Dedicated to Everyone - How a complete stranger made my day

I was feeling really down after the match against Singapore Polytechnic, which drove me nearer to the decision of quitting. It was no use shedding tears, but to tell you the truth, I was feeling like a total bullshit. It wasn't the situation of who was better or worst, but rather, a situation where my self esteem was being tested. Thoughts and emotions actually got the better of me.

I decided lose myself, drowning my sorrow by plugging in to my phone with a playlist to sooth my nerves.

"The bus journey to home would be about an hour. I'll be fine by then". Well, that was what I thought. However, the more I 'zoned out', the more I reflected on my thoughts and actions. I couldn't help but to replay every single thing that I had been doing.

Am I being selfish? Am I having too much confidence and pride that a simple thing like this cause me to be so affected? Am I being too sensitive?

I was so engrossed in my thoughts that it actually took a few taps on the shoulder to realize that someone was trying to strike a conversation with me. He was an elderly man, who was seated behind me.

"Are you a player from the National Team?" He must have mistook my red and white jersey as a representation from the national team.

I kindly explained that I was not from the national team, but rather, was representing my school in a competition.

He then mentioned that I looked really much like a national player, which was indeed a very flattering comment for me. He asked what sports I was representing and I told him that I was in volleyball.

By now, he had shifted from his place to beside me. At first, I was uncomfortable as I was moody and wanted really much to be on my own. However, I did not want to be rude and the conversation went on. Needless to say, the amount of stares we got from others was indeed revolting; you could tell from their expression that they say me as some "The molested victim" while Patrick was some "cheekopek" since he sat with his arms behind me, and kept leaning in whenever I spoke.

He introduced himself as Patrick while I introduced myself as Kat. He then went on, telling me of how he used to be a National Hockey player in the early 1980s. Being oblivious to his state, I asked him why he stopped playing. He then explained that the only reason that had stopped him was Stroke. I then realized that he limped, using a cane to aid him.

It was devastating news to him as he loved hockey not only as a sport, but as a passion as he was proud to be representing his country. He then said "But it's really hard these days. Singapore has no choice but to import talent as they stand no chance against the other countries. Back then, it was about the passion for the game, and the love for the country. But these days, it's all about money. Last time when someone broke your leg, you'd say its okay because you'll break his in the next round. But right now, if someone were to break your leg, all you'd think would be to get claims". It was an intriguing statement, but it showed how true it was. We are money minded.

We then exchanged views about the Olympic games. By then, I was feeling much better as this took my mind off the matters mentioned earlier. Patrick then mentioned of his admiration for volleyball players, for their strength, stamina and being game smart. He told me of the countless times where he and his team had to do weights, tracks and so on just to keep fit. He said he loved how volleyball players could exert so much power into their spikes. It wasn't only about the dives, spikes, receiving, but also the team spirit and strength as a team. He was curious about the difference between beach and indoor volleyball, so I explained of the settings, rules and so on. He was even more impressed and said that not only did he learn something new, but he also has a stronger admiration for them.

Seeing that he was such of fan of sports, and being a sportsman himself, I couldn't help but ask whether the tradition of hockey or any form of sports was being 'passed on' in the family. Disappointment on his face, he took out his wallet to show me a picture of his only daughter. "She doesn't like sports. It's really a waste. Sometimes, I dislike going home to a place that doesn't share the same passion and interest as me. That's why I've cut back on watching all the Olympic games". It was indeed a waste as stroke had taken his passion away from him and there wasn't anyone to continue his dream for me. And at that very moment, he patted on me on my back as he said that "I'd wish I had a daughter like you. You are active. I wouldn't mind my child to come home as late as this for the sake of sports. Children these days are so pampered and only want to use computers, that they'd rather be cooped up at home than to enjoy hands-on experiences like sports". I was beaming with delight. This man sure knows how to leave my heart tingling!

The bus journey wit him seemed a whole lot shorter. When it was finally time to alight, he took my hand with both hands, and said that he had a splendid time chatting with me. I too thanked him and before I rushed off to take another bus, he patted me on the shoulders again and said: "I hope to see you on TV soon".

This day was one of the worst days of my life initially. However, all thanks to Patrick, he lightened my day and made it one of my best. It was about how long the conversation was, or how loud he was, but it was actually what he said and did that brightened my day. He was a complete stranger and yet to acknowledged my existence. And even though he did not know how good or bad I was in character and skills, he praised me for at least picking up a sport and even encouraged me to work hard enough to make it on TV.

Thus, this is dedicated to all of my friends, especially to those who feel that they are being treated as invisible or worthless. You don't need a friend or family member to tell you how good you are. You just need to know. And for me, it took a complete stranger to tell me to not give up, in everything I did. No journey is too tough for us.

I am sure that there is a Mr. Patrick out there for everyone. If a complete stranger believes in you, I don't see why you shouldn't have faith in yourself. So dare to dream big my friends.

Random Update

Future John Mayer!



Adorable, the type that I really wanna' kidnap and keep him to myself!



And another video that just makes you smile in amazement. It's not because they're gay or anything like that. It's just amazing to see how 1500 of them can actually gather together to dance to this song, and make it seem almost perfect. Their enthusiasm and seriousness is worth commenting for.


Enjoy!

Slow Dancing in a Burning Room

I'm actually hooked onto this song.

Slow Dancing In A Burning Room - John Mayer


It's not a silly little moment,
It's not the storm before the calm.
This is the deep and dying breath of
This love that we've been working on.

Can't seem to hold you like I want to
So I can feel you in my arms.
Nobody's gonna come and save you,
We pulled too many false alarms.

We're going down,
And you can see it too.
We're going down,
And you know that we're doomed.
My dear,
We're slow dancing in a burning room.

I was the one you always dreamed of,
You were the one I tried to draw.
How dare you say it's nothing to me?
Baby, you're the only light I ever saw.

I'll make the most of all the sadness,
You'll be a bitch because you can.
You try to hit me just to hurt me
So you leave me feeling dirty
Because you can't understand.

We're going down,
And you can see it too.
We're going down,
And you know that we're doomed.
My dear,
We're slow dancing in a burning room.

Go cry about it - why don't you?
Go cry about it - why don't you?
Go cry about it - why don't you?

My dear, we're slow dancing in a burning room,
Burning room,
Burning room,
Burning room,
Burning room.

Don't you think we oughta know by now?
Don't you think we shoulda learned somehow?
Don't you think we oughta know by now?
Don't you think we shoulda learned somehow?
Don't you think we oughta know by now?
Don't you think we shoulda learned somehow?
Don't you think we shoulda learned somehow?
Don't you think we shoulda learned somehow?
Don't you think we shoulda learned somehow?
Don't you think we shoulda learned somehow?


You don't have to be in or out of love to like a song like this. Just in case you're wondering!

Dear Diary

Dear Diary,

It's been a long time, too long in fact, since I've last talked to you. The journey hasn't been any better since Shandy's death. In fact, it's slowly crumbling in front of me.

Is living each day a preparation towards Death?

When I first came into this world, and could think on my own, I thought to myself "Okay, let's put all the bullshit behind and start things anew", but as usual, someone 'up there' screwed my Life up time and again.

Is it a test?

I doubt it's a test. I've never gotten back a single result.

Is it a form retribution then?

How the hell can I remember what I've did in the past? It's not as if I killed anyone. Even if I did, you should have punished me back then, not now.

Many have said that there would definitely be something Good for me after I've cleared through the mess.

But what if the mess is never ending?

Others have said that the reason as to why I am in this state is because of all the wrong choices I made in Life, and how stubborn I was in sticking with them.

Are all the choices that I made in Life wrong?

Is it really me? Am I such a douche that I can't even pick myself up when I've fallen? Am I that oblivious as to see what is really going on around me? Why does every choice that I make, hurt others?

Am I here to help them succeed, or rise to success by myself?

Is it all worth it? Why should I suffer now just to prove that I can succeed later? What if I never do succeed? What is that 'thing' that will make me become successful? Family? Fame? Money? Love? Happiness?

The constant struggle; the battle against myself, the people, the world, the demons, have drained me entirely. It seems never ending, and I don't know if I can hold on any longer. It's just too much for me to take.

Is there really light at the end of the tunnel?

This battle slowly tearing me apart, emotionally and physically. I am tired, just so tired that I wish to fall asleep and never wake up.

There isn't a need for a happy ending.

Good night.

Advertisements

Back in those days, advertising of products were either passed by 'word of mouth' or published in the newspapers. Brochures and pamphlets were also given out just for advertisement sake. However, many of us lead busy lives these days and we rarely get to move around, other than the routine of traveling to and fro from home to school/work. Brochures and pamphlets were often discarded as we found it ridiculous to be receiving pamphlets that had little or nothing to do with us. We do read the newspapers from time to time, but we seldom flip to the advertisements. Instead we only read to check on the latest cases, gossips, and TOTO results.


With modern technology, people these days need not worry about not having a franchise of their own company. This is because they can simply open up their own blogshops and 'blog hop' around, tagging people or rather, advertising about their blogshops. Needless to say, more and more people use the television and radio to advertise their products as well.


Sometimes it is these advertisements that make us peeved as it cuts down on the 'amount' of the drama series that we get to watch. I remember back then, my brothers and I would always complain that "a 30 minutes show got 3 minutes advertisement after the theme song starts. Then in between got 3-4 advertisment. Like that only watch 10 minutes of show loh". As much as I hate to admit, I still do complain about the advertisements every now and then.


Over time, I got to realize that the advertisements actually had some plus points too. Even though they took up time from our television programmes, we actually get to see of the new products in the market, new television programmes coming soon and even new shops in town. All of this without having to leave our home, so why complain? Well, Singaporeans as we are, nothing is satisfying enough to us.


Complain all you want, but have you ever stop to think of how much creativity the advertisers have just so that they can catch our attention to watch the advertisement for that few seconds without complaining and switching channels?


Have your songs stopped and pause all other softwares as this post will be making your computer very laggy. Enough talk, on to the videos!



Cheers Commercial Thailand

Janice and Gina had a hard time describing the videos, but I still found it hilarious as they went to every detail (while we were in the train) just so that I understood. I immediately checked the video out upon reaching home and believe it or not, it was exactly the same as how they described. Really hilarious video (3 in 1) where the people exaggerate by celebrating 'every little thing in life' with Cheers.






Another hilarious advertisement from Thailand, promoting the benefits of exercise.






Yet another awesome thailand advertisement!






I caught this advertisement when I was on a trip in Malaysia. It's a Thailand advertisement again, but look at the creativity of having a story of a lizard commiting suicide for the sake of his other half that had fallen through a crack in the ceiling.





Another Thai commercial that Gina described to me.





And another Thai commercial





Yet another commercial where Gina showed and described.





Before you want to do anything embarressing, just make sure no one's watching.






And the last commercial is a really touching one. Just watch:






Till then.

I wish I had their talents

Ever since I was a baby, I was exposed to music and arts. My mum was a fan of the Oldies and so, the kitchen's radio was always playing Oldies that ranged from Elvis Presley to Rod Stewart, from Johnny Cash to Pat Boone.

Despite the early exposure to music, I never really tried singing (not even karaoke). I don't know if it's the fear, or simply disliking my voice.

However, my brothers and I did pick up a few instruments here and there. The love for music has and will always be in us. And singers, till this very day, never fail to amaze me. The beautiful voice that changes words into harmonious melody.


And today, I will be sharing a few new videos that simply takes my breath away.


The first one is done by PS 22 Chorus. I know I've shown this before, but it's just so awesome.







The next one is a must see, especially if you think that Acapella is awesome. This group of boys perform at graduation ceremonies. Click Here to see one of their performances where they add their own unique styles to the song.

You can click on "Green Day - Basket Case" to see how they transform from one song to the other.




Other than singers, beat boxers are on my top charts in the music industry. Check this guy out as he beat boxes like a pro! My lips go numb even by simply watching him go like that!









All the sound effects (above video) are from him.





I just feel like adding this one because I like his facial expressions as he beat box.








Listen to the speed of his beat boxing!









Yuri Lane is the first to introduce beat boxing while playing the Harmonica.








This guy's pretty cool too. He uses the recording machine to aid him in his song, just like how KT Tunstall does it. The tune is pretty similar to that of Yuri Lane.








See how this guy brings beat boxing to a whole new level when he does it while playing the flute! Though not as great as Yuri Lane, but still talented!






I actually have a Didgeridoo at home (one of my dad's impulse shopping). After watching this video, I think I shall try to learn it soon!








And lastly, my favourite video of the lot. My brother thinks they're creepy but I really like how they do it. Acapella is simply mind blowing. And I am in love with the first song that they did. It gives you the 'creepy old church with creaky doors and parquet floors, and an organ placed in the center of the church ' type of feeling.

But all the other songs are good too! Hilarious as well!





Want to know more about them?

Then Click Here!
Then Click Here!
Then Click Here!
Then Click Here!
Then Click Here!



Till then!

The beat never dies down

It is appalling to know that till this day, there are people out there who think that Michael Jackson's death is a huge joke.

I don't give a shit if you are not a fan or disliked him for whatever reasons. No one is in any position to criticise, mock and make a bloody joke out of his death. Come on, you could at least try to be humane and respect another person's death.


Even though I grew up listening to Michael Jackson, I am not able to recall every single song that he made. However, there are a few of my favourites.


These are the videos that I love since I was as young as 6. Despite not understanding the meaning to most of his songs back then, it was his moves that made me melt. I had a deeper admiration for him as I grew older. No one can top MJ's music. Not his moves, not his lyrics and never his strength and perseverance of all the hardship he had been through.

You Are Not Alone







Dirty Diana







Don't Stop Till You Get Enough

Click Here






Man In The Mirror








Ben







Why - Michael Jackson and 3T (His nephews). Why do they look so much like him? Amazing genes... So pretty looking! Anyways....here's the video:







And on to my favourite videos back then. I was so crazy over these videos back then that I would come home from school, and play the tapes (that my family had recorded just so that I could see the music videos) over and over again. I think I even had a mini crush on him after seeing 'Smooth Criminal', which was my absolute favourite then. How I always wished I could be one of those three kids in the music video.

Did you realize that his music videos and songs were not the usual type of music? What I mean is that his songs and videos had stories behind them. And that is what makes him a legend.




Earth Song








Beat It

Click Here






Billie Jean








Heal The World (* Bimbo moment* I think this has the most beautiful lyrics ever, seriously.)






Ghost









They don't really care about us







And of course, the favourite one when I was just 6 years old: Smooth Criminal

Till then.