don't forget the smile

this song conveys so much sadness that it brings back many poignant moments in life:



it's not only the bad chapters i want to close, but the good ones as well. because the good ones are those that make me want to run backwards.

just like my friend, i didn't expect life to be this hard too.

the day my brother stole my memory

just now, i got a shock when my laptop wouldn't start up.

(yes, i'm talking about my beloved fujitsu, who despite being chipped and ancient, has served me well for the past four years.)

so when the monitor kept freezing at a black screen that read "resuming windows...", i got worried.

i started and restarted my computer, but got stuck at the same display screen each time. before long, my worry turned into anxiety. the question of whether i have to fork out at least one thousand dollars to pay for a new laptop, kept flashing across my mind. i was blaming myself for incurring unnecessary expenses by going on a holiday in three weeks' time. i was thinking, "i should have saved the money for rainy days!"

finally, after six or seven tries, i was resigned to the potential death of my laptop, and sorry that the end was so abrupt. i didn't even had a chance to say goodbye!!! so i closed my eyes, and lamented in silence.

then i heard my brother at the door fumbling at the keys. i was prepared to announce to him the unfortunate news. then he came in, walked to my desk and said, "before you scream at me, i'm going to return you this..."

and there in a small crumbled paper, laid a green color chip. my one-gigabyte memory chip.

can you see the light in me?

the cozy weather and this clazziquai song make such a great couple in this starless night.

i can't believe it, four years gone down the drain

when i was flipping through the papers yesterday, i was devastated to read that ogilvy centre is going to be sold and refurbished into a hotel next year.

my first meaningful employment was at ogilvy centre, where i worked as a telemarketer. there was nothing attractive about the job. i was on the phone all day, trying to get people to endorse products that i don't even believe in. it was routine, average-paying, and dull. the worst part of it was having to deal with nasty singaporeans with no phone etiquette. but one saving grace of the job was the location.

built in 1927, ogilvy centre stands out among the skyscrapers in the central business district. with a victorian facade and a minimalist interior decor, it is a refreshing mix of style. when i first stepped into the place, i remember gaping in awe of its majesty. in my four months there, i became very fond of the place. there would always be a friendly security guard greeting me at its monochrome lobby as i wait for the lift. and on its recessed balcony was where i spent many loving mornings, chilling with my ex-colleagues and gazing at passer-bys along the busy street.

hence, this piece of news came as a shock. it's as if a part of my past is going to be taken away from me. i can only find consolation in the fact that the facade of the building will be preserved.

with thick sentiments and nostalgia, i shall end with a video which i have been watching over and over again today:



poor articulation aside, i found the performances mesmerising (especially the first one). after all, i have a soft spot for single eyelid guys who can sing and play the piano. (:

my december dare

after an unexpected turn of events, i found myself to have a grand total of five air tickets in my pocket - two international and three domestic.

yes, i have caught the wanderlust and i am heading to cambodia and vietnam in six weeks' time.

thanks to my brother, who is heading there with his girlfriend and his newly acquired camera, my request to visit these two lovely places has been met with little objection from my mum. in case you're thinking what a gooseberry i am, i assure you that i'm not! i am going there separately and venturing on my own.

hence, rather than immersing myself in meaningful literature, i have been deeply engrossed in travel guides. the researching and planning of my itinerary has injected some exciting flavors to my life and the post-trip preparation has become the perfect antidote to my boredom.

this is going to be the best christmas present to myself. so i shall spend a little more time wrapping the gift and packing in the surprises.

it's all about you, my butterfly

love this song as much as the video:



elation is as elusive as a butterfly.

she said hi-at-us and bye

with the exception of this sunday, i'm taking an official break from the social scene, and retreating to the delight world of fiction in the coming weeks.

you could expect to spot me at a public library or quiet cafe, with a book as my only companion; but i would much prefer to camouflage with the shelves and furniture so i can remain undisturbed.

and when i return, i hope i would be a better narrator.

the left one mine, the right one yours

when i first watched this music video without the translation, i already knew there was something moving about the song:



appealing sandwiches, captivating smiles, insightful lyrics and sweet aftertaste - this song is definitely rich in its ingredients. (:

from loathsome to awesome!

I couldn't resist sharing this because i was amazed at how a remix could turn a previously irrrrritating chant into an irrrrresistable song:



Compare this to the original version, which is at best catchy; and at worst, irksome. Moreover, the music video adds to the goosebumps: