Thats.Just.Life.

Saturday, April 26, 2008 @ 9:30 AM

Kunming (Day 1)

Kunming (Day 1)

Here I am, sitting in some Macdonald's after touching down with the team. Having set out to look around for whatever stuff and suppliers we could find, we have stopped and are taking a break before returning to the bus which will bring us on a long ride to Dali.

Prices here are quite close to S'pore. At best just a dollar or two. Environment wise, this place is actually quite ok. Roads are chaotic (no trafficlights) and people just cross roads like cars don't matter. Haha.. everyone is tired after the plane ride with pretty bad food.

Anyways, temperature here is about 11 degrees (wonder who told us it was 21-23 -_-lll ), fortunately, the clothes I'm wearing are thick enough. Lots of dogs walking around too!

Will post pictures when return on Facebook, so till then, take care!

Thursday, April 24, 2008 @ 10:09 PM

Holiday

Holiday
For the first time since the holidays started, I had some leisure time to myself. Even then, it was largely centered around my impending trip to China. After sleeping for a straight 10 hours (and still feeling like I slept for 4), I dragged myself out of bed. Mission for the day: To buy whatever stuff required.

Met Sandy for lunch and conveniently, she became my shopping partner for the day. Think she experienced my shopping power haha.. Ran all over from Raffles City to Suntec and then to Funan. Haha.. bought quite a bit of stuff, chilled, played arcade etc etc.

Oh.. she won a nice stuffed toy at those "grabbing machines" at the arcade! Really pretty cute sia.. lol

Anyways, I bought a whole load of stuff also. My catches for the day included 3 music CDs and FFVII:Crisis Core for my PSP. Haha.. so many things! Retail therapy indeed works I must say.

Not gonna blog too much cos its getting late and I still gotta pack my bag, do some stuff and mug for my Final Theory Evaluation tml!

I learnt something interesting today! Wahaha..

Question you may never have asked yourself: "Is a printer able to print white?"

Wednesday, April 23, 2008 @ 10:04 PM

Day 2

Day 2 Plus plus

I'm back home! Ok.. this post is one day late, but I was really tired la!

Anyways, we must have slept at about 3 plus 4am on average for Day 1, and we were really zonked out in the next morning. Shagged faces all. Didn't really help that we had a lesson after breakfast! But it wasn't boring anyways, fortunately. We also watched a Yunan-dialect show that taught us one important thing. We can't understand wad they are saying! Haha.. ok.. its not THAT bad, but it was really different and hard to catch. Seriously, without the subtitles (I READ CHINESE SUBTITLES!) we I would have died.

After lunch and a pretty funny first aid lesson, we had another round of games to wake everyone up. Frisbee! Its surprising that Su Mon was pretty good at it! First-timer but could really throw that frisbee! Oh well, our team won! Haha.. victory came at a cost though when Sheryl injured her ankle >< And so the first-aiders had their very first experience at an injury. It was amazing how something real is so different from something simulated. I mean, we all knew what to do. But when something happened, it really took some time to assess and think of the next steps. Not to mention when you didn't have everything needed. But we got her to the doc at the school and got her ankle wrapped up haha.. The day passed and we broke camp quite a bit closer, being the first time we spent so much time together.

Now we know who snores! Haha.. But I'm really excited for the coming trip. Granted, there are push factors as well, but then again, those are a little.. well..dumb. And we got on the Chinese papers!

http://www.zaobao.com/sp/sp080423_535.shtml

Oh oh! I cut my hair! Lol.. just one pic only haha..

Tuesday, April 22, 2008 @ 1:55 AM

Day 1

Day 1

Day one, or rather Day 2 of our pre-trip camp in school, is slowing down. Or rather, its my brain that is slowing down. As I chug down a can of Redbull and type down a post, we've been busy translating games into Chinese. Its though. I mean, for people who have lost touch with Chinese, let alone WRITTEN CHINESE, its horribly difficult. You can try it if you don't believe me!

Its been an extremely fun day so far though. Playing Captains Ball and Frisbee, heading for a cooking competition where we cooked Korean-American Western Food as well as French-Indian fine dining. Here we discovered new recipes through our creativity. And to say the truth, some actually tasted pretty good!

The pride of my team: Enoki Orange. In a nutshell, its skewered and fried bacon strips wrapped around a piece of orange. Sounds weird? Its seriously delicious! The moment where you bite down, hot orange juice gushes out - totally heavenly, provided your orange isn't sour haha..

The other team came up with a weird combination of flour and curry chicken together with cheddar cheese. It was surprisingly nice for such a weird looking dish, but the cheddar really maed it nice.

Anyways, we also had an extremely hilarious steamboat dinner. Haha.. it was horribly funny. Ain't got pictures, but we caught a nice 5 min footage of a monkey. Blackmail material man! And so.. we're now having "fun" translating. Hope the end is in sight.. Sleepy! Gonna be a busy day tml too..

Leaving on a jet plane! Soon soon..

Sunday, April 20, 2008 @ 9:57 PM

Tagged

Tagged

As of now.. I'm pretty tired. Wanna do something fun. Haha.. but I'll just be staying in school for tonight and the next few nights. There's good company here, so I think we'll have fun! Got tagged by Sandy so here goes!

Starting time: 2155
Name: Benjamin Chen
Sisters: Zilch
Brothers: Zilch (Fortunately)
Shoe size: 9-10
Height: 172
Where do you live: Bukit Batok

Favorite drinks: Coffee / Sprite / Shirley Temple / Gunner
Favorite breakfast: Simple Kaya Guyu and nice good Kopi
Have you ever been on a plane: Yeah
Swam in the ocean: Yup! Loads of times out windsurfing. Nearly drowned once when I was young
Fallen asleep in school: Heh.. only in certain boring classes
Broken someone's heart: Think so..
Fell off your chair: Haha.. yeah.. broken a couple of chairs that way too!
Sat by the phone all night waiting for someone to call: Yeah..
Saved e-mails: Yup. All work related. Unless you considered Facebook messages as messages?

What is your room like: Blue (I don't like the colour). Dusty. I wanna demolish it and build it from scratch
What's right beside you: My friends' bags and sleeping bags.
What is the last thing you ate: Ooh.. grilled chicken @ Suntec Kopitiam
Ever had chicken pox: Yeah
Sore throat: Yeah! Who goes through camps without a sore throat?.
Stitches: Yup! 3 across my eyebrow
Broken nose: Nope.
Do you believe in love at first sight: Not really.
Like picnics: Only had a few. But it was pretty fun! All about the company.
Who was the last person you danced with: A guy. Haha.. DDR-sabo by friends.
Last made you smile: Uh.. dunno.. smiling's not too hard for me ^^
You last yell at: I don't yell. To hear me yell means you're really somebody.

Today did you talk to someone you like: Yeah
Kiss anyone: Today? No..
Get sick: Feeling not too good on the whole due to lack of sleep but overall quite ok now.
Talked to an ex: Yup
Miss someone: Everyday.
Eat: Yup!
Best feeling in the world: Loving and being loved.
Do you sleep with stuffed animals: Hehe.. yeah.. a dog called Beanie and a sheep (name's Bong I think)
What's under your bed: Posters and plastic bags.
Who do you really hate: Haven't hated anyone till now.
What time is it now: 2005

Randoms :
Q:Is there a person who is on your mind right now: Everyday.
Q: Do you have any siblings: Nope
Q: Do you want children: Yeah. 1 girl 1 guy
Q: Do you smile often: Yup ^^
Q: Do you like your handwriting: Normal lor. Good for notes but not for cards haha..
Q: Are your toenails painted: Nope.
Q: Whose bed other than yours would you rather sleep in: Anyone that has a good bed. Except the SAF.
Q: What color shirt are you wearing: Red. My Oikos Shirt!
Q: What were you doing at 7pm yesterday: Stuff at school.
Q: I can't wait till: 26 Apr. Leaving on a jet plane.
Q: When did you cry last: Been a reasonable time la.. But think still within 2 months?
Q: Are you a friendly person: Yeah. But I'm still quite a loner haha..
Q: Do you have any pets: No.

Where is the person you have feelings for right now? - Not sure. Probably at home.
Did the last person you held hands with mean anything to you now? - Yup. Still means everything to me ><
Do you sleep with the TV on? - So far think haven done that.
What are you doing right now? - This lor..
Have you ever crawled through a window? - Yup
Can you handle the truth? - Yeah. I'd prefer a hard truth than not telling.
Are you too forgiving? - Yeah.. but thats what we should do. See Bible.
Are you closer to your mother or father? - Mom I think.
Who was the last person you cried in front of? - Myself.
How many people can you say you've really loved? - 1
Do you eat healthy? - Haha.. on a good day?
Do you still have pictures of you & your ex? - Yup.
Have you ever cried because of something someone said to you? - Yup.
How often do you go to church? - Twice a week normally.
If you're having a bad day, who are you most likely to go to? - God, Myself, and Zelda.
Are you loud or quiet most of the time? - Haha.. both equally likely. Probably quiet.
Are you confident? - Pretty confident most of the time la.

Heh.. pretty much making me emo lor haha.. Oh well.. So many things to do this summer. I wonder how the trip will change me. I hope it does make me into a better person. And maybe something else.. I need direction and motivation now I guess. Its really missing in my life now..

Guys and everyone reading this! Please please ask me out for a meal after I come back k? Wanna catch up with everyone..

@ 12:17 AM

Zzz

Zzz
Many many days after the exam.. Not more than a few hours of sleep in total. Partially a post exam celebration dragging much longer due to closed shops and horrible weather. Woke to First Aid Test after just 1 hour of sleep (interrupted by a dream) and stayed in school till 9 plus planning for the Pre-Trip Bonding Session.

I'm more tired than during the examination week, yet a little more awake cos of adrenaline. In the days leading up to my flight to China, I think I'm gonna be pretty busy juggling 2 projects, my Final Theory Eval and other stuff. I'm leaving for quite awhile, but I think life will still go on without me. Well, especially with NTU and NUS still having exams, they won't be having much fun without me :p

But as I struggle with low energy levels, I'm also aware that I'm quite a lot more motivated now. The focus has shifted to something other than exams. Something more fun. Haha.. 1 week to go!

Tuesday, April 15, 2008 @ 10:52 PM

Post Exam?

Post Exam?
I think I just had a post exam party 3 days early. Lol. Having just finished Microeconomics in the morning (I think I probably died a little), I joined the FA people to celebrate. Haha.. next paper is on Fri, which also happens to be the last paper between me and my Summer Hols. Oh well.. Exam week really does not seem like exam week to me.. Its a little too slack..

Watched "Definately, Maybe". Was a really sweet show.. haha.. the little girl was just so sweet! Aiyo, like bossing her dad around. But I was quite a heartwarming show.. To say the truth, the story was quite "beating around the bush suspense mystery love story". Nonetheless, it made me want to know what happens next. Do watch it if you can, its seriosuly quite a good show in my opinion. Bong rates it 4 stars out of 5.

Anyhows, we played arcade after that. DDR-mania.. Haha.. more like DDR "funny show". It was hilarious. All dunno how to play go and play. Dunno is embarrassing or wad. But it was fun anyways.. soles hurt after all that pounding. ><

Whee.. just a little more..

Sunday, April 13, 2008 @ 8:18 PM

First Aid

First Aid

Day 2 of my First Aid Course in preparation for my coming OCIP. Today was practical so we pretty much played around with bandages and stuff as well as little Ann our playmate. It was pretty funny, especially the CPR section as everyone tried to remember the steps as well as the "head-tilt, chin lift" to get little Ann's airway open.

Anyways, next week is the test so after that I guess I'm considered a certified first aider. Lol. I don't wanna ever use these skills though.. Its one thing to practice on a dummy or your friend, but not to deal with a real situation. While we're probably used to blood and gore in shows, but I don't think we'll know what to do when something horrific happens in front of our eyes, victim screaming like crazy. Think I would most probably be freaked out. ><

Anyways, next week is the start of the exams. I really wonder how I'll do. Tough la.. there's no exam mood. Problems have yet to be settled. Wanna run away, but I'd have to come back in the end anyways. So might as well bite the bullet and face it.

Poly starts tml. All the best to those who are returning to studies! Don't slack too much!

Thursday, April 10, 2008 @ 9:35 PM

Night Run

Night Run

The cool breeze and the night sky.

Hustle and bustle, yet peace endures.

The bright lights of the city, the dark of the alleys.

My city campus, my country Singapore.

Chinatown, CBD, Fullerton, Esplanade, Raffles City.

Footprints on muddy ground.

One good run.

For some reason tonight's run was just so very therapeutic. Considering how I've always hated running. The pace was good, and for once my breath agreed with my legs. Its strange how running seems to take away worries. But yet, running is still running, the problem persists. Even so, to be able to put a little space between my weary brain and my problems, even for just a short while, seemed so priceless.

At this point I'm happily in school, after breaking my promise never to sleep over in school. Oh well, I did this pretty much for fun and on a whim, so I guess it doesn't count right? On a whole, troubles aside, I've been quite happy with study week so far. Progress is fine (lol should be fine cos I only have 2 papers), and I get to have some fun and good food + good company. The usual ingredients to a happy Bong!

Somehow it just seems to good to be the week before the exams..

I'm missing loads of people right now.. Really really wanna meet up with everyone again.. Perhaps when I come back from China and everyone finishes their exams!

Tuesday, April 08, 2008 @ 8:48 AM

Lost

Lost

What a bad way to start the study week off. Nothing much is going well for me so far. What can a man do in situations like this? Or what can one to to improve the situation? Words once spoken can never be taken back. Yet I meant every word I said. I will not take those back. While I might be harsh and stuff, everything was meant for your benefit.

You need help, yet you don't want it. Can I stand by and see you spiral into the deep? It just doesn't go with my character. Have an open mind. Thats something I think you're lacking as well. No one is perfect and no one can ever be. While that doesn't mean not to try it also means to accept weaknesses and failures and the same for everyone around you.

The space for error, now that I think of it, is so very huge. There isn't much space to maneuver and you understand it too. Its time to adjust your sails again. We all have to. And do it fast, because it just gets harder as time wears on.

Oh well.. you probably won't read this anyways..

Sooner or later i'll be needing help too lol..

Saturday, April 05, 2008 @ 11:29 PM

Pre CIP

Pre CIP

In preparation for our coming expedition to China, we had a event where we interacted with some hearing impaired students from Boon Lay Secondary. It was a surprise that totally changed my mindset of the hearing impaired community in Singapore. My initial perception were kids that were mildly slow and probably shy and afraid of normal people. But that wasn't true in many senses.

I mean, THEY HAD THE AUDACITY TO PANG SEH US! Haha.. no lar.. just some. But it was really funny that their thinking isn't very far from us. Like any normal kid they will pon things that don't really make sense to them. Hehe.. good ol school days.. There were a number that came and we really had loads of fun playing the few simple stations that we had. We also didn't know what to expect until they came.

Not to mention one girl even had a boyfriend. It was really funny.. I mean, they really are not so much different from us in terms of living so whats the big deal? Won't ever look at any one of them in the same light ever again.

Audrey was a great help explaining and translating for us. If not there wouldn't be much chance for us to get our points across very well. I mean, we take seconds to process a single word! Much less remember the signs for each word and performing them. Haha..

The day ended with our team getting second, though I seriously think we deserved 1st place. Haha. Oh well, we'll crush the other teams next time! I have no pictures with me so I guess will wait till Gabriel posts them up! Haha..

Thanks to the Pre-CIP team for organizing!

Wednesday, April 02, 2008 @ 9:57 PM

Study Break

Study Break

Study break is coming! I'm so so glad. Really hope there will be time for me to both study and to have a break at the same time, as the term should imply (though it never does). But as the week comes closer, I'm really looking forward to it and filling it with loads of stuff.

Been a nice 2 weeks of presentation and I've survived. Enjoyed my comms presentation cos I really felt very at ease with the topic. Though I only got B+ (was hoping for A la! -_-), I felt really happy after it. Not to mention the very nice chill out session with Vanessa and George. Haha.. went for Shokudo @ Raffles City and I really recommend everyone to try it!

Basically its japanese fare Marche style. And the portions are generally large. 1 plate of Katsu Kare (Chicken Chop and Curry Rice): $7.80 but totally filled me up close to the brim. Yum! Pity didn't have much space for other food, but looking around there was food like omelette rice, bamboo steamed stuff, donburi, nabe, sukiyaki, shabu shabu and many many more! Haha.. price wise its really not bad, pretty close to Sakae (comparing katsu don @ $6.80). Bong rates it at 4 stars out of 5. Service was really japanese, cos the staff were mainly jap! Haha.. I remb a waitress called Shiori!

Anyways, gymmed + swam again today in a bid to keep fit while I can. So pretty much I had a really good day, though there's still work to be done. Haha.. passed my Basic Theory Evaluation today so can't wait to pass BTT then can start taking driving lessons! I still wanna pass before Year 2. Thats my goal!

And BoA released another album! Haha.. of course I bought it! Lol.. this ones quite ok. Number of good songs, others were "meh". As usual she still does great in her ballads and sucks at Rock/Hip Hop. So if you're not a BoA fan like me, just dl it or something. Its still really worth a listen!

Okay.. irritating junior tagged me agin. Here goes:

1.If your lover betrayed you, what will you do?
Nothing. Probably will still love her,

2.What will you do if you do not share the same feelings as the person who likes you?
Would have to tell her lor haha..

3.What will your dream wedding be like?
Simple and by the beach with loads of friends.

4.Are you planning ur future?
Yupz haha.

5.What's your ideal lover's height?
Around the low 160s i suppose. Heights not really a big issue to me though.

6.Which is more blessed, loving someone or being loved by someone else?
Haha.. of course being loved.

7.If the person you like does not accept you, would you continue to wait for them to change their feelings?
Dunno lei, depends on how my heart feels.

8 .If the person you secretly like is already attached, would you wait?
Ditto.

9.Wad do u want most in life?
Happiness

10.who is the most impt to u now?
Gasn't really changed till now.

11.what kind of person i'm?
I don't think i'm complex though people say I am.

12.If the person you secretly like cannot recognise you, what would you do/how would you react?
Err.. nothing much la. Probably won't really matter.

13.would u be devoted in a relationship?
Absolutely.

14.If you fall in love with two persons simultaneously, who would you pick?
If you ask A or B I also dunno la.

15.what types of frens u prefer?
Nice people. Friendly.

Whew!

Just wanna sleep a whole week though..

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
Strength
The Beach
New Desktop

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Mix the words up.