Runner’s High

Running outside of my estate is really quite refreshing. One thing that is definitely different is that im not running in circles anymore. I used to run within my estate, each loop being 1.12km excluding the start point which is approx.
320m away from the main loop.
Now, i’ve began running one big loop covering, pierce reservoir to bishan park and back home.
I noticed that it isn’t as tiring running out as compared to running within my estate. I would start to feel like crap whenever i hit lap number 6 within my estate.
Running out though, the air seems so much more articulate, able to breathe better and fatigue doesn’t seem to hit.
Well, i will be running my usual route as my daily training. My main problem is now the dreaded pull-up for NAPFA.
What an interesting day it was today. After, i was done with my run which ended at the estate’s park, i was going to do my usual training regime of sit-ups, pull-ups, push-ups and the plank. As i entered the park, i saw 2 people sitting on the sit-up bench. Couldn’t make out who they were as my eyes were blurred due to my sweat so i couldn’t see as far plus the day getting dark didn’t really help. So i just proceeded to doing my pull-up training first, a bit of karaoke drill, plank. They still didn’t move from where they were. At least, they weren’t china workers. I should really write a letter of complaint to the committee. But anyways, i decided i have to do my sit-ups for the day. So, i just went up to them and asked them. To my surprise, the female was Alison! She was an old friend whom i have not seen in like more than 6 or 7 years i would say.
I didn’t want to say her name at first, afraid that i might mistake her for a different person. Then as i was about to begin my sit-ups, she shouted from a distance, “You are Glen? Right?”. I was thoroughly surprised. After all these years she could still remember who i was. I replied back, “Yeah! I am. How did you know my name? Your Alison right?”. And she said, ” Yeap, from the playground..”. I was walking home after my workout in amazement. I kept telling myself, no way how could she remember. Oh well, glad that the old days weren’t forgotten. It’s really quite something to have childhood friends remembering each other. Well, i have to admit Alison was really the prettiest girl in my estate. I shan’t go into details. Heh..
I’m hoping for more coincidences like this cause this estate is really getting a bit too quiet. It’s nice yes, but it’s definitely better to have friends around the neighborhood coming out more often.
I shall end my post here! Eat your chocolates people! Twice a week in moderation! It can save you from heart related diseases!!
Oh before i end here are the routes i have marked out to chart my progress as well as knowing how far I’m running. Click on the images to get a better view!
Route 1, Distance: 8.77km

Route 2, Distance: 9.31km
Cheers!

Back with a bang

Hello peeps or whoever actually still reads my blog. I’m serious if you really do still visit please please do leave a comment, to let me know of your existence. I am sincerely very very grateful if you do. Gives me more motivation to continue posting and keeping this blog moving!

Speaking of moving. The past months, i have really been moving. Thanks to Laurent, i’ve become a regular jogger again. Was on a little hiatus.  Jogging at least 5 to 6km everyday. I only take a break when i feel really bushed out. Ever since i watched the tips on Adidas’ website, i have become a lot more aware of how i jog, posture, breathing and more. Run tall people, keep your backs straight and pace your breathing. This i find very helpful and one can really feel a difference. Living example, me.
Today, i would say i hit a double digit kilometre today. I should really invest in a speedometer.
Moving on, was on a photography spree the past month. I’ve gotten myself very familiar in the handling of DSLRs.
Aperture, Shutter, ISO speeds, the amount of flash, flash speed, white balance, the works. It’s been very educational. A journey of self exploration into the world of photography. I’ve also gotten myself accustomed to the usage of post processing tools ala Photoshop.
Please do take some time to visit my SHUTTERFLY to have a look of what i have captured so far.

Thinking, thinking, still thinking, I guess that pretty much sums it all up for the months that i have been absent from this blog.
So please do check back in to my blog, will posting at the very least, once a week.

Once again, thanks for visiting!!
Cheers!

In a Random Moment

I realize in a lot of movies i watched, it will always have this line —> quote ” This is insane!!!” unquote

No this is not a desperate attempt to revive my blog.

Cheers.

It’s getting quiet..

Lately, my estate has really gotten extremely stagnant.
The days just come and go, without anything interesting happening at all. The streets are just practically empty and activity-less. I could still remember when i was in primary school, children still come out to play, even the youths age range: 14 and above were up and about.
Now, its just gotten really stale. I’m seriously beginning to think that I’m the only 18 year old walking around the estate. Other than me, you have all the working class who returns home like a programmed bot at approx. 7.30pm to 9pm.
I don’t see anyone of my age group walking about the estate anymore. Be it, just hanging out at the estate’s park or just having a stroll.
Its so empty, to me it probably felt wrong. Seeing people of my age walking around the estate is now to me considered RARE. LOL.
Ah well, guess life is just like that. Probably another reason why the estate has suddenly gone extremely quiet could be due to the fact that the neighbouring estate, Green Meadows, which is only separated by a gate, has recently been totally razed to the ground. I guess their building a new property. Seems to me like a condo or something. I really couldn’t care less. In the past people from both estates mingled, played soccer and the sorts. Although i am really interested about the new residents who will move into the once was Green Meadows.
Coming back to the estate’s park. I have been strolling a bit these days, just being someplace quiet. So there was one day, after school was done. I walked down to the park. It was in the evening so it was cooling and surprisingly windy too. Ever since the park was revamped, it had this pretty awesome stage/amphitheater.
I was really surprised that it is under-utilized. It, to me was a very good venue for performances to be organized. But no one could be bothered. I guess they want to preserve the peace huh.

This is a picture of the stage, pretty blur though, glaring the sun was.
Well, i hope to maybe talk with the Nee Soon South CC of maybe using the stage to organize an event to liven up the estate.
Till then,
Cheers.

More Stuffs.. o0

So school was pretty much the same as always. Ive gotten to like Industrial Electronics and Control. Probably cause it was one of the only subjects i really held an understanding too xD.
Recently, started to play monster hunter freedom 2 again. Not only cause the 2ndG US version is coming out soon, but also it’s really much more fun when you have 4 guys literally raping a monster in more ways than you can ever imagine. Don’t worry though it’s nothing sexual neither is it S&M. It be wrong..

I’m the dude to the extreme left, yes with a big ass sword =3

I was leaving school one day, and i saw the new Nissan Skyline, which now they just call it GTR. No idea why.. but it’s one heck of a beautiful car. It IS probably the ONLY car which you can drive around Singapore’s streets that has a top speed of 350km/h on the tachometer. Thats really THE shit. L.O.L

Singaporeans are getting richer nowadays aren’t they. >_>
I would like to drive it too thank you xD
But, i would really be very contented with a Volkswagon Golf GTI 2.0 with a body kit and maybe a stage 4 turbo in it, i don’t know, =3

Ooooo… I have a new acquisition on my board. Not the most exciting news but hey! i’m excited =]
So i’ve bought the Subdecay EchoBox. It is a pretty radical delay. I would say its a Chorus + Delay pedal.
The most interesting thing is that it is analog circuitry, with a analog sounding delay with the digital clarity.
Quite a description ain’t it. I am pretty impressed with it, sound and tone wise. My board will be what it is for many years to come.

Lights……………..

Well time to set sail….

to a place called WORK =.=
I have to get down rehearsing my part for the presentation tomorrow.
Now, where the hell is my formal suit.
Errr. Cheers xD

Fresh Off The Shelf

So, It’s 1:31am, Monday, 5th of May 2008. I’m sitting on my chair, ranting.
This post is going to stretch quite a fair bit, as i have quite the load of things to talk about.
Well then, where shall i start. Let’s begin things with the things that happened in school.
Lessons were as tiring as usual though there are modules which were pretty interesting.
Electronic Design Automation is shit. Seriously.  As interesting as it may seem. The work involved is
just pure insanity. It is practically impossible to finish within a session. Well, unless if one is a really quick and focused, the job would be done at the moment lesson ends.
Coming to kendo. The juniors have arrived. As expected of any CCA, the turnout for the first session was pretty big. Subsequently, the numbers dropped as the weeks go by. Club crawl was really fun by the way. Although, it really SUCKED to miss lessons. I guess that is all i would talk about for school. Don’t really feel like ranting on and on about school anyways. Come to think of it there is actually one thing that i should talk about. It’s the rubbish bin !! Well, i know you all might be thinking now, why the heck would you talk about the rubbish bin!? Pretty absurd right? Just the opposite. My kendo trainings are Mondays and Fridays. So, it was this particular Friday, I noticed the rubbish bin. It was so full to the point that trash had to be put on top of it and even around it. The trash were all drink packets/cans that the good sportsmen/women of NYP have left.
The Trash:

Beautiful ain’t it. Ha.

Next up, guitar maintenance!!
For the past 3 years now, i have been re-stringing my guitar on my own. Learned it all via the good old internet, with its ever so reliable source of information on all things good and bad. =]
So, at some point, one would really feel the glory and sense of achievement of being able to re-string his/her instrument. And so I’ve done a re-stringing job on my Mustang recently.
Perfection was the only word used to describe this round of maintenance.
The Bound Of Perfection =]

Something that could have almost ended in tragedy for my Mustang happened a few days ago.
I guess I’ll have to change my gigbag. I’ve ordered one RDM Duo anyways. Heh.
And so to the matter at hand. My old rockbag, i washed it about 2 weeks back and still has yet to dry.
I wouldn’t have realized this until i took out my Mustang about 4 days back. It had condensation on the body, the neck pickup was “popped”, screws were rusted, strings were rusted, it was just a horrific sight to see.
Immediately, i took a cloth and wiped it dry. I dissembled the guitar, cleaning the guitar thoroughly. I was almost at a complete lost of what to do. After a moment, with thoughts collected, first things first. I went to care for the neck first, checking if it is warped in anyway then applying a quick coat of lemon oil.
After the neck was done, i went on to the main body. Wiped the screws with WD-40 and oiled any parts that needed it. It was a fortunate thing, that i paid attention to Beez when I brought my guitar for maintenance that I wasn’t really confident to do it myself. I had to change one of the guitar’s pickup. So, carefully i de-soldered the damaged pickup, and slowly put in the spare one. At first, i was worried about the configuration as the spare pickup was meant for the bridge. By putting it in, it would mean a bridge-bridge configuration, the sound and tone would then be questionable. But i really didn’t have a choice so i carried out the “operation”. When everything was done, i assembled the guitar back together and re-stringed it with a fresh set of D’Addarios .10s
I looked at my Mustang, and heaved a big sigh of relieve. I had successfully “saved” the guitar from what could have ended in a disaster. The output jack needs replacement though.
I could be a guitar repair/maintenance guy in the future o0 ha.
Right, moving on. I’ve actually placed an order for a Fender Japan Telecaster about 2 weeks back. She arrived on Friday, 2nd May, 2008, 10am. I couldn’t be there to see it and I didn’t expect it as i was already school at 8am. So, when i returned home, tired and totally worn out from kendo, i dragged my bogu bag to my maid’s room and asked her to wash the gi and hakama as always and asked her if my package arrived. She nodded sleepily. My eyes opened immediately. For the record, I’ve been asking my maid every single day whenever i returned from school whether my package has arrived. And so, i quickly went upstairs and saw the big box lying on my bed. I was extremely excited.
The Box:

And there it was lying inside, my new Fender Japan Telecaster 62′Reissue with Texas Special Pickups.
The reason why i bought this, the tone of the telecaster is something that really appealed to me and proves to be excellent in the application of post rock. Adding to the already big plus, it features a very very very sexy double bond on the body which will be shown in the later pictures. Moreover, it also features an alder body and compliments to the telecaster’s already excellent tone. This guitar would be the guitar i would keep stock for quite a while. I was thoroughly impressed and proved that it was a really worthwhile buy.

Further Unpacking:

Almost there…

Beautiful.

Now, i have 2 beauties as my workhorses for my music making, who knows probably my money making tools as well (laughs in a sarcastic way)
The money spent and the waiting I’ve been through was really worthwhile.
I’m aiming for the Telecaster Thinline next. But, that would be a pretty long time before I place the order.
Well, till next time. If you do have some free time guys visit -> http://www.myspace.com/weareavis
My band’s originals are up!! Check them out when you can!!
Cheers!

This month of MARCH….

SUCKS!!!!
SUCKS!!!!
SUCKS!!!!SUCKS!!!!SUCKS!!!!SUCKS!!!!
SUCKS!!!!SUCKS!!!!SUCKS!!!!SUCKS!!!!
SUCKS!!!!SUCKS!!!!SUCKS!!!!SUCKS!!!!
SUCKS!!!!SUCKS!!!!SUCKS!!!!SUCKS!!!!
SUCKS!!!!SUCKS!!!!SUCKS!!!!SUCKS!!!!
SUCKS!!!!
SUCKS!!!!
SUCKS!!!!
SUCKS!!!!
SUCKS!!!!
SUCKS!!!!
SUCKS!!!!
SUCKS!!!!SUCKS!!!!SUCKS!!!!SUCKS!!!!
SUCKS!!!!SUCKS!!!!SUCKS!!!!SUCKS!!!!
SUCKS!!!!SUCKS!!!!SUCKS!!!!SUCKS!!!!
SUCKS!!!!SUCKS!!!!SUCKS!!!!SUCKS!!!!
SUCKS!!!!SUCKS!!!!SUCKS!!!!SUCKS!!!!
SUCKS!!!! SUCKS!!!!SUCKS!!!!SUCKS!!!!

SUCKS!!!!SUCKS!!!!SUCKS!!!!SUCKS!!!!

SUCKS!!!!SUCKS!!!!SUCKS!!!!SUCKS!!!!

SUCKS!!!!SUCKS!!!!SUCKS!!!!SUCKS!!!!

SUCKS!!!!SUCKS!!!!SUCKS!!!!SUCKS!!!!

Sheesh =.=

Practice Proper

I have been playing the guitar for the last 3 years now. In the period, i never had an amp to call my own.
It was always borrowed from someone else. Well, actually the only amp i had was the crapped up washburn from Bryan aka
BJTMJ. The 3 pin plug was busted, so it wasn’t properly grounded, causing occasional shocks to the arm as current passes through the guitar and shocks via strings.
Another form of my alternate amplification during the ampless days of my guitar life, was my trusty dvd player. Being a device powered by 2pin plug, i was also subjected to occasional shocks via strings as there was no ground.
But now, i finally have a decent practice amp to use. A Laney LX20 sitting nicely in right hand corner of my room. Its a simple amp, sufficient enough for practice. Perharps recording? Who knows. Not yet tried. Anyways, now i can do my practice properly. I may get another amp down the road =] We’ll just have to wait and see. Stereo gas!! xD
Cheers!

Chinese New Year

Yay! Chinese New Year(CNY) is here!!
Bust them angbaos out married people.. and people who are suppose to give… err HARHAR i am here to collect them!
Anyways i think i’ve told everyone on a previous post that i bought the Master Grade 1/100 Scale Destiny Gundam sometime back. Well, i’m happy to say that i have completed it yesterday. It looks fantastic if i should say so myself. This would make my 2nd Master Grade kit. My next kit would be the Nu-Gundam. Fin funnels are teh rocks! But that would be like 3/4 down this year before i fork out the cash to buy the kit.
A lot of pictures coming your way after the ranting is done. Gundam cam-whoring hmm.. is that even a term? =3
Next up would be an update from my band. We have our myspace done out erm, quite nicely. We even have one of our originals uploaded there. So, if you guys have to time to check it out, do visit –> http://www.myspace.com/weareavis
Well, i guess that’s about all i want to say in this little rant. Coming up are all the pictures taken of Destiny and Freedom too.
Picture count = 20 printf(“Enjoy LOLZ”);
(P.S. I think the many weeks of programming just got to me =3)
Destiny Gundam

Freedom & Destiny (With Outdoor Shots)

Cheers!

In your friendly neighbourhood there is….

Ang Mo Kio. A busy little district tucked in the north-east region of Singapore. In this humble heartland, residents have seen decades of change. From the wet markets that used to be in the area, mega structures now erect from the ground ala AMK HUB. Now, im not here to rant about the history of Ang Mo Kio and whatnots, but the happenings after school. So in this little heartland getaway, at the hawker centre beside the AMK HUB lies a little elevator with the capacity of 3 up to the maximum of 5 individuals. Where does it lead to? A KTV lounge and snooker. Typical neighbourhood pastimes. Chill.
It’s got what i call an intense atmosphere. The smoky air in an air conditioned environment, filled with ABALs, but i may percieve wrongly =x
Dim lights, and an almost hostile environment yet i could still find a small tinge to feel that it is at the least bit friendly. Mainly cause there is Mr.Quek and Mr.Aaron. So we played pool and they taught me the finer details of the game; posture, angles, terminologies etcetc. Of the years(well maybe since secondary 2 i think) i played pool, never was i presented with these set of tips they set me thinking and working on. Well this calls for more practice. Thanks Quek and Aaron of the great learning session. But of course, studies are still of utmost priorty. I guess i could take a just a little breather since most of the projects are done and over with. Only one that is left and am currently working on is the C# programming project.
Laurent has just bought the Zoom H2 handy digital recorder. Now, hopefully, we can get decent sound files for our originals.
I guess thats about it for this rant, now on to C# and final exams studies!!
To the users of the toilets in AMK HUB, for the love of god…AIM!! =.=
Cheers.