Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Weekends.It's good to be back in Bristol. After spending a week away from home, it certainly felt good to be back in my own comfy room! It had been a fulfilling week, and am very happy with the progress of the recordings done over the week. Managed to record a cover for another council song and to come up with 2 other tunes.
But more than all the recordings and all, it was a good time catching up on myself, do stuff that I really wanna do, not having to meet deadlines, to put on a smile for others, but just being by myself. I'm sure we all go thru' periods in which we're tired of saying the usual harlows, and would rather much prefer to be alone, enjoying that silence that it brings.
It was also an excellent time of time with God. Have been reading the book "Purpose Driven Life", and it's been speaking pretty directly into my life. Am always very amazed at how God speaks to us, and how He addresses the issues that we all go thru, ever had that encounter with Him? =O)
Well this is my final week in Bristol, from here on, it'll be traveling all the way till end June. It was nice meeting up with Martin and Sharon for lunch at Nandos. It's so nice to hear that they'll be traveling round Europe as well! Haha! The 3 council couples are all over the world now! And would be meeting back in Singapore between the 25th-26th of June! Heh!
Anyways, Beks is helping me set up a radio blog. She would be the first to hear the finished products of the recordings done! Yeah hopefully they'll be up soon, and you guys would get to hear them too! Must give feedbacks yah? Am still learning to do music editing and stuff! So would appreciate all the criticisms!! Positive ones that is ... ain't a time to take a piss at me yah?!?
Posted by Musicshen at 6:02 PM
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Saturday, May 28, 2005
People Watching.The sunrise was beautiful this morning. At an unearthly hour of 0500H, the sun was nice and bright, full in its glorious shine! Went to bed at about 0730H, and got up for lunch at 1230H. Was just slacking the whole day away, something so lacking from the usual hectic life. Picked Yanxuan up from the tube station before heading to Sainsbury to get some food and DRINKS!!
I particularly enjoyed dinner with Kwan Eng. It was really nice catching up and after dinner, we headed to Covent Gardens. There were SO MANY people who were just sitting out in the open, with a nice glass of Shiraz, laughing, enjoying each others' company. And I suddenly felt that we back at home were seriously lacking in that area. (Of course we must take into account the weather and stuff like that).
But I think, more importantly, it reflects the society that we're living in. How the stress we face, the pressures and all, prevent us from living the life we should be living. So Kwan Eng and I just sat by the pavements, just like the many others, and people-watched, enjoying the weather, the ability to just relax and enjoy. =O)
Posted by Musicshen at 6:09 AM
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Friday, May 27, 2005
Mr Mozart.
Brekky was great this morning. Made myself a big breakfast! Had grilled pork, egg, baked beans and pork sausages. It was very very filling! Anyways, finally composed something new. It's called Life's Surprises. Was originally meant to be a nice slow ballad, but somehow that did not quite work out, so converted it to a hip-hop latin rap. Something fun, something danceable, you know what I mean?
Life's Surprises
You think you can outsmart the patterns of the world
Piecing life together, onward you're sure
Aiming high thinking you will never fall
With lots of hope, always standing tall
Then somethings just get outta hand
And suddenly mann, you're sinking into quicksand
Tripping and falling you're not longer steady
You know life's full of surprises baby
So what do you do
When life's cruel to you
You can choose to curse and swear all day
But that ain't gonna make anything okay
So what do you do
When life's cruel to you
Stand up be strong
Fight them as they come along
Up the big ladder you climb with all your might
Getting that promotion oh yeah you'll fight
Putting on the suit every morning every day
Looking at the mirror smiling, "I'm good" you'll say
Then things start crumbling down on your head
Life's been cruel, you wish you were dead
Your head's so heavy you think you're going crazy
You know life's full of surprises baby
Dont be too caught up my friend
There's so much to life than cents
Don't climb too high be satisfied
Cos' life's full of surprises alright
Yeah will put up the trial version once it's up. Am hoping to get my friend to rap it for me, think I sound a little weird cos' it's a little too fast for me, yet I know it can be done. Anyone up to try? Heh!
It was certainly very fulfilling going for a classical concert tonight. Turns out that it was some charity drive. But it was very enriching listening to orchestral music. It's just the way that it speaks directly to your soul. Hearing how the instruments are layered, how the voices blend with each other, the use of imitations, stuff like that.
It was good catching up with Lynne too! Heh! Ate so much! Had Japanese dinner before the concert, and went for Dim Sum after it! Simply yummy! If it's anything that Singaporeans are good at, it MUST be eating!
Posted by Musicshen at 12:13 PM
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Thursday, May 26, 2005
The Recording BeginsThis has to be by far the most relaxed day that I have had this year. I am all myself and I AM loving it. Got up at 9 this morning (much later than normal) and went out to Tescos to get some food to cook/ eat for the rest of the week.
A big thank you to H who provided this wonderful place for me to stay in. An apartment, equipped with a huge living room, a magnificent kitchen and 2 bedrooms, all for me to enjoy. Heh! Heaven I tell you.
Spent the greater part of the afternoon working on In This Place, my first recording project for this week. It was written for Malaysian Singaporean Night back in Jan. Trying to get the full music out so that I can get Nadie to sing it when I get back to Bristol.
Am currently watching the finals of the Champions League - AC Milan v Liverpool. VERY VERY exciting! Haha! An unexpected goal by Maldini in the 1st minute! AMAZING STUFF!! Hmmm, seems like AC Milan's going home victorious!
Just made myself dinner tonight - Baked Salmon with Mixed Herbs, carrots and a sweet corn on the side. Hopefully it tastes good.
Anyways, will be meeting Lynne tmrw to catch a classical concert. Have not been to one since my MEP days, so it should be quite an eye-opener! Meanwhiles, I'm gonna enjoy the 2nd half of the match and finish up my recording after that! =O)
Posted by Musicshen at 4:36 AM
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Wednesday, May 25, 2005
BMW 645.The second day at Virginia Waters was physically exhaustive. Got up in the morning at had nice Hokkien seafood porridge for brekky, after which was the beginning of a Sports For Life afternoon. Went cycling round the country house (Trust me, it's huge) with the 3 boys, went on some adventure trial with them into the woods, into the secret passages which they have found access to the main entrance.
Kinda reminds me of field camp in OCS, hiding amongst the trees, having to camouflage myself, pretending that there was
imminent danger all around. Looking back, it must have seemed pretty ridiculous huh?
It wasn't the end, had another 2 good hours of soccer with the boys. Manchester United v Chelsea , of course the latter winning 7-3. Heh! I say that C. and I make a jolly good team. =O) The boys are adorable I tell you, and they were pretty upset that I had to leave for Central London that afternoon. But I promised them that I will be back, and I would be on the 5th, when my family comes up.
And the highlight of they day - Test Driving the BMW 645 series. (Jon, you can start cursing now, heh!) H. kindly offered to let me have a go at his new prezzie for his wife. The new toy was just a week old. The drive was smooth, amazing and unbelievable. A soft touch at the acceleration pedal quickly brought the car to a 100 km/h in less than 6 seconds. It's amazing what kind of power 330 horses can give you. Heh!
To be honest, I was a little frightened initially. It must have been 6 months since I last drove a car, and suddenly I get to drive, and what more, a fast car. Was so afraid that I would crash it or something. Furthermore, when I got into the car, I could not see the end of the car cos' it was so low, so that kinda freaked me out even more. But DEFINITELY worth the ride.
Posted by Musicshen at 6:12 AM
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Tuesday, May 24, 2005
The Holiday Begins.Was at H's country house today. The driver originally had some problems getting me from Bristol, but after much difficulty, he managed to. It's funny how protocol gets into the way huh?
Just like in the army, there's a certain chain of commandthat all soldiers must follow. Well I felt that the fastest way to solve the problem would be for me to call the driver directly, instead of having to call the local representative, who then had to call the i/c for the driving department, who in turn had to call the driver to pass the message.
Hmmm, I suppose the challenge would be to balance protocol and efficiency and it would not be in my position to say that efficiency should take precedence. Oh wells, I got to Bath eventually, and the ride was worth the wait. Audi A6 hatchback, simply beautiful!
The highlight of the day must have been the Yamaha Grand at the country house. It was like a dream come true! Having the whole Grand to myself. Managed to write some lyrics that night, have not thought of a title though. Played the Yahama till about 1 in the morning, before deciding to turn in for the night.
Posted by Musicshen at 7:25 AM
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Monday, May 23, 2005
My Humble Abode.I've been wanting to do this for the longest time. Yeah I suppose it's time, since I've gotta move out soon! So here it is, the place that I've been living in for the past year. It's amazing I tell you, am really happy that i'm staying at Manor Hall! It's pretty huge (relative to other halls!) and I've got plenty of furniture that came with it! (Yx: I know you're still pissed that I got the nice cupboard and you didn't! HAH!)
I'll be leaving for Europe pretty soon, and I'll have to clear most of my things out by then. Yeah, need to get a luggage full of my stuff to my parents, so that they can bring it home for me. The good thing is, that Wendy would be with me to clear my stuff just before we head back to Singapore. That would be fun! =O) So here are the photos! Enjoy!
Yeah this is where I sleep. Don't spend much time at this part of the room.
Haha! I should actually name it "Recording area". Absolutely cannot study here!
My photo area. And a random "Along Came Polly" poster which I replaced with letters from Wendy! =O)
My beautiful IKEA table and carpet.
My old fireplace - more photos and a display of treasured items!
Files and instruments - Saxophone and Acoustic Guitar.
Also also! Wanna show you guys my newest toy from the US - the Radium 49 I was talking about! YES YES~ It's a MIDI sequencer keyboard that churns out amazing sounds! Here it goes!
A side view of the toy
Aerial view of the Radium 49
A Close up view of the instrument
Anyways it's following me up to London tmrw! Yeah gonna be spending a week there meeting up with friends and all. And hopefully to spend some time composing music and finishing up outstanding recordings that I owe people! Heh! And lastly, some pictures of my prized possessions! SHOES!!! YAY!!!
DC shoes, Adidas Daroga, Bumblebee shoes
DC shoes, Globe, Everbest, Pumas, Army Brooks
Okay okay, I think I shall stop here. Will soon post more on the little excursion we had today! =O)
Posted by Musicshen at 9:24 AM
1 comments
Sunday, May 22, 2005
JT Trio.Was just thinking about the band. A year just went by, and there's a good chance that I won't be playing with them anymore. It's gonna be a lot harder getting practice together next year cos' we're no longer in hall, and would probably have to pay to get rooms to jam. But just wanna dedicate this post to them, for enriching my music, my experience and my love for jazz.
For a start, I must say that both Joel and Chris are excellent musicians. You have no idea how much pressure I undergo when I'm jamming with them. Heh! Just to keep up with them! I'm pretty weak in my rhythms, so need to struggle a lot more to keep in time with the other two. But I think more importantly, their love for their instrument is truly remarkable. Joel spends about 3-4 hours a day on his bass, it's amazing how he's so dedicated to his music.
So cheers to them! For the recordings we've done! =O) Will be putting up the songs soon, once I get them out in the proper format and stuff!
Posted by Musicshen at 10:36 PM
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Saturday, May 21, 2005
Praise Him For His Goodness.You may think that I'm insane, but I seriously enjoyed this whole exam period. =O) It was like non-other - relaxed, focussed and most importantly God-guided. It's really amazing how things work differently when God's in control, and this exam period has affirmed that!
Just received an e-mail from the "Little Davids", the mission group that I went to Philippines with 2 years back. And it brought back so many memories!! Being in Philippines was such a humbling experience! Went to the villages and stayed there for a week or so. The toilets had no door, just a cloth to cover the entrance of a hut-looking structure big enough for a toilet bowl, which you have to manual flush after you're done.
And the showers, everything manual. You need to boil water if you want hot water. And to get normal water, you need to pump it from the ground! Also, no door! Another cloth-like looking thing covering the main entrance, but when the wind blows, it becomes a free show for everyone! Haha! So needed someone to stand guard, holding the cloth to the entrance.
But the experience was so magical, and the team saw how God worked! It's so exciting knowing how He's working back home, in Nueva Ecija and even in Bristol! Amen to that! Really wanna thank God for being so faithful to me! Even in times when I turn from Him, or try to do things on my own, He's still faithful!
Broken I Come
I thought that I could do it on my own
Fighting temptations in my face
But the sins keep screaming out to me
Then I realise I've failed to see
That You are always there for me
You are always loving me
With Your Hands outstretched to me
Waiting to rescue me
So I life my hands in surrender
To the great Almighty King
And I kneel before Your throne
Whispering my prayer
Broken I come
I need You Lord
More than anything
Posted by Musicshen at 7:51 PM
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Friday, May 20, 2005
Beautiful Words Of Wisdom."Freedom of expression on the media's part, as a counter-force to privacy, was not invariably the ace of trumps but it was a powerful card to which the courts had to pay appropriate respect."
Didn't know Judges could crap out something like this from something so boring. Heh.
Posted by Musicshen at 8:38 AM
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Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Fu's BirthdaySome updates on Fu's birthday. Decided to upload the photos beofre starting on some revision. Haha! They are quite funny!
Yanxuan And I - She's more drunk when she's sober.
On the week before exams! What were we thinking?!?!
Birthday boy WHITE - not a good sign~
That's some nasty nonsense
Drinking buddy. Can always count on Jon to grab a beer.
Yo! What's up mann!?! After 5 shots and 4 beers? Haha!
He is gone. For sure. Got pretty pissed before he even came to the club.
Yanxuan and Tara - came in matching outfits!
Boys will be boys
Posted by Musicshen at 2:30 AM
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A Heartless Lawyer
Thank God for the completion of my first paper! Must really thank Him for keeping me calm and composed thru' this period thus far. Went to church last night, and had a really good time of worship last night. How apt! They decided to have a worship session! So right after the sermon, the band came up and we had about close to an hour of worship. It was amazing! And even more amazing how you receive that peace from God, knowing that in everything that you do, God is watching you, guiding you every step of the way!
Well, did a few random things after my paper. Had a good lunch at Benny's Special, something different from all that microwavable food that I've been eating for the past week, it was nice eating "proper" food! Heh! Went for a haircut, decided to keep my hair slightly longer from my usual, and then went to Sainsbury to buy more microwavable food. Sigh, harsh reality of a student's life - during exam period no time to cook, but have time to blog .... Haha! Also, I had to pay off a 200 quid credit card bill!! ARGH!! Yeah forgot that I bought extra tickets to skydive! But anyways am intending to sell them already, can't see myself going back there in the near future. That would save me 90 quid!
Other than that, life has been pretty mundane, library in library out! But glad that all that's coming to an end! Heh! Am looking forward to what's ahead, meeting my family in London, then meeting Wendy after that, traveling round Europe with all of them! IT WOULD BE PERFECT!!! Just like a dream come true!! =O) But for now, I've got criminal law to get out of the way. I am convinced that criminal law strips a person of any humanity. Trust me, after reading 100 cases on murder and manslaughter, you stop thinking about the poor person who's dead, rather, you start brainstorming as to whether the person is guilty or not. Sad truth about lawyers - heartless!
Okay, countdown to freedom - 4 days to go. I WILL be a very happy monkey after that. =O)
Posted by Musicshen at 2:15 AM
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Wednesday, May 11, 2005
HappinessWent to Po Na Na's today for Richard Fu's birthday celebration. It may seem weird that I'll be in a club but thought it'll be a good break from the vigorous studying routine. Like Jon said, if it's anytime to have alcohol, it'll be now! After all, we've been spending the past 12 hours or so in the library for the past week, think we could do with a break! =O)
It was a good break from the usual get-to the library-by-nine routine. I'm still certain that i''ll get to the library by 9 tmrw. Haha! Just got to water parade to get rid of the excess alcohol in my body. I suppose it's one of those things where you just let go of yourself, and relax! Have fun and not feel guilty, you know what I mean?
Anyways, I'm hanging on, it's just 2 weeks more, and I'll be a free man!! Really looking forward to the Europe tour with my family and Wendy... that's gonna be fun!! Something to anticipate!!! Oh wells, think I'm off to bed, it's 230 in the morning, need to get my 6 hours (my plan for the week) so that I'll be all nice and fresh to start the brand new day!!
Posted by Musicshen at 10:35 AM
3 comments
Saturday, May 07, 2005
Life Run.One more week to exams! YAY!! Finally the exams are coming!! it's been in and out of the library the whole week, following a similar routine every single day! But I suppose it's worth the effort yah? Once this is done, life would be back to normal! =) Well went for a run this morning, it was really refreshing ... wonder why the streets were so empty *ponders* Anyways went for a life run (Army boys, you know what I mean) with Jon, Li Kun, May Lyn and Minn Yin. It was the first time for the girls, and I must say that they did pretty well! Especially towards the end, on that montrous and unforgiving hill up towards Hawthorns. Heh! It's nice to start the day with a run, it's only 9 in the morning, and I already feel like I've done so much! Haha!
It's this time of the exam period that you start thinking about post exam activities. And similarly, I've been trying to plan my summer back home, short trips to nearby countries, attachments, late nights at "Long Bar", recordings, meeting up with friends, stuff like that... But am hoping to do some community work as well, like going someplace to teach English, build a school, I dunno, just something meaningful. Hopefully can do it with my council dudes. Heh!
It's strange how lawyers just can't let go for the jargons they learn? Don't you think so? Once you put a group of lawyers together, they break into this unfathomable language that only they understand (Ask Tara), and laugh at jokes that seem absolutely ridiculous, ever felt that way? Haha, I am guilty of that as well, though am trying very hard to be normal .. it's a challenge! Was in Budapest, and had this rule that if anyone spoke of the law, they had to do the "Chicken Dance", that really showed who who were victims of the law system! *cough cough*
Was talking to Ribena last night (Thanks for entertaining me!) and went into the whole law thing you know? She wanted Krispy Kremes and I went into the whole "consideration" thing. (Okay, non-lawyers, skip this part) Why should I be so nice as to buying the best donuts in UK for her right? Buy Krispy Kremes back to Singapore?!?! Haha! Then we went into the whole duty as a friend thing, forming new liabilites that are non-existent at law ... quite funny lahh .. only if you're a lawyer
Anyways gonna take a shower now! Great job to all the peeps in Singapore on the completion of yet another academic year! If you're actually reading this now between 10pm and 2am, you NEED to go out and play... Okays, take good care everyone, it won't be long before we meet again!
Posted by Musicshen at 5:20 PM
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Monday, May 02, 2005
Food food food.It's been a fairly long time since I had anything REALLY nice to eat, and when I mean real nice, I mean "fine dining" nice! It's as if my tummy couldn't take in the sudden in flux of good, mouth-watering food. It'll take me ages to describe the menu for the day. But I was truly satisfied, had my favourite lamb for lunch, which was VERY well done I must say! My warden had a few of the guys over for lunch yesterday. And it was really nice catching up with him. Lunch was from 1400H - 1900H.
What I particularly enjoyed was not actually the food, but the conversations that the few of us shared. It was strange, yet a sign that we all are growing up, having given careful thought to things of the world, issues that we used to say that they were best left to the adults. Take for instance prostitution (one of the many issues we discussed), and the possibility of legalising it. At first instance it may seem wrong from a moral standpoint right? And incorporating such an "extreme" measure into society would almost be unthinkable. But after talking it out, I can finally understand way it ain't such a bad idea after all. What do you think?
Strangely enough, my warden, in his late 40s, is more open-minded than any of the guys at lunch yesterday. We always used to think that the older generation was always so caught up in their times, their mindset, the what have-you-nots .. but he displayed an openness of mind that I could never imagine someone like him do. Will try to get a picture of him, then you will understand what I mean. =O)
Went over to Zero Degrees for dinner - Jess' birthday. =O) It was really good. Less the fact that I was really full from the late lunch, I totally enjoyed the whole experience! Shared 1 kg of mussels with Sean called Royal Dish (Don't ask me why!) - Mussels with Salmon, cover in champagne sauce. Simply fantastic! Had one of the best red wines, tasted terrible raspberry beer but the highlight - the jazz band. It was a bunch of elderly men and they were so good!!
Reminded me of my retirement plan, open a nice jazz pub, play nice piano jazz with Wendy singing, for the remaining days of our lives. Haha! I can almost feel it already! Yeah! It's almost coming to the end of the year, don't know how many more times I would get to play with Joel and Chris. I've learnt so much whilst playing with them, doing all those gigs around Bristol, really hope to keep in touch, have a jam once in a while.
Wells, the weekend was a good one. And now it's time to get back to work. 2 weeks to go. Gotta try squeeze in 4 sessions a day now. All my recording stuff have been kept, no recording till after exams! MUST BE DISCIPLINED!!!!
Posted by Musicshen at 8:10 AM
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