=Disaster Anniversary=
Yesterday last year was the unfortunate loss of many lives during the unexpected disaster. My console goes to all who lost their kins. I suppose the following christmas will probably remind them of the loss instead of a peaceful celebration. To have health, to live on is the greatest bliss I think. Without those, material possessions are nothing.

=New Favourite Song=
Lyrics of Mariah Carey - Hero

There's a hero
If you look inside your heart
You don't have to be afraid
Of what you are
There's an answer
If you reach into your soul
And the sorrow that you know
Will melt away

[Chorus:]
And then a hero comes along
With the strength to carry on
And you cast your fears aside
And you know you can survive
So when you feel like hope is gone
Look inside you and be strong
And you'll finally see the truth
That a hero lies in you

It's a long road
When you face the world alone
No one reaches out a hand
For you to hold
You can find love
If you search within yourself
And the emptiness you felt
Will disappear

[Chorus]

Lord knows
Dreams are hard to follow
But don't let anyone
Tear them away
Hold on
There will be tomorrow
In time
You'll find the way

[Chorus]

=Merry Christmas!!=
Ha, I think this is the festive season many young people will love to celebrate no matter whether they are seriously into it or not.

I went out with hoi ching for christmas eve and it was so crowded everywhere. Of course, it takes much patience to walk from place to place. Lots of spray, whatsoever party stuff you can think of, and I think that was what make the place so happening for countdown. Unfortunately, I did not countdown there. We count down at a quieter place at somewhere near esplanade.

All the way from citylink mall to marina square to esplanade, the crowd is comparative little and in contrast much more breathing space for people. Haha, although it wasn't what I expected from, nevertheless, still turned out to be fun in another flavour.

I managed to knock out some secrets from her at least. Nah, it sounded as if I was the bad person. I was quite truthful also... lol. There's little drizzle somewhere in the night and with the wind, it's actually quite cold. Fortunately, it stopped after a while. There isn't any synchronous countdown timing so we just went on our own pace, lol. I received a box of "Merci" chocolates from her. Oh no, looks like I have to go on "sinful" indulgence for some time... Ha. The chocolates sort of melted in my bag when brought home. Well, it's already the best place to hold the chocolates. If I had held it, it would have become worse due to the morning downpour.

I don't mind if it's just raining but the harsh wind makes everyone shivers like crazy. Chingz already wearing very thick but still shudders in cold, my jacket on her seems useless too. Lol.
Plus, both of us are very sleepy already... Imagine 2 fur balls wrapping up in a corner hibernating, haha, must be quite hilarious I think.

Now must catch sleep to cure my cold... For my brother, I don't know why and how come he got to be acquainted with a friend that is so generous to sponsor almost everything he plays... Chalet, movie, taxi fees, arcade fees, etc... Oh man, I'm so jealous!!

=Vorce Site update=
It's another major update to my website this time. It took quite some time due to my account got deleted for no particular reasons. Fortunately, it's just the login approval, not the whole archive. It takes extremely long time to upload you know? The photos should be on the website. Previews are 100 x 75 in general. The actual images are really big. Have not gotten the time to optimize yet. I still need some more time to add in the photos for graduation night, christmas lightings, miscellaneous stuffs etc... Please visit the image gallery under TJ Memories.
The site is: http://hkc.vorce.net Thanks!

=Movie/Outing=
Hmm.. Don't know what's wrong with me yesterday. I can actually forgotten how to walk to cineleisure from Orchard. Dotz... spent erm, more than 30 mins to figure out. I'm just too embarrased to ask strangers... =x Mum got quite frustrated walking here and there and both our mood kind of turned bad...

Anyway, the show we watched was "King Kong", $9.50 tickets on a Saturday. A great show after all these while... Too bad we missed approximately 30 minutes of show time when we arrived in. The usher thought we were catching the next movie in theatre 5 and told us to wait. Ha... How embarrassing...

Perhaps I missed out all the boring talking parts in the front portion and what I see is the journey out on sea to SKULL island already. I thought I went into the wrong theatre out of panic when I see the sailors and the actor dancing on the ship... Oh, but nevertheless, I still like the action and the humorous parts. The ending was like the previous "King Kong" show I watched when I was young or that was the only part I can remember from the old show. But the proportion of the gorilla is too out of ratio... Thus, I wondered why the building did not collapse when it was climbing up.

Anyway, the movie was good. Before the movie, I bought a bag at Bugis Street. The things on sale are really very cheap. Probably some of the designs you see there are sold otherwhere else also but more expensive in the latter place. However, they are still making a lot of money from it. Does that imply those in other shops are ripping much more benefits?

I just realised there's second floor to that place. Not sure if it's a big place because I did not go up. But one shop caught my attention which is the 'xing qu dian' the 'xing' is sex in chinese. Ha.

=Christmas Lightings @ Orchard=
Hmm... I just feel that this year's christmas lightings aren't that good. Perhaps because I visited them too early, that's why no christmas feel?

Christmas lightings will look good only at night so during the evening, Chingz and me dine out at Seah's Street place. It's not as crowded as when Thomas brought me there. Well, so, we don't have to wait as well. I don't seem to notice any jazz music playing that night too. The atmosphere's kind of different... Hah, don't know if it's the apt word to speak of it. It's really nice when you don't have to rush through your meals and be able to take pleasure in taking hours to enjoy eating. Lol...

Didn't really take much photos of the lightings there. The place is just too crowded and stuffy! How I hope cool air accompanies christmas in Singapore, that will be splendid. Can you imagine I was sweating while strolling leisurely on the streets? The theme this year seems to be of music related stuff. I saw musical notes hanging above the traffic all over the streets. At a junction, I saw a pair of "musician" decoration hitting the drums. Haha, I still prefer dancing christmas tree, looks cuter to me.

Here's the christmas tree behind us. Don't know why it looks that dull in the photo. It's supposed to look much more livlier, haha. This photo was taken by a stranger, not that bad but just worried that he'll run away with that. Lolz. I don't know why I look so dumb in this photo. Haha. The christmas tree near City Hall is the nicest of them all but too tall and sparkling to take photos too near. Saw one family taking photo of their children and the tree from opposite the traffic!

I feel bad for making her walk long distance here and there when her runny nose seems to act up only after walking some distance. She said the air wasn't too clean and I really think so. Fortunately, my nose is just sensitive to extreme fragrance from body shop perfume.

After some time, we reached the esplanade. I didn't know along the fenced up coastline of the esplanade is installed with animated lights until I notice that night the colours seem to run through the coast. I thought I saw that due to my eyes turning blurry. Ha, no, it's confirmed so. Oh yeah, the durian really looks gorgeous at night.

At that place, many people were taking photos. Who knows what they are taking. I saw lotsa flash here and there but I think only Merlion and Esplanade landmarks are worth taking.... or are there something else? Here's the merlion which is among the last few photo before the camera's battery runs out. When my cousin lent me her digital camera, it wasn't fully charged and she forgotten to bring the charger too. So it's actually not bad to capture 55 photos for graduation night plus a few on that night. Haha. It takes me some time to configure the right settings on the camera and as well as on my k508i.

The sea breeze there is really cooling... Nice spot for hearty chats too. I haven't been talking that much since A level was over. Many matters ran through my mind. I feel that life's coming to a cross-road since the future is almost uncertain but ironically, there should be nothing I need to make decisions over since what I have to face soon is NS and the girls at my age will become my seniors in their respective universities soon.

Yep, I think I will stop writing here. Quite bored this whole afternoon coaching someone. I wonder how will I spend my christmas...?

=Navy Invitation/Openhouse=
Ok, since I've signed up, I went for it. It's not that bad decision to go after all - a fun trip for me. Here's the program throughout.

1) Validation of registration details at the waiting stop:
-I signed up alone so I kind of expected a lonesome trip throughout. But to my surprise, I see familiar faces at the waiting stop. Saw Jiamin and her taekwondo friend, ah Q, christopher and zuhui. All of them came alone too. Just a pure coincidence that I meet them. So the trip won't be as bored as I supposed.

2) Bus ride to Naval Base:
-I'm not sure exactly where is the location when I arrived. It's a very isolated place away from the heart of Singapore but it's still within the boundary of the mainland. All camera phones have to be kept at the visitor centre before approaching into the base. The Navy people are kind of thoughtful - planning bus rides wherever moving from destinations to destinations even though distance between is short.

3) Briefing of Navy Missions and Technology:
-Well, it seems pretty cool presentation they have put for us. I suppose part of the credits go to the speaker. (Convincing and bhb) From their presentation, I can see that the force is relatively small compared to other countries. However, the technology compromise for that and competency level is thus high. Their team spirit is good too (even if it's acted out) but I do believe they are close working partners. Free goodie bags are given out too. Nothing too amazing in it, just brochures.

4) Ad-hoc Breakfast:
-It was not pre-planned part of the program. They decided to put in due to the courtesy of it for inviting everyone so early in the morning. The food is nice. =) From the place where the breakfast buffet is held, I can see the broad view of loading and unloading port of the ships. The water glisters in the early morning and the scene looks spectacular through the clear glass panels around the buildings everywhere.

5) Exploration of largest navy ship
-Hmm.. It certainly looks cool from the inside and outside. But it's also quite difficult for me to move fast in the ship. Almost every sea-tight doors have high stubs to cross over. The stairs look scarily steep especially when coming down than moving up. Control centre looks just like the movie too! Ha. Most of the control of ship is quite automated, replicate components here and there and no more reading from map already. It's a pity we can't get to explore the stealth frigate yet. It's a newer ship and they are in the midst of adding in more components. Although it's actually ready for operation, the luxurious facilities in the largest ship is still missing in that frigate.

6) Ride on Fast Craft Utility (FCU)
-All were asked to wear float jackets before boarding FCU. Its maximum speed is very fast I suppose. But within the base, the speed is limited to 6 knots. It's already quite fast for me from the rush of the wind.

The trip ends off with free "King Kong" tickets given off. Yay! Still managed to catch a last movie before NS.

=Job Hunting @ Clarke Quay=
Esmond recommended this job to me when I asked him if he has any recommendation, seriously I wonder if he gains any commission from that. Shortly after that, he's off for his vacation in Hong Kong. Seems pretty much like a planned trick.

From what he and his senior's speech, I still can't figure out what the nature of the job about. He insists that I should come down for briefing at Clarke Quay to know more about the range of jobs that can be undertaken. Esmond recommends other than me, some other friends too. Jian Yuan after getting conned once, is precarious about such dubious stuff. Hence, he rejected to go for it.

When I reached there, Caleb, Weiyan, Joo Fang and Man Ting already there. They were waiting for me only. Shortly thereafter, we were brought to FLP and were introduced to the place and its activities. Oh well, the senior could have told us it's a particular place that we were going to work for but didn't... I get to know the 4 others soon as all were unknowingly victimized by our dear friend.

It seemed to be their company annual prize giving ceremony day and I do think it's not appropriate for us to join in such a ceremony just to know what the company is about or to feel their family spirit. It's just too time-consuming. Besides, their overwhelming enthusiasm kind of scares me to a large extent because I've never ever seen anything like that. All seemed like fake or acted out. If not Weiyan and Joo Fang initiated to move off, I guess we'll be stuck in that place for a much longer time.

I'm not really trying to say that the company is conning people but more like the situation of us people aren't really suitable for the job yet. Firstly, the time we're able to contribute is much lesser and the social group or contacts are mainly students, not rich millionaires who will willingly buy the expensive health-care products. There are many things to consider. I would rather get a down-to-earth job than a pyramid job. It's just not suitable.

=Graduation Night=
This is one of the big days for all TJCians graduating this year. I have always looked forward to it because it is my first ever grand party I've had so far. Secondary school's leaver ceremony isn't half as grand and cool as this. Haha..

It took me lots of time and money to buy clothes and do preparation for grad. It may sound kind of vain but no, I was just doing the minimum what others did. It's a fun thing having to reach Ritz Carlton early and see everyone coming in various styles...

Geraldine seemed bored almost throughout, complaining "sian" all the time. Jian Yuan had a hard time trying to entertain her. Ritz Carlton's signposts don't seem to be quite effective as the plates under the dim lights, merge well with wall and its position is somehow very near the place you want to find and that's like duh~ so redundant as you can already see the place before signposts lead you to it.

This is Hoi Ching looking great! I hope I didn't let others think I'm "da pai" because I have to be asked to take photo. I really love to take with all the friends I know. Afterall, there isn't going to be the same people, same time, same place walking into my life again. Ah, how nostalgic. =x

There are some wearing quite interesting costumes. Kai Yang, Daphne and one girl wearing Old England style are some of those I can think of.
Kai Yang was wearing some blue jacket with black t-shirt within. Daphne is wearing white cap and cool coat. Below are some photos I took with friends. It appears that the LCD screen on the camera is not accurate. I thought the photo was rather bright in the camera but appears not so on my computer. Hmm...

Also, I can't help but feel so amazed at fiona's appearance. Wow, so lady-like. She can look so pretty if she's less rough. Lol. However, it seems that she cannot stand how others look at her - hiding behind Estella's back initially. I think the change is more of good than otherwise for her.

Yunhui looks fantastically different. I can't recognise her for a while. Ha... I'm not tall and all girls are wearing high heels, that makes me seem even shorter. Sobx. Nah, that's fine.. I'm used to it. The first time I met her was at Choir audition and so far we've maintained some level of contact since she's living quite near to me. She's always very close to student council. After all, her boyfriend's from Student Council too. Haha.

The food isn't sufficient for me I feel. It seems like the greater the stars rating of the hotel, the lesser the quantity of food is provided. Nah, just joking. I like the dessert nevertheless. Strawberry flavour never tasted that good for me before. =P

Before the class left, we took a trio photo beside the great christmas tree standing near the entrance. Nice right? Alex looks like he's got a lot of things on his mind. Wonder what's he thinking about. Ha.

Here's the grad queen candidate from our class: Cirong. Well, I suppose she's chosen due to high popularity unlike some which may be due to other reasons... It's not easy to do the patting action when there isn't anything to show eh. At least there's a crown to be received. Ha... For guys, it will really be more fun if all put in more enthusiasm in performing for us especially the "Herhh.." part. But afterall, prizes don't seem to be much attractive anyway.

Here's Ms Fong without her beloved spectacles. Well, looks odd but maybe I'm just not used to it. I wanted to try contact lenses too but seems like there's no absolutely* free trial pair which wei jie insistently said there is. Mr Tong looks like a rich indonesian business man and Mrs Lim looks like a chic lady. Oh well, at least the MC felt so. She convinced everyone with her catwalk and the sexy moves taught by the MC. I don't have a picture on that. Ohh...

Here is Yuting. Her cheeks may look a little pinkish due to the colour editing. Quite embarrasing, she was taking photo with her friend when I suddenly just came in and she's OK for a photoshot. Her friend gave me a look that I was cutting queue.. Ha, but just said, "Oh nevermind, I help you two take." =X
Here's another popular girl - Yee Xian. Saw her and company at Marina Square shopping for stuffs. <= Her rebonded hair is quite nice right? Anyway, JiaYin is rather busy with her boyfriend so didn't take photo with her. =x That's all from the group of people in her gang that I know of.

This is the first and the last time I've taken photo with Xiao Yun I assume. It's of a funny incident that I got to know her. My friend, Haryl drags me to this christian sharing session for no particular reason and she's one of the very proactive people who enjoys opening herself to people. Frank and outspoken person. She always calls me Leonard because I look like the person she knew called leonard. Even her friend agrees so. I thought I'm unique? Lol.
This is Xiao Yun's friend, I think she's called Serene. I don't really know her but she said she always sees me on bus 88. Hee, I guess I aren't really observant. Glad to take photo with her anyway. So.. a new friend that night? Ha. I didn't see Haryl there so I guess he's not going. Strange, I thought somehow his friends will definitely be able to drag him there by hook or by crook. =P

Here's Angela Tan. Her make up is better than previous ones I would say. Not trying to hint anything though. Mm, she's a nice girl anyway, I've been rather impatient with her sometimes during pdp sessions. I think she would have sensed it but didn't take it personally to heart anyway... -----

Next is the gang of Marists in TJ. Not all but some. I really look like a dwarf or hobbit in the photo. See what I mean? If you ask me if TJ or my secondary school is better, college is where most of the most memorable events take place but secondary school is the one that makes me see what I am and the people around me. I believe both are meaningful to me.

Look at Hafiz. Isn't he cool? Ha, didn't expect him to wear like that. Maybe he's too close to Student Council initially and thus isn't close to the class. This year I realise he's a much nicer person than I thought, should have talked to him more to know that. Many dotA outings with him, zhiren and company aren't successful. Either tuition or something is in place. Ha.

Here's Estella looking very elegantly. She seems much slimer, wonder if she tried visiting slimming session. Opps, that's bad to talk of my "mum". She told me that when Esmond called her that time, she wasn't having a good mood and thus didn't think twice about the post-grad outing, it's not that she cannot go. (Hope Esmond reads this) I'm not clear what Esmond told jian yuan later in the night also. But like what Jian Yuan says, when the outing is at 2am. 9pm should seem early...

I'm tired of putting all the photos in. These are just a few. Drop me a message in the tagboard to ask for the photos taken not posted then I'll post accordingly.