Above is a picture of a rose, after reading the entire post you will understand.
Recently, certain “Texts” has made me “Recalled” a book. I shall not name the book but rather I would describe it. The book is “Highly Abstract”. Most people who don’t even bother reading it, would say ‘Hey Pear, deprived childhood?’
As I “Recall” this book, I decided to read it once again to recall certain parts of it. Apparently my initial interpretation of it was somewhat correct, the book is highly analogical and there wasn’t really a fixed story line. Rather it was based on the life experience of the author. Reading this book again was good idea, because it made me understand certain things. I managed to learn more values.
At times, when one matures into an adult, we actually lose out a lot about life and we only see things from a certain perspective. This is a sad truth, because all they think about is “Matters of Consequence”. But for those who understand life, figures are a matter of indifference. (Many Phrases that I have used are quoted from the book)
It is difficult for people to find friends. Finding a friend is akin to showing someone an abstract art. Because it is an “Abstract” art, different people would interpret it differently, those who interpret it in a similar way could be thought of as one that “understands” you because you guys are of the same frequency.
Here are some quotes that I love from the book. I paraphrased some of them to add on the mystery of the book. (Bolded)
"Many at times, what is important is the thing that is not seen”
"Do not look with the eyes, but the heart ..."
Certainly this is true, many at times your eyes can cloud your vision. This reminds me of another quote “Love is not blinded, because it sees more, it is willing to see less.”
"This time, go and look again at the IT. You will understand now that IT is unique in all the world.”
“During the night, I will be alive in one of the stars and within it I will be smiling. So to another it will be as if all the stars were smiling ... You, only you will see the smiling stars.”
In life, we never understand the importance of certain things until we lose them. Also, it takes time for one truly understand certain aspects of life, that’s why we’re living it to gain greater enlightenment. The part about the smiling stars is easily interpreted, however it differs from one to another. Think about this, it is just like if someone were to bring in terms such as “Strawberry, Green, GQQ and You Know Who”, I and only I would be able to understand it.
I admire the Author’s ability to construct such an analogical masterpiece and I look forward to creating one myself, perhaps in the near future.
the origin.10:57 PM
Ever since years back I always pondered to myself, why is it so hard to find someone of the same frequency as me? Could it be that I really was unfathomable? Apparently not ... I recall my friend Kevin once told me that it’s suppose to be that way, if everyone was in the same frequency then the world would be so dull.
Some people find me comical, others find me creepy because I laugh and smile to myself sometimes. Well, it all boils down to how the great mind thinks. My mind and character were all built up by my idols ... well, most of them are fictional characters but I don’t see a big problem with that. If one ever wonders how my mind ticks, you could say I’m a combination of everyone I admire. I’ve got one hell of a whacked imagination, that’s why I can crap so well.
Some people might find me very pathetic because my values, character and behaviour are all built up based on mostly fictional character. However insult me if you want but don’t insult them, they are “People” whom I have immense respect on.
Recently, I tried looking for more sports related anime to watch. After searching for ages, I came across the anime “Dear Boys”. Apparently it was a great disappointment because I tend to compare it with other anime that I have watched. Slam Dunk is the best basketball anime to ever exist. Takehiko Inoue the writer of slam dunk is simply brilliant, unfortunately he didn’t write Slam Dunk 2. Why is slam dunk my favourite anime? Great music at appropriate times and super inspirational, it taught me a lot of values.
Here is a list of people I respect a lot from my favourite anime Slam Dunk.
Name: Soichiro Jin
What about him: Despite being tall, he wasn’t cut out to be a centre because he was too soft and his jump power is weak too. However he did not give up, he practiced shooting 500 3-Pointers a day and eventually became a sharp shooter
Name: Maki Shinichi
What about him: The part about him wanting to win so badly is something that deserves respect. The difference between those who are merely good and champions is that who just wants to win more.
Name: Takenori Akagi
What about him: He has attained the state of mental being stronger than physical. Not many can achieve this, it’s like asking a 70 year old man to do a windmill when it’s impossible.
Name: Hanamichi Sakuragi
What about him: He’s not suppose to be in the list, it’s just that I like the way he thinks. Rather we think alike. The lamest person on earth who calls himself a genius, I do that to sometimes when no one is around =D
Name: Mitsui Hisashi
What about him: A good example of turning over a new leaf. It is never too late to pursue your dreams.
Name: Ryota Miyagi
What about him: Despite being criticized of being short, he shows others that being short does not mean he can’t put up a good fight.
Recently, I came across an interesting quote 'If we always do what we've always done, we will get what we've always got.' - Adam Urbanski. I believe that certainly this is true that is why the only constant is change itself, we just go to keep standing up and keep fighting back.
What happens when the sky is filled with stars, how can a mere star get the attention of the viewer? In the business world, rivals compete with one another. Whatever one has the other has too. So how can one show his or her X-Factor? It all boils down to who just wants to win more.
“When it comes to the future, there are three kinds of
people: those who let it happen, those who make it
happen, and those who wonder what happened.”- John M.
Richardson Jr.
I’m the type of guy that makes things happen.
the origin.7:58 PM
Imagine this scene, in a third world country there is a sudden surge in the usage of power supply and all the energy produced in the powerplant is channelled to the source and then ... everything goes poof. [If you don’t get what I am driving at, I am referring to the entire city experiencing a blackout]
A similar scene occurred today, it reminds me of first year during debate when Wayne scolds me. During then, I was in the limelight ... meaning I was actually giving my speech and all of a sudden I just stop not knowing how to continue. I believe many people have this problem to ... losing your train of thoughts. I always felt that Asians can’t comprehend English conversations as well as Caucasians. Well perhaps it might be due to the different way in which we speak and the ability to focus. It’s like a channelling spell which can’t be interrupted.
Today was rather embarrassing because during class I was brainstorming and damn did the storm get too ugly and on impulse I raised my hand to pose a question and 5 minutes later, I see myself in front of the class trying to explain what I was asking and I did lose my train of thoughts when I was upfront. Some people don’t really get themselves involved in such discussions and perhaps they find the guy talking bullshit and no one understands him. Well, I admit it was my fault to waste everyone’s time ... oh well, life goes on
Every Friday, I would dash off after class way faster than usual because I had a tight schedule to keep up with. I make it a point to meet up with my secondary school friends to play basketball twice a week, the 8 – 12 of us would meet up frequently and play ball. It was something which I looked forward to each week. But after our ball game today, there came the bad news ... apparently we were going to meet up less frequently, only on Sundays. I never told them I was going to Australia to study and perhaps migrate there in the future, it was only till recently in which they found out. I always thought that when the day to leave were to come they would really miss me. However today was such a day in which they had to leave to do their work. Some had attachments while others are working. Instead of leaving them first, they left me first and I really miss them major big time. During my time in secondary school, because we were from different classes I did not manage to get to know them well, even till now I don’t really talk much but despite that they meant something to me. My strict training regime was to partly to impress them too, if they were to leave me who would share the joy with?
Sure... some might say “Hey Perry, your still gonna meet on weekends stop making it sound as though your not going to meet forever”. But the thing is that they mean a lot to me. Well will resume playing 3 months later, great... by then it’s January and school ends. It’s time for army worse still by the time we regroup, another group of friends leave me. With regards to the topic about friends, I guess time and circumstances determine who we meet and what happens next. Are friends just companions that see you through various phases of life? So... they come and go when circumstances change? I mentioned about envying some of my friends at times, because they can do what I can’t. Take for instance they are more independent than I am, some others can say what they want because their circumstances favours the outcome of what they have to say. Sigh... this reminds me of an old song “木鱼与金鱼” , the lyrics reminds me of “Circumstances”.
the origin.12:40 AM
Be it work or study, the feeling of being exhausted and lost is always there. Many of us seek different forms of encouragement, some choose to get themselves “Drunk” with entertainment such as playing video games, some others choose to crap it out with friends. Others like myself resort to getting motivation from admiring people who keep going at it even if it means breaking a leg.
Recently, I have been working hard ensuring that I pay adequate amount of attention in class and set aside the workout regime I had to ensure that I score 200 hoops a day. All for the sake of getting stronger and to change to become the better person. However my friend asked me something that made my resolve waver, “Perry, if you keep doing it isn’t it becoming a routine and won’t you find it bothersome in time to come?” Well putting that aside, many other factors has caused me to stumble as well. I am very disappointed with myself in class today, I wasn’t paying attention but playing with my friend checkers. Where in the seven seas did the responsible me go to? (If anyone sees me not paying attention, nudge me and remind me thx. All you got to say is “The pain of discipline is much less than the pain of regret.”)
Also, I always wonder sometimes sermons by pastors get rather boring and it just doesn’t seem to get into my head. Could it be that I have not yet encounter a relatively similar experience to relate to? Sometimes I was just wondering, a pastor having to get ready a speech each weekend is it by his strength? Or is it buy the strength of god? (Well, the picture I’m trying to paint is that does god speak to the pastor before every Sunday? I don’t think so ...)
Apparently, anime isn’t airing lately meaning emotions aren’t being heightened at the moment (No Fire, where is the spark that should be there be it rain or shine?). What’s going to happen when all the anime that I am watching ends? (OMG! I don’t even want to think about it). Maybe the day will come, and when it comes I will be a seasoned veteran who does not need to rely on others anymore.
Lost? Exhausted? Fret not, I am feeling the same way. Here is something to ignite you.
“The best way out is always through.” – Robert Frost
the origin.11:04 PM
Today is akin to pay day. People work to get paid, but what happens if your work and your effort goes to waste? Fortunately for me, today was a good day in which my basketball practices have shown some results. But what has to be understood is that there are times in which your efforts do not produce the expected the results. As mentioned before, I am one who gets disappointed easily. But what matters most is that you have given it your 100%. I believe that regardless of what you do the blood and sweat that you shed will pay off one way or another.
Well set aside the good that has happened to me today, there is the bad too. I always mentioned about my tendency to back off when problems gets too complex. I hope that in time to come, I will not be a coward that backs off when troubles lurks. Many of us would have come across the term “The never-ending viscous cycle”, I manage to chance upon these circumstances quite a number of times. Today was such a day, but instead of simply chancing across it became indirectly experiencing it. It reminded me of what I read in a magazine about the situation in Afghanistan. Afghanistan, an impoverished country trapped in such a cycle. Although the international committee has assigned NATO to aid in terms of foreign intervention, however the help provided isn’t enough. The general idea is that a power plant built has to be repaired and it’s production is incomplete, because of the existence of the Taliban materials cannot be delivered simply by trucks, but instead by helicopters. The NATO’s limited forces can do nothing but defend the region and supplying people of the vicinity “Monetary Aid”, but once the forces return to their designated region the Taliban robs and terrorizes these people. One might be curious how does the Taliban get the money to fuel its organization? Well the answer is pretty simple, Opium traffickers provide helpless farmers with seeds and fertilizers to grow the raw material for heroin which in turn finances the insurgents.
This reminds me of “Water Right” situation in Africa and also people who are heavily in-debt. Superheroes such as Batman and Ironman, how do they manage to protect the innocent? They only manage to do it because they are loaded. In the future, I too hope I can be "loaded" one way or another, providing aid to such people caught in these viscous cycles.
[To become one who commands the respect of others]
the origin.9:32 PM
“The length of the course determines the strength of the horse”. Perseverance, the most important thing champions have. I always tell myself it’s not good to be a perfectionist, in our course of life, mistakes are inevitable what’s most important is to learn from them. This would supposedly mean that I am no perfectionist, but I tend to blame myself too often.
“People blame their environment. There is only one person to blame -- and only one -- themselves.” – Robert Caller
“When you blame others, you give up the power to change.” – Dr Robert Anthony
Why am I so useless?
Why am I so slow?
Why am I so weak?
Why am I so powerless?
If only I was braver,
If only I was smarter,
If only I was more talented.
Am I blaming myself too much?
I’m feeling pretty low lately, life has become much healthier I haven’t been playing much computer games lately. I take my time to work out and shoot hoops daily, In the past, I used to detest practicing alone. I used to find it very boring and it would only be fun with Wei Liang around. The 2 of us used to super close doing all sorts of things together. But everyone has their lives to lead, I recall telling one my friends that time won’t change friendship, how true is it? (Time changes people doesn’t it?)
In the past, if I manage to complete my work early I would game, it later on developed to crapping and talking and now it has become nothing at all. A few thoughts has filled my mind lately, to visit the library and borrow a book to read it in a quiet place, this might help me out in writing short stories in the future. Or to shoot hoops in school everyday.
I finally got a taste of what it means to be injured in a ball game, the impacts are kind of great affecting your performance. Despite the injuries I have sustained lately, such as blisters, pulled hamstring and an injured elbow, I have made it a point to complete my daily regime of exercise and shooting hoops. I get a lot of motivation from anime characters. I always remember a phrase in Naruto, Rock Lee wept and told his sensei that he practices so hard that his legs shake during missions. This along with Naruto’s will to get stronger has fueled my motivation (Anime has to be aired more frequently, I need my daily dose of medication). In the above, I mentioned why, why, why, if only, if only, if only. What’s most important is that I didn’t mention “If only I tried harder”. The pain of discipline is much less than the pain of regrets.
the origin.8:44 PM
Today, was the second last episode of “On the First Beat”. Thanks to my sister being a spoiler, I manage to find out what happened at the end, which left me very hollow. I remember telling many of my good friends this saying, when you get married find an opportunity to tell your wife that if the day in which we were to kick the bucket would come, you’ll kick yours first.
Naturally most of us would have been astounded by what I just said, you talking bullshit man? Apparently not, this is because it’s not the dead that suffers but the living ones that do. Well this was quoted from some movie that I watched in the past. So, linking back to on the first beat, the female lead dies ..., this reminds me of the film “Chinese Paladin” which I have yet to complete. (I got to find time to finish watching it) I remember mentioning about a film years back named “Xiao Qing”. It’s about 2 people not being fated to be together, a human falling in love with a ghost. The ending was that he kept her in his umbrella forever. (Apparently, ghosts portrayed in the film feared light. Sounds rather like a vampire to me.)
Well, apparently it is kind of coincidental that I came upon some quotes before watching this episode. “Loneliness is the poverty of self; solitude is the richness of self.” – May Sarton
Many of us use the terms loneliness and solitude interchangeably. But are they really the same? Well, I’ll cut short to the point... it ain’t the same. The notions of solitude, loneliness and being alone are often confusing or misunderstood. One way to look at this is to say that solitude is the joy of being alone while loneliness is the pain of being alone. Being alone is not necessarily to be lonely. Solitude is the prerequisite for creativity and the place in which we can discover the treasure chest of tranquility and serenity and all their benefits.
(Cited from http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Are_Solitude_And_Loneliness_Different.html)
Sometimes I don’t really know whether it’s the feeling of solitude or loneliness that dwells within me, I think it’s both. Lately, my friend terms me as “Anti-Social”. How true is this statement, perhaps to a certain extent. Rather call me an introvert.
I have a really bad habit, if anyone is seeing this right now he or she will definitely be freaked out. I talk to myself sometimes. Yes I do, don’t persuade me to talk to the Good Samartians of Singapore, it ain’t going to help. Well, it isn’t bad you know, the other me helps me to think better and at times boost my confidence. (Maybe it’s just me ...) Recently, I talked to myself in the toilet while bathing and I did not realize that it was a little loud. Mom managed to hear bits and peices and she said I was weird ... great, it’s her fault actually for giving me my Chinese name from an idiom “Zhi Yan Zhi Yu” meaning talking to oneself, apparently my name meant that I would live to be a happy person.
Ok everyone, it’s time for the grandfather talk. Perhaps I am one with too whacked of an imagination, but I would never want to portray myself old with no one else left. Meaning all that’s left are shards of memories. I manage to come across a unique quote that a friend wrote in loving memory of his friend.
“A brief candle; both ends burning
An endless mile; a bus wheel turning
A friend to share the lonesome times
A handshake and a sip of wine
So say it loud and let it ring
We are all a part of everything
The future, present and the past
Fly on proud bird
You're free at last.” – Charles Daniels
written en route to the funeral for his friend, Ronnie Van Zant of the band, Lynyrd Skynyrd.
the origin.10:24 PM
Recently, I got really in-to the physical aspect. I have been reading from various sources how to improve my physique and ultimately it isn’t all for the sake of NS, but for my passion basketball. Compared to most of the Singaporeans, I am slightly above average in terms of height and jump power so most of the time when playing basketball I am always playing the role Centre. Basically what most people know about them is that they are large and slow, they rebound, put up impressive defensive display and score within the post. My recent trip to Australia made me realize that height and jump power can no longer be my forte. There are many out there who are taller and who can jump higher, in fact I am rather short as compared to most of them. That’s why I’m going to train my dexterity and dribbling techniques. To make the most drastic transition, from a centre to a point guard. (The main idea most people have of a point guard is one who is small in size and fast, good at dribbling, able to score from a distance and a coach on the court who makes the right decisions) Ok, so if you did observe the 2 descriptions it is like totally opposite.
I am so envious of people who are born in the US, their parents are supposedly more open minded and they get to develop their talents. Compare athletes from Singapore to the USA, I believe that there is higher chances for a normal individual to develop his or her talents. There are so many talented streetballers in the USA, if you were to compare them with Singapore one’s they are younger and even more talented.
Ok! Enough with myself being green in envy of others. I want to join University of Queensland’s basketball team in the future. I want to experience official tournaments, making friends and experiencing hardship. I believe that my new training regime along with National Service will beef me up.
Some call themselves perfectionists, although I don’t count myself as one however I am easily disappointed by my performance at times. I understand that things don’t change immediately, Rome wasn’t built in a day, I need to have more patience. School has started and I have been putting in my fair share of effort but the outcome isn’t exactly going the way in which I hope for it to be. I need to develop more confidence and to be more outspoken.
(I hope I can dribble like the above)
the origin.11:16 PM
Holiday: The Land Down Under
Day of Flight: (Thursday)
Few days before the day of flight, my aunt called to ask if I was afraid. Well, although I answered no however during the day itself hell was I panicky. It was the first time I travelled alone. Well, it didn’t went as bad as I thought. The instructions given to me helped quite a lot even though it didn’t went perfectly smooth.
Being new at this travelling thingy, I was given advice to book a corridor seat which I eventually did. This is exactly the part which made me feel like a country bumpkin. You see, there wasn’t a chair in front of mine ... you know what this means? This basically means that I didn’t see the TV thingy anywhere. I had no choice but to approach the air stewardess and ask for directions. Major embarrassment.
People say Singapore Airlines food is much better as compared to other airlines. If Singapore Airlines food is “Good”, I would never want to be served food by another airline, it might probably taste worse than hospital food.
The most interesting that happened to me on the day itself would be the conversations I had with my dad. Dad asked me an interesting question: “When is a child closest to the parents?” My personal opinion would be that when we get older. I felt that when we were children, it’s not as though we were given a choice rather we were dependent on them. I thought that the time spent does not matter rather, it is how you spend the “limited” time you have. Dad gave me his personal take on it, it was the direct opposite. He felt that as children grow older, they become more independent and they no longer need their parents, this causes a drift. Ironically the ultimate aim of a parent is to nurture a child to an adult so that he could take care of him or herself in the future. Doesn’t that mean raising a child to leave you? This reminds me of the show “Money not Enough 2” which I caught the day before.
I believe this does not apply only to bringing up children. If you come to think about it, many at times people are forced to do things it is only when they are forced to do such things do they realize the joy in it. For instance, which child would want to attend school if given a choice? But yet is through being forced to go to school that he makes friends. Perhaps as we grow older, got less and less of these forced “Opportunities”
Day 1: (Friday)
My first day in Australia brought back jolts of memory from the past. Although things have changed over the past 9 years but there are things that don’t change too. Like the lottery thingy for instance and other buildings. Well, recalling the past is not always positive you know? Here comes the negative part. The weather is very cold. I knew it was cold all along but because it’s winter, morning and night is way colder than ever. It’s like below 5 degrees at times.
Imagine waking up not wanting to leave your blanket which you must and stepping foot on the freezing cold floor. Feels like the ducky which steps in the cold pond going BWUUU! I wasn’t really used to the lifestyle, the place seems rather too wide. It’s times like this which you miss the “Smallness” of Singapore. It takes like at the very least to travel 15 minutes around places. This could extend to 45 minutes. Just doing a few things and the day will be gone. In the past night falls at around 4-5pm. The only change perhaps would be because it’s winter at the moment meaning spring is about to approach and night falls around 6 or so.
Managed to mingle with Fendi (My aunt’s dog whom I last saw at least 8 years ago) and the guinea pigs (Ah Bui and Mogi)
I ate dim sum for lunch, slept afterwards and went for Korean BBQ for dinner. The food here rocks, but that’s the problem. I would probably return 10kg heavier.
Went to the City to check out stuff with my cousin in the evening. The cool thing about the public transports here is that they have a special lane for it. Take for instance in the City, they have roads and lanes built only for these buses that way there won’t be traffic jams. Cool right? But despite that you would still have to walk a distance sometimes due to the place being too big. (People in Singapore start considering yourselves blessed.)
I realized that living expenses aren’t cheap here. Although the pay here is much higher than in Singapore but the prices of things pretty much makes up for everything. You could imagine things being 2x more expensive not putting conversion rates into consideration. (Imagine this, a bottle of coke costs Sg$1.75. Over here, it costs like Aus$3.50 (Using conversion rates it would be like $3.50 * 1.3 = $4.55. Mega Expensive!). To get to the City one would have to bus fare of $3.50. That’s like major expensiveness ~
(Ah-Bui. After seeing this, most people would believe that it is a girl, apparently not.)
(Ah-Bui and his brother Mogi)
(Cute Right?)
Day 2: (Saturday)
I recall my friends asking me why do I not want to work during the holidays? I always responded saying that there was no need for money. Well, maybe at that point of time there really wasn’t much money could do me. But today was such a time like some others where there was a need for money.
During the morning I along with my younger aunt, my cousin, her boyfriend and my Cousin’s friend Elisa went to Harbour Town after breakfast. It was basically a place where you find lots of branded goods sold at a cheaper rate. Even after putting in the conversion rates into consideration it was still much cheaper than usual. Basically the main idea was that there were lots of things that I wanted to buy, but because I did not have much money I couldn’t buy much. In fact I had to depend on my aunt and cousin which made me feel terrible.
I’m like coming to 20 and I practically don’t have much savings. In fact I don’t even know lots of stuff that I should know by my age.
Ok. Set aside the guilt talk, after shopping at harbour town we went to Peter’s Fish Market to have lunch. The name of the shop sounds lame right? In actual fact hell no. Basically it was a fish and chips store where you get to select whatever seafood that you like ranging from your typical fillet to lobsters. After selecting, they’ll cook it for you. That’s like so cool I don’t even recall having a store like that in Singapore. (Pardon my lack of Knowledge)
After lunch we went to Surfer’s paradise. Well basically all these regions are near gold coast. Surfer’s paradise like the name suggests has lots of surfers around, so the goods revolves around your typical Rip Curl, Billabong, Globe and Vans (This 2 are like skateboarding -.-). I happened to pass by a shop that sold really offensive yet interesting shirts. Check this out: The first shirt had the sign FBI, with words below the large bolded words saying female body inspector. The second shirt had this written on it “Drunk? Free Breathalyzer below” and an arrow pointing downwards. The third shirt was much simpler with the text “I’m with stupid ”. We lingered around till it was 6.30 and we met up with my older aunt and uncle along with some friends (Johny, Nancy and Rachel ... that is if I didn’t remember wrongly) went to have Japanese dinner. I had my favourite food SASHIMI !
After a bloating dinner we took an hour trip up to Nerang Mountain at the national park. We visited the “Glowing Cave”, a cave filled with fireflies. It took us sometime around 10 minutes to get to the cave. It was like nearly midnight and damn was it cold. Man was it awesome. Although it was only 5 minutes long but I enjoyed myself big time, it’s the first time I actually seen this. (Set aside the other time I seen it when I was 6 years old. What the hell do kids remember about holidays anyway.)
Apparently I didn’t know it till then, that if you took a picture or flash some source of light at the fireflies they would die. Apparently some lame kids must have said “Hey Mom LOOK! LOOK! Fireflies” they would immediately direct their light source towards it and there goes everything ...
Apparently if you focus your vision at 1 firefly, the light emitted by the other fireflies would seem less concentrated being more spread apart. Although that is what I observed, perhaps this is just some physics bull crap. This reminds me of one thing that I really want to do in the future with “The Right One”, that is to go star gazing. But this new awesome experience will be added to my list of must do’s. Although I couldn’t take a picture of it and even if I took a video of it most people won’t be able to see a damn thing. Sometimes certain things are not meant to be stored in pictures but experienced for a short moment. Compare this, looking at a picture of fireflies as compared to experiencing it itself. If you don’t believe me that taking a picture won’t be good, just go google picture fireflies. You probably won’t give much of a damn. This can be compared to experiencing fireworks to that of looking at fireworks on a picture. (I did suggest video though =X)
(My Cousin and her friend Elisa)
(Biao jie, xiao yi and myself at Peter's Fish Market)
(Cousin and her BF Brandon)
(A store at surfer's paradise)
Day 3: (Sunday)
I had to wake up early to go to church with everyone. I was tired and what’s worse is that it’s a mandarin speaking church. (FYI my Chinese isn’t particularly good, C5 you know ...) I thought it would be terrible, but apparently it turned out to be awesome. Although the pastor didn’t look very powerful to me but hell was his sermon good. He talked about faith. Brining in parts of the bible such as Abraham, Noah and Moses. (Hebrews Chapter 13)
Too bad I didn’t bring my bible otherwise I would have written everything down. I really have to start writing down these important stuff. I am so lazy !
After church, I met my Cousin’s best friend ‘Venus’. What’s interesting about her was that she was getting married and she’s only like 21 years old. Come to think of it I think I can only get married at 31 with very little savings. (Considering what all my friends call me ... ‘Gramps’. I think I would probably be filled with white hair )
After church we had lunch at a hongkong restaurant and later on we went to strawberry farm. We went to pluck strawberries and I found this strawberry the size of my palm, hell was it big. Right after that, we got chocolate sauce and ate our strawberries dipped into it. (I love Strawberries with sugar. NOW CHOCOLATE !). Besides just eating strawberries we had strawberry smoothie too. I manage to take some photos with my aunt’s camera. Damn! It’s times like this when I wished I had a camera.
Went back home to have steamboat. After coming to Australia I am really worried about my diet regime, I keep eating and eating and eating.
(Stunned ~ The biggest strawberry I have ever seen)
(Wei Wei my Younger Aunt =D)
(My Older Aunt and me)
(My biao jie pretty right!)
Day 4: Monday
Finally I have some beauty sleep. Slept till 11.30am. Weird sleep though, I had 3 consecutive dreams. 1 was super action packed about me and Kevin fighting Hellboy. (Don’t ask me why hell boy)
If mom asked me what did I enjoy most during my stay, I would tell her it was beauty sleep. When living in a colder country, you never feel like waking up because it’s so comfy.
Went to Direct Factory Outlets to get myself a pair of Jeans (I didn’t realize the Jeans that I had been wearing was the only long pants I brought... -.-‘’’). After looking around for an hour or so finally got myself a pair from Jeanswest. Never heard of it before but apparently it’s a store that sells jeans that has lots of fits. Xin Xin went to get some stuff for Wei’s Birthday which was tomorrow. It’s times like this when I feel bad because I didn’t have much money.
Apparently I really see the importance of money in this short time span. I definitely must get a job when I get back to Singapore.
By late afternoon I checked out Garden City, the mall that I used to visit when I was a kid. Bought some food and checked out various stores. Went back home and had steamboat once again.
(Apparently Girls take pictures everywhere don’t they? Haha!)
Day 5: Tuesday
You know in life, there has to be sweet and sour. This applies to holidays too. Apparently, today was suppose to be the main reason why I came to Australia but I was dying of boredom at the thought of it. Woke up early in the morning to go to University of Queensland, apparently I was suppose to enquire about my education stuff. Didn’t really understood why I had to do this because IDP the Singapore correspondent provided me with sufficient information. Anyway it’s all my fault because I suggested to mom that it would be good if I experienced life on campus itself.
The campus was pretty huge. One thing I hate about overseas universities is that they got so many campus and some aren’t even near one another. Imagine if me and my best friend went to the same university but different course, to our astonishment do we realize that different campus. LOL!
Apparently, the university wasn’t as state of the art as I imagined. But from what I heard it was really prestigious and the facilities are considered not too bad. My aunt was right about 1 thing. The campus is really huge and walking from place to place can be extremely tiring.
I am really worried about coming over here. First of all, I will be skipping 2 years of university and jumping right to third year. What if I am not ready? Furthermore RP’s system of “Not memorizing” will cause me to have serious blunders. Most importantly I will be away from all my loved ones (this includes my friends T_T .... PS don’t forget the food. LOL!)
Although I happen to be on holidays, however how I yearn to return to Singapore. I love everything there. Many people know me as one that does no travel often. That is certainly true. During my secondary school days my parents were rather strict on me and I never really ventured around Singapore alone much. Although I really don’t feel like leaving Singapore, however it is not right for me to be selfish to think of only myself. I understand that certain things are destined to go a particular way and I have no choice but to ride the waves. No point crying over spilled milk. Rather what should be done is to cherish the moments with all those I love in Singapore. I have decided to go on this food field trip with my close friends in which we would tour around Singapore eating and taking pictures of food. Perhaps I should create a new blog for it.
After viewing campus, I met up with my older aunt and uncle we had Sizzlers for lunch. It’s really delicious, I realize that although franchised, food tastes differently in different regions of the world. Take for instance Sizzlers in Australia is much better than in Singapore but KFC and Macdonalds is much better in Singapore as compared to Australia. I ate till I got guilty because I was supposed to be on a diet. I know grandma and mom would definitely ask me about food in Australia. I would definitely tell them ho jia, I eat until I want to vomit. Hahaha
Well later on at night we celebrated my younger Aunt’s Birthday. We had steak at Norman’s Hotel. Food was pretty good once again and I have to say that I was full till the extent of puking once again. [My weight fluctuates more than magnetic fields in my opinion]
(This pelican at campus looks as though he could gobble me up)
(Entrance Prerequisite: PHD. I might study and work in this building in the future =P.)
(Me and the Birthday Girl!)
(Yum Yum ~ Too bad it isn't what i ate. I always start eating forget to take picture -.-'')
(Allergic to Wine can't drink T_T)
Day 6: Wednesday
Initially I was super excited about today because I was going to movie world. But apparently it turned out to be a great disappointment. Still I enjoyed myself during certain parts of the day. Entry fee was supposed to be around $50 but spend more because of the bus fare, well apparently I felt that it wasn’t worth paying that sum of money.
I woke up super early to catch the bus, reached movie world at 10. When I received the map I knew that my hopes were crushed because apparently only got 6 rides for adults, furthermore for people who are chickened out like me only can play those not so hyper ones. Ended up playing only 2 rides and 1 4D film. Spend most of the time watching events and browsing through shops
Shrek’s 4D film was uber cool, it was unlike all those 3d rides you have in Singapore. The effects were magnificient combined with the water effects at the appropriate times. One of my favourite parts was the part with the spiders crawling up your legs and you can really feel it because they had this machine that tickles your leg .
Apparently light roller coaster is ok with me but those hardcore ones I will die on the spot. Finally I took some pictures and I saw my idol batsy. Apparently I am pretty average in height over here. The batman was taller than me T_T. I need to grow taller by 10 cm like that then 188cm =D.
I finished everything by 12.30pm but I had no choice but to stay on till 5pm till the bus arrives. I don’t know how I spend the time also. More events I guess.
After Movie world, I met up with everyone else and we went to Tomato Italian Restaurant for PIZZA !. The Pizza here are cooked in a unique way (woodfired), heard that Singapore only got 1 Italian restaurant near some restaurant that cooks this way. It tastes hell of awesome and we kept ordering pizza after pizza. Ended up with 6 pans, once again I ate till I almost dropped dead.
(Shrek's Store)
(Shrek's 4D adventure was super fun! Unlike no other 3D animated crap I have experienced)
(A picture of me at the events hall)
(Porky Pig Presenting ....... Me ...)
(I faced my fears and took a coaster ride. Was super fun!)
(I swear if you pull my beard, I'll blast your head off!)
(Apparently that's me in my car.)
(Old Car got use OK!)
(Apparently I killed time by watching beatles wannabe's)
(A building perhaps only familiar to me =D)
Day 7:Thursday
Today, I went to take different forms of public transport here. Seems lame right? Nah. Did you know Brisbane has ferry to cruise people around? Well, that wasn’t the coolest part. My cousin’s boyfriend Brandon apparently cycles to work everyday during summer. Actually that is one part of my dream life. That is to cycle to school and work, to and fro everyday. But apparently despite knowing that I was rather sad because it reminds me that I would have to leave Singapore one day.
After that, I went to visit the museum at the city. Well one interesting fact I learnt is that incubation temperature for eggs of sea turtles determines it’s gender. Later on I wandered around city and I finally bought myself a pair of shoes that I really like. It’s the first time I bought shoes with 0 advice from others. Got to start getting used to this feeling. I will be a lone wolf really soon in time to come.
(Brisbane River ... No City Cats around?)
Day 8: Friday
A super cool day today, I visited the Australian Zoo Home of the Crocodile hunter. I heard that Steve Irwin was buried in the zoo. Well, I believe that most teenagers don’t like going to the zoo apparently I do. I find that the zoo is a cool place because you would not only expand your knowledge by knowing more about animals but also experience the way in which they behave.
My favourite animal in the Zoo was the Koala’s. Well the reason wasn’t because it was Australia’s Icon, that’s only the side reason. The main reason was because I have this picture of myself when I was 7 years old carrying a Koala. When I was a kid I found Koala Bear’s super heavy, I wanted to hug them again. But apparently I didn’t get a chance to. I only got to touch them ... Oh well.
The coolest thing about the Australia Zoo is that you get to actually interact with the animals by experiencing some of them in their habitat. Meaning you get to pat them and feed some of them. I haven’t been to the Singapore Zoological Park for ages, I am hoping to visit them with some of my friends next semester. When I visited the zoo, 2 friends poped up in my mind all of a sudden. Well the trigger was because the Australian Zoo had lots of lizards running about, or rather they were iguanas (Really large ones). I believe one of my friend would be screaming and hiding while the other frantically chasing them hoping to catch them in his hat and smuggle them out.
After the zoo, I went to the City to meet up with my cousin once again. She wanted to take me to the night market, but apparently because of the fireworks tomorrow, it was closed. Major disappointment, we walked around south bank and went home after that.
(Trying too hard to face my fears -.-'')
(Stop Copying me!)
(Did you know that the one humped camel belongs to Australia? Did you know that Australia has the most number of these camels? Did you know that there are so many that it has to be exported to Saudi Arabia?)
(Koala Kawaii Desu Ne! [Ok I know i sound major gay, pretend it wasn't me who said it])
(Cute !!!)
(Act dao sei, tap you yet you don't care me!)
(Family Reunion! So many Koala Bears, the one in front look like me sia, sleeping pose so weird as if like grandpa like that.)
(Only can tap tap. No Huggies T_T)
Day 9: Saturday
Woke up early in the morning, had breakfast with both my aunt’s at Brisbane market. Later on according to plan we went bush walking at mountain Cootah. Apparently, Australia’s mountains has their own shares of their stories. This mountain was known for aborigines living there once. There was some artsy fartsy art carvings etc... well the main reason why we went there was to go bush walking. At first I was thinking 4km++ only no kick. Later on I realized that the terrain was rocky furthermore there were a lot of slopes meaning we had to walk upslope a lot. The walk took like 45minutes, well I was kind of tired after the walk and I was dying for 1 drink. Pepsi or Coke! I don’t know why but every time I participate in some tiring activity I would yearn for coke. I know it’s bad but I seem to crave for it.
In the evening I met up with my Cousin and her boyfriend. Along with my aunt and uncle, we went to Brisbane River to experience thefireworks. The place was super crowded. At least half of Brisbane was there. The entire region around the river was packed. I stood on the bridge where I could have a good view, the fireworks lasted for 30 minutes from 7 to 7.30pm. Well, it was a beautiful sight however perhaps not the most beautiful fireworks that I have been to. I recall the magnificent fireworks in Disneyland at Florida, I was only secondary 2 then. But still I could feel that it was more spectacular. However the fireworks at Brisbane is very special because even those high rise buildings released fireworks which made the entire city seem as if there was a massive fireworks display. I learnt from my cousin that the Brisbane river Festival is to promote the artsy fartsy side of Brisbane.
I was dead beat when the fireworks was over, I had to stand at a small spot with barely enough space to move my legs. Stood a total of around 50minutes. Furthermore because there were like thousands and thousands of people there, the City was so packed that it made going home kind of troublesome.
It’s 12pm at the moment and I just had a hearty chat with my aunt. I managed to learn a lot about my family and the complications within it. As the saying goes, each family has it’s own shares of problems. Family politics is something that we often come across in television dramas. Some people are lucky and they don’t have it, others who are not so fortunate happen to have it and it can bring loads of problems in their lives. 年轻的老人 That is who I am, why do I have to think about things that I am not suppose to think about at my age. Ever since young, people have always commented that me and my sister are too matured for our age, come to think about it we certainly are. Why can’t things be simple, why can’t we need lead normal lives like other people?
At times like this, it’s not who’s right and who’s wrong that matters to me. What matters is how to “Save” these people. I am aware that I can never do that alone, but with God’s help I might stand a chance. It’s not so easy to change the way people think, and even harder to change them. And to think I wanted to be a living inspiration towards others and to be their pillar of support. Where is my pillar of support?
(Not i don't want smile, it's cause the sun is too bright ...)
Day 10: Sunday
Visited church in the morning, this time we went to the English session. Apparently it was newly established and it comprised mainly of people from Taiwan, China and Malaysia. So apparently, the proficiency of English Language was not really strong. However to deliver a message, it does not always require good language skills. There was this Doctor of Theology named Dr Johan, he spoke with a rather European accent, like those I would always use when I was making jokes. This speaker talked about the Olympics initially, the motto being one world, one dream. How true is it that the goal is world peace? Many who listen to Wang Lee Hom’s song, would have realized that this dream refers to world peace. Yet how true is it that world peace is always the desired objective? Well, he related the Olympics with characters of a Champion and from there he related it back to what it means to be a Christian. He posed and interesting question, “If one day, being a Christian would be a crime, how can one be identified as a Christian. For us it isn’t world peace we are striving for but One World, One Goal.
We visited a Vietnamese Restaurant during lunch. Damn was the beef noodles one of the best that I have eaten. Once again I was full to the extent of puking.
At night we had barbecue. I ate super a lot, and once again I felt like vomiting. I really enjoyed food here, but must think of the consequences, I think I might have gained 5kg over 2 weeks. I haven’t been exercising for 2 whole weeks, I don’t feel like myself.
Day 11: Monday
My final day in Australia, managed to sleep more and wake up a little later than usual. Went to the City with my cousin to check things out once again. I managed to get some important stuff along with my shoes. Somehow today, I told myself that things might not be as bad as I think, perhaps I really was destined to live here in the future. The food is good, the jobs are good and the lifestyle perhaps one that I would like. Visited the library for a while to borrow the “Loo”. I got this feeling that in the future if the lifestyle is really too different, I might dedicate my time to reading books. Bookworm!
Had a few good chats with my cousin, manage to learn more about her. It’s kind of sad to be separated from her for so many years. We used to be super close when young, doing all sorts of silly things such as exploring the jungle near my dad’s restaurant to chasing the crazy old man near my house. Hopefully the future would be more interesting.
(The amazing pancake store, unlike any I have ever eaten)
Day 12: Tuesday (Back to Singapore Woo Hoo!)
What have I learnt during this short journey? Well I have managed to gain a lot of insights and my perspectives have changed over time.
As the saying goes, God always has a plan for it. Initially I was complaining again and again why had to stay so long. But apparently there was a reason.
During my experience, I manage to see that people should have more tolerance towards one another. I saw a reflection of myself of how I treated my dad. I was very offensive and easily infuriated. I believe most of us would feel this way when it comes to interacting with our parents. However we have to change, your parents don’t have much time with you either besides a family should be less calculative of one another. Tolerance (忍) is something that we have to train.
I have also learnt to appreciate the things I have in Singapore. I understand that I have not understood enough to consider myself a Singaporean. It’s time I get myself more exposed to Singapore in all aspects. Separation from my home through a short stay of 12 days has already caused such sadness in me. What about my permanent future departure 2 ½ years from now? I learnt to take things astride, to stop being sad but rather a happy and motivated individual, like what my friend once told me nothing is forever. Appreciate what you have at the moment. What’s most important is that you experience it before.
Lastly, I am a super motivated Perry. Tomorrow is the start of school and I am all geared up. It’s Perry 200%. I have so many goals for myself this semester. I understand that Ang-Mor are tall, and I am slightly below average as compared to most of them, so ... cannot depend on height when playing sports le have to train my reflex and speed.
I shall come upon at such force and an unstoppable momentum. There will be no more breaks for me. You don’t see batman and other superheroes having off days? They work 24/7 everyday be it rain or shine, no such thing as public holiday.
Goals ...
1. 4.0 GPA this semester
2. Physically Fit by the 10th week
3. To become a fabulous point guard
4. Spend more time with my friends
5. Experience Singapore my home
the origin.11:21 PM