Funky-Flair! | Even the moms are reading it!

Girl Power

2011-12-15T09:04:00.000+08:00

Almost a decade ago, Girls Aloud won Popstars: The Rivals, a reality TV singing contest and they went on to become one of UK's biggest girl groups ever. And since then, every other girl group were overshadowed by their success and no other girl group could ever beat or achieve the height of success that they've received.

Just five days ago, Little Mix was crowned as the winner of UK's X Factor, becoming the very FIRST girl group to win the X Factor series. And there has been predictions that they'll be as HUGE as The Spice Girls, one of the best girl group from my generation. Well, it's too early to tell but I hope they get the success that they deserve!

(Their best performance, in my opinion.)

Congrats Little Mix!

For One Last Time

2011-12-10T22:01:00.001+08:00

One Tree Hill returns for one last season.

In a nutshell, Chris Keller (Tyler Hilton) returns. Heck, even Chad Michael Murray makes an appearance. (I hope he's in more than one pathetic episode) And what's up with his hairstyle, man? It seems that Nathan is gonna die. (Yeah, someone always dies. Or something really bad happens to him. Just look at how depressed Haley is.) And, Brooke has twins. (After all that she's been through, she deserves it.) I hope Hilarie Burton is back for at least one episode too, please! (For us fans!) And they bloody better give a good explanation as to why Peyton and Lucas missed Brooke's wedding. (What good reasoning is there to actually miss your Best Friend's wedding?)

Cheers to the last season of one of the best TV drama series of our decade filled with memorable quotes, underrated music and not forgetting the suspense, drama and excitement that it has provided us throughout the years.

I grew up watching this show whilst I was still a young adolescent. And even up till now, I can still find myself relating to their story lines. So One Tree Hill, here's to a great final season and thank you for all of the memories.

New Episode of One Tree Hill premieres January 11th 2012.

(And I absolutely can't wait!)

Queen Of Fashion: Victoria Beckham

2011-12-08T22:28:00.001+08:00

Gorgeous Victoria Beckham. I love you.

I am extremely proud of this woman and her success. She is now the Queen Of Fashion after winning the Best British Designer Award recently at the British Fashion Awards, beating out other fashion heavyweights such as Stella McCartney, Tom Ford and Burberry.

Victoria has always been a huge inspiration for me. When she first started out, critics were mocking her and her dresses and look where she's at now? Everyone is DYING to get her dresses. She's a hard worker and she deserves the success she has been getting over the past few years as a fashion designer.

I love her latest collection that's featured in the latest issue of Elle US Magazine.

Don't you just find the dresses adorable? I want it!

And guess who was recently spotted wearing one of those dresses?

KATY PERRY.

And not forgetting one more.....

For Baby Harper.

(I can just imagine baby Harper in that. I'll just drown in her cuteness!)

Love you Victoria.

The Situation

2011-12-07T20:46:00.001+08:00

(image via JennyBunz)

So you find yourself in this situation.

You are crushing hard on one of your close friends. Obviously, s/he has no clue how you feel about them. You want to tell them but you're afraid. You feel silly for feeling afraid. But can you imagine the consequences should s/he know? How it might actually put your friendship at risk?

So after much deliberation weighing out the pros and cons, you decide that it's best not to tell them.

Your eye lights up every single time you meet. You feel butterflies in your stomach. And when your eyes meet, you look away because you're shy. Conversations with s/he are endless and you never want the night to end. Even when you're out with a group of friends, all you see is him/her and nothing else matters.

You drop hints after another, even obvious ones, but s/he never seems to get it. Irregardless of that, both of you flirt a lot with each other, even to the extent of giving each other affectionate nicknames that only the both of you know.

S/he is extremely particular when loaning out his CDs for fear of it being damaged but s/he loans it to you anyway and tells you to take care of it as if it were your own. S/he never loans it to anyone else but you.

You stare at your whatsapp, waiting for a message at least because hopefully s/he is thinking about you too right now and might be sending you one shortly. What a loser, right? You get tired of waiting, so you initiate the conversation and then start feeling sorry for yourself for making the first move.

You confide in each other about almost everything when it comes to matters of the heart. You sense a tinge of jealousy from them when you mentioned that you've been seeing someone. As ironic as it may sound. But here's the thing, you do know that there is a chance that s/he likes you back but you're unsure.

Then you're told that s/he will be going on a first date with a stranger. Being the stupid person that you are, you encourage them and tells s/he to 'go for it' when you clearly meant otherwise.

From first date and eventually turning into weekly meet ups, even meeting close to midnight to have ice cream. I mean, who does that, seriously? After every date with the third party, s/he tells you that their date is amazing and s/he can't wait to see their date again.

Because you're such a spiteful person who gets jealous easily (and also partly because you're such a huge fan of Cheryl Cole and she says that "Anything that's worth having is sure enough worth fighting for."), you act like the possessive boy/girlfriend and say,

"So now you don't have time to meet me at all? Ever since you meet your date?"

The reply?

"Oh so it's okay that you're always meeting your date last time (jealousy in the air) but when I do it, you have issues with me?"

Of course, you replied back with a casual "Just joking la. Why so angsty?" and your friendship resumed as per normal.

You're unsure if they're still seeing each other though chances are, they're not anymore. And you don't want to ask about it just because it might make you look like the biggest busybody.

Then you dream about s/he, which just happened to be not one of those innocent dreams. Your best friend tells you to go for it while the window is open. But you hesitate.

Do you let s/he be the one that got away? Or do you just be silly and tell? And risk being awkward around s/he forever? There could probably a chance that s/he is reading this right now and maybe, just maybe, s/he will end up making the first move. I'm a coward when it comes to making first moves.

What do you do? Because I seriously do not know.

(Someone enlighten me.)

Song Of The Moment: Please Don't Let Me Go - Olly Murs

2011-12-06T22:23:00.001+08:00

To celebrate Olly Murs' for having the Number 1 album in the UK at the moment, I officially declare this week to be all about him. How can you just not love him, right?

Olly's debut single 'Please Don't Let Me Go'

I waited so long
I need to know, darling, what is on your mind
Normally I try to run and I might even want to hide
'Cause I never knew what I wanted 'til I looked into your eyes
So am I in this alone?
What I'm looking for is a sign
That you feel how I feel for you, baby, please don't let me go

P.s Now Olly, please come to Singapore for a gig or something. I'm beggin' you. #MURSARMY

Idle Hands Are The Devil's Playground

2011-12-06T13:35:00.001+08:00

I think that I am secretly possessed by a spirit from ASOS. And since we know that 'Idle Hands Are The Devil's Playground' and combine that with my 'typical impulsive shopaholic' behavior, I ended up buying quite a number of stuff from ASOS. I mean, how could I not when most of the items were on MASSIVE discount, right? (inserts innocent face)

I've been eyeing on that canvas bag for a long time. And when the price significantly dropped by 50%, I knew it was a sign from God telling me that I should grab it. It's gorgeous, right? As for the rest of the accessories, they're really gorgeous and my overall look would never be complete without them.

Yeah, I am superficial like that. Judge me all you want, please.

Secrets.

2011-12-05T19:13:00.001+08:00

Santana & her mom.

“Look, I have to tell you a secret. A secret that I've kept hidden for a long time... I’ve tried so hard to push this feeling away and keep it locked inside. But every day just feels like a war. And I walk around so mad at the world. But I’m really just fighting with myself. I don’t wanna fight anymore. I’m just too tired. I have to just be me.”

"Everyone has secrets, Santana. They're called secrets for a reason."

I too, have my own fair share of secrets. Though I prefer to keep most of it to myself until I think I'm ready to talk about it, I do share some of them with close friends and family members. Because keeping secrets inside of you for far too long - It slowly kills you.

The last time I shared a secret with a friend nearly killed our relationship. Heck, I was supposed to feel relieved for telling them because they are a huge part of my life and they deserve to know what it is I'm hiding from them. Most of the time, I don't seek for acceptance. But I felt afraid because for the first time in my life, someone else had the upper hand in our relationship and whatever he/she does next could either make or break my life for good.

But I'm glad it's all good now. And watching Glee? It really gets me sometimes. This time 'round, it hit a nerve because I could relate to the situation so well, it's a little scary.

Though it took me a lot of pain and trouble to realize that sometimes, Ignorance is Bliss. And secrets are called as such for a reason and never was I going to put myself in the same situation ever again. At least not any time soon.

Music Mondays: Olly Murs

2011-12-05T12:02:00.001+08:00

'In Case You Didn't Know' who is currently sitting at the top of the Official UK Albums Top 100 Chart this week...

It's none other than...

Congrats Olly! You deserve the top spot!

Now you can go on with your life once again. But if you ever find yourself in an awkward social situation, at least you can tell them, "Did you know that Olly Murs knocked off Rihanna off the top spot and got the Number 1 album in the UK?"

There you go.

You can now be 'coooool' and watch his music video.

(But since Vevo decides to be a prick, you might have to watch it on YouTube instead.)

Being a Control Freak

2011-12-04T18:55:00.001+08:00

I love reading my monthly horoscope. Being the naive boy that I was, I used to flip through the latest issue of Readers' Digest just to read my horoscope and 'foresee my future'. It's a self-esteem booster (though it brings a negative impact at times.) especially when your horoscope reads something positive like, "Your sense of personal power will be strong on Thursday!" or even "Consider assisting a colleague who may require a helping hand this Sunday. Remember, good deeds generate good karma!". And I extremely love it when my horoscope tells me I'd meet a special someone on this date, which I do most of the times, as ridiculous as it may sound.

Though many might think that our horoscopes defines us for the person that we are, I think it's the other way around, considering that I have met other fellow Scorpios and they exhibit traits that are similar to mine thus making several encounters to be quite unpleasant. When we get along, we become the best of friends but when we have a disagreement, oh boy get your knickers ready for another World War is bound to happen.

Being a Scorpio, I am a very stubborn, willful and an extremely determined person. I know what I want (most of the time) and I make sure that I get it. I tend to have high expectations of everyone around me and their opinions about me (and end up worrying if I don't meet their expectations). God bless to my future partner who decides to spend the rest of their life with me, because even I can't stand my own behavior at times.

(Source: ScorpioHipsters)

This describes me perfectly, whether I like it or not.

I had a conversation with a friend, who just graduated from QUT, the university where I intend to further my studies at once I am done with National Service (in just a few months time!). Though millions of questions were asked, I was just seeking advice from her, mainly because I wanted to know what to expect before I do reach there eventually.

Here's what she had to say about Scorpios.

"One of the reasons why you're asking this many questions (which is good!) is because it helps you to deal with the 'unknown'. And one other piece of advice that I could give you - Don't take it too hard on yourself. Knowing that you're a Scorpio, I know you take it really hardly when you don't meet your own and others expectation. Control is the biggest trait of your element. Use it."

It's like she knew me inside out! Even though I accused her of stereotyping Scorpios, (Here's her take on Scorpio people on her blog.) it's true! I am all that. I never knew I liked to be in control in most situations. So I wrote down the things I do that could probably define me as the 'Control Freak'.

I'm the kind of person
… who likes to hold the remote control while I'm watching the television. (and when I don't, I can't help but to worry someone might just switch channels while I'm in the midst of watching my favourite show)
… who plans ahead in almost everything I do. (Let's see. I started planning for my 21st birthday since a year ago. And I picked my group mates for my third year studies in Mass Comm while everyone else is happily enjoying their two months semester break.)
… who has high expectations of what people think about me.(It's not that I worry about not being liked or popular, I just don't like it at all when people misinterpret my intentions me and give judgement on the things I do.)
… who sets up a calendar schedule on what TV shows to watch every single day.(Who else actually does this?!)

So I guess being in control in most situations reassures me. It doesn't hurt to be one step ahead of everyone else all the time, does it? And when things are not in my favor? I tend to panic. A LOT. Might even get extremely dramatic. Or even run away. And I don't appreciate people acting on decisions without discussing it with me first.

I'm quite freaked out by my behavior now. Haha.

The next time you're ever considering in getting into a relationship with a Scorpio, make sure it's worth the risk (and know what you're getting yourself into) or you'll end up getting pinched most of the time. We dominate most of the relationships we're in and we get extremely angsty when we do notice something that could potentially threaten the relationship.

But hey, I'm a Scorpio and I know I'm definitely worth the risk. So, go on and take a chance with me. Heh. Because what would hurt you the worst will love you the most, as long as you can tame the Scorpio inside of me.

And who knows, I could let you be in control once in a while, whenever I feel like it.

The Time I Wished For A Happy Ending

2011-12-03T12:33:00.000+08:00

(Source: rkramer62)

As she made her way towards my table, I was strongly enticed by the familiar scent of Marc Jacobs Daisy Perfume. Carrying the widest smile like she always does every single morning, Farhana greeted me, "Good Morning, my dear annoying Amirul", before returning to her seat. My reply to her would always be, "You're looking as pretty as ever."

Farhana was different from other girls. There was something special about her that I just can't describe. For a woman, she actually has broad shoulders and her behavior could be described as a tomboy. Her face radiates happiness every single day, it was almost as if she was glowing. But I know one things for sure, I am definitely not attracted to her at all. Plus, she has a doting boyfriend and she was way older than me. I'm guessing a good 7 years difference. I exceptionally loved how she never fails to wear a scarf of different colors 'round her neck every single day.

She has a flair for art and is an extremely talented graphic designer, who was very good at multitasking - something which I am not so good at. I got to know her while I was on internship at a local publishing company 4 years back. Since it was the month of Ramadan (The fasting month), both of us would be stuck in the office during lunch time and I'd be seated right next to her, watching every single thing she does on the computer while she does her work and she'd be sharing her life story with me at the same time. Talk about multi-tasking, this girl is a pro.

Being the oldest in her family, she had to give up her true passion which involves teaching art to little kids and work (which she did over the weekends), just so that she could support her family financially. She shared photos of her family with me, especially one of her younger sister. "My younger sister is as annoying as you. You should get together with her sometime!", she'd tease occasionally. And my reply would always be the same, "Eek! She's not pretty la!"

Once I was done with the internship, we lost contact for a while. I didn't manage to snap a photo with her on the last day of my internship, as she was sick and had to stay at home. Little did I know, that would have been the last time I'd see her in my life.

Two years later, I received one of the most unexpected phone call.

"Amirul. Do you still remember Farhana?"
"Of course I do! How is she?"
"She has just passed away."

Words could not begin to describe how I felt at that point of time. My mind, which was previously occupied with deadlines to meet for my Advertising Project was now flooded with memories I had with her while I was interning at the publishing company. I just stopped whatever I was doing and was left completely stunned. It was so sudden. She didn't deserve it. But why? - The question that filled my mind because she was one of the nicest girls I've ever known and God had to end her life just like that.

Truth is, she had been battling a leukemia-related kind of disease for the past two years and no one knew about it. She was even on television on a show called LifeWatch. (Of course,I missed it because let's face it - Who watches TV nowadays?) As I watched the video clip of her struggle, I slowly wished for a miracle to happen, which unfortunately did not happen. It's like you're watching one of your favorite TV Shows and someone spoiled the ending for you and you chose not to believe him simply because you didn't want it to be true. If there ever was a time I wished for happy endings in a movie, that was it.

(A video clip of Farhana on LifeWatch)

The start of December marks her birthday & her Facebook wall was flooded with messages from friends, family members and it all seemed so surreal. It's saddening to see messages from her loved ones who's still in disbelief that she's not here anymore. She may not be alive and kicking but the memories and the conversations I've had with her? That'd definitely last a lifetime, no matter how short it was.

Rest in peace Farhana.

Day 24: Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs.

2011-07-30T16:02:00.001+08:00

By now you'd probably have realized that music is a huge part of my life. I find it extremely sexy and romantic whenever someone specially creates a playlist (or better, a mix tape!) just for me and can be quite of a major turn on. (Hint!)

Because creating a playlist for someone can be quite taxing. You can't just put all of your favorite songs into a list and hope that the person you're giving it to will love it. You've got to make sure that every song will flow seamlessly with the next track. You've got to make sure that you limit it to 15 - 20 songs max. (There's a reason why every album only has that amount of songs! And it's definitely not because of the lack of space!)

I've created playlists for friends, family… but mostly for myself. And I've always envisioned myself creating a playlist for someone special in my life.

So hello to my future partner out there, this playlist is for you. I don't know when or how I'll be meeting you but I hope when that day happens, you'll eventually find this playlist of mine and I hope you enjoy it. (I sound a bit psychotic, er I know.)

1. My Life Would Suck Without You - Kelly Clarkson
2. I Want You To Want Me - Brooke Elliott
3. Fallin' For You - Colbie Caillat
4. Please Don't Let Me Go - Olly Murs
5. If You're Not The One - Daniel Beddingfield
6. Do You Remember - Aaron Carter
7. A Thousand Miles - Vanessa Carlton
8. All About You - McFly
9. Invisible - Clay Aiken
10. Crush - David Archuleta
11. Terrified - Katharine Mcphee
12. What Took You So Long - Emma Bunton
13. 2 Become 1 - Spice Girls
14. Mi Chico Latino - Geri Halliwell
15. All I See - Kylie Minogue
16. Forever And A Day - Kelly Rowland

On Emotional Wounds.

2011-07-29T20:47:00.001+08:00

I've been reading this book titled, 'Letters to Sam: A Grandfather's Lessons on Love, Loss and the Gifts of Life' by Daniel Gottlieb thanks to a friend of mine who was kind enough to lend this book to me for a while.

It's a fast read. And I'm halfway into the book already! And I just wanted to share this quote with all of you mainly because one day you'll need it. And when that day comes, this quote will be here for you, just like it did for me right now, especially when I'm going through a few problems at the moment.

"Emotional wounds are the same. sometimes these wounds do not heal because the mind gets all involved and says things like, "I should do this and I'll feel better," or "Maybe I could do that to repair the damage," or "I am hurting because of what another person did, and once they fix it, I will feel better."

All of this mind talk just interferes with the natural healing process. when you feel deeply hurt, you have everything you need in yourself to repair the damage. You want compassion, understanding, and nurturing in order to heal. But most of all, you need time.

When I am in a dark tunnel, I want to be with people who love me enough to sit in the darkness with me and not stand outside telling me how to get out. I think that's what we all want.

When you are hurt, be close to people who love you and who can tolerate your pain without passing judgement or giving you advice. As time passes, you will long less for what you had yesterday and experience more of what you have today."

P.s There's so many other good quotes, but let's leave that.. till next time. ;)

Kelly Rowland: Here She Is.. Finally.

2011-07-25T20:26:00.001+08:00

It has been four years since R&B Songstress, Kelly Rowland, last released her sophomore album, Ms. Kelly, and here she is, finally, all geared up for her latest offering come July 26th.

Despite all of the countless push backs and delays, Kelly Rowland pretty much had a fantastic year going for her ever since she danced her way to the top of the UK Charts with 'When Love Takes Over', a track she collaborated with DJ David Guetta back in 2010. Since then, she has been producing a string of Top 10 hits in the UK (Commander, Forever And A Day & What A Feeling) and her success has earned her a position as a judge in The X Factor UK.

Her previous efforts may not be worth mentioning with the exception of 'Dilemma' and after much experimentation, Kelly Rowland has finally found her distinctive sound in the industry. Gone are the days when Kelly used to live in the shadows of Beyonce, her ex-bandmate from Destiny's Child.

Unlike her past efforts that did nothing but bore me to death, 'Here I Am' has the perfect blend of Soul, R&B and Dance music and features a different side of Kelly. She's a much more confident singer this time 'round as she sings on the album-opener, 'I'm Dat Chick', on which she brags "Yeah I be the one that they love to mention." But she's still as sexy and sensual as ever (I still can't get over her provocative music video for her hit single, 'Motivation') and her vocals never sounded this good before.

'Here I Am' is filled with plenty of great tracks that's bound to keep you listening to the album over and over again. I love songs with a great piano hook and that's probably the reason why I fell in love with the track 'Feeling Me Right Now' almost instantly, in which she sings about falling in the club and realizing her self-worth. Really interesting lyrics, Miss Kelly. Though this song could easily be mistaken about Kelly singing about another girl she met at a club. She sings in the beginning, "Oh you're just my type, baby" and that kinda scares me a bit.

Feeling Me Right Now. My new sexy jam.

All in all, this is a perfect album. The addition of Commander and Down For Whatever (Feat. The WAV.s) may be awkward on paper, but it seems to mix seamlessly with the rest of the other tracks in the album. I'm not gonna complain. Though if I had the choice, I'd replace Big Sean with Missy Elliot on the track, 'Lay It On Me'. It's still good. But why settle for good when you can get something that is brilliant?

Go get Kelly Rowland's 'Here I Am' album (July 26th) 'cos right now she commands you to! I know I'll definitely be getting my copy! And hopefully Kelly Rowland finally gets the success she deserves with this release.

Other standout tracks: Down For Whatever (Feat. The WAV.s), All Of The Night (Feat. Rico Love), Lay It On Me (Feat. Big Sean)

Song Of The Moment: Who Says - Selena Gomez And The Scene

2011-07-24T21:52:00.003+08:00

This song is all kinds of amazing.

Who says
Who says you're not perfect
Who says you're not worth it
Who says you're the only one that's hurting

I'm now a fan. I love songs like this. Such a feel-good kinda song that is all about accepting who you really are as a person and the fact that you are beautiful in your own way, no matter what other people say. Because you are worth it. Love yourself.

Day 23: Something You Wish You Had Done In Your Life

2011-07-24T21:00:00.001+08:00

Don't you think it's a bit too early for me to be asked THIS question?

I'm only turning 21-years-old this year and there's still so many things I've yet to do and accomplish. Though I am still serving the nation during this time, I've only just begun to explore what's in store for me.

Though for the past 20 years of my life, I just wished I was a much more confident as a person just so that people won't find me to be a pushover. I wished I was much more focused on my talents when I was younger. I wished I had the courage to speak up in class. I wished I didn't bother too much about what other people thought of me.

And I guess that's it.

Who knows, maybe I'll revisit this question in another 30 years time. (Or sooner, if the list is way too long.)

And maybe then, I'd have plenty of things to write about.

Quote

2011-07-24T17:43:00.003+08:00

‎"In the end we only regret the chances we didn't take, the relationships we were scared to have and the decisions we waited too long to make. There comes a time in your life when you realise who matters, who doesn't, who never did and who always will. So don't worry about the people from your past, there's a reason they didn't make it to your future."

Day 22: Something You Wish You Hadn't Done In Your Life

2011-07-20T20:54:00.005+08:00

Quoting Melanie C's latest single, 'Think About It', "You only regret the things that you don't do. Do what you want to!". And that's exactly what I've been trying to do. I've done quite a number of stupid things in the past. I wish I could go back in time and stop myself from doing those stupid mistakes, but then again it is those 'mistakes' that defines me for who I am right now.

I came here to talk about the naughty things that I've done in Primary school and how I've gotten away with it most of the time. Some of it involves.. Skipping classes, Leaving home early without anyone knowing, Stealing from the book fair every single time (and each time I did, I promised myself that I'd return the money or the book in the future.. one way or another), Jeopardizing a science project that belonged to this guy that I disliked, Vandalising the school walls with a black spray can and there's probably more where that came from but I do not wish to incriminate myself so I'll just keep hush about it. Hah!

But there's something else.

Something that I'm rather shy to talk about;

My First Kiss.

After the first (I was blushing), I looked up and said, "You know..You're my first kiss."
The reply I got was, "It was perfect."

But was it that perfect? How is having someone slobbing all over your mouth with so much saliva and a lot of lip biting considered perfect or even a great kiss? Not that great, if you asked me.

I've always dreamt of how my first kiss would be like and how romantic it'd be. Maybe we would be sitting under the moon, doing nothing but staring into each other's eyes. We'd be talking but we'd be kissing each other.. without even touching each other. Cheesy, much? I'm such a girl when it comes to these kinda things but I just wanted it to be perfect. (Perfectionist, much?) I blame it on all of the romance movies that I've watched and the romance-themed novels that I've been reading. I blame you.

I wish I hadn't given my first kiss up that easily. Here's why: You never ever forget your first kiss ever. And you never forget the person whom you did it with. Where it happened. How it happened. The events leading to the first kiss. Omg. It's too much.

At that point of time when it happened, it definitely felt perfect and how everything was falling in to place. So yeah, you fall in love and you can't help it after going on numerous dates with that someone, you decided it's time.

Thinking about it now and as ridiculous as it may sound, I felt like my mouth was sexually violated. I hated my first kiss. I definitely wasn't ready yet. In fact, I felt like it was quite forced. I wish it hadn't happened too soon.

I'm not saying that you should not have your first kiss happening too soon. But sometimes, when your body tells you that you are ready for it, just know that it's lying. It's a mistake.. waiting to happen. In this kind of situations, your heart knows better than your body.

But at least I'm glad that the people whom I've kissed have all complimented me on being a great kisser.

Don't believe me? Let's kiss then. Heh.

Best Thing I Never Had

2011-07-16T18:51:00.000+08:00

I officially label this as my favourite Beyonce song ever!

And I'm still listening to this song on repeat mode. Just can't get enough of it.

Taken from Songmeanings.net, this user took the words right out from my mouth. Reading his interpretation of the song.. makes me fall in love with the song even more. Because I can relate to it so well.

I just heard this song recently and I love it. It's so simple but so true. To me, it's about that guy that you thought you were in love with but through his actions you knew you could never love someone with his character. You were really upset at first and you wanted him to prove to be the guy you thought you were falling in love with but he never does. You then meet another guy who is so amazing and shows you what it is to really love someone. He just makes you smile and you can't stop. You realize that if the first guy had never messed up you would probably still be with him and would have missed out. In that sense you got lucky because "you dodged the bullet". You are actually glad that the original guy turned out the way he did. You were a beautiful and wonderful girl that would have done anything for him but he never got all of you because he messed up pretty big over and over "you turned out to be the best thing I never had. And I will always be the best thing you never had." He will always have to live with the fact that he lost you and in that essence it " bet it sucks to be you right now."

Thank god I found the good in goodbye.

Day Twenty-One: On(e) Best Friend(s)

2011-07-12T19:03:00.009+08:00

I never had that many (or in fact any) Best Friends in my life. Or even if I did, most of them walked out on me, which leaves me wondering as to why I even regarded them as a best friend in the first place. Random thought: Do best friends walk out on each other?

Best friends may argue and fight with each other all the time. But don't they always kiss and make up with each other at the end of the day? This is probably accurate up to 90%, according to me. Ha!

At present, the only best friend I have is Kristel. We'd tell about everything to each other and we could just spend the time sitting down and talking for hours. You know you are best friends with a girl when you know the size of her bra without even asking. Haha! And no, I swear I did not rummage through her closet in her bedroom.

I first knew her while we were both working at Haagen Daz. At that time, I had just transferred out from the outlet at Raffles (they shut it down, those idiots.) and was a "newbie" at the Tampines outlet. She was one hell of a bossy bitch! And a sarcastic one, to add to it. Haha! She'd assume I'm terrible at doing things and would talk about me behind my back. I did the same too.. though not behind her back because I'm a daring one until I realised she understood Malay and that was funny.

But funny how everything turns out, doesn't it?

And now we're best friends.

We can read each other's minds and complete each other's sentences.

We both share similar tastes in everything! She watches the same TV shows, listens to mostly the same music as I do and loves Glee with a burning passion like I do.

We're not afraid to scold or scream at each other whenever one of us does something wrong. We don't argue.. we just umm debate whenever we have a clash of opinions.

We're both bitches. I mean, really. If there ever was a female version of myself, it'd be Kristel. We're not afraid to voice out our opinions whenever the situation requires it.

Even though we are both separated by distance at the moment, I still call her up regularly just to check if she's okay and to fill each other with the latest news about ourselves.

But if she was ever involved in a car accident and both of us had gotten into a fight before...

Hell. I'd probably do the most logical thing that every other best friend would do:

Steal my favourite things from her room that I've been eyeing on whenever I go to her house!

Of course I was just joking.

Who cares about what we had fought about? Our friendship is far too precious to let my pride and ego stand in the way. I'd definitely rush to the hospital as fast as I can just to see if she's okay because if she wasn't okay, I wouldn't forgive myself for having a fight with her before that.

And if she is indeed okay, I'd tell her...

"I hate to say this but I told you so! Females make the worst drivers ever! Heh heh heh!"

(I can so imagine the look on her face after saying that. Hahaha!)

P.s I love my best friend. You go Glen Coco!

Harper Seven Beckham

2011-07-11T21:21:00.000+08:00

Harper Seven Beckham; A New Princess Is Born.

(I got all panicky when I heard that she was named as Birkin Beckham.)

An artistic shot of Victoria Beckham taken by David.

Congrats to both Victoria and David Beckham on the arrival of their new baby girl! Imagine all the beautiful dresses she gets to wear in the future! I can't wait to see how Victoria is gonna spoil this baby girl of hers. Oh Harper, I'm pretty sure that many babies are dying to be in your shoes right now.

Quoting from GlamBeckhams, here's the reason as to why her new baby is named as such.

Exclusive: A source very close to Beckhams has informed GlamBeckhams blog that the name Harper is because they liked the name and Seven because the baby was born in July and at around 7am. It is also a lucky and spiritual number.

Oh really? I like the name. It does not need any explanation at all. Because I approve.

P.s In another few days time, it will be Melanie B's (Spice Girl Bandmate) turn to conceive. I'm hoping she gets a boy this time round! Heehee.

Song Of The Moment: Beyoncé - Best Thing I Never Had

2011-07-10T16:35:00.000+08:00

Beyoncé - Best Thing I Never Had

I wanted you bad
I'm so through with that
Cuz honestly you turned out to be the best thing I never had
You turned out to be the best thing I never had
And I'm gon' always be the best thing you never had
I bet it sucks to be you right now

I know you want me back
It's time to face the facts
That I'm the one that's got away
Lord knows that it would take another place, another time, another world, another life
Thank God I found the good in goodbye

This song has been on repeat mode for the past few days.

I feel like such a loser trying to sing my heart out to this song, especially the chorus near the end, in which she belts out.. "Oh I used to want you so bad! I'm so through with that!" It's like you can feel whatever she's feeling when she's singing that song. Don't mind me. I'm like an empath. I can emote so well to songs, especially the painful ones.

Beyoncé has the song of my life at present.

Day Twenty: On Drugs.

2011-07-05T11:45:00.003+08:00

"Do you want to go to heaven tonight?"

(A text message that my friend received on his iPhone.)

I actually felt guilty for accidentally reading his text message.

He had received that text.. plenty of times. And I ignored it every single time until I decided to poke my nose into the matter, being the busybody that I am. I was extremely curious as to find out what his friend meant when he sent him that message.

So I asked.

"Who's this crazy guy, asking you if you'd wanted to go to heaven tonight?" I asked.. before finally realising that I actually sounded like one of those crazy, possessive boyfriends that my girlfriends had so I added,

"Please tell me you're not committing suicide, right?" as a joke.

But I wasn't exactly joking at that point of time.

He laughed and replied, "Oh.. that. It's really nothing" like as if it was not that big of a deal in the first place and tried to change the topic of our conversation but of course I didn't let him.

"Well, aren't you gonna reply him?"

At this point of time, I really knew I shouldn't approach the matter any longer. But I did. And I kinda got on his nerves. You could tell.. from the tone in his voice.

"I will.. once you stop interrogating me."

Then he added, "I can't believe how naive and ignorant you really are. He simply wanted to know if I had wanted to get high tonight."

"You? Drugs? I can't believe you do drugs." I said to him, while giving him the judging look.

"I don't do drugs. Well, not anymore at least. I've stopped."

I didn't believe his story. And I haven't been talking to that friend ever since. He's quite of a messed up kid and there's nothing much I could have done to help him unless he was willing to help himself.

I'll never take drugs.

Because I've seen how drugs can ruin people's lives.. just like that - How it can shatter a perfect family into pieces. How someone can just shit all over the place because he/she lost all ability to control the muscles in his/her body.

But you've gotta give credit to where it's due. A person taking drugs is an expert at the game of hide-and-seek. He can hide the drugs in places that you'll never have thought of - The inside of a television set or even a pipeline.

I know and understand the rationale as to why some people choose to get high.

But there's always an option to say no.

And if you choose to do it, be prepared to face the consequences and lose everything you have painstakingly built in your life since years ago. (Kinda makes jail-term punishment sound pretty juvenile, doesn't it?)

So I'll never take drugs.

And I hope none of my friends does too because I love them.

Day Nineteen: On Religion

2011-07-03T10:04:00.003+08:00

I waited.

Waited patiently for two hours before it was finally my turn to be taught by my Ustazah*. (A term we used to address our religious teacher).

I used to remember it being a very dreadful routine that I had to endure every single day after school hours. It doesn't matter if you had remedial lessons, CCA or other appointments once school ended. Because in the eyes of my Ustazah, no excuse is ever good enough for skipping any religious lesson.

On certain days, I'd learn how to read the Arabic language, word by word, phrase by phrase. We'd each be given a small book, in which we'd use to write the Arabic alphabets over and over again. (More than 100 times per alphabet so that we'd never forget.)

On other days, I'd be taught on how to pray to our god. If you're good, you'd be given a packet of drink and a chocolate swiss roll. If you're not, you'd be asked to stay back even longer and she'd make sure you learn whatever you're supposed to learn for the day.

And while you're waiting for two hours, you're expected to do nothing but read your Qur'an.. over and over again even if your butt went numb or you felt like urinating. Everyone in the room was silent. Some even fell asleep with their Qur'an covering their face. Nobody dared uttered a word or two. We feared our Ustazah. Or at least I did.

Because in the eyes of my Ustazah, I could have probably been her worst student ever.

I have been called to stay back plenty of times. "I feel that you have come for religious lessons for all the wrong reasons. Instead of studying and gaining knowledge about the religion of Islam, you're here yapping your mouth away. Go sit at the corner there and bring your Qur'an as well and do some self-reflection." was what she'd said to me on one occasion.

For two hours, I just can't sit still. I guess she expected me to keep mum for the entire 2 hours of wait before it was finally my turn to be taught by her.

I eventually stopped going for religious classes. Probably as an act of rebel or maybe I had just gotten lazy. I assume my Ustazah was overjoyed the moment I stopped going for lessons, as there wasn't anyone for her to scold and nag. But I was glad for my two hours of waiting is now over. I was finally free.. like a bird finally released from its cage.

I make my Ustazah sound like a mean person. But she did teach me a lot of things though most of it went in from one ear and out of the other ear. From what I've learnt from my Ustazah, there are certain things that you're encouraged to do.. and some that you're not supposed to do. It's like as if my own religion came with its own set of instruction manual. Whether you choose to follow it or not.. is a whole different story altogether.

Being a Muslim boy, I am expected to...

Perform my daily ritual solat prayers, 5 times a day.
Go to the mosque every Friday for prayers. (And if you don't, you're not considered a Muslim no more.)
Learn the Arab language, because our Holy Qur'an is written in that language.
Starve myself for 30 days (We call this fasting) before we have our Eid celebration at the end of it.
Consume only non-alcoholic water and avoid Pork.
And the list goes on and on. (You can't expect me to write everything here right? I might as well paste the entire Qur'an here if that's the case. Joke.)

Then, we have prayers for almost everything. It's ridiculous by how many prayers we have to memorise in our head. We recite our prayers before we eat or go to sleep, whenever we enter the toilet, when we are stressed, when we have misplaced something, when we step out of the house, even before we have sex (yes, can you believe it?!) and etc.

That's the thing about religion.

It makes us so paranoid about everything that we resort to prayers. Like, when we don't know what else to do, we pray. Does it help?

Praying to god will only benefit you by 10%. The remaining 90%, you ask? It comes from your effort and your motivation to want to do something.

To put it simple, If you're broke, you can keep on praying for money to drop from the sky. (I wish it was that easy, really!) Or you can get your ass out there and get a proper job for yourself that allows you to earn a stable income for yourself, resolving all of your problems.

And that.. is my take on my religion. Thoughts?

Online shopping!

2011-06-26T16:49:00.004+08:00

The two stuff I'm planning to get. A striped hooded long sleeve tee and a canvas satchel bag. I want!

When was the last time I did some online shopping?

I've been looking through ASOS.com for the past few weeks and I have finally decided to give in to the temptation. Stuff were going for 20 pounds and even lesser.

1. Because it is so effing cheap!
2. I deserve some new stuff after all the mental torture I've been put through here.

I believe those two reasons are good enough for me to indulge in some online shopping, which is why I am planning to get the two items above. I'm really lovin' the stripe hooded long sleeve t-shirt. I'm getting it in S size, most definitely!

And the bag? How can you not love it? It matches with my current laptop bag. Stunning. Can't wait to wear it out!

Price for both items altogether? 30 pounds. (Which is equivalent to S$60. Such a steal right?!)

The irony of it all is that I'm willing to splurge $S60 on these stuff but I am not willing to spend $70 on a proper macbook cover. I will consider. Gosh.

Can't wait to get these items! Will be making delivery to my friend's house and he will bring it back to Brunei for me. Can somebody say... AMAZING please?

'Gym Person'

2011-06-26T10:30:00.005+08:00

I'm not exactly a 'gym person'. Or at least that's who I was before I got into NS.

I can't imagine having muscles and my veins popping out of most parts of my body. It's uh... disgusting. But I've come to realise that muscles look so much nicer than uhm.. fats bulging out, right?

Lifting weights is so tiring and definitely not an enjoyable experience. Especially the aftermath. If I ever had a choice, I'd choose all the light ones, which reminds me of what myself and my BMT bunkmates would do back then. We'd set the weight limit to the lightest as possible and then give the most painful facial expression ever. People bought it. We deserve plenty of Oscar awards for that. Come on.

Running is the only reason I go to the gym. Be it slow or fast. I don't care, as long as I run. Run like a mad cow, as what my friend would say. Hell, I'd run all my fats off!

But lately for the past month, I have found myself being unable to do any pull-ups once again. And so, that became the new reason that motivates me to go to the gym on every off day. Because I don't want that to be the reason for me failing my IPPT. -cringe- I didn't even used to bother about IPPT. -shrugs-

I'm grateful for my bunkmate who has been patiently training me for it so that I am able to do it once again. One hour in the gym on every off day. I think that's more than enough for me. And I think, hopefully by the next IPPT, I'm able to do it.

And well, if I ever had a personal gym trainer, I think he'd probably give up on me. Simply because...

I'm a very whiny person. "One more set? Stop cheating my feelings. Oh come on."

I'm a very lazy person. I don't exactly find doing repetitive sets that enjoyable. It's tiring.

So hello to my future partner out there (if you ever are reading this right now)! You better be appreciating that I am doing all of these because I'm doing this for you. Hah!

But right now. My muscles are aching. I can't straighten my arms. Stretching my body brings me so much more pain than pleasure.

All I wanna do right about now is just lie in bed and do nothing.

Smile. I can't.

2011-06-24T23:41:00.003+08:00

Have been feeling very emotional as of late.

Trying to force out a smile but I'll look ridiculous, as much as I try.

Is there someone out there who's able to make me smile? Or give me a reason to smile? Because I really miss the happy-go-lucky, always full of smiles kind of guy that I used to be before I was thrown into this hell hole, the place where I'm at right now.

Broken Bead Bracelet

2011-06-24T12:19:00.003+08:00

I still remember the first time we met.

Vaguely. But vividly enough for me to remember. It was on our Secondary School's CCA (also known as Co-Curricular Activities) Open House day. You were with my sister, encouraging the freshies (I was a freshie back then) to join Band, the CCA that both of you call home.

My sister introduced us to each other. And then you said, "Join band! Like your sister!" A few other words were exchanged and just like that, a new friendship was forged - 9 Years Ago.

And that was how two strangers became acquaintances.

I'd always bump into you in school where we'd exchanged Hi's and Bye's with each other. Together with my sister (because my parents never allowed her to go out on her own without me), we'd always go out for lunch and sometimes even a movie. It was through the conversations that you had with my sister that I slowly found myself getting to know you more and more slowly.

We'd hang out at the nearest community centre to your place to use the internet there. (Also because it was the cheapest hah!) Sidetrack note: And that was how I found myself blogging.. and started finding my love for designing.

You were such a nerd. Always drowning yourself in novels that you borrowed from the library. The books that you read always had a heart-shaped icon at the spine, signifying that it was a romance novel and I found it ridiculous that you folded the pages with the steamy reads just so that you could read it over and over again and fantasizing about it in your mind.

What I didn't tell you then: I loved reading too. I was always going to the library on my own after school and spending hours there just reading because no one was at home and it was the library that I could seek solace from. And when I saw my sister (at times), I'd run away for fear that she'd call me a stalker. (Which she obviously did, saying I got nothing better to do than to follow her.)

You were always the cool one. It was cool telling people that I know you. At least people thought I was cool for knowing you. And we started talking to each other on the phone about school, gossip and other nonsensical stuff. Then on friendship day (also known as Valentines Day), you gave this bead bracelet to me. "I didn't know what else to get for you. I hope you like this.", you said. I liked it a lot. And I never left the house without it whenever I went for meet-ups.

While I was busy mugging for my O Levels, you, along with my sister and a few others organised one of the best birthday celebration I've had in years. I was still in my bed when everyone came in and shouted, "Surprise!" Thank god I wasn't drooling the night before and was properly dressed. Haha!

We too, did go all the way to your house just to surprise you on your birthday. There you were, all clad in your pyjamas and probably ready for bed, you must have found all of us to be really annoying. And we would celebrate everyone else's birthday, those in the gang. It was fun, those random meet-ups.

Remember when we first went to karaoke together? It was crazy fun. Our voices weren't exactly pleasing to the ears, to say the least but it was hilarious. Until it became the reason that you were brought to the hospital because you were jumping around in the karaoke room and hit your leg against the table.

I laughed. That was my initial reaction. "Stop it la and stand up!" I said. But you weren't joking. You had indeed fractured your leg and it was a panic frenzy for all of us, as we had to rush you to the nearest hospital, even if that includes raising our voices at the taxi driver uncle or anyone else that stood in our way. And that was the point I told myself, "Look around. These are gonna the friends that you can depend on this friendship that all of us had: It was real. They are the ones I'm gonna be the closest with in many years to come." - 4 Years Ago.

On the first day of my tertiary education, I was lost and had no one to accompany me for lunch. Thank god you were there and you rang me up just in time. "Hey! How's your first day?!" You said enthusiastically. "You wanna go for lunch? Now's my lunch break! I'll meet you at SIM?" I probably never told you that.. but I was so grateful towards you because eating alone is just social suicide.

And we'd sometimes go back home together (I'd wait for your classes to end and vice versa), whenever I felt like taking the bus back home and we'd spend the time talking on the bus about our day, laughing over silly stuff or updating each other on the latest movies or gossip.

People who didn't know us would think that I like you (and I meant in a way such that it is more than a normal friend usually would). But that would be so wrong in so many ways. You are like the sister I wished I had, always looking out for me. I'm sure you'd care for me the same way my sister would towards me. Harbouring special feelings towards you would just be.. incest and so wrong in so many ways.

Remember how I'd always tease you. Of your crushes and ex-boyfriends. Telling you secret fantasies that you'd wish to share with your future boyfriend. Like kissing in the rain. Or describing the first kiss. Or planning the most romantic date ever. I am so full of shit, I know. But we all know that Singaporean guys are NEVER that romantic, don't we?

Now. One year ago.

You finally found yourself a boyfriend. I was so happy for you and every single time we met, I'd ask you, "So when are you introducing him to us?" But you never did.

I should be happy for you. I am happy for you. Because for an amazing girl like you, you deserve someone special in your life. You deserve someone who likes you the way you are. Someone who likes you because they think your laughter is adorable. Someone who likes you for the way you tap their shoulder for making a joke out of you. Someone who can make you feel that you can be yourself and that you'd never had to change to accommodate to his liking. Someone who likes you for the way they think you flick your hair or play with your hair when they're having a conversation with you is adorable.

But little did I know, you started distancing yourself away from me and the rest of the gang. It was always, "Sorry! I can't make it! I have plans! Next time, okay!"

When I found out that I was gonna be enlisted into NS soon...
Me: Let's meet for the last time before I enter NS!
You: I can't make it! You guys go ahead without me okay!

When I finally graduated from my Basic Military Training...
Me: I'm on break for one whole week! Let's go Ramen Ten.
You said okay. But my sister and I got so frustrated waiting for you. We ordered our food first. Our food arrived and we were even done with it. As we stood at the cashier, making our payment, getting ready to go back home, you finally made an appearance. That was how late you were. Because you were meeting your BF before.

When I finally got wind of the news that I was to be posted in Brunei...
Me: Let's meet before I leave for Brunei.
You: I've got work on that day. I can't change my schedule. I'll meet you separately on another day?
Yeah we did meet. You treated me to a meal at Fish and co. We snapped a few photos. And you said, "Don't tag me in the photo. My BF doesn't know I'm meeting you."

When I was back in Singapore for a short while a month ago, I admit I was quite hesitant to even ask you out because you were always cancelling out on us. And I don't even think you knew I was back in SG. Not a word of your text or a phone call did I receive from you.

Me: I'm meeting the rest on Sunday. I hope you can make it.
You: I got plans! I'll meet you another day?

Did you even know that there was NO OTHER DAY? Because I'm on a flight back to Brunei the very next morning? I admit I am selfish. But couldn't you shelve whatever plans you had on that day just for me? A close friend of yours that has stuck with you through thick and thin for the past 9 years? You could meet your friend the following week, but as for me? You can't do that because I wouldn't be in Singapore any more.

I was so hurt and left Singapore with such a heavy heart. But what hurts even more was when you tweeted, "Meeting my friend from Scotland who's in Singapore for a vacation!!!"

That was the last straw. A friend from Scotland whom you've probably known in a short while gets time with you and I don't. Don't I deserve a single minute of your time? Or even a single call or sms saying, "Hey! Welcome back to Singapore!" You said that he went all the way to your workplace just to meet you. What bullshit is that? Do I have to do the same just to meet you?

Harsh words were exchanged after that and we had a heated conversation. I initially did not want to say anything, for fear or breaking the friendship that we have built of almost a decade now. But I realised this.

Sure. Relationships are broken most of the time because of words left unsaid. But if it's gonna break anyhow, why don't you just say it? Which was why I acted the way I acted.

Your BF was intimidated by me. He was jealous of how close we were. He didn't like the way we took photos together. He didn't like me putting my arms around you even though it meant nothing at all. Can't you see how he's trying to control your every move now?

Your rationale for acting the way you did. Because you will be getting engaged to him and will be married to him in the following year. And you don't want to invite gossip by hanging out with me. So you did what you had to. Nobody forced you to make a decision. You chose this path.

You told me, "I hope you understand. I'm getting married. I just don't want to invite gossip."

I received a long text from you explaining your actions. (it's about time)
"Our friendship between a boy and a girl is probably difficult right now."
"I did mean to see you. I did mean to call and sms you. Why didn't I? Cos I was afraid of your reply."

All of these are just excuses. Let's just face the fact. You are just ashamed to be seen with me. Am I that disgusting of a person? We tried ways to keep in contact with you but you kept pushing us away time and again. It's tiring to play this game.

You even distanced yourself from my sister, the best friend that you had since 10 years ago who was always there for you no matter what. The one, whom always lent a shoulder for you to cry on when you needed someone. Ridiculous.

You said we didn't understand you. Did you even took the time to explain to us? You called us your bestfriends but were you acting like one towards us? The answer is No. You never tried.

Remember the bead bracelet that you gave me 9 years ago on friendship day? Yeah. So it snapped and finally broke into pieces. Our friendship probably did too. I was so depressed I told you about it. And ended up buying a new one that looks exactly like it but it was different. It didn't fit my wrist perfectly. It was a tad too tight at times. I realised that these are the kind of things that you can't just replace with something new.

Like our friendship. You'll never be able to find another friend like me. Sure, your soon-to-be husband will have taken our friendship away from us. But there's some things that he will never get to take. He can have you. He can be with you in the many years to come. But try as he might, he'll never be able to take the past 9 years of friendship that we shared together.

I could have replied, "I hope you understand too that you are now in the same category of friends as (insert name here). Here's me letting go of our friendship. I no longer care or bother. You can do whatever you want because our friendship of 9 years now.. our friendship has finally expired."

Hope you have a nice life!

June

2011-06-07T18:56:00.008+08:00

March.. April... May and now

JUNE!

After 2 months of not blogging at all.. And now I kinda miss it. I've gone back to Singapore and came back to Brunei. Reality starts sinking in the moment I came back. It all felt like just a dream that I was in Singapore a few weeks back. Was it even real? I keep pinching myself and telling myself that it was not just a dream.

I need my inspiration back.

Song Of The Moment: Fuck Me - Stooshe

2011-03-26T10:49:00.000+08:00

Don't you just love UK acts? I am simply in LAV with their accents! Well, if you LAV Brit accents just like me, here's a new UK act for you to look out for and they go by the name of..

Stooshe.

And this is the video for their more than amazing song called, "Fuck Me".

They have what most girl acts that are lacking. These three girls are oozing so much personality since The Spice Girls and I simply LAV them. Where have they been hiding all these while?!?!

They are so spontaneous, funky and wild. And as crude as the lyrics may be, this is still a great song to dance and sing along to. (I've even tried imitating their accents.) I'm guilty of it.

They make crude lyrics sound so much fun! "Foreplay's fun but I ain't got the time, so why don't you hurry up and fuck me!"

And the Free Your Mind song reference somewhere between 2:25 is actually one of my favourite parts from the video.

Now can we just get more songs, pretty pretty fuckin' please?

P.s Any songs that has the word FUCK sounds great, don't you think so?

Day EIGHTEEN: Views on Gay Marriages

2011-03-24T16:20:00.000+08:00

"Why is it okay for two girls to go to the toilet together but weird whenever two guys go to the toilet together?"

"Don't be gay. Go to the toilet yourself." is what they all will answer.

And then they'll start questioning your sexuality. Bullshit.

I used to be so scared of going to the toilet alone because of ghost stories that my friend would talk to me about.

She told me not to look up the ceiling when you're in the toilet because for all you know, "something" is up there. It spooked me.. for a while. And I'd always ask someone to accompany me to the toilet.

But this is not about me and my insecurities about going to the toilet alone. It's about gays and their stereotypes.

Fuck the society for brainwashing all of our mindsets into thinking that way.

In fact, society brought me up in such a way that if you're gay, your life is over. The humiliation and the insults that you'd have to put up with are sometimes too much to handle.

It's almost they created an instruction manual for gays.

1. Gays are not allowed to adopt a baby.
Because since straight couples raise straight babies, gay couples will raise a gay baby.

2. If you're gay, you're going to hell.
Look it up in the religions that we believe in.

3. You can't get married if you're gay.
Until now, only a few states around the world legalize gay marriages.

4. Gays are not allowed to donate blood.
This was the most ridiculous reason I found on the net. What? Because they have a gay blood and by taking their blood, you'll turn gay too?

5. If you're gay, you're not allowed to take up leadership roles in the army.
In fact, they segregate and put you in one corner like as if you have some kind of an incurable disease or something. Because they think gays are not as capable as straight people out there.

And the list goes on and on.

Honestly, I don't see anything wrong with two guys or ladies to fall in love with each other.

Why deny the right to love? Everyone deserves to love and be loved whether they're gay, straight or confused.

Acceptance.

(That's what all gays ever wanted in our society. They've probably been shunned and treated like trash out there.)

Stop being a busybody. It's their life. Who are you to deny them of their rights? If it disturbs you, there's absolutely no need to make a comment or whatsoever. Keep it to yourselves.

Gay marriages should be legalized everywhere because it's a way of showing off to everyone that the love between them is real and for other reasons the same as heterosexual couples.

Denying them the right to marry is like denying them the right to love. Take the first step and accept them into your lives because trust me, they're not leaving anytime soon.

Song Of The Moment: Don't Hold Your Breath - Nicole Scherzinger

2011-03-18T21:39:00.001+08:00

I really really (x100) love this song!

Her live performance of her latest single, Don't Hold Your Breath.

I was cringing at the start of the performance when the host was introducing Nicole to the audience.. when he was trying to hold his breath. Ultimate cringe-worthy please! At least he's good looking, right?!

I have massive love for this song. The beat.. the tune.. the harmony.. EVERYTHING is just so perfect. But Nicole looks like as if she just got caught in the rain and her manager must have been like, "Okay you're on in about 5 minutes!". The hair. Disaster. And the clothes? Erk. Nicole Scherzinger was more interesting when she was surrounded by 4 other pretty (and talented) girls in The Pussycat Dolls.

The song and her vocals were the only good thing about this performance

(which I enjoyed very very much!)

Here's hoping that this song gets to number one next week!

Day SEVENTEEN: A Book.

2011-03-14T16:34:00.002+08:00

I love to read. A lot.

Heading to the nearest community library after school ended every single day seemed to be a normal routine for me. I'd call it my third home; Used to be one of my favourite hangout spots and I'd drown myself into the world of books. As I move from shelf to shelf from section to section, I'd get tiny butterflies in my stomach excitedly thinking of the next book I'd be reading.

"Will it be a fiction or a non-fiction book this time round?" as I'd always ask myself. But I'd always end up choosing books that were leaning more to the Fantasy genre, most especially when it's about magic or about the other realm.

I don't quite get those 'drama-teen-love-relationships-esque' type of books. I've always thought that books are supposed to take your mind off to somewhere, you know? Like to a place that only you knew about. The kind of books that doesn't remind you what a torture it was like being in school.

But lately, I've been occupying my time by reading books related to relationships and also about life. Ironic, isn't it? I guess these genres got interesting as I grew older.

The most recent book that I've finished reading (a few months ago) would probably be a love novel by James Patterson entitled 'Sundays At Tiffany's', which I've been raving about on my Twitter.

In a nutshell, 'Sundays At Tiffany's' follows the life of lonely little girl Jane, the only daughter of a very busy businesswoman. Lucky for her, she has Michael, her very own imaginary friend that no one else knows about except for her and who tags along with her everywhere she goes. Jane eventually becomes highly dependent on Michael only to be disappointed when Michael tells her that he has to leave on her 10th Birthday. Jane eventually moves on with her life, has a very popular celebrity as her fiancee, a successful theatre play production and almost seemed like she had the perfect life ever until Michael reappeared back into Jane's life, whom Jane unmistakably thought that he was a stalker who knew too much about her life. She was eventually convinced that the stalker was her once imaginary friend and both of them ends up falling in love with each other as soulmates. But she begins to question whether Michael will leave from her life once it's past her birthday.

And guess my excitement when I found out that the book was to be adapted into a movie! One of my favourite books.. in a movie! Having just watched the movie, which starred Alyssa Milano (one of my favourite on-screen actresses) as the lead female character and Eric Winter. The movie cut out a lot of exciting parts in the movie so a fan like me kinda made me feel cheated 'cos the movie passed by extremely quickly.

Here's the movie trailer for it! (But seriously now, the book is way way way better.)

Reading the book and watching the movie reminds me of an imaginary friend that I had back when I was younger. Thinking about it right now is just too weird for me to comprehend. Vaguely, all I could remember was that the both of us would play toy figurines with each other.. sometimes going to the playground, where we'd be playing catching and going on the swing with each other.. laughing and just having loads of fun and when I was scared of the dark, he'd tell me not to be afraid as he'd be looking out for me late at night. And even when I got tired of waiting for someone to pick me up from school, he'd bring me back home safely. He was always there for me, no matter what ad that's all I needed to know.

And then he just disappeared from my life, like as if he never existed at all. Until now, I just don't know what happened. I got angry at some point and sometimes just sad. I just didn't see him anymore. I couldn't be dependent on him anymore. But as I think about all of it right now..

Was he even real? Or was I just crazy?

If one day he were to ever reappear in my life, I wouldn't know how to react. Mixed feelings, I guess. But I'll definitely have a lot of unanswered questions that I'd like to ask though.

But I guess I will just leave it at that for now. Thinking more and more about it just makes my head spin. And if i delve more into it, I think you guys might think I'm crazy, which I'm not by the way.

Did you have an imaginary friend back when you were younger?

(I'd love to talk about it with you!)

Music Mondays: Criminal - Britney Spears

2011-03-13T20:36:00.000+08:00

Taken from her upcoming seventh album, Femme Fatale, 'Criminal' is probably her most emotional song up to date. We all love ballads, don't we? Especially when it's Britney. (Some of her significant past ballads include 'I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman', 'Everytime')

It's good to know that she decides to take a break from all the auto-tune and just rely on her vocals and the tune of the song. It's been a while since she last showed off her soft and feminine side to us and this song would be perfect if she decides to sing it live.

I've had an exclusive preview of Femme Fatale and 'Criminal' is my favourite song from that album despite overplaying it way too much. I can't help it. It's a good song. Plus, there's this European-Dance-Hook that just gets stuck on your mind after a while. It's different from other songs that's playing on the radio right now and I'd love for it to be released as a single sometime.

Song Of The Moment: Daniel Beddingfield - If You're Not The One

2011-03-12T17:47:00.001+08:00

Daniel Beddingfield - If You're Not The One

The high note that he does at the end of the chorus is just amazing.

Listening to this song right now. Brings back so much memories. And some painful ones at that. This is definitely a 'slit-wrist' worthy type of song. Daniel Beddingfield, why do you make such painful music?

Not that I'm complaining. I wished he'd make more of these kind of music though.

It's a Baby Girl!

2011-03-12T17:32:00.000+08:00

David Beckham confirmed it earlier today!

I couldn't comprehend what he was saying either. Just know that it's a baby girl!

I woke up today to receive one of the best news ever! Finally, Victoria Beckham gets a baby girl. I'm so excited for both of them! Three boys and one girl! I can just imagine Victoria designing a mini collection for toddlers when the baby arrives. She's gonna be the luckiest baby girl ever. Getting spoiled and pampered by Victoria especially. Heehee.

Still excited!

Any baby name suggestions?

(I have a few in my mind. Will post them soon enough.)

Happy 22nd Birthday To My Sister!

2011-03-10T19:58:00.001+08:00

"Aren't you Amira's Brother?" is probably the question I hated hearing from other people. (You'd be surprised, even in NS, i still get that a lot.)

All my life I've been in the same school with my sister. You see, we went to the same kindergarten as each other. Then, it was primary school and secondary school thereafter.

It gets irritating to be known as "Amira's Brother" throughout my life. Just my luck to have a very popular sister that I ended up living in her shadow most of the time.

Actually, I quite envy my sister a lot.

My sister was a councillor back in secondary school. And as much as I tell everyone I do not care, actually I do. In fact, I had very much wanted to be a councillor too just so that I could be of the same status as her.

My sister had millions of secret admirers back in secondary school. I had zilch.

My sister had millions of friends everywhere she went. And me? I could barely count the number of friends I had using my fingers.

My sister was one of the coolest back then. I was nowhere near that. She'd be going out with her friends almost every single day. And as for me? I'd go back home to play my computer games and for me, going out was a once in a blue moon kinda thing.

I guess she was quite embarrassed by me. Back in Secondary One, I didn't have that many friends and recess was one of the longest periods ever. So I'd always look for her because I had no one else, only to be shunned by her friends who'd be shouting at me, "Don't be a loser Amirul! Go and make new friends! Just go away!" What a bitch.

And every single time she went out with her friends, my parents would force me to go along with her otherwise she wouldn't be able to go out. Even I got irritated with that, it can get very frustrating, really.

For 22 years now, my sister has tolerated with my childish behaviour. There are times when we'd just scream and shout and slam each other's door and even say hurtful words to each other. We'd have our constant bouts of "I HATE YOU" at that point of time, fighting about even the slightest bits of things and even wage blog wars with each other. Hilarious, come to think about it right now.

And right now, we share the same group of friends. Weird, but true. I don't even know how I coped with that. It's like her friends became my friends and all of a sudden, I have 3 new sisters. That kind of thing.

But my sister is one of the most amazing people in my life, despite all the bullshit we've been through during our teen years.

She is one hell of an amazing friend. But if you piss her off, too bad for you. She treats each and every one of her best friends like family and I'm sure given the circumstances, she'd choose her friends over her boyfriend.

She can be the biggest blonde at times. But that's what makes her Amira. It's what defines her and it does provide us some comic relief actually. Like just last night, she confused Butterfactory with Butter Club. Haha!

We've been there for each other during our hardest times, whether she decides to talk about it or not.

And now, she's also my personal ATM Machine. Ever since she got herself a stable job, she's been treating me non-stop. I'm not complaining though!

Of course, Amira may be your friend, bestfriend or even your girlfriend, but please know that I'll always be her one ad one beloved brother and nothing's gonna change that fact.

I wished I was there to celebrate her 22nd birthday with her last night but given the circumstances that I am in right now, it's tough. We're having this long distance family relationship kinda thing. But at least I got to video call her last night along with the other girls.

Happy 22nd Birthday Amira!

(Love you always!)

Day SIXTEEN: Someone I Could Live Without

2011-03-08T20:48:00.001+08:00

I got called superficial the other day, as I was professing my love for my own shoes.

Here's what I said exactly, "Back in Singapore, I had 7 different shoes to choose from when going out every single day. Now that I'm here, I only have one option to choose from every single day; My Black Boots."

How is that being superficial?

I love shoes. That's that. But wearing the same shoe every single day can get a little boring, don't you think so?

I like options. And I don't like to be stuck on one option and could probably be the reason why I'm still single right now. Committing to one is quite a hard thing to do, so unless you're ready to face the same person every single day, every single hour for the rest of your lives. The thought of it is enough to scare me.

If I ever have a partner of my own, I'd have to spend my money on her, buy her stuff and make her happy. I'm not exactly ready for that. Why make others happy when I can make myself happy? I'm selfish like that. Can a girlfriend make me happy right now? I'm not sure. But can buying shoes make me happy? Most definitely yes.

What I'm trying to say is, Sure, a girlfriend could fill up that empty void in my heart right now but could I live without her? Most definitely yes (at the moment, that is.)

I'm just not ready... yet.

Day FIFTEEN: Something You Couldn't Live Without

2011-03-06T09:15:00.000+08:00

You guessed it: My Macbook.

I could remember it like it was just yesterday: The Day I lost my MacBook. It was quite late at night and I had just completed a project meeting in school and was rushing to catch the last train back home.

You see, had I missed the last train home, I'd end up paying $26 (or probably more considering the fact that I stay in the East) for a taxi ride home. The taxi fare was quite ridiculous! So expensive! And being a broke teenager, I'd try my best to avoid taking a cab home.

I hug my macbook everywhere I go, mainly because I couldn't fit it into my small bag, which by the way, was full of my notes and books.

When I got on the train, I just knocked out instantly, like as if someone took a brick and knocked me unconscious and there I was, oblivious to the surroundings.

As always, I'd miss my train stop. And I'd be panicking, rushing out of the train at Pasir Ris only to realise that I have to take the same train to head back to Tampines.

But this time it was different. I panicked and ran out of the train and took a seat at one of the seats available on the platform. I was still in a fuzzy state and it took me a few minutes later before I actually realised that I was missing something in my hand.

I LEFT MY FREAKING MACBOOK ON THE TRAIN!!!

That was it. My life was over. There goes my completed assignments that I spent the entire evening on. My designs for my various assignments were in it! I knew my group mates were gonna kill me the next day and might not probably buy my story when I told them that I left my macbook on the train. Because had this happened to my other friend and if he or she told me about it, I'd just tell him/her to stop bullshitting.

My mind was hysterical. It was close to 11pm. "God, why did you do this to me?", I asked. I couldn't breathe. So I went to the control station and reported my missing macbook.

"Boy, you need to calm down." said one of the makciks, who was working for SMRT.

Then she pulled out a familiar looking laptop sleeve and she said, "I believe this is yours. But I need you to confirm that this is yours. Tell me what is inside the laptop case?"

"My notes. Some of my designs that I've just printed out."

True enough, she finally believed it was mine.

"I owe you my life." I said to her.

And what she did next, I was just shocked.

"Before you leave, you must fill up this customer feedback form and write a good review about me."

Ridiculous but yes, I did it. I'll do anything just to get my macbook back. And from then on, I got myself a bigger bag so that I could stuff my macbook inside it and saved me the hassle of hugging it everywhere I go and risking losing it again.

Day FOURTEEN: A Hero That Has Let You Down

2011-03-04T18:53:00.000+08:00

I do not believe in heroes. Or at least not anymore.

Everyone disappoints.

Day THIRTEEN: A Band Or Artist That Has Gotten You Through Some Tough Days

2011-03-03T20:08:00.000+08:00

Dear Michelle Branch,

I've been a huge fan of your music back when I was 13-years-old and there I was, tuning in to my favourite local radio station late at night and that's when 'Everywhere' would come on and start playing at every single hour.

Because of you, I was quite motivated to pick up some guitar lessons. Funny how I could remember that you were on TRL (I'd rush back home just to watch that on MTV) many years back and there you were teaching the viewers the chords for your song, 'Everywhere'. What an inspiration. Really.

Live Performance of 'Everywhere.'

Because of you, I sacrificed my lunch money for the whole week just so that I could purchase your sophomore album, 'Hotel Paper', which was pretty kick-ass by the way. And that CD was always in my discman, which accompanied me to school every single day. It was worth every single dollar because sure lunch would have gotten me through the day but your music got me through the hardest phases of my life.

You were there for me when I was crying myself to sleep because of some stupid problems in school.
You were there for me when I flunked my maths test.
You were there for me whenever I was lonely and needed someone to accompany me in between lessons.
You were there for me when I was going through all of the teen angst.
You were there for me when I lost a few friends.

Because you get me, Michelle. You really do.

Your music connected with me in so many levels that I could not describe because every single song of yours holds a special memory in my heart.

You know how it is.. when you listen to a song and all of a sudden you are transported back to that moment in time when you first heard that song.. or when you had it on repeat because you were going through something hard in life?

I had 'All You Wanted' on repeat mode when I was ostracized from my group of friends in school. You see right through me. Because all I ever wanted was somebody who cares.

Live Performance of 'All You Wanted'

I shared 'I'll Always Be Right There' with a best friend of mine, who at that point of time was leaving Singapore for a few weeks to go for an overseas holiday. It's a great song about friendship. Because I wanted him to know that he could depend on me no matter the distance.

Still holds a special memory in my heart.

When I was extremely stressed with school projects and assignments, you just told me to 'Breathe' and everything will be alright. I don't know how you did it, but you did it.

Live Performance of 'Breathe'.

And if you've ever wondered where I got the inspiration for the blog name FUNKY-FLAIR, it's actually from your song called 'Washing Machine' that as ironic as it may sound.. is not a song about Washing Machines but about a crush of yours that you wish to tell your feelings to. But I'd assume that you knew that considering it is your song after all. "Your eyes they look so bright, a Funky-Flair in my appetite..."

I love the lyrics in this song. Brilliant songwriter.

Then you had another grammy-nominated country duo, The Wreckers, who released a country album, which I very much loved too but couldn't buy because it was darn expensive but my lovely sister bought it for me nevertheless.

You got married, had kids and are now working your third studio album. Honestly, I can't wait to hear new material from you (considering that it will be more of a pop-rock record as opposed to a Country record) and how it'd be a part of my life over the next few years just like how your previous albums were. Never stop making music, please.

P.s You make female guitarists extremely sexy.

Song Of The Moment: Lady Gaga - Born This Way

2011-03-02T17:06:00.000+08:00

Here's Lady Gaga's brand new music video..

Born This Way!

My Thoughts:

The music video is approximately 7 minutes long.
It has a not so short introduction, in which Lady Gaga gives birth to a new race.
The actual music video starts somewhere around 2:34.
Lady Gaga looks ridiculously skinny in the music video.
The song is amazing in its own right.
Whether you're lebanese, black, white or orient, you'll love the video.
She loves to whip her hair back and forth.
The dancing choreography kinda looks fun.
It's quite obvious she's inspired by the whole Mugler look.
She needs to stop promoting Satanism. (ie. Devil Horns etc)
The video is quite scary at some parts. So don't watch it when you're alone.
Other than that, all's good with me.

Ps. Hey Britney, Imma finish watching your music video but Lady Gaga had a better video than yo.

Music Mondays: Amazing - Inna

2011-02-28T21:31:00.000+08:00

Picture this scenario. You walk in to a store. You hear the song playing in the background. It does sound kinda familiar. And quite catchy at that. Then you start telling yourself, "Shit. I have got to know the title of this song." So you take down the lyrics for the chorus and made a note to yourself to make sure you google the title of the song. And when you're at home, you just can't find the title of the song. It frustrates you.. so much. Then you forget about it.. and the next time you walk in to a store, the entire scenario begins to repeat itself.

Well, I had that experience and it bugged me a lot. But I've sorta managed to find out the title of the song 'cos one of my colleagues was randomly playing it earlier today and I immediately asked, "Shit! What's the title of that song?!" And I finally got my answer.

Amazing - Inna

It has an amazing tune, if you ask me.

This song does live up to its name, literally. It is an amazing song and I've been in love with this song since god knows when. I guess you could call it as love at first hearing. So many things that I love about Amazing. The tune, for one, is the kind that sorta gets stuck in your head after a while and it keeps on replaying over and over again in your head. Close your eyes and let the music drown you. I'm enjoying this song so much!

Perfect song for the summer!

(don't you think so?!)

Day ELEVEN & TWELVE: On Compliments

2011-02-28T14:21:00.001+08:00

Don't mind me for being narcissistic in this post. I just am. In fact, I always am a narcissistic person. Hah!

I've had people compliment me for my graphic and web designing skills after looking at the magic I've created by using Photoshop and Dreamweaver.

I've had people compliment me for my great taste in music. Don't laugh but I try not to tell people whom I've just met that I'm a huge Spice Girls Fan. I'm just afraid that it would give them a heart attack (cos hello, I know reality. not everyone is a fan of spice girls like how they're a fan of Lady Gaga). So I'd just remain humble and tell them.. yeah I listen mostly to mainstream music.

Then there are people who compliment me for my great fashion sense. Is it really that great? I think I dress normally.. and all you people are dressing weirdly. And somehow being enlisted in National Service, looking at everyone's terrible terrible fashion sense, I'm just afraid it'd get to me somehow. I just wished they'd have posted me as a Military Fashion Policeman instead. Just think of all the people I can charge just for their terrible sense of dressing?

But what most people compliment me the most would be my...

SMILE.

I smile a lot. In fact, that particular trait of mine is what gets me in trouble most of the time. I have a million and one different types of smile. There's a smile that I use when I'm nervous. And a smile when something is wrong.. but I try to act like nothing's wrong by smiling kind of smile. Then there's the sarcastic smile, combined with my piercing eyes can actually be quite a deadly combination.

And of course, a special smile that is specially reserved for my special someone. The smile that no one else have seen 'cept for that someone. The cheeky kind of smile. The playful yet full of love kind of smile.

Though people compliment me the most about my smile, the compliment that I look forward to hearing the most would be that unique smile reserved specially for that someone. Get it? Go figure.

On compliments that I wished I'd have received from people..

Sometimes I really wished for people to compliment me for being myself. Everyone out there is trying their best to fit in just by being different. But what they don't realise is that when everyone out there is trying to be different, no one is trying to be their own self.

I could have tried to fit in. But i try not to. Cos sure everyone wants to be as cool as A as much as they try to be. But don't forget, there's only one of you. And if you don't be yourself, no one will.

Day TEN: Someone You Need To Let Go, Or Wish You Didn't Know

2011-02-24T20:03:00.000+08:00

I've always wanted to ask,

'How do you know exactly when to let go?'

Letting go has always not been an easy task to do. And sometimes even involving tears and heartache.

I believe that each and every one of my friends and people are in my life for a reason. For those who are not (or once were), I'm sure there's a perfectly good reason as to why you're not in it.

I used to cling onto lost friendships. And maybe I still do. I refuse to believe that someone who was once a huge part of your life back then.. can just walk out on you anytime they want. These are the kind of people that I shared great moments with and now that they're gone, I just find it to be a huge waste of effort.. you know, like constructing an amazing building only to ruin it once it's done.

Those are the kind of people I need to let go from my life.

Letting go is hard. It can take me up to months.. or even years to let go of someone. The feeling you get when you look at old photos and then thinking, 'This used to be us. What happened to us?'

Then i go and stalk him/her through every media, Facebook, Blog, you name it - I've done it. But why cling on to a failed friendship when that person is not having any problems without you in his/her life? (Or at least it seemed that way according to his/her Facebook, blog etc)

I wouldn't say I'd have wished I hadn't met some people in my life. I'm pretty sure they were in my life for a reason like it or not. For example, the bullies in primary school made me a stronger person and got me ready for tougher battles in Secondary School.

"Don't you ever regret?" People always asked me. And I'd always reply them with a "Yes. To a certain extent."

"So how do you let go?", they asked.

I write.

I write to write and to write just so that I can forget what's on my mind. Or at least I'd distract myself by doing something else, like designing something useful, which I haven't been doing for quite a while now.

And then eventually, slowly but surely, I'd have moved on.. even without realising it. And then comes the A-ha moment where I'll go, "Wow. I've finally moved on from that failed friendship. Took me like what? 3 years? Oh and yeah, I don't feel anything for you anymore."

Spice Babies!

2011-02-24T14:03:00.000+08:00

ADORABLE Spice Babies!

(Mel B with Angel, Emma with Beau, Victoria with Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz)

Day NINE: Someone You Didn't Want To Let Go, But Just Drifted

2011-02-23T19:37:00.001+08:00

I've been stuck on this prompt for the past few days, just thinking.. and thinking (and also procrastinating) about what to write for this post. I couldn't really exactly pinpoint this to just one person. In fact, the more I thought about this.. the more people started to come in my mind.

People always say that you can't put a price on friendship because being friends with someone is actually worth much much more than that: The memories that you share with them over the years are just priceless.

Then I suddenly had this crazy idea.

What if choosing our own set of friends could be as easy as going for grocery-shopping in a HyperMart?

I've learnt from my Marketing class back in Polytechnic that there were many factors being taken considered and compared before a customer actually makes his final purchase at the counter.

Apart from getting influenced by ads and looking at the price, customers look at a product's packaging, it's quantity, it's popularity, it's date of expiry, whether it's any good at all and etc. Blah Blah Blah.

My point is, yeah sure, I can't put a price on friendships.

But what if each and every one of our friends comes with a warning label? And also an expiry date?

At this age, I've learnt that many friends always seem to come and go at certain points of your life. But wouldn't it be better had I known exactly when? At least I'd get a heads-up before he/she gets removed from my life entirely. Then I could start bracing myself for the final goodbye. Random, but I hate how people just leave from our lives without even saying their final goodbye. They just drift apart and slowly but surely, they'll get removed from your life.

But then again, had friends come with an expiry date, I'd have made careful decisions with who I wanna be friends with. I wouldn't want to choose a friend whose expiry date is within 3 to 4 years though I think this would be the most common set of friends you'll ever get. I'd want to choose someone who'd be my friend for more than 5 years, heck even more than 10 years.

If only.

Don't you realise that we make such bad judgements on the set of friends that we hang out with? Dear god, before I make friends with a certain someone, I'd appreciate it if you place a huge-ass warning label on them, that says something like, "Warning! Very bad at making decisions and can be quite impatient." or "Caution: Rich. But he will only break your heart eventually." or "Caution: A lying backstabbing bitch who will try to take advantage of you." just because it'll make my decisions at making friends a much, much easier task to do.

If only.

I'd choose friends with a huge-ass warning label that reads, "Potential Bestfriend. Very understanding. Will always be there for you in times of trouble." Oh and Date Of Expiry: Invalid. Simply because he/she'll never leave you alone at the end of the day.

If only.

I wouldn't mind someone else with a warning label that also reads, "Fun to hang out with most of the time. Caution: Can be a bad influence." Wouldn't life be so much easier now?!

Then at least we wouldn't have this problem of drifting apart. We'd know the good and the bad qualities of someone before that someone actually becomes a part of your life.

Yes, people leave from your life at some point. Many of 'em did, at least for me. And they probably have a good reason for leaving us sometimes as much as we had wanted to let them go or not in the first place. You could probably compare them with expired goods - It was nice having you back then.. but I'm afraid if you come back into my life, there's a small possibility that we might not be like how we used to be back then.

But you should know that for every time people leave from your life, new friendships that are dying to be made, awaits you. Don't keep fretting over the lost friendships. Treasure the memories that you had, but don't live in those past memories.

What warning labels would you have wanted to see in someone before you actually befriend him/her?

Music Mondays: Nicole Scherzinger

2011-02-21T17:10:00.000+08:00

Nicole Scherzinger first started making her pathetic attempt at going solo back in 2007 with 'Whatever You Like'.

Call the song 'Whatever You Like', I thought it was a brilliant song full of swag to start off her solo career. Look where it got her? Nowhere.

Not giving up then, she released another single, 'Baby Love' enlisting the help of the talented Will.I.Am from Black Eyed Peas. I loved it though everyone else thought it was quite mediocre. Well, at least it got her her first solo Top 20 hit in the UK.

Afterwhich, her solo project sorta went spiralling down after that. Shame.

Desperate for success, she decided to have a shot at her solo project once again with an edgier song called 'Poison', which she sometimes pronounces as 'Hoisin'. (Joke) On first listen, it was one of the most annoying song ever played on radio but it sorta grew on me after several listens and I eventually found myself listening to it on repeat mode. I loved it. UK loved it and it got her her FIRST Top 3 Single there. Round of Applause for her please.

And then came 'Don't Hold Your Breath', not quite an apt title for someone who's looking forward to hearing new music from Nicole, instantly became a favourite of mine upon first listen. And have I mentioned how HOT Nicole Scherzinger really is? Sizzle.

Simply Breathtaking.

In summary: It's about a love relationship gone wrong. A very empowering one at that. And it's Nicole's way of saying, "I appreciate the love we have back then, but if you think I'm coming back for you, don't hold your breath."

Don't call the video cheap. In fact, I'm glad it had a low budget. The video is exactly how I imagined it to be like. Simplicity is good. Just ask Britney and view her latest music video for 'Hold It Against Me' - Too much things going on at the same time!

Here's hoping that it becomes another hit for her simply because this girl deserves it.

Day EIGHT: Someone Who Made Your Life Hell, Or Treated You Like Poopy

2011-02-18T17:18:00.003+08:00

"Eh bapok dah datang."

(English Translation: Eh, the sissy is here.) was what they said whenever I came into the classroom or tried to sit beside them during our lunch break.

I said nothing.

Instead, I just laughed along with them and did my own thing.

They imitated the way I talked, the way I walked, the way I laughed, mainly my behaviour. I hated it so much. But I couldn't do anything or rather, I was too scared to do anything to defend myself. At the end of the day, it was them against me.

I guess they thought it was cool to call me that. Or maybe it was the right thing to do since everyone else called me names as well.

"Bapok" and "Sissy" were just one of the few degrading insults they had for me.

And I actually put up with it.

To be fair, I've had many pleasant as well as unpleasant memories back in primary school. I try not to think about them 'cos it's scary.. the thought of it. Evil memories.

I couldn't tell my parents. I mean, they couldn't do much. Okay, I was lying. Mainly because I overheard my dad talking about what a 'kedi' (also meaning 'sissy') I am. And I couldn't tell my teacher just because he/she can't be bothered and I'd imagine him/her telling me to stand up for myself. I only had myself.

It was quite a traumatising experience indeed, for me. Everywhere I went, people talked. I could never feel comfortable about myself.

Even when we had this buddy pairing system back when I was in primary one (we'd have buddies from primary 5 specially assigned to us for lunch and everything), my own buddy deserted me 'cos of what this other girl said about me.

And the girl happened to be my religious teacher's daughter. "You got partnered with Amirul? He's a bapok, you know?" she said to my older buddy and started laughing away. It was embarrassing.

The only friend that I was close to.. he got transferred to another school and I haven't heard from him ever since. I remember he'd bring food from home and share with me after looking at my pathetic lunch consisting of 2 nuggets, plain rice and soya sauce. He was the only one who didn't bother about what others said about me. I guess you could call him as my first true friend. And when he told me that he's leaving to another school, I cried for days. The only person that made me feel comfortable about myself.. left me to fight this losing battle all on my own.

Matters worsened as I moved on to the higher ranks of primary education. People talked about me and spread hate. I could clearly remember how this one idiot would tell everyone, "Don't talk to him, he's a sissy."

Worst of all, he sat in front of me during exams and his mouth would never stop talking bad about me. It was horrible.

I didn't want to go to school at all. I'd go to bed thinking about what would happen to me the next day. I never felt safe. Sometimes, I'd pretend to be sick or come up with an excuse to skip school just for the day.

The worst happened as I was in the toilet, relieving myself and he was there shouting,

"Stop looking at my dick, you sissy!"

when he was clearly adjusting his hair and looking at an opposite direction away from mine.

Everyone laughed at me. I was so humiliated. Wherever I went, I'd have eyes all over me, judging me from top to bottom. They'd whisper to each other, I know it's about me. But I ignored them as much as I could but there's only so much that I could ignore.

Once school ended that day, tears started forming in my eyes and I ran all the way home from school without stopping. I didn't know what to do. I was scared. I didn't know what he'd do the next day to me. It was scary.. like as if I was the leading actor starring in a horror film.

History sorta repeated itself when I was in secondary school and polytechnic. But by then, I managed to handle them so much more professionally. Humiliate me, sure calling me gay, bapok or sissy is funny, but I'll definitely insult and humiliate you until you shed tears from your eyes.

Revenge is definitely sweet. I've splashed a whole bottle of ice lemon tea to a girl's face, hair, t-shirt just because she couldn't stop slapping my face and calling me bapok whenever she saw me. I know the ants enjoyed it. She pushed me against the wall and we went in a small fight involving some hair pulling and more face slapping.

And even during PE lessons (my favourite lesson, actually) I'd purposely throw basketballs one after another to people's faces (those who talked shit about me) and making it seem like it's an accident. In your face, bitches.. and I mean literally.

If only they knew what I went through: A whole decade of getting bullied by other people. I've had enough of it actually. If they can't accept me for who I am, then I wished they'd just keep their mouth shut and their opinions to themselves.

I'm glad that phase of my life is over now. I've had enough. It took a lot of guts and courage for me to actually write this down. Thinking about it just makes my heart palpitate with terror. It was frightening and I never want to go through what I went through all over again.

I know there are boys or even girls out there who get bullied probably for the same reasons as I got bullied. And those are the people I'd definitely want to help, if ever given the chance one day.

Was there anyone who made your life hell?

Day SEVEN: Someone Who Has Made Your Life Worth Living For

2011-02-16T11:22:00.000+08:00

Victoria Beckham on Allure Magazine

2011-02-16T10:01:00.000+08:00

(Photos Via JustJared)

She's finally keeping her long hair! And I've always liked her with long hair.

Simply Stunning!

Day SIX: Something You Hope You Never Have To Do

2011-02-14T21:12:00.000+08:00

"You need to be a little bit more aggressive, you know?"

"I can't.. I just can't. It's just not me."

"Then you're letting them step all over your head. You need to show them who's boss."

"And how exactly do you want me to achieve that?"

"Punch them."

"No way!"

"Oh come on. Don't tell me you're afraid of them."

"I'm not afraid of them."

"Then prove it."

"I won't."

"Stop being such a weakling."

"Well, sorry to disappoint you."

I can never resort to violence no matter what. It's just not me, no matter how hard I try.

And I hope I never have to.. at all.

Day FIVE: Something You Hope To Do In Your Life

2011-02-13T21:09:00.001+08:00

Dear Victoria Beckham,

I hope to meet you someday.

I hope to sit down and have a cup of coffee... or share a slice of lemon with you.

I hope I can hug you and tell you just how amazing and beautiful you really are.
I hope to tell you that you have always and will forever be my favourite member of the Spice Girls.
I hope I can tell you that you have inspired me so much.
I hope to tell you someday that sometimes I wished I was a footballer so you'd fall in love with me.
I hope to tell you that when I saw on the news that you were gonna be Mrs. Beckham, I got quite depressed.

I hope that one fine day, you'll find out what I've been hoping for all these while.
And I hope I can find a wife who's just like you. That'd be perfect, for me.

With Love,

King Rool

(Your biggest fan in Singapore.)

Day FOUR: Something You Have To Forgive Someone For

2011-02-12T21:16:00.000+08:00

Poly Lecturer: I like looking at Rool and J. They're always smiling and laughing.

Classmate: They're just like that. They laugh at almost everything.

Trying my hardest to remain calm, I looked over to J and she said,

J: Because we're both laughing monsters.

And that's when we burst out into fits of unstoppable laughter.

J was one of the first few friends I made during my first year in my polytechnic education. It's funny thinking 'bout how I met her for the first time. We happened to be in the same lift along with another classmate of mine. And there was this awkward silence until one of us said, "Okay, are the three of us in the same class?" and as silly as the question was, it was quite funny.

We moved on from being just acquaintance to close friends after that. We'd team up for projects all the time either because everyone else didn't want to group up with us or we just enjoyed each other's company.

Hanging out in school with her every single day was actually quite fun. She was more than just a laughing buddy to me.

She was my shopping buddy.
We'd go out with each other almost every weekend without even making any plans at the start of the week. Meeting up with her can be as random as telling her on MSN, "Sure, meet you in 30 minutes!"

She was my bitching buddy.
A bitching buddy is essential in every part of your life. The topics to talk about with her are never-ending and we'd talk about a lot of people.. sometimes even continuing our bitching sessions after school either over a phone call or on MSN.

She was my train and bus buddy.
Trust me on this. When a friend offers to take the public transport with you despite the hassle (due to it being completely out of the way), don't let that person go cos he/she's a very good friend.

We even went to the extent of celebrating her birthday together at ECP, which was nice even though it was only just for a while. We'd meet each other before class starts without fail and even took the same IS classes.

She supported me as a friend when I needed someone to back me up, especially during one of my projects, hurling all sorts of profanities and major eye-ball rolling to the person whom had wanted to take a ride on my A-grade project. Little did I know at that point of time, she and that certain someone gotten close in the next 2 years.

Then one day, something happened. She just silenced herself. I tried talking to her, convincing her to come to school. and she eventually told me what's been bothering her all these while. We got even closer after that.

And then we had a fight.

I honestly couldn't remember what it was about. It must've probably about a petty issue, or was it not?

All I remember was that whatever she did to me.. it hurt a lot and made me very very disappointed in her. And you know how it is when I'm pissed or disappointed in a friend.

I just ignored her from then on. But when I ignore, its not that I don't care. In fact, I do care. I had just wanted to see if she would even make any effort to salvage our friendship. But she didn't. I remember my birthday came and though she was seated at about 8 seats away from me, she sent me her birthday wishes through SMS.

Maybe I shouldn't have acted the way I acted. She needed me at that point of time but I was just cold towards her. Hurt me once and that's goodbye.

In year 3, I had wanted to just talk things out with her. I fact, I needed her support for some of my designs. But she didn't give me her support any longer. She had her new friends. And that's when I realised.. I guess our friendship had already ended, there and then.

And silly me was still standing up for her whenever people talked behind her back even if she wasn't a friend to me anymore.

But the fact that I don't remember what J did to hurt me.. pretty much shows that I've forgiven her. Sure, I regret at some point about what happened with our friendship. But J, she was the bestest friend I could have never asked for.. even if it had only lasted for a year. I'm glad she was a part of my life.

"I can forgive but I can't forget" may be an over-used word of expression.. but we'll eventually forget about the issue. "Just give it time".

Is there anything that you'd like to forgive someone?

Day THREE: Something You Have To Forgive Yourself For

2011-02-09T09:32:00.000+08:00

"People are going to disappoint you, I get that, I kind of expect that but, what happens if one day you wake-up and realize you are the disappointment." - One Tree Hill

I've come to a point in my life in which everyone around me starts to disappoint me at one point of another. Pessimistic, much?

It's so typical of me to put the blame on other people whenever shit happens mainly because it's easier to point the gun at everyone else but yourself.

I felt like I have disappointed so many people in my life - The people whom deserve the better side of me but I just refuse to show it mainly 'cos of my ego and for other selfish reasons just to make me feel better about myself.

I've stolen things.

I've caused verbal and physical pain to others.

I've lied for selfish reasons.

But I seem to keep forgetting that one person I've disappointed the most in my entire 21 years of existence. It's not any of my loved ones nor is it any of my good friends.

It's me.

All these while, I've been fooling no one but myself. I feel like I've cheated myself in so many situations. But I'm only human. Cut me open and I bleed. Everyone makes mistakes at the end of the day.

Sure I deserve forgiveness at the end of the day and a second chance. But not from any of my friends or loved ones. But from myself.

So to myself, I forgive you. I forgive you for making all of those mistakes in the past. No, it's not okay for you to make those mistakes in the first place, it was childish of you, but what matters the most are the lessons that you've learnt from them.

P.s And if I've disappointed you at one point of time or another, "Then it's not my problem any longer 'cos it's now your problem." Words of wisdom from one of my ex-polytechnic lecturers.

I'm Sorry.

2011-02-07T20:53:00.000+08:00

I'm having a tough time updating this blog for now. Because the internet kinda got cut off.

Hopefully, it will be back soon. And I'll continue my 30 Days Of Truth.

Sheesh. You don't know how irritating this is. living without internet.

Day TWO: Something You Love About Yourself

2011-02-05T21:14:00.000+08:00

This question left me speechless. What's there to love about myself? I could think of a million things about myself that I am not satisfied with but when it just comes to the other way 'round... I just can't think of anything much. Nothing pops up into my brain at all.

Maybe I am that horrible of a person after all. Or maybe not, which is why I asked a friend or two, "So what is it about me that makes me awesome?" just to make myself feel better.

"You're good at designing!"

"You're creative!"

"You're good at writing!"

It's just so typical of human nature to label a person good at something.. just because they like the end product. I guess it's true that I'm good at designing but that's not exactly something that I love about myself. Or writing. Or being creative. Anyone who writes, can be good at writing. Everyone can be creative.. it's just whether the end product of it all appeals to you or not.

But I don't want to love a certain trait of myself that is so technical. I don't want to be known as "The design guy." or "The blogger". It's depressing. I want to be known more than just that 'status'. People may love that certain trait about me.. I guess I could agree.. but I don't. Not that much.

That's when I decided to shelve this blog post and go for a cup of milo and sit down with a small notebook in my hands, i began writing things about myself that I love. Among those that I wrote, some of the prominent ones were..

"I'm always smiling.. and laughing."

"I'm a patient person."

"I'm bitchy."

"I'm a real diva."

"I'm a filial son."

None of it appealed to me. And then I wrote,

"I'm a bundle of joy and happiness who showers laughter, confidence and motivates the people around me."

Yeah that's it. That's what makes me.. Amirul. Everyone knows me as the guy who's always smiling and laughing. My laughter is contagious. And it has also gotten me into trouble most of the time.

I'm a motivation to other people. I build confidence in them to do the things they think they're not capable of.

Funny how I'm actually the guy who spreads positivity around people but the ironic thing is that I've become such a negative person all of a sudden. I don't know why. I guess I'm a work in progress. We all are.

I need to be that guy that I was before once again.

What's the one thing that you love about yourself?

Day ONE: Something You Hate About Yourself

2011-02-04T15:58:00.005+08:00

"You look different today. There's just something different about you that I haven't noticed for a long while."
"Is it my hair? Or is it my pimples? What is it?"
"Your tummy, of course. How long have you been pregnant for?!"
"Bitch."

All my life, I've been living with a demon inside of me, my tummy to be exact. Because of it, I've became the victim of bullying since my primary education. It sucks. I felt humiliated, insulted at times and started becoming image conscious.

I hate my tummy. I hate how obvious it is whenever I wear light-tone colours. I hate how I keep thinking that people stare at it when I'm having a conversation with them. I hate how it ruins how my overall look. I hate how it makes me look even fatter in photos. I hate how it bounces in motion whenever I go for physical education lesson. I hate how it is the main reason why I have to join the TAF (Fat in reverse, if you ever noticed.) Club in school. I hate it.

Back in 2008. Yuck. Tummy.
I've had fatter photos. This is one of the nicer ones.

Because of my tummy, I've never felt confident and am always insecure with how I look. It has always been one of the main reasons that's been holding me back whenever I go out or approach new people. Every single time my friends ask me out to the beach, I think of one million reasons in order for me to excuse myself from making an embarrassment of myself by showing off my tummy in public. I can't live like this. It's terrible.

People tell me I need to love myself in order to love others. But how am I supposed to love myself when I just hate my tummy?!

I knew I needed to do something about it. So I did. I've tried ways and means to flatten my tummy. Go on a diet? Done that, didn't work. Starve myself? Did that also. It made it worse cos I became even hungrier and ate even more. Exercise and Gym? I did go to the gym, not religiously, but it worked for a while until I stopped, and there it was saying hello to me in the mirror once again. Whenever I get frustrated with it, I'd lock the door and start squeezing my tummy and pushing it in, hoping that it'll disappear once I let go of it. Of course, even a toddler knows that will never work, right?

Then I got enlisted into National Service. A blessing in disguise, it was. I started exercising regularly. And all of a sudden, I stopped thinking about my tummy just because I was too tired to think about it. And once the weekdays are over, and I go back home, I noticed a huge difference to my body. I became much slimmer! I was over the moon! From XL to M size. From an outstanding waist size of 36 to just 31. It's incredible.. the drastic change.

Now. 2010.

But my tummy is still here despite all that. I still hate it. And instead of continue hating it over the next few years, I've decided to just continue exercising, just so that one day when I finally look in the mirror and while being blinded by my new found muscles and good looks, I'd have become oblivious to my tummy.

What do you hate most about yourself? I'd like to know!

Grandma's 1st Death Anniversary.

2011-02-04T15:48:00.000+08:00

Funny how time flies super fast, yes? It was exactly ONE year ago on this very fateful day, in which my grandmother breathed her last. I could still remember it like it was just yesterday.

I miss her a lot. I do. Last year's Hari Raya felt different without her presence.. for the first time in my entire 21 years of existence. The last time we celebrated the festive and joyous season together was back in 2009.

If only I could turn back the hands of time, I'd do a lot of things differently. But I can't. And it's her first death anniversary, today. And I'm not there, which makes me feel even more terrible as a person.

But everyone eventually dies, don't they? It all lies in the hands of god at the end of the day and just a matter of time.

Instead of crying, I'm gonna say my prayers just for her and hopefully it reaches her.

30 Days Of Truth: The List

2011-02-03T17:58:00.000+08:00

Inspired by one of my favourite blogs out there, Hope.gr. I have decided to make a commitment to do this '30 Days Of Truth' meme. I've been wanting to do this for a long time.. but have been procrastinating for fear that I'll just give up. I hope I don't give up. I won't give up. One blog post a day for the next 30 days. Come join me if you want!

Day 01 → Something you hate about yourself.
Day 02 → Something you love about yourself.
Day 03 → Something you have to forgive yourself for.
Day 04 → Something you have to forgive someone for.
Day 05 → Something you hope to do in your life.
Day 06 → Something you hope you never have to do.
Day 07 → Someone who has made your life worth living for.
Day 08 → Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.
Day 09 → Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
Day 10 → Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
Day 11 → Something people seem to compliment you the most on.
Day 12 → Something you never get compliments on.
Day 13 → A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)
Day 14 → A hero that has let you down. (letter)
Day 15 → Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.
Day 16 → Someone or something you definitely could live without.
Day 17 → A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.
Day 18 → Your views on gay marriage.
Day 19 → What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?
Day 20 → Your views on drugs and alcohol.
Day 21 → (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?
Day 22 → Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.
Day 23 → Something you wish you had done in your life.
Day 24 → Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)
Day 25 → The reason you believe you’re still alive today.
Day 26 → Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?
Day 27 → What’s the best thing going for you right now?
Day 28 → What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?
Day 29 → Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.
Day 30 → A letter to yourself, tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself.

BGR Issues: D-A-T-E

2011-02-02T16:05:00.000+08:00

*To the girl involved in this blogpost, I don't mean to ambush you. But do keep an open mind though. ;)

"Hey Amirul, I have something to tell you, a secret that I've been keeping from you all these while."

"What is it?"

"That I was an immature teenager who thought you were wooing me so I did little things to make you dislike me. Yes I suck. Forgive me."

"D: Am I really not that likeable of a person?"

"You are likeable, with the English and humour and wit and all. Just that I was a blind, superficial teenager. ;)"

I was left with mixed reactions. "Wait, she thought I was wooing her?" "Why wouldn't she like me in the first place? Am I not boyfriend material?" "But how did this even end up to be a 'D-A-T-E'?".
I didn't want to embarrass her further. So I left the conversation at that.

Sure. We went out for a movie or two, dinner and did some sports activities together in the park, the kind of stuff I'd normally do with my other girl friends. We even had cute nicknames for each other. (I'm guessing this was the main problem.)

What was supposedly supposed to be a heart-to-heart sharing session with a girl (space) friend, who recently at that point of time, got her heart broken by another guy, got confused with the weird term that most of us would call "a date".

Little trivia about me. If you ever get a chance to know me in real-life, you'd probably know that I have more girl friends as compared to guy friends. People think I'm weird. People say it's because of my slightly feminine behaviour that sort of attracts all these girls to me. And it just so happens that the people I hang out with are mostly... girls, which makes me kinda awesome.

What actually defines a date? Whenever a guy asks a girl out, does that automatically make it a date? How can you actually tell the difference between a 'DATE' and 'just hanging out'? The lines between the two can be quite blurry most of the times so you might have to take the direct approach and just ask. But most of you probably won't do that, would you?

Otherwise, you can rely on the subtle hints below most of the time, but they're not 100% accurate though.

1. Look at what the guy is wearing!
Trust me on this. Guys who are interested in you would actually take the extra time and effort to 'doll themselves up' simply because they want to look their best infront of you. You won't see him wearing slippers or bermudas but instead a nice set of shirt combined with a nice pair of jeans along with shoes because first impression counts! He'll even shave his facial hair just for your sake when they don't bother doing so usually.

2. When the guy insists on paying everything for you.
Call it old-fashioned or whatsoever. But girls love it when guys pick up the tab for dinner. When a guy insists on picking up the tab for dinner, he wants it to be a date. And if you allow him to do so, you're actually giving him the confirmation signal that it IS a date. But if you insist on paying for your share, then you're just making him uncomfortable and letting him know indirectly that you don't want this to be a date. Too bad guys.

3. Look out for his deadly piercing gaze.
Girls love attention, don't they? And they love it even more when guys divert their whole attention towards them. Just make sure he's gazing into your eyes and not somewhere else... below.

4. When you give cute nicknames to each other.
As childish as this may sound, if he likes you enough to be his date, he'll probably give you a nickname, shared between the two of you. It's cute.. but sometimes misleading.

Come to think of it, when both of you have suspicions that it is a date, then it is a date. Before getting all emotionally involved in the 'date', at least be sure that it is a date or you'd end up embarrassing yourself at the end of the day.

Just know that it is never wrong for a guy and a girl to just hang out to somewhere, as long as either parties are not expecting something to come out of it.

As for my situation, it wasn't a date, at least I didn't think it was. I'm sorry if I misled the poor girl into thinking that it was a date... I'll just have no choice but to make myself clear whenever I'm 'hanging out' with another girl for fear she might mistake it to be a 'date'.

How would you differentiate between a 'date' and 'just hanging out'?

Music Mondays: Sara Bareilles

2011-01-31T19:38:00.003+08:00

Sara Bareilles - Love Song

Record Executive: Hey Sara, I think you need to write another good love song to be successful in the music biz. Just look at the top charts! They're filled with love songs.

Sara Bareilles: What?! I just wrote you one the other day! And you want another?!

Few days later.

Sara Bareilles: I've just finished writing another love song.

Record Executive: I'm glad you took my advice. What's it called?

Sara Bareilles: Love Song.

And that's exactly how 'Love Song', Sara Bareilles' biggest hit to date, came about, in a nutshell. Sorry to disappoint, but the song, 'Love Song', is definitely not about Love. Ironic, much?

'Love Song' pretty much expresses the frustrations that Sara faced with her record company, which explains the lyric, "I'm not gonna write you a love song / Cos you asked for it / Cos you need one."

"I'm not gonna write you to stay / If all you have is leaving / I'm gonna need a better reason to write you a love song today" She's trying to say that it's not worth having to write a love song under so much pressure and no one really cares about the song except for the money that the record company will earn from it so she'd rather leave.

And I really loved the concept of the music video. I loved how they portrayed this whole situation as a music jukebox. "You want another love song? Sure. Just put in a coin." Until it gets to a point when she gets tired of singing the love song and she just refuses to do so anymore and just stops playing.

Brilliant Love Song, ain't it?

(Even if it's not about a love song at the end of the day. Heh.)

My Dad.

2011-01-30T19:33:00.003+08:00

Happy Birthday Dad.

... he who turns 49 on this very year.

"Just pass it to me. I will fix it for you" was what my dad said to me when he saw me struggling to connect the parts to my mini Tamiya Car. There I was drenched in sweat, figuring which part goes where and my dad, almost without any effort at all, took over and fixed my Tamiya Car with ease. He makes it look so easy, I'm actually ashamed of myself. "Anything else you want me to do?" I told him I needed to buy some other parts from the shop opposite the street near our house. It was quite late at night but he got dressed in an instant and brought me to the shop to get the parts that I was missing and my frown turned into a smile.

Tamiya Cars were really the biggest thing back then in the early 2000s. Knowing that, my dad bought me an entire race track so that I can play my toy car at home. The race track was huge, so huge it took up almost my entire room. But I was happy because that was actually the best birthday present he had ever got for me.. ever.

Without fail, he'd bring me to various places in our hometown area to play my car (cos there were race tracks everywhere.. outside provision shops) probably because he didn't want me going there alone. Unfortunately for me, that was the last sweet memory I had.. spending quality time with him.

My dad and I share a very complicated relationship. We don't talk much to each other anymore. In fact, we hardly talk at all. Save for our good looks, that was the only thing we had in common. I get envious every single time I see my friend interacting so well with their dad. Makes me wonder, why isn't my relationship with my dad like that?

He was never there for any of my achievements since primary school. I took part in a Relay Race and landed 3rd place but he wasn't there to share my joy. When I collected my PSLE & O Level results, he wasn't there either. I understand. He's just too busy with his job, which takes up too much of his time.

I realised that every single time he's present at a key milestone in my life, I only had nothing but bad memories of it. When I first got enrolled into Bedok Green Secondary School, he shouted at me in public at the school canteen for not knowing how to tie my shoe laces. Until now, I find it ridiculous how he never got the patience to teach me. I slowly figured it out on my own in the end despite taking the shortcut and just tucking the strings inside the shoe.

When I got enlisted into NS, he had nothing good to say to me. All I remember was that he told me, "You're gonna die" Well, not literally. Thanks for the support dad!

And on my first book-in to camp, he said a lot of hurtful words to me, which was seriously very degrading to me and not needed at all. It seemed as if he had been bottling up all of those feelings for a very long time and he just exploded there. He regretted after that because he tried to give me a hug and made an apology to me (for the first time ever) and said he only said what he said because he cared for me. Being hurt by his words and actions, I just shrugged him off and I said, "Go away. I do not want to talk to you." And on that very day, I booked in to camp with tears in my eyes. It was embarrassing. Everyone was looking at me, but I just couldn't control it, as much as I had wanted to.

My dad wasn't there to share his NS experience with me. But there he was sharing his experience with my other cousins when that should have been me. My dad wasn't there for me when I needed someone to stand up for me when my aunt was spewing lies after lies about me. Instead, he took her side, forced me to apologize to her and once we reached home, I received a good beating from him. I just wished he'd asked me, what happened in the first place. But he didn't. The whole world was pretty much against me at that point of time. No one stood up for me. And I just took everything in despite it not being the truth.

When others asked my dad about my favorite sport, he told them I'm not that much of an athletic person. You think I asked for any of this? My dad never brought me out to play soccer or hardly any sports at all. My dad wasn't that much of an influence to me.. at all so why was he making it seem like everything I do is entirely my fault?

Sometimes, all I ever needed from my dad was something that no amount of money can buy. And that something is his precious words of encouragement, which may mean nothing to others but might just mean a lot to me.

I just needed someone to tell me, "Congrats on your results!" instead of "Why (insert cousin's name) did better than you?" in reference to my O Level results, which was one digit away from being a single digit. (I thought that was good enough. But not good enough for him, I guess.)

Or even, "Don't worry about NS, you'll be fine. Take every day as it comes." instead of "Just let him be la. He never go exercise. He will just die in NS." But I'm glad I had my uncle in Sydney calling me to talk about his experience and what to expect.

Even until now, when I left for Brunei, while we were at the airport departure gate, I wanted to see if he'd say anything.. a goodbye at least. But he didn't. He said nothing to me for the whole week before I left. It seemed like he didn't care about me at all. Maybe I'm just expecting too much. Or maybe he did cared about me but he didn't know how to put it into words. Relationships are broken most of the time because of words being left unsaid.

I try my very best to be that perfect son to him. I know I'm different from most guys out there. But I try, no matter how harsh he was and still is to me, I listen, do his bidding and respect him. His words always have their way of affecting me. When he commented that the house was messy, I pick up a broom, despite the time, and start sweeping the floor till it's dust free. When he said I'm always eating, I just stopped eating.

Despite all of this, my dad should know that I'm proud of him for being a Prison Officer. And I can only imagine what it's like for him looking at the photos he brought back home after every event or when he gets promoted to a higher rank. He never talked to any of us about his job, but I wished he did.

We may feel awkward talking to each other but that never stopped him from being a father to me. He actually does care for me, I just have to open my eyes wider to see it. And this side of him does exist.. and only shows rarely in certain cases when I'm sick.. or when I lost my phone, in which I was expecting him to shout at me but he didn't. He just bought me a new one, straight after work.

That's my dad for you. It may seem that I do not care or bother about him at all.. but in fact, I do. I don't know what our family would do without him because though he may not be there at key milestones in my life, he was there for me most of the time when I was so much younger, fixing my bicycle whenever it broke down or replacing the tyre whenever it gets flat, fixing the television, computer and the list goes on and on. He may know how to fix almost everything.. but I just wished he knew how to fix and mend this broken relationship between him and me.

Happy Birthday Dad. Thank you for everything you've done for me all this while since young. And don't worry, I won't dump you into the old folks' home when you're older and.. irritating cos that's the right thing to do.. after all you've done for me.

One Tree Hill Rant

2011-01-28T21:40:00.001+08:00

What you did in here.. it's amazing Haley. No one has ever done something like this for me before. It's funny Peyton always used to say that people always leave.. but when they did, I was always the one who was here for her. This year has been the hardest of my life and you know who was always here for me? No matter what? My maid of honour. You.

I cried at this scene. Just because it hurts. How could Brooke say that about Peyton?! But most importantly, why are they trying to kill the amazing Brooke/Peyton friendship? Their friendship was by far one of the strongest in the entire One Tree Hill series. They went through so much together. It was comparable to that scene in season 4 when Brooke made fun of Peyton's mom and Peyton said something like, "This year was one of the hardest of my life and I needed my bestfriend here for me."

Peyton, you suck. I can't believe One Tree Hill is going to end just like that without a proper reunion with Chad Michael Murray and Hilarie Burton. Next week's episode better be good though. :(

Song Of The Moment: Sophie-Ellis Bextor - Not Giving Up On Love

2011-01-27T11:26:00.000+08:00

Pure Perfection.

Sophie-Ellis Bextor - Not Giving Up On Love

I know your feeling restless
Like life’s not on your side
It’s weighing heavy on your mind

But when we stand united
Our hearts they beat in time
And I know we’ll make it all alright

Let’s bring it back to you and me
There’s no one else around
Now don’t get lost in gravity

‘Cause I want you to hold me now
Nothing else matters
It’s just the two of us
And if it all falls down
Nothing else matters
I know we’re strong enough

I’m not giving up
I’m not giving up on us
I said I’m not giving up
I’m not giving up on love

We’re of the same existence
No lock without a key
We can’t deny it’s meant to be

Cause I feel it inside
Taking over tonight
I’ll be there when the storm is breaking

In this moment I’m yours
You can always be sure
That together we’re gonna make it

Photos.

2011-01-26T13:55:00.001+08:00

Circa 2006. 5 years ago.

The best thing about photos is that it never changes, even if the people inside it do.
- Andy Warhol

I stumbled upon the above mentioned quote while I was surfing the web earlier on. The quote pretty much sums up what I've been feeling over the past few years or so.

People always change. If it ever was a crime, won't we all be in jail right now? All of us are guilty of changing into someone different from who we were in the past. For some, it could be a positive change.. whereas for others, negative.

I've always mentioned, 'Happiness is giving up'. How true is that?! We forsake our own happiness by letting go of the person we love in order for them to be happy. The price we have to pay for happiness.

After all, the ones that really matters the most to you will always, ALWAYS stick with you no matter what. They may get lost along the way but they'll eventually find their way back to you. Just give them time.

But then, aren't friends about accepting each other's flaws? And if you can't accept someone else's flaws, that makes you a bad person? To a certain extent, yes that is true. But sometimes people change into a totally different person.. that you hardly recognize no more and there you are taking in his/her flaws one by one until one day, you just can't deal with it no more. And everything just ends with a full stop right there.

More Than Just Baby Spice.

2011-01-26T12:58:00.001+08:00

Mr and Mrs. Jones

Just call her Mrs. Jones from now on.

You probably know her by her nickname, Baby Spice but Emma Bunton will now be more than just that! She's Officially a proud Spice Mama (She has one son named Beau) and..

She's just recently gotten engaged to her longtime boyfriend of 10 years, Jade Jones. Oh and just check out her engagement ring that she's not afraid to show off to the whole world.. BEAUTIFUL.

I'm excited for her and all but I mean seriously,

What took you so long (pun intended) to get

engaged, Emma?

Music Mondays: Avril Lavigne

2011-01-24T15:13:00.001+08:00

AVRIL LAVIGNE.

I've always though she looked a lot like Sarah Michelle Gellar from Buffy.

Avril Lavigne has come a long way since her debut with her first solo album, 'Let Go' in 2002, which spawned hits such as Complicated, Losing Grip, I'm With You and not forgetting, Sk8er Boy - The song that made me fall crazily in love with her at that point of time.

Then she released her sophomore album, "Under My Skin'. She had the whole dark-emo thingy going on.. which sorta did work out for her. And it was my favourite album from hers to date.. probably because it involved a lot of teen angst.

In 2007, she proved to all of us that she was 'The Best Damn Thing' with her crazy infectious yet tongue-in-cheek Number 1 hit single, 'Girlfriend'. Hey Hey You You I Could Be Your Girlfriend! Okay we sorta get it. You're great. And you want to name your album as such. But honestly, it was not 'The Best Damn Thing' for me though.

Now.. she's back! Fresher.. fiercer and even playful. Her first single 'What The Hell' taken from her upcoming album, Goodbye Lullaby, is playing all over radios. And though it lacks the 'oomph' that is present in 'Girlfriend', it still is not bad though. In fact, it's so good. I'm like what the hell?

You're on your knees
Begging please
Stay with me
But honestly
I just need to be a little crazy

I love the song. Now I want the album!

Song Of The Moment: Please Don't Leave Me - P!nk

2011-01-22T19:18:00.000+08:00

This will always be my favourite song from P!nk. Always.

For a Million Dollars, Would You...

2011-01-22T13:22:00.001+08:00

Eat liver and onions? Gross. But I'll close my eyes, pinch my nose and swallow it anyway.
Let someone punch you in the face? Yes. As long as he's not Clark Kent.
Have your life end 6 months before it's really supposed to? I think this is worth more than a million dollars. So nope. Not worth it.
Give up music for the rest of your life? Hell No. I'll never do that.
Date someone the same sex as you? It's just a date, right? Nothing more. So yes.
Eat snake for dinner? I'm starting to get grossed out. But yes, I'll do it.
Not shower for a year? Omg. Can you just imagine the stench? I don't think I can do this though.
Never eat your favorite food again? I probably won't.
Give up the internet for 10 years? No! Internet is my oxygen. I need it to survive!
Kill a cow and eat it for dinner? I doubt I 'd have the balls to do this even. And I love cows. No.
Punch your grandma in the face? Haha. With the family background that I come from, they'd probably hate me if I did this. But I'll make a deal with her and split the million into 50-50 with her, if she'd let me.
Dance naked in front of your family? Awkward. But I will. Haha!
Never read a book again? Definitely.
Never eat meat again? It's worth a try, yes?
Give your pets away? No!
Give up television for the rest of your life? I will die! I need the television!
Shave your head? Why not?
Live the rest of your life weighing 250lbs (about 100kg)? No. I do not ever.. ever want to weigh that much ever.
Play one round of russian roulette? Lol. I'm scared. And I'm too much of a coward to do this. So nope.
Go on a bread and water diet for two years? Maybe one year? But for two years, nope.
Never get married? Maybe. I might.
Give up your driving privileges? I don't even have a driving license to begin with. So I'll get people to drive me around, cos I'm the boss.
Leave Singapore forever? Of course! This country is too expensive.. far too expensive.
Not brush your teeth for a week? Disgusting. But I would. And not talk to anyone for that whole week.
Kill an innocent person? No. I won't be able to live with the guilty conscience that comes along with it.
Kill a murderer? I'm not capable of this though.
Never own a pet the rest of your life? Yes. I'm sorry little kitties.
Give up facebook forever? Why not? My whole life doesn't revolve around it. But if it's Twitter.. then we have a problem.
Never travel anywhere? Nope. Not for a million. Not for any value. Never.
Never watch your favorite TV show again? Unfortunately, yes I would.
Dig up a grave? I'm curious to see what's underneath. But I'm too much of a scaredy-cat to do it.
Never swim again? Yes. Easy as a b c.
Live somewhere it's cold all the time? Yes. It'd be perfect.
Live somewhere it's warm all the time? Well, I survived living in hot and humid Singapore for 20 years now. So yes.
Give up your sense of smell? What nonsense. Never.
Give up your sense of taste? I said no.
Cut off one of your body parts? I think every part of my body is worth more than a million each. So no.
Take a bite of someones poop? What's with all these questions?! But out of curiosity, I might.
Donate half of the million to a charity of your choice? Most definitely yes!
Donate all of the million to a charity of your choice? Most definitely yes!

(Source)

That Day. And The Night Before.

2011-01-21T15:50:00.018+08:00

"Wow. It's Friday already!"
"What?! We've been here for FIVE days now?"
"Man, that was fast."

Yes, It's officially my fifth day and I'm still adjusting to the lifestyle here. I can't believe it's already five days. I could still remember the day I left Singapore to come here like it was yesterday.

The night before I left.

0200. Walking in and out of my own room, I was getting super paranoid about everything. First of all, I can not get myself to sleep. Next, I was unsure if I had remembered to bring all the items I had needed for the next 12 months. But facing the reality of all, I was actually anxious about the next day. I was not ready to leave at all. "Why didn't they give us another week to prepare for this?", I thought.

0300. I knew I was way past my bedtime and I had only 2 and a half hours left to sleep before I leave for the airport. Fine, I'll just stop getting panicky about everything and just sleep for once. Closed my eyes.

0530. My mom woke me up. It's time. I woke up feeling like I only slept for a minute or two. Insane. I took a shower for the last time in my house and got myself ready.. for d-day.

0630. Time flies super fast in the morning, doesn't it? Before I left the house, I snapped a few photos of my room.. just so that I could remember how it was.. the way it was.. before I left. Finally, I loaded all of my heavy bags inside the car, wondering how the hell I was gonna carry all of those bags all my myself. But that was the least of my concern.. at that moment. I was figuring out how to say goodbye to them.. my family. Then, to my surprise, Mena and Hannie arrived at my house! They were without any makeup on and I was so glad that they were following us to the airport.. just to send me off.

0700. We reached the airport. I saw a few of my fellow friends whom shared the same fate as I did. I checked in my bags first. 29.5kg. I got the shock of my life. That was my heaviest luggage to date! And well, I didn't have to pay the extra charges, which was a good thing actually. Just imagine all the money I'd have to end up paying! Oh god.

At the airport. After check in!

After checking in the bags, I had my final breakfast with my family (Mena and Hannie included, cos they ARE family.) We had 'roti prata'. And honestly, that was by far the best 'roti prata' I've ever had in my entire 20 years of life. The feeling of contentment, love and satisfaction that came along with it was just.. priceless. I'm glad I got to eat it with the rest of my family seated with me. A great feeling, it was.

I sat down with them for a long time, almost forgetting that I am leaving them for a whole year to go to Brunei. We talked about a lot of things. But I remained quiet most of the time just because I just wanted to remember that moment - That moment when nothing else matters except for your family.

0830. This is really happening, isn't it? - I questioned myself. We slowly walked to the departure gate and there I was holding back my tears as much as I could (like a true man, I kid). Whether I was ready or not, I had to go eventually. I gave each and every one of them a hug before saying my final goodbyes. It was hard, but I did it. As I started disappearing from their sight, I gave them a flying kiss then I walked as fast as I could. Yeah, then the tears started flowing like a tap water that could not be stopped.

That was by far the hardest thing I ever did. It was not walking 24km with a huge load on my bag nor was it a never ending 8km run. It was just a simple goodbye.

The ones I love.

My family.

And now, I'm here. After a 2 hour flight journey and many bus rides that came along with it.. followed by another 45 minutes ferry ride. I'm happy I managed to still contact my mom and video call both her and my sister. Never has a single day passed while I'm here have I not thought much about them. I think about them all the time - How they're doing.. What they're doing. I miss them a lot. And I'd do anything just to see them again.

Mom and sister. Love them a lot.

I've yet to unpack all my items due to some problems but everything is all good. There's internet here and with internet, I will survive. And I'll definitely survive the next 12 months. I know I will.

P.s I might be going to Sydney, Australia again in May instead of flying back to Singapore? So for the rest of you.. I'll only be back in November? I think.

Brunei.

2011-01-17T21:45:00.000+08:00

With the family.

With the girls.

Hello Brunei.

Song Of The Moment: Good Hit - Jennifer Lopez

2011-01-17T10:18:00.001+08:00

Because I might not be able to complete my Music Monday blog post (due to some reasons)....

J.LO IS BACK!!!

And she's got that good hit.

Hot video! Wow! I'm super excited for her latest album now! Keep bringing us the good hits J.LO!

One (Crazy) Week.

2011-01-16T22:13:00.000+08:00

One week was the time given to me to do lots of stuff. Pack my bags. Meet up with friends for the last time before I fly off. Spend time with family. Do the things I liked doing before I get away from Singapore. WHERE GOT ENOUGH TIME?

Packing my bags was one hell of a chore. Being given a small duffel bag to stuff most of my army items in seemed pretty much of an impossible task. I started packing on Monday (being the 'kiasu' self that I am) and never in my life have I perspired so much just by packing. Actually stuffing everything in the duffel bag was not the problem.. the real challenge is to actually zip it up! But I did it... after 3 days of trial and error worthy of a jigsaw puzzle challenge.

So here's my one week... all in a nutshell. Trust me when I say I had not enough sleep 'cos there were days when I just felt like fainting due to the headaches.

Met up with the Mass Comm gang (Jarrel, Anand, Xin Mun, Chee, Ching, Shermaine, Noh) for a 'round of Sushi buffet. I'm quite sick of Sushi actually, after having it every week consecutively. Oh and congrats to you bangz (Anand) for your POP and getting into OCS!

Xin Mun, Anand and Jarrel. Reminiscing about how Xin Mun fell off the chair in the school loft.

Chingzy and Shermaine! The two ex-urbanwire girls.

Noh, Myself, Chee! Upon Noh's arrival, I asked him, "So which Slimming centre do you frequent to? I want to sign up and be a member there!"

I actually love my Mass Comm Friends. Haha!

I had a special date with Ray after not having met this boy for a long long time. Watched Love and Other Drugs (Jake Gyllenhall and Anne Hathaway!), Shopped around Ion and Had dinner at umm Burger Kingz!

Oh how I miss those days when we'd just camwhore non-stop with our macbooks!

Of course with my crazy girls. Belting out malay tunes.. screeching and dancing!

We did another crazy video..and I'm still in the midst of adjusting the audio and whatever nonsense. Will upload it soon! I'll miss them. We have been friends for almost a decade now. We're more than friends.. we're family. Love them.

Kak Nadiah treated me to dinner at Fish & Co. Delicious!

Nadee couldn't join the rest of us on Tuesday.. so she met me on a separate occasion. And she treated me to dinner! So sweet of her!

Met up with the rest of my Mass Comm mates.. the malay ones this time 'round. But before that I threaded my brows for the first time! Just to give it an edge and more definition. Haha! I love my new brows!

And then met the rest of these guys at Tong seng.. just because I felt like eating there after not having eaten there for a long long time. After that.. we went to have a round of sheesha at Arab Street and played monopoly deal! It was Irma's and Noh's first time at sheesha-ing!

So many polaroids! But I love 'em all!

I feel extremely fat beside him. Lain kali bawak kereta beb! (Next time bring car!)

The two minahreps. They reminded me that I used to tell them about every single detail of my life. So grateful for them la.

Mom brought me out for lunch at Breeks! And then I got my new shoes from Pedro! I love my new shoes! I'm bringing it to Brunei!

Kristel was begging for me to meet her. So yes, I did.. since she was around Tampines area. Gave her a lecture for not spending enough time with me because bitch, I deserve to have more quality time with you than your boyfriend. Hahaha!

This was THE DAY. The second m:idea Youth Choice Awards. I don't know how I ended up helping out 'cos I sure did not remember offering to help out.. but for Ronald's sake.. yes I helped out as a chaperone.

Eunice baked brownies for me! I almost ate all of them in one go! Just because they were so delicious! Thank you babe! Love you!

Aqilah was sweet enough to come all the way from home just to visit me. Yes bitch, I deserve this kind of treatment! She got me a hugeass singlet from Bali only to realise that I am not that huge anymore. Thanks ah!

Then rushed over to The Asian Market Cafe at Fairmount Hotel for dinner! Celebrated dad's and cousin's birthday! I don't mind going there for dinner again!

Spent the whole day at home.. in my room. I'll miss my room when I'm gone. Now I'm just counting down to my morning flight tomorrow. Auf Wiedersehn people! I may be away from Singapore.. but I'll still be here in the online world! So stay tuned to this blog.. for updates while I'm in Brunei!

How I wish this week was longer.

Half A Week Before Departure.

2011-01-12T14:46:00.000+08:00

Busy. Busy. Busy. Meeting friends. Packing my bag. Man I wish this week was longer.

Music Mondays: Athlete

2011-01-10T23:22:00.000+08:00

Because good music deserves its very own fair share of exposure, (as compared to those trashy mainstream stuff that has infested our radio nowadays) here's an awesome indie band that you've probably never heard of...

Athlete

Athlete are an Ivor Novello Award winning English indie rock band formed in Deptford, London comprising of Joel Pott (lead vocals and guitar), Carey Willetts (bass and backing vocals), Stephen Roberts (drums and backing vocals) and Tim Wanstall (keyboards and backing vocals). Friends since the age of fourteen, Athlete first started out heavily influenced from bands such as Grandaddy and The Flaming Lips and they have since released four studio albums namely Vehicles and Animals, Tourist, Beyond The Neighbourhood and most recently, Black Swan.

I first got to know them through RadioBlogClub.com a few years back and I'm glad I got to discover them during their rising popularity back in 2005. They are often being compared to other successful indie bands such as Coldplay or Keane but it's not fair to them. Athlete needs to get the recognition that they deserve from the public. Their songs often got featured on popular TV shows such as One Tree Hill (ahh my favourite!) etc.

They definitely deserve total respect for the music that they have created and the lyrics that they have written. It's brilliant.. and the rawness sounding of their music makes them immaculate. If you ever get a chance to see them performing live, you'd suddenly realise the immense talent that they possess. Despite their incredible talent, they are still considered quite underground, as not many people have heard of them. They remind me of an undiscovered Coldplay that are simply better musicians and writers and their music deserves to be heard... out there.

Their latest album, Black Swan, has been on major repeat mode for the past few months. Out of all the tracks in the album, I exceptionally enjoyed "Black Swan Song" the most. My fellow brothers whom are currently serving the army (or were formerly serving the army) would definitely appreciate this song. I had tears in my eyes till the very end of the video. Shan't spoil anything but if you love Coldplay, you'll love this. Watch it.. till the very end then read the story behind the video below.

Athlete - Black Swan Song

Black Swan Song. Beautiful.. beautiful song.

Black Swan Song’ is a powerful and moving song about the death of Joel’s grandfather. Joel picks up the story here, “September 1944 in the woods near Arnhem, Holland, my grandfather lay alone and badly wounded struggling to write a farewell letter to his new wife.

My grandfather Major John Pott died in 2005 at the age of eighty four in Lewisham Hospital London (the same hospital my daughter was born in, an experience that inspired the song 'Wires'). After suffering a heart attack he had felt it time to leave his home in Speyside, Scotland and go on farewell jaunt around the UK. He was very weak, but insisted upon travelling alone.

After a day sightseeing in London with my father, he collapsed and was taken to the hospital where I was able to see him and say goodbye. He held my hand and said "goodbye old chap!" and "bless you". He died later that night with my father by his side. My dad said it was like watching a soldier fight his last battle - there was some struggle but it was a triumphant end.

His death had such a big impact on us as a family and even though we were sad to say goodbye we all felt inspired by his amazing life and death.

The funeral was a very moving celebration of an incredible man. Swallows flew overhead as bagpipes played and comrades in uniform took it in turn to stand at the foot of his grave and salute him.

After his death I knew I wanted to pay tribute to him in some way but nothing came to me for three years. I was at our barn in Wales sitting outside looking over the hills playing the guitar. I started singing the lines "all my friends and family carried me, they carried me home, carried me home" and I instantly knew where the song was coming from. I wrote from my grandpa's perspective. I wrote about his early battles, but mainly about his last one and his longing to go to be with his wife (Anna Pott, who died a few years previously) in heaven. It was my grandpa's symphony, Black Swan Song.

Joel and his father David recently paid an emotionally-charged visit to Arnhem to mark the anniversary of the battle there in which Joel’s grandfather – a paratrooper - was severely injured. After lying in the woods for nearly twenty hours he was taken to a German military hospital and after a heroic, but thwarted attempt to escape on crutches, he remained in a POW camp until released by the Americans in April 1945.

I love music videos like this. It gives me goosebumps and chills. It's just so good. I wanna discover more bands like Athlete. I love them and yes, bands like Athlete are the ones that need all of your support just so that they can get a gig going and come here to Singapore!

Other songs that I'd recommend listening from them would be Chances and Wires. Till the next music monday post!

Victoria and David Beckham Expecting a FOURTH Child!

2011-01-10T12:40:00.000+08:00

David and Victoria Beckham are expecting their fourth child together!

The 35-year-old soccer star confirmed the happy news earlier today on his official Facebook page.

“I’ve got some great news to tell you all,” David wrote. “Victoria and I are expecting our fourth child this summer. The boys are very excited about the arrival of a new brother or sister.”

The newborn will join big brothers Brooklyn, 11, Romeo, 8, and Cruz, 5.

Congratulations to both David and Victoria!! I know of how much Victoria have been wanting to have a girl for so long! So I'm hoping and praying for them to get a girl this time 'round 'cos it would definitely be interesting to see how she spoils and dresses her little daughter in expensive dresses. She might even probably start a baby clothing line!

I'm going crazy myself here. Thinking of baby names for Victoria. (Lily? Madeleine? Ceil?) All I know is that girl is gonna have an exquisite name! The boys at Denden forums are also going crazy from all this excitement.. thinking of baby names as well. All this excitement.. if she gets a boy again, then well.. I'm still happy for her nevertheless!

She could still possibly get a twin! (Boy and girl) Or even better! Triplets! And all 3 of them are girls! How adorable would that be? I mean, seriously?!

And then she needs to do another Spice Girls Reunion so that she can show her newborn that mummy was a popstar. Heehee! Hoping and praying that another Spice Girls reunion WILL happen. And I WILL be there. I'll make sure of that!

P.s Actually Emma Bunton (Former Spice Girls) is also preggers. But she's not getting that much hype as compared to Victoria. Heehee. Well, yeah obviously. Victoria is an A-List after all. La la la.

A Visit to My Grandmother's Third Home

2011-01-09T23:00:00.000+08:00

Hit the play button and read the post below.

The Awkward Goodbye - Athlete

In our lives, we probably have three places that we call home. For some, four or more if they are in luck. Of course, the first of the three places would be our actual home, which comes with its very own living room, the kitchen and a personal room filled with our things - Clothes, Records, Computer etc. Our second home would probably be the office (or school, for some) that we go to every single weekday without fail. It may be your most stressful home in your entire life but that is the place that you make a lot of money to bring home to your family.

At many points of our lives, we switch between our first and second home to and fro. That's when you wonder, so what's our third home? Well, we never know when at which point of our lives we'll be given our third home - Our grave. As morbid as that may sound, that's where all of us will be sent to when we have run out of credits to play the Game of Life. It's not exactly the same as as opposed to when you are in the arcade because you can still buy credits to continue the game that you are playing. It's different. When life reads 'Game Over', there's no second chance for you and all that you can do is to accept it and move on.

Today, I visited my grandmother's grave along with my parents. As much as I still regret not saying a lot of things to her before she departed from this world on the 4th February 2010, I had but no choice but to accept the fact that she's gone and left an empty hole in many of our hearts, especially the ones that loved her dearly.

I can still remember vividly on the 4th February last year, I received the worst phone call ever from my mother in the early morning at 8am. "Amirul, datang kat rumah nenek sekarang. Nenek dah meninggal." (Amirul, come to your grandmother's house now. She has just passed away), my mom told me as she was weeping away on the other line. I was in disbelief. I couldn't accept the fact that she was just gone just like that. I mean, I didn't even get to say goodbye to her! I rushed to the toilet.. showered.. got myself dressed and ran all the way towards my grandmother's house. (Not exaggerating, her house was just a stone throw away from my place.)

That's when I saw my grandmother. Paleness covered her whole face. But there she was, without a look of regret, my grandmother was smiling on her death bed, as though she had a great run in the Game of Life. I bent down and touched her hand. It was as cold as an ice cube. Then, almost instantly, tears started rolling down my eyes and there I was sobbing away, as much as I tried to hold back my tears, I just can't. My grandmother was gone and there was nothing that I could do 'cept to cry.

"She really loved you Amirul. She always asked about you all the time. She loved you a lot.", my mom repeated that quite a lot of times with tears in her eyes. She added, "If you really want to help her, go and read some prayers for your grandmother." And off I did.

As I was reading my prayers for my grandmother, memories from the past started rushing to my mind, not like that'd help to soothe my crying and weeping. It just made it worse. Memories from when I was young and she would pick me up from my old house to bring me out to play at the playground, to buy ice cream for me, to the times when I would constantly have sleepovers at her place during the weekend, where we would bake pastries together while listening and singing to the songs playing on the radio to the time when she was finally silenced by a stroke and try as I might, I didn't know how to communicate with her. I loved my grandmother a lot. And I still do. Many times I tell myself, if only she was still alive, I'd do a lot of things for her but then again, it's life and you only have one shot at it.

My grandmother was always helping other people whenever they needed help. But the ironic thing is that she was unable to help herself in the times that she needed and even in that situation, she still helped others. My grandmother was a strong woman, a great cook and a loving mother. But to me, she was the bestest grandmother that I could never have ever asked for - A Super-grandmother! Haha.

My mom told me to say goodbye to her at my grandmother's grave. Well, why say goodbye when I will definitely be there again once I'm back from Brunei? One year is a short time for me to say goodbye to her.

I'm annoyed that I would not be there on her 1st death anniversary this year, as I will be in Brunei but always know that my heart (no matter how deep a hole she has created after having left this world) will always have a place for her.

And deep down, my grandmother will always always be alive no matter what because these memories shared by my grandmother and myself will always always be remembered no matter what and will be passed down in future generations and decades to come. So no matter the distance, my grandmother will always be close to my heart. I love you grandmother. And thank you for always looking out for me, especially in times when I needed someone.

I Love You. Always.

P.s For those of you who still have a grandmother in your life, please know that you are considered a very lucky person. So cherish her, appreciate her and love her until the day you are finally unable to do so anymore. And for those who do not have a grandmother anymore.. treat your parents, especially your mother, the way you wished you would have treated your grandmother had she still been alive and never make the same mistake again.

Song of The Moment: A Thousand Miles - Vanessa Carlton

2011-01-08T10:57:00.000+08:00

It's always times like these when I think of you
And I wonder if you ever think of me...

'Cause everything's so wrong
And I don't belong living in your precious memories...

'Cause I need you
And I miss you
And now I wonder....

If I could fall into the sky
Do you think time would pass me by
'Cause you know I'd walk a thousand miles
If I could just see you tonight

Weekends are here.. again! Go on and have a blast!

(Or shop.. till you drop dead bankrupt.)

BGR Issues: How do you know if a girl is into you?

2011-01-07T22:21:00.006+08:00

Friend: Amirul, do you have a girlfriend?
Me: No. Not at the moment. Why do you say so?
Friend: Because you look like the type of guy who would have plenty of girlfriends.
Me: Man, yeah I wish you were right about that.
Friend: You look at my face and you guess whether I have a girlfriend. Just guess.
(Trying hard not to be mean.. so I gave him a politically correct answer)
Me: Well, I don't think you have a girlfriend. But I'm pretty sure there's someone in your life that you're interested in... Am I right to say that?
Friend: Wah! How'd you guess? Yes, there's someone that I like. But I'm not sure if she feels the same way towards me.
Me: Does she know that you like her? Has she showed any signs that she might like you?
Friend: No, she doesn't know that I like her. She probably thinks of me as a brother towards her. But then again, whenever we take photos with each other, she'd come so close towards me and hug me.
Me: Like how close... close?
Friend: Really really close to me. But it's normal, right?
Me: You could say that. But if you really like her and if you feel that you are ready to take your relationship to the next level.. then you should tell her.

I'm not a love doctor or what. But when a friend seeks advice from me, I give. I don't have that many experiences to share with them to begin with but I try. Don't you guys wish that girls would just make the first move and make everything so much easier for you? In fact, most guys I know don't feel that way. They usually hesitate, just because they're afraid to take that risk. You know, like what would happen to their friendship if their so-called relationship doesn't work out at the end of day. Awkward moments. Why would you want to disrupt a perfectly fine (could be better) friendship, right? Life's a gamble.

Getting back to the point. One can only wonder what goes on in the girls' head.. their mindset.. their train of thoughts. I know some signs that are drop-dead obvious. Guys are stupid, I agree. But you can't really fault them for that. When they're with the person that they have a crush on, they tend to lose their brains and end up saying stupid things. Here are some drop-dead obvious signs to know if a girl likes you:

1. When they get a little touchy-touchy with you.
Sometimes, girls (yes i am making a sweeping statement here) try to take advantage by getting all touchy with you.. She'll probably give you a light tap on the shoulder when you're having a conversation with each other or somewhere else. However take note that not all hugs from girls are signs. For all you know, it could just be a friendly hug. So yeah, hugs are not an accurate indicator of her feelings towards you.

2. When she laughs at every single thing you say. Even when it's not a joke!
Seriously. Girls like guys who can easily amuse them. Sure they like good-looking guys but looks don't last forever, do they? But Humour does. If you got it, it will always be there even when you're old, wrinkly and ugly. And trust me on this, girls love guys with a good sense of humour.

3. When she keeps asking you, "Why don't you have a girlfriend.. even till now?"/ "What type of girls do you like?"
When girls keep asking you those silly questions, they just wanna see if they fit into your criteria and that's when you'll start noticing small changes in them. Apart from that, they're just being a busybody and poking their nose in matters that doesn't even concern them at all. This is actually a good thing, because it shows that they have interest in your love life.

And that, my friend, is how you know if a girl is into you. The next move you make.. is entirely up to you. Good luck on that.

P.s And girls, just because a guy asks you out to somewhere, does not automatically make it a date. This.. should probably be in another post eh? Haha.

Random Thoughts.

2011-01-05T21:22:00.001+08:00

I guess.

MUST WATCH.

2011-01-04T21:21:00.001+08:00

MUST WATCH!

Chasing Lights - The Saturdays

Enjoy!

I found myself laughing hysterically when one of my NS buddy showed me this video. Apparently, one of the 'beautiful gerxx' in the video happens to be an acquaintance from NS. That boy is genius. Now I wished I had talked to that boy more and be friends with him. Haha!

After watching the video, I have come to a conclusion....

1. I will never listen to the song, Chasing Lights, by The Saturdays the same way again.
Everyone should know that I love The Saturdays (I've done two music reviews for them. Go see.) and these 3 'beautiful gerxx' has pretty much ruined the song for me. Their faces will automatically pop up into my head upon hearing the song. No!

2. I will never look at him the same way again.
I guess this video is proof that all men are desperate to show off their feminine side. Before this, I sincerely thought he was the you-know macho guy. But now, I guess not. Haha!

3. If you ever want to make a video like this, make sure it NEVER GETS FOUND. Ever.
Heed this advice. Never. Ever. Or risk getting ridiculed by a bunch of immature superiors. Haha! I kid you not.

P.s Hey Ryan, if you ever read this blog post of mine. I'm looking forward to hearing your thank-yous and whatnot for giving you exposure in my blog. Haha. /Just joking.

Conversation with Siti.

2011-01-04T20:25:00.001+08:00

After last night's dramatic blog entry, I just decided to talk about it with Siti...

Thank you for bringing me back to reality babe.

P.s Do I need to remind you how awesomely awesome you are?

Write a Letter

2011-01-03T22:25:00.007+08:00

Write Grace a letter. You dont send it. You just pour out your feelings. Tell Grace how happy you are to have found her and how much you've loved her. Trust me, once you've written it, you'll feel so much better.
- Lynette Scavo to Gabrielle

That's the scene when Gabby couldn't cope with the loss of her biological daughter and there's nothing that she could do 'cept to cry every single day. She needed to do something about it 'cos she was turning hysterical and turned to Lynette for help, since Lynette was the only one who had experienced a child loss and she gave that advice.

That's how I'm feeling right now. Not that I've lost a child or anything but it's relatable. God help me for I don't know how to put everything that I want to say to you face to face. We've drifted so far apart 'till we've misunderstood each other for every single thing we do. I don't exactly know how long it has been since we last had a proper conversation.. let alone a single greeting from you. I sometimes feel like I'm living vicariously through your Facebook, checking your status updates every once in a while just to see if you're doing fine.

I remember telling you, "I've taken the photo of the both of us off my wall." But to be honest, it's still there. It does drop sometimes but I will pick it up every single damn time it happens and put it back up on the wall again. I then take a step back to look at the photo, slowly admiring it and then let out a silent chuckle to myself 'cos those were happy times. The smile then slowly turned into a frown and I'll walk away.

Many times I see you log on to MSN and I find myself wanting to strike a conversation, maybe a hi. But instead I stare hard at your nickname then fear got the best out of me and I just decided not to do it. Weak. So I'm gonna do like what Gabby did (in Desperate Housewives), I'll just write a letter to you but I don't send it out. I'll definitely trash things out with you in the letter and once I'm done, I'll press the delete button.

P.s I did it. Wrote the letter. I feel so so so much better now. Thank you.

Music Mondays: Michelle Branch

2011-01-03T14:51:00.000+08:00

Michelle Branch

(Extremely talented Singer-Songwriter a.k.a a former teen pop star)

There's just something that I find insanely hot for girls who knows how to play the guitar. I had my first girl crush on the talented Michelle Branch back when I was 13-years-old. At that point of time, she just seemed like the perfect girl.. with the guitar and all.. and I did kinda wish that my future girlfriend would be somewhat like her. She was the main reason why I decided to pick up guitar lessons just so that I can sing and play her songs just like her.

As inspired I was by Michelle Branch, her songs got me through all those tough times and teen angst that I had as a struggling teenager. Heartbreak, Friendship problems and even the loss of someone that meant a lot to you in your life. Thinking about it right now, yeah I was such an immature brat. I first heard 'Everywhere' playing on the radio everywhere and that's when I knew 'I've gotta get her album.' I got her album and spent the rest of the week starving during lunch break. Worth every penny? Yes!

Michelle Branch has actually released three solo albums (Broken Bracelet, The Spirit Room and Hotel Paper), one album as the famous Country duo The Wreckers (Stand Still, Look Pretty) and most recently, an EP (Everything Comes and Goes) that showcased her as a Solo Country Artist. Out of the lot, my favourite album of hers is still The Spirit Room with crazy infectious songs like Everywhere, All You Wanted, Goodbye To You. After all, that was the album that got her nominated for a Grammy, yes?

Many people still have yet to hear of her very first album, Broken Bracelet. You'd be surprised that she actually did more Rock stuff down there. (Listen to Paper Pieces) Michelle Branch admitted that she was embarrassed of the songs she used to sing when she was very young 'cos it sounded very immature with the cheesy lyrics'. Listen to Hold My Heart on YouTube. (When you hold my hand, you hold my heart.)

I was most disappointed when she decided to crossover to Country Music and that's when The Wreckers was formed. But my disappointment quickly faded when I heard their new songs and I knew that the old Michelle is still somewhere there... just that she's singing songs with more of a country twang to it. After all, The Wreckers were a huge success for Michelle, as it got her nominated for another Grammy Award.

I'm glad that she has now decided to go back to her Pop roots once again (great news to all her fans!) because that's the Michelle we all fell in love with right from the very beginning and she should stay that way!

Here's my favourite song from Michelle Branch (also her biggest hit so far) called 'All You Wanted'. No thanks to copyright issues, I am unable to embed the music video but this is an acoustic version of the song. Definitely brings back memories!

Call me crazy. But when I first heard the song, I did not think that it was not about a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship. Honestly, I think that Michelle Branch is singing about wanting to help a good friend of hers who'd gotten depressed, feeling lonely (not having anyone else to turn to) and completely lost in the world.

If you want to
I can save you
I can take you away from here
So lonely inside
So busy out there
And all you wanted
Was somebody who cares

Looking at the lyrics now, I can still somehow relate to it. Love you Michelle. Man, I wished she'd come to Singapore to perform for a gig or something.. you know I'd be first up in line!

I am a Shopaholic.

2011-01-03T11:43:00.000+08:00

What a way to kickstart the new year! Year-end sale everywhere in town. From 30% to 70% discount. Of course, I gave in to the temptation, right? I thought to myself, "Just buy one t-shirt. Just one." We know how that usually ends up at the end of the day, yes?

Here's what I bought from Zara

(Their collections deserves a whole lotta love)

Black and White Striped T-shirt: $29.90 (Original Price: $39.90)
Floral-Printed T-Shirt: $39.90 (Original Price: $49.90)
Blue Denim Jeans: $49.90 (Original Price: $89.90)

I'm very satisfied with my stash. I love my new jeans (HUGE STEAL). I'm still in disbelief that my waist size is now 30! (Well, it's been dropping as the years passed by but still!) And I'll tell you right now that stripes are gonna be in the 'in' thing in a few more months. Just wait for that. Plus, you can call me feminine, I don't care. I just love floral-prints on a T-Shirt. It's so pretty.. and I can't wait to wear it out!

P.s Thanks mom for buying most of the stuff above! Haha!

Song of The Moment: Count on Me - Bruno Mars

2011-01-02T10:41:00.001+08:00

The ultimate friendship song of the decade.

Beautiful Cover (Original by Bruno Mars) by Selyne Maia (Very x100 Good)

If you ever find yourself stuck in the middle of the sea,
I'll sail the world to find you
If you ever find yourself lost in the dark and you can't see,
I'll be the light to guide you

Find out what we're made of
What we are called to help our friends in need

You can count on me like 1 2 3
I'll be there
And I know when I need it I can count on you like 4 3 2
And you'll be there
Cause that's what friends are supposed to do, oh yeah
Wooooh, Wooooh,Yeah,Yeah

Tonight I Wish For..

2011-01-01T23:11:00.037+08:00

Call me superstitious. I don't care. I'll still make a wish whenever the clock strikes 11:11 every single night (or day). Tonight, it's slightly special just because today's date is 1/1/11 and I wanna wish for the following for the year 2011...

Better Financial Management. I seriously have no idea on how to save money because I'll end up spending everything eventually. Like what I told Siti the other day, "I save money just so that I can spend money eventually." I can't carry on like this. I need to save. I refuse to even go out just because I'm broke. Terrible. So I need to save. And when the year-end sale comes next year, I know I'll be ready! Who's up for shopping?

Lose even more weight. Yeah so I lost 10kg ++ during my NS training. But I wanna lose more weight. I'm motivated to exercise and run and eat healthily!

Time to pass by even faster. I'm gonna be in a foreign country for one freaking year! Away from home, friends, my room. I know 2011 just started about 24 hours ago but I want it to end already because by then I'll be back here in Singapore.

Kylie Minogue to announce a concert in Singapore (again) in 2012. Not in 2011. I want to go see her perform live once again. After all, she is one of my favourite music artists. Heh Heh.

Of course, not forgetting.. I just want to be happy at the end of the day.

Are you happy now?

2011-01-01T20:00:00.002+08:00

Happiness comes in many forms. In the company of good friends, in the feeling you get when you make someone else’s dreams come true, or in a promise of hope renewed. It’s ok to let yourself be happy, because you never know how great that happiness might be. Sometimes pain becomes such a huge part of your life, that you expect it to always be there, because you can’t remember a time in your life when it wasn’t. But then one day you feel something else. Something that feels wrong only because it’s so unfamiliar, and in that moment you realize you’re happy. - Lucas Scott (One Tree Hill)

My last blog post in 2010!

2010-12-31T21:48:00.028+08:00

Reflecting back on 2010 - It was definitely a good year for me despite the rocky start in the beginning. I was drowning in my projects at the start of the year, (I know, a great way to welcome the year for me.) which explains my absence from the online world. I just couldn't juggle (being the only designer in my internship company) between work and personal life, hurting my social life badly. But I'm glad it did. 'Cos at least now I know who's true to me and who's well.. in a ride with me.

I'm also proud to say that I've finally graduated with a Diploma in Mass Communication from Ngee Ann Polytechnic! (My GPA is pretty decent, just so you know) Upon completion of my three-year course in Ngee Ann Polytechnic, I applied for a place in a Singapore University, NTU, to be precise. I decided to pursure a Degree in Arts, Design and Media but however, my application proved to be unsuccessful. Besides, I wasn't quite sure if that was the direction that I wanted to be heading in the future. I guess everything happens for a reason, yes? And I decided to further my studies in an overseas university - Sydney pursuing a Degree in Communication Studies. Of course, I got in. Hehe.

My Graduation! Got photoshoot somemore! Cool, yes?

I'm proud with my fellow colleagues from m:idea for successfully planning the first m:idea Youth Choice Awards event over at Ngee Ann Polytechnic. Being the one and only designer handling the event - It was tough work! But hey, nothing is impossible.. right? I'm glad I had that crazy and stressful experience. It was definitely an eye-opener for me, as I was the main guy who had to liase with the celebrities who attended the event. I met a lot of local celebs (Ris Low, Muttons, Utt etc) and blogger, Fauzi Rassull - Amazing guy! And he won the 'Coolest Blogger I Wanna Gossip With (xoxo)' award! I'm glad he did 'cos I'd love to hang out with him one day and just bitch and gossip non-stop!

I definitely enjoyed being part of the event.. and also meeting the local celebs!

Also, Kris Allen and Adam Lambert was in town for a gig! Thanks to @bchee and some of the other crazy people at ontd_ai, I got to see Kris Allen live.. from the first row! I still remembered how all of us just molested and groped him all over and Kris mentioned in an interview that he felt his gig in Singapore was weird. I know I saw a girl groping his junk and then screaming (after the show, of course) "IT'S REALLY BIG!" Man, no wonder he said it was weird. They should really put up an age restriction limit next time!

Kris Allen does look quite sexy here, agree? Hahaha!

Moving on, I can't believe I went on A LOT of holiday trips this year! (Phuket, Kuala Lumpur and Australia) I'm glad I got to spend Phuket and Kuala Lumpur (I realise I have yet to blog about this, oops!) with my close ~~girlfriends~~ sisters (to call them girlfriends is such an understatement. They are my sisters). I loved visiting my uncle in Aussie. It was helluva fun! (Which reminds me that I have yet to complete my travelogue for Aussie, oops!)

Phuket.. lovely place. Shopping! Beautiful sea. With great friends!

KL WAS CRAZY!

I love Sydney! Can't wait to go there again!

Then of course, there were the birthdays. It's like a ritual, every year. I'm still quite pissed at what happened on my sister's birthday (People planning without informing me about a single thing. People just not caring a single thing) It really showed me the true colors of certain people but I'm way past that.

Of course my picture is in the middle! It's my blog! haha!

This was also the year I got enlisted into National Service. I can whine and complain all about NS all day long but I did lost a lot of weight ever since then. Being able to fit in S-size t-shirts, the feeling you get is just incredible. Motivates me to lose even more weight.

I never realised how similar both of these pictures look. It's omg. Haha.

I've also done quote a lot of stupid things this year. I did a crazy video for Express Nike, along with Aini and Jarrel, my two close friends from Mass Comm. Then there were the other crazy videos I did with the Pretty Children and also with my m:idea colleagues. Haha!

The Express Nike Video. Can't Touch This.

I probably overplayed this video a million times alr.

And who could forget (I did, actually) that I was on Berita Harian?! I still hate the stupid headline, which reads - 'Sleeping in School'. Deserves a WTF, seriously.

I remember running down to the nearest mama shop and 7 eleven to get a few copies of Berita Harian.

I got my heart broken too.. this year. I guess 'Hurt people tend to hurt people' and I ended up making stupid decisions. Making stupid decisions is fine.. as long as you come back to your normal actual self at the end of the day.

Well, I guess that sums up my 2010! Anything more than what I've just written will probably involve my experience in NS, and no I don't like blogging about my NS life because it will bore you ultimately, and we do not want that, eh?

P.s And yes, if you're wondering (or not), I will be away from Singapore for a period of 1 whole year! I'm bummed that I'll be spending my 21st birthday down there and missing out on a lot of other important occasions and concerts. I'll be in Brunei for an overseas NS posting. I have mixed feelings about it but I guess it's a good thing.. to go away from the crazy life I have in Singapore over to Brunei. I'll definitely blog while I'm in Brunei so keep updated with my blog 'cos things will get interesting fo' sure! And once I come back from Brunei.. It's 6 months to ORD! And that.. I look forward to.

Song of The Moment: Bands collaboration!

2010-12-30T23:35:00.002+08:00

Don't you just love it when two different bands get together and share the stage? Watch this.
.
.
.

NKOTB VS. BSB - MEDLEY OF THEIR HIT SONGS.

I JUST GOT GOOSEBUMPS WATCHING THIS.

A hair-raising collaboration between New Kids on The Block and Backstreet Boys = Brilliant! Of course, now we know which band's vocals sound better live. Heh Heh Heh. coughesNKOTBcoughes. Makes me wanna jump out of my seat and dance!

Then, I got reminded of this a few years back.

Simply amazing!

Meet up with Siti!

2010-12-30T22:43:00.002+08:00

Sometimes, it's good to meet old friends that you have not met for a very long time every once in a while. That's what I did! Met Siti earlier today for lunch. I haven't seen her for YEARS. So to finally meet up and talk about nonsense like we used to.. was great. "You still have that chipmunk voice of yours, even till now!" was the first thing I told her when we met. She replied, "Of course. I'm a girl. My voice doesn't change."

We had lunch over at Far East.. brought her over to this place that sells yummy 'asam pedas'. "Are you sure it's that great? Nicer than my mom's cooking not?" Without any hesitation, "Yeah of course! Even though I've never tried your mom's cooking to begin with!"

Although we've never met for the past 2 years or so (cos she has been a bad girl and was grounded by her mom haha), we still communicate through MSN and SMS. Ahh. The wonders of modern technology! I like how she remembers every single thing I tell her.. well most of it! Haha. And funny part is, I don't remember some of it!

Shiny boobs.

"See you soon babe! Prolly in one year's time!"

I joked.

Song of The Moment: Grenade - Bruno Mars

2010-12-30T10:34:00.000+08:00

If my body was on fire, ooh
You'd watch me burn down in flames
You said you loved me you're a liar
Cause you never, ever, ever did baby...

But darling I'll still catch a grenade for ya
Throw my hand on a blade for ya (yeah, yeah, )
I'd jump in front of a train for ya (yeah, yeah, )
You know I'd do anything for ya (yeah, yeah, ) Oh, oh

I would go through all this pain,
Take a bullet straight through my brain,
Yes, I would die for you baby
But you won't do the same.

Mena's 21st Birthday Celebration!

2010-12-29T18:00:00.000+08:00

29th December has finally arrived! Our dearest Mena is now officially 21 years old! We celebrated a few weeks back due to our conflicting schedules. First, we went...

Ice-Skating!

At Kallang Ice World over at Leisure Park.

I absolutely had no clue on how to skate. I mean, I've never rollerblade-ed in my entire life! Of course, I panicked! What shit have I gotten myself into?! I imagined myself in the worst possible scenarios.. like slipping and falling in the middle of the ice skating rink and everyone starts laughing at me. Or a situation when I hit my head against someone else's shoes! I was scared!

I whined. A lot. As always. The shoe was frickin' smelly! It's like they never washed it for a gazillion years or something. The stench.. was intense.

The Birthday Girl who seemed pretty excited to ice-skate!

Hannie just couldn't stop skating. She's probably the most experienced among all of us.. who were struggling to even move a few centimetres. Oh dear.

I was holding onto her as tightly as I could.. afraid that I would fall! "Amirul. You better not fall. If you fall, I'm gonna fall also." - Hannie said. "But I'm scared!!"

Moving just one centimeter is just so taxing. I was holding on to the railing super tightly. Moving along the outline of the ice skating rink. Yeah, that bad. Okay. I admit. I suck at this.

Some experienced ice-skater saw me struggling with ice-skating and he gave me some tips. He told me in order to move forward, you gotta make a V-shape everywhere you go. But it seems whenever I do that, my legs will just spread wide apart. I'm beyond hopeless. Haha!

I wasn't the only one struggling! These two.. also struggled! We decided to just sit down and camwhore at the end of the day. Haha! Whining about how our feets were aching!

After taking this photo, Hannie said, "So much fun! Let's go ice-skating again!" I almost died on the spot. I don't mind following but I'll just be there sitting down and watching people skate.

Well, four of us (including the birthday girl) came to a conclusion that we'll never go ice skating again. It was the kind of experience that you'll only try once.. and that's it. Yeah.

Dinner at Tiffany's
(Buffet dinners are always the best!)

The food selection is not something worth raving about let alone the dessert corner. However, the dishes were splendid!

Mena had FIVE rounds of the gong-gong (cockles) consecutively. She's insane!

Don't you just love my geek-chic specs? Heehee.

Ice-cream time! Apparently, everyone else can scoop a proper ice-cream 'cept for Mena and her pathetic ball. Haha!

And now, I present to you the birthday cake!!

TADAAAAAAAAAA!

A CAKE IN THE SHAPE OF BOOBIES!

(When I first saw the cake, I was stunned, seriously. But best cake ever!)

Birthday girl and her cake. Mena. Obsessed with boobs since 1989.

Time to open presents!

Hannie.

(I realised Nadee didn't take a photo with Mena. So I'll leave you out on this. HA.)

Mine! I gave her cups and ashtray with boobies! Haha!

Amira gave her a makeup set in a leopard theme. Gorgeous.

Hearts. Many Many.

Hearts. We had more videos. But I'll upload them separately no thanks to my shitty internet connection!

HAPPY 21ST BIRTHDAY MENAAAAAAAAA!

(We love you!)