Living in the Maelstrom of Existence

New Blog

2010-08-05T13:42:00.005+08:00

Once again I have failed to regularly updated my blog. But law school isn't really all that interesting. And this post is to update all my readers that I will be ceasing to write on this blog. It will probably be kept as a facade of my past.

Updates & complains :p

2010-04-09T21:09:00.002+08:00

So its been a while since I've updated my blog. Its not so much law school that's keeping me from it but the expensive internet in Australia... I'm just so used to the unlimited high speed broad band of Singapore and USA that coming to the Australian 1 Mbps internet is just absolutely shocking...

Law school hasn't been that bad. Sure there's tonnes of reading, but its actually more manageable than my undergrad degree at UC Berkeley. Had so much parties at the start of Sem that bascially i'm kind of tired of partying now... amazing... can you ever tire of partying? Well perhaps its the age...

Easter Break is coming to an end, lets see, so I got to hang out with some of my Singapore friends, cooked some local dishes together mm MMmm so good. (Dorm food can be quite horrible at times) and watched tonnes of movies! - Alice in Wonderland, Clash of the Titans, Valentines Day, and I'm watching How to Train Your Dragon tomorrow! Tickets are insanely expensive here as well... $20 per movie... Sux...

Clash of the Titans (2010) was a big disappointment thou. The director totally altered the storyline and sacrificed it for some lousy special effects. Really lousy piece of work considering that it is a 2010 film and its worst off than the 1981 version of it. Not only did he cut a 3 hour film into 1 hour plus of plain CGI with no plot, he excluded the battle with Cerebus after the river Styxx, excluded the Goddess Athena appearing in the King's Court, and excluded Poseidon appearing from the sea to aid the voyage!!! And since when did Hades have a family feud with Zeus... stupid stupid Stupid storyline....

Back to more productive stuff, I'm done with Foundations of Law's Final, Done with Torts Final and come monday I'll be done with Legal Research I & II! And I've just registered for Mooting Competitions as well... well... its gonna be a busy few weeks for the competitions...

Alrite so much for updating. Till next time... =)

Time to go home

2010-04-02T12:22:00.003+08:00

I used to think that the pastures in the lands beyond were greener than those I was on...
I used to travel so much and never stayed in one place for long...
My life has been a sail, catching on the waves of the sea...
Floating on to where ever the breeze may take me to live...
But perhaps its age, or perhaps I've seen it all...
The new surroundings fail to interest me anymore...
Looking out the window, to different gardens every time...
I think its time to return to the place which is rightly mine...

Poem of the Beach Ball

2010-03-11T17:27:00.002+08:00

"A life in the law was what I saw
All day and night through books I pore
An endless stream of words that flow
Into the deep dark nights so cold
Behind closed doors I read and wonder,
What goes on with those sounds of laughter
The songs of summer that plays in the breeze
The nights of parties, and booze I wish
Then comes along a tempting offer,
The Beaches' Ball that happens beyond here
The biggest party of the year they say,
A night of magic, of wonder and play
The temptress tempts, the tempted wanders
into the forest of dance and laughter..."

(The Poem that won me a ticket to the Beach Ball =D)

Bad Hair = Bad Day

2010-01-30T16:05:00.002+08:00

Went for a haircut yesterday. Didn't like it. Poor hairdresser was trying to figure my hair out. Its not easy to cut my hair as the left side grows towards the right and the right side grows towards the left ending up in crisscrosses. Hate hair cuts coz you're stuck there under the mercy of the hair dresser and u can't run away till its complete.

The hair cut was bad enough. And my friend's continuous comments and mockery only added to my irateness. Felt trapped and insulted... totally spoilt my day...

Laughter at the expense of another's suffering will never bring true joy to the heart...

Save me from the shadow

2010-01-28T12:28:00.001+08:00

I walk in the silent forest, and look up to the trees,
The gentle giants standing, and swaying in the breeze.
I searched for a beam of light, that which i can't live without,
But all I see are shadows, the canopies keeping it out.
How long have I been wandering, in this darkness all alone,
Life seems to be at a standstill, yet Death never condones.
I feel the light fading, from my eyes and from my soul,
Every second is escaping, Time never stops it's flow.
I need to find an opening, to see the great bright sky,
To let the eye of heaven, bless me with its light.
To wash the shadows of the past, and awaken the spirit within,
And remind me of the reasons that led me so deep in.
Into the darkened forest where my journey first began,
Its time for me to wake up from this ever dreamy land.
I called out into the darkness, and listened for an answer,
I hear the bounds of echoes, leading to different corners.
I close my eyes and listen, to hear the many hellos,
And try to pick the right one, that will save me from the shadows....

Life should be like this

2010-01-10T15:23:00.002+08:00

Met up with my mom, Fel and Anne to watch Avatar again. Even though its our second time watching it, Pandora still fills us up with Awe... Jovan was supposed to join but couldn't get up in time. After the movie, mom went back and the rest of us went to get our pets to bring them to the stable gallops at pasir ris to feed ponies and walk our dogs. We borrowed Fel's dad's car - a seven seater and all the humans, dogs and cat squeezed into one car.

Went to the dog farm as well and to my dad's farm at night before dropping the pets off at Jovan's place while we headed to Changi Village for supper.

Travelling together like this just felt like a road trip. The best we can do in Singapore I guess. Its been a fun day!

Great End, Great Beginnings

2010-01-05T16:42:00.006+08:00

The year 2009 ended with a string of parties, and so did the year 2010 begin with a string of parties.

31st Dec 09: New Years Eve, went to the Night Safari with Felicia and Aneurin, then we went to Nee Soon for the count down and met Weyman there. Then went to Beauty World for supper and Jovan came to join us, and then went to Adrian's house and I got to play the Wii and Guitar Hero for the first time! Been about a decade since i touch games of this kind. Finally sent Fel and Ann home at about 6am before heading to the Temple for the Offerings to a hunderd sanghas Ceremony. I think this is the busiest NYE i ever had, traveling halfway across Singapore and back... Lolz. But its also one of the best!

1st Jan 10: New Years Day: I had 100 small packets of rice ready for the offering ceremony and as the monks walked by with their bowls, I would drop a packet in. And every now and then a familiar face pops up with that surprised look to see me in the line giving the offerings. Lolz. It was not just an offering of rice, but of friendship and smiles =)

2nd Jan 10: Went partying with a group of friends, club hopping to 3 different clubs, then supper finally at 4am before getting home at 5am.

3rd Jan 10: Brunch at Mimolette with Jovan, Julius and Gary before heading over to Mei Qi's Yacht Party at Sentosa Cove! I was the unofficial photographer for the event and with the band playing on the top deck, the sound of waves in the background and the sounds of laughter from great company, it was the perfect combo! Really enjoyed this party!

5th Jan 10: Lunch with Jennifer and Dad at Annalakshmi. Great Ambiance, great food, and what's best is that the restaurant is a pay whatever amount you like restaurant. You decide how much the bill comes up to.

Avatar

2009-12-30T01:54:00.002+08:00

Just watched the movie "Avatar" in 3D mode. One of the best movies or perhaps the best movie ever made so far! Although the plot may be a little predictable, its still amazing. James Cameron not only created a whole other world, he managed to amplify the life in mother nature, show the beauty of life and the importance of connection back to the world...

The movie really reminded me of a dream I had a year back while i was in Narrogin. When I told my friends about that dream I just got laughed at... So sad... But sometimes I feel that the world of dreams is such a wonderful place. People always tell me to come back to earth and stop day dreaming. But earth has become so dead - study, work, grow old and die... If there was a population of Navis on Earth like in the movie, I'll definitely join them. For they will understand my heart.

No matter how much I'm laughed at, no matter how much I'm put down.... as far as I can, I'll hold on to the end... believing in my dream.... that someday I too will be one with the world....

Busiest Xmas Ever

2009-12-27T16:16:00.002+08:00

This is probably the busiest holiday season I've ever had. Starting with the Water, Earth, Air ceremony which lasted from 20th Dec to 26th Dec. I attended the ceremony daily, squeezing time in between for all the other parties:

22nd Dec: Dong Zhi celebration with the monks
24th Dec: SLP X'mas lunch, AusEd X'mas lunch, Xmas dinner with Family, Felicia's Xmas Count down Party.
25th Dec: Grandma's Xmas dinner, Cousin's Birthday party, Party at Pan Pacific.
26th Dec: End of Water, Earth, Air Ceremony Dinner at Bright Hill Temple, Uncle Stan's Xmas dinner, Ed's Xmas Dinner/Supper.
27th Dec: Dinner with monks at Singapore River, Tawan's Xmas Dinner
28th Dec: Movies with friends, Star Horizon Xmas BBQ
31st Dec: New Year's Count Down Party
1st Jan: Offering to a hundred sanghas ceremony
3rd Jan: Mei Qi's birthday celebration at Sentosa Cove!

Been a seriously crazy end of the year... Guess its been an extremely good way to end the year and receive the new one - Spent in prayers and celebration!

水陸空‘09

2009-12-23T00:01:00.005+08:00

Totally forgot about the 水陸空法會 this year until I received a call from 覺聞師, one of the monk friends I made during last year's ceremony. They were once again in the Shurangama hall and while reciting on day 1, felt that something was missing, and realize it was me... so they called me up. I've become part of the Shurangama group! Lolz. Its so nice to have such great friends... they're really my 善知識 in Singapore.

Day 2, I got there and they decided to start from Scroll 1 again, so I didn't miss anything. It took awhile before I got into the flow. Been a while since I did sutra recitations, and they go really fast coz in the room, I was the only layperson, the rest were all monks.

Day 3 was 冬至. The day where we eat 湯圓 in Singapore, Glutinous rice balls in sweet soup. One of my favourite dishes. Got up early again to head to the monastery and continued with our recitation. It is only the 2nd day of recitation and we're already on the 7th scroll. During the break, the monks were talking about a trip to Myanmar in January and they invited me to go along. Soon the rest of them were saying: "I'll go too if Jonathan is going!" the initial group of 5 will grow to about a size of 8 - 10 provided if I go.... Peer Pressure from the monks... Lolz.

During the afternoon, there was also a 3 hour break and I was just hanging around aimlessly when I received a call from one of the monks to head over to the monks quarters. I went there and they prepared a bed for me to rest! It was really really sweet of them. Although it was just a wooden board and a wooden pillow, I had the best sleep ever! Really needed the rest to last me for the afternoon session.

At the end of the entire day's recitation, I was told to stay back for awhile, and 覺聞師 personally cooked vegetarian dumplings to share! He said in China, 冬至 is not celebrated with 湯圓 but with 餃子! As 覺聞師 started cooking, more and more of the other monks came in to help prepare - cutting the veggies, preparing the sauce, setting the table. Then as we sat around the table having our meal, it felt so much like a family... We drank tea after that and chatted the night away till I had to leave before the temple gates close (I got locked in once and they also prepared a bed for me then Lolz). And before leaving, they gave me a packet of the dumplings to give to my grandmother. Its been a really really good day spent with good friends in a spiritual setting. 真的是法喜充滿！

Sometimes, the smallest gesture can mean so much to another. If you can find beauty in the smallest actions, you will see that this world is filled with many beautiful people...

India

2009-12-15T17:58:00.000+08:00

My India trip has been a trying yet fulfilling one. It started off with me getting a fever the night before my flight. Surprisingly by the time I arrived India, my fever was gone and I didn't get quarantined in some Indian hospital.

It was then an 8 hour drive to Chaitanyajothi, the ashram of Swami Atma Chaitanya who was kind enough to host us. High in the mountains, the ashram had fruit trees of every kind and our daily meals were all from the ashram grounds - organic food! The water which we drink and bath was all from the well, natural spring water. And breakfast milk was from the ashram cow - Nandi! Really fresh....

Swami Atma is a great cook! Everyday he'd cook the daily meals for us. Really tasty, but everything is curry in some form or another. Really spicy and not that helpful to my recovery... My cough and sore throat got worst, and my stomach got bigger... Lolz. Other than eating, we had our daily meditation sessions and chat sessions. Pretty fun.

Stayed there for about 3 days before embarking on another 8 hour journey to Mookambika Temple - the 1200 year temple of three goddesses. The story behind this temple is pretty amazing as well. I'll reserve it for another time else my post will be too long. We arrived just in time before the temple gates shut for the final ceremony of the day. It was almost as if the goddess had waited for our arrival and the moment the last person of our group stepped in, the gates closed to all others. At that temple, the dinner, you have to receive 3 rounds of servings of rice and curry to represent each goddess giving you food. That's 3 rounds of dinner for u... extremely filling.

We stayed a night at Mookambika before heading on to Puttarparthi, a 13 hour bus ride through mountain roads. We even had to cross the Indian Muslim border and at that point Swami was telling us how some vehicles are stoned or bombed along this road. That explains why all other roads in India are crowded but that particular one was deserted. He told me to prepare my camera just in case anything happens and told the group to have faith in God that everything will be fine! Really a test of your faith this time...

Finally arrived at Puttarparthi in the wee hours of the morning - the Ashram of Sathya Sai Baba. Been 10 years since I've visited this place. Much have changed. We were fortunate to bump into another Singapore group there who were organizing a short play for the silver jubilee of the Schools and thus got special sitting. There were about 400 Singaporeans there altogether, and thousands of other people from all around the world. I even got to make a very good friend who was from East Africa. We would help out at the dining hall together, serving food, washing dishes, and go for morning prayers together. Really fun. This trip, I also managed to get into the inner meditation chambers twice, which is really rare coz among the thousands of people, only about 100 is able to get in to do their meditation in that room per day.

We spend 5 days in Puttarparthi before finally heading back to Singapore. On the last day, we got caught in the Andral Pradash riots while having breakfast in the city and the store owners were rushing to shut their gates as the mob came through the streets. We were trapped inbetween. Exciting. Lolz. After the streets were cleared, then were we released and we packed our luggages and headed to the airport. We got to take a propeller plane during our domestic flight from Bengalaru to Cochin! How fun! Then finally it was back to Singapore.

Had lots of amazing experiences this trip. Too much to write here... but I'd say despite my cough and fever... Its been a great trip.

Anime Fest Asia 09

2009-11-23T09:01:00.010+08:00

Went to Anime Fest Asia 09 over the weekend and both Fel and I decided to cosplay!! Lolz. It made the experience soooo much more fun! But extremely tiring as well. Everywhere we walked, people would stop us and ask if they could take a picture. And the moment we pose, a few dozen other cameras appear and before u know it, you're stuck there as a model...

Lunch hour was really embarressing as well. We'd be eating at the food court in a shopping mall and by passers would just like stare... Lolz! But occasionally you'd hear the "Hey! Its naruto and sasuke!" Hahahz. So fun! Lolz...

But for me, I guess the best part was when you see the eyes of kids just glow with excitement when they see you, and they keep tugging at their parents clothes and then the parents will come and ask if their children can take a picture with you... Its like fulfilling a part of their dream...

The most beautiful meteor shower ever...

2009-11-18T09:04:00.003+08:00

Met up with some friends last night to catch dinner and the lenoid meteor shower together, but we were met instead with showers and thunderstorm... And when that finally cleared, we were left with a sky lit orange by the city lights. It was an empty dream to wish to see stars in the cosmopolitan city of Singapore... Going home, I went to bed dissapointed in the wee hours of the morning... and that was when it started... the most beautiful meteor shower ever....

I dreamt that i returned home sad about not seeing the meteor shower, and there in the house was all my loved ones, my family and friends. They are the real stars in my life. And when i made that realization, suddenly the skies lit up with ten million shooting stars, streaking through the heavens. It was the most beautiful sight ever, like fireworks lighting up the night... Then it even started to snow, coating the forest like iceing on a cake. The view was breath-taking. And with my loved ones there with me, it made is so much more wonderful. Just then my grand mother called me over and gave me a gift and said it was nothing but that was all she had. I was so touched that tears welled up within me. I woke up from the dream and felt that I have seen the best meteor shower anyone can ever see....

Sometimes we just don't realize, that the most wonderful miracle in our lives, are the people around us. Never take others for granted and treasure every moment in life.

Reflections

2009-11-13T21:59:00.002+08:00

In the blink of an eye, its been almost 5 months since i started work at the law firm. Last night, we had a pre-farewell party at Hans and later the Screening room with some of the perm staff and interns. A night of gossips, recollections and laughter.

We were granted an off day today, and being so used to the routine, i was suddenly left with an empty day to fill. The day went by slowly. Tried calling friends out, but everyone already had other plans... it is only then that u realize that we are really alone in this world.

Went out myself, bumped into many familiar faces. People grown old, moving on in life. Mere acquaintances i realize... The only thing permanent in life, is impermanence itself. Life... is but a fleeting moment of time. We go out, we laugh, we cry. We go home, we sleep, and the next day, its all over again.

The path i tread on, sometimes its pebbles, sometimes its stone, sometimes its water, sometimes its snow... which will be the road that i finally take?

Updates

2009-10-15T13:55:00.004+08:00

Been a long time since i blogged... Basically that's what working life does to you - suck out all energy so that u have none left to do anything else. Other than that, think everything else is going fine.

Brought some non-veggie friends to a vegetarian restaurant last week and they were surprised by the kind of food they found there. Can you believe it? Vegetarian KFC that tastes just like the real thing? Lolz... Well... there's my explanation for being able to stay a vegetarian. You get all the same flavours minus the killing =).

Went to the Night Safari over the weekend, there were holding some halloween event with a scary night trail filled with monsters hiding in the bushes waiting to pounce on you. A fun frightful night! Lolz

Wednesday, was supposed to celebrate a friend's birthday but i decided to accompany my mom instead and got to have home cooked food! Its been sooo long since i had home cooked food from mum... so to those out there who get it everyday, pls pls pls appreciate it. Anyway, had lots of fun cooking together and then eating. Simple yet tasty.

Work wise, seriously... i think i should consider acting instead. Most ppl don't even realize that i have not even started law school yet. Just today, the opposite side sent an associate director, and my side sends... Me. Lolz... Oh well... Interesting.... Till the end of the meeting, they still didn't realize i'm just an intern...

Family

2009-09-23T00:36:00.006+08:00

Was invited to keith's party today with his family and close friends. And sitting round the dinner table, it really felt like one big family! Home cooked food is always the best, especially when eaten with family. Then we played computer games in the room till late before his mom came in to say good night and told us not to play too late. That feeling is soooo nice.. the feeling of family.......

A simple video to let u all ponder about... Treasure family...

Lost in dreams

2009-09-13T14:26:00.001+08:00

I close my eyes and dream,
a life thats on the brink,
people cheering on with drinks,
with laughter and songs to sing.
I ask them what it means?
They just continue to sing.
Amongst the songs and screams,
I can't comprehend the links.
I open my eyes and find,
a blank computer screen.
No one online it seems
I continue on with my dream.
~jozhade

Hello and Good Byes

2009-09-04T09:03:00.002+08:00

Met up with Meiqi and Edwin for dinner on Wednesday night. My fellow interns at the law firm. They're done with their internship and preparing to leave for the UK. Soon everyone will be going on their own ways and we took a picture with Meiqi's polaroid camera. It came out really nice.

Thursday, I met up with an old friend. My primary 1 classmate. It weird how we got back in contact. He sent a msg to the wrong number and thats how we found each other. Lol. Then another time, we bump into each other in a bus, and the 3rd time in the train so we said we should meet up and catch up. 18 years man.... We've known each other for 18 years and this is the first time we're going out of supper together. Pretty cool. Lol

2009-09-01T21:10:00.000+08:00

Its the year two thousand and nine,
I'm turning to twenty five,
in less than a month's time,
one quarter of my life,
time passes by,
soon its out of sight,
blink of an eye,
its happening in the mind,
should I try and get high,
dance, dance thru the night,
or take off to the skies,
go, go, outside,
or look inside, living on hindsight
I'm moving like a mime,
humming out a rhyme,
breaking out of line,
no, its not a crime,
looking out for signs,
picking up a dime,
trying to live life,
I think I'll turn out fine.

I need sleep

2009-08-27T21:58:00.000+08:00

Met up with DM Tsung after work today for a game of badminton. About time I get some exercise as well. All day cooping up in the office cubicle is bad...

WEek's been pretty crazy. Sleep schedule turned upside down beginning with Butter Factory last friday lasting till 4am, then meeting up with my fellow OCS friends who graduated from the US as well on Sunday till about 1am. Then celebrating Kenny's Birthday on monday till 3am, watching movie with dad on wednesday till 2am... and on top of all those, waking up at 6am everyday for work...

I seriously need sleep.......

Butter Factory

2009-08-23T09:26:00.003+08:00

Brought some of my colleagues to Butter Factory on Friday, currently the hippest club in Singapore. And I managed to get VIP entrance. So we could avoid the 2-3 hour long wait outside. Learnt how to play the drinking game, and because I didn't drink alcohol, basically downed 4 entire cans of red bull. Super hyped up after that. Danced till 3am before leaving, and couldn't sleep once I was home.

Saturday, met up with Wendi and Sunny at 2pm, went to catch the movie "The Proposal." Really Good Movie! Really funny. Lol. Definitely recommend. Love all the Sandra Bullocks's movie. Then we walked along the Singapore river before splitting ways as I had to go for dinner with my family.
Had dinner at a Belgium restaurant - Brussel Sprouts. Expensive place man. And not much for me to eat, so basically I had salad, fries, and cheese, cheese and more cheese. So fattening...

Ooh and today, I found out that Fiona Xie went all the way to USA to film my grandmother and our family there! Argh, why did I come back to Singapore early! Lol. I think they're doing some documentaries about Singapore families living overseas, and ours was one of the big ones.

Fun after Trial

2009-08-21T05:21:00.000+08:00

Had a wonderful dinner at Goodwood Park Hotel last night with clients and the lawyers. We were celebrating the end of our 4 weeks trial. The conversation still hovered over the trial subject, however it was filled with laughter from discussing the various personalities, various peculiarities, the blunders and the scoring points. Individual's facial expressions and "quotes of the day" were the most laughed about. It was a very interesting trial for me, especially being the first trial I am ever involved in. The long hours of hard work was all worth it.

Workin on it

2009-08-20T11:22:00.002+08:00

You know you're working for too long in a firm as an intern when you get clients and other lawyers calling in looking for you and asking if you're the lawyer in charged of the case....

Childhood friends

2009-08-17T23:00:00.000+08:00

I remember I had a childhood friend from Thailand way back when I was like 5. My dad was in Thailand doing some business then, and so I hung out with the local kids. Despite not knowing each other's language, we had lots of fun! That's the only reason why I remembered. Like for example, the gold leaves that was supposed to be placed onto the Buddha statues? Yeah... we took it and pasted it all over ourselves. Much to the displeasure of the adults I guess. Lolz...

Then I had a pen pal from South Africa when I was 12, and I lost contact with him too. We met when I was traveling through India then. In a christmas play, I was chosen to act as Jesus, and he was chosen to act as one of the saints. Lolz

Then I had lots of pen pals from Japan when I was 14. We used to write letters to each other all the time. Until the invention of the internet which destroyed it all. The anticipation of receiving an envelop with foreign stamps in the mail box no longer exists.

People come, and people go. How many of them really stay? But to those who have stayed on through the years, I'm really thankful that we're still in contact. And since coming back, I've been meeting more and more of my childhood friends... Classmates from first grade in primary school. Lets get together sometime yah?

Once and officer, always an officer

2009-08-14T23:08:00.000+08:00

One of my soldiers from my Officer days 2 years back called me up today. He signed on as a regular in the army and things have been really tough lately and his morale was extremely low, so he just wanted someone to talk to and so he called me. I must say I'm really surprised by the call but at the same time, honored that he'll think of me as someone he can turn to and talk things out. So I stayed with him on the phone for almost an hour. Well, I'm glad to be able to be of help.

2009-08-13T22:49:00.000+08:00

Some people are just, for a lack of a better word, "Boh Liao" (Have nothing better to do)
They want to talk to u, get offended by what you say, yet still want to talk to u and engage in an argument.... =.=...
Seriously man... they should get a life...
I know... I'm a lawyer in training... but I get enough training to argue in my job. I don't need more when I'm home.

Monsters, ghost and spirits of Singapore

2009-08-11T22:40:00.000+08:00

My door bell rang at close to 11pm last night and when I opened the doors, I found myself facing an empty street. There was no one there. Then I told my sister and some friends and they said, maybe its nenek koropok. I've heard of that name before and asked who's that? Well apparently she's famous among the younger generation as an old lady who goes about selling rotten crackers called koropok and if u don't buy it from her, she curses u. Nenek is malay for grandma/old lady.

Back when I was living in the kampung (malay for village), the famous scare was also an old lady called Hu Gu Po. She's described to have only 2 front teeth and would lure small children with treats and then after that eat them up. I remember once when I was thrown out of the house for being naughty, I was threatened that I shall be fed to Hu Gu Po. And Hu Gu Po dislikes red color. That's why our old home in the kampung was always decked in red cloth to keep her away.

Then there is the famous Pontianak. A female malay vampire who preys on young virgin men. She appears in a beautiful form first to lure you then when she gets u into a corner, reveals her true form with face all torn up and teeth sharpened for the kill. Pontianaks like to hang around cotton trees and usually to give a high pitch laughter that sounds like a screech in the middle of the night. Back in our old kampung, my grand mother told me she used to hear the screams of the pontianak. In their beautiful forms, they sing and once when i was in army training on an island, we heard a lady singing in malay in the wee hours of the morning. It was a forest out there and no known habitants other than us. Everyone was warned to stay close and not wander about. Stories of the pontianak is still very much alive especially on the island of Tekong.

The Banana ghost is a female spirit who lives in the banana tree. With a red string, u can actually trap her and she'll appear before u granting u a wish. However u must remember to release the string the moment the wish is granted or else she will possess u. My grandma knew of a neighbour who got possessed by the banana spirit.

The coin spirit is very much like the Ouija board in western countries. Many of us used to play it in our primary school days. However you must always ensure that it is sent back to the home spot before releasing your hand. Or else u set the spirit free and who knows what havoc it will cause.

Then there is the oily man. I forgot what's his name in malay. A man/ghost who's totally black in color so that he's camouflaged and he steal things and sometimes rape young women, yet no one has been able to catch him because he is so slippery and always slips away in any situation.

The Natos are basically nature spirits and one has to be careful of the green face onez especially. They are the fierce ones and will not let u go easily if u anger them. People who piss by trees or on the roadsides must always remember to ask for permission first, lest you're pissing on a spirit's home.

Then of course, there's the general ghosts. All the others that dun fall into the previous categories, bascially fall into this category. Stories of them are the most abundant. Too much to say here.

Back to the door bell ringing, apparently what I heard is that it is two little boys who go about around midnight selling ice creams door to door. Its not the first time they have come to our house. Human or ghost? Nobody knows... There's a whole other world out there....

My name is happiness =)

2009-08-10T23:49:00.002+08:00

Received a msg from a friend saying that he's feeling down and needs a dose of happiness.

So I replied, u wan me to be there?

Which he replied... if u want to.

Which I took to mean a yes... oh wellz, I guess i can change my name to happiness now. Lolz

Close my eyes

2009-08-07T23:32:00.000+08:00

I close my eyes
the music plays
the wind blows
the silence stays
I close my eyes
and open my heart
I feel the breeze
The music starts
~jozhade

Busy

2009-08-07T23:23:00.000+08:00

Haven't been updating much. Life's been really busy as a paralegal. But I guess, its better than rotting at home. Boss has decided to start paying me. Amount is small, but better than nothing. And I've been asked to stay on till the end of the year. Getting to meet lots of clients now as well. Takes up alot of after work hours but they're really interesting people. Watching my pupil-master do cross examination in the trials is indeed an eye opener. Also I'm going around much more and getting to meet lots of big important figures in society. The high life. Got invited to some high class concert tml in the old parliament building... would really prefer to be hanging out with sunny and wendi... but oh wellz... its a special invitation and i should "feel honored" to be one the guest list. Not really one who likes dressing up... i'm already like in coat and tie from monday till friday. Now its the weekends too? =.=... guess I better get used to this kind of life. Sometimes I really miss the simple life i had while in america, the mountains, the temples, nature, and my friends. Good thing now thou is that, at least now, I have a direction.

Cold Heart

2009-08-01T15:16:00.001+08:00

I'm a product of an age desensitized.
Gone are the days of love and sacrifice.
Guided by my frozen heart, I walk my path,
Discarding the hopes and pains of the past.

Hard work pays off

2009-07-30T20:58:00.000+08:00

Had to stay over night yesterday to prepare for the trial in chambers today. Basically stayed till almost 2am preparing documents. In the midst of it, one of my friends who was working in the vicinity called me to step out of the office for a few min, so I went down to the lobby and there was a bag of sandwich and a cup of orange juice for me... Soooo sweet... Ok. I'm touched... Lolz

Our hard work paid off and today the tide changed in favour to us! We were so happy and I was brought by one of the lawyers with the other interns to lunch at the Masonic headquarters in Singapore. Then after that, the lawyer in charge of the case said after the case is over, I can go give myself a big treat and the expenses will be all on the firm! Nice! Lolz

The Flow

2009-07-29T06:44:00.000+08:00

Went to town after work to get new shoes as the ones I was wearing is tattered and torn. Bumped into a fellow Jonathan at Paragon while changing shoes. Supposed to meet my banker Kenny after, but he got held up by another client, so I was just hanging around town aimlessly till I got another message from a friend asking if I was in town. I ended up hanging out with him and his friend. Funny how things flows. At least I didn't go to town for nothing.

Always full of rubbish

2009-07-27T14:49:00.003+08:00

A friend insisted on meeting me for lunch today despite my having only 30 minutes to eat as I had to rush back to office do finish off some work.

15 minutes into lunch and he says "Ah, feel so much better now." Reason for meeting, he was feeling down and needed someone to talk to. So I asked him why me, and his response was because I'm always full of rubbish. Talking to me makes him forget about alot of things. =.=..... I wonder if I should take that as a compliment. And he's definitely not the only person who does that. I know of alot of others. I think I should consider being a counselor as another alternative to my career path.

And I got to chat with my classmate from primary 1 (1st grade) today. We got connected back after so many years when I bumped into him on the public bus one fine day. And I can't believe it... he still remembers sitting beside me in the school hall in 1991 and watching me practice folding paper origami while the principal was up front talking. Yeah... I was never good at paying attention... Lolz. I don't fold papers anymore... but now i have the habit of rolling them up. Lolz

Blog updates

2009-07-25T14:26:00.004+08:00

My home internet has been sucky lately... so haven't really be updating. But lots of stuff has been happening lately.

Starting with coincidental meetings, in this week alone, I bumped into 2 friends from elementary school at train stations - Joseph and Jialing, saw Nathaniel at Suntec, saw Joshua at Bugis and got invited to his band's stint next week, saw Mahat at Cine... hmm who else..

Then I met up with Sunny and Wendy who are back from the USA, met up with Fabian who's back from the US as well, met up with Ivan from Australia.

Attended my cousins' wedding, met up with my cousins from USA.

Got "promoted" at work after only being in the company for 3 weeks. And might finally start getting paid.

Did Jap homework till 4am last night, went for Jap class at 8am this morning,

And I've got concerts and events planned out on the 25th of Jul, 30th of Jul, 31st of Jul and 8th of Aug.

And constantly going in and out of the subordinate and supreme courts.

Pretty good schedule. Lolz. Its tiring but I love it! =)

Not so bad day

2009-07-22T21:28:00.009+08:00

So I didn't get to see the eclipse. And I didn't get to stay in court the whole day. And I just got given even more responsibilities. In just 3 weeks, my position in the firm has changed from intern to personal secretary to the Managing Director now. And all the other lawyers received an email not to touch me... bad news... that means I'm gonna be given tonnes of work and this is a warning to that... But then again, I guess its going to be a really good learning experience. Provided it doesn't kill me.

As expected, had to work over time. Came back around 8pm. Tired.

Just had a hair cut yesterday as well. And one of the lawyers commented "as if its not good enough looking 19 when you're actually 25... now you look no older than 16!" =.=... Thanks...

On the bright side, I got a comment on my youtube vid saying I'm hot! Hahahz... totally made my day! Hahaz.

No solar eclipse for me...

2009-07-22T08:44:00.002+08:00

There's a solar eclipse today and Singapore chooses to rain =.=... Stupid weather... of all times! It must rain today. Oh well... just gotta wait for the next one.

And my home internet died as well... Sux...

Other than that, life has been busy. Met a an old friend in Court yesterday! He was also a lawyer's intern. But for the opposition side. So we couldn't really talk... Oh wellz. Interesting how the court brings people together thou.

My weekend

2009-07-19T23:36:00.002+08:00

My weekend was packed. Started Jap class at 8am, then went for my cousin's wedding on saturday. Met up with many familiar faces. Been years since I met some of them. Everyone was extremely well dressed up. Its almost like some red-carpet event! Finally got home about 1am

Sunday, went to town with my sisters to shop and I met Sunny there, and guess what, we were wearing similar shirts and the exact same pair of pants! Lolz. That's why we're bros man! Great minds think alike! Lolz

Head to my other cousin's birthday at night and hung out there till late. Tired. But it was a fulfilling weekend =)

Something coming up

2009-07-17T22:56:00.002+08:00

Got to see real action in court today. Previously it was all just short mentions or hearings. Today, it was a sentencing. Intense. But after that, the day passed by pretty slowly. Met up with Edison and Jaycas for dinner afterwards before heading home. Jap class tml... die... homework not done...

Also got a call from my uncle in australia and he chatted for an hour! Well, I should be happy it didn't last for 3 hours this time.

As for the "something coming up" part... Seems like something big is gonna happen next week. Around the 21st and 22nd of July... Something big in the world... Not really sure what... but just be careful...

Sunny

2009-07-16T22:53:00.002+08:00

Got to go to court again today. Then the afternoon passed slowly. After work, so did not want to go home straight, but everyone's always busy in busy Singapore. Then lucky, there's Sunny! From sunny california! You're my saviour bro! Saved me from a boring night. Lolz. It was good meeting up again, thou as always, we didn't really have a plan of what to do and kind of wandered everywhere.

Had Quizznos together. Big disappointment man... Quizznos in Singapore has no Guacamole... and they dumped tonns of onions in my bread without even asking! Sux... Had to ask them to pick out the onions. Sad... and I thought the REAL Quizznos Sub came to Singapore... turns out, its just an imitation...

2009-07-15T21:48:00.001+08:00

My rubbish creation which I posted up on facebook. Lolz. Most of u prob seen it already

Irony of Life

2009-07-14T20:11:00.002+08:00

Since starting the internship, I've been extremely busy. Not just in the day, but in the night and weekends as well. When you're free, no one ever asks you out. The moment you're busy, everyone suddenly starts asking you out. The irony of life... Oh well... These days, I really need time management. And money management as well. But then again, I'm happy to be busy! Heez =)

Lawyer/Liar?

2009-07-13T21:18:00.003+08:00

When I first thought of studying law way back about 8 years ago, all i got were discouragements - bad karma, liars, stressful life, the money earned is not worth the energy spent, u will not like it, u'll need to argue everyday... and that led me on a full circle round the world before ending up in square 1 again....

I think those in the legal field are the most misunderstood amongst professions.

Today I saw a mother crying to ask for help for her son. The other day, a wife crying for help. And there have been cases where an entire family cried for help. People all say that lawyers are terrible people. But when their relatives or friends are in serious danger of losing their lives to the noose or freedom to the bars, the only person who is willing to step up for them is a lawyer...

Sentosa

2009-07-12T21:08:00.001+08:00

Had wanted to go to the Cosplay Con today but ended up not going coz 1) It was far, and 2) What's so fun about watching others in costumes? Its not like u're the one in costume. I still prefer halloween. Lolz

Ended up meeting Edison to decide where to go coz we were both extremely bored staying at home. Tried calling Jaycas along but he didn't want to come out, then Edison tried calling some of the girls out and they too were too lazy to come out. What's wrong with all u people man! Ended up with the two of us going to Sentosa alone... how sad.. Oh wellz, but we made it fun for ourselves. Swam in the sea, got stung by jelly fishes, buried ourselves in the sand and the day jsut passed by carefreely! How i wish life can be carefree everyday - minus the jelly fish sting part.

Had dinner with mom in town after that with my two younger sisters and bumped into Jason again! One of my soldiers during my NS days. And he gave us a complimentary hot plate okonomiyaki! Lolz. Its good to know have contacts, and more importantly, good relations with them! Lolz! Most of my other friends will probably curse and swear when they see their officer.. Lolz

Tiger Cave Temple

2009-07-12T10:16:00.005+08:00

A year ago, I sort of dreamed of a temple in a cave and told it to my good friend David Williams saying we should go look for that place some day if there ever is such a place. I found it today while randomly browsing the internet... It was exactly the way I saw it in my dreams! I've found it - Wat Thum Sua, the Tiger Cave Temple. What's even more mysterious is that, the abbot of the temple is Ajhan Jumnian! I met him in Berkeley last year and got the privilege to chat with him for 2 hours privately. So strange... so strange...

I guess my next destination has been decided... Thailand.... to the Tiger Cave Mountain...

Zouk

2009-07-11T03:22:00.001+08:00

It was MeiQi's last day at the internship so we promised her we'll hang out with her after work. Went Great World City for dinner and then after that to Zouk. Boy, its been like 4 or 5 years since i came to Zouk? Lolz... And I met Harley there! Lucky there was another friend to chat with. Always nice to see familiar faces. And MeiQi was like calling up all her friends saying "Hey, I'm with a guy now who looks like Bae Yong Jun!" =.=... Thanks... Stayed till almost 3am before going home. Jap class at 8am tml.... I'm soooo gonna crash....

2009-07-09T23:23:00.002+08:00

Went to the subordinate and family courts today for 2 cases. After the cases, as I walked back into the office with my tie and blazer still on, Mei Qi, one of the other interns said I look like one of the Korean actors... and I immediately said... wait, let me guess, Bae Yong Jun? And she said "Yah!!" =.=... I got that too many times.

Day was busy busy busy. Meeting clients, writing mails, writing reports, even got to write my first mitigation plea! A plea for leniency in sentencing. Learning lots. But plenty of stress too. And I also got to eat the infamous truffle mushroom with my lawyer for lunch today! 1 mushroom costs like a few thousand dollars. I only got a chip of it.

Met up with Nathaniel for dinner after work. My old time friend. Since 1994 man! Think u're the longest time friend I've known. And we never run out of topics. Really glad to have u as a friend. And thanks for the treat! Again! Everytime!

The Big Spaceship

2009-07-07T21:55:00.006+08:00

Got to enter the Space Ship today! Also known as the Singapore Supreme Court. Just like how the Esplanade is affectionately referred to by Singaporeans as the Durian. We just love giving our buildings names other than the ones they've already got.

While waiting outside the courtroom with my lawyer, another lawyer said to her "How come u always get the cute guy interns!" and she commented about him always having sexy female interns. Hahaz... I guess the interns are like show things that lawyers bring around and compare. Outside the court rooms, there are lots of other things going on like checking out who's the new lawyer in the field, who are the experts, what cases are going on, who are the new interns who might end up as future allies or "learned opponents." The legal field is a whole other world of its own! No wonder they built the Supreme Court in the likes of a Spaceship... its a whole other planet! Lolz

The real thing begins..

2009-07-06T20:50:00.003+08:00

Its only my 2nd week in the law firm, and technically just my 4th day at work, and I've already been given all sorts of stuff. Was asked to write a contract for one of the clients today which, of course, ended up with tonnes of mistakes much to the displeasure of the lawyer.

Was tasked by another lawyer to conduct a search on an organization and retrieve details about them.

Yet another sent me on an errant to another law firm.

And tomorrow, I'm scheduled to attend a trial in the Singapore Supreme Court in the morning with one laywer, and in the afternoon, I'm suppose to assist another lawyer. And a third lawyer was asking if I was free to follow him to the prisons...

Dude... its a lil overwhelming. I have no legal background! But then again, I guess it has to start somewhere. Better to learn it now that later. Just hafta bite my teeth and dash head first into all the upcoming arrows and reprimands! Its not easy to be a lawyer...

Re-service

2009-07-05T23:25:00.002+08:00

Most of my friends have been starting their military re-service lately... scary. I'm still free of it! Lolz... but not for long i guess. Gotta start worrying for my fitness test which shall be due soon.

Bumped into one of my former soldiers outside today. He asked me to continue to be their officer for re-service. Said among all the officers that he has met in his 2 years, i was still the best officer he has known. Really flattering to hear this kind of things... makes u want to sign on.. But no... I shall not be tricked... I need my freedom. Let freedom ring!!!

Belief

2009-07-04T17:14:00.003+08:00

I close my eyes, and listen to the music in my head...
Without seeing, without smelling, without hearing, without touching...
Yet I still feel the world spinning round and round...
As the outer world slows down, the inner world speeds up.
Where does this feeling come from? Where does it go?
I'm walking blindly, in the journey of life...
Clinching on only to the belief, that everything will turn out fine...
~jozhade

3rd day of internship.

2009-07-03T23:04:00.000+08:00

What!? Its only the 3rd day!? Damn... felt really long... especially with all the long hours. Today was another day filled with clientele interviews. Cases after cases after cases! There was one moment where we had 3 consecutive interviews in a roll... didn't even have the time for restroom break. Exhausting but the weird thing is, I'm actually enjoying it. But then again, as I mentioned to my lawyer, its only day 3, and she said don't worry, there's more to come. How assuring isn't it? Lolz...

The life of a lawyer

2009-07-02T23:15:00.002+08:00

Basically shadowed the lawyer in charged of me today. From the moment she stepped in, it was meetings, meetings, meetings. Didn't even have time for lunch - all the interns had to attend a legal introduction seminar during lunch hour. Then back to meetings and report writing again. My day started at 7:30am taking the train to the office and finally it ended at 1030pm as I took the night train home... 15 hours of non stop work.... No wonder they say the legal field is an extremely stressful occupation.

The beginnings of the coffee addict

2009-07-01T23:11:00.002+08:00

Day 1 at internship and i was packed with stuff to do. Managed to catch some time inbetween before to have a quick lunch with my sister. Then immediately back to work. Felt like I'm gonna be really busy in the coming weeks so when Edison called me up to go watch Transformers 2, I agreed immediately. It might very well be my last free time till the end of my internship.

Got to the cinema at 7pm but most of the tickets then were already sold out. Only managed to get the 9pm one. Show ended finally at 11:30am and by the time I got home, it was already 1am... gotta wake up at 630am tml.... I'm sooooo gonna need a cup of coffee....

Dad's Brithday

2009-06-30T22:54:00.005+08:00

Went shopping with my sisters today, then celebrated my dad's birthday at East Coast. Very good food, and they even had a special vegetarian menu. Got my hair cut and clothes settled today as well. Tomorrow I start my internship with the law firm. Scary....

Guangzhou

2009-06-29T21:21:00.002+08:00

Finally back from Foshan, Guangzhou. Couldn't update my blog there coz it was blocked!
Well, really insightful trip this time. Learnt alot about business, about people management and about life.

Many things happened. Many places I went to. 華地彎，上下九廣場，中華廣場，万陵廣場，小南國，佛山，廣州，海珠廣場. Even got trapped in a factory alone at night when the place experienced a short circuit. Scary... Interesting experience thou.

Made a trip to Nan Hua Monastery on the last day. A year ago, I mentioned to a friend about going to Nan Hua in June 2009. Who knew it'd actually happen. We even brought our one and only remaining tortoise to set him free in the temple ponds.
It poured heavily along the way but upon our arrival, the rain lightened to a drizzle and stopped completely the moment we crossed the bridge into the monastery proper.
The body of the Sixth Patriach sits there ever peacefully over the centuries.
The tombs of Master Hsu Yun and Master Wei Yin over look the temple and the surrounding mountains.
We were even invited to have lunch with the monks.
On leaving, upon hitting the highway, the rain returned immediately...
Everything was as if according to a well coordinated plan...

There are many complicating things in life... step by step, we learn to walk and find our walk out of this jungle of samsara.

Last scroll

2009-06-22T00:30:00.002+08:00

Last day of the Shurangama retreat. Started from 9am all the way till 1030pm. The lectures in between were power packed. Dharma master Wei Hai is truly a specialist in Shurangama lectures. I think alot of people got overwhelmed. He ended the Chan session with a 100 min sit. Intense... then we went for dinner before coming back to complete scroll 10 - the last scroll and a final lecture. Master Wei Hai really loves to lecture. Lolz... But he's a good lecturer. So its all good. Its really rare to find people who knows about the Shurangama... much less those who can lecture so well on it.

Well, my 10 days of retreat has finally ended... And I'm left with a bruise on my right leg now for trying to attempt the 100 min chan in full lotus. Oh well... heading to China in a few hours time... Doing my last min packing now...

Super Saiyan

2009-06-20T23:58:00.002+08:00

Went Jap class early this morning, then met up with Edison for shopping later as he offered to be my fashion adviser. Yes Jill, Nicole, Andrea if u gals are reading this... I'm finally having to wear formal wear. Will probably upload some pictures in the future.

Spent a total of $300! Crazy... so broke now... And throughout the day i met some really old friends! Saw Ben Chay at Kovan, Lta Marcus at Paragon, Ms. Evelyn at Paragon as well... but the person I was most surprised to meet was Guoqiang. An ncc friend whom I had lost contact with for 10 years. What's so special? The Shurangama retreat is located really near to his home and on day 1 when i was walking by, i was wondering if he still stayed there and what has happened over the last 10 years... barely 10 days after, I bump into him. Its too coincidental to be just a coincidence.... The Shurangama acts in mysterious ways... Its like a wish fulfilling pearl that brings your wholesome wishes to reality...

Today, we began reciting Shurangama scroll 9 - The beginning of the 50 Skandha demons! So exciting! Lolz... Love this section. Dun know why... I was so into it that I forgot about the pain in the legs! Lecture was really good today as well.

At the end of it, the abbot was standing by the doorstep when i walked passed and he asked me "You have been coming everyday?" I said yes. Then he responded, "Next time if they have any superman shows, I think they should get you to act. You really look like superman." Lolz... I think he meant Super Saiyan from dragon ball Z. Weird response from the abbot thou... But then again, Rev Heng Sure did call me an anime pop out figure before as well.. Lolz...

So i created a new video about being a super saiyan! Lolz... its on my facebook... lolz

Intensive Chan

2009-06-19T22:44:00.003+08:00

Chan is always intensive... but staying in cttb makes it seem so much easier. You just get out of bed and there it is... the meditation hall....

Having to drive to the temple, sit for 12 hours of Chan meditation and then travel back home is just too intensive. I'm burnt out after day one.... I think I'm gonna run away tml and just attend the Shurangama scroll 9 recitation and the night lecture.

I miss Chan sessions in Cttb...

Philanthropic wind

2009-06-18T23:06:00.002+08:00

Been feeling a lil philanthropic today. Joined the "Give shelter, save a life" cause on facebook. Basically for every person you invite who successfully joins the cause, Microsoft will donate $1. So I've raised $5 so far. Small in amount but I'm sure it'll mean something someday somewhere in the world. Lolz. Support! Support!

Was rushing about in town today. Got my back temporarily fixed for the 3 day Chan session starting tml. Then bought my Jap dictionary and some law books to prepare for my internship. Met up with my banker, got some fashion advice from him as well. Lolz... thanks! Really an all-round banker. Includes not only financial advice, but fashion as well. Lolz.

Was walking thru town and passed by this old grandma sitting on wheelchair selling tissue papers. Its always so sad to see elderly having to come out to earn a living for themselves. So although I never use tissue packets, I just bought 6 packets from her and received this extremely beautiful smile back in return.

Monastery - did Shurangama scroll 7. This is the part with the mantra. Was really low on energy from running all over but the moment the mantra section came, I was fully charged again! Really miss the 4am morning ceremonies in Cttb...

Shurangama - the efficacious langauge

2009-06-17T23:29:00.005+08:00

Finished scroll 5 yesterday and completed scroll 6 today. The long hours of sitting is taking a toll on my back. Its hurting again. However, good things always come to those who take the effort to cultivate. Last month, I applied to a law firm for an internship but was rejected. I was told that there are 10 others in waiting and my chances of getting it are really low as I was not a law student. Today, I received an email saying that my application for internship has been approved! Wow... hard to believe... but it has happened. Unfortunately this internship doesn't pay, but then again, British Airways is making its staff work without pay for one month! World's in economy crisis remember... So I guess its not so bad, plus i believe it'll be a great learning experience.

明日からおしゃれをならわないと！Gotta start learning how to dress properly tomorrow. A friend commented that I don't know how to dress properly. I'll show u! Hmph!

Finally finished my Jap homework today as well... Gheez... that took a while... Damn... I'm afraid to think about what's gonna come up next in the next lesson...

The Watcher

2009-06-16T13:36:00.002+08:00

A friend of mine was feeling pressurized at her community and said she doesn't know how to continue staying...

My response:

"Stay.... quiet.
And watch the world as it goes by.
Then only will you understand what's really happening..."

Walking mirror

2009-06-15T22:39:00.002+08:00

Finished Shurangama scroll 4 today. Lecture was interesting as well. 惟海法師 mentioned about a Buddhist phenomenon he observed. He said this occurs especially in people who're new to Buddhism and full of vigor! They start learning about the basic philosophies and start criticizing the bad points of others conduct, becoming a walking mirror to others. These people he said, are totally missing the entire point of cultivation. Cultivation is about cultivating your own nature and not other's nature.

How true... I'm sure we all know one or two people like this. Lolz. Another interesting line i picked out is 天同一理，人同一心. Sounds really abstract. Lolz

惟海法師

2009-06-14T23:30:00.003+08:00

Finished reciting Shurangama Scroll 3 today. Lecture after that was really interesting. The dharma master was 惟海法師. He just completed a 10 year Shurangama seclusion and today he lectured on the different methods of cultivation and their difference. He ended the lecture on a really good note i think... He ended it with a question telling us to come back tomorrow with the answer. The question was "當我們說修楞嚴法的時候，到底是在修甚麼?"

After the lecture, I managed to get a private session with 惟海法師 through Mrs Wong! Wow. He's the abbot of Pu Tuo Shan and the disciple of Venerable Miao Shan! Who's shariras I just paid respects to during my last China trip. What a coincidence. 惟海法師 entered seclusion in 1996 and so in alot of the conversation he kept asking me how was Cttb doing and was really happy to hear my "reports." Lolz. Really thankful for another such rare opportunity.

Full day

2009-06-13T10:36:00.004+08:00

Woke up at 7am today and went for my Advance Japanese class. It was extremely difficult. So many words that I did not know! Diez... its gonna be a tough semester...

After that, Jaycas asked me to join him and his schoolmates at Sentosa. Thou I wanted to study, I really needed an outing badly with friends as I have not hung out with friends for a long time. So I decided to go. We played frisbee, volleyball, soccer... all the land games as I refused to enter the water coz I had to report to the monastery at night. But resistance was futile... I ended up being thrown in the water instead... Was drenching wet with sand all over me as I took the train home for a change of clothes. But it was fun.

Made it to the monastery in time. Shurangama scroll 2. I was getting a little sleepy but managed to hold throughout the sutra and dharma lecture. The lecture also mentioned Shr Fu's name as one of the contemporary masters who cultivated the Shurangama. Always so happy when I hear his name mentioned. Lolz.

The dharma event ended at 1030pm, and I went to pick up Yongchao who just finished basic millitary training, and met up with Andre who's in officer training school now. They're both gonna be fellow lieutanants! So cool. We met up to chat over supper and ended up staying there till almost 5am.

A 22 hour continuously ongoing day for me. Extremely tired... But it was so fulfilling!

Shurangama

2009-06-12T10:33:00.002+08:00

Started the Shurangama Sutra recitation at Fa Hua Monastery today. Saw a few familiar faces but what surprised me most were the sutras! They are all printed by DRBA! Sutra recitation was thus a smooth flow as I was familiar with the format and everything. And seeing Shr Fu's picture on the last page is always so lifting. A good start to the retreat

Foiled Plans...

2009-06-11T13:08:00.008+08:00

Was supposed to go for a movie with Weyman today. Ended up, he wanted to attend some class and so canceled the meeting. Then I decided to go to the IT show at suntec and to meet kenny as well... ended up, my dad called me this morning to report to work... Gheez.. all my plans to run out and play has been foiled... And this is my last free day in June... tot I could go out before entering seclusion... Sigh... Oh wellz... Tml, I begin my Shurangama retreat. It'll end on the 21st and on the 22nd, my dad's sending me to China to work till July... So much for making plans.... Not gonna make plans anymore... they always come to naught.

Anyway, here are some pics from the farm visit we hosted during the Aquarama 2009 Exhibition.

The delegates of the farm visit in Aquarama 2009.
The staff members of Tropicalfish International Pte Ltd.

The fish selection process.
The guppy breeding section.

Buddhist Beads

2009-06-09T22:06:00.006+08:00

Recitation beads is a culture of some of the oldest religions of the world - Called the mala in Hinduism and Buddism, or the rosary in Catholicism, it is a way to keep in track of the number of times one has recited the name of the lord. In Buddhism, the 108 beads represent the 108 afflictions of the mind to break. Buddhist beads have also been used as a way of creating affinity among fellow practitioners by means of a gift.

I have received many precious gifts from such friends... some made with really rare materials, some hold deep meanings. I lost my green mala given to me by an old friend from Tibet... but I have also gained new malas from new friends... I have also given some malas to some friends... such is the way of the world... things come and things go... the Great exchange is always happening.

Here are some of the beads I've been given.
The 1st 2 white ones are from the wood of a 400 year old tree on Mt. Wutai. Given by Mrs. Wong.
The sandalwood one with yellow string is from my grand father.
The pure white one is made of Lapis Lazuli from the sea. Given by Madalena.
The bodhi seed one was given to me by Eric when he was only 10 years old.
The crystal one is from Sandy.
The green jade one is from a monk from Myanmar
The white jade one is from Yong Heng Shr from Myanmar as well.
The green chandana wood one is from a nun in Gaomin Si, China.
The smallest one, I'm not sure where its from... probably a souvenior store.
And I lost my green one from Lama Teshe from Tibet... so sad...

Teacher?

2009-06-07T23:20:00.005+08:00

So I got called by Deyi Sec's principal to be a full time English teacher there from July onwards. St. Gabs also offered me a place. Hmmz... should I? Pay is lucrative... but its not gonna add much to my resume especially if I'm seeking to do law... Advice from some people are: "Don't waste time" Sigh... choices choices choices...

“小時後常常望著窗外的天空
幻想長大以後能實現從前做過的美夢

長大後發現世界真的不同
不知該要往哪走還是停在原地一動也不動

我無力在逃脫眼看著時間溜走
想回到小時後”

Am I really that disgusting?

2009-06-05T15:35:00.003+08:00

Once again, I've been called disgusting. First, it was for not looking my age... and last night, my friend Kenny, for lack of a better word, used the word disgusting to describe how I don't do anything, yet don't lack anything as well - specifically referring to my winning of the free tickets and cash. Am I really that disgusting? Lolz... Oh wellz =)

I Guess I'm Flying Again!

2009-06-03T06:33:00.008+08:00

Well, guess what... money really fell from the sky! I won a ticket to any destination in the world plus $500 for me to spend! Oh my god! Well actually, it should be oh my Samanthabadhra Bodhisattva! If not for his mountain, I would never have won the prize. Thank you!!! Only thing now is... I don't know where to claim it!? Oh wellz... Hmmz... where should I fly to next.... Fly fly fly fly fly... flying like a bird in the sky! Lolz....

日本語クラス

2009-06-02T23:48:00.003+08:00

Another full day at my dad's farm. Then at night, I went to register for Japanese class! Since I have so much time at hand, might as well make good use of it. My aim is to get my JLPT 3 cert by the end of this year!

From now on, I'm gonna fill all my free time up with work and class! Thursday, I'm registering for another class to fill up the other nights. So from now till December... my schedule should be fully packed! No longer am I gonna leave any nights free wondering what to do! Full Steam Ahead!!!

Impressions

2009-06-01T17:43:00.002+08:00

Aquarama ended and today I offered to go to my dad's farm to help out with the after-fair admin work - mainly data entry... no brainer stuff. During the fair, when everyone was busy entertaining guests from all around the world, I entertained this Singaporean couple and their son who came to visit our farm today! And I was surprised that they actually remembered my name!

So I walked them through the retail section and they bought almost $200 worth of fish! As they were leaving, they wished me good luck to my law school and gave me their name card telling me to contact them once I finish law school. After they left, I was browsing through the Internet and saw a familiar name! I took out the name card and discovered that he's in the top 20 for the Forbes Midas List! Wow.... And there I was talking and talking about my life, dressed in slippers, shorts and shabby tshirt... and I didn't even know who my customer was.

Aquarama Day 4 - Lelong! Lelong!

2009-05-31T22:33:00.002+08:00

Last Day of Aquarama. We had a farm visit and I was assigned the task of emcee and tour guide. Most of it was impromptu and I forgot alot of details but I'd say it's not as bad as I thought. It was an international crowd of about a hundred people hailing from:

USA, Canada, Australia, UK, Japan, Taiwan, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Norway, Kuwait, Russia, Italy, Greece, Rome and South Africa.

We even had dragon dance performance, and provided food and drinks. The most popular spot was still the air conditioned fish packing room due to the hot weather. Many people left happy and I got lots of business inquiries. Good start!

After the farm tour, I rushed back to the exhibition hall and started packing and selling our display items. It was crazy... $50 fishes were sold for as low as $5 - $10. Its just too troublesome to pack everything home. And even thou it was going at such low prices, people still wanted to bargain for lower! Gheez.... oh wellz... Our 4 day exhibition is finally over but business is still ongoing. Many of them have requested for private farm visits over the next few days and I guess we'll be busy with that and email correspondences. I'm happy to be busy. Always better than staring at the 4 walls. =)

Aquarama Day 3

2009-05-31T00:07:00.005+08:00

Day 3 was open to the public and we had an influx of Singaporeans and kids who also brought lots of retail business to the stand. Some bought tanks, some bought fishes, some came for bargains, and some just came to look and ask questions. We had pretty interesting tank designs. Like the tank in the 1st pic that looks like some wall painting, or the ones in the 2nd pic that acts as a night light as well. Extremely busy day, but fun. Really doesn't seem as if the recession is going on. People are still buying buying buying. Finally got home at 12 midnight again. Tomorrow's the scary one.... our fish farm is open for visit and so far about 100 people from 20 different countries have signed up for the tour! And I am assigned as the tour guide!!! Stress stress stress!!!

Aquarama Day 2

2009-05-29T21:40:00.002+08:00

Its been 2 consecutive days of sleeping at 1am, waking at 7am and continuously working between the 18 waking hours. Tired... but we still had to go. Dad was busy today so I represented him in bringing the Japanese customers for lunch.

My sister suggested Muthu's Curry and all of them ate till their entire face was covered in sweat! Lolz... It was so funny! I guess without the boss around, conversation over lunch was much more relaxed and fun as well. We talked about animes, talked about our travels, and even talked about our fears! Both Tetsuya and I agreed on it being heights, but Takashi said for him, its his wife. Lolz

It was also their last day here in Singapore and so when it came time to part, everyone was very sad. Takashi said that instead of being business contacts, we've become more than that... we've become good friends! And that amongst all their oversea trips, although this is a work trip, it is still the best. And they kept repeating that its a must that I go look for them in Japan. Looks like a trip to Japan soon is inevitable! Lolz...

That's the thing about me. I don't think I'm a good businessman because I turn all my business contacts into good friends. Lolz... Oh wellz...

Aquarama 2009 - Day 1

2009-05-28T21:27:00.002+08:00

Day 1 of Aquarama was bascially busy busy busy. Met with fellow fish enthusiasts and business people from all over the world. We had a rare fish that was extremely popular with the crowd and attracted alot of attention to the stand. An entire day of standing and talking. Extremely tiring. However, our japanese clients came over to help at our stand and made the experience really fun. But my ERP came up to another $20 dollars...

At night, we were invited to dinner at Labrador park! Extremely beautiful place. Expensive too. Dinner was filling. There were lots of activities and even a jackpot game for all the guests with the final prize amounting to $1700. Unfortunately none in our group won. Finally got home past midnight again.

I Miss Japan!

2009-05-28T00:34:00.004+08:00

Brought Mr. Kobayashi and Ms Nakagaki to Sentosa today, and because they're both offical magazine photographers, we were given free entry to Underwater World and the Pink Dolphin Lagoon! We even had the manager personally bring us around! How cool is that! However, driving around was horrible. ERP alone took out almost $20 from my pitiful cash card. The government is simply just too cruel...

At night, met up another group of my dad's customers form Japan. And I thought they were gonna be some old businessmen as well, but was surprised to meet a bunch of guys all of the same age as me! Really cool chatting with them. And I found out that it was Tetsuya's birthday as well. He thought that it was gonna be another birthday without celebration, but i collaborated with the waitress in Chinese and the restaurant got a last minute cake order. We then managed to do a surprise Birthday party for him! It was really fun. The advantages of knowing another language. And getting to use my Japanese again just felt so great! I miss Japan!! Lolz. Aquarama 2009 begins tomorrow!

Shot & Saved

2009-05-25T13:24:00.004+08:00

Ok, managed to secure a digital copy of the news cutting featuring my photo - credit goes to Jeffrey Ho. My first publication on Straits Times. Hopefully I can win the free ticket! Then I'll head straight back to Cali! Lolz

Got to chat with my lil bro and sis from Cali on skype today! Miss you guys lots!!!

where's the luck??!!

2009-05-25T00:33:00.005+08:00

So I submitted a photo to the Singapore News Paper about a month ago and basically received no news from them and just today found out that it got published and I choose not to buy the Straits Times only for yesterday and today!!! Argh!!! Stupid me!!!

And my Lottery number won but I bought it in the wrong system!!! ARgh! Stupid Stupid Stupid!!!

OCS

2009-05-24T23:53:00.004+08:00

Met up with Tungtat today, my fellow OCS vegetarian platoon mate. And he brought me and some of his other friends to a veggie gathering organized by his parents! How cool. Then we went to hang out at northpoint and actually wanted to watch Night at the Museum 2.

Unfortunately Tungtat had to go back to camp for some training. So we left and at the bus interchange, I met Royston! Another OCS mate. And he's going to Australia next year as well. So we exchanged contacts again just in case we didn't have it.

At night, Jon Lim, my other OCS platoon mate asked if I wanted to catch Night at the Museum tml. Lolz... Wow... today's OCS day... hmmz... I hope its not a sign that I'm gonna have to start army again soon....

Spontaneity

2009-05-23T23:23:00.005+08:00

Went out early to a TESL (Teaching English as a 2nd Language) class preview to see if I want to be a TESL teacher. 3 hours class where I assisted the students with pronunciation. Seems fun, but I'm not sure if I will want this as a career. I mean, $4000 for a course to become a teacher is a lil expensive... I'm reconsidering...

After the preview, called up Kenny to see if he was at work and to ask him out for lunch since I was in town. Totally spontaneous. Yes, I'm one of those clients who calls up their banker even on weekends. Lolz. But seriously, its good to have a friend who works in town whom I can call up anytime for lunch! What would I have done without you... Lolz.

Went over to Borders later, and I just have this really bad habit which I got from my University days... I love to read books in book stores. Can't do it in libraries, can't do it at home. Something about the book store makes me want to stay and read. So basically sat there for 5 hours and finished reading 2 books. Yeah, I'm a fast reader... so it really doesn't make sense for me to buy books coz I finish them in hours.

While reading, this couple beside me was counseling their 21 year old son on his career choice, and so I just asked for their opinion as well. Ended chatting with them for about half an hour. Lolz. Very friendly people. I know... I'm spontaneous. I hope I didn't scare them. Hahahaz

Went to East Coast for dinner with my family after which I think the vegetarian dish was not very vegetarian. Think they used oyster sauce or something... my stomach feels weird now... ouchie...

The Life of No Life...

2009-05-21T15:12:00.003+08:00

The video says it all...

Random rumblings

2009-05-18T23:42:00.002+08:00

In the "Best place in the world to live in" ranking, Singapore got ranked 26. The only asian country in the top 30. Not bad... But i guess it doesn't consider the fact that out of the 30 top countries, its the only one with national service... booo... Lolz... Oh wellz, I have my carte blanche k... SF surprisingly was ranked 30th. Sydney got 10th! Maybe I should consider going for that law course... lolz. Oh well.... Yes, I'm still rocking back and forth as to what to do with my future...

With regards to the present, well, met a friend for a drink, then on my way home on the train, this baby kept wanting to play with me despite his parents telling him to not disturb others. So I started playing with him too! Lolz... Yes... I never grow up. =)

Wisdom

2009-05-18T00:30:00.003+08:00

Just thought that this passage from the Bible shares very similar meaning to Buddhist philosophy.

"1 John 2:15-17 Do not love the world, or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is the world - the desires of the flesh and desires of the eyes, and pride in possesions - is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever"

Never Land Never

2009-05-17T23:24:00.003+08:00

Why do people have to grow up?
Why must people make decisions?
About what to study, what to take as a career, who to love, who to settle down with, where to settle down, who to bring up, how many to bring up, who to die with, how to live, how to make money, how to enjoy life, how to retire, how to grow old, how to die...
Why must people grow old?
I'm so tired of growing up... so tired of making choices...
That's it!....
I'm transferring to Never never land to be with peter pan and gang!

Grounded

2009-05-15T22:35:00.005+08:00

Seems like all my various plans to escape are gonna be foiled and I mite end up staying on in Sg instead ... Boooo....

Started frantically applying for jobs... no response... then i started searching for schools to attend... went for preview sessions after preview sessions at different schools... one thing interesting was that in all the preview sessions, i was the only guy... the rest of the class were all girls! Wow... lady luck... lolz... either all the guys in singapore are so smart that they already have jobs, they dun need to attend school, or... they're just plain lazy and bumming around pretty much like what i'm doing right now... yeah... I'm a typical singaporean guy now... sigh, i've lost my title of temporary singaporean...

廢物

2009-05-13T00:28:00.001+08:00

有時候，錢不能解決一切的問題。
沒有了目的的我，就想一堆垃圾擺在地上，毫無用處
真希望能夠有個指點者，作為我的指南針
讓我了解這世存在有何意義

Sometimes, money cannot solve everything.
The self without a purpose, is like a piece of rubbish placed on the ground... totally useless.
How I wish there can be a guide to be my compass.
To understand what's the purpose of existance...

The sea

2009-05-11T01:04:00.002+08:00

You can collect the waters all you want, but in that way you'll always be on the shore...
Its only when you take a dive into the water yourself, then will you know that the sea is actually salty...
~jozhade

Mother's Day

2009-05-10T18:47:00.003+08:00

My sister made sandwiches and baked cookies for my mom today, and I cooked spaghetti. When I was almost done, my grand mother came in and said my fried noodles looked really good and suggested that I add tofu and soy sauce! =.=.... mission failure.... I created spaghetti that looked like char mee... Is my cooking really that bad?

Steering aimlessly

2009-05-10T15:57:00.004+08:00

A mist brews up ahead, my vision starts to blur...
The lonesome ship in the ocean slowly begins to stir...
A different wind blows, the compass spins around...
The journey that I set out for, is now again no more...
I searched for a land to anchor, a land to set ashore...
But searched the seas forever, alas I found no shore...
Where is my peaceful harbor? The fruit of all my labor?
I've spent nights upon nights, staring up in wonder...
I steer my lonesome ship, into the great blue sea...
Steering aimlessly, searching a path for me...
~jozhade

Vesak Day

2009-05-09T18:00:00.003+08:00

Went to my men's ORD function last night. This marks the completion of their 2 years of military training. This also marks 2 years of loafing around for me. Seriously...

There was a strong thunderstorm in the middle of the night. And I don't know why but I always get supercharged during storms... didn't sleep till 3am. Thoughts running all over. What am I doing with my life? What direction to go? Ideas surfaced one by one like the rain drops falling from the sky.

7am... with about 4 hours of sleep, I went to Yishun to meet up with Tungtat and his friends for a run. Not bad, managed to do 6km without breaking a sweat, but knees still hurt from the injury during NS. Then we went for a vegetarian breakfast! Yep, Tungtat's my veggie buddy throughout officer training school. And that's our bond-Veggies! Lolz

Crashed at home for a while before brining my grandma to the nearby temple to pray as Singapore celebrates Vesak day today on the 15th day of the 4th lunar month. Then brought my sis to buy ingredients to cook for our mom for Mother's Day tml. Rather than buying objects, I personally think the best gifts are always made with the heart.

Fetching my grandma out for dinner later to celebrate mother's day with her. Busy busy day. But I like being busy =)

一天的電影

2009-05-08T11:31:00.007+08:00

剛看完一部台灣的影片：巧克力重擊（Chocolate Rap）。台灣嘻哈的文化還是蠻盛的喔。看了真想去學嘻哈舞。真可惜現在已經太老了。在學可能會把身體內所有的骨頭都跳碎。接下來又看了另一部在台灣公視播放的戲劇：艾草。我覺得這部戲拍得很好。因為它不只顯示了我們現在社會上人與人之間不同複雜的關係，但也提示了年輕老少一家四代的傳統價值觀和個人主義的對抗。真是一個非常現代化的戲劇，也包含了很多近代的看法。很值得一看。真可惜新加坡公視是不可能播放這些戲劇的。他們只會重複以前所播過的影片。

Such a pity Singapore's media authority doesn't really bring in much international independent films into the local TV or theaters. Instead they keep repeating films that have been shown hundreds of times on tv.

As for the local dramas, I don't know... seems like it lacks a certain individuality, a specialty, culture, passion or something like that... take for example the hip hop in Chocolate Rap - its about the hip hop culture in Taiwan. Singapore's drama mostly show about family life which you experience everyday... it doesn't take you away into fantasy land like those Korean or Jap love stories... rather, it makes you face what you already face everyday - the sad truth about your mundane life.

Nature's Fury

2009-05-08T11:05:00.002+08:00

Guess the world's turning upside down. First it was all the tsunami attacks around asia, then the fires in South California, then Australia just had their biggest fire and water tragedy with fires in Melbourne and Adelaide, and 60% of Queensland being flooded. Now it seems that Mother Nature has shifted her concentration back the the USA again - Fires along the West in Santa Barbara, California, and severe hailstorms in Texas. Lightning storms and tornadoes sweeping across the South, Heatwaves in the East in New York... Its a wild world...

US 1st Face transplant

2009-05-06T23:47:00.002+08:00

Was watching the news about the US first face transplant patient and its really amazing how she survived and what those doctors and nurses did for her. And something she said was really meaningful as well:

"you never know what might happen. You might get in a car wreck and think you're beautiful one day... so don't judge people who don't look the same as you do because you never know one day it might be all taken away from you."

Flowers

2009-05-06T11:32:00.005+08:00

Anyone needs flower arrangements for mother's day? My mom's making them...
For the Heart Shaped one, its $50
For the table arrangements and bouquets, its $60++
Self Collection - less $15

Chinese Swimming Club

2009-05-04T20:58:00.004+08:00

Brought my younger sis to the club to swim today. Been ages since I've been there. Buildings have changed. But the people have not. Uncle Swee Leng is still pretty much the head coach there. Remember suffering with my swim mates then, some of them moved on to become olympic swimmers - mark chay, desmond... and look at me.. sigh...

Met Aunty Josephine there as well! Its funny how I always run into her. Once in bouna vista when I was crossing the road, then last year in USA, and now..

Cooking experiments

2009-05-03T23:13:00.005+08:00

Experimented on cooking Bung Rieu (Vietnamese noodles) today for my grandmother and sis! It didn't come the same as what I tasted from Aunt Guo Juan's cooking. So I thought it was a total failure and told them not to eat it. I told them I'll come up with something else soon. But after tasting it, both of them said it was pretty good and there were no leftovers! I'm not sure if they did it just to console me... Lolz

In the afternoon, heard my grandmother coughing pretty badly again, and I was back to my Tcm experimentations. Did a concoction and it was successful! Her cough stopped immediately! Yesh! Muahahaz.

Went out to celebrate Jeff's bday at holland V after that. Ate at a Lebanese restuarnant. The vegetarian dish had so much onions! and his meat dish looked so weird... But the company is always good.

Came across an interesting video on how to survive in college, might need it once I start school again lolz:

Birthdays

2009-05-03T00:41:00.004+08:00

Just came back from my god sister's birthday party. Knew her since birth but i think this is one of the few times i've been to her birthday. I know... I'm a bad god brother. I'm trying to be better. Lolz. Lots of birthdays this week staring with aunt aileen on 26th april, eddee and my sis's on 27th, andrew's on the 28th, my god sis on the 29th, and tml, gonna celebrate with Jeffrey. Lolz... I know alot of Tauruses. Happy Birthday to you all!

Other than my god dad, god mum and god siblings, alot of gods lolz, the rest were pretty much strangers to me but soon after the Risk board game was taken out, we started forming alliances and became mutual war commanders! Lolz. It was really fun and our game continued for 3 and a half hours before a victor finally emerged. That's how my god-family's place is always like. Gaming through the night. Board games for the younger ones and mahjong for the adults. The entire night was filled with laughter and chatter.