Some Pictures from Vietnam =)

How to cross??

Crib by the river.

I wouldn't wanna fall into this. Some people would liken this to falling in love.

Proof that 'Hakers' can exist everywhere.

Good Morning Vietnam

Hi!

Even though I've been back from Vietnam for quite a while now, I've been buried in assignments.
Think - Suave handsome fella buried in cyber word documents.
Anyway I think that some tributes to Vietnam are due!

Upon arriving in Ho Chi Minh (formerly known as Saigon), I heaved a huge sigh of relief. This is normal for me, as so long as I'm out of Singapore, I feel so much less stressed already. Anyway, that feeling didn't last for long, 5 minutes to be exact. Obviously I had entered a cab and was making my way down to the hotel.

Why obviously? BECAUSE THE TRAFFIC THERE WAS CRAZY! Insane! Nuts!
According to a tour guide, there were 7 million motorcycles on the road in a city where there were 8 million people. Imagine 2 way streets, with no traffic lights, and motorbikes all over the place, packing the road. It took me a good 2 days to get used to it. After which, it didn't seem too bad. After all, over here we have mental patients called taxi drivers with no sense of courtesy or road alignment.

The food in Saigon, be it restaurants or street-side vendors were not to my liking however.
I have to have my spicy food. The main theme for the food over there was fish sauced-based or sugar based.
Think - fish sauce noodles with sugar on the side.
No, I'm not kidding. It seemed like almost every dish was meant to dipped in sugar, seemed so very strange to me. But overall the food was alright, if you don't like spicy food that is.

Then on one of the days I visited the Chu Chi Tunnels. This was one of the main sites during the Vietnam war. Needless to say, this was the highlight of the trip for me. I got to see hollowed-out tanks, and all the variations of traps they had. And then! We had the chance to crawl through one of the tunnels used during the war. Said tunnel was only 1.2m by 0.8m. You could only duck walk inside or crawl. Unless you're a very small person. I still had to go in. Stubbornnnnnnnnnnnn. Almost got stuck in certain places though, and I wasn't even the biggest one there. I heard some fat ang moh got stuck and had to be pushed through. After looking through all the various artifacts and listening to the ever-informative tour guide, I had come to have a new-found respect for the Vietnamese. Who'd have thought they would have taught the 'mighty' Americans a lesson?

On the way back, I travelled via boat along the saigon river. A fittingly beautiful way to travel back no doubt. There were many things I saw there which amused me but it's lost somewhere in my vast mind.

I think Vietnam has a lot to offer. Being a developing country, it does have its problems but nothing that serious. It's safer than I expected too. Or maybe I just look too scary to be robbed or stabbed. I almost forgot, some of the women there were simply put, stunningly beautiful.

I'd definately go back again. Eurgh anywhere but here.

Pathfinders

During pre-school and kindergarten we had to adapt to new surroundings and make new friends.

After that we go to primary school to adapt to new surroundings and make new friends.

Then we go to secondary school to to adapt to new surroundings and make new friends.

And so on and forth to the various JCs, Polys and Unis. You get the picture I'm trying to paint.

Lastly for the vast majority of us who come from non-affluent backgrounds, we have to forge our own paths into various careers. We wish we could have our dearest friends together with us, working at the same place. Who better to rely on? Sadly, life isn't so accomodating with regards to such wishes. That's where grudgingly, we have to learn to carve out our own paths. Some may find it exciting, but for others, a tiring laborous journey repeats itself again. When will this cycle end, if ever?

I guess that's the way life works. Throwing us a mandatory challenge every 5 years or so. Occasional family disaster or otherwise.

Maybe it's all a game. You win in one challenge you progress to the next level. You lose, you use up a 'credit'. The stronger the willpower the more 'credits' of course. When you think about it this way, it's perhaps easier to sympthatise with those that give up totally.

P.S. Being cynical is not a crime. This post was after all a random point of view.

Lost but only because I've not been discovered

So long since I've posted! Omg what have I been busy with? Can't really think of any decent excuses.

I've finally succumbed to the realization that I'm no longer able to take a leap of faith or try new things. Of course when I was 16/17, I was immortal, like everyone else. Never afraid to try anything, never afraid to fail, never afraid to jump and fall. But over the years, that 'courage' has somehow deteriorated and I can only blame myself for being too comfortable.

I now know that the only reason I've been lost out at sea is that I haven't been discovered. Simply because I've refused to put myself out there. Be it, asking a girl out or sending resumes/going for job interviews. I guess it's time for the pride and ego to be shelved. The job of my dreams isn't gonna land on my lap with me sitting on my ass. Neither is the girl of my dreams gonna give me a lapdance.

Is this what it means to grow up? I'd love to live in denial but life won't wait for me. So many times I've wondered, is this all life has in store for me? I could live my normal, monotonous life and be forever unsatisfied or leave my comfort zone for greener pastures.

I really wish someone would tell me what to do or how to do it. Even though I know the best way would be to find out myself. The trials and tribulations of life sure do suck. I just hope I can look back in a few years' time and pat myself on my back knowing that this was the turning point. This was when I decided ordinary wasn't enough.

It's time to bring back the mildly arrogant, yet confident and CHARMING fella.

Come as you are

Please take note that my topic titles bare no significance on my entries. They're just the titles of songs that are playing at the moment. If there are none playing, I'll use the brand of my underwear. Now, moving on...

Transformers was... ok. For those who came of age crashing their Autobots and Decepticons together while watching Saturday morning cartoons and slurping down sugar coated cereal, you would understand. Still am disappointed so I don't really wanna talk about it. Maybe Mr Bay should've rung me for a consultation on creativity. Robots hiding from parents... is... so... fucking... childish... This movie was supposed to be for the ADULT fans, not the gremlins known as kids nowadays. Yet another movie about 'How powerful the US are' and 'We have the biggest guns in the world'. While it was cool to finally see the robots in action, the dialogue was somewhat shitty. Think kung fu movies translations. Transformers were and always will be one of my favourite toys, I had like 50 of them. This movie however, was impotent and if you had sat close enough to me during the movie, several 'wtf's and slaps on the forehead would have been audible. The only cool part was the actual transforming, other than that, the blurry 'fight scenes' left a lot to be desired. SEVERELY DISAPPOINTING. DON'T CREATE HYPE IF YOU CAN'T DELIVER ASSHOLES.

The movie I caught straight after that, Die Hard 4.0 was supposed to be like a post-dinner snack after the main course, transformers. However it crushed transformers, in terms of dialogue and action scenes. Seeing a car fly into a helicopter is way cooler than seeing 2 blurry neon robots wrangle like schookids. And the charisma of Bruce Willis? Enough said. No one even cared when Maggie Q died halfway through (oops). In terms of plot, dialogue and action, Die Hard 4.0 was miles ahead of Transformers. Little hype, but packs quite a punch. Highly recommended. =)

My news blog

I've decided to write a daily news article (to the best of my ability).

Please support it! =P
http://warpedtimes.blogspot.com/

Work is boring... so so so boring. I need some brain food! Someone save me?

On a more exciting note, check out The Arena at clarke quay. Went to check out the place last friday and it certainly was pretty unique. Essentially, it's part bar, part concert hall. Well, to me anyway. It's one place that will certainly make you feel like you're attending a concert every other day =)

And for all the guys... ahem, that place is packed with HOT female staff and as well as smouldering MILFs.

Things not to say at a job interview, generally

10) My dog ate my resume.
9) You look like a male version of my ex girlfriend.
8) Sorry I'm late, my mum forgot to wake me up.
7) I left my last job because my boss was being unfair. He accused me of molesting 5 women in the office, but I only molested 3 of them! What the hell man.
6) No, it's not a pimple, it's a cold sore.
5) Rules are meant to be broken baybeh!
4) Yes, my name is T T Durai.
3) Yeahhh mannn, look at all the rainbowwww colourssss innn theeee roommm. Damn I've got the munchies.
2) You mean, you can actually see me? *waves*
1) Thanks for the compliment, I just got the new rimjob done last night.

I'm sick, and the lymph node swelling makes me look like an iguana flaring up to impress a potential mate, if you can imagine. IF you can't imagine, you need more animal planet.
Cough, sniff.
BUT... MOS TONIGHT? =P
Ever tried a google search on your name?

Sorry boss, we need to talk...

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Employee: Hey boss, we need to talk.

Boss: Yeah sure, what's up?

Employee: I've been offered another job in XYZ company. I've... errr been working here for 2 years ago now and I think I need to start thinking about my financial security for myself as well as my family. They've offered me an increment of $200 on top of my current salary plus other bonuses.

Boss: Hmmm, you've been doing a good job so far. I'll match that offer and then some! We want to keep you here with us.

Employee: =) That's a generous offer boss. I'd be glad to stay here.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

How many people know that it's this easy to get a raise? Provided you're not a shitty employee, you should always be looking to do this. =P

*Afterthoughts*

Boss: Fucker always come late still wanna ask for raise. Does he think I was born yesterday? I'll increase his pay but make sure he works late everyday =) =) =)

Employee: Yay, more pay. *Ditzy dance*

]-My very own singapore advice column-[

Dear Da-Ge Solomon,
How do I tell my girlfriend she has bad breath har?! At first it was ok lor, then now I wanna kiss her hor feel like puking lor. Please help me lah!!! Need help urgentry!!!

Dear Lorbert888,
I can understand how you feel. I once had a dog with bad breath. Anyway, does she eat a lot of lemon chicken rice? Does she smoke too? Or maybe it's just 'morning breath'. Try coaxing her into sucking on mints. If not, just dump her and say 'It's not you, it's me, I have issues' or 'I'm not good enough for you.' Good luck Lorbert!
-----

Dear Da-Ge Solomon,
My boyfriend hor, don't wanna kiss me leh. Everytime I wanna go near, he siam away! Why ah! His armpit also abit smelly leh, like wet socks. How arh? He always make me lie down and put my head there de. Please helps me!

Dear SadLian888
Is your boyfriend's name Lorbert? Anyway if you really like him, learn to stand the smell. As a an asian woman, you have no rights so you must be submissive and give in to everything including getting beaten, serving food, etc. But if you really can't stand him and want to break up, tell him you are actually a gay man stuck in a female's body and you are going to finally do something about it... Good luck SadLian!
-----

Tune in next week for more letters readers!

I'm back!

I'M BACKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK

After a long long hiatus I'm back. Why? I have no idea.

On a totally RANDOM note, I took pictures of mushrooms while cycling yesterday. Yes, RANDOM is the word.

A few things I wanna get off my chest:-
i) Shilai is a 'Good Bot'.
ii) Baby Mitchell is growing up so fast! LOL.
iii) ANDREA FONSEKA is simply irresistable. Beauty with brains, killer combination.

iv) SMS to Buzz: Bang Bang Bang Bang Bang Bang, Reply from Buzz: Beer Beer Beer Beer Beer Beer.

v) Shortly, resident photographer MR ANRO RAYMOND will be back from the states to 'beautify' this place. Watch this space!

Tonight my sis turns 20!

A whole bunch of us are heading to gotham! Including, my mummy, which should be interesting ha!

I've decided to not do the evil thing I was planning. I remember all the good times and decided to let things be. I wish you all the best. Just as long as you're happy.

The fact that my mum is going on a ladies' night just tickles me. Haha.

One of my friends really disappointed me recently. Pussy first? Ha, I'll show you!

Which is worse?

Which is worse? Being forgotten or not doing anything about it?
Lately I've had some horrid thoughts come into my mind, rather prematurely though. We'll see about actually putting them into action. I ain't gonna walk the line no more that's for sure.

How much more distasteful can the deterring pictures on cigg packs be? There's a difference between no class and deterring. I think pictures of ugly men/women would work much better. Or even pictures of people before and after smoking, instead of just showing the after. There really is a difference. Brilliant right?

I've got free tickets to the premiere of miami vice next week! Can't wait!

I love the routine of my life now. Spending time with the right people is what's most important. Speaking of that, I miss certain friends that I've made the past 2 years which I haven't had the pleasure of meeting up with. I shan't name them of course lest their egos inflate. Maybe I'll bump into them. However, I do hope I'll see all these people by christmas time at the very least! Life's short, live it to the fullest folks. Surely we can't live forever.

Anyway I'm back to reading again, any recommendations anyone?

I have to travel this year-end!

Guess who's back?

I haven't been that busy. Just lazy I guess. NOT working at the publishing house, which turned out to be a scam with a senile fool for a boss. Doing events now instead, which is damn fun. Hard work at first but once you begin to see the fruits of your labour, everything pays off. And it's nice to work with one of my bros. Not to mention the potential number of babes I get to meet. The last event I did, I was in charge of the dunking machine. Never had so much fun working before. Seeing a girl getting dunked and helping her out beats everything. Haha. Well almost.

Been clubbing, pubbing and drinking way too much though. 3 nights a week is sure taking its toll. But what else is there to do? I'm done with reminiscing. Almost everywhere I go, I get reminded. And just for a brief moment, I get a flashback of a fleeting moment in time when everything was perfect. Well, life goes on. Closure or no closure. Or maybe you just find the next fool who thinks you're worth anyone's time. Or that other fool who doesn't know what the hell he's getting into. Where's the social responsibility!

Work's great. And some others have some proper other halves now. No no, I'm not jealous. I just hope things remain great for them. I of all people know how things can turn around. Pardon the recently infused pessimism. At least they've got some decent girls. Not the type that sleeps around carelessly. That is most definately a red flag. One that I failed to take not of. Once bitten, twice shy.

It's been tough keeping up with my deadlines. For that I have no proper excuse. Even now, I'm thinking of a word count for this. Haha. At least there's a good mix, of work and pleasure now. Of that, I'm thankful. Now all I have to do is to take a step up from the last one. Not a few steps down. I'm done with the whole 'lowering myself to your level' bullshit.

Good night! Assignments are due!

New Job

I'm starting work this monday at a publishing house!

But first I had to endure 2 hours plus of an interview from hell. But somehow through numerous visions of strangling that old fart, I stuck through it. Only because of the promise of valuable work experience and MONEY! Remember money? It's the thing that makes the world go round. Well anyway I'm really excited. I just have to think happy thoughts when I look at that old fart.

Tonight we're going for a seafood adventure. About time I properly pigged out.

Funny how sometimes when you look at someone and they become less and less attractive each time. Or maybe it's because I was persuaded how attractive that person was in the first place. I think it's just my instinct telling me something. A showstopper is what I need and they sure are hard to come by.

My FHM presentation went really well in class and I'm glad! I still get nervous sometimes but the rush of excitement and adrenalin sure makes it worth it!

Inner Sanctuary

Hey Timbo! Happy birthday! No I didnt forget. Hope you have an unforgettable one with Rach!

Somehow my cash-flow problem has improved and it feels good! Looks like my year trips will be materialising after all.

I'm sure some of you out there wonder if there's another person out there who is almost exactly like you. I think I've found a female version of me. Haha. Quite funny actually. But from first impressions, I was quite shocked. Me and my big ego thought that there would only be one of me. But now I know what a female version of me would be like. Very very interesting indeed.

I hope I find a big tree tomorrow at sentosa. I have an aversion to the sun due to various vain reasons.

On a totally random note, how many people deliberately play mind games with the opposite sex? But I guess 'The Chase' would not be half as interesting without such mind games. Maybe it has evolved as part of the whole modern courtship process. Or maybe we're just too smart for our good and making things too complicated.

And as I poised myself to say goodbye, I could tell that she was holding something back. Maybe I will find out in the coming weeks. This opportunity is too good to pass up. But sadly, I'm in no condition to do anything. Only time will tell.

P.S. How's everyone doing? Keep in touch!

Power

The power to create.
The power to destroy.
The power to leave well alone.

It's nice to have power. Even nicer to control it. But power in the wrong hands will always be dangerous. Especially when all our lives intertwine so much.

Currently I live by the power to create and the power to leave well alone.

The power to destroy calls to me constantly. Maybe one day I will heed its call. Till then I will just remain sane and pretend to be good. Pretend till the shit hits the fan.

Was walking around today and realised how many fat people there were. I reckon obesity is fast engulfing the world. Both genders are guilty of course. I blame it on the food. And pure laziness. Or maybe even stupidity in not realising how obesity would get them killed quicker. Oh well, to each his own.

A friend of mine and I were having a debate about 'fat sluts' and their agendas. Do women have an equivalent term for guys? I wonder. Anyway, we were talking about how they threw themselves at guys. I mean, even if that's the only way they can get some, should they be doing it? Oh well, to each his own.

And as the angel left her side, he waved goodbye one last time. He wasn't going to be part of this anymore. The devil smiled. One more ticket to hell. One-way.

The grass is less green on the other side

Tales of unrequited love were always foreign to me. More often that not, I would be the culprit. And as such, I didn't even realise until too late. Or maybe I didn't care. Or just maybe I thought that things would be better this way. I guess karma has gotten back at me. I didn't use to believe in karma until now. For me, karma is the explanation given when everything else doesn't make sense.

For months now I have been trying my utmost to understand. Everything from books to others' experiences. I believe I must be an expert by now. But strangely, when things hit this close to home, feelings get in the way. No longer do I have that cold steely ability to differentiate between fending for myself and caring for others. I tried so hard to understand how I could be the one you love and yet, the bane of your torture. I guess that is what tore me apart. The feeling of how you want to help someone you love so much but she won't even look at you. Not even a glimpse.

Some of those around me wonder why I'm so affected. Well, I can't stress enough how much she means to me. This isn't just a foolish love. Its waters run much deeper than that. I can't just simply forget what happened. I could however forgive. But not forget.

Everynight I lie in bed and wonder what I could do. Whether there was anything I should be doing. Any way possible to help. Not just so that she'd be with me, but more importantly, I just wanted to make her better again. I know I'm not the only one who wants that for her. I'm glad that she has the friends that she does. People like that do make a difference. I would do anything to ease her pain. If only I knew what it was.

Now all I can do is take solace in loving her from afar. Unrequited love can be painful at first. But when the smoke subsides and everything dies down, then your true feelings will be known.

I have no doubts about how long I will love her. It just cannot be explained. Forever is a true possibility.

Honestly, I've tried to forget her. Tried to stop loving her. But the only thing that happened was the opposite. I guess love has no boundaries for me.

Like how I told her a few nights' ago, I know what I must do. For it is the only thing I haven't tried. If you really love someone, you've gotta let them go. If they come back to you, you'd know it was meant to be. Personally I don't believe in that. But what choice do I have?

I never have and will never force her to do anything.

This may well be where our journey reaches a fork in the road my dear. I just hope we meet somewhere in the middle again.

Now here's a cheesy favourite of mine to explain how I feel. Heh. Pretty much explains it all.

She's always on my mind
From the time I wake till
I close my eyes
She's everywhere I go
She's all I know

And though she's far away
It just keeps gettin stronger everyday
And even now she's gone
I'm still holding on
So tell me where do I start
Cause it's breaking my heart
Don't wanna let her go

Maybe my love will come
Back someday
Only heaven knows
And maybe our hearts will find a way
Only heaven knows
And all I can do is hope and
Pray 'cause heaven knows

My friends keep tellin me
That if you really love her
You've gotta set her free
And if she returns in kind
I know she's mine

So tell me where do I start
Cause it breaking my heart
Don't wanna let her go
Maybe my love will come
Back someday
Only heaven knows
And maybe our hearts will find a way
Only heaven knows
And all I can do is hope and
Pray 'cause heaven knows

Why I live in despair'
Cause wide oway or
Dreaming I know she's never there
And all this time I act so brave
I'm shaking inside
Why it does hurt me so

Rick Price - Heaven Knows

P.S. Another appointment tomorrow, sob.

Best surprise!

Was supposed to bum around aimlessly yesterday.
But out of the blue, I was informed I had to attend the ColdPlay concert.
At first I was in disbelief.
But sure enough there we were on our way to ColdPlay.
Best surprise ever, bro. I'll never ever forget it.
Kudos to Andrea too.

While I did love ColdPlay, I must admit I didn't know all their songs. You know, only the popular ones. But by the end of the night, I was won over totally. Best concert I've ever been to in my life. I'm sure all those who went will agree. They were so friendly, humble and yet had a playful air about them. Finally! A band who sounded good in real life. Everything was perfect. I couldn't have asked for anything more. I was literally floating in the air. For one and a half hours, I was in a state of nirvana.

For a while, I forgot my troubles.

I'd just like to know for one last time, how it'll be like to hold you. To smell your hair once more. To call you baboo. To tell you, I love you. And to look into the eyes of the love of my life. It's all I constantly think about.

Some might call this a sign of weakness. I call it being human.

Nothing could ever compare to you baby. Nothing.


When you try your best but you don't succeed
When you get what you want but not what you need
When you feel so tired but you can't sleep
Stuck in reverse

When the tears come streaming down your face
When you lose something you can't replace
When you love someone but it goes to waste
could it be worse?

Lights will guide you home
and ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

High up above or down below
when you're too in love to let it go
If you never try you'll never know
Just what your worth

Lights will guide you home
and ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

Tears stream down your face
When you lose something you cannot replace
Tears streaming down your face and I

Tears stream down your face
I promise you I will learn from my mistakes
Tears stream down your face and I

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

- Fix You, ColdPlay

Metamorphosis

Tonight I changed.
Changed into the monster I had to become to endure this amount of torture and pain.
My eyes turned blood red.
My heart turned jet black.
Vile green liquid now courses through my frigid veins.
And I had transformed into my own avatar of vengeance.
My hardened skin pushed out the proverbial knife in my back.
Leaving a scar that would forever be a constant reminder.
I bite my lip to make sure I don't feel pain anymore. I don't.
Now my mind, removed of any guilt and remorse, conceptualizes a plan.
I climb upside down on my ceiling. Notice how the laws of gravity no longer affect me, just like how I have deserted my own human nature.
I smile with my jagged teeth at the ease of your potential pain.
I breathe out heavily. It didn't have to come to this. But you have forced the issue.
I chuckle at the last remnant of my conscience.
It wont be there for long.
I blend into the night, with only one thing on my mind.
First blood has been drawn.
But it is not I who will be bled dry.


Lies, Deceit and Hypocrisy.

Those are the traits I would carve on your gravestone.
Too many nights have been spent trying to decipher your false words.
Too many nights I have been seduced by a siren, like the sailors that have been led to their watery graves.
Too long have I laid my bare heart on the stainless steel table, only for it to be sliced apart, over and over again.
Where once stood my queen, stands her ghost.
A vile, subverted version of her.
Tongue of poison, eyes that glimmer like a shark.
Your ghost shall be exorcised, your time has run out.
Be gone, vile serpent. Your end will mirror mine.

I am the Avatar of Vengeance.
You reap what you sow.

No time to think

So many things to do, so little time.
Another goddamn deadline tomorrow.
Finding it hard to concentrate too.
Too many things on my mind.

I can't deal with so many things at the same time.
One thing at a time, and I wont fall apart.
It's the only way I can handle things now.
Taken to drinking at least 3 shots a day.
Keeps me on my toes.

I hope Italy wins tonight. I dont like either team, but I hate germany more.
Back to work I go.
I wish I was on an isolated island with my laptop.
Sometimes I wonder if I've begun to hear voices in my head.

P.S. My heartfelt condolences go out to Jeff.

Elimination

Portugal triumphs, but of course, it is because I support them.
Strange how exes seem to want to contact me more than others I expect to.
France eliminates a lacklustre Brazil, which just proves to everyone: nothing is certain, no matter how perfect it is. Heh.

I've gone out to drink more than I should. Less than my body can take. But more than is advised. Perhaps I know how significant today is. It's been so long since I had a deliberate reason to drink.

So many times I've been asked today, "What time is she coming back?"
7 different people, 12 different times.
My head feels like exploding.
I don't know. I don't fucking know. Stop asking me. STOP!
I regret lashing out at those I love, just because I don't know. Sorry.

I will live these next two weeks in the solace of silence and denial.
And I have every right to.
To do this to me is simply too much.
Those with bias will just simply be blinded.
But not for long of course.
The truth is there for all to see.

I am real.
I am true.
And my love for you does not just vanish on demand.
This is the stuff that dreams are made of.
I cannot be forgotten.
I will not be forgotten.
Just like how it is impossible to forget you.
Every single day, I remember.
I remember when the 'I love yous' were real.
I remember.

Maybe you should just kill me.
Then no one will suffer.
No one will remember.
And you can pretend your life is normal again.
How far has pretending got you?
It won't get you anywhere.

Deny all you want.

But I am your love.

Love, me.