Across the World in 17 hours

Changi to Dubai to Hamburg.
Our journey started in Changi Airport where a mass of councillors were sending off the many Councillors on our trip as well as filming for something which I think I'm not allowed to betray yet.
Finally got to know my group and we ventured around the departure hall as any group would. Found out my group had 3 people in the same class so me and Chan Qy were a bit extra. Then again, looking at the number of HP and Council participants, we were a minority anyway.

When we were on the plane Flo (or was it YuQing) took me black notebook (my birthday gift from 12S06E) and read it, her conclusion being that I was a very sad person. Naise. Me, Martha and Theo decided to watch Tree of Life (Cannes Film Festival Winner) at the same time. And omg its really really siao. The show really throws you into the deep end of sensory and existentialism. I don't want to go into the details of the show, rather I will talk about the reactions. Mostly Theo falling asleep halfway, and me and Martha glancing each other time to time just to express our exasperation at the show. It was like whuuttttt. I sort of got the point but it felt like 5 hours rather than 1 hour and a half. Maybe should have tried Contagion instead hmm.

I was trying my best to adapt to German time by then so at one point while everyone was sleeping I decided to try a poem. Meh later.

At Dubai our group was one of the groups that managed to stay together (probably the last time though xD) We followed Naishad who preached free food at the food court but was utterly devastated to find it under renovation. So we went to Macs instead (surprise surprise)

That was the view at Macs (its a HDR image)

Other than that Dubai was pretty uneventful. Finally sat of the plane to Germany.

Upon touch down we met our tour leader Elaine, an ex-Rafflesian who took last year's GCEP group as well as various other RJC groups like the Raffles Middle East Program.









They were shocked, a little mocking that I wore thermal but woe to them when they stepped out of the airport and realized it was freaking cold. Never mind that, here's the view of the airport!

Also a HDR (Morning Rises and Dawn Sets are really difficult to take without bracketing OK?) Visited the RutHaus, the office building (with gothic architecture) of the local Town Council. But meh I'm not the story telling type, more the blog for thoughts and feelings type.

The christmas spirit sunk in a little more with the huge christmas market just outside the ruthaus where I had a go at the local Wurst (sausages), which btw.... IS AWESOME. At night we visited the ongoing re vitalization of an old port in Hamburg which alluded a little to the Marina Bay area. The main difference was civic engagement in Germany which was at epic proportions with Architecture Competitions (winner gets his design built which can amount to Billions) and private developers given tours of the area to help build up this new portion. Sounds awesome right? Trouble is, Marina Bay took 3 years and how long will these plans take? A whopping 20 years. Bitch.

Hotel was awesome and we somehow landed the largest room. Wooo Blumz and me roomies awesomeeee.

------------------------------------------------------------

Airplane Mode
Read, watch, glimpse, listen
Above the clouds faces glisten
Made of steel and Aluminum
Filled with thoughts and feelings
More than a million

------------------------------------------------------------

Checking back on my book, I realized I wrote something about prom cup that I didn't post. To hell with it. One noteworthy thing though, my elder brother was a debator. (But not me)

------------------------------------------------------------

Behind on:
Blog Posts
Homework
Photo Editing and Uploading
Card Writing
Packing for next trip
Planning for next year events

So I decided to play Civilization. Genius.

------------------------------------------------------------

ARGH I WANT TO POST THE WHOLE MYLO XYLOTO ALBUM HERE ITS SO DAM BOOMZ AHHHHH.
And the fact that some songs continue from the last in terms of pitch and transition DAMIT. HOW TO POST?
So instead. I will self-troll and post something not from that album because any less than the whole album is a crime. (Which I have already committed with two songs from the album I posted last time)
Oh Noezz I'm a fanboyyy

Routine eating me inside

Every weekend I get fucking existential

Notice Picture has no borders

Get mind blown

One of those days

You know sometimes the text accompanying either the picture or the music at the bottom can be considered 'private facebook' posts.

-------------------------------------------------------------------
I could predict it.

It's inevitable after every exam. The quiet of celebration in school. When the exam finishes there will be a whole bunch of people who go out and have fun, deservingly I would say, and another bunch that goes straight home. And then, there's me.

Post(Exam)-Mortem <-- wooo coined a new term.

I knew it as soon as I realized
1. Deborah doesn't take Chinese
2. Joshua will be out having lunch after
3. I don't regularly meet the other Easterners I know/am relatively close to

Hence what I can imagine is Kwang Ik's ride home alone. Listening to music, reflecting a little, wondering what in the world the rest are up to. And then nasty thoughts will come, 'having a life, unlike me'. So my mind, unsatisfied, tends to hang around school with my body. There will always be procrastination on my part to head home. I'll talk to every friend, eat till I'm full, drink till I'm quenched, read Time & Economist. New strategy: Texting. And then I know I have to go home, and it will be sombre.

I will let the sun scatter on my face, I'll let the music pervade in my ears, I'll let the mood wash over me.

Not that I'm sad. No... just. Calm. Maybe a little lonesome. I remember one of the best things I had in VS, was that I'd always find a friend after school, or teacher, even staying in the canteen in itself, was relaxing, was deep.

Maybe I'm being a little melodramatic after visiting someone's tumblr. (hehe). Its just an observation. Plus the exams always come before a holiday, so this post(exam)-mortem will be short.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Sighz. Yi Hui, please don't smile when told to 'act punk'.

Quiet faith

Once again it is Kwang Ik.

He resonates with me on this matter in ways I do not understand. Maybe it was the nice Laksa. Maybe it was the nice Yuan Yang. Doesn't matter, he was there to share with me.

I think its time.

Maybe its just a phase, maybe its a small beginning, but this blog started small too. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step (or airplane ticket, whichever you prefer).

But I will begin. A journey of faith.

Today. 29 June. A quiet tap at the door.

I invite him, my lord.

-------------------------------------------------------

Diluted

Meaning not concentrated.

You know when I wake up each day, I actually DON'T think about exams at all? Which, contrary to what a typical student might think, sucks. Its like I'm not even trying.

I think Ben is lonely. He comes from a school nearly by himself. Granted, he's definitely close to his CCA mates, but its not possible for everyone to repay in kind. I think the trouble with anyone too attached to someone else, is because he has no one else to turn to. Maybe that's why I instinctively tried to reconnect with everyone. But not everyone can repay in kind.

Brenda thinks I've changed a lot. I think so too, after confessing to ZT, its like a whole chunk of my confidence and other attributes were struck away. Some things can do that to a person.

So everyday I wake up now, with more than half my mind thinking about something other than exams. You know what I'm talking about. And the next thought will always be: WTF AM I DOING. But I keep doing it anyway. This is probably the worse one, doesn't seem to pass with time. Sigh... Its like I've forgotten all my aspirations already. I've become so anti-education system.

I'm screwed. Fuck.

------------------------------------------------------------------

At the Metropolitan Museum of Art

The handicapped one in the family. Poor Guy.

University of Pennsylvania

The Private Facebook

Sometimes I momentarily have random kind of 'status' posts in my head that I don't share. So I shall start a new thing on my blog.

"Dreamt of you again."

^ Yes I did actually, though it wasn't as vivid as the last two.

Again

In Primary 6 after the brave but stupid confession online and the subsequent DAOing I had a dream about another girl.

With swift hesitance (oxymoron) I e-mailed the latter apologizing, I wonder if she still remembers. Yeah sounds stupid right? Saying sorry for dreaming. Sounds communist. But at the time, and in fact right now, my brain is wrecked. With guilt yes, but with the subconscious feeling that begging the other party to figure out your feelings is like a subtle open confession, tagged with the slim chance that the other person reciprocates.

So with homage to KI's blog I will write a letter to her, whether I choose to send it or not... meh. Last time the girl said I was over reacting, indeed, I do that often. VERY. Hence I shall overreact on my blog.

Hey D,

What you're bout to read is... a little... awkward.
Erm... My brain is a wreck right now. I don't know if you'd find this sweet or disturbing, but I've dreamt about you for two nights in a row, and maybe three times in total... I don't remember. I don't know why and I don't know what I'm supposed to do... I suppose nothing. Yes let's go with that... I think. I don't know if its supposed to be a big deal or not, but bottom line is that its been messing with my studies... a little... a lot. Just hope we're still cool :) Ok wow that was pretty pathetic. Err nvm I have to go study now.

Confused
Li Keen

--------------------------------------------------------------------

She treats my like a friend, time I do the same.

No love in this house

Nobody likes to wake up to the sound of screaming and shouting.
Sometimes the person will continue to feign sleeping for as long as he can.
Maybe I should have went to church this morning.
I tried talking to my parents during dinner yesterday, was as frank as possible. My mum didn't take it well this morning. Blames it on my father. They argue often on that. I guess my mother just doesn't like anyone cramping her style. What a waste, but perhaps I got some D and C genes from her, which is OK, and I genes from my father, which makes is balanced but confusing.

Tch.

I just remembered Deborah dislikes this sort of classification, but is it a classification? Or a guideline?

Anyway, its over. And calm has been restored. But it never stops.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Need some companionship.

Life in Lag - Triple Posting

No strokes.

I remember my English teacher in VS telling the class you need 12 positive strokes a day to survive and function, failing which you'll be depressed or unproductive.

With the sudden loss of adventure and friends in the states... I'm triple posting.

Everyone is studying, everyone is not online, everyone is doing something. Except me. Fuck this teenage mood swings. One moment I NEED to talk to strangers and friends, the next I'd rather be reading the Economist and reading the same damn music over and over again.

My family once again, is not helping. The only social time we have is either in short impromptu conversations or going out for dinner, which is often accompanied with shouting and scolding. "HURRY UP AND CHANGE!", "FASTER CHOOSE." I have a feeling my mother's parents passed that down. Asking for a game of chess or monopoly is often responded by "I need to do work." or "I'm tired, let me sleep." Of course, I could ask my younger brother, but he sucks at playing at my level. Obviously I don't blame him. Even my elder brother coming back isn't that exciting. He'll probably go drinking and stuff.

Nothing new in my life.

OK going to try Frisbee.

Dam freaking public

Shit shit shit shit shit. Too many people reading my blog. Argh argh argh argh argh they are not guys.

PEOPLE, STOP MISINTERPRETING MY POSTS. IF YOU DON'T KNOW FOR SURE JUST ASK ME.


I frankly don't mind anyone reading except those who misread, that's the only thing that will cause a whole lot of problems. Awww fuck this I sound dam freaking despo in all my posts, which only makes things worse. My life does not revolve around anyone, my brain has other things to worry about. Just cause its on my blog does not mean it embodies every part of my soul, rather, its one part of it, and the entire blog brings about a majority of it.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Full album on facebook

Of likeness and learning

Have to stop being envious of loud and often superficial groups.

New York has really been great. Many of my fellow trip mates gawk at every sight they see. Frankly though, it may just be a browner, dustier, grid-like look to the city that's the only difference. Even the ambassador says life here is really similar to Singapore. The people are of course more hospitable and friendly. Lovely. If I'm lucky enough I can strike a nice conversation with Singaporeans on the bus or train at times. For example I had a nice chat with a fellow Singaporean heading for the WP rally in Aljunied the other day. Its easy when you can start on common ground and realize we are all mature thinking adults (most of us anyway) and there's nothing to be afraid of to talk and meet with people.

I finally have a chance to use my out-of-textbook knowledge too, which of course, gives me a sense of pride, but at the same time, fulfillment. Not just because my learning is really not just limited to the textbook, but because others realize it too (I hope). I especially love the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met for short)... darn it couldn't stay longer :( Didn't have time to see the Arms and Armour exhibit and other really awesome exhibits. We were however greeted with a pleasant surprise while waiting for the bus as an African-American Saxophonist cum Clarinet player played the Chinese anthem and a few popular Chinese songs like 童话 and 月亮代表我的心。They really know how to do business, these Americans :P Also was amused to hear a well pronounced ‘今天的天气好热呀！’from him. Wonder if he did it because he cleverly identified us as Chinese. The essence of a performer I guess, is really to give your audience a good show, know what they want, and enjoy it too. And boy he sure enjoyed it.

Alas, just like my class, it seems like the group is polarized as well. Three factions between the high-minded, seeking to learn the so-called boring stuff, the people whom well, looks like they just came to shop and tour, and the limited number whom find a delicate balance.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rest of the day 2 photos will be on FB soon
A podium at the University of Columbia

Stubborn lies

So glad Benedict is on this trip with me.

I'm tired and upset at myself... again.

I attempted a  major persona change in a way, and it did work for a time. During CCAL camp I noticed people were much more inclined to talk to me, that I was much more livelier, and well, I really did feel much better about myself. I wonder if people noticed.

If any readers out there are female, I urge you to stop reading now haha. Lest you change your impression of me very deeply.

There's a very stupid male instinct of mine. I recall playing 'Hot Seat' during CCAL camp and someone asking me who I like. I answered, aptly and honestly "anyone with a pretty face". I know it fucking sucks, but I'm as superficial as the next guy. But its also true that face is often accompanied by a great soul. Because then if it wasn't the feelings you get just die out and never come back. It was hence very easy to forget those feelings often, because I'm generally able to churn out some super-powered cynicism and hate almost anyone I could possibly imagine. (I exaggerate, there are many exceptions)

So when I saw and talked to her again, well I guess it was OK. Slowly though, maybe it was the happier demeanour and loss of earlier feelings that made it easier to talk. Bleah. Suffice to say it was back to over-analyzing. Another stupid male instinct, just because you like her (on the surface of course) and you just start getting either really competitive, defensive, or in a sense start being a bit more show off-ey in an effort to prove your worth unconsciously. I fell for it right there and then and coupled with my once thought lost stubborn denial of losing and weakness, had to angry again. Fucking tired and upset. At myself... again.

Bah.

Finally wore off. The angst I mean. The emo-ing. Music always helps. Some alone time and reflecting. Our brains are hard wired to be optimist according to a TIME article. We naturally have the tenacity to bounce back. So I end this post with sleep beckoning me and hope for a better tomorrow. Sayonara.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Pardon. Its really difficult to get symmetrical shots on a moving bus despite all the tries you can get (every street in New York virtually looks like this). This photo fails to be completely symmetrical, but the famed Yellow NYC cab is a bonus :)

4 Days / The H1s

Of CCAL camp.
I'm glad I click really well with other CCALs. And woohoo dragon boating :D. As usual I was insecure about... being me haha. For one thing, I have about as much strength as a 14 year old swimmer. For another, I'm not so much the camper type. Not that I mind the outdoors. But I don't know much about cooking, or pitching tents, etc. But I guess, you just have to be confident about yourself, and people will respect you for your strengths and identify you as such, not your weaknesses. Or maybe its just cause CCALs are the sort that gracefully accept and genuinely respect everyone. Go Raffles!

On a related note, 80% of the Ngee Ann-ians (5) in Raffles are CCALs!!! :D I can really start to see students appreciating and loving their secondary schools, JCs, and beyond. But what about our Primary Schools and Kindergartens? I don't know if anyone did, but in my later years in Ngee Ann, I really started to absorb values and build my character. Morrison-Richardson House Captain: Ngee Ann. Raffles Rock Chair: Ngee Ann. Table Tennis Chair: Ngee Ann. Raffles Photographic Society Chair: Ngee Ann. 

So hi! I'm Li Keen, I take decent photos, sing OK, enjoy challenges and volunteer (too much)!! ^^ I do my best to love all and respect all. I make an effort to include everyone and 饮水思源！I kill myself for making mistakes over and over again, to ensure maximum learning efficiency!!! >:D

All the following shots were taken in Bintan where the camp was held, all of them are also on facebook.

The guy on the right is photoshopped in cause he overslept xD

Edit: I just realized that centralizing my photos will cut-off certain portions on the right! But not doing so will make writing accompanying text a whole lot more irritating!! 左右为难...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Of break before I go to the USA
I practically have no holiday. After CCAL camp comes 4 days of hard core photo editing and then economics educational trip, during which I have been told to study and learn loads. When I come back, its just in time for Chinese Orals and make up lessons, plus all my leftover homework. This is probably the closest to 'no holiday' ever. After all the half-joking complaining in earlier years, you really realize how crazy JC life is.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Of Change.
Do you believe anyone can change drastically in four days? I think after that blog post 'TIME', I've really come out of my little cave. Maybe it came slowly. Having been put into the Chair position, you can't help but get a confidence boost. And I think I really needed it. We keep telling ourselves we'll always get back up, we'll recover from failures, from breakups, we'll work hard, we'll succeed. But when the going gets tough, you break down. And you realize your limits are... limited. Its really true that you need to taste defeat before you become great. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. If you shelter yourself your whole life, you won't get anywhere.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

General Paper
The recently concluded Pre-U seminar and upcoming Econs trip has painfully reminded me that I have not read the papers or Time or Economist in a week. :/ Has the GP rep lost his drive? Was he only interested in the elections or Libya after all?

Project Work
I feel terrible for not contributing anything the past few crucial days leading up to the GPP submission. I'm really glad my group is so hardworking and tolerant. From what I've heard, we're the only group which managed to get approval. It may be owing to the fact that my teacher suggested our new topic anyway, but I cannot discount the fact that my group is made up of dedicated individuals with drive and BROTHERHOOD!!! :D (No girls mahhh :x) Joshua Chia is a true blue HUFFLEPUFF Victorian, lives up to the motto Nil Sine Labore really well. I want to pass on being leader to him, but well, the position is more symbolic anyway.

华文
黄老师已经说了，如果要进步华文，基本上要讲华语，写华文。虽然成绩差，可是一旦我放弃时，那就可以算一个科目不及格，明年还要再考。因此，从今天起，我必须尽力用华文和华语交通，希望能促进华语程度，当时也帮我在‘满足人民会议’（Meet-the-People Session)变得比较有用和不懂英语的居民讲话。我不可以再懒惰；不可以实用我底底的华语程度来做个理由。看来，我再需要我中学的，陈旧的华文笔记本。

Pictures

Not... enough... time... to... post... and... rant... long... paragraphs...
More... pictures... from... ECP
Must... learn... to... tolerate... grain

Oh Well

I just need someone to tell me I have a chance, especially from a girl.



But there are homeless, there are sick, there are poor, there are the heartbroken, the depressed, the divorced, the devastated, the mourning, the lonely, the left behind, the discriminated, issues larger than me. So just move on and don't give a damn about her, however sad you are.

Just to share a quote from a friend's blog: "Doubtless it’s the teenage guy response to fall for the first pretty face who smiles at me (him)." Argh. The truth. 

I recall Leonard from Big Bang Theory saying, "Let's face it, I've been in this relationship 2 years longer than you (Penny)." Brutal honesty to himself. Respect :D OK got more chair stuff to do ^^ Copper! (Cu)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Been trying to practice taking humans again and loving humankind plus attempting more quality time with the family. Went to ECP for a fresh start. More pics next time.

Ask for permission always!

Fishing line of symmetry

Why is there a reflection on my Prime Lens?

Which is the sea, which is the sand?

Way to go not over analyzing

YEAHHHH ABOUT OVER ANALYZING

I'm still doing it xD Oops. Oh wellzzz. I would be contradicting even more of the previous post if I killed myself over it.

I don't think anyone can understand how much confidence I lost after P6... unless you've been through something similar.

I am insecure only because I have been proven time and again that I am very different and I don't understand how others feel. And I wish I knew what others thought, what others feel, how others react, and know that I am not alone and not autistic heh. The old disney adage tells us to be who we are, but what if being who we are places us at a social disadvantage?

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Why doesn't she look at me when we talk?

Paradoxical leadership

Do you notice the burden the most important leaders in a group tend to bear? 

Like after SYF 2011 this year, (WOO VS CHOIR GWH) I observed that the three heads (the chair, vice-chair and student conductor) were less happy than the rest. I think to them, having worried so much, having pushed so hard, its just, hard to feel happy, but instead relieved, that you've done a good job at least, that you've fulfilled your responsibility.

Well in all honesty, I am shocked and scared at my exco results.

You could imagine my expectations to be of a speck of dust, and the results to be erm... MOUNT EVEREST. 

I'm the RPS Chairperson.

When people tell me that, when people congratulate me for it, when I just think about it at home, instead of a dose of dopamine, I get an unpleasant lurch. A reminder of how much work I have to do, of how much I want to do, of how crazy my life may just have begun. I've never been in such a position before. The closest was Section Leader, and let's be honest, its often more of a follow basic instructions, add a bit of your spunk and personality, and you're good to eat go for that kind of position. When you're well, this is going to sound horribly arrogant (at least to me), kind of in the most important position, the person who may well have to decide on a lot of things knowing you'll be knocked down if you don't, knowing people will remember you as a loser if you don't... its well... lets put it this way. 

DAMN HELL STRESS ZOMG.

BUT OH WELLZ. I guess I can count on such a great the bestest, awesomest team in town. So even with all this stress and self-doubt... we've got only one option left: just do it. Exactly how I confronted my 2.4km, by the motto screw it just run. 

Hope to achieve the following:

1. A great farewell for the seniors!

2. Re-read my Nikon D90 Manual!

3. Get a prime lens, 50mm 1.4 or something :x for better night shots without a tripod

4. Improve my mad skillz my competence in the art of photography... DRASTICALLY.

5. SOMEHOW get everyone in the CCA closer :D

6. Erm erm erm... NEED TO DISCUSS MORE FIRST haha xD

--------------------------------------------------------------

CLICHE ONE: HOPELESS SUNET FANATIC

 CLICHE TWO: FORGIVE ME I WAS ON A MOVING BUS

 CLICHE 3 WITH A TWIST

Just another double post for mood swings and epiphanies

You know when people say they're praying for you? I don't know what to feel. Heartened? I guess. Feels awkward. I just don't like receiving help all that much, especially if its secret. Like if you gave me a handicap during a game without telling me and I thought I actually had standard in that game... Bah.

But I have no qualms about giving to others (contradiction much!) if its a little inconvenience for me. (If it was like some life-changing thing or maybe some very difficult task of course I'll have to consider) I don't exactly like praying for stuff, even if I was a full-blown theist, I find it discomforting to ask for stuff (reasonable) and get it... what have I done to earn it? Ya know? Feels as if, (although its a 'slippery slope' logical fallacy) I might become lazy and just ask for stuff, instead of working for it. But I guess if its for someone else...

I don't know what made me do it, I just, felt like it. Seeing decent (more than that) people struggling (with their PI)... I just felt, a bit helpless, a bit guilty, a bit sorrowful. So I pray for you Jia Lok, no matter if I'm a 'full' theist (in this case, Christian) or not. Because he might just be a friend worth converting for.

Raindrops and Shoebags

This is practically a no-no for 'The Secret' fans, but today was a pretty bad day, as predicted yesterday.
Also, the first part of this post, is heavy ranting.

There are just days like that. When you wake up badly (sinus acted up), not to mention late. Then from there you start getting a little moody the whole day. For starters PE wasn't really fun, nor was I of much use to my team (Kaushik, Bryan, Jun Leong, Benedict). All fantastic sportsmen. I just ran all over the place and slipping and sliding through the mud (another omen). I brought my second pair of shoes for nothing, having played Ultimate Frisbee barefoot.

Though it may not have seemed much, I discovered I have started to lose my grip on current issues when Yan Mei asked me to tell her about the news, was a let down for me... GP has been one of my only trademarks left in RI...

Then it was lecture time, and I was phasing in and out of sleep all the time, having attempted a no-coffee lecture, so when Jeremy quizzed me, my response was less than stellar and even a bit cranky. GP followed (YAY!) and I enjoyed a fresh breath of uncanny Kwang Ik insight, coupled with some spicy Zhe Yuan cynicism and totally unresponsive Glenn...

Chinese. Oh god... the same old tricks, with a twist. Now the less attentive students were made to sit in front, but nearly nothing changed, particularly two of my classmates. Doing physics right in front of her face, daring to jest that not allowing them to finish will garner them a white slip from my physics teacher. Reminds me of the day before, where another classmate shouted 'yes!' to a rhetorical question from a pissed off lecturer... At least now, I've changed my tact from harbouring nasty thoughts that border on violent stabbing of certain classmates :x to OPEN nasty thoughts that border on violent stabbing xD I guess its easier to let loose when you really let loose, and joke a little.

After school, I got notes for my GP teacher (hmm have I become her errand boy? xD), apparently the photocopying machine was spoiled, so after I collect my passport at ICA, I would have to go home, or photocopy elsewhere. The heavy rain with lightning meant the former was (NON-APPLICABLE). Throughout the adventures around Lavender and Marine Parade, I realized how annoying carrying a shoebag was. I actually like carrying extra stuff, makes me feel like I have a more balanced center of gravity lol. But not while fiddling with my mp3 player and passports and The Economist.

Spent two hours under minimal shelter, getting constantly sprayed by rain trying to contact my home so that someone can get me an umbrella. Alas, there was a blackout (say goodbye to house phone), my maid was showering (say farewell to handphone), and my younger brother's phone number on my phone was wrong (speaks for itself). I apparently did not know my father came home to fix the blackout, and he could have drove over to get me +_+

When I got home. I just konked out, and when you wake up from that sort of post-exhaustion sleep, you really get very existential and philosophical about life - concluding another day in post-VS Li Keen's life... I wonder if there is such thing as a 'best friend', I never talk to my parents that deeply, and all my current friends are busy all the time... I wonder if this is how patients diagnosed with depression start out.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

As an apology to rambling, I give you three pics from the shortlisted pics I was choosing to use for the photog exco interview that you probably have not seen before.

The first was the only picture not taken with a DSLR but by my old Canon Compact which is unfortunately beyond repair (and warranty). FYI, the building is the VS hostel. You really have to walk and see the world to discover visual secrets photographic gems like that.

The second was shot on a moving bus along the highways skirting around Lake Geneva (which is larger than the island of Singapore xD) in Switzerland. The motion blur from the fence was cropped out, explaining the long-ish proportions.

The third, is a simple butterfly found at MacRitchie. Nothing special really. Which is exactly why I took a picture of it.

It's late, it's normal now

I'd kill myself for sleeping so late if I were still studying at VS... but hell, I need to blog.

I respect men who admit mistakes even after they've defended their argument, after persuading others. Take MM Lee, after so long, admitting his bilingual policy was heavily flawed (and you know how stubborn this guy is in a good way :P).

So I have to take back some things about RJ, and replace them with these.

Life is stress.

This I think, applies to all JC though.

You don't get alienated by RI friends, they welcome you with open arms. But, the system, is not in your favor.

Its true, RP students get priority in CCA slots, they have a whole host of friends that vote for them during the various elections and they're more aware of the system and the school. You will face a disadvantage.

Underwhelming spirit.

Though the spirit here, is way more awesome (yeah Rafblood!) than a whole lot of other JCs, I get the unpleasant 'I don't care about the school' feeling much more now than in VS (nearly non-existent). And the spontaneity is much lacking. There is also a disheartening sentiment of 'RJ always performs' that makes the students apathetic about achievement - its really a norm.

Distance matters

The time travel spent traveling to school increased by roughly 50 minutes to and from from my house. Compounded with longer school hours and heavier assignments - it takes a real toll on your physical and mental health.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

I just had Photog Exco Interviews. Argh. I think I was too joke, not serious enough... OK SCREW THIS. I'M OVER-THINKING AGAIN.

I CONFIRM GET IN ONE I'M JUST TOO AWESOME TO NOT GET IN.

But then... as a JAE student who knows nearly no one, is it really possible to even be considered? <---- SHIT THIS PESSIMISM. ONCE AGAIN, ALL CONTRADICTIONS ARE OVERPOWERED BY THE ONE CRUCIAL FACT: I'M DAM AWESOME.


Haiz. Sorry if I didn't choose your pics, believe me, to whomever I asked, I really put my time into considering all your choices and opinions. In the end, the photographers sort of 'veto-ed' certain earlier choices. I have no qualms that some of my fellow exco nominees are gifted photographers, and I'm very grateful for helping me choose the photos, and loosening the tension before the interviews.

These are the pictures I considered. The 2nd one was edited further with guidance from the IHC photog competition winner (in other words, the person who pwned me xD), a really nice scholar from India.

Background behind pictures:
Fish!: Taken in Malaysia, this photo was entered into the IHC photog competition, and got runners-up for the theme 'Vigour'. My personal take? I love the way the fish actually scramble OUT of the water like a fish out of water and open their mouths to consume the limited supply of fish food. The different colored Koi fish add vibrance and dynamism to this high shutter speed shot.

Frozen Stream: Located on what is likely the upper course of the river (since its on mountain sides already), this river flows down the alps carrying fresh water that flows into Evian Mineral Water bottles (just look at the color of the river!) The shot was taken in Switzerland while on a moving, albeit slow train ride up the mountain. Personal take? Many people may be put off by the pure, soft colors of this seemingly unimpressive picture, but my fellow photographers agree that is what makes it so special - the pure, unadulterated landscape of snow and frost, matched with the pure spring water color leading the viewer into the mountain-scape. Hell, even my senior asked if she can cope that pic! < I WAS SO DAM HAPPY SHE LIKED IT

The Helix: One of the icons of the recently opened Marina Bay Sands Hotels in Singapore, the bridge embodies the fluid-like, yet rigid structure of DNA, of metal that is both malleable and hard. Personal take? The strange thing about architecture to me is how it can depict rhythm and flow will remaining tall and firm. I also like the picture for the clear reflection of MBS in the backdrop, as well as the vast visual presence my lovely <3 D90 was able to take despite the need for a super high depth-of-field and angle.

And then BAM! It hit me. Fish? Inside the river. Bridge? Over the river. THEY ARE RELATED.