I've got the Beatles' Across The Universe on repeat as 2009 slowly ebbs away. I spent the night on Baudrllard's Simulations and suddenly everything looks different, and yet I know nothing's ever changed.
A new year approaches, to be welcomed, to be ushered in. Yet the funny thing is, we never had a choice whether we wanted a new year to come in or not. A year is nothing more than a convenient measure of a span of time. Time moves on in a linear fashion, whether we 'welcome' it or not. Rather, it should be the new year welcoming us as we move forward. (although there is always an option of not moving forward, that of the termination of consciousness and by virtue of association, existence. I will not waste breath in explaining why consciousness has to be terminated before existence.)
So ever onward, the shackles still dragging on our feet as we shuffle forward. No, 2010 will not be a new year, for every year in existence (past, present of future) is 'new' in the sense that it is unprecedented. It is new to the human experience. At best, 2010 is only new because it is unknown.
Tomorrow, people will count down to the arrival of a new year. But they will have gotten it wrong. By counting down, we're counting the seconds left of the old year. We are chiming the death rattle of a year past and best forgotten (in most instances).
Having said all that, I am excited by the prospect of 2010. I haven't set any resolutions for myself, other than that of having a steely resolve. A resolution of resolve.
No, the world's not going to change, it is Nothing which plays the catalyst of change every single time. Possession does not spark revolution, it is dis-possession that ignites the conflict that boils beneath the surface of every simulation.
Ang Heng
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
CHRISTMAS PARTY @ LULU'S - 27 Dec '09
Dear GMH members, here's the tentative proposed menu for the evening. Open for feedback and comments. Otherwise the organising committee will make the call. So yeah, voice out your preferences now now now!
Good Old Garlic Bread and Soup of the Day
a simple Salad
Roast Turkey
Gourmet Sausages
Pork Chops
Pasta
Honey Glazed Ham
Tacos
Grilled Peaches topped with Mascarpone Cheese
Log Cake
*GMH christmas party committee '09*
(in the absence of alvin=)
Disclaimer: The above pictures may not fully and accurately reflect the food that may turn out on the actual day. They will, however, be subjected to the chef's mood and the budget constrain.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
"Power comes from the sinews of my bicep!"
It's been a strange week for me. Elliot Smith said that "happy and sad come in quick succession" but for me they came both at the same time.
Happy was the Hong Kong trip. This was the 5th time I've been to the city, the first being when I was 11 and the rest spread rather evenly over time. Each time I return, it feels like I'm home. Its not just that the place speaks the language that I grew up with, or feeds me with the food I grew up with when Singapore was less sanitized. Its the hustle and bustle of a city truly alive.
This time is different, for the company was sublime (almost). Teh with his GPS satelite uplink, Kumar with his marshalling of the troops, Simon with his immaculately planned itinerary and Mendi with his everlasting mouth. I guess you'll all be amazed that Mendi actually approached a girl and asked her to take a photo with him.
Of course this happened only after some verbal persuasion on my part("Mendi, this is a roll of toilet paper, I use it to wipe my backside but you use it to wipe your mouth. Why? because your mouth isn't any different from my backside)and great stategizing from everyone else.
I should also mention that this trip spawned a whole new set of trademarks. "I am very tired, my leg is calling a day", "My social very good one loh!", "Orh! AH!". I'm sure Kumar can fill in with those I don't remember and the rest of you can guess who came up with all those trademarks.
Staying in the same room as teh and mendi can kill you with laughter. All in all, I'd say this was a pretty steadip travelling crew. But my part of the trip was cut short by my grandfather's funeral, so I guess there has to be another post documenting the parts of the trip where I wasn't there. It goes without saying that I miss Hong Kong and the familiarity I feel with this particular city. I miss the brisk winter wind, with its scent of rain and excitement.
The passing of my grandfather was no doubt a sad occasion. He led a hard life and he deserves his rest now, no matter how much we wish his life could have been better. It has also put religion on my mind. I am increasingly intrigued by the way in which my philosophical standings (I'm Postmodern in that respect) have begun to be integrated with my religious beliefs (Mahayana Buddhism). It looks like the only way for me to attain my eventual enlightenment lies in introspection. Rituals and writing can only guide anyone this far, I must experience and find my own understanding of my existence and my eventual demise.
Ang Heng
Happy was the Hong Kong trip. This was the 5th time I've been to the city, the first being when I was 11 and the rest spread rather evenly over time. Each time I return, it feels like I'm home. Its not just that the place speaks the language that I grew up with, or feeds me with the food I grew up with when Singapore was less sanitized. Its the hustle and bustle of a city truly alive.
This time is different, for the company was sublime (almost). Teh with his GPS satelite uplink, Kumar with his marshalling of the troops, Simon with his immaculately planned itinerary and Mendi with his everlasting mouth. I guess you'll all be amazed that Mendi actually approached a girl and asked her to take a photo with him.
Of course this happened only after some verbal persuasion on my part("Mendi, this is a roll of toilet paper, I use it to wipe my backside but you use it to wipe your mouth. Why? because your mouth isn't any different from my backside)and great stategizing from everyone else.
I should also mention that this trip spawned a whole new set of trademarks. "I am very tired, my leg is calling a day", "My social very good one loh!", "Orh! AH!". I'm sure Kumar can fill in with those I don't remember and the rest of you can guess who came up with all those trademarks.
Staying in the same room as teh and mendi can kill you with laughter. All in all, I'd say this was a pretty steadip travelling crew. But my part of the trip was cut short by my grandfather's funeral, so I guess there has to be another post documenting the parts of the trip where I wasn't there. It goes without saying that I miss Hong Kong and the familiarity I feel with this particular city. I miss the brisk winter wind, with its scent of rain and excitement.
The passing of my grandfather was no doubt a sad occasion. He led a hard life and he deserves his rest now, no matter how much we wish his life could have been better. It has also put religion on my mind. I am increasingly intrigued by the way in which my philosophical standings (I'm Postmodern in that respect) have begun to be integrated with my religious beliefs (Mahayana Buddhism). It looks like the only way for me to attain my eventual enlightenment lies in introspection. Rituals and writing can only guide anyone this far, I must experience and find my own understanding of my existence and my eventual demise.
Ang Heng
Sunday, December 13, 2009
If you are my friend, please read...
Hi,
It has been a long time since I blog. This is a post dedicated to my friends, including GMH members, SMU friends, Army friends...
I know I have not been joining you guys on any of the activities these few months. Yes… I have turn everyone off by rejecting all your invitations lately (Not only GMH members, even my Uni friends and my army friends).
Before I start, just want to tell you, YES, for all the facebook comments, I am ATTACHED.
But it is not the main reason why I have not been able to make time for any of you, my friends.
I am also working very hard at work. Have been working most of my Saturdays. BUT it is definitely NOT about climbing up the corporate ladder. Seriously, in my department, I don’t see a ladder. There are only 3 steps. And if the people ahead of me do not shift, I am stuck. However, the reason I work so hard is because I want to learn more and that I want to be responsible to what I am doing. You know, I even ask for projects. And furthermore, in Ops, my growth is limited so I need to initiate to be able to learn more. No doubt this adds to my stress level at times. But at least, I feel like I am using my brains.
And if you know me, I’ve got many other problems too (things I cannot say here). For this, it’s the MOST STRESSFUL. But there is nothing much I can do other than pray or find ways to earn more.
Nevertheless, the good news is that I am attached. And for most of my free time, I am spending my time with her. Haha. And since it is in the initial stage, I don’t think I should bring her to meet my friends yet. So please be patient and don’t ask anything more.
All in all, thanks for your care and concern.
As for facebook, I am keeping it as complicated cause I want our relationship to be profession when we are at work. We want to keep it private and not let any of our colleagues knows. Nevertheless, some of them have already guessed it. But still, if you are my colleague and you know already, pls shut up/keep quiet about it.
That’s all I am saying. My friends, I really do want to meet you but time does not permit me to do it. I am working hard for my life and for her. So I just hope for your blessing and understanding.
Thanks in advance.
Blackburn
It has been a long time since I blog. This is a post dedicated to my friends, including GMH members, SMU friends, Army friends...
I know I have not been joining you guys on any of the activities these few months. Yes… I have turn everyone off by rejecting all your invitations lately (Not only GMH members, even my Uni friends and my army friends).
Before I start, just want to tell you, YES, for all the facebook comments, I am ATTACHED.
But it is not the main reason why I have not been able to make time for any of you, my friends.
I am also working very hard at work. Have been working most of my Saturdays. BUT it is definitely NOT about climbing up the corporate ladder. Seriously, in my department, I don’t see a ladder. There are only 3 steps. And if the people ahead of me do not shift, I am stuck. However, the reason I work so hard is because I want to learn more and that I want to be responsible to what I am doing. You know, I even ask for projects. And furthermore, in Ops, my growth is limited so I need to initiate to be able to learn more. No doubt this adds to my stress level at times. But at least, I feel like I am using my brains.
And if you know me, I’ve got many other problems too (things I cannot say here). For this, it’s the MOST STRESSFUL. But there is nothing much I can do other than pray or find ways to earn more.
Nevertheless, the good news is that I am attached. And for most of my free time, I am spending my time with her. Haha. And since it is in the initial stage, I don’t think I should bring her to meet my friends yet. So please be patient and don’t ask anything more.
All in all, thanks for your care and concern.
As for facebook, I am keeping it as complicated cause I want our relationship to be profession when we are at work. We want to keep it private and not let any of our colleagues knows. Nevertheless, some of them have already guessed it. But still, if you are my colleague and you know already, pls shut up/keep quiet about it.
That’s all I am saying. My friends, I really do want to meet you but time does not permit me to do it. I am working hard for my life and for her. So I just hope for your blessing and understanding.
Thanks in advance.
Blackburn
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
A Startling, Hilarious, Random Discovery...
Hi guys,
I was randomly looking thru facebook and stumbled upon Jiali's profile. Guess who I saw? Sibei tisiao la..Memories come flooding back. You will never believe how the skeletons in the closet always have a way of forcing themselves out..hahaha..
There it was, the unmistakable curry pok hair and the endless legs. Yup u guessed it, the lao hiao court clique photos. Apparently, I'm guessing Jiali's Bf is in the navy and his entire clique is there. I almost forgot what they looked like.
So guys, if you want a trip down memory lane go check it out. And Jiali if you are reading this, please ask your bf to help me get the name of his friend who snaps like Mr Tong at absolutely nothing. If he doesn't get help, sooner or later we will get another Virginia Tech massacre, parang-style. Tell your bf to stay away from him or end up a dead charlatan.
Happy holidays guys!
alonso
I was randomly looking thru facebook and stumbled upon Jiali's profile. Guess who I saw? Sibei tisiao la..Memories come flooding back. You will never believe how the skeletons in the closet always have a way of forcing themselves out..hahaha..
There it was, the unmistakable curry pok hair and the endless legs. Yup u guessed it, the lao hiao court clique photos. Apparently, I'm guessing Jiali's Bf is in the navy and his entire clique is there. I almost forgot what they looked like.
So guys, if you want a trip down memory lane go check it out. And Jiali if you are reading this, please ask your bf to help me get the name of his friend who snaps like Mr Tong at absolutely nothing. If he doesn't get help, sooner or later we will get another Virginia Tech massacre, parang-style. Tell your bf to stay away from him or end up a dead charlatan.
Happy holidays guys!
alonso
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