Countdown to Christmas

I'm seriously trying to get into the whole Christmas spirit and festive season thingy-ma-jiggy, but it just does not seem to be working. As I grow older, I'm simply more aware of the whole commercialization of the occasion that once used to have so much more meaning than it does now. Christmas has become a season where a person has to be wary of political on-goings with family and/or friends. They should put up a sign "Christmas; 'tis the season for politics and companies to make it rich".

What happened to the simple joy of giving, and presents need not be anything expensive nor generous? What ever happened to finding joy in the simple things in life, like having your friends and family around on such a glorious day such as the birth of Christ? Is the spirit of Christmas just fading away as each year passes, and all we care about are presents? Pity. A friend sent me this link, and i found it so hilariously cute. Check it out here.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not being the Grinch or anything here, something just seems to be missing this year. And it shouldn't be that way, considering I've got a new member in my family to celebrate this special occasion with. Her very first! Maybe things will change when I wake tomorrow morning, and maybe come dinner time I'd be jumping off the ceilings. (some wine might help make that happen)

Every year I spend christmas away from my friends, and with my family in Perth. This year is no different, but I guess after all these years, I would like the company of my friends instead. A change might be nice, next year maybe? I can't explain it, and I don't know why, I feel kinda sad this Christmas. I miss Val...my samsui. You're growing up and I'm missing everything! Be sure to leave a few for me ok? I can't wait to come home and do everything we could possibly do together!

I shall be jolly and leave a shout-out to all you peeps..

Merry Christmas everyone! Hope you guys have a blessed day in the companiance of your family and friends. And remember, Christmas is about the joy of GIVING. Share the love and spread the peace, and remember those out there less fortunate than us to be able to actually celebrate.

Vision vs Perspective

The last time I chilled in my backyard was with my friends - Erika, Mimmi, Martien and Andy. We had a nice quiet dinner, 2 boxes of goon and a whole lot of laughter playing drunko. It was a lovely night, a little sad it being our last night together, but nevertheless, lovely. I will never forget standing at my front door hugging my girls goodbye. Well, its never goodbye. Its always "see you later" and that's what it was. Going to my backyard now isn't the same when I'm alone, and who knows when the next time they'd be down in Perth.

God should make the World an easier place to travel, instead of having to fly 12 hours or more to get to Europe and America. Or faster airplanes that travel at the speed of sound! Oh, cheaper flights would be good too, thanks. Perth is a sad place to be when most of your friends have left, especially the ones you've grown so used to having around. But of course there are people who I'd remember but whose presence would never miss.

Went to get my haircut today, my stylist was a nice bloke who chatted quite a bit. Asked me questions about Singapore and I told him of its quirkiness. (Pity, i know i should not be dissing it) Seems most non-Asians simply have the same perspective of Asians, particularly Singaporeans. They get a look of surprise about how common speaking English is, they're shocked at our gum laws, and of course, every Australian now knows of the infamous (outrageously back-dated) death penalty we still carry out. Just like how almost every American knows of the Michael Kay case and our caning system. I suppose if you just try to overlook all that, its not really that bad a place, for tourists at least.

The dictionary defines Vision as being "A mental image produced by the imagination", and perspective as "a mental view or outlook", or "a point of view". Someone tell me, is there a difference? Is it possible to perceive something in one way, and have a vision of it in another? I believe Caucasians in general, have a certain perspective of Asians, as do we Asians, have a certain perspective of them. But do we have a vision of something? I'm caught in my own entanglement of words and thoughts. I've sidetracked from the original entry I wanted to write and now I don't know what it is.

I want to go home.

Glorious Perth

I forgot how fun it was to be in Perth, and to think I almost dreaded coming back here. I'm glad I still have Annie and Collette, at least not everyone has left. Going out with them is good fun, although something does still feel like its missing. It's definitely weird not having Mimmi around, my Swedish party girl. I hate going past KV now, its so empty it's not even funny. It just ain't the same without my girls.

Went to the como pub with Annie, ooh we had a blast even though it was just the two of us. We rocked at pool (surprisingly) and ruled the table for 3 games! Had a bunch of guys on our side rooting for us, someone please tell me why they always have to be in their 30s?! Too bad my parents are down in Perth too, otherwise I'd have had a few good ol' beers with Annie and drank our night away. Can never party too much, ey? But of course there are always the dodgy dickheads who try (unsuccessfully) to pick us up and we have to switch tables. But otherwise, it's all good.

Someone explain to me PLEASE why it is soooo surprising that I'm Asian and speak good English? I'm so damn sick of getting the same question "Oh you're from Singapore? Then how come your English is so good?". Erm, because we speak....ENGLISH in Singapore? Jeez, get with the programme. We're not all dumb ya know? No offence intended. Is it so hard to comprehend and understand that English IS our national language? I agree, I've met some Asians who told converse too well in English, but that is also because of their family background and upbringing. I wish these stereotypes would just go away though. Colour and race is only skin deep, and it doesn't matter what it is. You can be Chinese or Caucasian and still be an idiot.

Immaculate Friendships

Remember those primary school days where the true meaning of friendship was almost unknown, and little events could spark off petty arguments between a group/class?

When you wouldn't lend a friend a pen or give her something she asked for?
- "Eeyer! So selfish one...I don't friend you!"

And that little saga that was supposed to be only between the both of you spreads to other friends you play with through...

The days of early bitching.
- "I tell you ah...you don't friend her ok? If not I also don't friend you!"

And soon enough you go to school to find little people pointing at you when you walk past, and you have to lend that little bitch your favourite pen that you know you won't get back - to have friends again.

Does that not sound familiar at all to you? Our little childhood days, where we could drop friends to find better, more generous playmates. Yet many of us never stayed petty and all became friends again, especially when there was word going around that a party of some sort would be held, and invites were being sent out. I'm glad those weird petty days are over, and my friends and I can think and settle things more maturely instead of dropping each other in a heartbeat.

Yet, I'm pretty sure events similar to that still happen - childish, but in a more mature way. Makes sense? As adults, many things are more serious than they used to be, and a betrayal of trust can lead to grave things. You would think we'd be smarter by now, though that is not necessarily true. It is evident in both guys and girls, and supposed friends still spread word of what they were never meant to, creating tension between more than 2 people. And low and behold, the person who started it would never own up to his/her blunder and instead throw his/her morals out and be self-righteous about it.

Funny that. Didn't think such things could still happen and yet it does. People tend to like to butt into business that doesn't quite concern them, and they butt in the wrong way. I guess that's why they always say you only know who your true friends are when something bad happens. Don't ask me who they are, I'm just passing the word.

Does the value of great friendship accumulated over time mean nothing to anyone now? Is it so simple, as it were when we were kids, to "not friend" someone and at the same time, try to get everyone on your side? It simply amazes me...that such people still exist, that they never grew up from their Primary school days.

Me, I'm just glad to have the friends that I have, and that distance between me and them changes nothing except that it makes our bond tighter, closer and stronger. To all of you, salute.

Eat, Drink and Be Fuggin' Merry!

Every year, the Sowers from the Novena Church organize Christmas performances for the lovely people of various old folk homes. They sing, they dance and they perform, regardless of whether any of it is understood or completely being watched. Nevertheless, they give whole-heartedly for one reason - the spirit of giving, the spirit of Christmas.

I was part of this once before, and this year I participated again. Twice in 2 weeks we performed in 8 homes. Not all the folks were aware of what was going on, but seeing the joy on their face to have so many visitors, to have a change of events in their day, to see the appreciation in their eyes is priceless. It is one of the best gifts of Christmas - to give to the best of your ability. In one particular home, The Salvation Army, the old folks put their hands in the air and prayed over all of us. It brought tears to my eyes 'cuz it was truly the sweetest thing.

The 2nd outing started out bad though, was at Zouk Out the night before and had hardly gotten any sleep. Pounding head the entire Saturday night, aching knees and shit was carried forward to the next day. You can imagine how grouchy I was. Thank goodness it cleared up and the day ended well. All in all, good job with the dance Val! So proud of you! Thank you for letting me join despite the short time frame we had to work with!

More photos of the 2nd performance, and some from Zouk Out! It was a blast cuz i made Val drink so much for the 1st time in her life, she puked twice! haha. Don't you love me Val? I'm such a bad influence yet you have no choice! But i'm sure we'll always remember Zouk Out. The pre-party at the hotel was more fun than the party itself!

All I Want For Christmas

Days of bumming and slacking gone by, and now I'm heading back to Perth for Christmas in a few days. I've been completely unproductive for 3 weeks, continue with the same lifestyle for another 2 weeks before I come back to SG to try to find a job that pays exceptionally well. Anyone with lobang?? I seriously need the cash to save up for a trip to Europe next year, unfortunately mom and dad aren't THAT nice. Haha. I can only wish.

Came back and had to rush to learn dance steps for a Christmas performance for the Sowers. Had only 2 weeks to learn, and I kinda messed up last Sunday. I'm sure this Sunday will be better, although I'll be going the day after Zouk Out. Will be a zombie but Val and I will put our best foot forward I'm sure. Looking forward to the weekend, its gonna be a blast!

Here are some crazy pictures from the last Christmas performance!