Life goes on

Wanted to post about normal life since last weekend but have been glued to the laptop this whole week trying to digest every article and video about LKY and today finally marks the end of the seven-day mourning period. #ripLKY

Still not quite in the mood to blog about stuff after all the eulogies so here're some photos to prove that I didn't wallow in sadness just cos he died; he'd want our lives to go on as usual as well! Haha

It's really becoming a regularity and even the attendance is getting better; best, in fact 

This reminded me of VJ days when we'll go for Marine Parade Chicken Rice after our holiday trainings (this is at a branch in Bedok though)

And Bedok 大西瓜! The last time I had it was probably with the same gang years ago haha 

Went home then headed to brother's place for a swim to relax the muscles abit. Attended Calene's wedding at night! But photos ain't up yet...

Only this at the photo booth with the cousins (many not in of course) 

Oh and this legit one with Lemon showing disdain for 怪叔叔's awkward carrying position 

Went back to hall and headed out to meet Bird the next day

Tanuki Raw's Truffle Yakiniku Don. Sibei shiok at sibei low price

Then we headed over to this Gelato World Tour where there are many ice cream makers competiting around the world by exhibition and getting people to vote

Wanted to spend $10 each to buy the tasting coupons BUT there was this couple giving out free tickets outside cos they couldn't finish and we got to taste for free!! Super awesome 

And then, it happened. So we went to queue for the longest queue I have and probably every will queue in my life. And we saw many interesting things on the way:

Can you spot the star? Even Singapore's local version of triple-H came! 

Apart from the many ministers we shook hands with along the way, we also saw LHL with Ng Eng Hen and other ministers at the Fullerton Hotel; when LHL took out his phone to take a photo, everyone else in the queue took out ours to take a photo of him taking a photo

And he indeed looked very tired, the whole incident must have took a toll on him...

We went on to "reward" ourselves after spending hours under the hot sun:

Ramen at Liang Court! 

And it was relatively uneventful for the rest of the week until Saturday where Ms Blur and I went to the nearby W39:

Seared Tuna. Drooling even looking at it after dinner. To be honest I was pretty stunned by the price when I first sat down but they justified the 97% rating on hungrygowhere

Wagyu burger was normal but the fries was nice! 

And Red Velvet that had beetroot inside (issit all red velvet has it?) and a very tasty cream cheese taste! 

Of course, a photo ^^

The positive externalities of "exploitation"

As Economics students, we learn about maceoeconomics and developmental economics, and how people are incentivized to move in seek of better conditions elsewhere when the opportunity comes, especially in poorer rural area where the push factors are very strong. We learn these in a very macro perspective: when a country needs cheap labour, people from less developed countries move over. In fact, we see it everyday in Singapore...

Typing out essays and penning these policies down during exams always appear very mechanical and trivial to me because they comprise a fundamentally simple logic. But beyond these "textbook contents," we often overlook the very real human element within. 

Perhaps they are somewhat correct in saying academia makes human less human; that when you read too much about something, you lose a psychological connection with the "topic" you're on even when you "face" it everyday. We somehow forgot that they're more than just chapters in our textbook. 

Today, watching the news and seeing how people in India's Tamil Nadu villages are crying over Lee Kuan Yew's death made me realize how impactful certain decisions are as a public servant, and definitely reinstilled the sense of righteousness in me that I found at the very beginning. Even though I believe LKY had less of their plight in mind than that of Singapore's situation then, it nevertheless changed lives. 

--

Imagine you are LKY looking down from heaven, these people from such far away land weeping over your demise, that sense of accomplishment must be unimaginable. I take back my words that "who in the other parts of the world cares if the ex-leader of a small nation pass away;" because in so many places elsewhere, they are indebted to him just as we are. 

Asian Values debate

http://www.straitstimes.com/news/singapore/more-singapore-stories/story/the-myth-trade-offs-20150327#xtor=CS1-10

In remembrance

She grabbed onto the Captain's sleeves, urging him to bend lower for her frail voices; softly, she asked in broken Mandarin whether she'll be able to see his face. He replied apologetically that they can't; both of them frowned, but respected the order. 

The two Ah Ma's who could barely stand properly stood beside us when we paid our last respect to Ah Gong; with two palms together, they prayed in Hokkien, “老李，好久不见，你走好”

They're probably slightly younger if not about the same age as our late founding father. They have heard his rally and have seen him fight; in fact, they were all part of his fight. They were the ones that have given him the vote of confidence to lead them, and he had delivered what he had promised. We will never know the kind of gratification they have for this man that gave them almost everything with his life; and we will always be the beneficiary of their actions, forever indebted to our pioneers. 

"If there's one queue to ever join in my entire life, then this is it," "because for  many people, the 8-hours queue is nothing compared to what he built out of Singapore." I'm glad I've been able to be part of your legacy in its final chapter.

Thank you, Mr Lee; and thank you, Ah Gong's and Ah Ma's...

#RIPLKY

For the whole day I was just glued to my phone reading things I've already knew about him. Just kept reading. And occassionally tearing. Every time I read I just wonder how nice it is that my timeline on earth coincided with such a great man and that I can coexist with this guy that create Singapore into what it is today. I am pro-PAP, as any close friend would know, and a major part of the reason was him. 

It is quite sad that many in Singapore are pretty ignorant about him; many view him as a perfect leader; a saint; a god. But he really isn't. The many policies that he vehemently implemented with much rigor actually go against many things we believe egalitarian in the modern society (but the end justifies the means doesn't it?) and many people around the world today still doesn't agree with what he's done. Locally, he's our hero, because we grew and developed very much because of what he's done. But as an outsider, people are pouring in praises mostly out of respect (and for many, out of genuine awe as well, I would expect) and it is not a given that others are to mourn for our loss. So just don't be surprised when others don't have much to say about the passing of this "great man" of ours. Cos, really, he's great only (mostly) to us. 

I won't be defending him today (cos like he said, it's for scholars to do so after he's lowered into the ground); in fact, I didn't even intend to post anything about it today. But I just thought that this is indeed a really special day; a day where our timeline cease to coincide...

I came from a generation where we grow up enjoying the fruits of your labour, and our textbooks brainwashed us into thinking you are a saint; we (or at least some of us) soon learn that you are not, and that the fruits rot without constant care and concern. But don't worry, we won't let anyone knock it down as well. Do not come out of the grave even when we make mistakes, because we will survive; we will keep the flag flying. Rest in piece, Ah Gong; 一路走好...

Chappie mutherfocker

It was a fine Thursday afternoon and we were having lunch; I was to go for my microeconomics class right after lunch. And I did went. But immediately after, we somehow decided to head out for a movie, and it turns out to be my first movie in 9 months. Oh I definitely miss paying my lunch money to enjoy the aircon when I can do it for free in my room...

But first, let's have an early dinner; like 3pm dinner kind of early 

But I must say the atmosphere is really very different in a cinema especially when you consider the fact that movies streamed online don't have such good quality, sound effect, wide screen and comes with subtitles. And Chappie sure didn't disappoint, at least not to me; it was much more light-hearted and graphic-intense than I thought. It's also pretty philosophical and futuristic, with technologies created by technologies we've created, and topics such as transfer of consciousness ("if you replace a boat plank-by-plank (and 'download' its history), is it still the same boat?" kind of topic). Not the best show to watch but with things like Spongebob going on, why not? 

Also, bought 汤圆 back to "celebrate" the 元宵 that never ends. Lol

Subsidizing my summer trips XD

Maybe the new system in April can try get gold to increase this subsidy :D

Mentai not Hentai

Supposed to go Botanic Garden but okay la, eat Japanese food also not bad

But I should probably eat less Jap food since I'll be going there soon. But... but they are just too niceeeeee

And ya, Starbucks one-for-one haha

Temasekweek

I don't normally post random stuff on Insta but when I do I wanna win prize with it. $10 Capitaland voucher pleaseeeeee

Spoiledbrat91

You see, I'm really poor after planning for 4 trips this summer; whoa. WHOA. Don't all of you wanna be the youngest?!! 

E(asy)-learning week Part 3

The many parts of this elearning week is a deception, really should have traveled during this period. 

Anyway, Friday was yet another mugging day (spent most of my time in library trying to balance my personal finance though). Headed out for team dinner with the Handballers at Two Chefs:

$250-treat from beloved captain Terence 

But he did manage to recoup $2 from mahjong after he dinner with Samuel, Tengwei, and me (I won $1, it was really hard-earned). 

Next day was NUS Open Day but I wasn't involved this year so headed out with Ms Blur to Clementi and introduced the awesome fried dumplings to her:

Fish head Ee-mian was damn nice too! 

Bought Liu Sha Bao, Blackball shaved ice, and Taro Ice Blend from Blackball back after lunch and they were all really tasty (but really expensive, especially the ice blend). 

Went back to hall and stoned half the day away using 3-hours trying to finish a 30-min tutorial webcast. Left hall for Queensway for the second time this week with Sam and Mayer along with Zuoquan cos ZQ wanted to buy new trainers. Guess why am I there? 

This. The bomb. 

Also, costing a bomb. 

Went Ikea for my monthly post-Sweden Meatball fix and got stucked in the mall cos of the sudden downpour, so we went sofa-hopping while trying not to be too conspicuous. Rain subsided and we managed to get a cab before the bus came so as to satisfy our lazy selves' lazy desire to reach the doorstep. 

Went home with my Flyknits shortly after and treated myself to this:

What occasion to garner a treat? Nothing. Just my dad randomly mentioning that the Magnum we bought from the previous Malaysia trip still had some leftover. 

And that was just before Ah Piao asked to go out...

I had this at Thompson's Salted Caramel after a Magnum at home (and a bowl of BCM beside). Immense regret shortly after when I saw the mirror. 

In any case, have a safe trip, Shir! 

Byebye and enjoy the weeds~

Sunday was kinda boring except the unexpected rain made me stayed home for an extra 15minutes that coincidentally saw my mum coming home; so at least I got to see my mama this weekend cos she wasn't home last night. Fate, they say. 

And tomorrow's the first day of school after a 3-week break (recess week, mid terms week, then elearning week). Gotta re-adapt to the school life once again! 

Bonus for the night: new Lucky-Lucky's! 

--

Didn't "re-adapt" to the school life very well, started off the second part of this semester by skipping the first class...

Skipped it for 叉烧烧肉, quite legit right...

"Think of what you have and not what you missed"

When people rant to another human being, we often don't care what's the response cos we just wanna rant and vent everything out. But Ms Blur somehow managed to say something that made sense at times when I'm just filled with frustration...

--

On the same topic and thinking bout my situation as compared to other graduating friends' plight, i'm really fortunate (like REALLY); and it became clearer to me when I was complaining to my siblings about my lack of funds for summer programme. 

My brother just replied, "we'll loan you la, slowly pay us back when you start work; interest free!" 

You see, friends who took a bank loan are frantically finding job now that they are into their final semester as interest will start rolling once they graduate. I neither have the problem of having to find a job while coping with thesis/FYP in my final sem, nor do I need to worry bout repaying interests. Indeed, I've borrowed quite an amount (5-figure by the end of this summer) but the fact that my siblings are financially stable also meant freedom to pursue my academic interests (in excess of what my sponsor would sponsor, which is already a lot to begin with) at a relatively cost-free rate! 

--

Indeed, I'm one lucky bastard. And for these, I must really be grateful for what I've already had and not grumble about what more I have lost. 

E(asy)-learning week part 2

Came back to hall after chilling at home and was supposed to go for IPPT the next day. Supposed. Postponed it to next week and ended up spending 3 hours doing this:

Really made me think of Stockholm's cooking days though 

And it was super filling. I'll actually rank the mushroom sauce (that was "perfected" under Joshua's eureka moment of adding flour) and the butter roll (with extra butter courtesy of Samuel and Mayer) ahead of the steak, though the steak was really very nice too ($14 apiece hor mai siao siao).

Went out to Queensway the next morning to exchange my faulty hiking stick while we shun bian had laksa for lunch! 

Katong laksa never fails

Went to shop around and went into a shop to randomly try on a Flyknit Free 4.0... Now I'm so torn whether to spend the money to buy one... I'm inclined towards doing so though, maybe after my IPPT lol. 

Came back and studied in the library before I headed out to meet Ah Piao (met her after I got lost at Chinatown MRT station trying to change from NEL to DTL... just... not very user-friendly that station lol) 

Sukiyaki~ 

And super nice fried mushroom with tuna and cheese

Went to Marina Square's St Marc Cafe for Butterscotch Latte (so-so) and under Shir's recommendation: Little Fuji, which was SUPER delicious!!! 

And finally a photo that's not food. Haha I don't dare to post this on Facebook later I get murdered.....

I was the one leaving the last time we met, and now's your turn! When you come back we can probably have a meal before I leave again. Lol. 

Headed back to hall (safely without getting lost) before going out with Terence, Mayer and Samuel for supper and then coming back for the quietest drinking session along with Dian. 

"If everyone drinks like this in hall, no one will ever complain" 

"We like things we cannot have"

This sentence implicitly means there won't be a steady equilibrium state in the world; as a philosophy student I must reject the possibility of such an axiom. 

Sometime someday, people holding on will let go. Some time, that's what they need. 

I went home for 4 hours

Other than seeing my parents, I also went home for these two noisy imps

Eeeeeeee(asy)-Learning week!

Woke up 7 early 8 early at 9am and left hall at 10 cos hipster's gonna hip

Cafe hopping continues at Land of Cafe, Tiong Bahru. Ah Bong is the nickname of head chef Chris' daughter

And here you see two Ah Bengs at Ah Bong's

Super nice Truffle Mushroom Carbonara, similar (and similarly nice) Mac n' Cheese with truffle oil, and Angry Pasta that failed cos we weren't angry after eating it. Also, feat. my favourite number. Oh, and Teh Peng. 

Creme Brûlée? More than that. It's Earl Grey one okay. Samuel damn scared they'll be sold out before we reach, so we cabbed down to make sure they damn well serve it on our table (also cos we lazy; ok, mainly because we lazy)

And this. This is so hip I'm gonna hipster. 

Walked around the area and realize there are really quite a lot of interesting stuff around this area so I'm probably gonna be back in the near future. 

And finally, we succumbed to the heat and left for aircon sanctuary at Vivo:

Where we found interesting Easter Eggs celebrating Singapore's 50th anniversary. But why eggs? 

This is the only one I think is really nice!! Buy home and crack inside got surprise? One x Infinity pool?

Then, time for aircon finally. Honey Vanilla Macchiato from Starbucks which was pretty meh. 

Chilled around cos Ms Hanni was "late" and Samuel wanted to go back and nap, what a pig. Finally left for URA for our site visit/field trip which we'll eventually leave after an hour. Lol

Evidently, making full use of my new Catlens

Highlight of the day was when I walked two rounds inside Buona Vista Mrt station failing to find the ground level exit to Star Vista. Yes, I got lost in a freaking MRT station; I think I just won in life. So I left feeling more angry than after eating the Angry Pasta (but still not very angry la). Missed my bus but discovered this:

Who are all these idiots wearing scarf in Singapore and carrying an umbrella when it wasn't even raining?!!...

P.s: I went to search, this place opposite Buona Vista Mrt is called Metropolis 

Reading her tumblr makes me sad

I opposed the idea vehemently when you two started dating, and I never thought the two of you would pull through anyway. But when you asked me what to say to make it less damaging, all I wanted you to tell me was that you've decided to give it another shot. When I think about how you've wanted her so badly in the past but have given up so easily now, I begin wonder what the fuck is wrong with you. And when I read her blog, a part of me crumbled, somehow. I felt so sad. I put myself in her shoes, then I put myself in your shoes, and you know what, I feel like punching the me in your shoe so hard...

Absurd. Everything is so absurd. 

Exams are over!! For the time being...

Ended 3 Honours mods paper on Friday and spent the next 6 hours hiding in my cave watching movie and hibernating before preparing for the Korean Beef Stew that has been much anticipated (since Year 1 after Tan Chin I invited us to try his stew actually). All the juniors and what's left of the C1 battalion joined us as well, which is rare. Went back home on the bat mobile forgetting to take a photo before we left! Reached home to find my hiking stick and catlens on the table! 

很好看 so I'm just gonna put this artistic shot here. LOL. And also, felt pretty sad when mum called on Thurs to ask if I'm heading home cos it's 元宵节... But I couldn't cos of exams :( 

Woke up pretty early the next morning and headed down to AHS. 

Becoming a yearly affair cos everyone's getting pretty damn busy. Some of the juniors I haven't even seen before but they've already ORD-ed! Time sure flies...

Headed home in a hurry after the 6 Quaters of "running" up and down, and went down to Orchard to meet this bunch for EwF; quoting Joleen: "first friends in Uni" 

Or "A5 猛男s," according to Yunfeng

Met Blurblur for dinner in the night and lucky I haven't tried going for the Softball alumni match cos I was already super exhausted by this point in time. 

Seizeriya made things slightly better 

That was my first trip to Orchard in 8 months, then passed by Compass Point (for the first time in 8 months) and walked around awhile before we headed home. 

Check out this sexy thing. Yessss, I'm talking bout my sexy leg at the right bottom hahaha. Also, test shot of the fisheye lens! 

Lemon came over and met her future aunt before the two of us went out again for supper...

First time in 8 months. The thing I've been missing the most in Sweden wahaha (Blurblur and family not a thing)

Till 5months later, zong zong! 

Kind of overslept the next morning so we abandoned the initial plan to go Sunday Market cafe and decided to head back to hall. Slept my afternoon away cos the rainy weather is just too good to be wasted (and I also haven't actually recovered from the midterms shagness). But the newly crowned Ms Efficient managed to finish up her model in one afternoon!! 

And we ended up in On the Table to celebrate International Women's Day by making her pay LOL. 

"14 is a very romantic number; it's valentine's Day's number..." it's also my house number. 

Celebrate Happiness, People, & Life