Sunday, September 23, 2007
Before I sleep.[1] I would like to announce that this is the first time in many (many many many) weeks as far as I can recall, where alcohol content in my blood is zero - be it beer, macho margaritas or my favourite chardonnays. Its crazy actually, how I have been drinking at least once a week, not intentionally, but very naturally when I'm out with the bunch.[2] Cafe Les Amis at the botanic gardens is the absolutest best place for breakfast - rain or shine.[3] N U S students listen up, I just realized what new things our matric card is good for (besides getting us through the library turnstile).o 10% off at Breeks and Seoul Garden (not like I eat there a lot anyway)o 20% off footwear at newurbanmale (say hello to more havaianas)o 10% off Carl's Jro 15% off Red hairdressing (oh well, too bad my stylist moved from Reds, but I get 20% off now. hurhur)and best of all...o 15% off all wine bottles at Wala Wala (WHEEEEEEEE)o Free entry on Wednesdays at Butter Factory (Zouk holds no power over me anymore)Okay gnite world.
nimgnoy let the night fall at 11:37 PM
Friday, September 21, 2007
I could stay at home, listening to Rachael Yamagata the whole day.She does have a way to tug at your heartstrings so deep, you think its freaky.This road, life, can sometimes be a journey trodden by no one else but you alone. And despite having the best and most enjoyable company alongside, it all comes down to a personal, and if I can add, struggle to walk what seems to be the right path in life. When all is stripped away, this little sojourn on earth may sometimes prove a lone walk down a tree-lined avenue.But this is what I sometimes enjoy, and perhaps need. That solo stroll in the gardens, with Yamagata plugged into my ears, taking in the world, reflecting - just me alone.
nimgnoy let the night fall at 10:21 AM
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
I like sitting in between shelves. It offers a kind of serenity and comfort that is rather novel and unique to me. The footsteps muted by the carpetting. The voices hushed by the towering canyon of books around me.In between shelves, I fill its void. And in return, it fills mine.
nimgnoy let the night fall at 1:15 PM
Monday, September 17, 2007
The Mulberry PartyWell well, what can I say, I like the location, Dempsey Hill, very quaint and classy at the same time. I like the free flow of sparkling wine, makes me think I'm drinking champagne. I like the finger food, yummilicious. But I do not like the desserts, too sweet. I like the company, evident from the photos. I do not like the silly celebrities who think the whole world revolves around them.Now, photos from wala wala last last sat.Brought jeff and his friends along with us to wala, celebrating Yvonne's birthday as well. Always great to know new friends, and they were a fun bunch to be with as well!
nimgnoy let the night fall at 1:29 PM
Sunday, September 16, 2007
nimgnoy let the night fall at 2:18 AM
Friday, September 14, 2007
If there were any album I would recommend to the world, it wouldn't (surprise surprise) be one by miss carey.In fact, there exists two albums today, which I personally feel are the best albums ever. And I am purely basing my judgement on how every single song on each of these albums are excellent. Not just so-so and listenable, but really of a good quality - musically and emotionally - that never fails to make it to my Top 25 played list on my iPod.
Dishwalla hails from Santa Barbara, CA, where I almost went for exchange. Junhan would attest to its goodness.Speaking of which, don't you think the album cover for Opaline looks very much inspired by Botticelli's The Birth of Venus?
I had the privilege of viewing this monumental piece of art at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. Its also on the 10 cent euro coin in Italy. Okay, just trivia for you.So yeah, these are the two most awesomest albums I've listened to. You should too.
nimgnoy let the night fall at 11:53 AM
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Living to live.There lies a fine line between merely living (in the existential sense of it), and living to live (the effort in living right). Very often its blurred, and many people, sad to say, probably do not see that difference at all. We move along, wave after wave, societal forces pushing and moulding, our rational (but most of the time irrational) minds clashing and abrading the influx of normative statements which we are left to filter and fend in this world, this life, this existence.It is weird, how we human beings, knowing well that we are flawed and imperfect, find it utterly hard to accept that struggles and tribulations are inevitable products in life. I am, of course, not suggesting that we live in misery, but the acceptance of the blemishes of life is sometimes the key in living to live. Then, we can always offer up each trial in thanksgiving and praise, and find meaning and I hope, joy, in this life.Acceptance is a thing of the heart, but moving on is the greatest deed of all.An existentialist can never find purpose in life, I suppose.
nimgnoy let the night fall at 10:25 AM
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
There's a reason why we're best friends.
nimgnoy let the night fall at 2:17 PM
nimgnoy let the night fall at 1:26 PM
Sunday, September 02, 2007
1 more day.
It is a few hours in fact, till the time my grandmother left us.
While we had the memorial service last night, we gathered at my grandma's grave today, as we have did the past 52 weeks, and went for dinner back at her place, as we did for the past 23 years.
It was like any other sunday, but tonight we shared our memories, looked at photos, watched vacation videos and also gave a heart to heart account of our last days with Ah Nae. Each account showed her resilience, her selflessness and her love even in times of pain. Nobody knew she would have left us so quickly, not until a few hours before her death. God took her away swiftly, but on hindsight, I wouldn't have wanted her to stay on and suffer either.
So tonight, this is an entry of lasts. Recalling specific incidents of last moments with Ah Nae. One of the most vivid lasts was my mom's birthday celebration at my grandma's place in late June, 1.5 months before she was admitted to hospital and 2 months before she passed on.
When my sis and I threw a birthday dinner at my grandma's place for my mom, neither of us knew how significant it would be. All we had in our minds were to let Ah Nae share this special day with her daughter - my mom.
Then, Ah Nae was on the experimental drug and was looking well, though as you can see, she has thinned down so much. But she was glad, and what I remembered most was how Ah Nae told me to take a photo of herself with my mom. She was telling me about she wouldn't live on for more than 6 months and I often chided her for that pessimistic thought. Looking back, she seemed to know she didn't have much time left on earth, but how did she know?
It was a joyous occasion, everyone in the family was gathered and many photos were taken. And how precious these photos would be for they were the last photos Ah Nae ever took.
So the Wong family took the very last family photo (top right), a photo which I think looks extremely good and is currently on her tribute table at home.2 months later, on 3rd September 2006, 8:47am, Ah Nae went home to the Lord - to a place where is no more sorrow or pain, somewhere I know she is happy and at peace and with God.A few minutes before she passed on, Ah Nae's eyes were dilated and she was not responsive anymore. With an oxygen mask on her face, my last words to her was to keep walking towards the light. And she did.
My very last photo with Ah Nae.
nimgnoy let the night fall at 11:11 PM
