Sailing through time

Its been awhile since I last posted. Just a brief summary of what I did during CNY: Had steamboat on eve, celebrated the Niu Year at a restaurant and then lots and lots of gaming and Chinese New Year Specials hahaha. As for the amount of angpow money collected, I was not as excited and full of anticipation for the sudden swell of wealth as I was in the past years. To me, 2009 CNY was kind of a happy period for my family and me as their laughter are of higher value than the cash stuffed in red packets. Hmmm...maybe I am really turning 17 already, a solid 17, just kidding. With the charging bull in reign, hopefully I would be able to fulfill all my dreams this year.(will upload my photos soon, I need time to consolidate them, teehee).

Tom-fetish

I remembered very distinctively what Val told me a FEW times-"HL, you're soo man!". That phrase seems to stuck in my head:D Sometimes I do wonder whether I am a tom-boy since I did not think much of what val told me. However, after going shopping with my friends at Bugis, I realised the differnce in the type of apparels we did go for. They did go for pumps, heels, skirts and anything girlish. Although I find skirts a pretty appealing, I'd prefer chucks, sneakers, cargo pants, tees, caps, cool jackets and short hair(most preferably Jap style*wink*,but the stylists here kinda sucks!), plus the fact that I sorta like to hang around with guys and play sports so I would say I'm a neutral tomboy, but slightly incline towards tomboyishness I guess.

BUT I am extremely clear of my sexuality, am no les!I would like to make this clear since many like to make a correlation between Tomboys and Lesbians.

To Aya Kito San

Dear Aya-san,

Konnichiwa, watashi HL.Daijobu?Genki?:D1 Litre of Tears was worthy of it name indeed. After finishing this show, I think many people cried enough to fill a 1 Litre bottle. Aya-san's courage and strength gave me alot of encouragement to live life to the fullest. A warrior, you fought tooth and nail with the spinocerebellar ataxia, an incurable disease. You must be tired after 10 years of battle. Even though you knew your future was uncertain, you decided to accept your condition and see the "illness as part of your life"(quoted from Aya-san's diary). Kawaii Smiles never left that round face of yours(from what I see in the pics) and courage was seeping through your muscles. Since I started watching this show and reading your diary, my perspective in life has definitely changed. I hope that you will continue to smile at the the other side. Ganbatte ne? Arigato gozaimasu Aya Kito-san, watashi Ganbarimasu!!!

Hip Hoppin' To Canon!HOOTS~!

I just discovered something really cool and I can't wait to share:coolest fusion ever! This video shows two hip-hoppers dancing to Canon in D played using the guzheng!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcGGxC8j_no

It cleraly presented the route the world is trying to take:fusing of generations and cultures. The Canon, a classical piece is played using a traditional Asian instrument, the modern danc is staged under an "ancient" atmosphere. In reality, everyone is trying to have the best of both worlds, with the doctors combining western and eastern medicine, increasing fusion foods(east and west)on menus, traditonal costumes with a twist and etc.

However I wonder whether the world takes these things in. From my point of view, the older generations are still uncomfortable accepting these "middle paths" while the younger ones are more open to such ideas. But of course, without rejections, there will not be successes right? We owe our modern art to our obstinate elders :D

Road ahead

First and foremost, I would like to thank ALL teachers who taught me before. Arigato! Next, I would like to apologise to those teachers whom I had let down, GOMENASAI! I know that you guys are disappointed in me, but I will Ganbarimasu in the next station! I wish all my teachers the best of health, luck and wealth:D

For the past few months,my friends and I had a tough time choosing the path that we want to take. For me, it was slightly easier as I already had plans in mind during the holidays. Personally, I feel that that one should plan ahead and then work backwards and you will arrive at the answer that you want. As teenagers who are reaching adulthood, this is a chance to really "live for yourself" instead of following your parents' wishes or living up to others' expectations. Of course, from what I observed around me, this step is tough to take since one will not be able to find excuses and blame others if any thing goes wrong.

As a teenager, I would very much like to prove to my parents that I'm independant so that the option of studying overseas would be open(heehee). Currently, in my opinion, it is the first time I made such a big decision for myself and I am somehow proud of myself for being able to decide for myself the kind of life I want to live in the future. JC or Poly, this dilemma had bothered me for the past few months and I'm glad I found the path that I wanted.:D I wish all my friends all the best for the years ahead! Gd luck and bon voyage!

The Next Hurdle

Yup, now that I had at least successfully manage to cross the fisrt hurdle, next will be my piano exam! Hopefully I would be able to pass this as the Grade 6 certificate is really important for my advancement towards the next grade. Through my practices, I had actually learnt and re-learnt many of the skills I am supposed to be equipped with. I found back a small fragment of the "feeling" that I had been trying to feel for quite some time. Besides, I have been working on my techniques too! Wheeee! Rest assure, I will continue to work even harder on my piano :D

The Actual Graduation

Yo! Gotten back my results. Far from satisfactory, *SIGH*! However I think I can get into the courses that I want, so, it is still kind of comforting for me. Well, this is our actual graduation and the offical last meeting with friends and calssmates. Cngrats to those who achieved your dreams! Its ok to those who failed to hit the bull's eye, work harder, ganbatte! Yippeeeeee I don not have to go back to that school anymore...

Song Without Words

Mendelssohn, Mendelssohn, a legend of music in the Romantic preiod. As a music student, his pieces are at times pretty easy to comprehend while at other times baffling to me. As an emotion-driven master, his songs touches human hearts. Song Without Words Op.19, No.2 opened doors for me to enter his world, smooth yet turbulent, colourful yet contrasting. Playing as Andante Espressivo, its the first time in my life as a pianist to understand a piece initally only by listiening to the structure of the music, dynamics and melody. The emotions and feelings he tried to convey though this song was indeed beyond what words could describe-smoothness woven into melancholy and tenderness, a pinch of slopiness sprinkled into a cauldron of clear inner strength, ahhh but definitley not comforting to those with lost loved ones.

Cantabile!

I had watched "Nodame Cantabile", a show based on manga. It was loaned to me by my cous. "Nodame" is realistic, inspiring yet cute and hilarious at the same time(a million thanks to the technologically enchanced slapstick scenes). The main characters and sidekicks are eually encouraging. Their hardwork and integrity, as well as respect for music and people inspired me as a pianist. They had brought me to a higher level of music and deeper understanding of this ethereal and emotional subject. Other than some unnecssary and long-winded parts, the show is indeed a must-see for music lovers(basically paino, violin, orchestra)