Skuller.

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Monday, September 21

New state of affairs.

I love to eat. The first day of Eid saw me gaining at least 73.89% of the weight that I lost during Ramadan back. And I don't mind.

It was great fun, being able to eat again. I think I pigged out more than Tri this year. Nyai really outdid herself with the smorgusbord of ethnic dishes ranging from sambal goreng to khorvadz. The house wasn't too shabby, either. Everyone was there and I think I managed to apologize to everyone (it's an Eid tradition; that's the whole purpose of Ramadan: don't eat, apologize, and think about Hari Raya), even mom.

Now its time to catch up with life. The past two months felt like a marathon. It's one of those times when everything goes by in a blur, and what you have at the end of each day is just a collection of random memories. All the dramanites (don't sue me Dunman Secondary) have been missing production rehearsals like somebodys' beeswax, but not me; i'm glad that I have more free time to laze around and do nothing at home. What I miss are all of them times we spent together, it was that fun. Aahh.

Just the past week I met Grandpa and Sobo in their new Bandung dig. Damn its beautiful there. So many western influences in the form of Dutch architecture; no wonder Aunt Liyi's been ravaging bout' the place like somebody's beeswax (mind that new catchphrase of mine). It was weird that I was the only one fasting there (my relatives are all Catholics), and that talk Grandpa gave me was just funny. I dislike it when people preach to me about religion. It gets me in a sardonic mood. And I get hungry when i'm sardonic.

Haha. Ok its time for dinner. I am laying low at my own home for a few days, before I move to Dad's for the weekend. Time to de-sanitize my unoccupied-for-three-months bed. A special shout out to Rafa and Mika in Vancouver; I can't seem to keep my blog secret for some reason (coughs spits nosebleeds Putri coughs phlegm). Happy first day of Eid to them.

And yes, contrary to stupid belief, I have not (quote) 'crawled into an airtight cupboard and gotten high on my secret stash of LSD and died' (unquote) during my one month bloggers sabbatical. Coughs sneezes pukes Putri is a cow poops.

Redoxon FTW.

--wan.

Labels: celebrations, food, my world

posted at 17:57

Saturday, March 28

EARTH HOUR.

Those nasty devils really enjoyed themselves. Well, this year's Earth Hour event was quite a success. Compared to last year, more people were actually aware that such an awareness program exists; though Raden, Man and Putri weren't around this year, it was still fun all the same. Nyai was frantic when she noticed that there weren't enough candles just an hour before the scheduled light-out; she kept blabbing a mixture of Malay, English and Russian (or as Uncle Is calls it, Marulish), it was hilarious. Both kids and adults had fun. Gosh, aren't we all losers for the environment? (or just plain semangat?) Hahaha.

I actually overslept (well into the afternoon) today so I had to miss dance workshop (sorry Kaya). Thank god Amalina messaged, for I would've been late for Ina too (we watched Fanboys at Plaza Singapura). Disturbingly hilarious show, the story of my life, says someone (Maximillian Widjaja). Haha. Damn, sometimes it's plain bothersome when you know something is against you when yet that something's blissfully unaware of your awareness of the said something. *whispers*

--wan.

Labels: celebrations

posted at 02:22

Monday, January 26

Ox.

The past two nights have been a blast.

Yesterday I spent the whole night out with Samputri (it's their couple name, think 'Brangelina'...) and the kiddo's at the Marina Barrage. It was great fun, having the kids along with us; one, it prevents Sam from going all 'Theres this place I know where there's great musi-', and two, they really bring out the 'true' kids within ourselves. Think 'water playground' and wet underwear.

Hehe. I think i've made my cold worse.

Today, the first year of the mighty mighty Ox, and guess what, I ended up awaking exactly at noon. Dad called in shortly after my 13th or so snooze alarm and told me he'd rather me come next week, as it was no use having me at Uncle Robert's for awhile when they all (Sobo & household) are going off visiting somewhere else. And oh yeah, dad kept complaining about a bad stomach ache he got after yesternight's feast, so i bet he too wasn't feeling that great. The amusement, I know. Wished the East Asian side of my family the usual greetings, no doubt. E-orange.

So, in the end, there wasn't exactly much to do (I am not counting assignments obviously). But then, at around 3, aunt Oya called (yeah I have a lot of aunts) from the beach, inviting me to 'join the super family picnic at Pasir Ris'. Haha. I practically laughed out loud when I got there; everyone, even mum, was there, and they all even said (thanks to some cow) a very loud and embarrassing 'KONGSIFAHCHAI!', before I melted away in the sand.

I love my family. They only look different and act classy but in fact, deep down, they're a true blue, Meh-lah-yoo sort of people. Is that a haiku, or what.

Haha, back to reality. I don't think I can face that huge metaphoric pile of work (that I have yet to get started on) back at home. Oh. No.

Whoops, there goes gravity.

Happy New Year everyone.

--wan.

Labels: celebrations, family, my world

posted at 23:52

Thursday, January 1

Should auld acquaintance be forgot.

Seconds pass.

Leaves fall.

A holy mass.

A lonely hall.

The winds stood still,

As dusk began.

The shades of crimson,

Turned dark cyan.

A sombre face,

In the midst of an unknowing crowd.

He looks to the heavens,

Whilst saying aloud:

Dear god above, have faith in me,

And all of us, we're meant to see.

The mistakes that we made, the tears that we've shared,

The words that we said, the words that were sweared.

All of the things, that we've come to know,

They play back in our minds, like some reel-less show,

And we look at it all, with nothing but disdain.

For we're the only ones, that can ease all our pain.

Pain.

The blood drips, it falls to the ground.

Across the surface it seeps, silently, no sound.

But all of a sudden, the earth trembles slight ,

For a lone green sprout, peeks into the night.

With a leaf edged in red.

The face looks down.

The crowds stand still.

No sound at all.

For God has said.

Happy 2009 everyone.

--wan.

Labels: celebrations, you don't have to understand this

posted at 00:19

Thursday, December 25

Resolution solution.

So, the time has come once again to think of those dastardly always-be-forgotten-in-the-end new year's resolutions. It scares me how fast time has flown since....umm, January 08'. I don't really know what resolutions I want for myself next year (except for being sane and happy, of course) so I looked at the ones I made 12 months ago because to tell myself the truth, i've really forgotten about them.

Lookey here, but don't laugh.

Blog entry dated 11 January 2008.
Click here to enlarge.

Okay okay yeah. I was surprised that first and foremost, I actually had gained myself at least 10 kilos, so heck yeah, thats one resolution down. Now...I don't know what sort of resolution number 2 is, but in the end I didn't want a Wii, but I did get a DS lite so, hoorah, thats counted as a 'check'. Then theres the third one. Hmm, it's Tri who usually feeds all the animals in the pond but...hey, Miko didn't die, he's still alive and well, so whohoo, thats a checkmate, im cleared, I won, i've fulfilled all of 08's resolutions! Haha, i'm so pleased with myself right now.

Brief moment of high ecstacy right there.

Anyway, since I have been somewhat disgruntled about stuff lately I think my one and only resolution for the big 09' is to be happy. I have to stop kidding myself. Who's the one who said new year resolutions were cliche anyways?

Okay okay, I have to get ready soon, i'm meeting Putri and Sam and Aman and maybe Denni at Eastpoint. So...

To all of you Christians and believers out there, Marcus, Charlie and Grinch (I mean Corrine) wishes you a very merry Christmas!

Don't get too drunk!

--wan.

Labels: celebrations, my world

posted at 14:03

Sunday, December 14

In repair.

After weeks and weeks of pressure, tension, earthquakes and tsunamis, the holidays are finally here. I am god dang relieved that I was able to complete most of my final deadlined assignments during the last week of term. Now, with school off the list of things that makes my life miserable I can finally get some shut eye (haha).

Last Friday went by in a blur. I remembered telling myself its not just worth sacrificing my sanity (or what's left of it) for better grades, so in the end I chose not to redo the final abstract eye painting. Though I can tell you that I regret not a single bit of it; I managed to catch about 2 hours plus time of sleep and it really showed when I came to school Friday morning. Well, basically all of us were in high spirits, awaiting the so-near-yet-so-far 2 week Christmas break.

We had a short field trip to the Singapore Arts Museum (SAM) during Subrina's lesson. I was glad that most of us were noticeably happier. There were a lot of cool Japanese-y stuff being put up for display, so it was a really interesting exhibit.

At 3pm we had our Design History test (we were back in school by 2 plus). I didn't even bother to properly revise for it (as it was an open-booked test) though I am not exactly confident I was able to bullcrap my way through all of it.

It was like the release of all the caged up butterflies from my stomach. When that final lesson was over and done with, I practically thanked god and angel Megan out loud for seeing me through all of this. It definitely was tough, especially with other obstacles blocking my path towards a succesful term completion (yes, that is the way I see things).

Now, I am truly, truly sorry to whoever I've let down in the quest of conquering all of these vultures; I really had no time for CCA and family and friends, but I will try to make up all for all of the lost time during the holidays.

I can't wait for this Friday; im finally going to see Dad once again, and Sobo and Grandpa, so yeah, thats all that im looking forward to this week.

Plus all of the food im gonna' get to cook again.

p.s. and yes, i've updated my blog skin, and no, I am not a 'yellow yellow dirty fellow'.

--wan.

Labels: celebrations, my world, school

posted at 18:36

Tuesday, November 4

Vampires will never hurt you.

Okay, enough of the emotional rubbish. Here's the long awaited Halloween Nite 08 entry, four days late. Disclaimer: this is one of those 'get-it-over-and-done-with' kinda posts, so just bear with the lack of enthusiasm.

Vampire vampire vampire, chess. Vampire ling ling bla bla whatever, hahaha.

Okay. The mourning of All Hallow's eve (get it get it, mourning?). Haha yawns. So there I was, cabbing to school with Subrina's dead weight of an assignment in hand, and a huge bag of costumes and props in the other. Ama and me were supposed to help out with the hallowen decorations (we were in E308 by the way) but instead we had to focus more on completing our assignments, which were due that evening. Pressure. The scene: bits of paper and tape scattered everywhere, drawing tools tossed unceremoniously to one corner, and the sick scent of cow gum and sticky tape wafting off in the AC. The life of design students, sigh. Luckily, the other stage arters were there to help with the decorations as well as our assignments. Sorry and thanks guys! (we really had no time at all to finish it the day before).

So it was hectic. Hmm, what else. I remember loud, blaring hip-hop and techno music - Theatre Management was testing out the audio - and of course the occasional (i'm sorry, I meant continuous) laughter. And I also remember being kinda pissed off with stuff later in the afternoon, during project submission. Ooooh. Sorry-worree Ama! (sorry-worree?). Yesiree. Basically, we were stressed out. Yawns. Maybe I gotta learn how to be like Dass and chill brothaa! Lol.

Well, after a short rest period during make-up and hair, it was back to the rehearsals. Wow. From this point onwards, it was a mixture of anticipation, worry, happiness, embarrassment (Ina saw me in make-up, haha!), and hunger for me. Tick tock, I should've blogged about this days ago, now i'm feeling bored. Haha. Okay, yadda yadda yadda, the cow jumped over the moon, and everyone got their freak on with their either scary or kinky costumes and such; cool lads, pretty girls, pretty boys, pretty she-boys, that sort of thing. Before I knew it, it was time.

Kudos to the entire creative team responsible for the sexy spooky decor. The entire place looked freaky great, the haunted walkway thingy was a hit. Either that, or the audience were woosies. Now for our performances. Group 1 did jolly good, jolly good! The play's trannies (especially Amin) traumatised us again. Everyone was laughing like mad, so obviously, well done. After their play it was the senior's turn. I laughed like Spongebob and a piece of paper during their skit (don't worry if you didn't get that, neither did I). Before you knew it, it was time for jang jang jang jang. Yes, after what felt like an eternity later, it was finally our group's turn. Lights, camera, actionnnnn.

That stage. Those lights. Woweepalooza. My first sorta major-ish role with lines. How was it? Well, in short - glitches, mistakes, and an overdose of laughter. Oh. My. Pizza. The murmur of nervous laughter. Though it wasn't a perfect skit, I just want to applaud (loudly) to everyone of you group 2ers. I hate the way I fidget too much during monologues, not to mention how raspy my voice went (I know how I looked and sound, I saw the video!). Well, it feels terrible knowing you could've done more, given in that added umpf and stuff like that, but in the end, I still don't regret anything, because like what all the seniors have been saying, you guys did the most you could have ever done. So seniors, thank you for being so appreciative. We really do appreciate you guys. Haha. Well after that, then, what else? Partaaay time! (ew, cheesy).

I was supposed to come as the psycho axe-boyfriend (get it get it) but someone took my axe (Don't worry, I got it back at the end of the party. Now I can use it to cut open my papayas, brilliant.).

Though the after-party dance went a bit too far (the place was a mess, sorry senior seniors!), we all managed a get-back-together-were-not-mad-at-anyone hug at the end. What a lovely family, us, really *wipes fake tear off eyelid*. Hahaha. Well, after cleaning up the huge mess and returning the props, we all said our goodbyes, and I cabbed home with Vicki and Sheila. Yes, that's all that happened. The ghosts came flying in and out just like that, haha.

Now now, wait. I smell food. Sniff sniff. Italian food. Yummmy. Auntie is getting busy in the kitchen. I'll talk about school later. For now, the kitchen calls!

--wan.

Labels: celebrations, drama, finally this post is over and done with

posted at 19:27

Sunday, October 5

Weekend.

This weekend was like, one whole mini-week for me.

Friday, I went over to Tri's house (where im staying now). She had to finish up an important assignment for poly (way to go, leave it till the last minute, haha) so I had to entertain Afik and Sasha (Daniel was at Nyai's). They were both hungry, so we ordered KFC. The new spicy drumlets they have were superb, I especially loved the thai-flavoured variety (drumsticks that taste like thai people, ew, sounds sick, =). After that, I just turned up the AC, and left the kiddos to their drawings. Shasha has a habit of calling me an artist, whenever I doodle something gross, just because im in design school, and that's hilarious.

In the evening, when Tri became less patient of the noise (haha, we were playing DJ), I brought the both of them down to the playground to...well, play. Haha, I thought I might have wanted to join them but there were secondary school students walking around us everywhere so I didn't want to make myself look like a fool (shut up, Tri =P).

After Tri was done (or after she had given up) with her assignment, we left the kiddos to watch Foster's on their laptop, while we ate what's left of the chicken (we got the 10 piece meal, haha). Slept like babies.

Saturday was tiring, though it always has been. Had drama rehearsals in the morning through the afternoon, for the MINDs play coming soon. We had to bring in and out the props as it was a full-dress rehearsal. Acting like a nerd is as boring as being one. I don't know, and I definitely don't see how you can find that entertaining, so, don't complain if you are not! (entertained). I absolutely loved Neela's bimbo character the most, she made me giggle worse than an eight year old girl in the presence of one of the Jonas Sisters (whoops).

Anyway, after a crazy laughter session with those who stayed back at Mac, I got home and changed. My extended family was going out to Nyai's sister's place. Wow, Nyai and her siblings create some of the best comfort dishes ever. The whole buffet had an Armenian touch to it, of course, with some Russian desserts that I had never tasted before. I basically just sat in one small corner of the house with my aunts and uncles (the kiddos were running around in the balcony) small-talking. There were so many people I didn't know, from my grand uncle's family (who were mostly those Arab types). (I heard sometime ago that they disliked my grandmother and grand aunt because Arabs are supposed to hate Armenians). Though of course, it was Eid, and we all played nice, hahahahaha.

Gosh, after all the hoopla, I found myself more than thankful of my very own bed (well, guest bed to be exact). Chatted with some people (oh my god, Neela, chatting with you makes me wanna MadTv all day, lols!) including my dad. I was kinda' surprised to see him online, so we had a quick chat before turning in (he wanted me to stay over his place tomorrow, but I can't, having rehearsals, see).

I just woke up to find Afik's face barely 2 inches away from mine. Haha. Gonna brunch soon. Wonder what im going to do later....Maybe a trip to Giant, whoohoo.

Man, I get pleased so easily,

--wan.

Labels: celebrations, drama, my world

posted at 13:15

Thursday, October 2

On the morning of Eid.

Yesterday was such a delicious day. Being able to eat again during the day is an added bonus of course, so, as expected, I took every opportunity I had to stuff my face with all the cliched Eid food.

The dialoge in red entirely sums up my general mood during the whole day.

Me: "Tri! munch munch munch...Look, its one in the afternoon!!!...munch munch..."

Putri: "So?"

Me: "I'm EATING...munch munch...DURING THE DAY...WHOHOO!

Putri: -gives her stupid sarcastic look which she thinks is sexy- "Congrats."

So pretty much the usual stuff happened today. I was first to arrive at Nyai's, apologized and gave my Eid greetings to all my elders as usual. I had to help Nyai in the kitchen a bit, she cooked up a hell of a storm. There was Briyani steaming in a huge rice pot. Sambal goreng (fried beef and prawns in chili), Serondeng (beef floss) and Lodeh (mixed vegetables in coconut milk), all pre-cooked the night before of course, heated up in their respective giant woks. And of course, the Lontong (rice cakes), served together in chunks on a huge dish, that can't be forgotten.

The other sub-families came a little bit later. As one whole extended family, we are truly a force to be reckoned with (right, cous?). Grandchildren (me included!), running around in their best outfits, munching up all the sweets and treats (some of which I had painstakingly arranged neatly in their jars) and then running some more. Adults, having their usual updates on their lives shared amongst themselves, helping Nyai a bit with the 'backstage work', all seemingly pleased to have at least one day of rest (or NOT) this week. Maids, (I have to add them in, they're family to me) busy with all the dishes, utensils, and yes, FOOD. Celebrating with a family they've only known for a few years, enjoying the day as well, while always thinking of their own family back home, hundreds of kilometres away. It was such a good feeling to see everyone in cheerful spirits.

(Mushy part coming up.)

Superb. Out of all cultures I've experienced (and you bet I have experienced A LOT of them) THIS has got to be one of the best. I find it extremely beautiful, the warmth and joy put into realizing such an event. All the beautiful bright colours, the flickering festive lights. It really is poetic. A perfect end to a whole month's worth of soul-searching and repent. One does not need to truly enjoy Eidulfitr' to get everything good out of it. Yes, it is out of respect for what has happened in the past do we truly celebrate such an occasion, and lest not all of us forget that.

Okay. Mush over. So yeah, the day ended off well. After doing their own little Eid trips to in-laws houses, the various sub-families (all my aunts and uncles) got back together at Nyai's for another round of FOOD. Just like that. Ate for like what, the tenth time that day (?), before going home. The kiddos truly enjoyed themselves. Sad that tomorrow's a schooling day for them already. Yay for me, I have at least a few more days of r&r before the new semester begins. Burps. My stomach is getting noisier lately. Oooh, mushroom treats...

Anyways, thanks for all the Hari Raya greetings everyone. I can't wait to go out and EAT again. Hahaha, greedy much? Don't judge, a boy needs his meat. Oh yeah, I miss Rafa & Mika & Uncle on the other side of the globe. I bet they are probably having their very own little Eid party there right now. Just waiting for their usual videochat and call, hahaha.

Sighs. I have said this before so many times, in my previous blog entries (especially when I was smarter and less 'preppy', during my old blog) even to one point where I challenged its meaning as merely a simplist's method of perceiving the world, and so forth...

But I shall say it again.

Time passes by so fast.

It is a bittersweet notion. What am I but a measly human being, placed second to last on the grand scale of the universe, to judge what happens around us everyday, in such simple words?

I guess the mushy part's not over yet? That must be Shakespheare-me talking again. Heck, whatever, I love Shakespheare-me.

Okay, anyways, I had a very enjoyable time today. I miss Dad, can't remember the last time I actually spent Eid with him. Hope he is doing just fine. Okay, my stomach's getting noisy again. INSTANT TORTILLA CHIPS, ANYONE?

Hahaha.

--wan.

Labels: celebrations, my world

posted at 00:37

Wednesday, October 1

Eid.

To everyone celebrating the end of Ramadan, here's me wishing you guys a very happy Eidulftr'. Enjoy your day, have lots of food, make up with that one uncle you've always hated and then maybe put a lethal dose of cyanide in his grape kool-aid (kidding!).

Hearing the takbir, no matter from what source, radio or television, always makes me wanna tear.

Anyway, here's me apologizing to anyone out there I might have hurt, whether intentionally or not, with my admittedly sharp words (or non-words, if you know what I mean). Hope you all take care of yourself!

Salam lebaran 2008!

--wan.

Labels: celebrations

posted at 00:48