His train of thought is still boarding at the station.

I made a decision today. I'm not sure if it's the right choice, but i guess time will tell. There are implications and consequences for sure, but i guess we'll take one step at a time. Like they say, some of the best and greatest decisions were made on the spot. I hope this is the case for me.

I do not want to live the rest of my life, thinking about "what if". The future is not made out of "what if"s. The future is made on the decisions that we make today.

All i know is that i'm happy that we have a chance to work things out.

Pong pong tiao.

You know you’ll hate something when they won’t tell you what it is.

Well, it seems that on this fateful day, i have been given another new title.

In addition to the titles of

Osama-bin-Ensui,
The-One-Who-Started-The-Fire,
Instigator of all Conspiracy Theories,
Bringer of Aids and Ebola and Worldwide Epidemics and All Other Necessary Bad Things To Effect a Complete and Satisfactory Infamy,

and

Chief-Of-Pia-Sai-But-Doesn't-Have-Any-Subordinates,
aka Chief-of-Carrying-Shit,
Brick-Layer,

I have been given a third title of

The-Turkey-Man-with-the-Sunflower

And beware. The Sunflower is no ordinary sunflower. It may look small like this:


But in actuality, it towers over three storeys bookshelves high as shown here:


And it is thus with this magical three-storeys-bookshelves-high Sunflower, was i knighted. And in this ceremony whereby the third title was bestow upon my reluctant humble self, it was with much pomp, ceremony, sparklers, cheers, song and dance that i unwillingly gratefully and grudgingly graciously accept my fate.

All evil-doers beware! The-Turkey-Man-with-the-Sunflower shall bring you to justice! Flee or feel the wrath of my magical three-storeys-bookshelves-high Sunflower!

Cheers, guys. You. Really. Shouldn't. Have.

History is the fiction we invent to persuade ourselves that events are knowable and that life has order and direction.

So how? If cannot get approval, means cannot go out for tender leh.

I thought incredulously to myself: You are joking. The tender was confirmed to be on Monday. Our drawings and documents are almost ready, and you're telling me we cannot go out for tender?!

Forgive my crude language and analogy.

Telling us that we cannot go out for tender with the scheduled date so close, is a bit like having sex.

You both are having a good time romping the bed, sweating and doing the horizontal lambada. Then, when you're close to an orgasm, your partner tells you:

Oops. We were too hasty in the beginning. Lets put on a condom for safety's sake.

Except that when your sex session ends, it feels a lot better as compared to the real-life situation of the tender is released.

Things you should always consider before making a decision.

When you’re great, people often mistake candour for bragging.

Viwawa. Is. Farking. Addictive. (-.-)

I’ve been disempowered! My centering, self-actualizing anima has been impacted by toxic, co-dependent dysfunctionality!

During this year's Chinese New Year, we went to a temple to pray. While doing so, an auntie mistook my youngest brother as my son.

*

During one of my project's meeting, we were chatting with the cilents. One of them asked me, "So how old are you? 30?"

*

After another one of my project's meeting, i decided to have dinner with one of my peers, who is and looks like a middle-aged woman. The waitress at the restaurant mistook me for her husband.

*

There have been so many incidents of people mistaking me for being vastly older, that its not even funny. I think for each project that i'm currently handling, it adds two years to my appearance.

So, all in, that makes me look like a hundred-and-forty-seven years old. Sigh... (-.-)

Any suggestions?

There’s no sedative like seeing a tiger lying in the sun.

You can blame almost everything on jet lag.

Such as the inability to count.

Or the feeling that everything moves so slowly.

Or the inability to guard people in mahjong.

Or the laid-back feeling without any sense of urgency.

I wonder if you could blame your love life on jet lag.

They say the world is a stage. But obviously the play is unrehearsed and everybody is ad-libbing his lines.

The things which i found out when i got back from Down Under include, but is not limited to the following:

1. Each time i stay with Caffeine Addict and Big Banana, i'm always subjected to menial labor. When i graduated and on my last day in Australia as a student, i helped wash the car. This time, on my last day of my one week break, i helped them to move house (I know Caffeine Addict is gonna kill me for writing this, but its true mah >.<).
2. It feels much better to walk in Sydney than to walk in Singapore. Perhaps the air is fresher, or there is a right mix of people and cars. Whatever it is, it just feels better.
3. There is a certain association with Caffeine Addict and Big Banana, with Korean food. Mix at your own risk of a veryveryveryfull-bulging-almostgonnaexplode-tummy.
4. There is also a certain association with Caffeine Addict, Big Banana and our other friends, with camping outdoors. I thought the camping for 2 years in National Service would have cured all urges to do so in the male Singaporean population. I know it did for me.
5. After a long discussion with Caffeine Addict, perhaps i should start thinking of extending my horizons. Not everything is what they seem. I will ponder on this.
6. I'm still in a hazy dream-like state, hallucinating that i'm still in Australia. Please bear with my intoxicated ramblings.
7. A good book can really sustain me. I can go without food, water or human contact, totally absorbed and engrossed in the imaginative world weaved by the book.
   
8. I found out that my boss postponed a company dinner, just for me to return from my break. It was initially scheduled on Friday when everyone could be present, but my boss chose to postpone it to Monday when i returned. I'm speechless.
   
9. The two boxes of chocolates and three containers of nougats which i brought back for my colleagues yesterday, are almost all gone. All within one working day. I think my present company of approximately 20 employees, has an appetite of approximately 200 employees. I need to bear this in mind when i go on holiday next time.
10. I'm still in a hazy dream-like state, hallucinating that i'm still in Australia. Please bear with my intoxicated ramblings.

Ground-breaking news just in...

Dear comrades,

I risk my life in revealing this profound secret to you all. A secret so tightly kept and highly guarded, that i only knew of it today when it took place two months ago.

A secret with an impact so huge and deadly, it could change the world. It was so important that we, the common people, have been kept in the dark.

The secret is this:

our dear Caffeine Addict and our slack Big Banana are engaged.

I regret to inform that although i have seen the promised ring of engagement, i was not able to take a photo of it. However, i assure you all of this, the diamond on it looks very real.

As a result of my knowledge of this profound secret, my life is now in danger. I have been accused by our dear Caffeine Addict, of two fatal charges:

1. Of me being unobservant, and thereby not noticing the ring earlier and therefore, not detecting of the secret earlier.
2. Of bringing flu from Singapore and thereby making her sick.

With these charges, i must now flee for my life. I beg of you all, my comrades, to spread the news far and wide. Although my death is eventual and inevitable, please do not let me die in vain.

Let the world know of this secret! Spread the word!

Memories of midnight

As i stepped off the plane and into Sydney airport, a flood of memories rushed over me.

Memories of the past.

Memories of being a student.

Memories of good times.

Memories of love.

Memories of happiness.

Now that i'm here on a holiday and in good company, i hope that they'll stay just that: as memories.

Nothing more.

Words of Wisdom from Very Wise Taxi Drivers Part Three

As i sighted the taxi pulling out from the opposite apartments, i thought to myself, lets see if he drives in my direction. If he does, i'll flag it. As fate turns out, i did flag the taxi and boarded it. Trying to strike up a conversation, i asked, "Just started your shift?"

"Should have started at 7pm. Had to start late because my day job had a late meeting. Sigh... Lost ten dollars already." Came the grumbling answer. "No choice lah. Work part-time is like that one. I tell you arh, i work for six years already."

"Heh. Meetings are a waste of time." i chuckled, still not quite understanding what he meant.

"Sometimes no choice lah."

"Every time a meeting is called, they talk and talk and talk. In the end, nothing is resolved." I declared.

"Yarh lor. Sometimes, i work until so late i can't drive afterwards. I just tell my partner that i can't drive and pay him accordingly. Luckily, he's quite understanding"

"Wow. You drive after your day-job? Very shiong leh, like that. After work already so tired, still have to drive taxi. But don't drive also good lah. If drive, lagi dangerous. You are so mentally tired." The message was slowly filtering into my slow brain and i realised how difficult this taxi driver's life is.

"Yarh lah. Thats true." Was his agreement.

"Wah. Uncle, you worked for six years already. You not tired?" Disbelieving, i noted his white crop of hair. How does he manage it at his age? I thought

"I numb already. But sometimes because of family, i have to work. I give myself another two years. My daughter is almost going to graduate. Once she does that, i'll stop." He replied wearily.

"Local uni?"

"No no. My daughter is in Australia."

"Really? Perth? Or Sydney?"

"Yeah, yeah. She's in UWA."

"Wah. Australian dollar is going up."

"Yarh lor" Was his grim reply.

"Well, when she comes back, at least you can rest from all this driving."

"No lah. She's not coming back." He said flatly.

"Then what? She work and send money back? Also good lah. Australian dollar so high."

"Hopefully she sends money back lah." He said hopefully.

When we finally reached my place, the fare was $10.40. I gave him $15.00, told him to keep the change and wished him a good drive.

I know it might not be much, but i sincerely do hope that it helped in some way. Driving a taxi after a long day at work is not easy.

To that taxi driver,
I wish you all the best. I hope your daughter comes back to help out with the family and that you don't have to drive a taxi after your day-job any more.

"The first penny had the motto 'Mind your own business'." You are worthless. The penny is better than you.

I don't think there's an official MTV, so this is just the song only by Linkin Park.



"Valentine's Day"

My insides all turned to ash, so slow
And blew away as I collapsed, so cold
A black wind took them away, from sight
And held the darkness over day, that night

And the clouds above move closer
Looking so dissatisfied
But the heartless wind kept blowing, blowing
I used to be my own protection, but not now
Cause my path had lost direction, somehow
A black wind took you away, from sight
And held the darkness over day, that night

And the clouds above move closer
Looking so dissatisfied
And the ground below grew colder
As they put you down inside
But the heartless wind kept blowing, blowing

So now you're gone, and I was wrong
I never knew what it was like, to be alone

On a Valentine's Day, on a Valentine's Day
On a Valentine's Day, on a Valentine's Day
On a Valentine's Day, on a Valentine's Day
(I used to be my own protection, but not now)
On a Valentine's Day, on a Valentine's Day
(Cause my mind has lost direction, somehow)
On a Valentine's Day, on a Valentine's Day
(I used to be my own protection, but not now)
On a Valentine's Day, on a Valentine's Day
(Cause my mind has lost direction, somehow)

"A hummingbird weighs less than a penny." You probably weigh more than South Africa. The hummingbird is better than you.

There is something reassuring and therapeutic about an ex-colleague coming back to work for the present company.

Perhaps its a sign that something is right about the company, since ex-employees want to come back to work.

Or perhaps its the sense of continuity.

Whatever it is, it just feels right.

"Cats have over one hundred vocal sounds." You? You can't even sing. The cat is better than you.

Somewhere in busy Japan, I'll bet there's a young adult who has never known anything but work, stress and tension.



But maybe he's heard about Singapore, and he dreams of living in this land of fun and relaxation!



Someday, I'd like to meet that guy...



And tell him the awful truth about this place!



*goes back to clear the mountain-load of work -__-*

My brain wishes my ego had call-waiting.

1. Design, supply and install Manchester United's English Premier League victory over Wigan on 11 May 2008. Location at JJB Stadium.
Price = $_______

2. Design, supply and install Manchester United's Champions League victory over Chelsea on 21 May 2008. Location at Luzhniki Stadium.
Price = $_______

3. Supply labour for crowning Manchester United as English Premier League champions. Location to determined on site.
Price = $_______

4. Supply labour for crowning Manchester United as winners of the Champions League. Location to be determined on site.
Price = $_______

5. Appoint a Singapore Pools Certified Punter with "Expert" Grade for supervision of the above-mentioned scope of works.
Price = $_______

6. Testing, balancing and commissioning for the all Manchester United's victories over the respective oppositions.
Price = $_______

7. Supply materials and labour for one-year maintenance during Defects Liability Period to ensure the continuity of Manchester United's domination of soccer.
Price = $_______

8. Any items not expressively mentioned but are necessary for a complete and satisfactory Double victory for Manchester United.
Price = $_______

So. Anyone? :D

A good compromise leaves everybody mad.

After much deliberation, scheduling, cancellation and rescheduling, i have finally bought my plane ticket to Australia.

I hate to go on leave and let the company struggle in such busy times, but i have already told Big Banana and Caffeine Addict that i will be coming to visit them.

Plus, i seriously do need the break.

Wow. A week without work and some real relaxation. Can you imagine that? Gosh.

Specifically, I’d like to debate whether cannibalism ought to be grounds for leniency in murders, since it’s less wasteful.

"The aftermath of today's evening exercise..."

How the fark am i supposed to train for my pull-ups if my palms keep bleeding?! -_-"

War-On-Flab: D-Day Minus Six

"The rest of my body was even more distressing. Mr shoulders and back were rounded with fat, to say nothing of my chest and belly. My gut was more than a paunch; it was starting to hang. My thighs were heavy. Even my calves and ankles were swollen."
- "Forest Mage" by Robin Hobb

For the past few weeks, i have been meaning to whip my ass into shape. The last time i actually exercised was before my reservist. And that was way back in November of last year.

Cancer Horoscope
Go to:Yesterday | Tomorrow
Jason,
The more you try to embellish, the more obvious it will be to everyone else that you don't really know what you're talking about. It is time to focus more of your time on improving your health. If you aren't currently on an exercise program, now is a great time to start. You may have to seek out medical advice.

So today, even Facebook was urging me to exercise. What can you do when a sign from above indicates that your body is seriously lacking, and your IPPT is approaching with the danger and speed of a charging bull?

In the afternoon, i tried to take a nap before embarking on my resolution. But somehow, i woke up after only a few minutes. My body seemed to anticipate the torture, and was too tensed for sleep. As the time approached, i did my warm ups and proceeded to embrace the punishment.

"Strangely, with the guilt came an odd relief. I'd finally found a cause for what had befallen me, and it was myself.
Suddenly, I felt I had control again.
Before, when I'd been unable to admit I'd been doing anything wrong, the fat had seemed like a curse, something that had befallen me, an effect with no cause. I thought of how I'd wanted to blame the plague and shook my head at myself."
- "Forest Mage" by Robin Hobb

As i jogged at my own pace, i marveled at how my body could still remember the steady jogging pace and keep up with it. As far as i know, abstaining for exercise for more than three months will cause your body to slack off and lose its fitness. Even as i approach my first mental marker and stretch my legs, my body coped accordingly.

However, the months of being couch-potato finally took its toll at my second mental marker. As i open my stride again, my fitness was found wanting. Before i had even reached my turn-around point, my legs were screeching in protest and lungs heaving unsteadily. Well, this is what you get when you put off exercise for too long, i thought. Gritting my teeth and refusing to give in, i pushed my body till i reached the turn-around point.

"With determination strong in me, I returned to the afternoon's work and drove myself relentlessly. I raised and broke new blisters on my hands, and didn't care.
I rejoiced at how my back and shoulder ached as i punished my recalcitrant body with hard work and deprivation. I thrust my hunger pangs out of my mind and toiled on.
Towards the end of the day's work, my legs literally shook with fatigue, but i felt proud of myself. I was in charge. I was changing myself"
- "Forest Mage" by Robin Hobb

As i slowly jogged back, my legs were grumbling and complaining at the abuse and strain. Joggers, roller-bladers and cyclists frequently over-took me. Even an occasional toddler with his tiny tricycle could out-pace a surprised me. Depressing is an understatement to describe my feelings at that point.

As i passed the army camp and made my way to the fitness corner, a song broke out to signify the flag-lowering. My spirits lifted briefly, for it meant that i was doing almost as well as i did in the past. Meanwhile, an internal argument was taking place in my mind:

Lazy Me: I'm tired. And this is the first in a long time since we exercise. Can't we walk to the fitness corner?
Determined Me: Oh c'mon. Its not that far away. See? Once we turn that corner there, we've reached our destination.
Lazy Me: But our body has yet to adapt to the exercise. Surely such a sudden strain is not good?
Determined Me: Oh all right. We can walk. But only after we turn at that corner.
Lazy Me: *grumble grumble* Oh ok.
When i reached that corner,
Determined Me: Oh well, since we are here, we might as well jog all the way to the fitness corner.
Lazy Me: You lied! You said we could walk!
Determined Me: Yes, i lied. Look, its only a couple of meters away. Jogging that short distance isn't gonna kill us. We haven't collapsed and died from fatigue so far, so there is no reason why an additional short distance will kill us.
Lazy Me: I hate you.
Determined Me: Yeah, whatever. You will still listen to me, in the end.

And so, i reached the fitness corner and proceeded to do my pull-ups. Again, the months of being a couch-potato took its toll. I barely did seven pull-ups, and my soft palms peeled with traces of blood. I wanted to do my sit-ups, but a couple of kids were playing soccer. This time, i gave in to Lazy Me and walked home with a wet, salt-encrusted, smelly singlet.

"Discipline should have come from within a man. You should have learned it by now. But as you have not, I will impose it upon you, as if you were a spoiled child."
- "Forest Mage" by Robin Hobb

What about the HOUSE? What ABOUT the house?

I don't think my fellow architects will quite agree with the negative bonus in safety. Heh. :)

The defendant petitions the court for a new trial on the grounds that his lawyer is incompetent.

"The path of power is a path of turns within turns"
- "Magician" by Raymond E Feist

The Game is one of the many intricacies and mysteries of life.

Like how putting kiwi on your shoes will make it shine.

Like how toast pops out after you put bread into the toaster.

Like how Mas Selamat managed to escape from prison.

"We sit upon this wooden palisade, leaning against frozen stones, in this miserable cold, surrounded by enemies, hours away from certain death, on a world not our own, and what do we do? We discuss politics back home."
- "Honoured Enemy" by Ramond E Feist & William Forstchen

The Game encompasses the working life. It is a practice. A good player of The Game is able to protect the company and his/her job. He/she will be able to manipulate and weave the complicated threads of politics into an shield for protection. The same threads could also be used to forge a double-edged sword, which can both harm and protect a working relationship.

"Did connections and marriages actually carry that much political and social weight, I wondered, and then instantly knew that they did."
- "Forest Mage" by Robin Hobb

I dislike The Game. I accept and understand that it is necessary and vital in working life, but i just don't like it. Which is why i am, and forever will be, a poor player in The Game, and that i was told that i must learn how to play The Game as fast as possible.

When it comes to the crunch time, the final results of The Game will be revealed. It will show, segregate, sift and differentiate the good players from the bad. When it comes to the crunch time, everyone will be covering their own backs. When it comes to the crunch time, teamwork goes out of the window.

And i think that is the main reason why i dislike The Game.

Your simian countenance suggests a heritage unusually rich in species diversity.

I would like to say this.

I do yearn for female company. I do yearn for that someone special. I want to love someone with all my heart. I want to shower her with presents, gifts and love. I want to hold her in my arms and protect her from anything bad. I want to make that special someone happy.

However, i am under no illusions of myself.

I am fugly. I am fat. My character is harsh, rude and uncouth. I am inconsiderate and impatient.

It would take a brave girl to love me, if there are any willing in the first place. My industry is a male-dominated one. My work has occupied so much of my time, but simply because there is nothing left in my life (except perhaps the weekly mahjong sessions with my close friends *grins*). So i throw all my energy into my work.

I will not quit my work, simply because of my lack of love life and social interactions.

What will be, will be. If God or fate decrees that i shall meet that special someone, then so shall it be. If God or fate decrees that i shall remain single, then so shall it be.

Make no mistake. I look forward to the day when i shall meet that special someone. However, if that day does not come, i shall not die from the lack thereof.

Getting loads of loot is a very spiritual experience for me.

Secret Egg!! You have found one (bunny) Egg

How amazingly lucky - you found a Secret Egg. Because finding a Secret Egg is such a special treat, You have also received this Egg as a Decoration, even though you have already taken home two eggs today. Visit the (fluff)Editor to place this Egg in your Habitat. You have also received one Egg Hunt Point, which can be traded in at the Easter Shoppe for prizes or munny.

I didn't even know there were Secret Eggs. :p

Happy Easter, everyone.

---

Update: 18/03/08

W00t! Two more in a single day! :D

Secret Egg!! You have found one (lucky) Egg

How amazingly lucky - you found a Secret Egg. Because finding a Secret Egg is such a special treat, You have also received this Egg as a Decoration, even though you have already taken home two eggs today. Visit the (fluff)Editor to place this Egg in your Habitat. You have also received one Egg Hunt Point, which can be traded in at the Easter Shoppe for prizes or munny.

Secret Egg!! You have found one (leppit) Egg

How amazingly lucky - you found a Secret Egg. Because finding a Secret Egg is such a special treat, You have also received this Egg as a Decoration, even though you have already taken home two eggs today. Visit the (fluff)Editor to place this Egg in your Habitat. You have also received one Egg Hunt Point, which can be traded in at the Easter Shoppe for prizes or munny.

Update: 19/03/08
Another one to the collection. Hhhmmm... Where is the Sparkle Egg that i've seen around? :)

Secret Egg!! You have found one (bunny) Egg

How amazingly lucky - you found a Secret Egg. Because finding a Secret Egg is such a special treat, You have also received this Egg as a Decoration, even though you have already taken home two eggs today. Visit the (fluff)Editor to place this Egg in your Habitat.You have also received one Egg Hunt Point, which can be traded in at the Easter Shoppe for prizes or munny.

Happiness is being famous for your financial ability to indulge in every kind of excess.

Last Friday, while waiting for the room to clear so that we can have our meeting...

X: *laughs* Oh, come on. You cannot keep talking in dollars and cents.

Me: Oh please. Do you not talk about dollars and cents?

---

Today, while talking to a supplier...

Y: We hope that you can look past the dollars and cents.

Me: I agree. I would also like to look past the dollars and cents, but the fact of the matter is that it still matters.

---

If you think that dollars and cents do not matter in this world, then you are surely too naive. Yes, happiness and health is more important than wealth. But let us be realistic here: money still matters.

Our frequent complaint among ourselves in our company:

If you don't have money, then don't build.

Do you honestly believe that the cilent would disregard the project cost?

I think not.

The surest sign that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe is that none of it has tried to contact us.

I saw this quite some time ago on a Facebook application's discussion board. Enjoy. :)

You know you are stressed if...

1. Relatives that have been dead for years come visit you and suggest that you should get some rest.
2. You can achieve a "Runners High" by sitting up.
3. You say the same sentence over and over again, not realizing that you have said it before.
4. The Sun is too loud.
5. Trees begin chasing you.
6. You can see individual air molecules vibrating.
7. You begin to explore the possibility of setting up an I.V. drip solution of expresso.
8. You wonder if brewing is really a necessary step for the consumption of coffee.
9. You can hear mimes.
10. You believe that if you think hard enough, you can fly.
11. Things become "Very Clear".
12. You ask the drive-thru attendant if you can get your order to go.
13. You say the same sentence over and over again, not realizing that you have said it before.
14. You begin speaking in a language that only you and Channelers can understand.
15. The less sense matter and matter is more than sense.
16. You keep yelling "Stop Touching Me!!!" even though you are the only one in the room.
17. Your heart beats in 7/8 time.
18. You and Reality file for divorce.
19. You can skip without a rope.
20. It appears that people are speaking to you in binary code.
21. You have great revelations concerning: Life, the Universe, and Everything else, but can't quite find the words for them before the white glow disappears, leaving you more confused than before.
22. You can travel without moving.
23. Antacid tablets become your sole source of nutrition.
24. You discover the aesthetic beauty of office supplies.
25. You have an irresistible urge to bite the noses of the people you are talking to.
26. You say the same sentence over and over again, not realizing that you have said it before...
27. Losing your mind was OK, but when the voices in your head quitted, it was like losing your best friend.

Here I am, happy and content. But not euphoric. So now I’m no longer content. I’m unhappy. My day is ruined. I need to stop thinking while I’m ahead.

For all those out there who read my blog because of my amusing and happy posts:

If there are any in the first place.

I'm really sorry.

I have not been able to produce any posts which are the reasons for you coming here.

This is because there is a cursed block on my table. It constantly interferes with my vision, so i can't concentrate.

Somehow, i have to get around this writer's block. Hhhmm...

Life is full of precluded possibilities.

There are times when you stand at the crossroads in life and peer at the two paths in front of you.

The first path continues along your current walkway. Stable and well-trod. The second path forks out away from the current walkway. Unknown and mysterious.

As you peer ahead at the second path, the thick fog of possibility shrouds your vision. You can barely see a few meters into the second path.

However, as you stare longer, you begin to see the rewards and dreams that you have been waiting for. You start to get excited because the second path offers a lot more than the first path and is the one that you have looking for.

However, as you stare longer, you start to wonder if you were just imagining things. Perhaps those rewards and dreams aren't really there. Perhaps the second path isn't there at all. Perhaps the patrolling demons of failure and despair are waiting to tear you apart the minute you step foot onto the second path.

As you stand there and wrestle with your indecision, time flows on. You have to make a decision, one way or another.

Question is, which path do you take?

The more indecisive I am, the faster things get decided.

Work is a lot like having a run or jog.

When you get started, you find it difficult to get going. Lethargy sets in. You start wishing for your nice little warm bed to lie in.

You start your morning off in the office. Lethargy sets in. You laze around, not really wanting to start work.

Then, when you're all fired up and going, you just keep going and going. Your legs have a life of their own, carrying your body further and further. Time is always your enemy. There are always competitors and mind games to battle.

As the day progresses, you get your stuff out and keep doing your work. Your brain starts thinking faster and faster about the things you need to do, the emails you need to send out, the people you need to call. Time is always your enemy. There are always competitors and political games to battle.

When you are nearing the finishing line, your adrenaline steps in and pushes your body to the limit. You gasp for breath, but keep sprinting for the finishing line because it signifies the end.

On your last few days before your annual leave, you start clearing your work. On the very last day, you work really really late because you can sleep in and relax the next day. Your body is screaming for rest and food, but your brain keeps you going, keeps you thinking, keeps you working.

Then you stop suddenly, and your body can't react fast enough to cool your body down. You walk around, trying to relax all the tense muscles and catch your breath back.

On the first day of your leave, although you don't need to work, you wake up early as usual. You surf around, pace around, walk around. Trying to find things to do, things to occupy your restless mind, things to relax your mood.

When you try to run again, the momentum is lost and you have to build it up again. Rinse and repeat. The cycle comes in a full circle.

When you come back from your annual leave, you lost the momentum for work. You have to build up the mindset again. Rinse and repeat. The cycle comes in a full circle.

My “Plan A’s” are great. But my “Plan B’s” leave a lot to be desired.

The time now is 1.30am in the morning.

I have been tossing and turning, but i can't sleep. Earlier tonight, i felt sleepy. So i took a quick nap and woke up at 12.30am. Seeing that i was awake anyway, i logged onto Facebook for a quick check. Since then, i have not been able to get back to sleep, no matter how much i've tried.

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Checklist For A Good Night's Sleep:
1. Comfy pillow? Check.
2. Comfy quilt? Check.
3. New mattress for the bed? Check.
4. Favourite sleeping position? Check.
5. Windows open for cool night breeze? *silence*
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I'm turning on the stupid air-condition. -.-

The only skills I have the patience to learn are those that have no real application in life.

Drew looks at me, I fake a smile so he won't see
That I want and I'm needing everything that we should be
I'll bet she's beautiful, that girl he talks about
And she's got everything that I have to live without

Drew talks to me, I laugh cause it's so damn funny
That I can't even see anyone when he's with me
He says he's so in love, he's finally got it right,
I wonder if he knows he's all I think about at night

He's the reason for the teardrops on my guitar
The only thing that keeps me wishing on a wishing star
He's the song in the car I keep singing, don't know why I do

Drew walks by me, can he tell that I can't breathe?
And there he goes, so perfectly,
The kind of flawless I wish I could be
She'd better hold him tight, give him all her love
Look in those beautiful eyes and know she's lucky cause

So I drive home alone, as I turn out the light
I'll put his picture down and maybe
Get some sleep tonight

He's the reason for the teardrops on my guitar
The only one who's got enough of me to break my heart
He's the song in the car I keep singing, don't know why I do
He's the time taken up, but there's never enough
And he's all that I need to fall into..

Drew looks at me, I fake a smile so he won't see.

- "Teardrops On My Guitar" by Taylor Swift

Exercise is a lot more gratifying if you count what it feels like.

Number of flight of stairs to reach nth storey
= (n-1) x 2
First Example: To get to the 2nd storey of any building via manual labour from the 1st storey, one would have to climb two flight of stairs.
Second Example: To get to the 3rd storey of any building from the 1st storey, one would have to climb four flight of stairs.

So today started out like any other day. Dressed in a dark grey long-sleeve shirt with my customary black pants, i walked to the office from the train station. And because its an old building, there is no lift. So i climbed the stairs to the office at the 5th storey.

Total number of flight of stairs climbed so far
= (5-1) x 2
= 8

Before i could even sit on my chair, my boss intercom-ed me and i was asked to participate in a discussion. So i climbed down to the 4th storey where the conference room is.

Total number of flight of stairs climbed so far
= 8 + {[(5-1) x 2 ] - [(4 - 1) x 2]}
= 8 + (8 - 6)
= 10

During the discussion, my boss invited me and my colleagues to join him in an inspection of a newly constructed building. Since its a chance to learn more, i went along with the rest of my colleagues. We drove there.

Total number of flight of stairs climbed so far
= 10 + [(4 - 1) x 2]
= 10 + 6
= 16

When we reached there, we were told that the lift wasn't ready yet. Since our boss suggested that we start our inspection from the top floor down, we climbed to the flat roof which is designated as the 8th storey.

Total number of flight of stairs climbed so far
= 16 + [(8 - 1) x 2]
= 16 + 14
= 30

Having inspected the top floor to our satisfaction, we slowly made our way down while inspecting every floor.

Total number of flight of stairs climbed so far
= 30 + [(8 - 1) x 2]
= 30 + 14
= 44

After my boss gave his debrief and drove us back, we went back to the office to put our stuff down.

Total number of flight of stairs climbed so far
= 44 + [(5 - 1) x 2]
= 44 + 8
= 52

After that, we went for lunch.

Total number of flight of stairs climbed so far
= 52 + [(5 - 1) x 2]
= 52 + 8
= 60

After lunch, we headed back to the office.

Total number of flight of stairs climbed so far
= 60 + [(5 - 1) x 2]
= 60 + 8
= 68

While doing my work, i discussed an important matter with someone over the phone. Since i'm really busy these days and forgetful due to work, i thought it best to settle the matter now. This meant that i had to travel to his office.

Total number of flight of stairs climbed so far
= 68 + [(5 - 1) x 2]
= 68 + 8
= 74

Joy of joys! His office has a lift!

After settling the matter, i headed back to office.

Total number of flight of stairs climbed so far
= 74 + [(5 - 1) x 2]
= 74 + 8
= 82

I went home at 7pm.

Total number of flight of stairs climbed for today
= 82 + [(5 - 1) x 2]
= 82 + 8
= 90

... ... (-.-)

My dark grey shirt has been wet from my perspiration so many times and dried so many times, that i think its no longer black.

... ...

Its probably white now, due to the 1000 tons of salt deposits from my umpteen-dried-up-perspiration.

I refuse to be victimised by notions of virtuous behaviour.

You know you've played too much Facebook applications such as Warbook and Battle-Stations when...

1. You are nervous all day because you've gained too much land too quickly on Warbook and worry about others hitting you because your Defense Per Acre (DPA) has reduced.
2. You check your status on Warbook and Battle-Stations when you wake up in the morning. And again when you reach home. And again every two/three hours while you're home.
3. You check your status on Warbook and Battle-Stations after getting home from mahjong at 3am in morning and don't go to sleep till 5am.
4. While on the way home in a taxi/bus/train, you mentally plan out your moves and calculate your defense and attack.
   
5. You jump up and down in elation when you defend successfully against some idiot on Battle-Stations because your hero gains experience to level up and that you can buy a better ship and fit it out with better equipment.
   
6. You laugh and jeer when you defend successfully against some idiot on Warbook because he/she underestimated you and your hero gains experience to level up.
7. You get angry because some idiot on Warbook hits you for 300 acres of land, and then you stare at disbelief when you see the size of his army, and then feel extremely good when you retaliate for 1000 acres of land.

Man. I need help. Fast. (-.-)

War-On-Flab: D-Day Minus Five

On the first weekend of 2008, i decided to get my ass moving into some semblance of exercise.

But guess what?

It rained.

*shrugs*

What can you do when the circumstances are against your will?

*goes back to being a couch-potato*

I don’t care about being accepted. I’d settle for being ignored.

"Eh. Very long time never see you leh. Think got five years leh."

"Really? Has it been that long?"

-----

"Eh. Join in lah. Don't every time 'spectator' leh."

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Good morning my friend. I just want to say so nice to see you last night. Thanks for the dedication you have shown. 21SC forever!

Dedication? What dedication? I'm prob the least dedicated. I've been missing for so long you guys prob think i was dead. :D
Are you planning the flight details? I forgot to tell you that i'll settle my flight ticket from Singapore to Australia, but i'll fly back to Singapore with you guys.

Haha. Nonetheless, we welcome all who replies calls and turns up. We all go through cycles in life right?

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Sometimes its good to see old friends and find that they have rarely changed. It brings a sense of continuity, and a feeling of nostalgia and familiarity.

It has been ten (10) years since we known each other. I'm ashamed to say that i was extremely childish, naive and brash. I'll give everything in the world to change my past actions and deeds.

I'm glad that you guys greeted me last night as a friend and not as a stranger.

I'm glad that you guys gave me another chance to show how much i've changed.

I'm glad that i caught up with you guys last night.

Thank you.