adventure.

Guardia Castle 1000 years ago

Jurassic Dance

Lucca's Telepod

To whom it is concerned

So I've decided to change the layout on a whim. It's better this way. The links are working and I can focus on blogging.

I'm getting worked up on the T-shirt design assignment. There's no theme involved, barring the obscenities. Therefore I find myself at a lost. What should I do? Initially I figured, why not do something Asian Hisyam? Of course I do this lots of times,(the self analysis not the question per se) thus people often wonder why I have this perpetual blank face. But I think the design seemed rather traditional and not radioactive enough. Whatever that means...lol

So I bought myself a scanner to boost my morale. This is what therapists and quacks love to call therapeutic shopping. I bought a slim Canon LIDE 35 which is rather economical considering the price and its performance. Goodbye defunct HP scanner. In with the new ---out with the old. OMG I wonder what'll happen if society were to apply such an extreme dispostion.

Now all I have to do is illustrate.

Wooden Heart

My old friends called me yesterday persuading me to help Perdaus. They had a collection centre at Blk 364 of Bukit Gombak and they needed volunteers to help pack clothes, food and other peripheral items for the victims of the tsunami disaster.

(Let me tell you) Honestly though, I have no interest in volunteering.I won't get paid working on a Sunday. Furthermore my body was still aching from playing badminton the other day. I contemplated skiving.

But at 8am, against all odds I went ahead, because, well -- why not? I have nothing to lose by helping out. In fact isn't it my prerogative?

So we started work at 9.45am immediately after the briefing. There were piles of clothes in black bags, all stacked and clustered in the cordoned area. I started carrying some heavy sacks onto a trolley when the leader spotted me and asked whether I was interested in following a lorry which was scheduled to visit 3 mosques to collect their stuff donated by some samaritans. I gave an enthusiatic nod. Then he picked another volunteer to accompany me. (Actually he initally asked, is this guy whom I just met my friend? I can't possibly say no.... that would be kinda rude.)

Damn, the rain didn't even show any slight hints of subsiding. I climbed up the rear and sat at the middle of the pickup lorry which had a green canvas top. Unfortunately it had some leaks as well.

Our first pit stop would be in Hougang. The En-Naeem mosque. Time: 10.30am. I'm hungry.

When we arrived at the mosque, the rain grew more tenacious. The door to the office was locked. Where is the staff? So the man who was in-charge tried calling the administrators. He's not at the mosque now. He advised us to call Abdul Rahman instead. (I don't know who he is.)

Several minutes later he came and told us that there were lots of vercimelli in the storeroom. That's right...you heard me correctly. VERCIMELLI (Bee Hoon lah, der...) HolY #^@& he wasn't kidding. Dreadfully there were only four of us(The driver, his associate, the indonesian NTU student who was my counterpart and not forgetting yours truly) and the driver's kid. This is going to take some time folks.

It doesn't make any sense though. How do you expect the Sri Lankans to cook their vercimelli?

Never mind. I got cracking and hauled vercimelli by the dozens. There was no shelter from the back gate so I got totally soaked. Every piece of clothing I had was wet. (Yes, even my underwear.) Funny, I wasn't complaining. I was actually having genuine fun working my butt off in the rain.

It took 3 hours of gruelling loading before we had all the vercimelli on board. We took our afternoon prayers before continued to stock the lorry with more food and milk cartons. At approximately 2.30pm we departed.

Next destination: The warehouse at Changi South Ave.

The lorry is stuffed with so much vercimelli that Noviar (my new indo friend) and I were stuck at the end. We were literally hanging on to our dear lives. If we hit a bump, I might just get thrown onto the asphalt.

The warehouse was located near Expo Mrt Station. BTW its still raining. Give me a break already...I'm not a human sponge. Time to empty the lorry.

Get the pallete. Stack the items neatly. Cover the goods with plastic wrap. Use the jack. Lift the freight. Repeat step 1.

Phew. It's as tiring as reading this post. Trust me.

Ensuing that we had our lunch. Time 4.45 pm.

Wow food never tasted so good when you're famished. Oh yeah I'm 100% good again.

Next and hopefully last destination: The Kampung Siglap mosque.

The agenda this time? Apparels and misc garments. Ooh they are heavy. I'm throwing the bundles in the lorry. Hurl, fling, chuck, launch, lob, toss, sling these bundles, with certain caution of course. I don't want to break the plastic bags.

Do you feel weary? I'm wiped out. Finally, we returned to Bukit Gombak. Finally, we can go home. But not before more hurling and etc.

The leader commented that he was grateful for our services. I was just glad the whole adventure was over.

Do you know God has a sense of humour. Why? Just when I disembarked at the Perdaus centre the rain stopped. My shirt dries and my shoes smell funky.

Don't tell me "A little rain won't kill you." Haven't you heard of pneumonia?

THE END.