I've always prided myself on being able to handle pressure with grace.

These few weeks, there have been many disgruntled people around me and the unhappiness culminated to a peak in class today in front of the tutor. I am sympathetic but did not do much to help and further their cause.

I am not trying to judge nor am I want to be mean. I do whine as well but I also feel that mOst barriers are in the mind and if one can just unlock the hurdle that keeps telling you "this is impossible, that is impossible", we'll all be happier people.

Maybe I'm just lucky that no single task or event has managed to drive me to the point of breaking down (cept when people die) so that's why I am not that sympathetic to some problems that people face which I perceive to be self-induced rather than real problems.

Don't know if I am just being a selfish, know-it-all, arrogant bitch but this is how I truly feel lah.

Or maybe I need to take a "kindness" class.

Contented

There's nothing that a good weekend getaway can't do for frazzled nerves and a tired body. =)

Sunset at Bukit Batok

Since I got home early today, I decided I would not waste my time just breeding my fat cells in front of the computer. Apologies for the grainy quality. Haven't downloaded the software to get rid of noise.












The glorious colours were gone in less than half an hour. It is true that beautiful things don't last too long.

Of sand and sea..

Really glad I found a friend who doesn't think selling coconuts at Phuket beaches for a living is ridiculous. We yearn for the laidback, carefree life by the sea. Wonder if it can become reality.

Finally watched Royston's Tan 15 yesterday thanks to Screen Singapore (at least I think that's what it's called). Best quote from the movie:

"Anything that is perfect is not real."

But then again, I do know of two perfect beings in my world...





15 was definitely edgy - self-multilation, swallowing lubed condoms stuffed full with drug pills, vulgarities in every scene.. you get the picture. The show makes you uncomfortable because the issues it addresses are so real for the young people. It's a flim I'll remember for a long time.

On a separate note, I must say to some misled people out there:
1.) No religion is superior to another.
2.) We will not burn in hell if we do not believe in certain religions.
3.) To those who disagree with the above points, I think you suck.

This blog shall undergo some changes.

For now, here are some pictures from this year's national day celebrations at the Esplanade waterfront. It was a sweat fest.

Well wishes on a giant birthday card outside the Esplanade.

A few members of the NDP choir with their freshly stuck on face stickers.

Street artiste dancing on a pedestal to rev up the crowd

Having their own fun while the adults watched the live telecast of the NDP at the outdoor stage.

At least we were not excluded from ALL of the parade highlights.

And the finale...

Other Side of the World by KT Tunstall

Over the sea and far away
She's waiting like an iceberg
Waiting to change,
But she's cold inside
She wants to be like the water

All the muscles tighten in her face
Buries her soul in one embrace
They're one and the same
Just like water

Then the fire fades away
But most of everyday
Is full of tired excuses
But it's too hard to say
I wish it were simple
But we give up easily
You're close enough to see that
You're.... the other side of the world to me

On comes the panic light
Holding on with fingers and feelings alike
But the time has come
To move along

Can you help me?
Can you let me go
And can you still love me
When you can't see me anymore

Enjoyed lunch with M today cos it's been ages since we caught up with each other. Her warm and kind nature hasn't changed but she's become stronger and fiestier than I have ever known her.

She said we all have to look beyond Singapore for opportunities. She seems to believe I am capable of doing some great things. Really flattered. She gave me an added push since the photojourn tutor's pep talk on Wednesday. I hope to remain inspired for a long time.

Decided to drop online journalism to concentrate on photojournalism. This will probably be the best decision I make this semester.

Took the plunge. Bought the Nikon D50. In a state of delirium. My flu is gone. Retail therapy works wonders.

Had my first advanced photojournalism lesson for this sem. It seems this will be my heaviest subject this time round, what with the raised expectations of the tutor and the horrifying number of assignments coming up.

I have always enjoyed listening to the photojournalism tutor in class. Though he was always too long-winded, what he said always made a lot of sense and at times very inspiring.

Last year, he said: "Money is something you should be least worried about. When you do something with a passion, you do it well, the money will chase you."

Today, he said: "If you just sit there and keep thinking you're not good enough, then chances are you'll forever be mediocre. You are better than you think you are. You don't know how good you are until you go out there and try. You have nothing to lose."

"And what is ego? It may be gone in the morning but it comes back in the afternoon."

*I paraphrased but he roughly used these words.*

To be honest, what he said is not exactly new knowledge but when he said it with such fervour this afternoon, it really made me look at my life with a new perspective. He was telling us these things because very few Singaporean photographers take part in international photo competitions due to lack of self-confidence. Although he believed in the abilities of these local photojournalists, they did not believe in themselves enough.

At that point, I really felt sorry that I haven't been more competitive earlier, more daring to go out to do the things I want to do. I know I lack the same self-confidence as those photogs that he mentioned.

With graduation barely a year away, my direction in life has not been very much decided because I haven't landed my niche in my passion. I swear I am going to work hard on what I believe in from now on or my life will be just remain an empty shell.

Anyway, on a more relaxing note, H and I went to this place on the outskirts of Little India (near Farrer Park MRT) that sells pretty cheap and good French food. The restaurant is called The French Stall and the food is dished up by a former chef from a five-star hotel. Pretty good stuff. Wish we could have more of those escargots and my personal favourite is the tiramisu!! *licks lips* You can get a very decent meal there for under $20 and though the ambience is not superb, it is still a nice place for friends to chill out at.

Am loving my short hair more and more. At least 3 persons have told me I looks better with short hair. *guffaws* I think I may be keeping it at this length or shorter permanently. I just hope my mom (who loves long hair) doesn't bug me too much about it.