28 Days Before...

..And then, they enrol me in a military Class 3 vehicle driving course.

Quite cool. 28 Days stayout. Drove my first real vehicle today. Had a feel of what it is like to brake, clutch, acclerate, blablabla. It's not like go-cart, which one of my instructors kept referring to after I said I played it before.

Ok, got to do my Highway Code homework now. (First homework in more than a year!)

Learning driving for free. Yay.

Take care, peeps!

Life, Sian, Complicated

It's that time when I feel I'm not doing anything meaningful. My vocation in the army is not my first choice. Just waiting for the time to pass. Doing the best I can.

Must find a new passion. Other than slacking or going out during the weekends. But first, also must find the time to commit to anything new.

Also..

Something's complicated, now. Feels like I'm running away from it. Don't like to think about it. But, how not to when it's sometimes in my subconscious?

Grr.

Opportunities?

The concerts. The movies. The calls. The meals. The supper. The chances.

What to do??

It's just me.

Grr. Sulk.

ProDai didn't help, you know.

~
(ignore the last few seconds. vid is not mine)




~

Oh well. Physio was okay.

March holidays coming. Scrap that. It's none of our business, haha.

Take care, peeps.

Jump and プロポス!

プロポス is katakana (Japanese characters). It reads pu-ro-po-su which means propose.

The jump word here represents the movie Jumper and プロポス comes from the J-Drama プロポーズ大作戦 (Proposal Daisakusen or Operation Love) which I'm going to talk about later.

Took a day off today since baoyuan and weilong is free to catch a movie. Wanted to catch L: Change the World but apparantly someone wants to catch it with his gf, so, oh well. Caught Jumper instead.


I give it WoooW (2.5/5)

No need for an introduction.

Final-Say: An interesting concept at first, but script not fully-realised. Some parts are quite exaggerating for the movie's own good but thankfully, the effects are great. Hayden Christensen and Rachel Bilson (from The O.C.) have very forgettable chemistry on-screen. Other than that, good entertainment.

If they're doing a part 2 (based on the ending of the film), I hope they do a better one.


And now for the プロポーズ大作戦 (Proposal Daisakusen or Operation Love)

introduced by wenjie. Ok, ok, you must be thinking why is a guy featuring a jap drama here?? This is actually the first full Jap drama i've bothered to watch since he kept raving about it.
His own words: "It makes you feel like confessing to the one you like right after watching this show."

Or something like that =P

Well, I don't really know if I have that urge so badly but all I can say is, erm, it helps? Wahaha.
Anyway, back to the show.

It starts off on a wedding day.

Kenzo (male lead) is full of regrets that the bride, Rei (female lead), his long-time childhood friend and sweetheart, is not marrying him. He hasn't the gut to confess for all the 14 years he has known her.

This is the pretty-boy male lead. Damn. If only I have half his charm. Lol.

This is the pretty and kawaii female lead. Damn. It's very easy to fall in love with her watching the show =x

So... The wedding started to show a slideshow of pictures of the bride and groom (the groom knew the group of friends since high school and was incidentally their teacher) and Kenzo really couldn't take it. He wishes to go back to the past and change whatever he has done wrong towards Rei.

The group of friends. Contributed greatly to the comic relief in the drama.

Then... a fairy appears (in the form of a 50 year old man). And he gives Kenzo the ability to 'time-slip' back into the time in each of the photograph in the slideshow to re-do his mistakes, and probably to confess his love for his childhood sweetheart.

The hilarious 'fairy'.

He does this action everytime he have to 'time-slip' to the past. It's damn funny.

So... Does he succeed??

Catch it on http://www.crunchyroll.com/ =p just type in Proposal Daisakusen. There are 11 episodes.

But most importantly, do I, a guy who usually dislikes sappy romantic drama series (esp korean and japanese), recommend this??

Well, let my rating to the talking ba.

I give it WoooooW (4.5/5)

Actually, the series is perfect. Just that for a few minutes or so (out of the entire 11 episodes) it gets a tiny bit draggy. But other than that, no complains.

There's a reason why this won Best Drama, Best Actor and Best Song at the Japan Television Awards.

To Lamerz: I recommend you all to watch this show! The fun that the group of friends have are reminiscent of our times in high school. Those times when our only troubles were studies... sigh. Good old days. Haha.
~
Oh well, got to book in soon. I promised Vivien I'll promote this. So for those who enjoy singing, click this link!! - www.stardust2008.com

Going for NTU band concert this saturday night. Oh what the heck. Do a little promo also lah.
VCH, 7:30pm, 1st Mar, tix at $12 =)

Signing off.

Take care, peeps!

Blacks are Groovin'

Well, I don't know if my previous post's story was sad or what, it's just a little story. Thanks to those who've read and gave comments =) wenjie, thanks for your advice on the 'chinese' part. Will consult you next time if I've to put in chinese words into my stories haha. And, er, emily, I still don't know who you are. Shrugs.

Anyway, today was quite sian. Went out to get new specs (not ready yet). It's WHITE. Don't know if it'll turn out ok. Bought a $16 shirt from Fox, too.

Back to main topic. I know some of you found my previous posts on song recommendations quite helpful. (JingWei totally fell in love with The Prayer, haha) So here I am again, with current good songs that I think you should learn about ;)

Firstly, I've to say, majority are music from african-americans. It proves they really make good stuff =)

#1 Low - Flo Rida ft T-Pain (from the soundtrack of the upcoming Step Up 2: The Streets)

It's still no.1 in the US and there's a reason why. It's catchy and bangin'. =P
I give it WOOOOW (4.0/5)

#2 Feedback - Janet Jackson

She can no longer capture her past magic after nipplegate, i guess =x But this song is really solid and raw. I like it.
I give it WOOOOW (4.0/5)

#3 With You - Chris Brown

He and Ne-Yo love making sticky love songs. This one is really good, actually.
I give it WOOOoW (3.5/5)


Now for the Non-Blacks...

#1 Piece of Me - Britney Spears

Yes, I know. She still has some trouble with the media... but really, this song came out at the perfect time. Pay attention to the lyrics. Genius. This record is as hot as Gimme More, but this vid is hotter.
I give it WOOOOW (4.0/5)

#2 If I Had Eyes - Jack Johnson

His first album was one of the best I've bought. This single is ok only. But not without his signature feel-good music.
I give it WOOOW (3.0/5)

#3 Teardrops on My Guitar - Taylor Swift

Time to slow down. This song is a massive hit in the US becuse of MySpace. It's saccharine and pleasant enough for me to recommend it. She's an up and coming country singer, btw.
I give it WOOOW (3.0/5)


- NEW & UNRELEASED! -

Ok, ok. It's released in some countries already, but not in Singapore. But, as a lot of ppl know I'm a fan, =P I just have to feature this.

The hot new song by Mariah Carey!
Her new album, initially entitled That Chick is now E=MC² (i'm not kidding) Will be released worldwide coming April.

Wahaha. She's a half-black, btw.

Touch My Body - Mariah Carey (duh)

It's really a sensual song, so don't have those crazy high-octave belting at the back. But it's like We Belong Together. Slow and nice. Not very strong first single, though. But that's always the case. It grows on you.
I give it WOOOoW (3.5/5)

And...

...from the movie Juno. This romantic and quirky duet can be appreciated only for those who've watched the show. Or maybe not.

Anyone Else But You - Michael Cera and Ellen Page

I give it WOOOoW (3.5/5)
~
There you go. Hope you like at least one of 'em. Lol.

Promoting to CPL by March. My permanent rank till I ORD and ROD le. *Looks at ORD countdown* Whoa... can't wait.

Got my marksman score at range! But it's a reshoot. Hurhur. But still. =P

Slacking tonight.

Take care, peeps!

For The Valentines..

I know it's a little belated. But..

Some people know that I like to write short stories. Some of them've read a story or two; while some have even received them as gifts =)

Well, since I know that some of you might not have gotten over V'day yet (though I think it's quite a commercial holiday now), I've decided to write a short love story to commemorate the event. Also, because I haven't posted any of my stories on my blog before.

Here you go.. the title of the story is..


" I Miss You ... "













The sixty-five year old man awoke gently to the sound of a soft tapping. He laid in bed, still dazed, not giving it much thought, before realising that there was someone knocking on the door.

"Coming." He called hoarsely, and shifted himself stiffly off the bed. His feet felt the morning coldness of his floor as he slowly made his way to the door.

The visitor's first words were: "Oh, it's an ah pek."

"What you all want?" The old man said, his lazy eyes examining the two teenagers who now seemed ready to leave.

The shorter girl replied: "We're selling -"

The taller one interrupted: "Never mind, Cindy, let's go."

"You all selling flowers for what?"

"See, I told you. Ah peks don't celebrate Valentine's Day. Let's go."

The old man coughed. "Stop." He coughed again. "Can I buy one rose?"

The taller girl turned back in surprise.

"How much for one?" he went on.

The old man eventually closed the door with one stalk of deep-red rose in his hand. He placed it gingerly on his dining table and took a glance at his wall calendar - it was February 14.

He couldn't remember the last time he celebrated Valentine's Day. It was many years ago - with his lover, of course. His slow mind could no longer picture the date, but he recalled something that made his slow heart bit slightly faster.

He staggered back to his room and opened the old wooden wardrobe. At the bottom was a drawer, and that took him a few minutes to pry open.

He chuckled gruffly at the stack of yellowish letters he saw - they were all from her. He flipped through some as his fingers trembled, and finally decided to read one:

给我爱的人：
情人节那晚真特别！我永远不会忘记。在河畔上你对我说的那句话实实在在感动了我。我也在此希望你不会忘记我。因为。。。我觉得我是忘不了你的。

(To my Lover:
That night of Valentine's Day was certainly special! It was memorable. Those words you said by the river really touched me. I sincerely hope you won't forget me, because... I think I won't be able to forget you.)

The old man knew he didn't. He put the letters back into the cupboard. He wanted to be by her side again. It had been countless years and he had lived alone. Busy, but alone. His job as a security guard took up a lot of his time. Currently, he felt that it was right to meet her once more.

So he prepared for his date. He put on a white shirt and a black suit, and sleekly combed back his thinning hair. He washed his face and his hands, ate a simple breakfast of milo and white bread, and took the fresh rose off the table.

He stood at the bus-stop and tried to remember her place. It was quite far away, which was one reason he hadn't visited for so long. The old man took out his faded leather wallet and counted the money in it: $67.30. It would be more than enough for a taxi trip to-and-fro, he guessed.

He managed to flag one down within a minute, and he got in without hurry. After confirming the destination with the driver, he sat back in the cool, leather seat and thought of what to say afterwards. All the while, the driver was staring at him through the rear-view mirror.

Finally, he alighted, and the taxi sped off. The place was quiet. The air was sweet with the residue of the morning mist that just lifted, and the surrounding baked under the fresh sunshine.

First, he had to find her place. The old man trudged through the unkempt grass and began looking around. When was the last time he was here? Again, his slow mind couldn't recall.

The markings he saw around were just as faded as everyone's, with only a couple of newly-painted ones here and there. He was beginning to perspire and worry that he would never find it.

Then he saw it. The old man smiled.

The tombstone was almost obscured by overgrown weeds, but he would never mistake that photograph.

The ends of his pants were already wet with grass dew as he hastened to the spot, panting as he stopped. The old man then spent the next half hour plucking out weeds and whatnots, clearing the grey-stone so he could see everything that was written on it.

His lover had died for twenty years now. She was young - they were young. And it was really painful.

But the old man couldn't remember the pain anymore. All he could revoke, he hoped, was the love.

The sweet-smiling woman beamed at him from the black-and-white and a sudden rush of emotion hit him. A rim of tears wet his eyes as he held the tombstone to steady himself.

He had forgotten, afterall. But now, the feelings had returned.

The old man couldn't control his shaking anymore. He sniffed as a tear trickled down his wrinkled cheek.

"I miss you."

He delicately planted the rose atop the gravestone and kneeled down on the ground. He could feel his wife's presence (afterall, she was below him). It didn't feel eerie whatsoever. All he felt was the familiar connection.

The letter he had read just this morning was conjuring up a certain image. His memories were working in a strange way. He closed his eyes and let the recollection occupy his mind:

The grass was wet. The river was calm. The night was warm. He felt hot as she put her head on his shoulder.

"I'm glad you made it back in time for today," she said. "I don't want to be alone."

"Me too," he said. He smiled and kissed her forehead.

They sat in silence as his heart beat fast.

Then she said: "It's Valentine's Day. What must you say?"

He swallowed. He knew what she wanted to hear. But instead, he whispered in her ear:

"I miss you."

She lifted her head off his shoulder and looked at him, silent.

He continued: "These three words are better, I feel." He was looking right into her eyes. "It's not everyday that you can miss someone so badly. I want to be with you everyday, from now on. I don't want to miss you again."

Her eyes glistened with tears. She hugged him.

"Yes. I miss you, too."


The old man opened his eyes.

He touched the photograph on the stone.

"It won't be long, I hope."












~
The End.

Copyright © Wilson Ng
All Rights Reserved.

Got range again tomorrow. Quite sian.
Take care, peeps!

Jam-Packed

It does seem to be a jam-packed week after CNY. Unit was busy preparing for COC, which left me chao-tah now. Watched two great, great movies (Sweeney Todd and Juno), which I'm gonna review later.

Our battery went to BSM's house on wednesday. He was banker when we played BlackJack. Damn sian, he won our money =X

But things relatively slowed down on Thursday. Valentine's Day. =T

Friday night chiong-ed down to Bishan in a cab to Kenneth's house. Only wenjie and I turned up for the GYPSies. Oh well. Learned how to play with "飞" as a joker in mahjong with Ken's aunties and his mum's colleagues. Quite fun.

Saturday: The $50 that kept my Saturday free was well-spent (shhh). Met Elicia, Eugene, Roxane, Mingming and Nori (hope I got this right) for a movie at PS (again!!).


Film: Juno
Rated: NC16
I give it WoooooW (4.5/5)

Gist:
Girl is knocked-up by teenage guy. Decides to put the baby up for adoption. She goes through a journey of love - lost, and found.
Plus:
Good, funny script. Wonderfully acted and the story is original and touching. Ellen Page deserves her Best Actress (Oscar) nomination as the titular Juno.
Flaws:
Nothing much, really. Accept that a few characters (i.e., Jennifer Garner as a woman who despearately yearns for a child) are quite sketchy and distant.
Last Say:
Sweet and hilarious at the same time. A true feel-good dramedy.


After the movie we went to play boardgames at Mind Cafe (Prinsep branch).


Elicia and Roxane concentrating hard on hooking the monkies =P

We played the monkeys game, Taboo (i didnt get zero this time!), some card game like Heart Attack which involves pieces of bones, shoot the duck, and another game that requires players to mimic hand actions on a card. Had a lot of fun =) Shall go back again some time, hehe.


Since one of my cousins watched it, and one of my friends watched it, I thought there would be no one ("no one, no one, no one....." sorry, random alicia keys song) to accompany me to watch, so I watched Sweeney Todd online the other day =X In the end zhiwen wanted to watch too. Oh well. Here's my review:


Film: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Rated: M18
I give it WooooW (4.0/5)

Final Say:
Tim Burton has created yet another macabre, gothic but oh-so-delicious film. Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham-Carter's odd-ball musical numbers are a delight to watch. In my opinion, the ending was too predictable for my liking, though.


Upcoming movies that I'll be watching:

The Dark Knight

I hope they explore more on the beginnings of joker. But it looks cool enough!

Meet The Spartans

There are so many people who said this movie sucked (in the US). But the Britney "goo goo gah gah" part is freakin' hilarious. Let's see if this is as bad as Epic Movie (i suspect)


~
Ok, it's 0230 already. It's book-in day =X

Take care, peeps!

CNY 2008

Firstly, Happy Chinese New Year to all!

Kind of enjoyed this CNY.. got to catch up with families and friends for the four days. The experience was probably sweeter since I just came back from my overseas exercise =)

(speaking of which, baoyuan the MP spec has reminded me to take down those sensitive pics i've posted of ex bK. yes, sarge. shall do it soon)

初一
Everybody come together for a group photo. The taller maid has left. The shorter one was the first maid we had. She has returned! My dad observed that she has followed our family through every house since the first one in Bishan (bishan, yishun, choa chu kang, back to yishun) Everyone in my extended family was so happy to see her =)

Went visiting as usual.. then all of us gathered at my grandma's house where the adults played mahjong and the younger cousins went to catch a movie.

Film: CJ7 (长江七号)

I give it WoooW (3.0/5)

Gonna cut the review short:
Final-Say: This is many times better than Ah Long Pte Ltd (which I'm going to change my rating to 1.5/5). The alien (CJ7) itself is damn adorable and although the movie is definitely not as good as Shaolin Soccer or Kung Fu Hustle, it still has its funny and touching moments.

Then we went back and played mahjong till mignight.


初二
Ate lou hei for the second time. Then went over to cousin's house for mahjong, again.


初三
Met fungi and serkun in the morning to get a present, then we proceeded to Northpoint to get the steamboat stuff. Since there were only the three of us when we reached my house, Eugene Elicia and Roxane (my cousins) joined us for a round of mahjong before we ate steamboat. Whoa, damn full.

Took this photo before peijun had to leave. The rest stayed-over.

We finished our round of mahjong before fungi taught us her new game which I might've played before. Quite stressful game 'cause we had to form our 'passports' (four consecutive cards of the same suit) first before proceeding in the game. Didn't lose much. Then......

The game In Between. It was damn scary. You know you should be happy when you get cards like Ace + King, or Two + Queen right? But NOO. Everytime someone gets these kinda cards and bet big, we always hit the posts (-.-"). Of course, the pool of money greww.. sickening game, lol.


初四
After Lamerz left at 6:30am I went to catch four hours of sleep before chiong-ing out to meet my primary school friends at Bukit Batok. After everyone arrived then Kenneth told us Miss Ler's (our primary three teacher!) house is nearer to Bukit Gombak. -.- So of course, we went into the station and took one stop.

It's been TEN years since we've met her but she hasn't changed a lot. Still as spunky =) Of course, she couldn't recognise us. Last time she saw us we were still kids leh. Skip our teenage years then now we're adults, of course can't recognise lah!

Really had a lot of fun catching up. I think Kenneth seriously kept a journal for the whole of primary school 'cause he can remember every single sh*t about it!! LOL. But really, it's funny chatting with Miss Ler and catching up with the rest again.

Played BlackJack with Ken the rich man as the banker. No win no lose for me in the end.

Here are the pics:




Then rushed back home in a cab ('cause I was one hour late) to meet baoyuan zirong and yoketeng for (guess what?).. mahjong again. Yoketeng said her hand itchy so play lor. I won $2 in the end. YT was the big winner. Ate beehoon, watched spiderman on tv, then they left.
Took off for today. Got physio tmr! =)

~
All in all, it was a fun-filled and mahjong-filled CNY. Still enjoying the bak-gua though =P

Take care, peeps!