22 November 2004( BBQ at my place, sq came late, eat tt time still kbkb.) haha!
Xmas eve 2004 (Esplanade, Corrine May Concert and SQ's terrible china man's brown jacket if u can recall)
Chinese New Year 2004(Black: Ivy change quite a lot right? As in her looks and her dressing. i think like that prettier! haha sorry Ivy. Conservatives like conservatives dressing.)
Song and his shit cap. Weixin WHY?? NDU not enough sleep ah! Take photos also close eyes.
Winning Eleven Masters! Weiqin is still undisputed king. Yuyee, I think now ur standard must have dropped since u only know how to play 'cards'. Weiqin----> Ph.d (Winning eleven)


______________________________________________________________________


2005 has been kind to all of us. Let's all hope 2006 will be better! In all things as long as we have the courage to solve it, it will be done. May you and your family be blessed with happiness and good health in the coming year.

Some past photos to reminisce. I always do that...I know! Don't scold me!!! =)

Backstreet 3 -- 3 Eastside

Resilient And Classy Performance By Backstreet Stuns Eastside

The 20^th derby between the Backstreet and Eastside ended in a 3-3 draw with both sides sharing the spoilts. The kickoff was delayed for around 45 minutes because the Backstreet team cars arrived late due to the “heavy” traffic conditions. The game was also almost postponed due to rainfall, but the official in charge later deemed the pitch condition safe. Due to previous crowd trouble, the match was played at an empty stadium with only special guests being allowed to enter. Miss Jac was there to support the match.

The match started at a furious pace with both sides threatening. Backstreet took an unexpected lead, against the run of play when Woon pounced on a defensive error to smash the ball to give Backstreet 1-0 lead. The stunned Eastside almost reply instantly when Sim burst into the Backstreet penalty area. However, just as he was about to pull the trigger, Yeo, tripped him. The referee waved play on, ignoring the protests of Sim, much to the fury of the Eastside.

It was Eastside all the way, and minutes later, Sim latched onto a through ball by Felix. His volley smashed against the crossbar, much to the relief of the shocked Yeo, who was in the Backstreet goal.

Backstreet began to get into the game with Yue making a couple of defence splitting pass, posing problems for the fragile Eastside backline. A couple of miscommunications between Lam and Hu-li went unpunished. However, before long, Eastside finally equalized.

Sim, posing problems for the Backstreet all evening, found Lam with acres of space with a chip over the defence from the byline. Lam, who was anonymous till then, was left with the easiest of finish as he nodded the ball past the stunned Yeo, who was later seen berating his non-existence defence shortly after the goal.

Backstreet started to control the game right after the restart and created a lot of chances with as Yue orchestrate play from the back. A couple of defence splitting pass found Yeo at the end of it, but as usual, he failed to convert. Both sides were starting to tire especially Sim, who was playing his 3^rd game in 5 days. His failure to control passes from their midfield general, Felix, allowed Backstreet to launch quick counter attacks. From one of the resulting corners, Woon nodded the ball past Hu-li, after he escape the marking of Sim. Woon smiled to the stands as he celebrated the goal.

Eastside replied almost instantaneously as Sim launch a quick counter attack right from the restart. He controlled a long ball from Felix before flicking the ball past Yeo.

With the game looking destined for a draw, there was a sheer moment of brilliance by Yeo to give the Backstreet a lead. Controlling a high ball down, he evaded the tackle of Felix by flicking the ball over him, before unleashing a first time volley towards goal. But as usual, it ended up in the stands.

Backstreet took the lead once more when Woon smash his third goal of the match in from a seemingly impossible angle after another defensive error by the Eastside. He smiled and waved to the stands, seemingly gaining his inspiration and form from the face in the stands. It was finally left to an unlikely hero, Lam, who volleyed home the equalizer after another superb assist from the tired, but ever-reliable Sim who waltz his way through the entire Backstreet defence before setting up Lam.

There was one last chance for a rousing finale when Baskstreet scored another goal in the dying moments of the game. It was, however, disallowed due to a foul on Lam from an Eastside corner. Lam received treatment for a stratch on his face before referee blew the final whistle as Yue injured his foot in the process.

It ends all square in this pulsating 20^th derby game between the Backstreet and the Eastside.

Toshiba Man of the Match: Woon Yuyee

Pundits Man of the Match: Lam Kee Siong

(Top)

Yeo left bemused after missing his team's chances

Sim waltzed his way past the defence before setting up the equalizer

Lam celebrating after scoring the equalizer

Woon celebrating the goal and gazing at the stands after his hat-trick

(Bottom)

After reading Esmond's post, I can't help but think about the point of my existence, the point of being and my place in the world. This isn't a melancholic post. After a certain stage in life beauty comes in the smallest of forms. Time never sympathises with the self-pitious, and should best be squandered on more meaningful pursuits. And now time is best spent in a moment of gratitude for the people that matter and made a difference to my life.

Everyone knows me as a slacker, a fun-seeking spoilt brat who can't hold his own in all aspects; be it finance, trustworthiness, stability or responsibility. I can tell that no one takes me seriously, and I understand because my behaviour since forever has proved and cemented this notion. I also understand that to be able to tolerate such a personality would take tremendous patience and generousity, and that alone makes me eternally gratituous, although it would be nothing if I were able to express my feelings in words. To that, thank you.

There are many things I wish to undo in retrospect, but doing so would change my history; one I would desperately struggle to hold on to should it be wrested away from me, because I found a group of people that I can rightfully call friends, the very best that everything else pales in measure. Each of us lead separate lives, with separate goals and ideals: some lofty, some flighty, some pragmatic, some simple - but all worthy in their own right.

We are like the creepers on a big oak, each growing towards a position of warmth and sunshine that he is most comfortably suited, yet inexorable intertwined to form a formidable chain that weaves us together like hem and string; a safety net to keep us from falling when we do or support when circumstances are beyond one's individual strength. If not, I would have failed myself long ago, stray from the path that I ought to have walked, one of righteousness, morality and ethics. I am not saying I have fulfilled them, but you guys made me conscientiously aware of my shortcomings so that change could ensue. To that, thank you.

I do not know where I would stand in your hearts ten years from now. I may be forgotten, displaced, detested. If I were given the luxury of a wish I wish that the great oak would never be felled. We all need money, security, stability and sense of worth and pride. I have many selfish needs, I do not deny that. But still if I had a wish that wish would be for time to standstill just for us, a ephemeral bubble where our bonds don't fade or taint with age. I treat the friendship with most casualness, because I do not see myself anywhere else ten years from now, many years beyond even. Some might not agree to or believe me, but I remain indignant. To that, thank you.

I don't wish for change. Not for myself, not for people that I love. Because people around me are perfect in all their imperfections, and I am accepted by the people I love. But change is inevitable, a complex little beast that can morph from the nuanced to the torrential. Since changeless is impossible, I hope the only change I go through is for the better. To be a stronger and dependable person, one who genuinely cares and sees through his heart, less selfish and more giving, and be morally stalwart. I probably have achieved none or little of these, still I have to say the clique has brought me up in ways I didn't believe existed. To that, thank you.

Songjie: Continue to be the person that you are - sincere, generous and trustworthy, a person that I would bet my life on in my darkest hour and I would have lived life just hearing your lame jokes at my deathbed. Love you to bits!

Esmond: You bring faith and strength to the clique, and your words are cutting and insightful, a no-holds barred connection that have touched the deepest part of my heart and soul, something that I could never do the same for you for being the bum that I am. I hope one day you can trust me with yourself as much as I trust you with me.

Yuyee: Your kindness, generousity and innate happy-go-lucky attitude is a gift to all of us, and no outing is complete without your darndest comments to liven the mood. You live for the day, so I hope every day would be the perfect day for you. I just hope I can be as dear to you are you are to me.

Lam: A pillar of support that would rather suffer than see the clique crumble. I respect you, your honesty and commitment, and I cannot tell you how much I appreciate what you have sacrificed in order to keep everything in place. Just for that I will always be striving to achieve your expectations you have for us as a clique.

Weiqin: I didn't connect and communicate as much as I should, but throughout the years I have always believed that you would be there for a friend in need no matter the distance and time, even though you might be late(hahaha). Sometimes you bother yourself too much with trivial insensitivities that would keep you from seeing the whole picture. Continue to push onwards and you will achieve what you deserve. Don't ever lose faith.

Weixin: You and your dang mood swings are nothing but little flaws that speckle the beautiful person I see inside. Beneath that aloofness is someone who is very delicate and sensitive to others and their needs. You lack the confidence to pursue what you rightfully deserve, and the frustration sometimes explodes in inexplicable ways. Don't hate yourself, because deep down I think we are very alike in many ways, although you are of stronger character and faith. Thank you for being there for me even in the most subtle circumstances.

Blackie: A person that I feel is totally transparent to me, someone whom I can understand perfectly well what he is thinking without having to say a word. I respect and admire your ability to live simply and doing what is right with absolute dedication. Your devotion and honesty made you a wonderful friend, a filial child and a loving companion. Your encouragement always pushes me a little higher. Thank you for being you.

Ivy: A beautiful girl who cares alot about me, and just for that alone, thank you. Class would never be the same if I never knew you, and although I still owe you a letter, I believe you already know what my reply would be. I'm glad you have found an other half in the form of Victor, both of you deserve each other and you are definitely in the best of hands. As with you, I like all things material but I have come to realise that what really matters are people, integrity and morality, and at the end of the day it's the people that love you who will be there for you and not a truckload of cash, beautiful clothes and leather handbags. I say this only because I genuinely care for you. Love ya!

Ah kow: You are loud-mouthed, crude, insensitive, irritating and damn cocky, but you are also generous, giving, easy-going, honest and genuine. Although we may not be your best of friends, I hope you know that we would be there should you ever be in need. Thanks for always making the effort to attend clique activities because that by itself is already quite a challenge to most of us. Don't always think that we treat you as 2nd-class citizen, we just like to scold you in the name of good humour. :)

You people are enough reason for living, and my being is to experience the miraculous beauty of friendships that I had been so blessed to partake in, and I hope my place in this world is with us.

-sq

To all my dearest friends

Mr Wang Peng Cheng
Mr Sim Tze Kiat Terence
Mr Lam Kee Siong Terence
Mr Yeo Songjie
Mr Woon Yu Yee
Mr Tan Wei Xin
Mr Guay Weiqin
Mr Xie Shangqian

It has been almost two weeks since I came back home and the feeling of seeing your loved ones after a short seperation is simply sweet. In a couple more days time it will be reality for me again, all these seem to sweet to be a dream. I chanced upon this quote :" Where is home? Is it simply a place or do you feel home because of the people?" It feels more like the latter to me.

I felt this when I was abroad, more so now that im back home. To all of you, especially Song, I wanna say this. Without my parents, my closer relatives and this friendship, Esmond is nothing. I am tiny as a speck of dust. Who should give a damn whether I live or die?

I hope all of you don't mistake me for what I have to say. Let's be realistic. If you tell people that you are studying Medicine or law or accountancy, people do tend to give you a second look. Let's be honest, this is the typical Singaporean attitude. Who really gives much of a damn about the cleaner in the streets? I don't like that attitude and I am sure all of you detest that attitude too. Nowadays I am more realistic, I think. Life can truly be a bitch, a big big bitch when it wants to. Who is gonna take care of your parents when they lose their senses and they lose control their metabolic abilities? Do we all have the courage to take care of them and STAY BY THEM and give them emotional support? Can we all do that? I must even shamefully say I have trouble picking up Mikka's faeces sometimes. These are real problems. When it comes knocking on your door you have to take care of it, God don;t give you extra time.

Leaving aside the courage and commitment part of taking care of our parents, we ought to start thinking, REALISTICALLY, HOW are we gonna do that if we cant even support ourselves? If we can't even sustain a family of our own? If our children don't have enough money to eat and study and the medical bills are piling up? All these are real, unexpected problems which can happen! In fact, it is more likely to happen than not! To me, besides my family members the next closest to my heart is all of you. I mean it from my heart, all of you have proven to me, COUNTLESS times and given me INNUMERATE reasons why I should treat all of you as family. People may change, really who knows? BUT as far as I am concerned now, I want to work hard, to gain the realistic tangible things now so I can be of REAL help to my family and to all of you when the time comes. Not just emotional help and support but REAL help that can mitigate the problem. Do you all know what I mean?

Money can't buy kinship, friendship and true relationships, that is for certain. But money has a big part to play in life. W/o money, we have to fight for the basic fundamentals; food, shelter, clothing etc. I hope all of you forgive me if in this period of 3-4 years I cant be around offering any help at all since I am away from home more than half the time but I want you all to know that all of you really mean so much to me. Its not gay but the encouragement, the support, the waking-me-up, the laughters, the joys, the quarrels, the memories, HOW CAN I EVER POSSIBLY CHUCK THEM ASIDE?

People say:" Wah Lawyer, earn a lot of money." I want to say to all of you, I am really just a simple man. I may say this too early cause I may change for the worse but it is true! So what if you are a lawyer? So waht if you are a doctor? So waht if you are a billionaire? So what if you are all the status-prominent figures but your heart wretchedly stinks! A doctor, an engineer, an accountant, a cleaner, a servant, a waitress...we all are vulnerable, we are all humans. When God says CANCER to you, there you go! You think just because you are a lawyer you are miraculously cured of it? NO. This has always been my view and thats why I hate people who think they are big-F just nbecause they are a lawyer or doctor or accountant. If I ever become like that, all of you please F until i die. No doubt lawyers and accountants we have great resposibilities, but that doesn;t give as a reason to be arrogant. I know the responsibilities I may have to undertake when I (hopefully) do become a lawyer and I know what my aims and dreams are.

I hope all of you know what I'm driving at. We all have great parts to play in society. We can make a difference, if WE WANT TO. As long as the heart is pure and willing, we can do it. All of you don;t lose track of the immense capabilities you possess and support each other, continuously encourage...don't undermine the friendship...something that we have taken so much to build on. Make this an enhancement, something that no one else has. So when we walk out together people will fear us not cause we are ah-bengs but fear us cause we trust each other. Cause we are loyal and faithful to each other. Cause we will never let one another down, not if we can help it. Who knows we might really set up a big business one day? It is really possible. If we believe and trust and improve. Dreams are there for its very purpose! To DREAM! and to try to achieve it, that is life!Lets start living now...dont wait any longer, Alright?



Esmond

Haha guys, just came back from Genting. The 8 hrs bus rides were toturous. But it all ended in good fun. Still rem that it was ages when I went there previously. Was so excited when I sat in the "merry go round aeroplanes" and more excited when I got the red/blue ones cos I thought they were more cool. But now I'm an oversized adult trying to have some fun and queueing up for 1 hr a ride with young punks.

Realised that the super inefficient SQ must be busy playing his stupid games with Bubbles or touching up his already very nice blog, and hence spending zero effort in the more important one. Sick of coming to the blog and seeing the pic of UE's scrawny malnutritioned bod and Weiqin's oversized nipples and beer belly. Haha. Hows Christmas for all of u? Tis the season to be jolly!

First, it'ld be Ivy's bdae pics with family and probably future family, which was freaking AGES ago, so SQ? talk bout efficiency eh?


(Black if you wan other pics I can send them to you.)

Of course not forgetting the dudes and dudettes P.S. WARNING : Girls should NOT attempt hairstyle by Girl in Black

And now are the pics taken on Es's belated Bdae celebrations. Missed the days when we went over to his place and locust his BA GUA and Vitasoy. The good old days. More inconvenient now since Es has no maid now, but its good too! Time for ah SIA kia to learn to do some housework haha. Of course there's still UE and the King of AH SIA KIA SQ, who by the way, has problems holding brooms and wiping tables. Look who're our new guests? Siusiu, Es's neighbour, and Jacq!

Introducing the new superhero, CyclopticMika.

I would like to post the individual photos of everyone, but its taking 5 min a photo to load and my com keeps restarting! I'm redoing this for the 3rd time now! Correction 4, it just restarted again. The com is testing my patience. I'm going to save everytime I load a pic. If you guys wan the other pics can d/l from SQ. Paiseh!

KTV! (Lum attempting to do the Hippo dive again)


Jacky Wu when he was young...

My bdae, held at the east coast coastal sands, which is going to close down at the end of this month. Nice place, a pity. As the clouds gathered in the morning, the unsuspecting me sensed the ramblings of a distant gathering storm...

21th or 21st?

My family

3 cheers for the MARIST yandao HUNKS

My army buddy Justin, his gf and AK.

TJCianz

Coza, our first project in SMU for the SMU kids, of course not including ah kow traitor

SMU frens

Chelsea's biggest buy in the January transfer window...

And now, display the ugliest side of man. When I was walking around unsuspectingly,my OG frens were preparing water bombs in the toilet, and Xin borrowed my handphone, followed by Lam's bearhug, Weiqin's crazy efforts to throw me down, SQ the ass taking photos. And den with what I would say good team work by the Marists and Justin to throw me into the sea. No amt of struggling or pleading did any good...

Just the beginning...

and things got nasty... Check out Lam's face, he's got great potential as a saddistic wife toturer.

To all marists, I remember all your faces and bdaes. haha and I'll have my revenge when the time comes you have no doubts about that. Dun be surprised when you see me with devil's horns on your bdae.

Tks to all of you for making 22nd Dec a truly 'unforgettable' day indeed.

Ivy's photos part II

I started on poetry recently and found it a great joy! Not sure if you guys would wanna read them but I thought I should share it with my dearest of friends.

I wrote this one just a few hours ago after we came back from Wala Wala. No link to wala wala at all, just a sudden rush to write. It's titled 'Snapshots'.

The audacious and naive,
To harvest time like maize in springbloom.
Petty scythes; dull and tainted iron,
Hacking, hacking. Fruitless labour the farmers bled.

Prized pick rationed; spoils-of-war they trumpeted!
Alas, a rancid breeze and flaying heat steals all
But the frigid decay, an artefact of rumination that
Neither feeds nor nourish.

Entwined - grapple-hooks
Eke the flesh, scale the mind.
A damning shroud; apparition of folly that binds eternal,
Graying yester to wispy now.

Pompeii saw the thick and ash, torched and razed,
A glutinous funeral, yet inked by
The caprices of history. For the stoic dead
Never tears.

Nice posts to read early in the morning, I'm still waiting for my tuition kid to come over, could have done better with more sleep, very tired haha.

Yesterdae Es was talking bout his grades, that to get 1st class honours, it realli requires that additional edge. After hearing that, I went home and slept and thought of an analogy, something which I realli felt that was very true although it sounds very cock. I'm thinking that Es, you are the additional edge to the clique that makes the whole clique look like 1st class, or A+ instead of A. Like what you always say, "I'm not discrediting anyone", and I'm not saying this only to make you feel good, but I just realli tink so this way, because of the things you say and do.

I feel that the clique, as close as we are, sometimes we are still not making that extra effort or going that extra mile or doing that extra thing, that additional edge, in more technical terms, to reach that A+ or 1st class. You guys ever think so? I do feel that all of us, including myself, we still have a long way to go before we acquire that zenith, cos sometimes I do feel disappointed and sian with some of the things that happen, when I think about everything that has happened in my reflective mood. This post might sound as a big bucket of ice cold water, especially after the 2 posts by black and es, I apologize, and also its just realli my personal point of view. We can still improve and be better, and that requires everyone's efforts. If you guys think that I'm wrong, just tell me.

Ok, on a lighter note, Es is back, so itinerary for the next few days and wks? Hope everyone makes the effort and come.

-KTV on Sat Night?
-Sentosa on Sun
-King Kong next Tuesdae?

Have fun guys.

SJ

Hey people,
I have finally finished the most important and last final test for this semester. Before I start, I am really happy that Esmond is back with you guys now, hope you guys will really make the most out of the time that he has back in Singapore.
Time really flies, 1 sem is almost over and once the Christmas break is over, I will be taking the semester's exam and then Semester 2 will be welcoming me. These past few weeks have been really busy for me. I have been actively participating in my Christian fellowship's Christmas celebration and also to prepare for these few tests, but I am really enjoying myself, juggling these things and learning to manage my time again.
I have learnt many things on the way, guitar, playing the piano so much again and even the drum; for the amount of time I have given in, I am quite happy with the things I have received at the same time. Have been asking my lecturers alot of questions lately and slowly building a good rapport with time. Don't mistake me, not bootlicking, just really enjoy talking to them and learning from them.
You know, sometimes late at night, I really miss you guys, all the late suppers, watching soccer and just simply driving around and chilling out. You guys, including Esmond and Huli, are still in my life's equation. No one is missed out, irregardless if you guys are here or back home in Singapore. Irregarless if you have done anything for me or have talked to me. I miss you guys.
I have met really wonderful people here, the locals and also the true blue Singaporean Locals. But really, no matter how wonderful they can be, they just simply remind me of you guys.
Come to think of it, life has been really kind to me here- nice people, nice weather and I am enjoying every food that I cooked here, though it may seemed inedible to others. If you guys have ever read Andrea's blog, she mentioned that her kitchen is her spa. I finally understand what she meant; when life can get so stressed up suddenly, you just feel like staying in the kitchen and cook yourself a decent meal.
I have grown alot spritually here, defintely, thanks Weiqin, your video says it all. That's what that has been keeping me really focus here. Was talking to my lecturer yesterday, and he was telling me that life, is really not just about getting good grades. Living in the world of good grades, but with ignorance, means nothing at all. As what I have said earlier, what is Wisdom without Knowledge? Anyway, guys, I just hope you are living your life to the fullest, each and every single day we are making small and minute decisions that might and can make a significant impact on our future lives. We are not young anymore, so when it comes to making a choice and deciding on something, do it with serious consideration.
I hope all your parents and siblings are doing well, everyone is happy and healthy. Song, hope your Dad is doing really great and Lam, your parents are doing fine too. Weiqin, in time to come you will be out of the army and when I am back, you will be starting your course soon. So look forward to that. Xin, touching video, and I know you are doing alright with your studies, but keep striving, with that attitude of yours, you will go very very far. Sq, you may think you have not done well given that amount of effort you have put in, but to us, you have improved by leaps and bounds and all is well looking ahead. So keep on going, don't give up. Yuyee, heard you are doing fine wth your gal, but anyway I am sure you are old and sensibe enough to make another decision as and when you need to. Once bitten twice shy, but then again, go with the feeling man dude. If its the right one for you, we will all support you man. Ah kow, you are really the silent one in the group, but your presence is always felt by us. Out of dean's list? Don't fret don't give up. Go back in. You can do it. Esmond, all your posts have been really postive, and you are doing fine with your results. As what all the others have said, build on from there, strive for excellence. Spend more time with your family, another parting is inevitable, but with the quality time that will be spent, it will make this parting more bearable, cos they will be looking forward to your next return. Huli, I am sure you are doing very fine over in US. If you happen to read this blog, hope you have a safe trip back. Spend more time with the clique, make up for the loss time in the past.
I wonder how is Seto now, once our good friend but he is never in our picture now. But anyway, if there is any chance he might just want to come back to us, seize it man guys. Having him back will defintely be much better that permanently losing him.
Well, I have said what I wanted to say I guess. As usual, this webpage is one that I will defintely view the first thing when I come online, and I will continue to do it. I am doing fine and am really looking forward to spending every minute that I have with Ivy; making sure we will treasure the time that we have now. Don't worry about me, my parents and sis are doing fine, my uncle is fine and my grandad is getting better. My studies are ok, my grades are satisfactory.
Have a smashing good time guys, especially Esmond and Huli.


Regards,
Vic

Hi my dearest friends,

This will be a short one, I wont rattle too long. Lam, Xin, Yuyee, Sq, Song, kao thank you all for making it there picking me up. Er duo your 'presence' is much felt. I suppose Ihaven't been myself much. The packing/unpacking, long flights, quick change of environment did get to me and I am really quite drained out. I must write this mail to tell you all that I am the same person who left 3 months ago. In my heart, whatever you guys have done for me it will never be erased, not in 3 months, not in 3 yrs...hopefully if i do not turn senile, not in 30 yrs.

Lam and Xin: Both you guys being the first person I saw straight after I land, thank you so much for being just there. To see you in your airforce uniform and your much-pimpled face Xin, I feel this tirade of emotions sweep through me so much that I dont know what to do. I am plainly at a loss for words. Xin and Lam, thank you both for all you have done for me. I know words will never fully describe my emotions and it is worthless compared to what I feel inside. I can only hope all of you can imagine how I feel.

Yuyee: Thank you. Once again you have proven to me you are one of my greatest friend. Your silent action speak volumes. Never in my life will I ever regret trusting you with so much of myself. I want you to be all you can be Yuyee. And I will try my best to make sure you do that. I will not and I know all of the rest will not allow you NOT to meet the standard buddha requires of you.So you had better not give up and give in. Cause when you do , I will wake up your bloody idea. This is it, NOW. You take control of your life and you live in the PRESENT. No more waiting for tomorrow, tomorrow has COME and GONE! you TAKE control of it now. As part of the whole group I demand you reach your potential NOW. The moment you read this.

Kao: Your coming to meet us at Long Beach touched me too. Thank you fo0r all your kind words and for your kind support in your own silent ways. I hope we can build on this and that you will be incopoporated more and more. (Im just being honest) I hope one day we will turn out great friends.

SQ: Thank you for the wonderful day and the great friendship. I had problems conversing with you previously but you have changed much much for the better. Push on, I have absolutely no doubts you can reach it. Everyone take credit for the change in SQ. It is remarkable the words he said to me today. Although there is still very much a 'cock' side of you, one which all of us love and LOATHE ( Bedok CC instead of FENGSHAN CC). SQ, dont you ever dare give up now. You are every single bit heading the right way, I believe so. You fall and you get up, dont give up dont give in. You will reach it.

Song: I havent spoken much to you although I wish for it so. Thank you for making your presence felt by that message though you cant come. It was almost immediate after I land. Thank you for pushing everyone on. I will never forget your sending me off and buying me 'punggol nasi' . Song, I am sorry I dont know what to say to you because all you have done for me has touched my heart in ways that I can never adequately express. (Although your jokes are terrible) Thank you for your continuous postitive support and encouragement. Your forthright personality is great both personally and for the group. Thank you for being one of my most dependable.

To all of you I think I must have seemed weird the past two days. I am really jaded. Also, I think I am overwhelmed by seeing all of you. Every word I say is what I truly mean. I hope you all can understand. I am the same 'dick' and 'bai gui' you know 3 months ago. I am a Singaporean Chinese, grew up in an extremely small town 'hougang', educated in a beautiful school who taught me loyalty, sincerity and friendship, Maris Stella High School. May you all remember me this way. No matter what I become, deep inside I will still be the 'bai-gui' you all knew in Secondary 1Benedict, Lam--> Secondary 3 Aloysious and Xin-->'it doesnt matter'

I hope we meet for more 'complete group' dinner before I leave so I can truly integrate into all your lives again. For me too to explain all that Ive gone through. All these while abroad I have been looking forward to this and lets make the best of this home-coming so we can all group together again for a meal. Allright? So much to say...so little time. Lets all make just a bit of time, I dont need much. I want you all to fill me in before I slowly loose them. Hope to see you all soon.


Yours truly,

Esmond

My 'snowy' name. But the snow not thick enuf for skiing.

The Colosseum in Rome. The gladiators!!!

Hi my friends,
Phew I finally got a chance to sit down and relax a little today. Well again I hope everyone is doing really fine, happy and healthy? I have some things to bring across, hopefully it can trigger some thoughts.

Song, let me first try to answer your question. Personally I don't think I have ever really learnt to maximise my brain when studying. To me somehow it is hardwork, hardwork and more hardwork. But army triggered something out of me. Why are Saforce people Saforce? Why are scholars 'scholars'? Everyone think about this for a moment. Try not to read on first...but Stop here NOW, and spare me a second. Think about it and give yourself the best answer you can come up with.

I may all well be wrong but this is how I see it now. I know some Saforce people and scholars from Vj. I have studied with them before and with all due credit, they are smart and dilligent, there is absolutely no doubt about that. However, I don't think most of them are exceptionally brilliant. With that I mean people that can come up with thesis(even nowadays thesis isn't such a great deal), or should I put it come up with something like Einstein's E=MC2. That is remarkable. So back to the point, I personally do not believe all the scholars are that exceptional. I think in the sense 'intelligence' we all have it, more or less of the same level. The CRUCIAL thing is how you put it to use. Its a matter of totally understanding what the topic is trying to get to you, what is the gist of it? To expose the true meaning behind it in your own words, to understand the underlying concepts and regurgitate them in a simple way you can understand. Now that we are in the university, it is no longer a 'closed-syllabus' kinda thing. You can never finish studying so selectivity is very important. Sometimes we all fall trap to the: " ok, I must study this, now." But what is lacking is the underlying gist...we need to know what that piece of information is getting to us!

With that I mean truly the army term, 'USE YOUR BRAIN'. Use ur brain as much as you can. If the information is complicated, use ur intelligence to comprehend it in simple terms. Another point, now that we are in the university, all of us have proved to be capable and hardworking. Let no one dare tell me they made it to university without working hard. This is something I came up with.....-> You know here at Nottingham I really study almost every single waking minute I can. Haha I know it sounds quite incredible but there is REALLY NOTHING WORTHWHILE to do but study! I find that it is so easy to get caught up with the notion of 'hardwork means i will get it'. Maybe this will apply in secondary school where we have fellow students from all sorts of different backgrounds but university, I would think no. I am not discrediting anyone cause we all have our own fields of talent and expertise. Why do I think that way? Because anyone who makes it to university MUST have some sort of work ethic. Whatever they have set themselves up to be, lazy blah blah, don't fall trap cause if they are they wont be there in the first place. So working hard YES we all surely must do so but that certainly will not take you very VERY far because everyone else is working hard too and rememeber you only have 24hrs a day! Its unlike they have 24 hrs and you have 72! If that is the case you sure well can work hard! So I think being smart is important. Choosing what is important to concentrate on, be effective when studying, be concise, to the point. So some times being a 'farmer', being too pure and straight may stand you not in too good a stead sometimes. God gave us a brain, we must use it to good effect. So why are scholars 'scholars' if they are not any much smarter than us nor are they working as hard nor do they have more time? It may well be not "USING UR BRAIN" enough...what do you guys think?

Part 1 over. Part 2 now. I would like to believe now, at this point in time in my life, some things are really fated. Yuyee must be right when he says you win some you lose some. As true as that might be, don't let that be an excuse not to be the top. Not 'top' in comparison with others but the 'top of your iwn abilities'. With that you are fair to yourself and end of story, you don't measure yourself up with anyone.

I would like to take this chance to tell you all my essay got a second upper, so I am quite happy. Then again, I put in quite a lot of effort so you can say I was a bit disapointed the result is not relative to the work I FEEL I put in. I use the word 'FEEL' because I may be wrong, people may as well be working just as hard. It's only my own measurement. I am satisfied because I know at least I am on the right track yet I am a bit disappointed because I feel I put in a lot of effort into it. But my wise mom told me this: " Yes you can put in the hard work but don't expect how much you put in will be reflected in your results." It is true. Nothing in life is so absolute. Doesn't mean you work hard means you will get it. It merely means you won't fall apart if you work hard, you will at least stay with the average pack. What is needed is however that 'difference' that will set you aside. You need to find that difference. Oh no, seems like im overlapping with the first topic. Haha. And yes SQ, back to you. I know its hard but we all must learn to accept the world isnt as absolute as we hope it is. It applies to everyone across the board, you are not alone. I actually felt very happy when I got my results back haha...really overjoyed la..then that day I gave myself nights off didnt study! haha...I got so much to tell you all la...soon ya...By then you all dont tell me to stop talking...Goodnight!




Truly wish all the people I care for will be happy and healthy,
Esmond

Its an early Sunday morning. Many things have been running through my mind lately, which I have not shared it with you guys. Yet I'm glad to say that I've been sorting out my thoughts a lot and finally getting on to the right track, and hence feeling a lot better. Pardon me for not sharing my thoughts, but I think as you guys might have known me by now, to be honest, I'm more of the sort who keep things to myself. I dunno why either, but I just find it hard to pour my feelings to anyone, cos of many reasons. Its bad I think, and I'll try to change.

Nothing much to update, the highlight of the week so far is that my miserable COMMS 100 is over. Not exaggerating one bit when I compare the course to be equivalent to that of a torture. Haha. While you guys are having fun, I still have a 700 word essay to be due tomorrow. 3rd one. Sucks. Writing essays on GP topics while you're in UNI. Maybe I should ask my brother to practise it for me.

Lam, Ue and I have been attending a computer course, so dun be surprised when you see wonderful animation graphics and short clips which will beat this current layout handsdown. Designing a website will be our ultimate goal. Sounds a little far fetched for people who doesn't know how to use teaching assistant and double spacing in Microsoft Words and drawing graphs through Microsoft Excel, but like what the Marists are always capable of, we are always improving. Haha. Maybe in the next few months you guys will be seeing SQ playing soccer like Zidane and Xin playing tennis, just decently.

One week into the holidays, and I've been spending it quite fruitfully. Christmas is around the corner, and though I dun haf a habit of celebrating christmas, I guess its realli the festive season to spend it with your loved ones. Hope you guys will enjoy that day meaningfully.

I think people just have to be honest with themselves. I'm the sort who have no sense of perseverance when it comes to food. As determined as I am and as many resolutions I have, I will still eat as per normal when its time to eat. Food is my weakness, and I enjoy and find nothing wrong with eating. So the only way to stop eating is to have no food available in my sight and have no money, which is quite useful since I'm pretty broke now. Its going to help especially so when Xin is complaining that I have a double chin.

Haha yea I know I'm just rattling on and on about trivial matters, but I just wanted to write and also post something onto the blog. Have a great December Guys.

SJ

All these days working with children and their parents made me see some pertinent aspects of life that I would like share with all my brothers and sisters.
Now, part of my job is to help out in the activities sessions held by the organisers. Some of the activities include colouring contests, clay making workshops, mask making workshops and a small compeitition called "Dino Morphing" contest, which I'm in charge of.
Well basically, the objective of the contest is to "transform" the toy from a robot to an animal within the shortest amount of time. The speediest compeititor will walk away with the toy itself. So i thought to myself, right, it's just a toy, the response shouldn't be that difficult to handle.
How wrong was I.
On the contrary, so many children spurred by their parents or by their own desire registered for this contest. Moreover, these children come repeatedly everyday to try their luck.
Many children are not very well off. And through interaction with their parents, they can't really afford these toys. The trend is that, these parents usually have a lot of children, tallying at 3 or more. We would think that they should really stop conceiving when they can't even afford to have more children. But why are they continuing to have children? Why are they allowing their children to have a poor life when they jolly well know that they cannot afford it?
This thought has been lingering in my mind the entire week. Not only the malay community, the chinese community as well. It saddens me to see that their children can't enjoy the things that other children enjoy, or get the same opportunities to learn that other kids have.
Furthermore, these children usually have lack of parental attention and begin wandering in shoopping malls. I got to know 4 malay boys who came to take part in the activities and contests together. Their parents were no where to be seen.
These 4 malay boys are really loud and mischievous and some even sprouted Hokkien expletives. Appalled but undaunted, I had to exert a bit of aggression to deter them from destroying the place. But I thought, why are they allowed to wander? Their parents probably has to work really hard to put their 4 or more children to school and food on the table.
Why couldn' they just hold back and have less children if they cannot afford it.
Children are a big part of our future and in a country like Singapore, the standard of living is so very high. Having children is important but we must also be responsible human beings. Our children require maximum attention and care. It's not a pet or an object of our belonging. We have to be sure that we can manage them well if we were to have them.
This week we'll be at Junction 8. If you guys want to come visit me or watch the show, please feel free.
I probably need to apologise for not being able to meet up with you guys these few weeks. When I end this assignment, I would be able to accompany Es and Huli and the rest of the gang out. So please bear with me. Thanks guys. And Blackie and Ivy, hope you guys have a romantic and magical Christmas in UK. Till then.

Xin

Wahahaha.. Long time since i posted anything here alr. Been pretty inactive because of school work and all that.. This is supposed to be a god damn long post.. I thought about this before i slept last night. I wanted to type all these in during my Comms 100 class. But apparently, i'm sitting in the front row now. Damn lecturer keeping looking at me. Nvm.. can't be bothered also.. FYI, this Comms 100 class that i'm currently taking is due to the fact that my GP got below B4.. Song also taking it.. Damn waste of time..

Anyway, for the past one month or so, i have been damn busy with school work, all the last min projects and of course, studying for exams (<3hrs a day).. I dunno what the f i'm doing.. Screwing up my grades.. I just hope i can scrap just about and average of B+ or so man.. I was talking to SQ the other day. I told him my aim was to get an avg GPA of 3.6-3.7, which is an avg of A- . I told me i'm crazy, because that would mean like mugging almost everyday, something which i don't do. I damn lazy. I only just do tutorial thats all, which i believe would be more than enough, according to my A levels. But somehow, i'm quite wrong. Uni life is definitely much more complicated than JC. Now i'm worried. I just can't seemed o really cope with all the work. I'm seriously wondering how did i managed to study last time. Think i definitely have to bucked up next semester.

Well enough of all the serious, thought provoking stuffs. I will leave all those stuffs to xina dnes can alr. This blog is getting a little serious man. Anyway, Hu-li was saying that this x/mas, we all should jio gals out and go out together as a big group. But the truth is, he just wants to get to know girls. KNN.. haha.. DUN intro any to him. I came out with a priority list last night on who should we intro girls to first in our group.

1. Lam
2. Terence
3. Songjie
4. SQ
5. Esmond
6. Xin
7. Qin
8. Hu-li
   

As for black, no need la. He alr got one Ivy to handle alr.. haha. And for youyi, he alr got target alr. so 4get it. As for how i came out this list, i figured that the longest lonely heart will get the highest priority.. So Hu-li is definitely the last of the list.. ahaha

Anyway, u guys remembered the first time i went Coconut groove with u guys? During the match between England and Argentina (although we didn't watch it).. Remember there was this cute waitress that i was chatting to and wanted to know (Song and Lam should remember), before Ceci and Ivy came? Then i was too paiseh to ask for her name...
Anyway, i went to watch soccer last saturday with my friends and i saw her again. Apparently she remembers me and i started to chat with her again.. ahahah.. I got to know her name and got to know her a little.. She's younger than us.. haha.. Guess her age? Well, i will tell u guys next time.. ANyway, i think the next time i see her, I will ask for her number man.. hahaha..

Ok .. I'm getting a little long-winded.. Enough typing.. haha

Cyaz..

Terence

Hey guys, havent being updating this blog for quite some time but I really dont know what to write...guess my life is abit stale right now.Nonetheless, I will post some pics for visual updating ok? hehe... anyway this is the semi formal event which I attended yesterday. Pretty fun and certainly a fabulous experience.