Pensive.

Respect, only earned;

Million dollar question, that with your last breath you ask: have you lived a life worth living?

Would you make sacrifices?

Whether there exists a greater purpose in one's life, a higher calling perhaps?


It's been a good two months, closing three since I've last written. Time has always been a friend. Fleeting as it always is. It watches your every step. Monitors your growth as an individual. Offers you the space for self reflection, thought and development. Junior college was barely last year. 10 months it has been thus far, another month to go. Another month before..

That when the time finally calls for it, we'd be ready.
And stand tall we would.

---

Oh so tasteful;

Where We Truly Belong. Home;

Close of the eye opener.

---

Try - Asher Brook

If I walk, would you run?
If I stop, would you come?
If I say you're the one, would you believe me?
If I ask you to stay, would you show me the way?
Tell me what to say so you don't leave me.
The world is catching up to you
While you're running away to chase your dream
It's time for us to make a move cause we are asking one another to change
And maybe I'm not ready

Chorus
But I'll try for your love
I can hide up above
I will try for your love
We've been hiding enough

If I sing you a song, would you sing along?
Or wait till I'm gone, oh how we push and pull
If I give you my heart would you just play the part
Or tell me it's the start of something beautiful.
Am I catching up to you?
While your running away to chase your dreams
It's time for us to face the truth cause we are coming to each other to change
And maybe I'm not ready

Chorus
But I'll try for your love
I can hide up above
I will try for your love
We've been hiding enough

I will try for your love
I can hide up above

If I walk would you run
If I stop would you come
If I say you're the one would you believe me

GONE SAILING. WILL BE BACK.

Man is never a creature of solitude. There are times though that all that we yearn for, is to shun away from the world. There are times we'd love to burrow underground, plunge our heads into the ground. There are times. But we live, and get by, by the help and support of many others. We live in an interconnected world, live, breathe from a myriad of scents, immerse ourselves in a melting pot of culture, ethnicity, traditions. And I thank everyone that has in a way or another lifted my mood, shared that listening ear, offered that out-streched arm. 19, long way to go (: But I'm doing it, I'm living it.

Finally, GONE SAILING!! I'll be back. (Don't miss me too much, I know you will) ;D


---
Aptly put x)
If we ever meet again - Timbaland ft. Katy Perry

Tear-jerker.

This Romeo is bleeding
But you can't see his blood
It's nothing but some feelings
That this old dog kicked up

It's been raining since you left me
Now I'm drowning in the flood
You see I've always been a fighter
But without you I give up

Now I can't sing a love song
Like the way it's meant to be
Well, I guess I'm not that good anymore
But baby, that's just me

And I will love you, baby - Always
And I'll be there forever and a day - Always
I'll be there till the stars don't shine
Till the heavens burst and
The words don't rhyme
And I know when I die, you'll be on my mind
And I'll love you - Always
Now your pictures that you left behind
Are just memories of a different life
Some that made us laugh, some that made us cry
One that made you have to say goodbye
What I'd give to run my fingers through your hair
To touch your lips, to hold you near
When you say your prayers try to understand
I've made mistakes, I'm just a man

When he holds you close, when he pulls you near
When he says the words you've been needing to hear
I'll wish I was him that those words were mine
To say to you till the end of time

Yeah, I will love you baby - Always
And I'll be there forever and a day - Always

If you told me to cry for you
I could
If you told me to die for you
I would
Take a look at my face
There's no price I won't pay
To say these words to you

Well, there ain't no luck
In these loaded dice
But baby if you give me just one more try
We can pack up our old dreams
And our old lives
We'll find a place where the sun still shines

And I will love you, baby - Always
And I'll be there forever and a day - Always
I'll be there till the stars don't shine
Till the heavens burst and
The words don't rhyme
And I know when I die, you'll be on my mind
And I'll love you - Always

Seniority.

It's a blink of an eye, we'd barely graduated, yet so much we've.. changed.

I'm having my words used against me. Haha. I'll see you in a while, yeah? 

Do I know you?!@#

Fire and forget; Let loose and let go!

---

Every evolution you pull through; it's an achievement.

Every every bit of willpower to stave off the fatigue ; it just marks yet another milestone reached.

We're getting there.

You're missed, too. (:

Blow The Candles Out;

Are we losing ourselves in this very madness? Be the very persons that we shun from the start?

---

Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared. Be that very candle, spread the love (:

Paddle Me Crazy.

Aching arms and tired smiles. Every stroke's your best.

A construct that bears result under immense pressure and a certain amount of co-operation. A touch of aggression, a slurry of commitment and perseverance, hours of sweat, gritted teeth that contributes to the final blend of excellence. It reconciles, reunites and reconstructs, brings together peoples of all ages, all walks of life. Team sports.

Sun, sea, air. I'm loving it. (:

---

Question-of-the-day: Where will we stand in the years to come?

Boy By The Window.

The bridges we let burn, and let go.

The inevitable. That as we forge ahead, memories of the past begin to fade. 

 What's past, what's present; the lines begin to blur.

And it is said, let bygones be bygones. 

Move on, carpe diem.

---

You made my day. Thanks (:

What We Do. (EXcom)

Just when the world might be unkind, when the skies decide to rain that little more and everything's crashing, and when you're forced into a unfavorable situation, we all feel like letting go and giving up.

Don't let it bring you down. We're worth more than that. Make the best of the situation. Learn and grow from it; invest in that experience.

---

We're only who we think we are. And I say, living on the other side of the coin sure is exhilarating. ;D

Resilience.

Resilience.  

1 :  the capability of a strained body to recover its size and shape after deformation caused especially by compressive stress

2 :  an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change

Take a step back, take a breather.

Think, take a while to ponder.

Rush it not, but do it right.

Find the strength to last you through the night.

Resilience takes the form of a seed in the mind. It is hardy and unwavering, more often than not the force that tows us along even as we are desperately screaming for release. Never to give up, but rather pull on through.

If we do not expect the best from ourselves, who are we to expect that from the people around us?

---

(-)(....)(.-)(-) (...)(....)(---)(..-)(.-..)(-..) (-...)(.) (--)(.)

the CRUNCH. (48)

And you question yourself: Is it worth all the effort?

The experience that we've invested in. Dragged ourselves through.
'Cause every single bit of it is worth it (:

Yes, We, Can.

Let's fly high.

There we were, live sized characters out of the DreamWorks studio. Freshed faced and green all over. And there followed the many tests, we traversed swamps, braved the wild beasts, endured through the storms, fought valiantly at each others side. We took aim, fired. Ran for cover, hid. Frolicked under the sun. And then there was November, I was twelveth. We put what we believed on the line, survived the test of time. We too trudged on the beaten gravel path, through the muddied tracks, up the grassy knoll, down by the meandering stream. We cheered when we reached our destinations. And cheer again we do, as now we separate only to venture into the paths we have been entrusted to, to fulfill one and every role that we are tasked to.

The piece of realization, that all's just but another phase of life one has to go through. Like a labyrinth, we too cross many convoluted obstacles and brave adversities and the unknown to reach before the door to the next room. It's a test, of faith, determination, courage, character and ability. Can we meet the benchmarks, reach the checkpoints, clear the course?

Yes, we can.

 ---

"And remember, if everyone else before you can do it, so can you. Be strong."

To Lead, To Excel, To Overcome.

Face the setting sun, wave goodbye to the old, and welcome the new. Tomorrow's a new day. Goodbye.

To say that the day was the run of the mill, so very alright-normal-average would be the very understatement of the year, to each fresh faced private barely out of the sunny island of Tekong. And personally, the honor goes to the lovely mixture of trepidation, excitement, apprehension, fear, exhilaration that made the day, whilst the troubled heart attempted to reason and piece coherent thoughts together, to map the route ahead, unfortunately to no avail. For with the elation follows the anxiety, the excitement, worry, though not overly incessant.

Yet for every clap on the back, every word of congratulation; it was yet another form of acknowledgment that one would have to live up to, another milestone to achieve. Many have done it, traversed the beaten track, lived the precipitous climb, lived to see the next day. So will we. So will I.

To lead, to excel, to overcome. I can do it.

---

"For the simple fact that everything you will go through will test your mettle, in every area. And if you are not up to it, you will suffer. It's as simple as that. And it's even tougher after you pass out from OCS, that's when your responsibilities really begin. Being an officer is not about wearing that rank; the two pieces of cloth you wear on the shoulder will NOT automatically earn you the enduring respect of the men who will depend on you to take care of them. You will be constantly under scrutiny, from your superiors and the men you are leading. You must have the right attitude and disposition, and the ability. They augment each other, but they must add up to make you worthy of holding command. Enjoy the process, make friends, help each other. Be yourself."

"Are You Close To Them?"

How many survive the ravage of time; how many of these last?

The Couldn't-Care-Less. (02)

Tomorrow's a good day, 'cause it's a new day;
Everything is fresh, everything is new.

Everyday we look into viewing glasses, mirrors, windows; and we see a reflection of ourselves. How much does that change? On the outside, probably. And in the inside? Do we live day by day, biding our time in ways comparable to that of the reclusive hermit in fairy tales; are we apathetic, very much so self centered and self indulgent at times? Are children today overly spoilt by their parents?

 ---

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

What We Stand For.

It's not about what we lose out in the process, rather, what we gain at the end of the day

It would not do anyone justice to come to the presumptuous conclusion that no one had anything worth to fight for. What at the end of the day propels one forward, provide one the very source of inner strength and mental guidance to weather even the toughest of storms. For the sole breadwinner the urge to lay food on the table, for the computer junkie the exhilaration that follows from the birth of a programming software, for a photographer the capture of a breathtaking picture. Everyone would, ultimately have goals that they would strive for, altruistic or self-oriented, it wouldn't matter. Yet as any other person would say, we only come to realize what we are standing for in the very face of adversities. What we fear to come to lose, only then we bare our fangs and rise to the fight.

What would you fight for?

---

That as people steadily grow disconcerted, we only grow stronger;

That as people slowly grow jaded and weary, we embrace grow in mental and physical fortitude, progress in leaps and bounds;

That as people gradually grow disillusioned, we envision what we value dearest, and hold it to our hearts, a lighthouse in the stormy seas ;

That at the very darkest hours before dawn, we tell ourselves to soldier on, that everything would then be alright, that all would be well, that we would only grow stronger than before.

Thirthieth Percentile.

 For the good that wasn't good enough. We deserve more than that.

Letting Sleep Take Over.

It's been a good two weeks.

I've a lot floating in my head.
Less brains. And the rest? I don't really know.

So very much exhausted;
So very much tired.
So very much uninspired;
But for today, just for today.

---
 
被爱的人不用道歉.

#1. See You On The Flipside.

Road ahead's long, but we're ready.

Thanks for the messages, everyone. This is it for a while, I guess. (:

---

It's one thing amongst many I'll miss dearly in the weeks to come - music.

The quarter after ones that we've to part, answering this very call we've to.

 Need you now - Lady Antebellum

#2, And Tomorrow's #1.

'Was looking at the old photos I'd taken.
And I smiled thinking how things have changed.

Like for one, how the head resembles that in the picture. ;D

---

We all wear masks. Everyone, every day. Sometimes we wear them so much, we forget who we really are. And sometimes, if we're lucky, someone comes along and shows us who we really want to be. Who we should be. (:

Awesome song.

But at times I can never find the words to say;

Stay - Hurt.

#4, 3 For We Are Jolly Good Fellows!

And it seems like just yesterday, it was just a dream.

But those days are gone.

We learn not to be afraid. For irrational fear only serves to cripple and impede.

Day #4 , #3 ; 

To forgive, forget, move on;

Only One - Alex Band

You're not alone. Like that cacti which has too other prickly-scalped friends.

All it requires is a little opening up, and trust in the other. Right?

Day #3, All packed up, ready to go?

We do not remember the days. We remember the moments.

And though you weren't largely featured in this countdown as much as I was in your last 14, be assured my friend, your encouragements and words have made the difference. Leaps of faith are easier with bridges in between. Bald or otherwise. (:

---

And as I type this it occurs to me that this probably will be the last of the last 3am mornings for a long time to come. Duty calls. Haha.

#5 On The Sly, Just Us Five.

You know, when the short straw's drawn, and you're the only one
amongst the others, it ain't reason you can't be yourself.

Sing, sing a song; Make it simple, to last the whole night long.
Or with a bunch of them. And with a bunch of friends.
We love sing-along(s). Have I mentioned how my friends are extremely musically inclined? Probably not. But it's a real comfort when you allow those vibrations to create wonderful music that makes just about everyone happy. It's best when you get to sing/scream/shout/exclaim, and everyone else is doing the same. You lose track of time, you're truly happy. And you don't want it to end.

But somehow it does, gradually. The days flash past. Handful of fingers remaining. It's soon. (:

---

On the sly, just us five. It's really difficult at times to be the bad guy, all for doing what you want. Regrets? NAAAH

---

Awesome song.
Hey, Soul Sister - Train

#6 And I'll Remember This Day Well.

I'll remember today for the rest of my life. Heh.

'Cause I mustered all the courage I had, and popped that super question. And you nodded, and said yes. (:

And so here's thanks to you, Mr. Barber, my hair's really, really.. nice now.
And of course, not forgetting the 101% awesome NSman, who made the day, THE day. It ain't the same and you know 'cause this time I said it. Hahaha. Thanks man.

正啊 ! ;D

#7 Sated.

Whenever you want it, whatever you want (:

What Man would give up at times;

What one could wish for at times;

And what one could have, in these times.

---

You only need one person. To listen. Feel you. Understand you. Care for you. Know your needs. Cherish you. Love you. And that is all that there can be to ask for. You'd be content, sated. (:

#8-#7 Parasite.

February, 01, 2011. 11:11.

They say that one is entitled a wish at this very moment. What would you wish for? Me? A little bit of everything, and perhaps, a little more of some.

---

Sometimes, we've just got to try, no matter how much it pains. When you know status quo brings you nowhere.

#9 Needles, Flowers, Sharps & Flats.

Living in 8 degrees.

Flowers;
I love white, neither do I bite!
I like red, but you're better 'cause you're great.
Yellow's the best, for without you, my heart's hollow.

It's unnerving how suddenly you feel unprepared, and afraid.

#10 Might Cause Drowsiness.

Like how time speeds ahead. We barely catch up, breathless;

Sleep always feels good. After the hot shower, snuggled under the blankets under the pitter-patter of the raindrops. Their symphony, your music. 

It's nearing the end, and the beginning of something new. Can't say I'm not excited, if you were to ask. But I'm apprehensive too. Uncertain, unsure. Let's hope full recovery comes in 10 days.

#11-#10 Slippin' Through The Days.

Two week ago, at the Clarke Quay Riverside, Singapore.

Amidst the few hours of rest time, some find their own haven.

Amongst the melancholy of work and social life, some find peace.

Along with close company, some find belonging, and meaning. (:

---

Sometimes you want to turn off those stares;

Sometimes you want to drop off some of the attention;

Sometimes you just want to be yourself;

Sometimes.

Let's backdate to #12

Food History: 8 Years On. ;D

#13, The Five Hour Paint Job.

Smells good. NOT!

I'm spottier than a snow leopard! ;D
And not to mention turpentine-ly smelly.

--

As per requested, links are at the side. I collated one years worth only though. Enjoy (:

#14, F is for family.

Crab says: "Hi"

Salad says: "Hi"

Piece of Cow says: "Hi"

And I say hi. (:

Happy anniversary, Mom, Dad.

Roundabout.

It's quaint, how every day's a different day, every year's a different year. Yet still we commemorate the same, sometimes mundane events, boorish even. New year, new celebrations, no? Perhaps not, by the way things go. At times, I suppose it's how we want to remember history, for the impact it plays in our lives; for some, the momentous events that shaped their future, or perhaps just to mark down a certain success or failure we've experienced. We all do reminisce the past, for all its memories.

It was just like yesterday I had my very first Christmas present, or so memory serves. It came under a gaudily decorated Christmas tree, bearing the home wrapped bundle of labeled gifts. I was 6, innocent, oblivious, but ever excited like any other children waiting to open their gifts on Christmas morning. It was my favorite soft-toy-monkey of all times, my companion for the years to come. And yet as the years grew by, the Christmas festivity and anticipation weaned, the joy of Christmas gradually faded. True, though there is still the ever present cheer and gleeful laughter of our little juniors receiving their share of gifts as well as the warm reunion of a family gathered together for a meal, but some, wearied by the years lose sight of the splendor of these occasions.

As they say, life goes in cycle, we are replaced by yet generations after generations of juniors.

Something today prompted this train of words, how as we mature we see people follow our footsteps. Today I'd shared with my sister of six years junior how we spent our days in school. And yes, I was reminded of a fresh faced me, hugging my schoolbag tight, shorts and all. But it was great. And we realize through conversations that some things never change, for guys, girls and for girls the other way. Then comes ankle socks, short skirts, school work, teachers, friends. The same troubles, different generations. Time's traveled through a circle, back where it starts, beginning afresh with different faces. A roundabout. We've been there, we've done that. And we've loved it.

For myself, there's meaning in every occasion, every celebration. Although each year's different, we remember it for the same memory. Good, bad, even. (:

#15, Back in 'oh-four. (:

Falling ill's no reason not to smile. (:

And here's the thanks I owe to a childhood friend.
For one, she's taught my younger self how a person could be optimistic.
How one could still remain cheerful amidst one's worries.
And to laugh out loud, above everything. Hahaahahaha.

---

Story of the Octopi - I find this really amusing ;D

Have you heard of the story of the Male Octopus and the Female Octopus?

THEY WALKED HAND ...

IN HAND ...

IN HAND ...

IN HAND ...

IN HAND ...

IN HAND ...

IN HAND ...

IN HAND !!

#16, Obliterator.

It is as they say, the pain masks everything;

It's intriguing how only in tight situations does it occur to one the worth of the many things that one is entitled to. At times we're living in our own worlds, oblivious to the happenings around us, very much so. Only in the face of calamity or dire stress do we value what we possess, and be grateful for once, that we're alive, healthy, and happy;

#17, Life sized footprints.

What would happen, if two lives met, then parted;

Due dates;
And what would one feel, if given a date of expiration.
Conflicted by the sudden influx of worries and unaccomplished goals?
Unwillingness to part with kin, family, friends?
Regret not having done or not properly doing certain tasks?

Parting, it's always the hardest part;

#18 Of Gatherings and Reunions.

It's a challenge, a spoken word, a promise.

#19, Filling the days.

Pose, say cheese! (Sorry, I don't have a better photo of you, so this will do ;D)

Happiness is when you get to delighted with just the simplest of achievements, contented with the smallest of wins, feel fulfilled spending time with a friend or two. (:

---

Silence, solace, sanctuary.

#20: (Compact) Memories.

I do not love point-and-shoots. In place of a DSLR ):

I do not love canteen food. Anywhere else is good, hahah.

I do not love the school facilities. SALT's better. x)

But I do love the company, and the game (:

I say, I say, let's go back to '04;
Backtracking through the old loves.
They say rediscovering is yet another enjoyable process, it is;
And I'm luvin' it.

---

Today's fav' song
Toxic, Britney Spears (Glee cover)
'I'm a addicted to you, don't you know that you're toxic' ;DD

21.

It's 21 days remaining before the bell tolls.
Somehow if you manage to see this, this was #8 on the list. (:
I'd document the days, hours, minutes.
Fleeting goodbyes, memories, experiences;
All before it comes down to February 9th.

---

All the wrenching, suffocating, stabbing. It's ended;
I'll remember this day for a long time to come. (: