--------------------

Did I mention that I can't play poker? My hands shake so much when I'm taking risks that I become so readable. Yeah I can do the whole poker face, but my hands just give everything away. So now you know a secret. 

Visited New Creation Church on Sunday with my parents again after like 3 years, the church I was attending before I left for Australia. Haven't been back since I left. Somehow, it so felt homely and warm. Well, they say the grass always looks greener on the other side for a reason. 

Escape Theme Park with the OG on monday! Umm, honestly didn't expect much, having been there before, but it wasn't too bad... Didn't try the go-karts last time, or the water slide =P. The go-karts were lol, imo you could do races with them if someone would just fix/balance the different go-karts for speed and other relevant factors. Overtaking ftw is fun. The company was good too, the weather didn't get too hot, though there was this lethargy in the air... Still, I think we all had a good time. While exploring/experimenting with the effects of adrenaline rushes on ourselves xD. 

Bought myself a new mouse ^^ been wanting a proper one for gaming for ages, and finally here the opportunity is~ It was a Christmas present, of sorts... Anyway, pictures =)

Mine's actually green =)

The grip's a little different from what I'm used to though, it'll take some time to adjust I suppose. It feels a lot better than my old mouse in general though. And looks a lot cooler =P.

Met up with Lynette today, after what feels like forever. Caught Yes Man, which by the way wasn't bad, pretty much what you'd expect of Jim Carrey's insightful comedies. Still worth watching though, so if you're stuck for movies this holiday season... But then there's always Twilight. Which I haven't read yet, and thus would rather not watch at this point. Even then, word on the street is that it wasn't great, especially if you read the book already. Anyway, it was quite nice spending the day just walking around the city randomly and sitting at random places, talking, catching up. The weather did get pretty hot, and the city was unbelievably crowded for the day and time, but I still had fun. Some people are nice to talk to, and others are pleasant to be with... And then there are the rare few who are both =). But I really need to get more familiar with the places and my sense of direction in the city. Or more likely, I just can't multi-task. Well I can, but it just doesn't work with some tasks... >.<

Oh, if you happen to be a nerd/ geek/ anyone fascinated by tech (here's a clue, tesla coils involved)... Watch this video. For the rest of you, watch the fascinating video. Definitely worth the 90 seconds, guaranteed*. 10/10 from me, totally won me. 

*Mario Bros. experience helps. 

Hmm, next post should be soon. Going to try to do one for the impending new year. 

Goodbye.

Friend, it’s getting late 

We should be going 

We’ve been sat here beneath

These flickering neons for hours 

While I am cracking their code

You are deciphering me 

For I am a mystery

I am a locked room in a tall tower 

Oh can you feel the gravity falling

Calling us home 

Oh did you see the stars colliding

Shining just to show 

We belong

We belong

--------------------

I've been putting this post off for way too long. Now too much has happened, and I won't be able to blog properly. Sigh, WoW is to blame. In combination with the slew of events in the past few days since I got back. I'll try though.

I'll start with the remainder of the trip in Sri Lanka. I suppose most memorable was the day before the day we flew off. We went for an evening Christmas mass at a friend's catholic church, where many of my dad's childhood friends were singing in the choir. And damn, the choir was incredible. I could sit for ages just listening to the choir singing, with nothing else. Althogh the church organ came in later for some songs, but still it was great. Really enjoyed that, I somehow love listening to harmony. After that went to this super nice restaurant/cafe, called The Gallery Cafe. Modern art gallery transformed into a cafe/restaurant, the idea was brilliant. The result was an outdoorish sort of modern look, with ornate sculptures and beautiful artwork adorning the place. The atmosphere, mood, food was all excellent... For just a while, I could actually have forgotten that I was in Sri Lanka. So stark was the contrast. Made me wonder how such places still exist in third world countries like these. How can there be a separate world in the form of places like these, when not two streets away beggars line the roads?

Hmm, had a night flight, was pretty exhausted by the time I got back to Singapore in the morning... Breakfast with family, and then we went our separate ways. This presented an interesting situation. Parents and sis would be in Singapore, but due to (obvious) space constraints, will not be able to live with me, as I did with them when I went back to Australia (in my own room~). Consequently, the place they're staying at, with my aunt, is fully maxxed out at an additional three people. Cramming a fourth person would not only be squeezy, but also impractical. Hence, I would go back to my room in NUS, and they would stay on in my aunt's place. Then the question arises: How often is would we be meeting up? How often is acceptable? While I imagine this situation isn't exactly unique, as many probably would be able to understand in some way, if not experienced it through a similar situation. Keep reading.

After getting back, I knocked myself out on the internet (you have no idea what it feels like, deprived! Lol not really, but still).  In this day and age, being disconnected from the world for a week is akin. No phone, no internet, it's almost scary. And then, it's scary that being away from everything for just a week is scary. Out of touch with the wider world, and with my own inner world that is my life, and then with my guild and happenings in-game, even deeper in. How dependant have we become on crutches, crippling ourselves with luxuries...

Went night cycling on the 23rd night, with the OG. Good fun, and despite not having night cycled before (or even touching a bicycle for the better part of 5 years), I managed to adapt sufficiently to be able to participate properly. Unfortunately, it rained at about 2am, but thankfully (magically) we chanced upon a 24 hour prata shop, where we bided our time... Until the morning light. The rain didn't end up stopping, so there we sat. While I do realise our primary objective was to night cycle, I believe that the night was still enriching. Those of us who managed to keep awake just ended up talking. Sometimes, it takes circumstances like these, in the dead of night, to see the side of people they don't normally show. Over the years I've developed something of an ability to read people, for better or worse. But sometimes, the only thing that some people reveal is that what you're seeing is just a facade. As for the inner person, it's rare times like these that you see them. Due to the nature of our circumstances, the conversation was forced down the way of passage that all "deeper" conversations must first pass in such a social setting, allowing eventually for the lead up to the deliciously enlightening topics, and the views individuals hold of them. Life, the Universe, and Everything sums it up nicely, though it really can be broken down into specifics; emotions, relationships, dreams... (Ok, I know that's not very specific at all, but hey, one has make some attempt at preserving the sacredness of that night). But yeah, it was also warming, in an odd sort of way, to be able to see and listen to everyone with one level of inhibitions removed. It renewed my faith in humanity, somewhat. 

Christmas at my cousin's place, with the relatives, grandparents (who flew over to Singapore (Yes, after we just flew to Sri Lanka and back)), parents and everybody. Mum actually went out shopping for all the lovely Christmas treats and goodies. Reminded me a bit of the old times when we still lived in Singapore. There were the turkey and the ribs, the cheeses and the wine, among other things... Always loved Christmas feasts. Anyway, we stayed late into the night (at which point I was pretty zombified, having not slept the night before due to the night cycling...), and then got up next day for church. Which was pretty good as well, the Christmas play was very well done, as it always is. And even the usual shortened Christmas message wasn't stereotypical or lame/boring. I think mum, having not been back at City Harvest for ages, felt that even that short sermon was really good, lol.

Went to Nick's place for the OG barbecue on Boxing day... It was really nice of him to open his house up like that, but unfortunately not many people were able to turn up, due to various commitments, overseas or otherwise. Still, the few of us who went had an enjoyable time... Well what can I say, most of them are just pretty fun to be around in general =). And Nick's room needs nerfs. It was incredibly, impossibly neat. Seriously. Jealousy!! Probably explained his aversion at the state of my room here... Hey, I'm pretty sure my real room back home never got this bad anyway, since it was, a real room. Ok, I have nothing to back that up with. Maybe evidence contrary instead ><.

The rest of my holidays are just going to be a mad rush of more outings/events/meetings with family/relatives/friends, as well as getting my raiding schedule with guildmates settled proper haha. This has probably been my most packed holidays ever... Generally, I always have this feeling that I wasted my holidays somewhat. But at the same time, I'd be refreshed and energised and ready for the new term. Wonder what the feeling at the end of it will be like. 

Merry (Belated) Christmas.

I wanna know where children would go

If they never learnt to be cool

Cos nothing's achieved when pushed up a sleeve

Till nobody thinks you're a fool

So goodbye for a while I'm out to learn more

About who I really was before

Yeah I'm going north

Up where the hunted hide with ease

Under the arms of eye-less trees

Up where the answers fall like leaves

Oh and your love is all I need

--------------------

Yes! Hello all from Sri Lanka in this speical edition post~. Miraculously, I realised it was possible to obtain internet access from the hotel (when you purchase their prepaid internet cards for outrageous prices). The only real alternative lies in sourcing out a local internet café, which we did. Only, I discovered to my horror that the computers there were a) terribly slow and laggy, b) so spyware and porn infested that I didn't dare to sign in/enter my passwords. At least they were running XP, but on minimum specifications... Sigh, I knew I should have been suspicious when they charged about 30 cents per hour (after conversion) -.-". So here I am in the hotel room with my clean and secure laptop (so grateful). 

Mm, yeah so it's been a while since I posted, and haven't since the exams ended. Really don't want to talk about it, yet my stupid answers still surface in my mind at the worst times, haunting me. Just thinking about it's making me depressed right now. I might fail anatomy this time, mark my words. No more about exams. (Omg, can't believe it. Shoot me. It really was that bad.)

Anyway, I finally met up with parents and sis, after my exams that day! Sort of sad that I missed the Sentosa outing/dinner with OG mates, heard it was fun though =P... But it was so good to see everyone again. We went out for a nice dinner (Italian! Super nice food, and I realised that when I'm with mum and dad is the only chance I get to enjoy real Italian food =/) , and it's like so much has changed. I think it's roughly summarised in this: instead of two wine glasses on the table, now there are three. Believe me, if you're someone who has dinner with your parents often, there are so many things you won't realise you missed when you're away until you meet them again. All the little jokes, idiosyncracies, the feelings just came flooding back. Somehow, it's different this time around from when I went back to Australia about half a year ago... Maybe it's because they're here this time, and I'm not all dazed and out of touch with the world from my army experience. But yeah, as sis aptly put it: it's no fun when there's no one around to get the jokes =/ lol. 

Anyway, after dinner and stuff, I had like a 12 hour window in which I had to pack up my bags, settle anything outstanding in between the exams and my flight the next day afternoon. Well, I really wasn't in any state to be efficient with that kind of time, especially dead after the exam, but push it I did. Unfortunately, posting didn't make it high enough in the priority list lol. But that's why this post now, saving grace! As you can expect, I conked out on the plane (or more accurately, I entered the semi-waking twilight zone that happens when I try to sleep on planes. Never really manage a proper sleep.)

Well, our hotel is nice though, and the suite's exquisite. It's got the priceless sea view and everything, photos next post~ (no promises, as usual). At the same time, I had the opportunity to go out for a walk in the streets. I've got to say, seeing poverty rampant is truly a depressing sight. I don't know how much more I'll see before the feeling becomes dampened (or if it ever will). It's been so long since I've seen such a sight, and it really got to me =/. Well, at least this time, I know I'm on my way to do something about it. As some of you may know, the real reason for the trip was to celebrate my grandma's 75th birthday. That was the day after we arrived, Wednesday two days ago. Therefore, first two days = stressing over speech (making people give speeches is such an evil thing to do. Really.) The thing itself was sort of boring, as these things usually. Lots of old people, sis and I rot in a corner. We met a second cousin of ours though, roughly our age and relatively competent, so that wasn't too bad. 

The rest of the time so far has just been slacking around and catching up with family. It's been great, but somehow it drops down back to normal pretty fast. After the first two days or so, it doesn't feel like we've been away for all that time. Hmmm, is familiarity such a powerful factor in relationship? I suppose I never really had the chance for it to dawn on me so strikingly before... Definitely something to think about. 

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to make use of the rest of my limited timed internet connectivity. Dad's out to see his parents, sis and mum are out shopping >.>. I fear a similar fate in the coming days. If not here, then back in Singapore. But for now, perfect opportunity >:D

En-si.

Edit: this post was actually written at the stated post time... Apologies for the late publish, due to... Technical difficulties. 

I was blindfolded, but now I'm seeing. 

My mind was closing, now I'm believing. 

I finally know what just what it means to let someone in, 

To see the side of me that no one does or ever will. 

So if your ever lost and find yourself all alone 

I'd search forever just to bring you home, 

Here and now, this I vow 

By now you know that I'd come for you,

No one but you, yes I'd come for you, 

But only if you told me to. 

And I'd fight for you, 

I'd lie, it's true. 

Give my life for you 

You know i'd always come for you.

--------------------

Hmm... It's been some time since I've had post out of compulsion (I believe I've run out of time since the last post...), but post I shall. It seems quite odd, given that I'm actually supposed to have a lot more time, since I stopped playing WoW for the exams (Truth!). I expected it might come to this, but not this soon... Oh well, it's only a 2 weeks hiatus, nothing special. (Except it's just after the WotLK release omg... I'm falling behind T.T)

The initial idea was this: Given how much time I have the tendency to spend on WoW, then technically, removing  it from the picture should result in a large influx of time, which I would then make use of to study for the upcoming exam, here in a week's time. Sadly, I failed to recognise that time is a dynamic entity, and doesn't like being fitted into moulds, for example: 3 free hours + 3 hours (freed suddenly from a drastic change of habit) does not equal 6 free hours. Essentially: time tends to fill itself up somehow. You can get rid of things taking up time, but it doesn't give you a 100% return, not even 75%. Hell, not even 5- Ok, I'll stop. Basically, I think I need some sort of enzyme or harness to efficiently contain the freed time, lest it disappear into the nether, along with all the lost hours of my day. Timetable, you say? Meh. 

Parents and sis are arriving soon! 13th of December I believe, give or take. Argh... Miss them quite a lot at times, I realise. The cumulative effect of being away takes a toll after a while =/. Morose evenings and lonely nights: it's no wonder I look to the computer more than ever, my window to the world. Anyway, the thing is, with my coming exam on the 15th of December, their arrival has the potential to become something of an... Inconvenience. My parents know of this, and being the rational people they are (amazing how your views change when you're away from people huh?), told me specifically not to come down to the airport to recieve them, of their own accord. But since then I've heard some alternative viewpoints, persuading me otherwise. Is it right, simply allowing my parents to stealthily fly in, and hide out in Singapore until I finish my exams, before they come out and we meet properly? How hard is it just to appear at the airport? While I do see where these contentions come from, it doesn't quite sit well with me. I suppose I'm rather non-traditional and non-cultural in my thinking and beliefs: in my opinion, if my parents are matured enough tell me honestly not to come down (And I say matured. None of that disgusting "saying one thing and meaning the other" crap), I can be gracious enough to accept that thoughtful gesture. I believe in tradition, just not to the point where it becomes antagonistic. After which I do away with it, especially when the feeling is mutual. It's so easy with family... Sometimes I wish everyone were that simple. 

I'd like to highlight Thursday in particular: most packed day I've ever had in ages. Lectures in the morning, Formative Assessment (pre-CA test) for Anatomy in the afternoon, which somehow wasn't as bad as the last two. I actually passed this one. Then there was this batch photo-taking session after that, which was sort of cool, since everyone was dressed formal and stuff. And then I almost broke my arm during the informal shots. Basically: front rows, girls. Back rows, guys. You don't want to know what the back rows were like, felt like, during the informal shots. I'll leave it there. Anyway, had clinicals after that, which was like one and a half hours of standing (It's not much fun after you've just had a full day, and you're totally dehydrated). We were auscultating patient's hearts with stethoscopes: I think they would have had more fun auscultating mine. Palpitations, tachycardia, some hypotension, you name it. I don't know why I was so dehydrated, sometimes I do forget to get a drink though, especially when things move too fast. Anyway, I survived. 

And after our clinicals... Went down to Starbucks with Wei Ling, for FREE COFFEE! I chanced upon the information while queueing for lunch (lol, random), and turned out she was going to Starbucks too, and knew a coffee place that was pretty nearby/near her house/relatively isolated. Let me just say: 

Free coffee = WIN. Kthxbye.

Says it all. So we went down to the isolated Starbucks, to find... A queue that spanned halfway across the width of the building. It moved pretty quick though, soon got my hands on a Tall (yeah, no Venti this time :< ... Not complaining though~) cup of revitalising caffeine. I didn't exactly grab it scott free, but at least my money went to the Salvation Army. 

The caffeine shot was a good thing: I then had to head down to some condominium in Bukit Batok, for Zhen Le's 21st birthday (one of my cell members)... I wouldn't have turned up, not exactly very close to most of my cell group, since I can't really attend the meetings, but she asked me specifically, and I wasn't really in a position to say no (I know her a bit better than the rest I suppose), so... That was a bus --> train --> change train --> walk --> bus just to get there, and I was still in my formal attire. Carrying my stuff. Sort of glad I made it down in the end I guess, cell members were around etc. So it wasn't too boring. And one of them started playing WoW without telling me! Bah... That's 1 free month gone! Please tell me if you're planning to start WoW lol~

Awkward moment as I was leaving... I was taking my leave and saying goodbyes, and she was thanking me for coming down. That somehow ended with a misplaced and rather inadequate handshake... I would have given a hug (as is rather routine back in Australia! In case I lost a few readers there), and she half looked like she was expecting one, but... I'm still learning how things work over here. In terms of adaptation, by far it's so much harder the other way around. Singapore --> Australia = liberation, Australia --> Singapore = constraint. Only 3 years gone and I'm an awkward wreck already. Anyway, touch at the shoulder both ways dispelled the tension, and I went on my way. Bus --> walk --> train --> change train --> bus (hilariously long route for somewhere so close by on the map isn't it). After the walk back to my room, I promptly collapsed, D.O.A. I believe it was close to 12am, though I can't quite be sure, given the state I was in. 

Trying very hard to focus with the studying, it helps when I've actually got practice questions this time around. I feel more familiar working with them, especially for something like physiology, which is really quite akin to the biology I did back in Melbourne (ironically, not the biology people did here). 1 week to go, max dps~! More DoTs, more DoTs! Can't believe it's almost 2 weeks to Christmas. Really, unbelievable. That soon? Feels more like Easter or something, some random holiday in the middle of nowhere. Festive what? If anyone else can identify, it's my dear classmates lol. 

Hmmm, I think I'm switching to Chrome, over Firefox 3.1. Simply irresistible. I've been bought. 

/bye.