Hello world!

People have probably given up on checking this blog for updates, but I'm still going to write an entry because I haven't written in a while, and my hands are kinda itchy.

I've just started to work at Wisma Atria, at a quint little shop called Cotton On. It's a retail shop where most of the clothing is made from cotton. It's a very busy shop, as I soon found out, as the clothing there is really affordable, to the point where it seems dirt cheap as compared to many other brands. Our shop can be packed full, but Giordano or any other similar shop nearby will be empty, or close to.

So far, the experience working there has been good. I really like the people I'm working with. They're all friendly and nice, and patient with me when I ask questions. People who know me know that I can ask as many questions as a 4 year old; up in the hundreds during the course of a day. Though it rarely goes that high, it does happen.

The full timers there are the people I see the most, for obvious reasons. There is Candy (store manager), her sister Sandy (manager-in-training, or MIT), Estee (who calls me Mr Lovable) (second in charge), Simon (MIT), Rabia also known as Rabs (pronunced rubs) (MIT) and finally Zan (MIT). These are the people I see most, and I really like them.

Starting yesterday, 3 more MITs joined the full timers. Derek, Rena, Gilda. I worked with the later 2 today, and I must say I don't really like the way she works. She is very sloppy when she works, and it's so messy and untidy everywhere she works. It's rather unprofessional. And what annoys me is that when she runs (which means to take clothes the people at the fitting room tried and don't want back to it's original location), she dumps the clothes that are in my zone onto my table. I mean, come on. Today I was busy as it is, covering 2 zones, with the front always being messy. I have to keep folding clothes, and on top of that keep those that you are supposed to? I mean, even if you don't put them back, at least fold them nicely, not just dump them messily. Rena did the same, dumping clothes on me, although she wasn't sloppy with her work.

Oh well, it's over now. I guess I forgive them because it's their first day. I haven't worked with Derek, but from what I saw yesterday, he seems like a good worker.

I'm a bit worried that there are these new full timers. That means I get to work less hours, because I am a part timer, and the schedule for the whole month has already been planned. There are also a shit load of part timers, so the shifts gets spread around. Bugger. I'm already used to working the full timers hours, which was what I did the first week. Argh! Hopefully this works itself out.

So, back to brighter subjects. I want to get new stuff. I already bought new sunglasses, Oakley Twitch Polished white frame with Black Iridium lens. They look sweet and fit very well. I'm well chuffed. I now want to get a new folder (or folding knife for those who don't know knife lingo). My Buck 112 is ready for retirement. It's older than me (30 years), and is still razor sharp! It still has it's factory edge. Amazing. However, it's not one handed opening, so it's a bit troublesome. And it's rather heavy and bulky too.

Anyway, folder. Yes. I am looking at SOG Knives. The SOG Pentagon Elite I and Vulcan Mini both look great and are affordable. I like the Pentagon because of it's blade shape, but it's rather long at 4 inches for the blade length. The Vulcan Mini has a nice blade too, not quite what I was looking for, but at 3 inches, an ideal blade length.

I'm also looking at Japanese folders. These aren't openly marketed. Some are quite expensive, but the ones I'm looking at are cheaper than the SOGs, in another class when it comes to looks, and possibly are better made. The thing is, the have to be imported, so they might get stuck at Customs for a bit. I'm afraid Customs won't release it, being the nit pickers they are. So I'm torn between the two different sources. Argh, stress.

Don't know what to do. So many troubles in my head. I think I'll head to bed now.

The Singapore F1 race happened last Sunday, and dare I say, the Singaporean Kiasu attitude paid off! The Grand Prix was a resounding success! I can't believe it. I thought the race would be just another race, but wow, what a night!

Everything went right last weekend. Fernando Alonso led the practice sessions on Friday, which got my hopes up for him winning. Unfortunately during Sat's Q2, his car had a electrical failure, which cost his a possible pole position. Bugger. Renault boss Flavio Briatore said the failure cost 3 pounds. Can you believe that? A 3 pound problem almost cost him a race!

Anyway, consolation came in the form of Valentino Rossi. He won the Japanese Grand Prix to secure his 8th World Championship. Woo hoo! He did a great job, starting 4th on the grid, before overtaking Stoner 11 laps before the end of the race. Great ride, absolutely perfect. Typical Rossi, methodically picking his opponents apart. He deserves this win, he's such a wonderful rider! This season has been great for him, no issues with the bike, unlike last season where his tyres gave him problems. Hopefully he sets the record for most Championship wins, which is 9 or 11 I think.

Going on to Sunday, Alonso started 15th on the grid. For some reason or other, I knew in my heart that Alonso would win. I thought I was mad, but hey, he did! He didn't perform an extraordinary feats, but he ran a clean race and eventually took the race lead and the chequered flag.

His good fortune came of course from his team mate's misfortune. Piquet Jr spun out after gassing it too soon coming out a corner, slamming his car head first into the safety barriers. The safety car came out, and everyone had to line up behind it. Flavio Briatore of course insisted that the SC came out because of Barrichello's car stopping, not Piquet Jr's crash. Keeping telling yourself that, Briatore.

Anyway, Alonso was lined up 4th behind Kubica, Trulli and Rosberg. Rosberg and Kubica had to do stop and gos, while Trulli had to pit, so eventually, Alonso had the lead. Rosberg however was the highlight. He pulled some stunning laps before serving his penalty, and managed to come out 4th in front of Nakajima and Hamilton. Amazing stuff!

Other highlights of the race include Ferrari's pit error. Massa took off with the fuel nozzle still attached to his car! He drove to the end of the pit lane, stopped, and had his engineers yank it out. Still got a drive-through though. That pit erros cost Kimi dear too, however he did get up to 5th when the SC came out again. Oh but he messed up 4 laps away from the flag. He took the chicane too fully and flew, just like Fisichella did during Sat's practice session. Too bad Kimi, you had my support.

Vettel continued placing well after his marvellous wet victory in Monza, in a Stryker no less! Rosberg, of course, fabulous drive in Singapore, placing second. Hamilton didn't impress, but anyway I don't support him, my loyalties are with Kimi, Alonso and Kubica. Possibly Vettel now too.

Poor Sutil, crashing because of Massa. Massa too, disappointing. Really sucked during this race. Other retirees are Webber: transmission and Trulli: hydraulics. Continuing with highlights, Sir Jackie Stewart managed to make Frank Williams dress in some weird pants. Something about a bet Franks Williams lost to Sir Jackie Stewart. Glad to see they still have fun!

Ok, back to the present. I saw a diving documentary with Tanya Streeter today. Saw her only BO recorded on TV. The programme made it over dramatic. Anyway, she did a 91m No-Limits dive, taking 1:40. Fascinating. You know, No-Limits doesn't look that hard...

Oh, got to go! Computer time's run out. Ciao!

Back!

It's been quite a while since I last blogged. As mentioned before, procrastination is such a crime. Hey, but this time I have a more valid reason.

A while back, maybe 2 months or more, I lost the use of my computer. Long story short, it was taken away from me. Nowadays, I hardly get to sneak a use on my Mom's computer, and each time, barely lng enough to check email and Deeperblue. Sometimes I sneak in a Facebook moment.

But as you can see, that kind of time isn't long enough to write a blog post. So that's why I haven't posted in a while.

Well, what can I write? There's so many things to write, yet nothing's coming to me at the moment. So let's start off systematically, starting with those that are at the edge of my memory.

The SCV top box broke down 2 Fridays ago. It didn't as much broke down as exploded. Yep, it went 'bzz, bzz, POOF!' into a cloud of smoke and sparks. It was quite a sight. And it didn't get fixed until Tuesday, so for 3 days I didn't watch any TV, which is a little strange, but I got by ok. Didn't die of boredom or anything.

So, the SCV repairman came on Tuesday, and after looking around a bit trying to figure out what the problem was, gave up and presented us with a new set top box. I was expecting a cooler looking box, seeing that StarHub updates their box design frequently, but nope, I was denied that joy. They gave us a similar looking box.

But there was a nice surprise. Apparently, there will be a couple extra channels that will be free to view for the next one month. Now I get to watch channels that I've never seen before, which is nice. I mostly watch the NatGeo channels, I love NatGeo programmes.

Another thing off the top of my head. On Sep 2, an aqquaintence of mine was killed in a car crash. He was only 16 years old. For the local readers, he was the kid who was driving without a liscense, lost control and crashed. He was killed instantly. Rest in peace Ken, you were a wonderful person.

Back to something less depressing now. I realised after watching all those NatGeo programmes that I really don't like dolphins and whales all that much. I wonder why those kids who go to dolphin shows all turn to their parents and go 'I want to be a dolphin trainer when I grow up!'. They're not as interesting as so many other creatures that live in the oceans.

Also noted is that many people enrol into a Marine Biology course with the intention of becoming a dolphin trainer or get to work with dolphins. First off, the number of those kind of jobs are close to zero. Secondly, that area of speacialisation usually falls under zoology, not marine biology. So my advice to people who want to become dolphin trainers: don't.

Right, so anyway, I myself want to become a marine biologist. Since I was little, I've always been fascinated by science and knew I wanted to become a scientist. Growing up, I soon discovered my love for the oceans, and soon I knew that I wanted to become a marine biologist. Best of both worlds!

In my fantasies, I would dream of going on diving expeditions and discovering new species of marine life. I would catch specimens and research their behaviour, habits etc. In reality those, such a job is hard to get. Hopefully one day though, I get to do something similar to that.

I'm rushing through this post because of lack of time, so there isn't much details about each subject. Next time I get on, I'll try to elaborate more. Till then, tara (pronounced churar, meaning goodbye)!

Love actually

It must be springtime here, because a lot of couples are blooming during this period. A couple of my friends are getting attached this past few days. Of course it's a good thing, because getting together means they'll have some happy times, which may or may not last due to a number of factors.

I mean, people my age generally aren't ready for a serious relationship. However, many of them do not realise it, or they do, but when they're in that relationship, and they try to get something better out of it, and when it doesn't work out, it devastates them. It's sad, really.

As I've been told, at this age, everything should be fun, and one should be having a ball of a time. This is the period when one doesn't have much (if at all) worries in life, so he should just enjoy. Even if one does get into a relationship and it doesn't work out, one still has a fufilling and long life in front of him. He'll have time to get another mate in the future.

And love. Do people my age actually know what romantic love is? Sure everybody experiences familial love, and possibly platonic love if they're lucky, but romantic love is quite different from either. To say you love somebody is a serious thing. People use it too lightly these days. I mean, 2 weeks into a relationship and one says 'I love you' to a partner? A little quick, don't you think?

Then again, who am I to say these things. Coming from a person who has absolutely no romantic history at all, my statements probably hold no ground.

However, I have experienced the heartbreaks of so many of my friends. I play somewhat of a Cupid, nuturing the relationships of others, and also when others go down, I play the wise man, dishing out advice and helping them make it through the troubled times.

I would say then, that I have extensive experiences from an outsider's point of view, and thus am good at judging relationships. In this case, do I have any credibility? It matters not to me. I only write what I feel, and that is the purpose of a blog.

In a perfect world, everything works out. Remember then people, that we do not live in a perfect world. The world is a cruel and difficult place. If you find something good, hold on to it.

Clear

Short post today. I don't think I can manage to write a long one.

This morning I went over to Jade's place to train a bit. Well, not really train because I refused to do much. I think more like me being accustomed to the whole idea of training again.

So anyway, I went over in the morning. We did a couple of breathholds each, before heading for the hot tub, which has sort of become a ritual for us over time. Body's going all like, 'I'm cold, get me some heat, quick!' and the nearest source of that happens to be the hot tub, which sometimes can disappoint with the lack of heat.

After that, we went up to her place to change up. She gave me a really delicious Indian snack to eat, and a chocolate muffin that she made. Yummy. Nothing like tasty food after training to perk me up.

When she was in the bath, I happened to see a copy some magazine on her coffee table. What caught my eye was the huge freediver slapped on the front page. It was her bestie, Matt. Cool. Inside the magazine, there is a 5 page article about freediving and him. Nice one mate. Good way to attract sponsors.

When Jade came out of the bath, she showed my another magazine, this time it was about Will Winram freediving with tiger sharks. The photography was amazing, but I didn't get to read the article due to lack of time. I shall need to visit her house soon to read that article.

As usual, we chatted and chatted. Today Jade left me with on very important lesson that didn't mean much till recently. She said, don't live life with regrets. Don't miss your opportunity now, and in the future, look back and say that you could have done something about it.

For me, at this period of time, that statement is very deep. I hope I can live without regrets.

After we split, I headed to town to walk around. I hate crowds, so 1pm on a Thursday afternoon is a good way to avoid the masses. I walked around Takashimaya, and ended up in the sporting department. Somehow a poster of CressiSub products caught my eye, and I walked over to check it out.

In the corner of the sports department, there is this little outdoor-type shop. There's a section of it with snorkelling gear from Cressi. That means masks, snorkels and snorkelling fins. I found a really nice snorkel that I liked, and got it. It's $12, pretty sleek, and transparent. Matches my Ice fins!

I also saw that they had a Minima. While I was tempted to get the mask, I knew I shouldn't waste unecessary money on things I don't need. Afterall, I already have a Sphera and an Alien.

So I'm pretty happy with today. But paintball was cancelled because of the weather, so no game. Perhaps another time. We've been having so much trouble getting the troops together.. Lucky for us, Jane, who works for Red Dynasty, understood our plight and offered to refund us our deposit. How nice of her and the park! Thanks a lot!

I'm waiting on Jie to reply to the message I sent her. No paintball, but I was hoping to meet up with her for dinner.

Law abiding

I have always been questioned by people if it is illegal to carry a small knife around in daily life. And while I have never known the answer, I have always answered yes, because I know for a fact that unless you're carrying an offensive weapon without a lawful purpose, you cannot be charged.

I finally found enough reason to find out an answer. Here's what I found:

I quote the 'CORROSIVE AND EXPLOSIVE SUBSTANCES AND OFFENSIVEWEAPONS ACT' from Singapore Statures OnLine:

Carrying offensive weapons in public places.6. —(1) Any person who in any public road or place carries or has in his possession or under his control any offensive weapon otherwise than with lawful authority or for a lawful purpose shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years and shall also be punished with caning with not less than 6 strokes.

(2) In any prosecution for an offence under subsection (1), the onus of proving the existence of a lawful purpose shall lie upon the accused.

(3) A weapon shall be presumed to be carried with lawful authority if it is carried —

(a) by a member of the Singapore Armed Forces or of the Singapore Police Force or of any visiting force lawfully present in Singapore under the provisions of any law relating to visiting forces; or

(b) by any person as part of his official or ceremonial dress on any official or ceremonial occasion.

(4) An offence under subsection (1) shall be deemed to be a seizable and non-bailable offence.

Take note of Section 6 subsection 1, it states 'Any person who in any public road or place carries or has in his possession or under his control any offensive weapon otherwise than with lawful authority or for a lawful purpose shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years and shall also be punished with caning with not less than 6 strokes'.

And the interpretion of "offensive weapon" includes any instrument which if used as a weapon of offence is likely to cause hurt.

Which means the knife falls under this category, for obvious reasons.

So basically, if you carry a knife, you can be guilty of an offence. Unless, like I said, you provide a lawful purpose. Lawful meaning 'being in harmony with the law' or 'conforming with the law'. So if a person (like me) carries a knife around for cutting fruits and general purpose use, it's fine. That is my interpretation of this law (is this a law?).

Of course, if you go around town flashing your knife at everyone you see, the police is not going to believe you when you say 'it's for cutting fruits', needless to say why.

Also, take note of "scheduled weapon", which means any offensive weapon specified in the Second Schedule.

The Second Schedule states:


1. Any knife, sometimes known as a flick knife, which has a blade which opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in or attached to the handle of the knife. Note: HANDLE.

2. Any knife, sometimes known as a gravity knife, which has a blade which is released from the handle or sheath thereof by the force of gravity or the application of centrifugal force and which, when released, is locked in place by means of a button, spring, lever or other device.

3. Any whip manufactured from bicycle or motor cycle chains or from any similar kind of chainwork.

4. All kinds of knuckledusters.

5. Any blade or other instrument attached to or forming part of a bicycle pump, metal-pipe or stick, and concealed therein, which is capable of being used for cutting or stabbing.

6. Any sword, machete or parang, axe, sickle, bearing scraper, spear, bayonet, iron rod, and the nancha-ku (segments of wood or metal joined by a chain, leather strap or cord).

And the Law pertaining to this:

A person in possession of any scheduled weapon shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years and shall also be punished with caning with not less than 6 strokes, and in the case of a second or subsequent offence to imprisonment for a term of not less than 2 years and not more than 8 years and shall also be punished with caning with not less than 6 strokes.

The Forgotten

Being the jobless person I am just recently, I have a lot of time nowadays to surf the internet.

Today I was going through my Facebook updates, and saw that Eunice wrote that 'she's been forgotten'. Immediately I thought about Jade, because she has written that exact same sentence in May, before we left for our Sipadan scuba/free-diving trip.

I thought about it for a while, before coming to the (obvious) conclusion that a person is never forgotten, at least not while he's still alive. There will always be someone who will think about you, wondering if you're well, worrying about your safety.

Be it your mother, father, sister, brother, or a friend who you'd never think will be there for you, someone's always thinking about you.

Of course, I understand that people write those updates on Facebook for dramatic effect (mostly). I'm just writing my thoughts about the matter, so please don't be offended or feel the need to argue with me.

I myself wouldn't mind being forgotten from time to time. Then I'd be able to do what I really want. You know how sometimes you just want to be alone and enjoy the quiet, and you can't because you're in the middle of a bustling city, where everyone is talking or doing something? I'd like to leave that behind.

That's why I go on the weekend trips to Tioman or Dayang/Aur. Of course I go for the diving, but mostly for the peace, though it isn't always the case. I like it when things are taken slow. I don't like it how life is so rushed. What are we rushing for?

When I'm on Dayang especially, I love to just abandon everyone after dinner and go lie in the sand just above the drift line.

I would lie down and look up at the beautiful starry night sky. I would play with the fine white sand, letting it flow between my fingers. I would hear the waves crash gently on the beach, and take in the fresh scent of the sea. Time almost seems to stop for me, almost as if to say that I could have the moment for ever and ever.

I never thought I would be able to enjoy such a simple thing. In the past, I never understood when people said they enjoy the simpler things in life. Nowadays, I feel like I'm beginning to appreciate those things. And it's a lovely feeling.

Like when I freedive by myself (sorry Jade, I know I shouldn't), I feel so free. Things slow down. It becomes so peaceful, and it's so different. All of a sudden, you hear the sounds of the ocean you've never heard before. It's like the ocean begins to talk to you. The fish chirp, they groan, bark, even sing. It's amazing.

I like to forget that I'm only a visitor to the ocean, but pretty soon I will get reminded of who I am. If I don't go up for a breath, the ocean that is so beautiful will consume me for ever.

I'd like to be forgotten for a while again sometime soon. Whether by others or by myself.