2009-2010

Reflections and Resolutions

I wonder if I’ve become a better man. But certainly I’ve changed, for better or for worst that’s up to others to judge. Maybe this year I’ll just be myself.

Been reading quite a lot this year, notably I’ve shifted from horror (Clive Barker’s still my favourite author though) to more classic literary stuff. Some of the wonderful books I’ve read this year include:
1984, Neuromancer, Strange case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and Lolita

Currently I’m still fixated of the picture of Dorian Gray. Hope to finish it soon and move on to other classics in the New Year. I have decided to steel my will and finish reading To kill a mockingbird. This time I’m not going to give up that easily. If time permits it will be a delight to delve into twisted classic fantasy tales such as Snow White by Donald Barthelme. And I sincerely hope that all authors out there do put in their utmost effort in writing and come up with a good dark macabre fantasy novel to satisfy my hunger. *Barker please write faster!

Proud to say I have been writing and learning new vocabulary. Unfortunately, I’ve often been only able to churn out melancholic poems and incomplete short stories. Looks like I’ll have to put in more effort in this aspect.

The path to becoming proficient in Japanese is moving on just fine. I took my JLPT4 not too long ago and keeping my fingers crossed that this one will be fulfilled. I’m feeling a very strong urge to learn French these days. I will strive towards that this year.

Physically, I feel pretty good. I feel that my body is now better than before except for the hair. =[
I’ve been putting in effort in my weekly gym sessions and runs. Furthermore, I’m really watching my diet- less salt less carbohydrates "less sugar" less fats more greens more protein etc. Effects are starting to show and I’ll continue working hard!

Martial arts and Capoiera training have been on hiatus for quite a while though. I shall make it a point to go for more lessons this year!

Sky-driving will have to be put on hold since I’m in NS and back in Tekong and everything. But it’s going to be my Birthday Present to MYSELF on my 21st Birthday (ORD date)!! Since we’re at this topic, I shall add that I’ll try my BEST to be a GOOD instructor in Tekong and train GOOD soldiers. =]

Yep, I’m still single, kept my word, 15 more years to go.

I’m nearly out of points- shall just explain my view of being myself before I end. From now onwards or for the year at least, I shan’t be pretentious anymore. I will be who I am. Not going to run away from my feelings. Not going to- act cool act smart act rich act friendly act sociable act matured act like I don’t care act like I care act poor act frugal act pathetic!

I AM GOING TO BE ME


Wishing myself a Wonderful year ahead! =]



With love,
Eh Eh

AA’s New Year Resolutions 2009

Things-to –Accomplish in 2009

1. Be a better man
2. Improve my English (better mastery or grammar and vocabulary)
3. Learn 100 new words by 1st April 2009
4. Finish reading Clive Barker’s Books of Blood vol. 1-6 and Neil Strauss’ The Game by 1st April 2009
5. Own copies of Clive Barker’s Books of Blood vol. 1-6 for collection (*the one I’m reading is from the library)
6. Complete writing my collection of short stories by 1st April 2009 (*temporarily titled Artist of Atrocities will consist of 13 horror short stories)
7. Work on and generate more ideas and plots for my novel (*temporarily titled Akadamnit – Fantasy based on 24 Days to Our Au Courant Battle of Megiddo)
8. Write more poems! (*perhaps learn how to compose songs as well)
9. Keep in touch with my artier side (Draw more, paint more, learn photography, and attend more art events!)
10. Improve on my Japanese (Complete Jap course Beginner 2 and Intermediate 1)
11. Pass JLPT4 (Japanese Language Proficiency Test)
12. Learn a NEW language! (*Latin, Korean, German, French or Sign-language? I want to master all of them by the time I finish NS!)
13. Improve on my Chinese ( learn more proverbs)
14. Learn how to drive and ride a motorbike
15. Somehow get enough money to buy a Scooter with a convertible top! (* So cool right!?!)
16. Attend more lessons and improve on my Capoiera moves (*master free-hand Aú aka Cartwheel)
17. Pick up a new martial art (*Wingchun, Muay Thai, Northern Shaolin or Krav Maga?)
18. Punch and kick harder and faster.
19. Complete sports climbing course level 1 (*4th Jan 2009)
20. Complete sports climbing course level 2 and ice climbing course (*date unknown)
21. Learn how to sky-dive (*complete level 1 course, some time in Feb 2009, Perth. Yeah! Australia backpacking trip! Hope I survive the dive =D)
22. Exercise at least twice a week for January and February 2009 (*intensive self-training to prepare for NS starts in March)
23. Become fitter! (*Run 2.4km under 10.30, continuously do 15 pull-ups, continuously do 50 push-ups and do 60 sit-ups in 60s by 1st April 2009)
24. Become more flexible! (*physically and mentally)
25. Learn how to in-line skate.
26. Go for archery lessons!
27. Learn how to play the piano. (*a little help here Mr G)
28. Make new friends, good friends (*nah.. I’ll leave that to fate)
29. Be nicer to my family and the few good friends I have…
30. Be nicer to grandma aka popo (*visit her more often)
31. Be more polite and sensitive to others.
32. Talk less, listen more
33. Master the art of being sarcastic but subtle and charmingly EVIL (*muahahahaha)
34. Stop growing taller
35. Look better (More adorable =P ..Better complexion!)
36. Eat healthier (*less sweet stuff… not very possible)
37. Make a point to be more careful. (*Cautious)
38. Learn to focus better (*waste less time, save more of life)
39. Become crazier, more spontaneous! =D XD =D –D ;D :D %D $D @D !D $D
40. Be more independent!
41. Get used to being alone (*embrace loneliness for there’s no one to hug)
42. Enjoy being single! (*I’ll stay true, I still remember all my promises to you)
43. Remain single for the next 16 years (*remain single for 1 year since this is a 2009 resolution)
44. Think less about death (*learn not to fear it I guess…)
45. Be more EMO (*cultivate Emopoetic stem cells)
46. Do more charitable stuff and voluntary work. (*I’m EVIL! I’m selfish! I’m doing these for good karma that’s all…)
47. Earn some money (*somehow), Spend less money (*I wonder how)
48. Learn to invest! (*Property, stocks, bonds etc… By books or by crook)
49. Turn green (*environmentally friendly I mean… I’ll start by using less tissue)
50. Live life to the fullest (*don’t do stupid stuff that I’ll regret later)

Robbie Williams’ Better Man

Send someone to love me

I need to rest in arms

Keep me safe from harm

In pouring rain

Give me endless summer

Lord I fear the cold

Feel I’m getting old

Before my time

As my soul heals the shame

I will grow through this pain

Lord I’m doing all I can

To be a better man

Go easy on my consciencecause

it’s not my fault

I know I’ve been taught

To take the blame

Rest assured my angels

Will catch my tears

Walk me out of here

I’m in pain

As my soul heals the shame

I will grow through this pain

Lord I’m doing all I can

To be a better man

Once you’ve found that lover

You’re homeward bound

Love is all around

Love is all around

I know some have fallen

On stony ground

But love is all around