Trimalogy

Woo, mahjong session with cous and uncle was refreshing.
Managed to sneak a few wins while they were busy watching Man U. play against Everton.
Disappointing 3-1 to Everton though.

Got a new haircut today, and as always, there's that hour or so when you've got to get used to your new look.
Well i'm fine with it now, J's still trying to adjust to the star haha!
Honestly, it wasn't worth the extra 5 bucks!
Oh well, at least it'll be gone in 2 weeks.

TGI Friday

Its friday, its friday, its friday, its friday!
Stay away from fried rice.

ANYWAY, steamboat tonight woo!
Ok maybe not so excited because of the double steamboat last tues almost made me puke.

Oh and to DS fans/owners,
RAGNAROK DS(English Version) IS OUT ON ROMULATION!


Loving it so far, but play it at the cost of making your girlfriend very very annoyed(that is if you have one).
The graphics are really good, look almost the same when you play RO(Ragnarok Online) on computer.
Must-play for all RO fans!

Not Just Another Love Story

Let me begin this review by firstly stating that I'm not a romance buff, and I would most certainly not pay $10 on a public holiday to watch one. How many guys are with me on this?
Anyway, the turning(or convincing, if you like) point was that this movie featured a star-studded cast. Where would you get eye-candies like Jessica Alba and Anne Hathaway in the same movie? (There is a second point but its not going to be posted here(: heh. )
So aside from the multi-talented cast(hint hint: Taylor Swift), i wouldn't probably be bothered to spend Valentine's Day watching Valentine's Day.
That was before i stepped into the Cathay at 12.30am last early morning.

This movie, if nothing else, has two very interesting things to offer:
1) Love
2) Valentine's Day

Why would i say that?
Both these two issues are repeatedly brought up again and again throughout the movie, and each time a scene pops into the big screen, its wrapped in a different packaging. The movie not only offers insight about both Love and Valentine's Day, but also showcases how they both can be interpreted differently. One key point to note is that the cast(as well as characters) are multi-generational. Veterans like Hector Elizondo and George Lopez are thrown into the bewildered mix of the cooking pot alongside Emma Roberts, debut star Taylor Swift, and even with the super sweet, super cute and super lovable Bryce Robinson(who plays Edison, the little boy).

Across ages, the meaning of Love and Valentine's Day wavers throughout the movie, but unanimously agrees upon several truths towards the end. Garry Marshall(director) is absolutely brilliant. His artful weaving together of the different interconnected stories leaves no questions unanswered, leaving you free to scrutinise every single line of the credits to look for your favourite star.

Fans of Taylor Swift will be utterly disappointed I'm afraid. Initially I thought how much of a mockery it was for her to play her character, but perhaps I'd missed out on the need for a contrast between characters, or at least one that would be less focused.(oops spoiler!)
To name the performance that stands out the most, indefinitely would be Ashton Kutcher's. I was very much surprised myself to realise that he was actually the main character in the film.

On the end note, I had enjoyed Valentine's day throughly, yes there is witty humour, plenty if you look and listen carefully enough. I can assure its not going to be your usual chick flick, in fact, I personally feel that its one suitable for all ages. It doesn't matter whether you are young(alright, maybe not less than 9 or 10? Cos it'd probably be a bore for them), old single, dating, in a relationship, married or divorced, Valentine's Day will seek to redefine, refresh and reinforce the perspectives you have about Valentine's Day, and more importantly, Love.

Elle-for-dee-tew

Crazy crazy time after service yesterday at Clarke Quay.
Had to run around Dhoby to look for LAN with space, and ended playing at Clarke Quay.
Service was good!
Didn't really get to engage in P&W and hear the entire message.
Leo & Cheryl eating oranges during services was the ultimate.
Super tired during service, standing in the tunnels, can't sit ah.

Anyway, Happy Chinese New Year People!
And of course, not forgetting, Happy Valentine's to everybody out there!
Don't forget its not just a season of love, but also of friendship too!
See if you agree with me, but i feel this year, there wasn't much of a festive aura. The vibes weren't as vibrant as previous years, is it because its the year of the tiger?
*Cheers, Tiger Beer!*
Anyway, back to my point, Valentine's doesn't seem here nor there either.
There's a clash between the two moods this year or a serious languidness that's hanging in the air.

Thoughts aside, all the best in your red packet harvest!

Dance with the Enemy

If you love GaGa, you should check out Little Boots!
Electronic trance all day and night~

Hooked onto Remedy - Little Boots and also I Left My Heart In Tokyo - Mini Vana.
Yes i should be sleeping but hey, TGI Friday!

Support madness today, wooo.
My hands owned by citric acid.

Overdue CNY Shopping

Back from my(supposedly, you'll know why in a while) CNY shopping!
Ok its supposed to be my day of shopping but, whenever you're going out with Jacq or Mei Jing and especially if with both, you'll notice you'll tend to detour ALOT.
From a last peek at Uni Qlo at 313, you suddenly find yourself walking around in blogshop themed shops in Far East and they are all selling chic stuff!

Anyway, brand new shop@313 Somerset(or if not i'm a lil' laggot) that sells really cheap baseball tees for guys!

The shop's called New Look, tees are at 2 for $15 with a variety of colours, perfect for a casual day out, especially if you're trying to pick-up some eye-candy on Valentine's.

Love the bright coloured high-cuts too though, spliffing cheap @ $69.90 per pair. Would get one myself if i didn't already have one.

And throughout the the day, i was fighting urges to buy a new pair of shoes. White white white is the colour i'm looking for, preferably matched with a pointed tip, platform slip-on or a boat shoe. Or course Vans will do just fine, except for the fact that everyone's wearing them. Sorry i'm not a crowd follower. Speaking of which, Leftfoot was ridiculously crowded today. People surged in and out while we tried to come up with theories for the sudden influx.

Oh do check out Uni Qlo's tees if you're looking for some graphic tees this CNY. I also think they might still have a few medium red-checkered fleece that's going for $9.90. To think i bought mine for $49.90! (At least mine's reversible ;P)

And at all cost, please avoid Lyndon's at Far East. Not only are the tees overpriced, the salesman wasn't very nice when i removed the tee from the board to check the price tag. Oh wondering which tee it was?

Look familiar? Well it was going at 25 bucks at the shop. Sorry, but i rather order online from THREADLESS myself because this tee cost me $14.00 even after adding shipping(of course JM got a better price cos she bought it during the $5 sale), but my point is, threadless everywhere in this shop that i could rather buy online.

Legoh: But if you count the shipping and everything its still about there.
Melv: Ya actually true, but the thing is, by the time you buy the shirt from that shop, the tee on threadless would most probably be on sale already.
Legoh: LOL.

Haiti or High-Tea?

Where would your money go?

That's my tagline, don't steal without crediting. >:O
Anyway, the main scoop on this post is not to solicit for donations.
Rather, its something to reflect about.

I remember just around the dawn of 2010, when the disaster struck, I was thinking, 'Now where in the world is Haiti?'
The country just seemed so, arbitrary.
However, sitting in service, Pastor Kong kept us updated week after week about the disaster and relief efforts.
And i sat there thinking, why so fervent about it?
Yes, its a social cause, but why feature it every week?

Is it because my heart has been hardened already?
Or is it because they are halfway around the globe, too far away to care?

And yes after a few weeks, i realised the extent of the destruction, poverty, disease and hardship in Haiti right now.
Ok yes i admit i'm not one to jump right into action when my neighbours house suddenly blows up to kingdom come but i ask myself this question, how involved will i be to help them?

Preaching love and acting out in love are two very different things.
Pastor has certainly shown us with clear-cut examples.
The CityCare teams further evidences of how individuals can really make a difference.

So what's my point?

There's that old man in your community that needs someone to help him pay his utility pills; That old woman that needs help even walking to the lift everyday;
That orphan that wanders around the playground every single day looking for acceptance;
That single mother rushing groceries back home before leaving to juggle another day full of odd-jobs.

What I'm saying is, are you willing to champion their causes at the cost of your comfort?

Proverbs 19:17

He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done. (NIV)

I believe that I can't do much financially, but if covering a story will help spread awareness, I'll be there to do it.

Amazing what TI can do while casio can't.

Casting Crowns - Who Am I

Who am I? That the Lord of all the earth, Would care to know my name, Would care to feel my hurt. Who am I? That the bright and morning star, Would choose to light the way, For my ever wondering heart. Not because of who I am. But because of what you've done. Not because of what I've done. But because of who you are. Chorus: I am a flower quickly fading, Here today and gone tomorrow. A wave tossed in the ocean, A vapor in the wind. Still you hear me when I'm calling, Lord you catch me when I'm falling, And you told me who I am. I am yours. I am yours. Who am I? That the eyes that see my sin Would look on me with love And watch me rise again Who am I? That the voice that calm the sea, Would call out through the rain, And calm the storm in me. Not because of who I am. But because what of youve done. Not because of what I've done. But because of who you are. Chorus: I am a flower quickly fading, Here today and gone tomorrow. A wave tossed in the ocean, A vapor in the wind. Still you hear me when I'm calling, Lord you catch me when I'm falling, And you told me who I am. I am yours. Not because of who I am. But because of what you've done. Not because of what I've done. But because of who you are. Chorus: I am a flower quickly fading, Here today and gone tomorrow. A wave tossed in the ocean, A vapor in the wind. Still you hear me when I'm calling, Lord you catch me when I'm falling, You told me who I am. I am yours. I am yours. Whom shall I fear? Whom shall I fear? 'Cuz I am yours. I am yours.

P.O.D.

Wish i had a place to hang out like P.O.D. during my secondary school days.
Ah well.
How lucky are the people of tomorrow.

Does that mean i'm lucky too? :P

Guess with every generation(i sound old), there's more and more privileges to enjoy eh?

Decisions, decisions.
At least its one that i won't regret.
My heart is true, more than my words.
And its not just about emotions, neither about motions.
I can't explain it, but all i have is faith.

Rethinking my loyalties and commitments.
Perhaps i bit off more than i could chew?
I don't want to renounce my loyalties, but i only have 24 hours everyday.

HALLELOOOYAH!

Well i can't believe i found my tie just now while walking back to check where it dropped. It could have dropped at least at 3 other places but i found it outside amk hub!

Sad that i've misplaced my City News pen.

Seek and you shall find! ;)

Slothhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Somebody come to Grandeur 8 and drag Melvin to the gym now.

Grimbright Side

Last week was crazy, traveling a lot again.
Making trips down to SGH with Jacq/to visit her mom over the operation days.
And at home, Mom is haunting me everyday to get a job.
It gets very annoying if its the first thing you hear everyday.

Perhaps AJ was never a place to be called home.
Probably the only memory i'll ever keep of that place is 36/09(:

On a lighter note, section meeting was great!
Got some new visions and affirmations from my Beloved.
And also, Pastor's short but impactful message on 'The Power of Sacrifice' really got me thinking about really how much and how willing i am to sacrifice for various things. Sacrifice is no longer just a form of personal loss for a greater good but I've understood how it means and embodies, so much more.
Probably the best thing that happened this week was when Pastor Tan shared his vision about City News and how it all started.
Just simply amazing.

Faith balloon is now 18 inches big!
Gotta keep air inside for the upcoming week and make it grow bigger.

Settling JPSAE and JAE is really a chore.
Well at least i can wake up at 10 everyday haha!
Ah well, gonna settle it today.

"God more than ever, i need a sign from You."

Happy 2010!

HELLO PEOPLE!
First post of 2010! I apologize for my overdue absence on this blog.
Every single day since the new year started has been jam packed with activities.
Loved:
-Europe
-Class Chalet
-Countdown with Max, Jacq and Gwen(First day of the year club already :O)
-NP open house where we did the recording

I'm really really lazy to do any writing right now, so i'll put up a short synopses about each event.
-edited-
I just realised i have a gabillion things to talk about Europe, so i'm seperating it.

Countdown 2010!
Went down to the floating platform on the last day of 2009 to attend Celebrate 2010! Max had tickets from his friend so we headed down. Got turned away from entering about 3-4 times because the mosh pit entry was really far away(when you're walking down from Esplanade). It was kinda boring because the energy was a little low, but it picked up once we went live, and especially when Da Zhui Ba came on stage. There were like this group of indians behind us that were shouting out their songs in chinese! Hilarious, seriously.
Loved Jack and Rai's performances, really awesome.
But the highlight of the night was really the 8-minute fireworks! Snapped a heiload of photos, mostly by Gwen.




After that was a massive dance party on the floating stadium itself! My first clubbing event in 2010! Got stopped for IC check but apparently they went by year so Gwen and me passed the check haha! Danced the night away till about 2 where we headed for supper at Clarke Quay. Ambiency at the riverside after that, ok aside from the occasional puke we had to avoid on the floor and the groups of people sleeping around, we managed to find a spot to ourselves next to the river to chill. Went on a round trip later on in search for breakfast, learning that neither ZAMZAM nor SELEGIE opens in 5-7am in the morning.
Caught our individual buses/trains home later. A shag shag day, nevertheless, had a really great time. ;D





Class Chalet
First night was the wildest hands down haha! Too bad too little people stayed.
2nd day morning everyone was quite stonned out and hungry for breakfast(Yvonne demanding to go breakfast once she woke up around 11 or later). Brunched at Superdog and gave Levinia our BBQ-smell+sweat+other substances hug. Went off from chalet to TP's open house with MJ(a.k.a Shark), Yun Ru and Jacq. Jacq practically met one friend at every school we went. "See, this is why i tell you you have 1000++ friends."
MJ apparently does not care if chinese words are read backfirst or frontfirst. LOL.
Headed back to chalet, where i learned how to cycle a tandem bike! That's one of my first achievements in 2010! Haha :D
Well, this post could have been longer but 'what's said and done in the room stays in the room." ;)
Juin Li: "When i read Jacq and Gwen's blogs i get sadded cos they lead such happening lives." LOL. Juin Li maybe you know why now i have difficulty doing tutorials and doing PW.

NP Open House 2010!
Can't believe Jack and Rai were there on the previous day!
Went over to NP with YR, Shark and Jacq again to check out various stuffffffffs.
Anyway, while we were in the CMS showcase, the teacher(i think) and students of course were trying to convince everyone inside the room to do a recording inside their studio. Leonard said he needed a translator set. Well no one dared to step up to the plate and finally Jacq and me voluteered to do it. The script seemed to be something out of the 9pm show right now, with WW2 stuff and all that with the Jap random shooting people in the streets. Hopefully my reading in chinese was convincing enough, and not that angmohnised.
NP seems like the place to be, not AJ :(

Levinia said on FB: 9 hours to doom.
Melv: Look on the bright side, its 9 hours to freedom. ;)

Year End Service

Its 4 days to the end of the year!
Year end service totally put a change to my mood today.
Feeling tired, wrecked and slightly depressed about what has happened in 2009 that i didn't feel like attending service today.
But Pst Tan's words kept ranging in my head, during SOS, "Keep turning up, keep serving, keep coming to service. You'll open yourself for God to move in your life."
True enough, God moved, and i feel so filled once again.
2010 is going to be the best yet!

"This afternoon i thought 2009 was my worst year yet, till i remembered that the best thing that happened was knowing you." - M

Europe post up soon!

Europe!

Leaving for Europe people! Don't miss me ;)