tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-270916952024-02-19T13:45:06.531+08:00Symphony of Modern HumanityIn process of finding myself.Julia Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12947573092685213302noreply@blogger.comBlogger322125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27091695.post-83836109503144569772011-10-12T15:30:00.000+08:002011-10-12T15:31:01.987+08:00your time has come; and it's time to leave.I'm referencing old posts: http://welcome2theplanet.blogspot.com/2007/01/design-by-apple-in-california.html<br />
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Today marks the end of my first Intel core Macbook. Well I never really told my friends I had a mac in form 4, but they figured anyway.<br />
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So when Steve Jobs left, my macbook probably got into a depression, despite fighting computer cancer for 2 years, and it left. It might want to turn on again in the future, but for now, nope.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisBU4rBLKd8ZvMPeoCF-tSYSV9ejFGn1bRbPF02zTzluoE6SWa6oIxWsm1ICiK1H7-gRFlypVcW_SUktBSV3jpMiiROOyh0U8Pc0oNMmtJDECxEbWmrYGr_eb1fY2_TLODH7-l/s1600/IMG_1544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisBU4rBLKd8ZvMPeoCF-tSYSV9ejFGn1bRbPF02zTzluoE6SWa6oIxWsm1ICiK1H7-gRFlypVcW_SUktBSV3jpMiiROOyh0U8Pc0oNMmtJDECxEbWmrYGr_eb1fY2_TLODH7-l/s320/IMG_1544.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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So that message came up every time I restarted the computer. I stopped doing so after 5 times. I think I have to let it go.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2oia-vPxnc5s9GfwNMi4JBY-ijd0YYuJRo0nk7q9lwSU1x8SnNzsXCjPQ0o9FLQo2fIlEKiWAshP_XhU2NvC2wuMLSzqReUhdWq5geZpIQKVUez1O9fUdvj_euISlMSw9rm41/s1600/IMG_1545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2oia-vPxnc5s9GfwNMi4JBY-ijd0YYuJRo0nk7q9lwSU1x8SnNzsXCjPQ0o9FLQo2fIlEKiWAshP_XhU2NvC2wuMLSzqReUhdWq5geZpIQKVUez1O9fUdvj_euISlMSw9rm41/s320/IMG_1545.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is not unboxing, this is a burial.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimniTqCb4KMNEasDfZlwoZ3Zqsyl-4avgl45uoJfbHxt0bYLWKigJDhCt8D1GeegeIERFT5asrRse1Xf8h0Fu_cUnR5s4EQk232UXhAyTAOrw2Vs1_Ki7rs2mjKZ2f-jdWBqMS/s1600/IMG_1546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimniTqCb4KMNEasDfZlwoZ3Zqsyl-4avgl45uoJfbHxt0bYLWKigJDhCt8D1GeegeIERFT5asrRse1Xf8h0Fu_cUnR5s4EQk232UXhAyTAOrw2Vs1_Ki7rs2mjKZ2f-jdWBqMS/s320/IMG_1546.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Pretty original white Macbook, property of Julia Cheam</div>
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1st January 2007 - 12th October 2011</div>
<br />Julia Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12947573092685213302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27091695.post-88264601251517560302011-10-02T00:28:00.000+08:002011-10-02T00:33:19.453+08:00moments in growing up.As I've mentioned before I'm not comfortable with keeping this space alive. Well unless I'd like to do a nice darn long post. The internet world has changed. We have microblogging. I use that alot. Since I don't write long ones so well. I like the colourful mosaic of my tumblr journal. So i'm sticking with that. But today is historical. Since I have a photo like this:
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuabBR1izTevMKWoWbz-2Iuxce9_VlewWEeipTM-Ev67ZzhtprMeFEJwHoOHEq2ybrnaVLdzNpyVhRC79MUXIOscQ3z-ISs3HMTsGnbXDBAG4h334tbGR23_M0Mh7arC641SDa/s1600/Photo23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuabBR1izTevMKWoWbz-2Iuxce9_VlewWEeipTM-Ev67ZzhtprMeFEJwHoOHEq2ybrnaVLdzNpyVhRC79MUXIOscQ3z-ISs3HMTsGnbXDBAG4h334tbGR23_M0Mh7arC641SDa/s320/Photo23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
from: http://welcome2theplanet.blogspot.com/2007/09/democracy.html<br />
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Okay I admit I missed taking the photobooth-and-new-CD photo for hello hurricane.<br />
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So we shall have a photo like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglVQSCW_igoJddzKbq6itjtQfmE09YrzOPRFVs7Y2_Dso7a_XqBrQ4xci-Kuyt2fEd2_tIiFffrSIYwGUziuhSoFjtqxYINc-NCFGAnG_YQnWRIwf4yVBMI82WIDXA04TwrDgn/s1600/Photo+77.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglVQSCW_igoJddzKbq6itjtQfmE09YrzOPRFVs7Y2_Dso7a_XqBrQ4xci-Kuyt2fEd2_tIiFffrSIYwGUziuhSoFjtqxYINc-NCFGAnG_YQnWRIwf4yVBMI82WIDXA04TwrDgn/s320/Photo+77.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Welcome2theplanet has grew with me for many years, and has mellowed down in recent years. Thanks to microblogging and social websites. But I like writing long paragraphs without many people giving a reaction to it. Its a reflection I'd like to review later on when I've grown older, and for people to accidentally stumble on.<br />
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But here's a 'historical moment' writing: my favorite band I grew up listening to, and the friends around that somehow was connected with my adoration for these favorite boys of mine. :)<br />
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http://hidden-history.tumblr.com/post/10890054274/1st-october-2011-so-i-was-early-peh-yee-and-cal<br />
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Cheers, October 2011 ! Julia Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12947573092685213302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27091695.post-80307536976142808702011-09-12T01:09:00.002+08:002011-09-12T01:09:48.437+08:00will be back when I can do a nice, long, sweet looking post when I finally get my perfect vacation. Or when architecture stop taking so much of my time. Till then.Julia Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12947573092685213302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27091695.post-88960303345391095882011-08-16T03:09:00.003+08:002011-08-16T03:13:58.792+08:00might be sinclair's most important post ever.<div>Met this guy in DATUM:KL. Last guy to speak in the conference. Blew the crowd away. He was on TED anyway, won the TED prize in 2006. Might be my future self. </div><div>
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<br /></div><a href="http://www.cameronsinclair.com/index.php?q=node/81">http://www.cameronsinclair.com/index.php?q=node/81</a>
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<br /><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><h1 class="pageTitle" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 5px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 40px; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; letter-spacing: -1px; font-size: 1.7em; line-height: 25px; clear: left; background-image: url(http://www.cameronsinclair.com/themes/alek_2_0/img/leaf1.gif); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; width: 400px; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; ">My tea with Tutu</h1><div class="node" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><div class="submitted" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 3px; padding-top: 3px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 20px; background-image: url(http://www.cameronsinclair.com/themes/alek_2_0/img/user.gif); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); font: normal normal normal 11px/normal arial; float: left; background-position: 2px 3px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; ">Submitted by Cameron on Thu, 10/07/2010 - 15:33.</div><div class="content" style="margin-top: 15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; text-align: left; ">Many, many moons ago, long before I decided to dedicate <a href="http://www.architectureforhumanity.org/" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(83, 159, 207); ">my life to humanitarian work</a> I got through life thanks to a couple of talents. One of them was singing. A skill and a change meeting that led me, then ten years old, to unknowingly have tea with Tutu. A moment that may have had subconsciously changed the course of my life. His<a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/south-african-moral-titan-archbishop-tutu-retires/story-e6frg6so-1225935807023" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(83, 159, 207); ">announcement to retire today</a> reminded me of that chance meeting.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; text-align: left; ">In the early 80's my family had moved to the United States armed with green cards and a dream of a better life. Coming from South London that wasn't hard. I was good at two things drawing and singing. Thankfully the former paid off in the long run. My parents, trying to adjust me to life in the states, put me in a choir where I sang weekly. As a ten year old I slowly made my way to the front of the singers and ended up singing solo.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; text-align: left; "><a href="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2010-10-07-sing.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(83, 159, 207); "><img alt="2010-10-07-sing.jpg" src="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2010-10-07-sing-thumb.jpg" width="500" height="333" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; " /></a></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; text-align: left; ">One day a man came to speak to our church and for the first time in months I was wide awake and focused during the sermon. Coming from Europe I hungered for international news. Here was this man, small in statue yet larger than life, pushing a moral sense of urgency about injustice and equality. He opened up, first quietly, then with restrained passion, then with conviction I had never seen before. 'If you see something, say something' was his refrain again, again and again. I didn't hear a passage, a gospel, nothing. This was a moral compass pointing to an issue happening at this very moment. He let rip about issues I'd only read about- injustice, suffering and the need of immediate solutions. This was global, this was a collective, we are all part of these issues. I looked around to see people relaxed listening as if the nightly news was on but for me, this scrawny kid with a funny accent, THIS was the most important thing I'd ever heard from an adult.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; text-align: left; ">The service ended and people shuffled out the back. I, with a sweet tooth, made a b-line for the post-service coffee and biscuits. To my amazement I saw him sitting alone quietly tucking into homemade cookies. Thinking to myself 'if you see something, say something', I went up to him and started talking, telling him I was from the UK, had missed what was really happening and started firing rapid fire questions like a pint sized Bob Woodward in the basement of a DC car park. ‘Why?’ I kept asking. Before I knew it he leaned down slowly and rested his hand on my shoulder and he said ‘my child, it is because we are all one family.’</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; text-align: left; ">A few weeks after this tiny and small moment in my life, I was still thinking about him. This man left alone after giving the most powerful speech I'd ever heard. What was wrong with my town, what was wrong with the people that attended my church. Was their something wrong with me? Wack. The New York Times hits the breakfast table. It's him, the guy. He's on the cover. I'm met him, he put his hand on me and told me we were a family. The headline proclaimed 'Tutu wins Nobel Prize'. Wow I thought, he must have known what he was talking about and for years he was left dormant in my memory. As I went from one episode to the next in my journey of life I was left with a reminder, 'if you see something, say something'.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; text-align: left; "><a href="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2010-10-07-800pxDesmond_tutu_wef.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(83, 159, 207); "><img alt="2010-10-07-800pxDesmond_tutu_wef.jpg" src="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2010-10-07-800pxDesmond_tutu_wef-thumb.jpg" width="500" height="318" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; " /></a></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; text-align: left; ">Last year I was at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The group I am apart of, the Young Global Leaders, was holding an event on <a href="http://www.globaldignity.org/" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(83, 159, 207); ">dignity</a> with Desmond Tutu. After the event we met again very briefly. I didn't tell him the story. I didn't introduce myself. I, now taller, put my hand on his shoulder, bent down and said thank you.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; text-align: left; ">This is just my personal story take it for what it is. However, in a time of great need, more than ever if you see something, just say something. Happy retirement Archbishop Tutu, you've touched a lot of lives without even knowing it.</p></div></div></span></blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><div class="node" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><div class="content" style="margin-top: 15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; text-align: left; "></p></div></div></span>Julia Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12947573092685213302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27091695.post-91382647274958824232011-06-21T09:48:00.004+08:002011-06-21T09:58:49.923+08:00<p align="center"><a href="http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/juliacheam/?action=view&current=20JuneGIF.gif" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i275/juliacheam/20JuneGIF.gif" width="226" height="184" /></a></p><br /><br />this is our one in every 6 months project. When the hour is right, we happened to be looking decent, we'll just pop a question: wanna take some pictures with the webcam?<br /><br />:)Julia Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12947573092685213302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27091695.post-10988796271338947192011-06-14T20:54:00.006+08:002011-06-14T22:52:29.877+08:00Snoozed for an hour again. Nevertheless I had time to enjoy an onigiri + coffee for breakfast. One chapter left for Esther. Supposedly its the second last week of the bible-in-a year-thing, but I'm not so sure whether I can stuff in a whole lot of deut and chronicles the following week. <div><br /></div><div>Esther is quite a hero(in) ! Same goes for Paul, David, Joseph. My favorite heroes. They should make a blockbuster out of their adventures. </div><div><br /></div><div>I got out the house, not very awake. Got my floating soul to school though. Group mates were already there, one more left to full strength ! I Must say I love my Design Thinking Workshop group mates. Kipling ! We had much chemistry. Never was in such a dynamic team before. There was a good balance of people. All optimists, bursting with ReallyCrazy ideas and full of laughter. I had a good two days with them. Gareth and team led a good DT workshop. (oh yes it beats RYLA's inspirational workshops Hands-Down. We had impromptu laughter Yogas where we did not have to stand in a row and Fake out laughs- as we did in RYLA. Glad to have the chance to be part of the Masterplanning team! </div><div><br /></div><div>Last week we had 3 days of Revit training- 2 for me on Monday and Tuesday, for on Wednesday I headed back to get my I.C. and passport renewed. Dad was cool enough to accompany me for 3 quarters of the day waiting in the immigration complex. Had double mamak sessions with dad during the process. Went back in the evening to meet TA group mates. I salute them for such a drive in carrying out projects. Thriving real hard. Sometimes I get afraid of the culture.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thursday and Friday we had Masterplanning lectures, background of chinatown lecture, plus Lorain shared her NUS masterplanning project in onenorth- it was during the Millennium era, it was Rad! With The Matrix and crazy futuristic theories the world was into that time, Dolly cloned etc, ideas were crazy to the max. Zaha Hadid won the project in the end. The fly-through video was, well, rad, as expected. </div><div><br /></div><div>We went down to 3 areas within that 2 days- Bugis+thieves market, Little India, and Chinatown. It was pretty fun, going there being a tourist. Snapping pictures of our observation of activities and people and what makes them use a space was quite a joy! We stopped for egg tarts and nanyang coffee on the way. </div><div><br /></div><div>Friday evening I left for JB. Had to make this sacrifice for friday night worship practice- Saturday morning had to be back in Singapore for TA. Yeap. Can't be lagging behind with these guys. But sometimes I need a breather. So friday evening I made that trip back. That Friday night had to drop by funeral before Tim picked me up to church. Was a cell member's brother who had passed on. I thought funerals could be beautiful. For us, as christians. The only reason I'll cry will be because the person will be missed. Until I reach the other side, I'll be carrying on without this freed soul. I was looking into the chinese song lyrics. They were beautiful. I thought if I could copy down these chinese poems I'll get back into the chinese writing mode. I've lost memory of many chinese characters. The coffin was perpendicular to the opening. The end of it was facing us. It was the conventional. I thought of designing funeral sets. Why can't it be parellel to the opening? I would also like pastel colours. </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway Tim's blue car picked me up not long after. We went to church. I was glad to input some advice on how the band should play the songs. I love em jams. </div><div><br /></div><div>So it was, the morning trip into singapore. Alarm screwed up my morning. I woke up late. Nothing could ever get right if your alarm screwed up. Every schedule is pushed back a little. Mum was really nice to offer me a drive into my Singapore room. But she kept making wrong turns. Little more absent minded these days. I hope she stays well. It was raining when I reached school. The weather was decent. Mich and I planned the 'central park'. We had late but such a good lunch. Half a spring chicken. Was so good. </div><div>So I decided to spend the evening with my family, to travel back in the evening even though Jon dropped a call to tell me how bad the immigration was. </div><div><br /></div><div>But I got home in an hour and a half! Was glad. Had early dinner with family. Got home and watched Kung Fu Panda with dad! :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Next morning we played for the worship service, Tim leading. Was great. Second service was always done better for some reason. Perhaps it was easy to reason, we were sure of things after running through the first service. </div><div>So 3 people told me 'Nice playing'. I feel appreciated for the travel backs ! But most importantly, I enjoy playing music in this setting.</div><div><br /></div><div>That evening, mum sympathized with how I needed to make trips for all these activities. Wonder where I got the courage to say, "You think my life's hard? No my life isn't hard. There are kids out there in worse conditions."</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Today was a good day. </div><div><br /></div><div>We finished DT workshop. Gareth ended with "You are now qualified design thinkers!" I just love how people can form teams that can work together well. The two days was pretty fun!</div><div><br /></div><div>Wanted to get a bag from Bugis junction, so in the evening I went around town. Saw a 40-something guy going over to the seriously disabled man selling tissue paper at the MRT, putting arms around him and talking to him. On the way back I decided to give him a dollar and shared some love. He couldn't speak. But I guessed he did hear what I told him.</div><div><br /></div><div>Went over to Orchard road. I wonder who ever does these things? Walking orchard road alone? I went window shopping. Wanted to buy down some shops. But I don't think I'll ever do that even if I had the ability to. I want something more that the fancy clothes and lifestyle. So I went to get DQ Ice cream instead. Happy kid. Strolling in this expensive streets licking a vanilla ice cream. But I was lucky enough to have discovered 3 buskers. They did a beatles cover. They were very good! I threw them some change :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh yes I was in sf tee today. feels good.</div><div><br /></div><div>Guess that sums up two weeks of life !</div><div>Great week ahead!</div>Julia Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12947573092685213302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27091695.post-71086977278382061302011-06-06T00:33:00.006+08:002011-06-06T01:47:44.727+08:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; ">Hola amigos.<br /></span></span><div>So the last entry was in late april, concerning the switchfoot concert. Skipped the month of May entirely! </div><div><br /></div><div>As expected, couz and I having massive PCD (no, not pussycatdolls; its- Post Concert Depression) until today. It subsided a little, but still, when we talk about it we go crazy and I smile likka stupid fool- to myself/computer screen. Thanks to the oh-so-efficient LOBH site, we get non stop updates concerning the guys, their activity, and the upcoming new album Vice Verses. </div><div><br /></div><div>Just can't get my hands on it ! We are speculating that it'll be out late august or september. Might dig out my old CD player so I can pop it in and listen to it straight. Plus, we are guessing that a single will be released in July.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway.......</div><div><br /></div><div>After the concert my group and I work towards JC1 submission, which was the case study on SANAA's Rolex Learning Centre. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUM3KP0thIzJ84IG5vRGxjeQK758twV3E2KQibjC481JI3eTOCNUSp0iFOvUzbbRPmQS05bVVLFWUoDLjYT7LwwfA7fDW6MGkt8qPe85l17X9jAnxXwZG5oIHXbz7XGb731z0V/s400/225167_10150175739833525_605248524_6989892_6951326_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614781095390249250" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); ">Our class had some drama happening in the middle, the girl in the middle came over to our group (and now she has left on her own). Other than that, </span></span>I've had pretty good group mates, and I'm thankful that all of them are so motivated- which eventually give me some drive to do better :) </div><div><br /></div><div>Then.. I had music theory exam on one saturday! Woooo how I'm so glad that it's over! One less worry for the weekends! 8) Now I'll just have to hope I get a pass~ :)</div><div><br /></div><div>After JC1, other than putting our case study boards together, we had a 'dance' workshop. We were't dancing at all, but had these little exercises to study the relationship between space and body. Closing your eyes and using your other senses, making structures out of your bodies a and walk around blindfolded etc.</div><div><br /></div><div>So after that we had a Primer project where we had to come up with a modular sculpture (yes. Modular. Again.), that is an outcome of our space-time-body exploration/study. So it was, lots of discussion, headaches and more discussions are a couple late nights. It went pretty well, as the lecturers saw the process and effort we put in. Kinda happy! Cos I guess we weren't very experimental with materials (which I wished, we were seeing how other groups did) but hey, using only One type of material, One module with variations, that's was it. My group mates were pretty careful about adhering to the rules given to us though, that's why. Some suspend it midair.. it looked good, but in which didn't really follow the instructions? But I really admire the perseverance of my groupmates :) </div><div><br /></div><div>Lecturers are pretty great this year, after going through one term of year 3. So first sunday of the term break. Here I am, waiting to start more projects this 3 weeks before we dive into our school project. No holidays this time, and the same goes for the september semester break. Plus december term break wouldn't be great either, followed by the non-existent CNY break. There's a study trip to Italy in September, though I can't go this time because dad won't pay for it. He says we'll go backpacking when I graduate... we'll see about that! I guess I won't go for trips until the finals years of my studies, when I know I'll get graduating and getting a job soon and that my reserves can be spend on some luxuries.</div><div><br /></div><div>So parents just came back from church camp; roomie went back on thursday evening so naomi came over to bunk in for 2 nights. We went walking around some malls on Friday, we bought stuff (food, to be specific) from NTUC, had some Koi bubble tea, bought dinner back and watched Forrest Gump. 8)</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB07Y9vvJzXbwjEyzDh3XU1eCxC9Mc8SAYWRKgrLQTbQO4iMP2IfQl9NrJ51Ch33LsWwJ_yXPWAuGuT_NQ0sRgWRf2uRvNmvVbYDNvWZULOrOSD-pmx0fF2p1YIGRnEbiiN0c8/s1600/forrestgump.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB07Y9vvJzXbwjEyzDh3XU1eCxC9Mc8SAYWRKgrLQTbQO4iMP2IfQl9NrJ51Ch33LsWwJ_yXPWAuGuT_NQ0sRgWRf2uRvNmvVbYDNvWZULOrOSD-pmx0fF2p1YIGRnEbiiN0c8/s400/forrestgump.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614792491044224354" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></a>I wonder why I haven't watched it earlier! It was a 1994 movie when Tom Hanks was looking so young and handsome :) Heh. It was a great movie, and pretty long too! Gotta watch it for yourself. Plus I need the movie soundtrack. Such awesome classic tracks.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, I got my haircut. Overall length bout 2 inches shorter and some bangs ! ;)</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCux1BXn974bJodSi1tYApfcE-8e6tK4Hx8Lc_jtMgXjLfbA2F-iOe0n_Gt6PDOwUxJFGymPraePZr_9_N5iGI0cHOZbF47KwX6WSCH3b-jgNeoT2YTBWdizBV2549lD8ckELX/s1600/IMG_0695.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCux1BXn974bJodSi1tYApfcE-8e6tK4Hx8Lc_jtMgXjLfbA2F-iOe0n_Gt6PDOwUxJFGymPraePZr_9_N5iGI0cHOZbF47KwX6WSCH3b-jgNeoT2YTBWdizBV2549lD8ckELX/s400/IMG_0695.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614775452225816338" /></a><br /><div>Revit training for the whole day tomorrow. Hope I stay awake and absorb as much as I can x)</div><div>Cheers!</div>Julia Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12947573092685213302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27091695.post-7185312210684132942011-04-29T22:30:00.039+08:002011-10-06T16:57:11.596+08:00The LIVE Sound.<div style="text-align: left;">
You know recently, I've got a couple of Dream-come-true events. It might not even be a big biggie to anyone else, it to me, it is. What kind of dreams that came true? They are the one unspoken, a little lingering wish in the heart, quietly singing out and reminding you in little phrases or images. Dreams that you don't cling on to tightly wishing for for it to happen NOW. They are the ones that came from the past. The ones you <i>thought</i> you have forgotten about.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
well first, it was Architecture school's Shocking year 2 results. - that I prayed for a year ago.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Oh, the cello. It was only a desire, I 'know' that it was just a fancy and I wouldn't get to play on one until I earn my own money and decide to get one?<br />Ipod. I wished. I didn't quite ask. And then dad comes saying during christmas, "I know the desires of your heart."<br />Designing a performing arts hall/building. Since 2008. 2011 I get to do it.<br />Getting into a year 3 school work group that is responsible enough to get stuff done. No, I got not only responsible peeps, I got great buddies that I learned from so much already since school started 2 weeks ago.<br /><br />Striking up a conversation with SF guys.</div>
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Taking a photograph with my hero.<br /><br />And it happened, yesterday night. Massive. I didn't thought of the 'dream' since 2004; I just thought, well, good chance indeed, if there's a meet and greet session with the FOTF pass cousin got us.<br /><br />That's why this certainly needs to be written down, in as much detail as I can remember.<br /><br />Around February, cousins sends me a gtalk message; "JU! SWITCHFOOT IS COMING TO SINGAPORE DID YOU KNOW THAT?!"<br /><br />NO. OF COURSE, WHERE WAS THAT EMAIL SAYING THEY WOULD COME LIKE IT WAS 3 YEARS AGO?<br /><br />Why of course, YES to it. I miss the live atmosphere, it was a total thrill to be there in 2008, Expo. Great hall, but it wasn't filled. I the atmosphere was electrifying for all I could remember, and I wasn't quite satisfied : Bad footage, was not totally in front (I'm rather short so people blocked me) JEROME'S PICK. I bet he threw it at me. Something small DID hit my arm. Blur, worrying about going back to JB late etc- I didn't search thoroughly enough and the girl beside me got it. She showed me the guitar pick, in her hand. Had a terrible personal-dissatisfied-hangover in school the next day, thought the concert went massively well. And yes, you can read about the concert experience <a href="http://welcome2theplanet.blogspot.com/2008/02/switchfoot-makes-best-music.html">HERE</a>.<br /><br />Alright. Let's start.<br /><br />I was starting to count down 15 hours before sound check, at 4pm.<br /><br />Morning, I get a nerves right, get my stuff, get tickets, get FOTF pass, get ipod and what not's. I get to school for AP lecture, I get my coffee, I get all hyperactive, I try to continue work, I talk to couz, I do work, I get all jittery, I walk to MRT, I signed up for Rotaract out of impulse, I wait for train, I met couz on the train, we gave each other dreamland faces and laugh on the way to city hall. We went to marina square, wanting to get the samurai umbrella sword for Tim. Then after much consideration, we did not get it. They'll need to get it on the plane and I'll be depressed if they left it for someone else. lol! So nearing 4pm, we got ourselves outside rock auditorium. Not many were there yet, so we talked, listened to the sounds coming from within, waited, anticipated until this man came to brief fotf-ers concerning the soundcheck.<br /><br />They were to play a new song from their record, and recording devices weren't allowed.<br /><br />New song! NEW SONG!<br /><br />That means we get a secret preview of an upcoming track in the record.<br /><br />True enough, by 4.45 we went in the hall, bags and stuff to the side of the hall, turn you head, yes.<br /><br />The familiar sight, the golden hair, the sound, the sounds, the guys on stage, testing out sound quality.<br /><br />So.<br /><br />The 20+ of us got in the middle of the hall (WITH SEATS, YES NO KIDDING) the front ones occupied the third row, I leaded the second row, couz said Drew was pointing at both of us when we walk across the second row! Like:<br /><br />8D<br /><br />We got seated. Jon in the middle, tim on his left, drew on his right, chad and romey at the back.<br /><br />"Hello guys how' ya doing!"<br /><br />I gave two thumbs up and a big smile.<br />The others said 'great~!'<br /><br />"This feels like a theatre show. Well grab your popcorns and enjoy the show!"<br /><br />"Any questions?"<br /><br />"That's mr nickels at the back. he's the one in charge of sound system... see chad at the back there, that ice cream device *laughs* yeah that's what he speaks into so I can hear it in my earphones"</div>
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“sorry for the delay yeahh had to deal with our equipments and gear at the airport there... didn't get much sleep, downed 3 cups of coffee”</div>
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<br />"Well we have trust right. You and I both. We're gonna play a song for you... it's a track from the upcoming album.. and we're not quite there yet so.. I'll trust you guys not to record and put it up on the internet okay?"<br /><br />"Its called Somewhere I belong.. the last track in our new album."<br /><br />*this really deep and intense amp sound emanating*<br />Song starts playing in an average speed, major key, Chord I and IV of the key following each other, 4/4 time, 2 bars of intro, jon starts singing in a gentle statement.</div>
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The repetitive chords 1 and 4, jon's voice, the deep bass, the steady drums and guitar rhythm, the harmonization: it was the sound of a calming perfection. It speaks rest. Until 3 quarter down the song suddenly the relative minor chord vi sank in and the words paused for a second. The melody resolved downwards after that, it came to a conclusion, and then it ended in chord I, sustained guitar sounds, fading to an end.<br />
<br />
The lyrics were something like this:<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">Voices start shaking</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 100%;">
Voicing a generation<br />Finally waking up this side</div>
Until I die<br />
I’ll sing these songs<br />On the shores of Babylon<br />Still looking for a home<br />In a world that I belong<br />
Where the weak are finally strong<br />
And the righteous right the wrong<br />Looking for a home<br />In a world where I belong<br />A world where I belong<br />
This body’s not my own<br />
This world is not my home<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">…the day I die</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 100%;">
I want to hold my head up high</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%;">
I want to tell you that I tried</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%;">
To live it like a song</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%;">
When I reach the other side</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%;">
I want to stare you in the eyes</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%;">
And know that I’ve arrived</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%;">
In a world where I belong</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">Where I belong</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">Yeah</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">Where I belong</span><br />
<br />
Well, I love how there are scripture references in the lyrics. Well, since scriptures are beautiful, refreshing, profound verses, this is new has the character of it. It was enough to make me close my eyes, just listening, the music was good enough for one to just soak in without any visual distractions. They weren't moving around much too, focusing right into the music.<br />
<br />
I look on my left where couz was, we smiled at each other, probably saying the same think without speaking “can't believe we're here, 20 strong audience, previewing this fantastic new song in front of the people who have been inspiring us through their music since many years back. Eyes wide open, couldn't quite believe the moment.<br />
<br />
We applauded, I nod in complete approval.<br />
<br />
“well thank you, thank you guys. Thanks for being here.. do you guys have any questions? Requests?”<br />
<br />
Girl from the back : “will you guys be playing songs from vice verses tonight?”<br />
<br />
“well.. you've got to ask my brother tim over there *<span style="font-weight: normal;">laughs*”</span><br />
<br />
*drew strikes a chord*<br />
*tim plays a riff*<br />
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<div>
“<span style="font-weight: normal;">that sounds like something from our new album”</span><br />
<br />
“<span style="font-weight: normal;">bullet, guys”</span><br />
<br />
They start playing that nasty cool riff from bullet soul's opening. Darn, private rock concert y'all. The Live sound was Perfect. It wasn't noisy, the atmosphere is ready for a rock concert. Was So amped, wanted to jump on the seat already- but the singapore crowd was being quite civilized and robotic so i scrap the idea.<br />
<br />
“<span style="font-weight: normal;">You're a kid with a bullet soul</span><br />
<br />
ARE YOU READY TO GO.<br />
Are you ready to go.”<br />
<br />
Bullet raked up all the adrenalin inside of me. YES I'M READY TO GO. Hah.<br />
<br />
Two songs, they played for soundcheck which we were part of it. Jon took off his guitar, he came down to us, started up a chat with the front row guys. Tim and the rest followed suit.<br />
<br />
Went to the side of the hall to grab our cams, and there was chad and drew at the right. Bodoh fix chairs were in the way, so we had to detour to the left side where there were less people around timmy. :D So we hanged around until the others left, and got the chance to talk to timmy! :D I guess we hadn't prepared much to say, just too stunned that we actually GOT a moment to come up close with them.<br />
<br />
Told him we wanted to get a samurai sword umbrella for him, just worried bout the securities and stuff.<br />
<br />
“well that'll be interesting! Just got to see how we'll get through the airport immigration”<br />
<br />
couz said asked about their pacific tour, and commented that it must be tiring and about the effects of jet lag.<br />
<br />
“yeah.. its quite tiring, haven't got much sleep.. after singapore we're going to jakarta, then manila, and finally kuala lumpur. I guess when we're tired we play better. ”<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
I asked him whether they'll be playing songs from their older albums.<br />
<br />
“umm any song requests?”<br />
<br />
“Chem6A!” I said.<br />
<br />
“Ah chem6a! Alright *smiles*”<br />
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Asked him whether I could get a picture with him, “no problem!”<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Ak7hlixS-H7XzyC5Vw-fZptpyqnmtDSz5YIYLqIaZvGZVwb-YIaJilNouLHanW5CuRj9edRlHzDltook2BYA17411GIO776GPUQYA2jBsIS4q71OlptFuKdyVa5qplRQZIbx/s1600/P1070308+edit.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606587475335197890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Ak7hlixS-H7XzyC5Vw-fZptpyqnmtDSz5YIYLqIaZvGZVwb-YIaJilNouLHanW5CuRj9edRlHzDltook2BYA17411GIO776GPUQYA2jBsIS4q71OlptFuKdyVa5qplRQZIbx/s400/P1070308+edit.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 364px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>He initiated a handshake “thanks for coming!”<br />
<br />
Signed my sketchbook too!</div>
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<br />
I wonder what my reaction was, but was probably too shy and excited all the same time, never imagined this moment.<br />
<br />
<div>
Went over to jon, people were getting his autographs, I took my ipod out, he signed the back of it “Jn”. He signed J, then turned away to answer another person, I thought he was done, when he turned back to finish the 'n'. Couz snapped us a photo, and then was about to go, when he placed his hand on my left shoulder, looked me in the eye saying “hey thanks for coming” :)!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0a2FgDbDbM8kD-n_-EZp3H1TCDRT-hbCfMNvcxmmj9xcQs6zxSsiFObp3todIGN3md5ageG2IdNmTQKu1DhqlVJjRgKuMrR7DlPeDmJKSSZj0U0Te45lfnpYf7LMRWxLo-7PU/s1600/mejon.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606593155107949442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0a2FgDbDbM8kD-n_-EZp3H1TCDRT-hbCfMNvcxmmj9xcQs6zxSsiFObp3todIGN3md5ageG2IdNmTQKu1DhqlVJjRgKuMrR7DlPeDmJKSSZj0U0Te45lfnpYf7LMRWxLo-7PU/s400/mejon.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Couz said Jon even asked her for her name, snapped a picture and said thanks.</div>
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This really tells me they're really, really nice and down to earth, humble guys.<br />
<br />
Walked past the second row when romey past by. We said hello and shook hands!<br />
<br /></div>
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“Hi I'm jerome,”<br />
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naturally i replied “hi! i'm julia”<br />
<br />
“nice to meet you julia”<br />
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:D!</div>
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Well, there wasn't quite a need to introduce himself as jerome, right. He's Switchfoot and of course I know he's romey! And then there wasn't quite a need to introduce myself either, right? XD I just love the fact that these guys take the effort to come down, talk to us like normal people, very warmly, without any air of fame around them.<br />
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<br />
The coordinator the said, 5 more minutes guys, and I would need to steal these boys from you.</div>
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<div>
Headed over to drew, he was talking to another fan, while I 'sneaked' up to his left and couz wanted to snap a photo, but he wasn't looking over. He found me on his left, placed his arms around and initiated a pose! XD</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_amcUFl9_MtKLLspAFvP_Zr35LolK9FQYlXYCta6QzCm1YlFO_YC3nzLUGjO_zaGsD9i_yy8v2hCy9S7slN9-L35KRtQfX0xkFexvXQcW8YYqguKX7PT6RIq_eCOybh3bxbxS/s1600/DSC_0042.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606602386498919842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_amcUFl9_MtKLLspAFvP_Zr35LolK9FQYlXYCta6QzCm1YlFO_YC3nzLUGjO_zaGsD9i_yy8v2hCy9S7slN9-L35KRtQfX0xkFexvXQcW8YYqguKX7PT6RIq_eCOybh3bxbxS/s400/DSC_0042.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 267px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgShnYrWCB-g-zGYkF3on6B6Ssr3n1ugbjVJTKnBGnn5PKajO-jvI0KjcTvFF2tlvEQI_XiDWxvmv0lDpKepJfJHDEV-ifk1GMKsB732EaQZFSgWI4wBjnaPU8BupJxa3zGPDsD/s1600/DSC_0043.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606602393222592322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgShnYrWCB-g-zGYkF3on6B6Ssr3n1ugbjVJTKnBGnn5PKajO-jvI0KjcTvFF2tlvEQI_XiDWxvmv0lDpKepJfJHDEV-ifk1GMKsB732EaQZFSgWI4wBjnaPU8BupJxa3zGPDsD/s400/DSC_0043.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 267px;" /></a><br />
He looks like my best friend here! XD<br />
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“nice specs!”<br />
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I said “you've got to same type too! :D”<br />
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“same, same! :D”<br />
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And then we left the hall.<br />
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Was dazed. Really dazed.<br />
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Went to the person with “host” landyard and asked him why are there chairs in the hall. He said that's the arrangement... so yeah. I was bit pissed with him, its a rock concert for heaven's sake, why are there chairs?!! He changed the subject by telling us go get our free ice cream at the counter. Whatever.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606623966829562114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3QnFS1ZWLbL2wPCM3NO90vYq6VQ86JktK72rFlWWjJWHuu6vGScmdAKANJwV7EhnCGagUe98bPOjfvc4lH4eTxTIHU3PRVQfXeDwCye-RCyopMF01rFq4SEQBI5iKxTjMOf9/s400/230645_10150172351338021_543338020_6801138_1513699_n.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span">How can we enjoy ice cream after we've met people better than ice cream?</span></span></div>
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I was still all in a dazed. Got my butterscotch vanilla though. Sat down and wonder what happened just now?? Surrealism.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; color: #0000ee;"></span>Went down to souperlicious, had some food, it was BROCCOLI soup, but i was found stirring it round and round, unable to eat anything much because of the terrible excitement. Ipod now is worth more than a million, it has Jon's signature for heaven's sake.<br />
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So after that we waited. Waited for the next big moment to happen. Couz was pretty honest about her dslr when security checked her bag, when they didn't bother to check mine! Should have just dunk in my bag and I'll walk through like nothing's wrong 8D Well she had some debate about the camera and the counter guys, while I found a SF sticker lying on the floor, finder's keepers; headed over to the merchandise booth where they were selling macbeth shoes and tee shirts. So when I've decided what design I wanted to purchase, they ran out of S, so I got two M sizes. I didn't quite mind the size, it fitted okay, but back in school JT was complaining why he didn't get an S, and said that sf guys where tees that are fitting. Lol! That guy cracks me up.</div>
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<br />
Back to the scene, couz got back to me saying she had just walked away after the stupid manager can't find any excuses to get her dslr and was unsure of how things will go. So we still had it with us, just that we were avoiding that bald manager. x) So we queued, and we were in right in front of the line, thinking we could get seats right in front- but singaporeans being singaporeans, we headed to our assigned “sistic numbered” seats. Couz was really disappointed become of the massive speakers blocking our view. We were in front, but Right at the side of it. Well I still had hope that we would be standing in those empty spaces when the lights go out ! True enough, I dodged in front when the lights dimmed. Securities didn't bother much, yet- because it was the opening bands. But the crowd did came forward. Who would stay in their seats for a rock concert?!?! </div>
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The Calling of Levi, band from Perth, pretty decent sounding albeit a little too much guitars for my liking. Still, the lyrics caught my attention and the melody and rhythm was enough for me to hum and move to it. Won't be the last time hearing them! Oh yeah, the guitarists were reallllyyy energetic. Its terrible how the security pushed the audience back into their seats, telling them to seat down after the second or third song. The lead singer also said, back in australia they've seen switchfoot live, and we're in for a good show tonight! The crowd cheered! So yes, I guess we all felt shameful that we had to 'sit' down listening to energetic songs while they were jumping around on stage.<br />
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The MC came out after they played, apparently a power 98 DJ, he was quite entertaining and funny! Using sf song names, he connected them into sentences, getting the crowd all excited and ready. But unfortunately, really unfortunately we had to go thru another 40 minutes of an opening band- local, and sounded really bad for my musical taste. “The Great Spy Experiment”, they called themselves-It was noisy and they were supposed to play at events like zoukout and probably not suitable for an switchfoot opening band! :S Dance rock, their genre, so it was pretty repetitive and loud, was pretty much a noisy lullaby to me. Yeah, we were all seated, couple of heads bobbing up and down and that's it man. The lead singer tried to make some jokes but it made them look bit cocky to me. “so I bet you guys are here to watch the great spy experiment.. not sweet-sweechfoot right?” half the crowd making audible groans. “come our rock it out with us... in your seats.”<br />
<br />
Alright enough of that. If I knew that the security would be chasing us back to our seats after the opening bands, I would not have even bother coming into rock auditorium until 9.30pm. I got the very front row 'floor seats' during the opening band's performance when we were chased back into the side seats when it ended, with a 20 minute interval.. before the lights dimmed again.<br />
<br />
Once it dimmed I dashed to the front row 'floor' seats again. Guess I was the most ballsy one. The security was dodged, i was in the middle row, he didn't quite chase me back in to the side seats. And THE BOYS WERE OUT ! The crowd rushed down the aisle, but there was a flimsy barricade which no one dare to cross. There was a void between the aisle and the first row seats, and yes civilized singaporeans who were worried about getting caught by the security stayed behind that barricade and looking a little sad, cause the guys were out and security's being a total asshole. Couz was probably stuck in that crowd because she was a split second later behind me! So the boys started the whole thing with The Sound. (Jon was in red checkered :D )<br />
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<strong>The Sound:</strong><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/SZfCRVnu4tw" width="425"></iframe></div>
I don't know how Jon does it, but at 0:37, he walks away from the mic stand, goes round Drew, and then comes back RIGHT ON TIME to stand on the amps singing " The static comes alive........" </div>
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Love how he pulls the words "ALIVE......" </div>
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1:33 he Grabs his guitar, puts the mic only the stand, puts on the the guitar , hits the pedals, plays the guitar effect SEAMLESSLY. LOL</div>
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1:50 Drew jumps on the amp and plays his guitar solo. no need elaborating, did the jump-on-amp as seamlessly as jon did. love the siren sounding stuff drew does 8D</div>
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The guitar Sound effects Drew does makes me go wilddd. so crazily awesome! 8D</div>
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You must remember, I can really hate electric guitar Noise, but a guitarist that can use it to produce Sound is something totally different.</div>
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Jon says "SINGGGG-A-POREEEEE"</div>
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STARS INTRO STARTS!!<br />
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<b>Stars:</b><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/s7rUB1sqRgM" width="425"></iframe><br />
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"Its been too long my friends"<br />
Crowd echos Jon's 'stars....'<br />
4:20 Drew and Jon finishes the final riffs<br />
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OHHHH...... (in gradually ascending pitch) *intro plays*<br />
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<strong>Oh! Gravity:</strong></div>
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<strong></strong><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5e0P-7hciBI" width="425"></iframe></div>
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Screamed when jerome played that famous Oh!G. hit-key-riff on the keys! :D<br />
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Tim came over to our side at 1:44 and did his famous bass swing 8D<br />
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Jon was saying "a long time ago when my brother - here on the bass guitar - back before he graduated from high school, we had a song like this : *chem 6A intro plays*"<br />
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But well, when the boys played Gone, they started of with Chem6A intro and a let out a scream! Haha! I requested for chem6A during M+G! :D Drew looked over, point, smile and nodded at me i swear. He was darn near so its gotta me he was pointing at :D LOLL Red checkered shirt was enough to be identified easily, right!<br />
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And then seamlessly went into the intro of Gone!</div>
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<strong>Chem6A intro + Gone:</strong></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2w-3jrWgrlU" width="560"></iframe><br />
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The famous Live bridge passage from verse to chorus: "this could be rihanna's umbrella, ella, ella, whatever, Gone!" :D<br />
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I badly wanted couz to be beside me! She appeared after Gone, when the audience were supposed to put their hands around each other and sway from side to side, and I was alone at the front? Because the others haven't dodged security to squeeze to the front? Zzz. Sometimes I wished I was in a different city where the people were less robotic. :l<br />
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<b>Your love is a song:</b><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/wASkOgElNYo" width="560"></iframe><br />
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Jon took somebody's fedora "thanks for letting me use your hat! its a beautiful hat.. can I use it for one more song?"<br />
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Harmonica plays. Romey plays live version intro of Your love is a song on keys.<br />
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Love how gently Jon comes in with "I hear you breathing in, another day begins"</div>
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The whole song was played in a very worshipful atmosphere, the guys stayed at their spot throughout.</div>
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Drew was close, eyes close nothing show-ey, I sung-a-long, stole a glance at drew, and I thought I caught another smile from him :)</div>
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Tim plays This is your life intro on bass- such a signature opening!<br />
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<strong>This is your life:</strong></div>
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<strong></strong><b><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/w3pI7FdMgN0" width="425"></iframe></b></div>
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0:21 Jon walks over to my side</div>
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1:30 He walks over again.<br />
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Remember how they played this song during the 2008 concert- equally conversational.<br />
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2:30 Jon comes over, ducks down and head into the mid crowd! AHAH OF COURSE COUZ AND I GO TO TOUCH HIM WHEN HE CAME OVER LOL.<br />
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3:13 a kid in the crowd climbs up the chair, Jon lets him sing into the mic when the crowd supposed to sing the echo parts!<br />
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4:07 Jon runs back up stage!<br />
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5:15 Jon screams into the guitar pickups, giving this faraway voice- signature of This is your life Live version!<br />
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<strong>Free:</strong></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/yq7EOiAFJ9Y" width="560"></iframe><br />
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Jon starts with fragments from Happy is a yuppie word.<br />
Drew does this cools effects from the pedal again! Sounds like police sirens.<br />
Love how Chad comes in with the drum beats, like preparing for war march!<br />
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4:15 Tims walks over to Drew with his bass!<br />
5:07 Romey hitting those bass drums!<br />
5:27 Drew plays those nasty guitar riffs!<br />
5:58 Jon joins in Romey hitting those bass drums! Everyone makes a cacophony!<br />
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<strong>Only Hope, Awakening:</strong><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/i_JGBlsDlsU" width="560"></iframe></div>
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"That is Mr Andrew Shirley on the electric guitar"<br />
"You're a beautiful man, andrew shirley," Drew gave a friendly gesture to Jon. :D<br />
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"And, closer than ever, for this tour to his homeland in Manila, is Mr Jerome Fontamillas!"<br />
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"This next song is a california campfire song, just close your eyes, picture yourself on the beach of california alright"<br />
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"We're all singing like this,"<br />
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Only hope intro plays. Crowd cheers and sings along well! We know the lyrics :D<br />
<strong><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">It starts of acoustic, spotlight on Jon only.</span> <span style="font-weight: normal;">Then drew comes in with one or two notes- just love how nobody's fighting attention to play their instruments.</span> <span style="font-weight: normal;">(Because I have enough of jamming sessions and listening to other bands where every musician fights to be heard. ugh.)<br /><br />3:30 The band comes in, Smooth!<br /><br />So gonna learn only hope acoustic version. :D<br /><br />Then jon plays the strumming, band comes in for Awakening, "YEAH EHH EHH EHH"<br />Totally love the part where the sound jumps in together.<br /><br />Great line-up, transition from a slow song to an upbeat song!<br /><br />Awakening rockssssss.<br /><br />"Yeah singapore you don't look the same" Jon inserted in one of the verses! :D<br /><br />8:50 Drew goes over to Jon and go jammin'!<br /><br />Then they switch to a serious mood, anthemic rhythms from chad, deep bass sound emanating.</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br />Meant to live:</strong><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/4How4AoDQDw" width="560"></iframe><br />
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<strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jon sings some tunes about waking up.</span> <span style="font-weight: normal;">"We were meant to live....... ('live' with an ascending tone)<br /><br />Jerome comes up front to play guitar!<br />Meant to live is a hardcore guitar sounding tune; love how balance it is despite the amplitude of it.<br /><br />Love how Tim plays the bass line during the the connecting phrase to the bridge.<br /><br />Crowd sings along loudly when jon stops at 3:22! Jon lifts mic for us to sing at 3:30! We sang continued to sing the chorus until 3:58! :D<br /><br />Love how the crowd sings along so loudly!<br /><br />Mess of me intro plays. </span></strong></div>
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<strong>Mess of me:</strong><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/TEdTTjIdGls" width="560"></iframe><br />
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"I am my own affliction.."<br />
Whole band goes energized!<br />
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"sickness is myself" and my camera goes crazy. Jumpin'. 8D<br />
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Love drew's guitar fill in's. MAN.<br />
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Drew comes very near by, lifts his guitar at 2:33!<br />
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Then they quieten down, harmonica plays, soft guitars, Romey playing On fire's keyboard riff.<br />
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<strong>On fire, We are one tonight:</strong></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/TwCQ0u6ikOU" width="560"></iframe></div>
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Crowd sings along loudly on On Fire. Just love the mood.<br />
Great arragement of the soft riff on guitar just after the chorus ends.<br />
Harmonica adds so much mood to this song!<br />
At 2.20 Jon and Drew duels with the harmonica and guitar softly.<br />
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Chad goes to this steady rhythmic drum beat at 2:50, Harmonica plays this on-the-train-like riff.<br />
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"Let me see that sign." *picks up a placard 'we are one tonight' from the crowd*<br />
"We play around the world, playing with families. With families!"<br />
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Drew plays signature We are one tonight intro! CRAZYYY.<br />
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Camera jumps up and down along with me 8D<br />
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5:40 *please slow the evening down* drew comes in with the nice riff there!<br />
6:10 Jon sings "sunshine won't you be my mother" from the Shadow proves the sunshine. Awesome transition+mash up<br />
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7:11 the guitar goes rhythmic, crowd claps along.<br />
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Jon shouts "YEAH" into the crowd, crowd replies.<br />
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7:54 Jon goes into "we are one..." Can hear Tim's backing vocals there!<br />
8:17 "the stars are coming out" and it gets energized again!<br />
8:30 Drew comes really near to play, all smiles here!<br />
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Jon says "Thank You!" and the guys go backstage.<br />
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<strong>24:</strong><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/aHKYeoviqec" width="425"></iframe><br />
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Crowd shouted for an encore!<br />
So they came back on stage :D<br />
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"Is it okay if we play a couple more songs for you guys."<br />
*Crowd cheers*<br />
"You have no idea how happy we are to be back in Singapore this is a beautiful evening thank you so much for being part of it"<br />
"this is another campfire song"<br />
"I want you to sing it, whether you know the words or not hehe:)"<br />
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24 acoustic guitar intro starts playing.<br />
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(now I'm gonna sing these softer songs if I ever go for campfires 8D )<br />
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Drew and Jerome plays softly accompanying jon in the earlier part, whole band comes in at 3:05.<br />
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HELLO HURRICANE INTRO GUITAR RIFF PLAYS.<br />
WOAHHHOHHOHH.<br />
BAND JOINS IN.<br />
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<strong>Hello hurricane, Dare you to move:</strong><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/SqJWWtzfaHQ" width="560"></iframe><br />
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Tim plays the fast running bass line, LIVE :D<br />
(Jumping again during HH's chorus.)<br />
Tim sings harmonizing vocals of HH's chorus, bridge and woahh parts! :D<br />
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3:09 Drew lifts up the hand and sings along the woahh backing vocals :D<br />
3:36 Random boy from the crowd breeches the oh-so-useless barricade and shakes his butt on stage! YEAH. I LIKE HOW HE CHALLENGE THE ANNOYING SECURITY :D Couz said drew laughed at it! xD<br />
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4:09 the mood changes to a contemplative one. Jerome backs strings, drew plays some notes.<br />
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"You're beautiful Singapore we love you"<br />
"I find it crazy to think that, this isn't like my hometown or something you guys are so warm and welcoming and, I feel at home right here."<br />
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"This is a song about movement, I want to see things change, inside and out"<br />
Drew plays Dare you to move guitar intro.<br />
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"Yeahhh"<br />
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Band joins in with a strong rhythmic and guitar beat.<br />
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5:20 "welcome to the planet.." Things soften down, drew coming in at end of phrases.<br />
6:26 Drew comes over with his guitar SO NEAR! We wave! JON COMES OVER!<br />
7:20 Jon put his arms around drew!<br />
7:50 Romey comes up front! Full guitars!<br />
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8:17 "Singapore where are you gonna run to now..."<br />
8:55 and 9:07 DREW SHAKES HIS HEAD AND HIS HAIR GOES ALL MESSY XD<br />
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9:14 all down!<br />
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9:52 WE WAVE AT ROMEY AND ROMEY COMES SHAKE HANDS!<br />
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10:00 FINAL GROUP PHOTO. Jon lifts up 'we are one tonight' signage. and band waves goodbye.<br />
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Then I look at couz, "this is it? so fast?"<br />
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Haha:) Good times do really pass by so quickly.<br />
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_______________________________________<br />
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So Yes. Massive concert hangover alright.<br />
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But the more I read about them, listening to their interviews, watching podcasts, MEETING THEM IN PERSON.<br />
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They're the most down to earth people ever, for being in such a position. Being in this generation, such an honour to be walking this earth with these guys.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/102950431605679663327/Switchfoot2011?authkey=Gv1sRgCNS5y_7Xy9ndcw&feat=directlink">Here</a> are photos couz snapped with my Lumix cam, since they banned her DSLR.<br />
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Cheers to the end of a long post!<br />
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[Published 12:55am, 15/5/2011- 2 weekends 3 days since the night of the concert! Aha! ]</div>
Julia Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12947573092685213302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27091695.post-55692130472416162212011-03-23T23:37:00.002+08:002011-03-24T00:05:56.544+08:00well hello again. <div>Been to work, with much lesser to do since the RI inspection yesterday in Orchard Central. The rest is up to ZR to finish up. I continue with my assigned project: drawings much neater, easier to be understood so I finished it up today. Will be visiting site with Mary soon :)</div><div><br /></div><div>So. Since there was nothing to rush, I had a pretty sleepy day in the office. Morning coffee did not last more than 2 hours, to my dismay. I found out how to log into twitter, and since I had more time on this project, I discreetly opened a little window at the corner to read updates. Well Fann kept me accompanied with her stories, an hour or so in the morning. I wish life wasn't so mundane as it is now. I need excitement, whatever. Not the work adrenalin, for certain that is. </div><div><br /></div><div>yet again, ZH thought us something about working in DP: brought us to the shopping mall via the fire escape door. We needed caffeine and sweets. Ha.</div><div><br /></div><div>The only thing left for me to look forward for the day is the ensemble practice at night. Really, I love playing together. But I guess the situation brings me back to year 2's concert. I was all in a melancholy when we said our goodbyes. I knew that it'll be the last time I'll be little girl among the seniors' batch's section. The last time Caledyne/Hanshan/Valerie sits beside me, Samuel the CM in front of me, and WK behind me. I felt, secured, confidant.</div><div><br /></div><div>Today was different. What I longed for and look forward to is that group of people whom I've been playing with for the past two years, and have taught me a good deal. </div><div><br /></div><div>Not to brag, but I am currently the remaining player who was already playing in this section the previous year. And so I have a year of experience. But thanks to not being part of the committee, I am somehow left out. I am not significant enough, I think. I am pushed to the side. The comm automatically takes on the important seats. I automatically say yes and comply. I don't think I have a say. I am better but I don't have enough to wow people. Therefore I am just, there.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Well, the fun part was I got to play the cello in our unofficial quartet later on. First time! I love how the sound comes out and compliments the melody; such a different tone and voice compared to second violins and the inner v1 desks! </div><div><br /></div><div>Seeing the situation, I really wish to transfer to another section. I look normal outside, but I'm actually unrest. Should I continue this ? I really wonder. I hate fighting for a position, but maybe that's how it works. It does not always works by merit, that I've realized. </div><div><br /></div><div>3 options: </div><div><br /></div><div>1. switching section- which I highly doubt they'll allow. They'll say that I am needed in my current section.</div><div><br /></div><div>2. playing once in awhile as I wish, no more weekly. means i've more of less given up fighting for a better role in this section. </div><div><br /></div><div>3. completely stop this and do something else. do they really want me back?</div><div><br /></div><div>4. stay on in the same section and see how things goes. I might get what I want, I might not get what I want. And in the meantime, just bear with it.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I need some guidance.</div>Julia Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12947573092685213302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27091695.post-15259715717437889012011-03-22T22:06:00.006+08:002011-03-23T00:37:22.324+08:00march 2011 updateshello.<div><br /></div><div>I'm determined to write something here and publish it when I'm done- no matter how badly I've composed this entry. In the earlier highschool days, I'll just write what comes to mind, I barely compose and structure posts before hitting the publish button- simply because I didn't care! After I left highschool and my eyes open to things Outside St John and all the principles it fed me, one of the things that I'd realized that was my English and writing skills were no where near decent. I'd try to write structure thoughts properly and then jot it down in paragraphs, but most of the time there's too much going on in my mind- too much till I don't know where to start and structure it. Best thing is, I'm lazy to compose it properly. Even if I do, its halfway done, so they end up in drafts.</div><div><br /></div><div>So after spamming twitter after work for the ban of it in office grounds, I'd realized that I've been extremely lazy- to structure thoughts. As my thoughts are already all over and it causes me to speak of topics completely out of the discussion, it'll be bad if I can't even put things together in my mind in writing. And if I continue on relying on twitter, I won't be writing anymore. It'll messed up my mind when I don't conclude things and form a definite opinion. It'll add to my confusion as I already am confused.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, well. </div><div><br /></div><div>I've just passed my 20th birthday 11 days ago. As of now I'm working as an intern at DP Architects, Friday the 11th wasn't good to go back at 7pm- wouldn't want to get stuck in the customs! So it was too late when my cousin didn't reply my dinner msg, I headed to the massively crowded Suntec city instead! IT show was on, people were simply crazy; purchasing stuff as if it was the end of the world. (you know, in the end, you'd want to enjoy and indulge in a little more materialistic happiness before you turn into ash) And I'd really wonder why people would queue up so long to sign up for new starhub contracts? Oh. The Materialism i witness, it was downright scary. I have a love-hate relationship with materialism- I'll be telling myself to work hard and earn more money so I could enjoy the benefits of materialism; next I'll be condemning materialism and for myself to think that way. </div><div><br /></div><div>That was also the day I had a heartbreak.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hate seeing disasters; it breaks my heart truly. I know, the signs, why would not people believe? After spending 28 bucks on the not-really-needed audio-technica portable speakers, I went back into the room to cry. There's no need to guess why; I'm just downright confused. My dad is a great role model for me to learn values from- and I'd say he was successful in being one- and then I'm thrown into the sea to take my first swimming lessons. The world distracts and defiles your principles so very easily, if you don't have something solid to hold on to. It tells you that you're not fit for it if that's how you live your life, you're boring, you're too good, you're no fun, you don't look good enough, your clothes are not good enough, you aren't smart enough, you're not talented enough. The waves comes crashing in, you shed some tears, but you should realized that you're bounded by a rope, tied onto something immovable, solid, and you should also be holding on tightly to that rope, not letting a chance to let go of it.</div><div><br /></div><div>So I struggle once in awhile. But I'm bounded by a rope, feels good to know that.</div><div><br /></div><div>DP Architects.</div><div><br /></div><div>How did I get in there? I don't know. But I thank God for this opportunity. Many students placed their preference on this firm; and by my own knowledge that I knew I wouldn't get it, I placed my preference for smaller firms nearby my area, completely ruling out this company, located right in the heart of the city of Singapore. When I was told I got to do my internship in this company, I was rather shocked at first! I had no confidence in my portfolio- I knew I've not been doing well in year 2 and my portfolio needs to be worked on- so who chose me for it? Did the computer randomly picked out my name, or did my class teacher (whom I really secretly dislike as all the other students do,) recommend me? </div><div><br /></div><div>Zhi Rong and I were picked out for internship to this company, and I got to know him during the start of Year 1 during the combined class induction outing. Well, I'd say I didn't quite enjoy his character then, but since we hadn't work together much, I'll leave the judging for later. First impressions are important but don't always work sometimes. Yeap, third week now working with him. I get to know this person more, and I'd say I prefer someone who knows what's the meaning of Chill. I get annoyed sometimes, but I've concluded that this 6 weeks shall be a test for myself. </div><div><br /></div><div>Well then. The people in DP are pretty great, so far. Haven't meet anyone that I've had a bad impression on. We were brought around the studios on the first day, and it really opened my eye on things! Located in Marina Square, 2 offices at both ends of the shopping mall. And everyday I passed by Synwin several times, its a treat and a torture to see such a pretty shop. When I get a meagre sum of cash I shall purchase new strings for the violin and cello, ABRSM books if I can't find any used/photocopied ones, and a ukulele ! (and then maybe a hardcase for the cello and a new violin) Well, cash! I don't have much now :) Minus the 100 bucks I owe my cousin for the upcoming switchfoot concert! </div><div><br /></div><div>The digression. Well DPA. I love the bay I'm located in, haven't got so comfortable and cozy since I don't know when! (Hope year 3's studio will be as good. Finally, for the ailment of not having a class studio for year 2!) The people around my bay have been good, Zu Hui- 2 years my SP senior on my right have been entertaining me and teaching me ways to exploit all the little benefits, and have been extremely helpful to us newbies despite being busy with her own work to finish! Admit that I'd be pretty annoyed if one asked me too many questions repetitively, and her patience in willingness to help is something for me to learn! I'd talked to her one day on the long ride home one evening, and well, so far I have good impressions on her. Sharing little titbits and snack is oh-so-common, Hawaiian chocolates travelling into our bay from who knows which faraway back it originated from, to a variety of sweets and cup noodles on Zu Hui's shared food basket always in my reach. And people like me who find joy in getting a Free drink from the vending machine, visits the pantry too often to get more free flow biscuits and Lipton tea. The shared folder is really something! Zu Hui sends me links once in awhile to folders where people share their MP3 files, and its pretty darn awesome 8D I'd realized she played Jazz trumpet in secondary school days, well how cool can it be! Well although they pay the bare minimum, I'm glad to have learn about things in this line as well as making new friends who are pretty good natured. </div><div><br /></div><div>Okay. Year 2 results out! </div><div><br /></div><div>I cried because I didn't believe it. I wanted to know just to confirm things, as I've already prepared myself and my parents not to expect things to be like year 1- and then carry on with life and hopefully I'll improve myself in days to come. Year 2 haven't been good, I tried, but I'm forever envious of people who works better than I do, and know its very hard to catch up with them because I don't have a lecturer as caring as those of year 1. I don't take enough initiative. Ends up to be I think I've fallen a bit lazy after I'm tired of things. I barely have the stamina and will to go on when I'm tired. Is that called laziness? :( I wasn't 'happy' with my portfolio because I've seen excellent ones. Always delivering 'just enough'. Stopping work aka. quitting early. Procrastinating. Those are sins of an architecture student, I know I've committed it and I should be facing the consequences. </div><div><br /></div><div>But no. Given another chance to prove myself better than I think myself to be.</div><div><br /></div><div>Empat. Betul, Empat. Disbelieve.</div><div><br /></div><div>I shall not narrate how my intern colleague had a dramatic episode in the office, but I shall take what Zu Hui advice after I told her of my situation and struggle with mediocrity: </div><div><br /></div><div>"Just take it. God gave it to you. "</div><div><br /></div><div>Quote daddy:</div><div>God defies logic. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you Father God. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Guess You kept my little 'silly in my eyes' prayer I said a year ago? And Your faithfulness tells me that You are in control, healed my recent heartbreak, and no matter how heartbreakingly big the matter may be I need not be afraid.</div><div>And The Pilot who controls and always saves the aircraft that has failed its own means to save itself in that crashing situation!</div>Julia Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12947573092685213302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27091695.post-33850581079897276782011-02-14T20:45:00.002+08:002011-02-14T20:59:06.178+08:00I admit, I have problem conversing with people on a different wavelength/below my (already very average) intellectual ability. I tend to be rude, especially when one is rather a close relation of mine; and less towards a stranger. Also, I very much dislike people who talk too much, especially when the topic does not concern/amuse me; I can tolerate it for sometime, but not long before I get irritated.<br /><br />Instead, I'm trying to find friends who will not only listen to what you have to say, they are <span style="font-style: italic;">genuinely</span> interested in your life. Not stalkers who judge and form certain opinions of you after knowing what you have to say and think about things. Genuinely Good people, I shall attract you :)<br /><br />I've also learned to be extremely careful on facebook; as there are people who secretly follows your updates very closely. If I want to pour out some heartfelt opinions, do it somewhere else. If I want to tell the world of what things I've done, do it somewhere else. People judge you on what you think and the things you do. Writings in hard copies should be kept properly, because I've had a sad encounter of having one's diary blatantly flipped through.<br /><br />Guess that's all I have to say.<br />Cheers.Julia Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12947573092685213302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27091695.post-82866228061316127942011-02-09T02:44:00.003+08:002011-02-09T03:18:19.727+08:00Lost ++++To think what's ahead of <i>this</i> is always quite a task, very alarming to take a peep at it, in fact. <div><br /></div><div>I must confess, I have not done quite as well in my second year, and I don't like the feeling. There's no doubt that the world looks at your merits (taking bias out of the picture) and that failing isn't an option- although they forever tell you to take your failures as a stepping stone. Who ever remembers the runner up? I don't even know the partners of Rem Koolhaas' OMA. I only know Rem Koolhaas, because he's the guy that pioneered the firm. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, what are my goals I want to achieve? You should know I'm not Miss Ambitious Career Woman. Every little bit of excellence always take me by surprise; and sometimes you feel guilty of all that that gives you a valuation. I am not worth my school results. Either better or worse, it does not reflect your whole being.</div><div><br /></div><div>Its hard for me to find my talent; for I have my passions, but none that I find I'm distinctly good at. But how, how can the world function if everybody is exceptionally good at something in brains and skills; because who will take away the rubbish? Who will clean up the used plates? Who will be the one sweeping the streets? Who will twist a soft cone for you at the ice cream counter? Can everyone fly jet planes and conduct orchestras? Who will refuel your engines and built your concert halls?</div><div><br /></div><div>Where am I standing? What's my coordinate in <i>your</i> masterplan?</div><div>Should I pursue this like most of the other people and stop when I need to, pursue it till the very end, or hop onto a mission ship and travel the world with no income?</div><div><br /></div><div>Its terrifying to be lost in a blizzard, because you're lost in complete white in a monstrous weather; its also terrifying to be lost at sea, because the sea is terribly vast and you can't see the limits with a chance of drowning after you've used up your energy treading water. But maybe I can command the blizzard to stop. And I can walk on water.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >When I grow up, I just want to be happy.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.</span></span></div>Julia Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12947573092685213302noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27091695.post-61325790005921526412011-01-24T21:45:00.006+08:002011-01-24T22:27:56.936+08:00All that Drama.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPOE5_RSZ1O1YRUCVxoylaNOuBFBtWzm-e2HR2ZGRb_vTCCr5aEfATTP85UDxvQW5F-21vQNJAtccAZhY-wGXLtlZJMl57kc0pkA6ioFoG5SZW-utePVDqSsMhYJl1ylto1t2/s1600/179089_495040051433_503041433_6777056_618417_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPOE5_RSZ1O1YRUCVxoylaNOuBFBtWzm-e2HR2ZGRb_vTCCr5aEfATTP85UDxvQW5F-21vQNJAtccAZhY-wGXLtlZJMl57kc0pkA6ioFoG5SZW-utePVDqSsMhYJl1ylto1t2/s400/179089_495040051433_503041433_6777056_618417_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565748931692187282" /></a><br /><div>You know, things you anticipated for a long period of time just flashes before you eyes; before you could get another glimpse of it, its long gone. Well all you get is pictures of it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Its already Monday, yes I anticipated it all, but I wasn't much excited. Running away to play music 3 times a week was my only escape from Prison. I was tired, but at least I had a night off. I didn't play well, but I get compliments. I keep the pretty things, I run away from messy things.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway year 3's will be missed. Marks another year of people coming and leaving oh so fast. That's probably one of the worst feeling ever (besides Regret), of people leaving; we don't get to keep the person, only the memories. That's what you get for being in the group a year earlier than most of the peers your age- people one year senior leaves and you don't really know the people of your batch besides the few who are in the same boat as you are.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Despite it all, glad that couple of friends were so willing and enthusiastic about this concert :) The amount of supportive wishes wasn't expected too, now I know more people are listening to Classics!</div><div><br /></div><div>Glad that I somehow managed to level up, although I didn't play up to my expectations. </div><div>Why have them expectations when it seldom hits satisfaction but only disappointments?</div><div><br /></div><div>I don't know what's install for next season; all I know that I have to work extra hard for v1 on my part if I want to be part of the next concert. But I don't mind it. In fact I might just be the type of person that loves that lifestyle. Sometimes I feel that its better to sit behind a desk and play all day- more fulfilling than sitting like a robot in front of CAD. </div><div><br /></div><div>:(</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>monday morning angst cured by adam levine.</div><div>dangg.</div>Julia Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12947573092685213302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27091695.post-58289457389550188232011-01-19T08:43:00.002+08:002011-01-19T09:21:37.645+08:00Poor Hawker.Hawkers might just love the every cent they had cheated you of. (well not all, but generally- especially the Singapore ones)<br /><br />Within a week I have met 3 stingy+shady hawkers:<br /><br />At one of the Jurong Point foodcourt stalls that I purchased a bowl of noodles from, I requested for more vege. The first time I politely <em>ask </em>the cooking auntie, she ignored me. The second time I ask her, she changed the subject, "chi de?"/ Eating here? She said. The third time I called "Auntie," Yet Again she ignored. I called her again, and finally, she said (in chinese) "There's a limit to vegetables, its expensive these days."<br /><br />I own a starbucks tumblr which looks tall, but the walls of the bottle are thick so its narrow inside- not really much total volume. I used it for bringing coffee/tea into the studio so I will not get caught illegally eating/drinking and so attracting the rats that they (really) found. It also minimizes the mess done but styrofoam cups and the sustainability of it.<br /><br />Anyway, hawkers always think that my bottle is extra tall of having bigger volume. They won't fill the bottle straight away until they reason out how much they should charge me or fill the bottle.<br /><br />The first drinks stlall man used his own styrofoam cup to fill in the drink, then told me to fill it in the bottle myself. It was exactly the same amount. Why waste a disposable cup when you can just give me a little more of that water?<br /><br />The second drinks stall lady took a look at my bottle and gave me a choice:<br />1. Pay 60 cents for full cup<br />2. Pay 50 cents for half cup<br /><br />I know its only a 10 cents to cause a rise of 50% in drink volume (I don't know what kind of elasticity this is)<br />But sorry, I won't let you have an extra 10 cents for you let go of more water in that huge dispenser.<br /><br />She filled up 60% of the bottle anyway, that 10% more probably from me saving her one styrofoam cup. I forgive poor hawkers, for 10 cents might mean a world to them.Julia Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12947573092685213302noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27091695.post-62261970609155209262010-12-22T01:22:00.004+08:002010-12-22T01:41:39.465+08:00December again.Twenty second of December, year of 2010. Hello.<br /><br />I've been doing a decent amount of reading, but haven't been writing. Because I hate writing trivial things on blogs, and I cannot structure my opinions like I used to do, where thoughts are rather sporadic these days. I can be decent today and a monster tomorrow; and what separated the two personalities? Perhaps only a glance of someone's picture, a phrase, or a nightmare that night. I don't know my self so well at 19; I bet I knew myself better when I was 17. I knew what I wanted, I had clear intentions, I had my believes and my principles for living deeply rooted. Today I doubt, I question, and I doubt even more because people around me, they confuse me. You're not wrong to call me disillusioned, dad, because I am.<br /><br />Have I made all the wrong choices when I had all the freedom to make them when I past 12? I admit, I forced my parents to let me have my way in certain things when I was younger- I refuse ballet, I refuse violin, I refuse to practice the piano, I refuse the dresses my mum bought me. Do I regret it all? Sadly, I do. But those are inessential matters I could do without; choices I made when I was 12 was something I could ponder about- the what if's I chose the other way? What if I had gone to another institution? What if I chose to do something else? Would there be lesser psychological pain when someone or some incident today pierced my ego? Would there be better days ahead? Would there be a different kind, a better kind or challenge that I could pursue today?<br /><br />I need someone like Hassan from the Kite runner.<br />I need someone to completely eat up my ego.<br /><br />I don't hear you, it must be because I didn't even talk to you.Julia Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12947573092685213302noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27091695.post-48807814860391550662010-11-17T00:45:00.003+08:002011-05-23T22:40:08.981+08:00Hello November.I'll just leave another Jon Foreman written article link here. <div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(100, 100, 100); line-height: 19px; "><h1 class="title" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 36px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); letter-spacing: normal; font: normal normal bold 36px/normal helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font: normal normal bold 36px/normal helvetica;"><a href="http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god/church/features/23449-the-drunk-and-the-hypocrite">The Drunk and the Hypocrite</a></span></h1><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: normal; font-size: 16px; ">Another Christmas coming. Good people are still miles away. What kind of me shall I be this time? <div></div></span></div><div><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div></span></div></div>Julia Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12947573092685213302noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27091695.post-36007509227380482862010-10-06T16:41:00.002+08:002010-10-06T16:47:46.745+08:00Well hello, its October.Somehow, I've unceremoniously started my new blogging habits on Tumblr.<br />This space have served me well for the younger days, a place where I typed out every occurrence in bad English, and tell the whole world about my life. Its nice actually, to reflect on daily happenings and slowly see your developing opinions over the years, but I must say that I've been lacking on words lately. I've turned into somebody who relies heavily on visual material- although the appreciation for good words have increased. Weird huh.<br /><br />So, if I come here to post, it'll be a good one; a more reflective post, or simply a bigger experience that deserves a good ol' post to keep my memory alive.<br /><br />Otherwise, life is on Tumblr. We have short stories and updates there too. :)Julia Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12947573092685213302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27091695.post-23385597722773029292010-09-18T22:56:00.002+08:002010-09-18T22:59:17.745+08:00I'm sure He took out the colour palette.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDz4qUFE4OAhxkJe9uehIzrONcXVESbmyWo7KWRhu-ckCtpbzx_-HDd-rJrrPsbdM_EYQe_N2CSksauRPhUDmD-kfCs0otYAfU8zxn-8WZrQaxMCTvW0lB4PtfeQpbrNd5J6-/s1600/tumblr_l8ts6e41rG1qzya49o1_500.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 336px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDz4qUFE4OAhxkJe9uehIzrONcXVESbmyWo7KWRhu-ckCtpbzx_-HDd-rJrrPsbdM_EYQe_N2CSksauRPhUDmD-kfCs0otYAfU8zxn-8WZrQaxMCTvW0lB4PtfeQpbrNd5J6-/s400/tumblr_l8ts6e41rG1qzya49o1_500.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518267859852533474" /></a>nice stuff. intricate design!Julia Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12947573092685213302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27091695.post-39772734383372852412010-09-09T13:47:00.005+08:002010-09-10T13:59:23.087+08:00Yo Joes!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXmgtPzxDDVfkjeMvxg5Fj3CEcTwtlZrj32gLuyKb3XvmwjvNRb7ZafKbfQ6KichYNvLE0ZIqA-BuZVh3JHpeInCrDjJK7WKdkQEybBfCafb5CyITRwVElIafdjpq31MKBNMER/s1600/gi-joe-intl-poster.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXmgtPzxDDVfkjeMvxg5Fj3CEcTwtlZrj32gLuyKb3XvmwjvNRb7ZafKbfQ6KichYNvLE0ZIqA-BuZVh3JHpeInCrDjJK7WKdkQEybBfCafb5CyITRwVElIafdjpq31MKBNMER/s400/gi-joe-intl-poster.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514786670778300898" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I know, I'm a Year late for this but. Seriously, Awesome action-packed movie :D</div><div>Technology & Machinery + Military action + old enemies and the past + bad guys, good guys + a little bit of unpredictable romance = a very good action movie.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Technology is State of the Art! I can expect so much fun playing with those gadgets and machines, man.</div><div><br /></div><div>After taking the Nanotechnology module for GEMs the last semester, it really Is the Next Big Thing; it can bring so much convenience, yet so much destruction in the wrong hands.</div><div><br /></div><div>But just imagine Technology- 'world standards have improved thanks to Technology'</div><div><br /></div><div>Are we moving on to Utopia, or Dystopia?<br /><br /><br /><br />"Hey Dead Guys Don't Breakdance!"<br /></div>Julia Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12947573092685213302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27091695.post-49115479311092514232010-09-08T23:57:00.000+08:002010-09-09T13:24:27.883+08:00Lifestyle Marketing.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowcQWVSpXaBJ-nNtY1LX20WO4p18ziGRdslllEifamY3KYRjGcA2KDfkKyrLBJQHTf6CF5lEzqXo-xWa0yiklmYqZCosI1Zr2L-H134-q6IvjvYV5aDbwjjCflTrycW7yjXrn/s1600/FileJoneses+poster.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 270px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowcQWVSpXaBJ-nNtY1LX20WO4p18ziGRdslllEifamY3KYRjGcA2KDfkKyrLBJQHTf6CF5lEzqXo-xWa0yiklmYqZCosI1Zr2L-H134-q6IvjvYV5aDbwjjCflTrycW7yjXrn/s400/FileJoneses+poster.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514773502029152082" /></a><br /><div>Walked round town the whole day with 2 Swensens firehouses on Ahdada's birthday, and then a movie with Kim, Kelvin & Ben to finish it off!</div><div><br /></div><div>Thought <i>The Joneses</i> managed to show us how far marketing penetration can go into. This seemingly perfect American family have it all: the cash, the looks, the assets, the charisma, the 'friends' - oh wait, they're hired by the marketing company. Just took my last marketing paper yesterday, so I remember they call this the 'reference: aspirational group'. </div><div><br /></div><div>If people were to ask me what marketing is about, I'll define it as:</div><div>Marketing is essentially the study about human psychology; to study how people will respond in spending their money given all the internal and external stimuli around them.</div><div><br /></div><div>In The Joneses, they are selling the American Dream lifestyle. </div><div><br /></div><div>Still, the ending shows us that some conscience spoke to Steve: this lying business isn't gonna get him anywhere.</div><div><br /></div><div>To be part of this Marketing Unit, you'll have to completely be a humanoid, without a tinge of humanity.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Nice show for the night. Cheers!</div>Julia Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12947573092685213302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27091695.post-77358341379210885902010-09-05T14:52:00.003+08:002010-09-05T15:22:46.258+08:00Across the table.Waiting for something,<br />something, <span style="font-style: italic;">someone</span> familiar.<br /><br />Looked down at my shoes,<br />tugged under the table<br />neatly,<br />I was waiting.<br /><br />Seats round the Table<br />vacant, still.<br />there, was Expectation.<br /><br />something,<br />Beautiful;<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">It</span> occupied the empty opposite,<br /><br />clasped my hands,<br />I stared,<br />stunned,<br />stunning familiarity.<br /><br />pulse running,<br />never had this feeling;<br />but why?<br />who am I?<br /><br />nothing to do,<br />but just looking across,<br />across the table.<br />Heart skipped to many beats.<br /><br />too familiar,<br />she was.<br />were<span style="font-style: italic;"> we</span> meant to meet again?<br /><br />focused lost;<br />expecting worst things-<br />mum lays her hand,<br />"lets get a seat on the other table, dear."<br /><br />Listened;<br />heart, eyes, still on <span style="font-style: italic;">that</span> table.<br />uneasy, dad comforts.<br /><br />to speak, I cannot.<br />but he understands his son.<br /><br />event over,<br />dad took me over;<br />to The Table.<br /><br />dad calls out,<br />for to speak, I cannot.<br /><br />she turns,<br />a smile,<br />a graceful smile,<br /><br />but she does not recognize;<br />to her, I was unfamiliar.<br /><br />sadness;<br />like a flood.<br /><br />but the smile;<br />I walked over.<br />Speak, I cannot.<br /><br />offered my hand,<br />we <span style="font-style: italic;">touched</span>.<br /><br />thrilled,<br />it was enough.<br /><br />turned back,<br />to run away.<br /><br />paralyzed.Julia Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12947573092685213302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27091695.post-53711971079895219272010-08-18T10:52:00.000+08:002011-05-23T22:40:08.983+08:00Gentleman.http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jon-foreman/standoff-with-florida-pol_b_685042.html<br /><br /><blockquote><b>Replay: My standoff with Florida Police</b><br />Jon Foreman<br /><br />When I'm on tour, I try not to think about home too much. I write songs, write things for the Huffington Post, and watch a lot of Sports Center. Lately, ESPN has been running segments on whether instant replay should be used in MLB games. Blown calls like the one that ruined Armando Galarraga's perfect game brings this controversy to a head. Personally, I see both sides of the issue. On the one hand, life (like baseball) is unfair. Sometimes calls go your way, sometimes they don't. On the other hand, our sense of justice speaks up for the folks who've been robbed of victory of a good play by a bad call.</blockquote><blockquote><br />What are umpires after all? They're just folks like you or me. And yes, like us, they are only human. "To err is human, to forgive is divine" -- and to watch the instant replay on the big screen is pretty great too. I was thinking about how helpful this sort of instant replay would be for real life situations outside of the ballpark. For those close calls in life, it would be amazing to be able to review the tape and change your behavior accordingly. You could see things from a different vantage point, or see something you might have missed before. I'm thinking of one specific moment right now. A moment that still is fresh in my mind. A moment that made me angry and frustrated. I'm thinking about my run-in with the police in Tampa Bay Sunday night (which fortunately/unfortunately was videotaped from a few angles).<br /><br />The day started off great -- our band played a few tunes acoustic at the radio station, caught a few innings of the Orioles/Rays game, and then played some rock 'n' roll at the local amphitheater. It was a beautiful night and I had a few songs left in me so I decided to play a couple tunes out in the parking lot after the show. I call them after-shows and they're exactly what they sound like. No tickets, no lights, no amplification, just a few tunes for whoever wants to listen. These moments embody much of what I love about music: spontaneous, communal and pure. A few old songs and a few new ones, nothing too planned out -- it's just a chance to see music bring people together.<br /><br />The after-show had just begun when things got interesting. I finished my second song, a tune called "Against the Voices" (ironically enough), when I noticed flashing lights accompanied by a loud voice declaring the night to be over. Now I'm not a rabble-rouser by nature and I have a healthy respect for authority, but I was really disappointed at the way this was being handled. This peaceably established group of well-mannered kids were not violating any laws I could think of. The officer was yelling as though he had already asked me to leave, referencing telling me "one more song already," but I had never spoken with him before.</blockquote><blockquote><br />Sure, I want to get arrested for rock 'n' roll as much as the next guy, but I couldn't think of any crime we had committed. I couldn't figure out whose civil liberties this officer was protecting. The whole thing felt so silly -- so juvenile on both sides. I had no idea that singing in the venue's parking lot in the middle of nowhere would cause such a stir. I hate that kind of attention. I'd rather just sing these things with my eyes closed and enjoy the moment. I wanted to put this thing behind me, to write the whole thing off. But with ESPN's gentle nudge, I decided to review the tape, to see it from a different perspective.</blockquote><blockquote><br />So I went back to the instant replay on YouTube this morning to see what I could have done better. And after looking at the tape, I would have made a different call: I would have pushed for communication instead of one more song. I wish that I could have pulled the officer aside to hear his thoughts about the situation. I would have asked him why we were getting kicked out. I would have asked him, "Is there a more appropriate place to play one last song?" I wish I would have asked him why he was yelling at these kids. I wanted to understand the situation, to shake his hand and speak like grown-ups rather than being yelled at.</blockquote><blockquote><br />One of my best friends back in San Diego is on the police force. I've heard his stories; it can be a rough job with unexpected stress. The job of the police is to protect and serve the populace -- in this case, the folks of Tampa Bay. His badge is to be respected because of the service he provides to the community. I'm sure this officer was trying to do his best to serve us, but communication was not handled well. He could have explained why we were being kicked out. Surely he could treat the citizens that he serves with the respect that he also desires.</blockquote><blockquote><br />I'm still not sure why the officer wanted the music to stop. We were not the last to leave the parking lot, we were not blocking traffic, and there had been no noise complaints. The only reason he gave was that he wanted to go home. The only other question of mine that was answered was his name: Officer Fisher. I'm sure that if we sat down for coffee, Officer Fisher and I would find a few things in common. Maybe we could talk baseball, or Beatles, or Zeppelin. Maybe we could find some common ground to stand on. Yes, after watching the tape, I have reversed my decision: I would have gone for communication instead of one more song.</blockquote><blockquote><br />Every night, I play a song called "The Sound" and dedicate it to Mr. John M. Perkins, a civil rights leader and a hero of mine. Mr. Perkins believed (and believes) that love is capable of bringing people together from all sorts of backgrounds, no matter what race, religion, age, occupation, etc. Love speaks louder than hatred. Love speaks louder than even our fears. To be able to sing this song every night, I try my best to live it out with my actions every day. Mr. Fisher, if in any way you felt threatened or disrespected by my actions the other night, please allow me to apologize. That was not my intention. I was simply hoping to play a few songs out in the parking lot for some folks who wanted to listen. I'm hoping to close this awkward incident the best way I can. I would love to find out how to do this sort of thing better for the next time we pass through. We all need each other. We all need second chances. We all need to learn from the replay. The umps, the cops, and me.</blockquote><br /><br />I've got to say, Jon, you're one of the most inspiring 'famous people' around this globe. Its cool if we get a short replay of certain situations in life, although many of us would wish for a full replay in certain points in life when it gets difficult and ugly. There are always times and situations where we wished for things to be handled differently, where we 'should' have said different things or made a different choice; but well, Jon did 'rewind' and review his mistakes - although the situation can not already be corrected once again, it is possible to learn from it. Postmortem, right?<div><br />Good move here, Jon. You displayed the character of an admirable human. There are hardly anyone one left, with all that pride, that would not bulge in with a kick or a punch, especially when you have people (in this case, fans) on your side. Its definitely way harder to get 'kicked or punch'/insulted in front of your fans, but that shows us Humility. He had been in some frustration after obeying the officer, but the ability to forgive is commendable!</div><div><br />Ahh, how I hate living in this dog-eat-dog world. This read gave me a kicked in the ass after I've decided to play monster after reading various opinions of life-after-uni just yesterday - how underpaid certain jobs are, capitalistic world making the rich and richer and the poor get poorer; that I should still stand and believe in good things, they still exist, not everybody is nasty, and its takes a real hero with courage to Forgive.</div><div><br />I'm called to forgive a same man seventy times seven times; so even if somebody cheats me of all my hard work, I'd still have to cry out my frustration, and then learn to forgive. Well, ain't that a real heroic act. I wonder how many percent of me is the heroic side.</div><div><br /></div><div>Love listening to their songs; reminds me that there are still Good songs around, there still healthy Fun people around, and also there are people that truly Inspire.</div>Julia Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12947573092685213302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27091695.post-18471689094430844632010-08-16T23:21:00.002+08:002010-08-16T23:38:12.563+08:00He's here!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVa_5lNdKJXDqiVwKFpzxnu-x3DjVKbY9xyNy10iGEP38Sh8cY4_CxH0R8gL_-pGBB9QsthJdsd7FQdlYavt2ivOIQvBUcgh3a5hCipd4-tQGHEy2NEJQyqZ7e8wI62UscDeF/s1600/Tumblr_l6pj4bcccx1qcj1j9o1_r1_500_large.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVa_5lNdKJXDqiVwKFpzxnu-x3DjVKbY9xyNy10iGEP38Sh8cY4_CxH0R8gL_-pGBB9QsthJdsd7FQdlYavt2ivOIQvBUcgh3a5hCipd4-tQGHEy2NEJQyqZ7e8wI62UscDeF/s400/Tumblr_l6pj4bcccx1qcj1j9o1_r1_500_large.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506028690293761122" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVa_5lNdKJXDqiVwKFpzxnu-x3DjVKbY9xyNy10iGEP38Sh8cY4_CxH0R8gL_-pGBB9QsthJdsd7FQdlYavt2ivOIQvBUcgh3a5hCipd4-tQGHEy2NEJQyqZ7e8wI62UscDeF/s1600/Tumblr_l6pj4bcccx1qcj1j9o1_r1_500_large.jpg"></a>Joe is here to promote my Tumblr page. YEAHH XD</div><div><br /></div><div>Realized I haven't had much to say here since I started college. A lot has change; and I probably dislike blogging what I've done today, yesterday, and tomorrow like some blogs do, unless its really significant I have enough viewpoints on the event, I'll write. Or else, its pretty worthless unless you're releasing some hatred speech or trying to tell the whole world (literally) that you dislike someone. </div><div><br /></div><div>I prefer to put on what I Love.</div><div><br /></div><div>(like that guy above yo,)</div><div><br /></div><div>another reason is that my main interests have shifted. I no longer do what I did in high school, my concerns are no longer the same, I look much further into the future than I ought to; but you'll still see the movies, books, music, all the same.</div><div><br /></div><div>architectural interests are at : http://thesamejulia.wordpress.com</div><div><br /></div><div>my likings have grown tremendously. and I reblog more than I write. therefore, use tumblr! :D</div><div><br /></div><div>scottishbroccoli.tumblr.com<br /><div><br /></div></div>Julia Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12947573092685213302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27091695.post-13465143295862333952010-08-05T14:00:00.004+08:002010-08-05T17:50:53.341+08:00Remember, remember,I'm back into Dream Journaling! Since they'd been weird ones lately. Not so epic, just darn nonsensical.<div><br /></div><div>2 concerned my Roomey, since I see her everyday.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, Monday night we were talking about how we prefer older, decent guys while I was preparing for my critique the next day. Not actually preparing though, I don't really prepare for presentations lately- I just speak out what's on my mind for the moment, of course sometime missing out pieces of information. So the conversation ended with crazy tear jerking laughters that I'm sure the ears outside our room could have been unintentionally eavesdropping.</div><div><br /></div><div><blockquote>When I went to sleep this dream came to me that Roomey brought a pretty young guy into our room, and he was sitting on my white chair. In my mind, I said <i>good job. He didn't look too bad.XD </i>They were talking like normal friends but I perceived it to be her boyfriend. Ha! The next thing I knew I was stalking her at her church (the setting might not be exactly her church, but I knew I walking through Her Church.) I saw Roomey and this older guy, with a beer belly, chubby a little, already had the uncle-like look on the face. While I was behind a column stalking Roomey, some teenager was beside me too (must be on a stalking job as well), told me rumours that they were an item. <i>Oh. Where's the younger guy already. I know we discussed that older guys were better and more matured. But why this Uncle! Was he really such a decent guy? I hope I didn't planted that idea that you had to go straight for an uncle right after the discussion!</i></blockquote><i></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>That was it, couldn't remember more. hee. Told her the next day, and she told me to dream of a younger guy the next time. XD</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, nonsensical, isn't it.</div><div><br /></div><div>2 mornings later, Roomey told me I was babbling at 6 something in the morning, before my alarm rang.</div><div>Couldn't remember a thing that happened in my mind that night though.</div><div>She said it was annoying, because she wanted to go back to sleep before she really needed to wake up for school.</div><div><br /></div><div>***</div><div><br /></div><div>Last night, had another dream.</div><div></div><blockquote><div>I was in Church, the one I attend regularly. The building wasn't the same, the old building was still there, with the blue paints and cabin like structures, but the new building wasn't there at all. Instead, that building was an old roman like cathedral, with the ionic columns lined up at the front facade. It was slightly yellowish, not pure white. And it was at night, in the first scene where I was in the top storey, a meeting room, where we were seated at a long feasting/meeting table for the discussion of whether we should add steel beam to hold the roof above us. The beam was not at the building line, but left the roof eave to be cantilevered. Well, the plan was made. I walked out of the building into the car park, where I noticed that the building looks like it was going to crumble down anytime. Gave me some creeps, and I hopped into my dad's car.</div><div>The next afternoon they fixed the beam, and we were in the meeting room again. This time, they were discussing concerning the cantilevered part of the roof- it looked as if it wasn't going to hold for long. We agreed on placing another beam across, and the beam would go into the wall. This time they did it straight away, the beam was brought in my some construction workers and they fixed it straight away. The moment it was fitted into the wall, all of us noticed the crack in the wall spreading. All ran out of the meeting room down to the empty carpark. I noticed a column falling and crashing to the ground. We knew there was a service in the ground level, so one or two ran in the crashing building to inform the meeting to escape right away. I was called to run in to inform the people too. Soon people went out, not so frantically. And at last I saw Samjit standing at the door shouting out to me from afar, that everyone's out of the building, nobody was hurt. And then the final scene was the building crashing down.</div></blockquote><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Nonsensical, right.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><blockquote><div>Second dream last night was rather disturbing. This time it was Roomey and I together, we walked out of church, I wonder who's church it was, because it didn't seemed so familiar. It could even be in Singapore, because we were walking out the church into streets that seemed to be flanked with HDB's. We crossed the road opposite the church, and notice a weird guy stalking us. He wasn't very big in size, more on the thin side, and was looking on the ground most of the time when I took a look at him. Whenever we changed direction, he would follow us. Now we knew that it was hard to shake him off. Roomey had a toy samurai sword with her, threatening to hurt him if he stalked us. Instead he managed to grabbed the samurai sword from her. We were in trouble. We thought him as Kidnapper. Kidnapper told us to follow what he said or we might get hurt. I wanted to take the risk to escape, run the other direction; but Roomey said we should just follow what he say, because he might really hurt us harder if we tried to escape. So we followed him to a foodcourt located at one of the HDB void decks. We told Kidnapper that we needed to use to restroom, and we went to the foodcourt's restroom, and both of us hid in one restroom, thinking that if we could stay in it long enough, he won't get us anymore. After sometime we went out the rest room, and went back to the foodcourt. To our dismay, Kidnapper was still around. This time, he was sitting around one round table with some ah-beng ah-lian friends, smoking, drinking beer, and playing cards. He asked us to join. We were afraid to leave, yet we didn't like sitting around that kind of friends. Just then, I<b> heard my Roomey's alarm clock song. </b>Went back to dream space and told my roomey: no worries. We're in a dream. We're gonna wake up soon, there's no need to escape.</div><div></div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div>I just love the feeling that I'm no more danger, that I can return to the real world and I'm perfectly safe, lying down on the bed. (:</div><div><br /></div><div>I could relate most of the event characters and setting to my real world experiences, like always. I briefly came across the article of Sistine Chapel that night, and have imagine the next church building to be cathedral-like whenever my dad asks me to come up with a design it- no wonder there was a cathedral like building in my dreams, on the same plot of land I would like it to be!</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, and the day before I remember seeing a group of people in my studio playing cards, talking loudly and using crude words when the Crit session was over. Could be the people I dislike in my dreams- the ones playing cards, smoking and drinking. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>&& I hope I don't dream too much about JGL in the day, I need to be working on reports and projects when I'm awake enough to do it. Although it would be awesome if its a night time dream, like how it was with Li yundi :D</div>Julia Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12947573092685213302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27091695.post-23658836038607600312010-08-01T22:48:00.000+08:002010-08-05T13:59:57.856+08:00Inception!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggDV_i2bcXF78g4OjrYybsbX2i6KvL3t45VmFVFaUdKkajWIH-Hn5KzkA8zUx7LQzZ4ugGPUECmzYdHPZ0Rp0nlwhZ2Oz39TnKmYvJVVDa2RzH7HIyepjjHMrMk3WN5vuafcAk/s1600/Inception_poster.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 270px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggDV_i2bcXF78g4OjrYybsbX2i6KvL3t45VmFVFaUdKkajWIH-Hn5KzkA8zUx7LQzZ4ugGPUECmzYdHPZ0Rp0nlwhZ2Oz39TnKmYvJVVDa2RzH7HIyepjjHMrMk3WN5vuafcAk/s400/Inception_poster.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501752697825732498" /></a>Oh dear. Its time for my to crawl out of my dream world and stop fan-girling over JGL I'm not in a dream. I should be doing something more useful. <div><br /></div><div>But its been darn long since I went fan-girling- which didn't come up to any conclusion other than just a temporary craze. It's too meaningless.</div><div><br /></div><div>But still, being cute, smart, talented and hot, JGL is simply hard to resist.</div><div>XD :D</div><div><br /></div><div>Remember him acting as a kid in <i>A River Runs Through It, </i>and the features stayed!</div><div>Equally adorable in 500 days of summer :3</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, Inception was a fascinating movie, having a team of people on a mission to change a person's mind by going into his dream space. The storyline is easy to understand once you know the rules of how they work; the cool part is totally the anti-gravity visual effects and surrealism, awesome soundtrack, great actions, spiced up with some thrill, and very importantly the Cast :D</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope this craze doesn't linger long, because I need to get back to reality. There's tons of work to be done. (:</div>Julia Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12947573092685213302noreply@blogger.com0