Thats.Just.Life.
Monday, December 31, 2007 @ 12:46 AM
Reviews
Review 2007

And so, this will be my very last post before the year 2008 sets in. Its the time of the year when I devote a little bit of life to reviewing what I've done, just like many other people. Think to facilitate reading, I'll split it up into sections. Here it is, the end-of-year report. Haha.. really like some SAF Paper la.. Here goes!

Spiritual Matters

I think I've improves a matured somewhat in this area. Of course, there are still many things to work on, but with each day that I live, there is still a chance for me to continue running this Christian Race and to make amends to the kinks and rough spots in my spiritual life. I'm happy that this year, not once have I ever given up on Him, even in this difficult time. And rightfully so. He has demonstrated his almighty wisdom and grace, always keeping me strong. Even now He blesses me, and indeed, I am amazed at how everything has turned out.

As I rededicate myself once again for 2008, I hope that I can only get stronger and find the capacity to serve Him even more.

Love Matters

Haha.. ain't this the main thing everyone is concerned about? Yup, I'm really glad that I've really seen friends from everywhere come around me to comfort and encourage me in so many different ways. Its really been a great source of encouragement and I really thank you guys. No names will be mentioned here but rest assured that I'm thanking God each day for everyone of you.

To Zelda, whether you read this or not: As of this post I still love you. My 771 days with you were really happy ones, even though near to the end I was just hanging on. Beanie will always be by my bedside, though now I realise that one of the hearts was dead even from that day we put them in together. I'll be moving on too, as you have. Hope you find happiness.

To my wonderful friends, I promise you that I will move on with no more regrets. Each one of you have made me see what I couldn't see. I will not look back ever again.

God Bless.

School Matters

Haha.. the transit back into school life was such a major change. But I'm really happy with my first semester results, though it could really have been better. But I've had my fair share of fun in school. Going for a super duper lot of orientation camps, joining windsurfing, handball, and now working on my 2 CIP babies. Its really been happening. Not to mention the study week where I was more relaxing than mugging. Haha.. but I thought the balance was there.

Next sem is gonna be harder, so hopefully I can do well. Of course I think more effort is due. I promise not to open my laptop in class anymore!

Family Matters

Lol.. as always, my family is wierd. Somehow we get by by bickering over everything. But at the same time, we all know that we love each other. Never mind me refusing all TCM related stuff (I seriously don't believe 80% of it), or refusing as much financial help as possible. or wanting to destroy my room, move out etc. Haha.. I do still love you guys. That will never change.

Maybe when I am more free (if that ever happens) we should go off for a holiday or wad.. haha.. then bicker overseas!

God Bless!

Hmm.. four sections.. should be sufficient right? Haha.. but if there's really more to report, you can request for it. Haha.. as long as its not too sensitive. Don't think I've ever really witheld information from anyone who asks haha..

Happy 2008 everyone!

Saturday, December 29, 2007 @ 9:20 PM
Anger Management 101
Anger Management

For once since a very long time, I experienced anger. Anger at myself. Every ounce of strength was poured into not letting it spill out and foul the mood. Ha.. probably did somewhat cos its really strange to see me stone but not due to being tired.

Yup.. take care guys.. and please encourage me too.. cos i'm back in the ditch where I started out a month back.

A different side of me.. but i think there's only so much I can endure..

Thursday, December 27, 2007 @ 8:23 PM
Death
Condolences

Life is indeed short. Someone I knew just passed away at age 15 today in a mishap at a camp in Malaysia. Though I wasn't at the scene, the feeling was still equally depressing, even though I didn't exactly know him very well.

My prayers go out to his friends and family and all those that know him. To the youths at Jurong who were there, my encouragement to all of you. Sorry I couldn't be there for you all. If you ever need someone to talk to, I'll be listening.

To the other people present, my encouragement to everyone as well. Let us remember the the reward of those who die in Christ.

We remember Bro Benjamin Tee. Brother, Christian, who has gone to be with the Lord.

Yeah.. I agree with you Meda.. 2007 really not a good year wor..

Wednesday, December 26, 2007 @ 5:27 PM
Christmas Day
Christmas @ Vivo

Yup, and so Christmas Day is over.. Thats pretty much the last of my hols.. Its gonna be back to work now.. Sigh.. I really hope school will be kind to me the coming semester. But with the much dreaded CAT in it (everyone says its hard) I thinki it ain't gonna be easy. My first sem was over with a pretty reasonable score, but its time to pull it up even further! Wanna finish year 1 with a GPA close to 3.8. Haha.. wonder if thats possible.

Anyways, the singles of the BP Gang met up and accompanied each other. Haha.. think out of them, my Chirstmas Eve had to be the better of the lot le! Anyways, we watched I am Legend. And were horribly disappointed. The show is really not worth it ah.. But if you like Will Smith, or you just like watching people (you voyeuer!), you might wanna give this show a chance. Haha.. Of the holiday movies I've watched, National Treasure and Warlords are the recommended ones.

After the movie we headed for dinner at Shin Kushiya. Hmm reviews: its pretty ok, but could be a lot better. At least it has less common fare like Sakae, and the Kushiyaki (BBQed meat) is pretty ok. So i'd say 3.5 out of 5 haha.. But its really pretty ok la..

Yup then went photo-whoring le.. Haha.. well only KT was photo-whoring haha.. but thats him la.. Whee!

Ming Gang really look very nice! Haha.. never seen him so refined before..

More Pics!



Tuesday, December 25, 2007 @ 11:08 AM
Movies Galore
Movies

Heh.. I've been watching quite a few movies lately. Recently just added Warlords to the list. Later gonna watch I am Legend. But I heard a few reviews so I'm not too sure how nice its gonna be.. Anyways, Warlords is pretty good. I actually think its much better than 300. Haha.. not to mention a new quotable quote for me.

Met up with Jason and a bunch of friends yesterday and I think we really had quite a bit of fun. I'll be waiting for pics Sandy! Re-connected with Guilty Gear at the arcades too. Haha.. can't believe I can still play a little after so long. Lol but the funny part was when Jason got owned in Marvel vs Capcom. Haha.. couldn't stop laughing..

Don't go Fish and Co. for the Hols! Absoulutely evil restaurant. Turns out that the menus were restricted to starters, drinks and the horrible set meal that was 25 bucks irregardless of what you ordered. Couldn't believe it. Not to mention service yesterday was horrible. Not going back there for awhile! Support Manhattens! Haha..

Haha.. thanks for the fun guys! Was really thinking that my Christmas Eve was gonna be a lonely one..

Happy Hols everyone! God Bless!

Saturday, December 22, 2007 @ 9:53 PM
Sandcastles!
Building Sandcastles!

And so, on an extremely wet day, in the rain, the TriTouch Team got wet and sandy building sandcastles. Or sandcastle rather. Being total newbies, it was amazing how we could actually come up with such a beautiful finished product on our own (well.. with some help..). But it was so suprising when I stood up to take a look at how it was doing. Within a few hours, what started as 2 separate sandcastles had merged with each other in a flash of creative brilliance into a nice sculpture that look a little like how castles might have looked like in the past.

It was really a lot of fun, though it was freezing cold in the rain and loads of frustrations as walls crumbled at times or when we just couldn't get the ramparts right. But it was fun, as what was a children's past-time became an interesting activity for a group of university students.

The process was certainly more rewarding than the product. We really had quite a good load of fun laughing and screaming at our pathetic building skills. But we succeeded in the end and we were proud of it. Haha.. we even attracted a sizeable crowd!

Try it!

Our castle!


Another Angle!

Friday, December 21, 2007 @ 8:45 PM
New Skin
New Skin!

Yup, after some comments from someone, saying that my skin looked girlish (i agree actually) I have finally changed my blogskin. About time anyway. Never thought it would be so hard. Somehow, all nice blogskins had to be black and white, and not to mention mostly depressing themes. I cant say that this one isnt depressing either but at least its pretty nice right?
Yeah.. its time for a change.. thats what I can tell myself..
On a cheery thought, I've relieved myself of much of my hair. Yup its short again! Think I'm gonna keep it short for the time being haha.. somehow feel a little better this way.. And I seriously need to exercise! Haven't so much as done anything else but binge ever since that marathon. Grr.. gonna get myself up and running! Well if the rain would finally stop..

Link me, Facebook me or whatever! Haha.. See you guys on MSN! I promise to be on more often..
















The beautiful view of the island's shore at low tide.


Whats next for me?

Thursday, December 20, 2007 @ 8:55 PM
Thanks
Thanks!

Just wanna give a nice big "Thank You" to all the friends who have offered encouragement in some way or another while I was struggling with life awhile back. I'm really greatful to all of you ^^ Sorry if I've been depressing to any of you haha.. Yup, I think I'm probably past the first stage le and moved on to the next (yet equally troubling) stage. Haha.. yeah.. its the one I told you JR.

Once again, thanks so much everyone.

The weather these few days has really been depressing as well. Coupled with my current state of coughing and runny nose, and the lack of sleep, its no wonder I'm not recovering. Haha.. Oh well.. its not really helping my mood either. Just wish the rain would stop. For those of you who know me well enough, I really hate the rain ^^ well unless I'm sleeping or something.

Oh, I watched National Treasure le.. Its pretty good! Do watch it. Haha.. it still feels like the first movie, just a little less clues, more espionage and action. Better than the Golden Compass anyway. Haha.. "you wanna ride me?" Won't ever forget that quotable quote.

我們的愛

回憶裡想起模糊的小時候
雲朵漂浮在藍藍的天空
那時的你說 要和我手牽手
一起走到時間的盡頭
從此以後我都不敢抬頭看
彷彿我的天空失去了顏色
從那一天起 我忘記了呼吸
眼淚啊永遠不再不再哭泣
我們的愛 過了就不再回來
直到現在我還默默的等待
我們的愛 我明白 已變成你的負擔
只是永遠 我都放不開
最後的溫暖 你給的溫暖

不要再問你是否愛我
現在我想要自由的天空
遠離開這被捆綁的世界
不再寂寞 喔

曲:F.I.R
詞:F.I.R
謝宥慧 編:Terence Teo

Sunday, December 16, 2007 @ 5:41 PM
Batam
YEP Faci Training

I'm back from Batam! Was there for a good 3 days and 2 nights for the training in preparation for my trip to China next year for OCIP. I enjoyed the course thoroughly. Within the three days the 12 men and women of differing age group bonded together as if they had spent years with each other.

It really made me wonder, if 3 days could make us open up near to the depths of our feelings and thoughts, what more for the friends and family that you have been with for so much of your life? It left me a little disappointed. Indeed, how close are we with our friends? Enough to pour our hearts and souls to everyone around? Perhaps it was the environment, a small island with little more than trees, that allowed us the peace of mind to let our thoughts out.

It was also this time that helped me realize and confirm a few things about myself.

And yes, I do love the sea. The closest thing on earth to eternity, stretching on without end. The blue, so pure yet deep. The waves, gentle sounding yet resounds everywhere. And the breeze, that blows away all the cares of this life. Indeed, its therapeutic to me..

Anyways, we really had fun, good food, lots of laughter and good talks that stretched into the night. Indeed a beautiful island. Wish I could go back..

For pics, visit my facebook! Haha..

There are many worlds, but only one sky. One sky, one destiny.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007 @ 7:35 PM
Updates
Updates

Yup more updates! Well.. I'm sick.. haha.. down with cough and flu.. seems like I got a little bit of fever too, thats why the MO gave me a day's MC to rest.. Haha.. And a whole load of medication! I got like 5 different types la! Lol.. anyways hope I get well soon..

Well I'm pretty busy these few days, which might have been half the reason as to why I'm sick. Haha.. mainly with CIP projects that I'm running/helping. Yup, coupled with the lack of sleep and not so happy state of emotional health, think thats the platform for this illness.

To say the truth, I'm quite tired. Just wanna shut myself up or something then sleep all day. Just wanna cry my heart out and let everything out. Haha.. not to mention there're times I just feel it would be good if I just died.. Lol don't worry, dun think i'll ever kill myself ^^

I'm going to Batam this Friday! Haha.. not for vacation though.. but training..

I can't convince myself otherwise.. the feeling is just too strong..

Thursday, December 06, 2007 @ 11:09 PM
Crushed
I've got my answer to my query. The answer that had always been at the back of my head, but deperately hoped that it was not so. But it is.

I have accepted it.

It's left me crushed, but at least now I can start picking up the pieces.

Thanks for telling me, though you just couldn't say it.

I really don't blame you, but you should have..

I'm not sure if my original feelings will change, but does it matter?

God, give me the strength to carry on, when I really feel like giving up.

I so don't wanna fall into the darkness.

I read Psalms 22.. Indeed, there is much meaning in it for me. Comfort me O Lord.. I am but a shadow of myself. Build me up once again, as I cling on to my faith. For thine is the glory for ever and ever. Strengthen me, that I might find rest unto my soul. Amen.

@ 9:29 PM
Music & Lyrics
Music & Lyrics

Haha.. just wanted to post this up (ripped from Justin's Blog). Yup, pretty touching lyrics sia.. Hmm.. I only just realised why music touches us so. How it grips our emotions and feelings so tightly. How I brings us to extremes of highs and lows. How Lena, Hikaru Utada and others (YES! BoA!) just send shivers through our bodies when they sing, or why Linkin Park and other rock bands just seem to get us into a trance.

Indeed, Music and Lyrics (not the show) is truly an invisible language that we somehow can feel. Perhaps not understand (like my likings for Jap and Kor), yet you can definately feel the spirot of the song and the emotions therein. The lyrics ensnares us by means of sympathizing with us, the words somehow could just come from our own lips and we mean every single word of it. We identify ourselves with it and get drawn in.

Escapism? Nay I say, yet I can say for sure if the feeling is induced or is it reality.

挑一张耶诞卡写上满满祝福的话
地址写的是心底你能不能收到它
天有点冷风有点大城市宁静而喧哗
这一个冬天我得一个人走回家
问自己习惯了吗
没有你每到夜褃回声变得好大
有没有什麽好方法让寂寞更听话
你最近还好吗
是不是也在思念褃挣扎
你说会记得我还记得吗
你最近还好吗
忙碌吗累吗心还会痛吗
如果真不得已忘了我
快向快乐出发

有再多的牵挂都已没有权利表达
旧情人给的问候比陌生人还尴尬
昨天远了明天还长回忆模糊但巨大
这样的深夜眼泪要怎样不流

作词:姚若龙
作曲:林迈可

Tuesday, December 04, 2007 @ 7:57 PM
Marathon
Standard Charted Marathon

The 42.195m run. The run that easily doubled the last record set by myself for longest distance ran. The run that would forever be listed in the annals of the life of Bong (myself)

The feeling of waking up at 3 am?
Sian.

The feeling of warming up before the run?
Expectation.

The feeling of the first 20km?
Satisfaction.

The feeling of the next 22.195?
PAIN!!!!

The feeling at crossing the finish line?
Priceless.

There are some things money can't buy, but I don't think I wanna reproduce those feelings anytime soon.

Indeed the run was a great experience. The feeling of achievement at finally running that race and finishing at a decent timing was really great. The aftermath really wasn't good at all though.

As of now my legs are aching, not to metion I still have to work. So I'm practically limping everywhere now.. Think the pain is gonna last for another half a week or so.. Anyways its back to work for my, once again wearing the 2 bars on my shoulders. So much has changed in every sense of the word. Most of it sad.. But army still goes on nonetheless. Work is.. indescribable. Shall not comment publicly though haha.. But I would say I don't get to go home early..

Actually.. I'm pretty much clock-work now. The big hole left is.. unfillable. The emptiness totally can't be ignored. Think I'm realising what some of my friends are feeling as well. Totally sympathise sia.. But life goes on anyways, and I'm acting naturally enough (or unnaturally, I can't tell).

Till my next post! Take care everyone! So wanna meet up with so many people..

What am I now? I can't tell..

profile
Reach my prismic soul.
Benjamin Chen
Born 24 Jun 1986
Reborn 24 Aug 2003
Perpetually in a zombified state. Liverpool fan.
Keming Pri > BPGHS > PJC > SMU
WSO(ADA)
Cancer

wishlist
Unconditional Desires.
Nice formal wear
A Road Bike
Sunglasses
Massimo Dutti Coat
Fresh Colours
To demolish his room
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