Sunday, April 29, 2007
You know you're REALLY procrastinating when you log onto blogger even when you have nothing to blog about.
I've reached a stage where I just dont care anymore. I think I studied much harder for my midterms than tomorrow's final, but aiyuh, am just so so so lazy to motivate myself to hit the books.
I think it must be some sort of cruel joke to put reading days in the midst of the BEST weather we've had this whole year.
The weather's be-yoo-tiful. People are studying/sleeping on College Green and throwing frisbees. Penn Preview pre-froshes are taking pictures by the Love statue. The trees on Locust Walk are green again. There's a light breeze blowing.
HOW THE HECK ARE WE SUPPOSED TO STUDY IN THIS SORT OF ENVIRONMENT?!!
I must say though, studying outdoors is absolutely blissful. And very zen too. I was at Perelmann Quad the other day doing my art history paper, sitting on the sun-kissed stone steps, faint music playing in the background (Ace of Base's "All That She Wants") and post-thesis-submitted seniors playing ball games right in front of me. Me loves it. :)
On the positive side, in one week's time, I will be in Boston enjoying clam chowder, catching up with Ms Chong, collecting Ivy League shotglasses, and getting ready to head to San Francisco, with even MORE clam chowder! MmmmMmmm.. Fisherman's Warf!
he rocked the party at 10:32 PM |
Now you see why, one day before my Econ final, i'm still not done with revision yet, nor can I bring myself to care.
Because other than the egocentric indulgences of watching past performances of mine on youtube, I also look for other exceptionally good Penn-made videos with catchy songs.
Check out this gem, produced by Pennyo, Penn's premier (okay, ONLY) chinese acapella group's rendition of "jian dan ai/truly madly deeply".
I mean, when you're friends with almost everyone in it, you naturally because a most ardent supporter. I only wish I could sing well enough (and know enough chinese songs) to be in it, but in the meantime, I indulge myself in videos like these:
he rocked the party at 12:19 AM |
Friday, April 27, 2007
Check out Overflow's latest performance at NSP's Total Praise Cafe last Sunday, entitled "My Everything". Featuring a solo by fellow Singaporean Carolyn (woot woot!). Yours truly choreographed the third dance (around 5 mins into the video i think). Enjoy!
I heart Oflow cause it lets me live the one passion I truly love here at Penn, and praise God at the same time :)
he rocked the party at 1:43 AM |
So for the first time in my life, i feel OLD. Really. 22 is such an old number. As a freshman in college, when I tell people i'm 21, I get "wow! you're legal! that's so cool!" as replies. But now, when I say that I'm 22, people respond with a "Man, that's old." And I feel like I've reached the point where the increase in digits doesnt really mean much. (Like you know how there's a big difference between 17 and 18, 20 and 21, etc. Well, there's no difference between 22, 23, 24...)
You will NOT believe the number of times the word "old" appeared on my facebook wall and my birthday cards. Its ridiculous. Soon people are gonna start calling me "uncle".
That said, the birthday this year was a good one. Well, we're right in the middle of Reading Days so it wasnt awesomely amazingly surprising and big-bangish like last year's 21st (I still remember the drunken Changi Sailing Club party, and the 21 shots at Penn!), but.. pleasant, no doubt.
Ok fine, so I know everyone's dying to know the outcome of my little romantic escapade. The outcome was.. expected, of course. In my opinion, it couldn't have gone any better, and was definitely less awkward than i'd expected it to be. A little heart tug, but nothing more. And I definitely left feeling much much much better than I did this entire week, with the agonizing "what-ifs" that come with silly instances of puppy love. I think we both managed to clear things up really well. So I'm finally able to concentrate on real, tangible, live-life-to-the-fullest college life now, and I think I'm gonna look back at this one year later and laugh my head off.
Only downside: when i next try to impress another girl, I wont be able to pull off the same trick again. Dammit.
But enough of that, what really made my day was feeling amazingly lucky because of all my friends around me:
With hallmates who surprised me with a signed card pasted to my door, or a Ben & Jerry's cake with Penn Singaporeans, or a hug, a text message, and a phone call all at once at the stroke of midnight, or my facebook wall FLOODED with birthday greetings, or a dinner at Karen's with old NSO friends, or an email/sms from my one and only BRUDDAS back in Sg (hello eug, ervin, nol and isky!), I feel so wonderfully amazingly blessed.
It's gonna be an awesome year :)
he rocked the party at 1:16 AM |
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Thank goodness for my true, blue bestest gal pal at Penn ever CHRISSY KIM (woot woot!)
Who accompanies me preparing for pointless scavenger hunts, whom I can hold the best and most honest conversations with, who says "GOSH" and "AWWW" one too many times, who gives me advice on dating, who's always there, and who had the honor of spending my birthday with me at the stroke of midnight. hahah
he rocked the party at 5:52 AM |
Monday, April 23, 2007
Screw this mushy bullshit. College life is too short for dwell on silly matters of the heart.
I could be doing other things. Like... studying. Or perhaps having a blast of a time in New York for SINGAPORE DAY last weekend!
Held in Central Park NYC, it was the biggest official overseas gathering of Singaporeans I have ever seen, with a turnout of thousands, humongous NDP-style stage and backdrops, and of course, the best Makansutra hawkers specially flown in to provide a much-needed dose of Singapore food after 8 months of greasy psuedo-Chinese American food. I was personally kiasu enough to queue up for bak kut teh, kaya toast, CHICKEN RICE, char kueh diao, the best prata in the world, and Yeo's drinks. You should've seen my euphoric expression when I took a sip of Justea with aloe vera. Omg.
Only regret of the day was not queuing for laksa and famous Adam Road nasi lemak because I was told it would take an hour. Nvm, going back to Singapore soon already.
Pictures!
The frickin queue of 1000000000 people at 10am in the morning. Singaporeans will be Singaporeans, and will queue for free food no matter which part of the world we're in.
No Singaporean event is complete without the necessary gahmen propaganda, this time coming in the form of a booth with corny slogans like "Singapore - a Fun City; Singapore - a Vibrant City" Oh my goodness. Not to mention awwwkkward speeches by certain prominent figures.
Free foooooood.. need i say more?
Seto - the Makansutra dude - SJI pride, baby.
And to complete the authentic Singaporean experience, a Mambo after-party sponsored by Tiger beer held at Club Earth, which, other than the menacing black bouncers, felt just like home. I never imagined I would be doing the retarded hand actions to Love in the First Degree and Summer Rain together with other mambo enthusiasts here in the US. And Tiger Beer! Honestly, you guys in Singapore shouldn't complain about tiger beer. Its so much better than Budweiser and all the crappy beers here.
Meeting newfound friends from other colleges cum potential tour guides/hosts when I visit other States was an added bonus as well. Indeed, as much as I try to assimilate myself into the American culture, I am inherently Singaporean, and this little event provided the much-needed dose of Singaporeaness to my culturally-starved self.
I even got to appear for 2 seconds on Channel News Asia as well. Of course, we had several intelligent things to say to camera, but all they captured was a silly 2-second clip of us yelling "I LOVE SINGAPOREEE!! WOOOOOO!" Why am I not surprised?
he rocked the party at 1:38 PM |
Sunday, April 22, 2007
So I suppose my lovelife is, and will always be, up for public scrutiny, no matter how private I try to keep it. And I suppose refraining from mentioning her name on this blog is NOT the way to keep it private. (look, everyone needs an outlet to express his frustrations/joys okay, its not my fault this blog is more widely read than i thought) So everyone and his mother, even people I hardly talk to, is well informed of my little quest and who the said girl in question is. Is it even necessary to keep it private? Sigh.
That said, let me make it clear that this is probably not going to get anywhere. This will most likely be one of those romantic, heart-breaking, be-all-end-all exploits of mine which I will recount to my grandchildren with relish of how their granddad was crazy enough in college. I dont expect it to work out, I don't even know if I want it to. But pride and ego aside, I will, without hope or agenda, go ahead with it anyway.
It's kind of romantic really, in a Korean music video kind of way. So dear readers who are reading this unknown to my knowledge, follow this drama all you want, but there's probably not going to be a fairytale ending as I'd hoped.
At least im going to get it over with.
he rocked the party at 11:33 PM |
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Midnight
Starlight is twinkling
Could you be thinking my name
Wondering, if I, should I feel the same?
We'll just wait and see.
- "Midnight" from Sing City: The Musical
Can scarcely believe it.
he rocked the party at 9:06 PM |
Monday, April 16, 2007
*before you read: Check out the video about the Peanut Butter Experiment I blogged about three posts ago!
Goodness. There's just so much to blog about Spring Fling that I don't know where to start. I wish I'd taken more pictures but unfortunately, camera-whoring has lost its appeal in the unexpectedly cold Spring weather; its simply too much trouble to take my camera out and freeze my hands. Maybe I'll start with... the highlights? In chronological order of course. (and you'll notice that there was absolutely no mention of work here, something that I sort of regret not doing)
1. Strictly Funk @ the Quad!
Watching them up close was an experience, and not entirely because half the people around me were drunk. (Although its so fun to stand amongst so many tipsy dancing white people in the middle of the afternoon!) Get a sense of their unique style, and understand a little more how mine is slightly different. Renewed commitments persevere and try again next semester. (Centre city hiphop class this summer?? Hmmm..)
2. Dinner at Janice's
With a yummy spanish rice dish which Ive forgotten the name of, CURRY, black pepper beef, mussels and a great big bottle of Woodbridge Chardonnay between the 5 of us.. Ahhhh.
3. Pre-gaming, and then some.
So my only regret for Spring Fling: excessive intake of alcohol on Friday night. Already tipsy from the wine, the downing of some shots at my place AND a further pre-game session at Andrew's was the beginning of disaster. Add celebrating Gordon's crossing at the Lambda party and that led to my very first blackout: ie not remembering shit from the night before. Hearing various unpleasant recollections the day after of how I probably made an ass of myself in front of the entire Asian community at Penn. Causing alot of trouble for my friends. Hard lesson for me indeed: and a renewed vow to never, ever, ever get drunk like that again.
4. Club Singapore/HKSA's Spring Fling BBQ!
Amidst yummy meat marinated by Russell and bottles of Yuen Ling beer (better than Budweiser, shittier than Corona), forging new friendships and trading laughs with friends not normally seen, as well as the legendary EDWARD WEE (since you're going to graduate in a couple of weeks I honor you here la haha). An inspiration while talking to Karen to organize the biggest sophomore ClubSG/HKSA holiday ever, this coming Winter/Thanksgiving break: A villa by the beach, a few beers to chill with, and the best company in the world :)
5. Russell Peters @ Tower Theatre
So guess what: the very first joke Russell Peters made was about SINGAPORE. And he even gave a cursory "ok LAH" after he made fun of us. Omg it was wonderful. He's even better in person, no repetitive jokes, and all hardcore in-your-face humor. (Ok, so he was a little mean making fun of disabled people and tearing apart the Indian family in the front row), but his other jokes were as hilarious as ever. Favorite joke was about how a Chinese soccer team huddle would sound like. Whoohooo!
6. Delta Tau Spring Fling Party
Partying with Kendrew and Val at Delta Tau, a frat definitely less sketchy than some places we all know, with a live band and kickass music. Newfound friends (one of which lives in the same neighborhood as my uncle and went to the same high school as my cousin, how random is that), as well as newfound friendships with classmates I dont usually talk to :) And yes, no drinking. Fun the non-sober way. Hahah.
7. Post Fling Happiness
That miraculously, she's different. Perhaps this could work out after all? I refuse to speculate.
he rocked the party at 11:45 PM |
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Lately, I've been "Ah, I don't give a shit" about my work.
I had econ midterm today, and studying for it last night just wasn't the same as before. Motivation to complete the problem sets just didnt come as easily and as passionately and it did before. And furthermore, when i DID make a stupidassmistake (that i ALWAYS seem to make in tests), possibly drastically lowering my chances for an A in this class, I really didn't care.
I don't care about the mountain of work I have this week and next week as well. Possibly because of the upcoming Spring Fling weekend. (i DID care about blowing 70 bucks on alcohol today though.. whoohoo! let the good times roll!)
One thing I do care about: Without hope or agenda, I am going to tell her. Just to get it off my chest. She's probably not going to be interested (and I'm not even sure that I want her to be), but this secret infatuation thing is pathetic. So I am going to get it over with by telling her at the end of the semester so there wont be any awkward meetings after. Speaking to Gina yesterday gave me a great (though corny) idea of doing it. It's gonna be sweet and hilarious. But at least I've got nothing to lose. :)
he rocked the party at 9:09 PM |
Monday, April 09, 2007
Excuse the apparent himbo tone of this post, but I just had to blog this:
Just when I randomly but successfully asked said girl on a date, four ENORMOUS pimples had to erupt on my face this morning. Like what the heck. Looks like 4 ugly red mountains. Damn fugly. Good thing it was dark.
Haiyuh, just suay la.
On another note: I HAVE to blog about this totally random thing that happened at Astronomy class today.
I got into class noticing that there were a whole lot more people in lecture than there usually are, and all of them were snickering. As I was walking down I noticed one guy had a video camera hidden under a copy of the Daily Pennsylvanian. So I sorta guessed something was going down.
So the lecture started as usual, and then 10 mins into the lecture, my Professor stopped mid-sentence and said, "Oh my. Where did YOU come from?!"
Everyone turned and looked, and behold:
A guy had just entered the lecture hall, dressed in nothing but boxer shorts, and DRENCHED from head to toe in what looked like STICKY ORANGEY MUD. The stuff was dripping all over the place. And he let out a little moan and started to walk zombie-like into the room.
Then these two kids dressed in doctor's lab coats and masks ran into the room, yelled, "WHAT THE FUCK!!!!" and dragged Mr Mudman out of the hall. Then all the random kids in the room (like 30 of them) all got up and left the room, slamming the door behind them. Then everyone burst out laughing.
And my Professor just looked at us and said, "What was THAT all about? I think he just said, 'what the fuck?'"
That had to be the most random thing I've ever seen in my whole life! I am ever so inspired to pull a stunt like that just before I graduate, instead of the usual peeing on Ben Franklin's statue or mooning the people in Van Pelt.
Updated on 16th April:
he rocked the party at 8:45 PM |
Friday, April 06, 2007
Screw love, ambitions and social status, those fleeting goals that everyone here places so much importance on.
The only things I need in this crazy college life are good friends and good conversation, late into the night, with no pressure, no pretence and all crap.
:)
he rocked the party at 11:40 PM |
Please do forgive me for yet another "oh-my-goodness-im-going-to-be-so-busy-i-think-im-gonna-die" rant, but in the next short span of the next 2 weeks I have:
1. A 10-page art history paper due
2. An art history presentation
3. A Chinese presentation
4. A Chinese midterm
5. An Economics midterm (which I have to score like full marks in to get an A)
6. An Astronomy take-home exam
7. A writing seminar portfolio letter due
And after that, I have to study for final exams which are happening right after.
Like, what the heck?! Is that even possible to squeeze into 2 weeks? Oh my goodness, whatever happened to screwing it and enjoying life for once? Sigh. Typical resigned Singaporean lament: Last lap already la, cannot slack.
The only thing to look forward to: SPRING FLING weekend next week, with its carnival at the Quad, (fried Oreos.. mmmm), movie screenings, Russell Peters performance, a (slim) chance to watch Third Eye Blind perform on campus, Onda Latina concert, Hey Day shenanigans, and its abundance of alcohol, glorious alcohol.
Only thing is, I hope I wont be too uptight from the ridiculous amount of work to actually enjoy it.
Mmmm. Ultimate test to see if I can balance studying and paaartying.
Btw: that girl has been acting differently lately. Weirdly, she's becoming more attractive, more human, personality wise. Having trouble with my decision of "i-dont-give-a-shit." Dammit.
Something good: My flight's been officially booked.
I'll arrive back in Singapore on the 2nd of July at 5.40am(!!!)
Simply can't wait. :)
he rocked the party at 12:18 AM |
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
If this doesn't strike me as the most Zen thing I've done this semester, I don't know what is:
1. Running along the river
2. Doing weights at the gym
3. Finishing homework for 3 subjects in 2 hours
4. Tidying my room to its neatest state to date.
Oohhhhhmmmmmm.
Hahah, ok, so maybe zen isnt the right word. But it does put my tornchaoticfrenziedambitious soul at peace.
Oh, something I wanted to blog last week but forgot to.
Seen at the "Evasions of Power" panel I attended as part of my art history class, when a speaker started out his speech by flashing the following:
"I'm not into this detail stuff.
I'm more concepty."
- Donald Rumsfeld
he rocked the party at 12:02 AM |
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Its weird how I was up to my ears in frickin work+midterms+diaspura last week, and then suddenly left with absolutely nothing to do this past week. This week, I had time to go to the gym, do my taxes, send documents back home, repair my ipod, register for classes next semester and this summer (have decided to stay in Penn this summer and forego Berkeley. The academic departments here have made trying to transfer credit back to Penn such a bitch process, and plus I have to find sublettors for the whole summer, its just too much of a hassle)
And... this weekend was the best/chillest weekend I've had this semester. Sort of a timely reminder of how i SHOULD be spending college, instead of working my ass off.
Friday was celebrating Dalglish's birthday at fabulously-expensive-but-oh-so-heavenly-desserts Buddakan and champagne at Tangerine after. Cheers to the best conversation I've had this year with Dalglish, Nadia, Gina, Rachel and Cynthia about the College/Wharton debate (of which my stand for a liberal arts education is getting stronger by the day), relationships, how college life should be spent, and life in general.
Personal vows made:
1. Not to make the mistake of studying too hard like what I did this semester. I sacrificed my life for books the past 10 weeks, and I have nothing to show for it, not even good grades. So screw it if I cant get another semester of 4.0 GPA, these are the last 4 years I have left to have fun.
2. To live more weekends like this one.
3. To have more "Edward" type of holidays, ie: to spend freely, to not be giam for once, and drink copious amounts of alcohol in the process. (see Edward, you've become a frickin adjective.)
Pictures!
Famous big Buddha
Helloooo Chocolate Pagoda and Chocolate Bento Box!
Yay to good conversations and champagne at Tangerine!
Saturday afternoon was spent in New York to catch a Gordon Matta-Clark exhibition at the Whitney Museum, as part of my second art history field trip. Unfortunately, no photos were allowed, which was a pity. His works are really amazing, breaking the common misconception that contemporary art is mostly comprised of "a single dot on a white wall" as suggested by a friend today. It's not.
Rushing back in time to perform "The Father's Love" with Overflow at the Full Measure concert (making it just in the nick of time, no thanks to the hopelessly unreliable New York subway system). Full Measure was astounding, as usual, though I had much preferred the acoustics of the venue of their previous show.
And a grand way to end off the night: going with Caroline to catch STRICTLY FUNK's 365 concert, which blew me away and inspired me to new heights, as usual. And yes Andrea, we love you (!!!). I hope they accept me next year. Will just have to keep practicing over the summer, I guess.
It's been a very liberating weekend: All at once, I feel free from studies, free from the pressure of Wharton, free from forcing a love life (I have found that I have no emotion for the said eye-candy that has been the subject of previous posts anymore, though.. there is hope on another horizon...), and just free, in general, to pursue that college life that I set out to embrace almost one year ago.
he rocked the party at 12:46 AM |
