“A chain of memories string together intertwined, at present everything and all things seemed sweet and fine. Lives return to struggles and pain, only to make us stronger and better day by day. Ten years the last we met, finally memories flood and laughter resound bringing us realization and recollection, to the days where we had no qualms”
~Reuben’s thoughts~
Technology is awesome. If I hadn’t started an account with facebook, I doubt I’d ever establish contact with Josiah and Jeremiah. Those 2 are one of the good pals I had back in AMKMC days. And it was darn awesome just catching up on old times.
Memories flooded and laughter followed, as we recount many church camps and events that happened a decade ago. Over at Coffee Club Express at Takashimaya, I was with friends who I’ve not seen for ages, and yet they look exactly the same 10 years back. Maybe it was some kind of magic, maybe it was just us. But whatever it was, it definitely felt warm just catching up with them.
I’m not in this picture, but this brings back dozens of memories
Is it that difficult to forget stress and work and just enjoy the company of your other half? Perhaps it is… especially when one is working in a high stress work place, with bad politics, sadistic people and a huge underpay. But none the less, It feels even more miserable to be dis empowered, when my presence is not enough to bring a smile to the face of my loved one.
In such situations very random and pessimistic thoughts run through my brain. Sometimes doubting the very things that I had complete confidence in. However when I recall the little things she says or does, then I remember that perhaps yes its true, that she really deeply loves me the way I love her too.
If only life was like a typical love story, without all the stress, hardships and doubts. But then again without the things that crush us, how else can we withstand the more devastating things before us?
Okay so I was supposed to update a long time ago. In fact people and friends were wondering how my life was doing… And perhaps the very common reason we all use is “I was very busy.” And then I realize the truth. There’s only so much I can write about my graduate life in NUS.
HOWEVER… There is so much to say about my life during the vacation. And there’s so much that I do that most people don’t know about! Well there’s too much to say here and if I were to post everything that has happened thus far, then I’m afraid this post would be longer than “The Dark Knight.“
The point is I realized that a blog, a diary is like a little place to ramble. I think it’s so much easier to post something short and simple per day, then to consolidate all my past happenings and write them into one mega post.
And so, this is what I shall do. I shall ramble about stuff I encounter in the day… And I honestly hope, it has nothing to do with studies, equations and exams.
Art Imitates Life
Yes I’ve fallen into Shounen Manga addiction with NANA.
It’s almost like I’ve become addicted to a typical Jap Drama / Korean Drama, only that THIS is much better. The strange thing is with me watching NANA, and with me meeting old pals and listening to their BGR problems… I realized one thing. That alot of the time, we like to paint our own love drama. In fact there are those who live in their own world, thinking that life is like a movie or drama. But nothing’s worse than using your own psychotic dream world to manipulate the minds of a lost love.
I know of a friend who goes through that. And I do not believe that it’s the right thing for her ex to do.
Personally I write songs and my songs depict the love stories that I go through – much like a drama . However that movie that plays in my head as I sing, is only for me to reminiscence, and it exists solely for that purpose .
For example, if someone wrote a diary… As long as the contents are secret, it remains as a diary. However if it were sold off and read by someone else then it becomes an autobiography or a novel. The purpose of the diary then changes depending on whether we mean it for others to read it.
So please don’t use those words of your story, to fool the heart of someone you jilted and cheated on. If you kept it to yourself, it could be your song. But when you tell those words to that person, it becomes manipulation in the hope to instill remorse. And that is just dirty
Having said that, It pains me to say that these stories that I hear… about guys being irresponsible, unfaithful and just dumb, makes me feel a little disappointed. From stories of young punks speeding and getting others killed, to stories of psychotic guys plotting to destroy their ex girlfriend’s happiness. Seriously, something is very wrong with the world.
My Stories through Pictures
Stuff I wanted to write about but became too lazy to write about. Thus, let the pictures do the talking.
Ok so I’ve not updated in… forever. But at least let me put some videos that will describe what I’ve been up to
Enjoy the videos!
August 8, 2007
~ ME SAFE AND CAREFUL. OTHERS NOT~
Ok so this isn’t a normal blog entry that I’d write. A normal “Reuben” Entry would include my profound thoughts put into puzzle-like riddles. It would probably have some nice music playing at the background of this website. In fact, there would be thousands of pictures and a ton of words.
But no. This entry is different.
It’s straight to the point, no nonsense and very real. So real that whenever I recall what happened, It reminded me of a scene in an Initial D Movie with such clarity that no technology or TV can match. The ultimate clarity – of witnessing it with your very eyes. And perhaps most unfortunately, being hit by another car with my very eyes.
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It was 12.50am, the 4th of August 2007. After watching “The Wicker Man” on DVD with my dear at home, I drove her back as usual. I exited Ang Mo Kio Ave 3, heading towards the CTE. Then vaguely but surely I saw a Red Toyota Viris lose control on the 1st lane.
My gaming instincts warned me and I braked
A second later. Literally a second later. A screech, a thump and a yelp from my dear.
I see the side of his car in front of me. An accident. I felt surreal, but surely it was reality.
In my mind I whispered a 3 lettered word too crude for little ones to know. It doesn’t start with an S but it ends with an F. I checked on my dear and she was fine. My first instinct was to turn off the engine, check for injuries and get away from the car. Dear was stuck cause the left side of our car was against the railing. I got out and saw a young man 3 years younger than me climb out of his car. He looked shock, and perhaps afraid… I looked at my car’s front. I felt a jab in my chest… it felt as if like my piano just got destroyed. Or like… like… you spent 80 hours to max out your FFVII character stats then boom! your memory card’s burnt.
Haiz
Haiz.. poor bumper and “sarong”
Looks like the car was stuck in transforming to a robot.
you can’t see it but his tires are sunk in a bit.
It took a good 5 seconds to register what happened. I looked at his car, noticing his “P plate” shining brightly against the moonlit sky. While he claimed he didn’t know what happened, I had a pretty good idea about it. In anycase, his mistake was not checking his left blindspot when keeping left. It’s sooo basic to look FIRST then signal and keep left man. I’m hoping no one reading this would take this for granted. Hmph!
We exchanged particulars and stuff and it amused me that he didn’t want to call his dad yet. The police came but just adviced us on what to do and to stay away from the vehicles. EMAS took forever to tow our vehicles and by then my Dad was there. EMAS still didn’t come. A kind “or rather opportunist business minded workshop staff” told us he’ll settle everything. Our car’s engine was fine. Managed to drive over to his workshop and settle the GIA Motor Accident Report. *no need for police report if there’s no injury*
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And so after a few days here I am typing. As adviced, we decided to claim from HIS insurance. Actually I found out that its most likely that his insurance will try to claim from Mine.
The Audacity!!!!!!!
I think he knows its his fault, but his insurance probably wouldn’t think like that. But even if they did try to fake or twist the story… then I’m afraid that his insurance company is about to meet the most formidable and dangerous dude around. “If my God is for me, who can be against me?” *mocking tone*
In a more serious note, a friend Enoch asked me if time did slow down in that instant. In that moment I couldn’t really think about which decisions to make. However it was as if my mind knew what was the best course of action – to brake! Ivan (a CS1.6 friend) said that maybe I could avoid it if I sped up. But if I did… then…
If I did speed up, he’d crash right into me man! If I avoided by steering left, I’d hit the guard railings. If I avoided by steering right, I’d hit him straight on. If I braked much earlier and stopped, I suspect he’d crash into the railing and end up in hospital. If I didn’t play Counterstrike and wasn’t trained for observing everything around me, then I wouldn’t break in time. If I didn’t break in time, the impact would be much much greater…
Generally speaking… I couldn’t have avoided this. And more interestingly, it would seem that whatever I’ve seen and learned so far, made me survive this accident in the most minimal way. It’s like a clockwork of events and occurances that fit almost too perfectly. It taught me a huge lesson.
Some people look at the worth of their lives through their own eyes.
Actually its true worth is known, if you look through God’s eyes.
P.S: For 4D/lottery enthusiast, his license plate number is 5672. Mr Jeffrey.. Drive safely next time…
July 18, 2007
~EVERYTHING TILL NOW~
Video Playing: Byul(Star) – performed by Reuben Wong Soundtrack: 200 Pound Beauty Editing and production by: Reuben Wong *Please wait for video to load.
My Own Enlgish Translation at the Theme Song that left me humming this for.. A Very Long Ttime.
“Doubts, Fears then an answered Prayer, Emotional pains everywhere, troubles and sickness. The Sin of the World grows Darker each day, only to make Him, The Body and Me Brighter and Brighter. Of Fantasies and Realties and everything else, In my mind dreams the Realm of true wonder and mystery. Alas while all great creation serves entertainment for men, Our Purpose here slowly revealed.”
~Reuben’s Thoughts~
RABBITS GALORE
Okay, so the truth of the matter is… It’s almost impossible to decided where to begin when tens or photos & thoughts swirl in my mind. And the last entry date of my previous post annoyingly reminded me that, “Damn I never got to update my Blog!” Not that I refuse to, but I had… several distractions. Distractions that are worthy to be called by that name… For it would be just a lame excuse to say I’ve been busy in the 3 Months of Holidays.
So now, we begin… Swirling my wand into the Pensieve… I pull a memory from my past and behold! The first thing cute and cuddly that appeared in this upsurge are… Rabbits.
Yes Another Cute Video Clip of my Dear Rabbits
So Yuri gave birth again.. or rather they were part of my elaborate Rabbit Breeding Plan. I must confess that at a later stage I decided that it was too cruel to just “use” Yuri. At the end of her 4th Birth I sold off all the rabbits but Yuri and Chubby. But more about that later.
Babies.. small and peanut like when they’re small…
And after just 3 weeks they look like this!
aww… they could fit into my pocket for all i know.
This batch of babies were absolutely gorgeous. Mummy Bunny was Chinchilla and Dad was Black… And the result this time? 2 chinchilla, 1 brown and 1 white. And while we nurtured them till they were about 1.5 months old, It was time to sell them off to the Pet Shop nearby. I admit I don’t feel proud selling them away, but my parents constant complain of how troublesome they may be encouraged me.
After selling all of them, it pained me to hear that the 2 grey ones died under the care of its Indian owner. The Pet Shop Rabbit Uncle (PSRU) whom I sold the rabbits to, told me that… “Your babies died under his care. Heard that all the pets he reared died” It pained me to realize what this meant!
That while I hoped Yuri’s precious babies would be taken care of, there’s an equal chance that a bad owner bought them! PSRU assured me that he will not sell it to the Death Eater again. Then in April 29th… *my birthday* I saw Yuri doing this.
Yuri’s making a nest with her hay!
It could only spell one thing for the rabbit family. An additional 4 to 5 were going to add to the population. And the fact that the nest had been prepared, meant that… The babies would most likely be born on that very night.
Rabbits never made a big fuss while giving birth. Usually you won’t find traces of blood anywhere, or animal sounds and stuff. However, there was one Rabbit I knew who passed on because of her difficult birth. Thankfully, Yuri’s an experience mother. That very night, 4 babies were born again!
The white stuff around is Yuri’s fur – the motive is to keep them warm.
Seeing all these things, how God created Rabbits to be… Really amazed me. The Mother would make a nest, pull some of her fur from her chin… Just so that the babies would have enough warmth to survive.
I remember how Yuri’s first birth resulted in 2 dead babies. Because at that time, there was no nest and thus no warmth. In that instant, it was up to me to make a little warm tissue nest for Yuri’s babies. Even back in those times, Yuri couldn’t recognize her babies! There were too many times she stepped on them and even dug on them. Mum would gasp and wince each time she saw Yuri did that.
4 days after birth
Interestingly everytime Yuri gave birth again, my parents would marvel at how fast they’d grow simple from Yuri’s milk.
The first day, a thin coat of fine fur would grow. The 2nd and 3rd day usually meant that we could see what “colour” their fur would be. And their ears being down meant that they… were not functional just yet. Their ears would open on the 4th to 5th day, and 10 days later? Their eyes begin to see. It’s incredible just watching them grow. Simply… Lovely.
Yuri’s 4th and final batch of babies at 15 days old.
The whole family in at 1.5 months old
The last Chosen One – Chubby
This time I sold all the babies except “Chubby” (as my parents affectionately named). Blackie had to go too since I’ve relinquished plans for anymore breeding. I realized that it was time I gave Yuri the same respect when I had her years ago. That she was a pet. My beloved pet. And not some mean bunny making machine.
All the while, having too many rabbits made my attention rather distributed. But looking at Yuri’s eyes made me realize that only she was my favourite. That I had neglected her too many a times. I used to take her out to play everyday when she was a baby. And that was why she was the only Rabbit that ever licked. The rest of my rabbits never licked at all…
Perhaps it’s because I never gave the right kind of attention. But in the end, it’s now Yuri and her baby Chubby. And till her final end, I’m going to be the best master she can ever have.
REUBWORTS SCHOOL OF WIZADRY
Would be nice if I had my own magic school. But in anycase, my Magic had taken huge advancements… Investing alot in many things, I’ve learnt so much about the art in the last months. From Psychology to NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), From Reading minds to making minds Believe. From DVDs to Magic Magazines… I felt that I was in my own Harry Potter novel! It’s interesting that the world of the magician is rather different. One thing’s for sure, you will never find this advertisement anywhere else but in the magic world i’m in.
Like I said, you’d never find these ads in other normal magazines.
And here’s a Joke that probably only Magicians would understand
“Mexican magician crossed border into America. Border Patrol capture him and return him back to Mexico. The Mexican Turnover was complete”
“French magician falls out of window - First person to take french drop to a whole new level”
And so welcome to my world of enchantment and illusions. I was also very surprised when some people I know asked me about Black Magic. It’s almost the same as talking about the “Dark Arts” in a Potter Book. But essentially the Magic I do is purely for entertainment! But what I’d really love to do, is teach this art. This Art of Magic involves so much that an individual from learn from. It has the elements taken from psychology and performance arts! And more importantly, it is a secret art that had a rich history.
One of the effects I’m proud to have
And recently I had started (and completed) a project that took me alot of my time in NUS. It was an instructional DVD that teaches the basics and essentials of Street Magic. I was encouraged by my students to make this… So that friends and students can learn my Magic in a modern easy way! I’ve initially had discussions and many other magicians think that I priced is too LOW. Yes you got me right. Those who know how much is cost would think that it’s too steep. But by today’s Magic standard… it’s too cheap to have that much content! In anycase, it was finally launched and everything’s been doing swell since then.
Ah yes I named it R1. Simple and to the Point.
Priced at $50 for 2 DVDs! Over 2 Hours of material and a pack of Cards.
Ironically while I have produced my own DVD, Several people had been hoping to work with me on another one. Unforunately most don’t see eye to eye with me on my take on Street Magic. Some even scorned the idea that “Street Magic” should be a genre of Magic. I believe otherwise. That Street Magic requires a different set of tools and requires a certain approach. An approach that would make people feel that they’ve weaknessed simple miracles, from a very ordinary street like perspective. I gasp in horror each time I pass Raffle’s Place and see the “Street Magic” slogan used unlawfully. In anycase, I’ve been performing fine tuning and learning with each performance.
Video clip of Reactions from my performances
And while some people ask me what’s in it for me to perform for free, I simple smile knowing that they would never understand. As a Street Illusionist I am the Performer – The one who amazes the spectator. For the Spectator – their reactions are prove of my achievement. And that is honestly the real purpose of Magic. Not so that I can abuse it and feel more elite, but simply because I enjoy hearing the laughs and amazement while entertaining.
I vaguely remember the amazement 15 years ago, when the balls disappeared and reappeared on other cups. Then when I learnt its secret I knew it had to remain a secret. Because what was beautiful is that when people don’t understand, That’s when their most amazed.
ART IMITATES LIFE
How so very true this statement is. I can’t remember where I’ve recalled this from, Come to think of it, I can’t remember anything I quoted from. In anycase, while it’s not entirely healthy to dwell on the past… It’s always nice to relive those memories boxed up all the years. And by saying that, I meant it literally
My box of Memories. Precious gemstones of Time they are.
The Box Revealed!
It’s interesting to see the past life I had. I speak of it like I’m old and have beards that touch the floor, but I don’t. It’s just that everything changes so fast that you barely realize you were once this and that. Opening the box, I eyed my number tags from previous days as a Long/Triple Jumper for my JC. I remembered clearly that I had no time to go out, training was daily… And it embarassed me to say that I didn’t know which bus goes to Holland Village, because I never had the time to even visit it with friends.
Glancing at the toys I used to play with… I remembered living in Bishan where Tamiya Cars were cool in those days. Or how the fad for the typical mischievious boy was to collect Dragonball cards. Ah yes those cards… I had so many of them. And other than personal memories… In that box were memories of people I held dear.
Girls that made somesort of an influence on my life. There was this Clam Shell from Jacqueline, my first love. Then there was this song Pamela wrote for me (which I’ve been imagining how it had sounded like for years) I remembered being so touched by everything that she did. It was a struggle for me to act indifferent and become a jerk since I was so soft…
And of course there’s the GOLD pendant Michelle gave me as a B’day present.
I remembered she bought it from the Metropolitan of Fine Art.
The pendant had a very Romanian feel about it, and I remembered the story behind this pendant and the girl who gave it to me. I didn’t realize that sometimes the simplest things I say, can bring about so much change, resolve and determination in another. I felt so honoured hearing her story and how she became stronger and determined to study. It feels so nice to influence or rather, to be able to make a difference in someone you know.
Looking through the rummage of memories, most were just toys and events that had meaning in my live. Personal experiences in certain areas. Yet I realized that there were a few things that moved me deeply that I kept. While the box of Memories weren’t constantly updated… I remembered Rachael who compiled all my “Reub-Confuscious quotes” into one booklet.
“Everything I see, everything that happens… It is all part of My Story”
It’s amusing though how the things that I do influence my train of thought. As in… That statement was probably inspired from Final Fantasy X. I realized that I loved to associate myself with the artisitic nature of everything else. Be it from games, to music or song and dance. Sometimes I wonder why… and even my friends wonder why I was in Science.
Perhaps another of my prized possessions in that box, Would be the Art piece I mentioned earlier. I always loved to draw and create. And I was soooo thankful that the school returned my artpiece on request. It was the final examination for art, and while no one bothered about the subject, It became my personal resolve to combine what I knew about art at that age.
A Poem with Caligraphy and pictures relating to it.
And so aside from the Tamiya Cars, Pro-Yos and Dragonball cards, The Box of Memories felt more like little parts of me revealed in very wierd ways. It felt almost like rediscovering certain aspects of myself I once thought never existed. Perhaps it made me feel more able or more talented. But deep in me I know that I wasn’t born with all these things, that all these things, my Story, my Life were only possible because they were given – Given by Him who had blessed me with so much abundance that I myself do not realize.
FROM A NICKNAME TO CREATION
Back in Primary School, Sonic the Hedgehog was in and Mickey was out. Ah yes, being fast seemed to matter to me more than anything. The title of being the “fastest runner” in school seemed like control. And it was a friend Peter who gave me that name… “Uncatchable in Police and Theif” they called me Sonic. Even in the park where I stayed at, I’d used to play “Blind-man-seek,” or “Catching” with my newfound neighbours. Back then me and Harold had nicknames of “Sonic” and “Speeder” respectively. It always felt nice to be the best.
Alas, this fantasy with this nickname went on. And with introduction of a Dragonball Comic by Kevin on the schoolbus, I began to form my own Dragonball world of superpowers, good versus evil and all sorts. As if I was the lead director in my own movie, I started to draw.
I envisioned the best of my 2 favourite worlds. A world where Sonic had special powers to fight of Evil. A Story about legendary emeralds, about the origins of Magic and perhaps a Touch of Final Fantasy. In the end I was absorbed in my own creations, And my Chinese School Teacher wasn’t happy when she saw me doodle them on my textbook.
My first fantasy creation.
It was perfect. 3 Hedgehogs enchanted with Magic against a sinister evil that corrupted the world. Their powers can combine to form the ultimate warrior – “Chaotix”. Each had special abilities. “Soney” had a Sword that could cut through anything (think Trunks in Dragonball), “Shiva” was bashful rash and treats himself like a King (think Vegeta in Dragonabll), “Mystic” was a well known Elementalist which strong spells (think tyipcal magic in Final Fantasy), and their combined form would be Perfect.
Curiously this ultimate ideal warrior idea played a part in more recent years. When I got into cyber gaming, the name “Chaotix” symbolizes ultimatum in my mind. And perhaps that was why I named my Counter-strike: Source Team, Xtreme Chaotix.
Xtreme Chaotix before flying off to China to compete. The Complete team website can be found at www.team-xtc.net
It seems that my past somehow ties with the present.. In a good way of course In anycase, I grew up slowly to realize my fantasy stories had to go on. I loved creating new storylines of good against evil. I think perhaps… I may have played too much Final Fantasy games. None the less, I had several influences from other anime and games. First up there was Neon Genesis Evangelion. I wondered what would happen after the story ended? I decided I could make a revival.. a part II… a “BackLaunch”
Shinji would return and the TRUE Eva would be revealed!
The Story would revolve around the fallen organization after the “End.” And Shinji and Asuka were not the only survivors. It seems that everyone assigned to protect the Earth from the “Angels” were alive. Eva-02 was also intact and Rei Ayanami was re-cloned to ride it.
EVA02 in its splendour. I envisioned it White and Black though.
And of course the comics continued, and continued… But I had a very very bad habit. I never seemed to finish any comic I started on. The only one I ever did was The Backlaunch Episode 1. And following that were 2 comic strips that I never completed. Gosh I loved the anime. The feel and the abstract nature it potrayed, meant that few can understand the significance of a swing swinging on its own. I also remembered vaguely that its creator was actually insane or somesorts.
I used Japanese Katakana not knowing what they even were in those days. Just looks cool having them splattered around the box frames.
And Episode 2 which I never got to complete. ugh. Again Katakana used absolutely ridiculously! Now that I know Jap.. its hilarious what they sounded like. “subooog” and “garo”???
As I flip through the files of comics I kept diligently, I always kept 2 of my artwork with pride. Not because they looked dashing or perfect… But because they were written on my “O” levels Chinese Paper! I think anyone could tell I detested the subject. I loved the lessons though…. Eating char siew pao during class, cheating during spelling, reading comics while the teacher…. *I feel young again*
Ah yes, drawing myself convinced that I screwed up. It wasn’t neccessarily the best thing to do.. but it was nice drawing it.
Unfortunately my liking for drawing on examintaion papers did not end there. It was 1998, and I yearned to draw Final Fantasy VI into a Series. Even if I didn’t do that, I’d love to draw a comic about “Zero” from the Rockman X Series. Or how about continuing the saga I made about Evangelion Backlaunch? Loved to draw… so much so… Other subjects were not spared.
The back of my Chinese Prelim’s and Literature Exam I think.
This was the back of my English Prelim’s Paper – oh the good ‘ol days!
It didn’t end there though. I remembered that in those days there was this “Lian He Zao Bao” Newspaper thingie. They had this art contest every week (or was in everday), and people could win money if their artwork was featured there! I was determined to give it a try when a friend encouraged me in those days. I drew what I was playing back then in 1998 – Final Fantasy VII. I was going to send it in by mail when when… I loved my own drawing so much that I couldn’t bear to send it. And so here it is at my home in my precious file.
Incidentally… or rather subconciously, The name of the picture I drew “Metamorphosis” became the title of my final creation. The Final fantasy I made that I’ve built upon for years in utmost secrecy.
And then in ACJC, and even at University… The Final Fantasy Creation formed in my brain. I even typed out the script of the story and kept it in a hidden file somewhere. It combined the elements of Final Fantasy VI, the concepts of Shadowskill and various influences. It became my dream story – not too elaborate, simple and yet interesting. I became a… R.W.Rowling or something like that, and a huge world formed much like LOTR. I remembered I tried to envision the cover of the comic…
I didn’t really like the Cover at all… and made little modifications to the character design overtime until…
Cobalt was confirmed to look like that. And Nicole the girl sent to kill him became the girl he would die to protect.
I still wonder to myself how come I had that much time to daydream. Metamorphosis was essentially a dream come true. Almost like the ultimate fantasy story I could put together. Basically it revolves around a legend of magic, that magic was actually abundant on earth. But because of a war, it had been sealed. And basically some ambitious sadistic dude wants to unseal it. Using the technology of science they intend to infuse magic into soldiers and take over the world.
And so there’s so much more to this. I could probably write the whole script here anyways. But it’s nice that I have a reminder that I’ve brainstormed a fantasy world. Someday when I’ve retired, when there’s nothing left to do… I’d be drawing and making this dream of a comic come true.
EVERYTHING THAT HAS A BEGINNING HAS AN END
Yes I was a huge fan of the Matrix. But what I really meant is that… It’s all finished. My 3 years of cruel life in NUS had come to an end. I’ve got my degree and I’m out of that cursed place once and for all… Or at least, that was what I thought happened.
Clearing out of my hostel was never a pleasant thing. Firstly because Mum would nag at what my real bedroom at home had become, and secondly because I have no clue on where to fit them into my home! But somehow I managed too, and as the clearing process continued… I learnt to appreciate the little things I’ve found here and there.
My Pentium III Chip. Never realized what it was until now.
My Music Collection of Final Fantasy! It was really the music of the game that made me love Music.
The ACTUAL Original Sound Version for FFVI. Not the Taiwan copied version.
Ancient School Magazines dating to my primary school days in 1990
In the end somehow I managed to rearrange my room and comics and everything. Made everything fit in pretty darn well. The only other Major thing that could mark the end of my Academic Journey would be, my Commencement Ceremony. According to the speaker, the named it “Commencement” to mark the beginning of our career lives. Perhaps the greatest irony is that for others it meant the End.
None the less, I’m sure families can relate that it’s a big thing! There’s the academic gown that made me look wierd… And of course there’s the honour of receiving that piece of paper. That Piece of paper that was supposed to mean that you’re qualified. It was supposed to mean you had a chance to survive out there in Singapore. And so I thought it would be the last I’ll step into NUS.
Ah shaking the hand of someone I think is very important.
A childhood buddy! Joshua! Next year’s his turn to graduate.
Ah yes, Chloe and Matthew. Dance friends in Science Rag Days..
Winners of the Tri-Wizard Tournament! Nah kiddin. The last remainng survivors of Physics… *gasp* we actually passed Quantum Mechanics II!
Me, Liling and Frances from Material Science! Miss the Science rag Days. ugh
Finally the bestest parents in the whole wide world. Accompanied with the bestest girlfriend in the whole wide world too. *whole wide world… www?*
And so that marked the end of my Degree. My initial plan was to teach and I got through the intial interviews in May. Determined to press on and learn to teach, the starting pay attracted me pretty well. Benefits as a teacher were huge too! But there was something else I was hoping to qualify for. My Masters in Science.
My parents are testimont for what I told them. I said that there was a very likely chance I’d retain 1 year in uni. and that my chances of pursuing my Masters would diminsh with it. Thankfully, the Sermon Pastor Prince preached spoke deep within me. that as a rightful Child of God, I could have the power to claim things that have yet to come. In faith I acted and prepared for my masters as if I had passed my QMII, As if I had graduated in peace. And if that was not ridiculous enough, I still cannot believe how I got my Master’s application. And thankfully it’s because its ridiculous, that I know it’s something supernatural. Something so commonly miraculous that only One dude can do. And I shall always remember how much I can trust Him.
And so I shall return to Hogwarts – oops! NUS. To face a bigger challenge that comes my way. I know it won’t be easy, but I know my God won’t leave me. He had done too many miracles in my life, so much so there’s nothing anyone can say that can deny that my God is very much Real.
MY DEAREST PILLAR OF LOVE
No one can deny how horrendous I can become sometimes. While most of the time I’m more endurable to my friends, everyone has bad habits that the average individual would scowl in disgust. Nope I’m not talking about peeling prawn shells on the public bus, but more of the fact that I’m not perfect. And sometimes regardless of the flaws I have, I wonder in deer earnesty how my darling dear could tolerate me. And I guess I’ll be the only one who will ever understand whenever I look into those warm eyes.
Fooling around with the camera!
Looking back I’d realize how long we’ve been together. Not meaning it in a bad way, but rather in a refreshing one. It almost feels like I’ve just stepped into this beautiful relationship a month ago, And it seems to me that everytime we meet it’s a honeymoon. Cliche? Nah, I believe it’s a God Blessed relationship, for in all honestly, I’ve never found anyone that can fit me so well. Unknowingly, as I look around I realize that she’s everywhere. And can you believe that she got me a gaming keyboard for my birthday? Just how many girls would know what a gamer really needs???
My new Saitek Keyboard. Love it.
And here’s our couple watch we got together on V’day
Too bad I ain’t got the money now though. Sometimes I wished that I’d just get down to working fast to earn more money, to make things easier, and to make future plans a reality. Of course the most important thing is that I be a set example for Christ to her. While it’s getting better it’s definitely a good thing. Personally I’ve changed alot too, walking closer and closer to God. I’m not proud to say that I don’t know much, but the least I know is that He’s really there. In anycase, I’ve finally gotten down to learning golf with her - (something my parents could never convince me to do) And I’m glad that we’ve always had the time to see each other regularly.
Me at Jurong Country Club… practising golf in a rabbit costume
And like me, or rather because of our relationship, we have both cultivated a love for rabbits! She had dozens of rabbits at her home at one time, but thankfully the numbers decline in someways, She likes the furry kind though, making her rabbits look more like dogs than rabbits. I’d prefer otherwise, and often wonder if we should open a rabbit farm next time.
Is that a tissue paper box?
No! It’s Tomi! The Rabbit-Dog Monster.
Other than her love for rabbits, we share many attributes too! Sometimes it’s pleasing to know there are things we both like, yet sometimes it’s also pleasing to know we’re not duplicates. I for one cannot tolerate excessive Korean/Jap drama addiction. I’m more easily addicted to anime and games. Thankfully, she’s also not someone who’s principles are governed by social standards, but rather one who has a very clear sense of morale righteousness. Sometimes I wonder if she realizes how much goodness she radiates. Almost magical…
Valentine’s day 2007
So blessed to have known her. If anyone would have read the final Harry Potter book, Then they would understand when I give this analogy, That my dear is like the “Ginny” character in the Book. She may not have a wand or can’t cast Hexes or curses at people, but I know she can definitely cast a love charm on me
DARKNESS
These past few months while it had been great to slack around, also gave me insights into the very present dangers that surround the world today. Not dangers that relate to accidents, but a more powerful danger, a darkness that is growing. While to the normal average person it is indeed worrying, for those who see the Light, they’d know what is coming. For “a thousand may fall on my left, ten thousand on my right, but not harm shall come near me!“
Recently 2 events had sparked and seemed to become a revelation to me. One of which concerns my very dearest pal, Paul. Recalling, I remembered his shocked tone, and when the words made sense to my confused mind, I was devastated. I couldn’t believe what had just happened. It seems that when troubles come, our natural worldy response turns to anger and worry. Yet it was only when I heard the Pastor on that Saturday that I felt a warm in my grow.
It was a revelation – Like a hidden truth that finally made sense. I realized then and there how important it was to realize that this temporal life is temporal. Putting my position in his shoes, it took no longer than 10 secs for me to shed a tear. But remembering and knowing where Uncle Ronald is, made everything so much easier and perhaps even less hurtful. The Vision that remained though, was that Mr Paul would grow to become much stronger than ever. I predict and somehow I know, he would be a huge testimont to God’s grace and Truth. “Stand firm in his Love my bro”
Another event that I understand, is how hard it is to live without knowing your purpose, your destiny… and I realized that there are people like that everywhere. There are people who are high up, people who shot to fame and wealth… But they are troubled deeply, greatly in their hearts. Some would have suicidal thoughts, some found no purpose in their life. Another revelation was revealed and I understood the full and powerful impact it implied. “Know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free.”
Knowing exactly what you are, your standing with God, and the life you’re destined to reign over… Gives me so much strength and confidence in everything I do. I feel so powerful in daily things, and I feel so assured that I’m taken care of. I honestly wonder if any other person can understand that… That in the end it’s not really what kind of a person you are or try to be, but it’s more of whether you know your REAL identity and destiny.
Music Playing: Eyes on Me arranged/sung/harmonized/performed by: Reuben Wong *full version at youtube link below
Ah yes, my life’s super fast paced! Everything’s going so fast relativity must take place! Anyway it’s been so long since I’ve blogged cause there’s so much to do and learn… Here’s a quick update of my life just as I want to remember it.
Video Playing: Memory 2007 Soundtrack: Promised Land Editing and production by: Reuben Wong *Please wait for video to load. (~5mins)
“Sometimes we forget the things that make us smile, or the things that make us cry. But once we’ve glimpsed a moment that could remind us, we could then return to those precious moments. No one should ever forget the things they see, That is the reason for our very Memory.” それは僕の「メーモリ」
A Prodcution created and edited by me, my video compilation of various events and experiences in the past few years
I Love to make things. Be it comics, videos, stories and stuff… And for this video I had to take wierd pictures that I wouldn’t normally take. But it’s all good though.. I originally intended to just put the chunk of stuff I have, mix ‘em and just see how they turn out.
I took this picture by accident…. but i think it’s nice!
Ah, my new rabbit Blackie!
And that was that. After a grand 3 days of production, it was time to let reality sink. That my final semester in NUS was to begin, and for once I decided to take whatever I was interested in. (I did take Metaphysics by a recommendation by Enoch… BUT it was NOTHING like what he described! ZERO physics in it!)
Thus, I took:
PC3130 QUANTUM MECHANICS II PR 2202 COSMETICS & PERFUMES MA 2108 MATHEMATICAL ANALYSIS I NM 2216 INTRODUCTION TO NEW MEDIA SSP 2251 SCIENCE AT THE NANOSCALE
And what a better way to begin the Quantum Mechanical Term, Then to create my own Notebook of Death for QM2?
And yes my Own Death Note of Quantum Mechanics
The human who takes this module shall suffer
The equations will not take effect unless the writer has Englert’s face on their minds
If the equation in unsolved within 40 seconds, the Person will have a headache.
The owner of the note can recognize the image and voice of its original owner. ie. The Science of Death
And so we begin with <q|m|2>…
I Love My Tinklet
So we ask, what is a Tinklet? It is a shiny Christmas gift that dear gave me. And I absolutely adore its shiny glimmer in the sunlight. Simply Beautiful.
And then people will surely wonder. Why does a guy like shiny stuff like diamonds or crystals? Well the big difference is, I like the reflection, refraction of light upon them. It’s just a very beautiful spectacle to see light impinge, reflect and light a room. Maybe that’s just me, but hey… as long as I’m happy
Music Playing: We are the Reason Original music composition & Lyrics: Avalon Performed and Arranged by: Reuben Wong *Please turn up speakers
“Always. Everytime. Every year. People rush, hurried and most of them forget: That without remembering Christmas, they could very well forget the most important act in the universe. A bridge was built, over an impossible set of laws, at the expense of His only Son, we are free. ざんねんだよ、この世界”
As requested by many, my video performance of a much anticipated illusion (Originally created by Wayne Houchin) This is my performance of “Indecent” at the National University of Singapore The video camera was left in total control of the Spectator’s friend.
Fear. What is Fear? Is this Fear? When you dodge you think to yourself, “I’m afraid of getting cut.” When you attack you think to yourself, “I’m afraid of cutting someone” When you try to protect you think to yourself, “I’m afraid of letting them die”
Why should we then let Fear remain as Fear? If we could make it our Resolve then, If you dodge you should think to yourself, “I wont let them cut me“ If you protect someone you could think to yourself, “I won’t let them die“ If you attack you can think to yourself, “I’ll cut them” THIS shall be my Resolve.
~Reuben’s Thoughts (inspired from Bleach)
Merry Christmas 2006
Ah.. Christmas in Singapore! Always a wet and busy one at that… People running around, flowers and cable car dinners are 200% MORE expensive… Consistent rain caused Thompson’s Floral Thingies to flood like.. like… how I’d jam the shower drainage to play with my toys while bathing as a kid. This Christmas, is indeed somewhat rather different. I had the feeling that there’s some mysterious force that’s trying to destroy the Essence of Christmas…
But as far as I’m concerned, Christmas is definitely a time to remember valuable things. Things that had caused infinite possibilities to materialize, as well as the very reason for my blessed life. But on a lighter side, this year perhaps felt physically different because: The decorations were wierd. It blatently looked like a tri-mix culture clash between Lantern festival, Deepavali and Christmas. Thankfully, Shopping centres did have great tastes for their own Christmas Trees.
Outside Paragon a beautiful lighted Tree at night. And on the right a Christmas tree hung at Suntec. If it fell… gg
And our trusty Takashimaya does it again! And the Hilton Hotel has an awesome modern design…
Some wanted a white Christmas. The Cathay wanted a pink one. and at Bishan J8, they wanted a Blue one.
And at the Serangoon Gardens Country Club, a simple one… while at Thompson Plaza, they’ve got a White Christmas
Normally, I’d like to spend my Christmas in a quiet setting. It’s a time I’d want to relax, and feel the ambiance. BUT in little Singapore, that is fundamentally impossible. Thus me and dear had to “walk around town” few days before Christmas. Thankfully in the weeeeeee hours, Orchard’s really quiet.
It’s rare to find Orchard underpass.. completely passable.
And the view looks nicer with JUST dear there. wahaha
On that very same day earlier, we managed to visit the newly renovated National Museum! And oh boy, I’m not a history personbut I absolutely enjoyed it! I learnt alot about our food culture and fashion too. Honestly, I never knew anything about the “Tok tok Mee” thingie. Or about how the British love our satay in those days.
The internal structure of the Museum is Art itself.
And it has “rooms” of various “topics of interest”
Ah yes, so after all the walking, eating and.. eating. It was time to get back to serious business and get gifts for close friends. Well I got stuff for my Physics friends and Dynamic Duo… But perhaps the most difficult choice of presents was for Dear. It seemed as if its very hard to get something for the ones you love. Especially if they happened to be a woman of your dreams. In anycase, I decided to put in some additional effort this year… And had a spark of creativity as I walked by Spotlight at Plaza Singapura.
A chanced upon a Photo Frame with a deep space. and I recalled my futile attempt at making a clay bunny with dear. Then my mind started blitzing into fitting a Christmas thingie into a picture thingie. And boy, the “ingredients” were tough to handle! At my 2nd ever touching clay, I found myself paint blotted, clay powdered and cutting bits of paper till 4am.
At section 3 of my room, a mess of Paper and colour pencils laid. The chocolate was not used for the present. It’s my foooood.
Long time since I used a brush and Poster colours too. I enjoyed playing with the Glue though.
And there’s the clay and the shaping tools. I had to make individual “atoms” then fit them together to become…
A clay thingie with a Christmas Tree an glow star, Shimi and Yuri, 3 Christmas Cards with writings inside, “Me and Dear” in a present box, dropped by Centre (background)
Yeah, it’s really small and all, but I still kinda liked the idea. Was satisfied with my result.
And there were a bottle of special Pills for her with that too! Didn’t take a picture, but basically its a bottle of red pills! the are actually “Princess Pills.” well, dear’s always having a hard time at work, Staying up late, doing work at home and stuff… (wtf you workaholics, making my dear stressed up) And I really don’t like the idea of her slogging away even at home! In any case, those pills would remind her that no one has the right to bully her. After all, she IS a princess...
And what did Dear get me? Something that my parents or friends would have never bought. And it’s something that I’ve always liked.
A Twinklet with real Swarvoski Crystals.
Yes I love shiny things, Crystals and Diamonds too. I love how the light impinge of them, causing a small rainbow of colours to form. I used to wait for glass crystals to drop off the chandeliar, then I’d take my chance and “Kope” ‘em! Thanks dear for Julius the Twinklet!
And woopee! Dear came to Church with me at the Indoor Stadium! It was a combined service at New Creation and Paul brought his gf too. Yes - the time finally came for my Bro to be with a girl. Really happy for him that they get along together very well and all. Hope to see good things blossom for them too! Liz and I were supposed to have lunch with Paul and Huiying, but my parents… locked themselves out of the house! or rather, left the keys in the house (…….) Anyway, we were waiting for my Dad to pick us for lunch… And we took some random shots
We’re both wearing white! Having a white couple Christmas!
Ooo I like this picture.
Ah yes, and just as I passed Paul his present… He told me what he wanted to get for me originally. It’s not the fact that I already bought it that made me write this in, but rather because of what he wanted to write INthe present that made me laugh.
Mr Paul wanted to write this in the Death Note, “Merry Christmas, Reuben Wong”
The Power of YouTube
Because of Mr.YouTube, my days of dedication to studying had been reduced… reduced to watching free anime on Youtube. no thanks to Mr. Paulfor is mention on Bleach, I was drawn in to the world of Shinigami stuff. ThenMr. Zhihaosaid “aiyah, Bleach the Bounto part so boring” “One Piece much nicer. Every episode is new stuff” Then I went into One Piece. Now… I’m Bleaching, One-Piecing, Death-Noting and FFXII-ing.
Ah yes, Ichigo’s transformation to Hollow Bankai form was awesome.
And Luffy’s plain “Son Gokou-ish” mind and tone just cracks me up.
And here we have me and Level 40, just entering the wastelands.
And and always I like to level up my characters well in advanced. In this case, I’ve got all the licensed grids filled up… but i’m level 40!
I’m convinced the graphics and system is really a wonderful mix.
Christmas Holidays are good. After all the studying, exams and whatever… I’ve really enjoyed my time with my rabbits, PS2,Dear and Piano. Of course I absolutely adore the rain too. It sees me everyday to chat with the plants. On one time it got too physical and actually hugged me tight. ……. And I will NEVER buy the PS3 if it’s anything more than $600! I still can’t believe my Dad had the idea to buy a PS3 for my cousin who’s 8. That was… utter madness! It’s better money spent if it were for me right? And if it remains to be too ex, I’d just settle for the Wii.
A Physical Time Together 2006/2007 Sem I
And of course we must ALWAYS have our Buffet together after the exams. It’s a grand occasion to mark the end of cheat sheets, Physical constants and tons of equations that we’d… that we’d probably never ever use every again. *sob* But in anycase, we went to Kuishinbo once more for the buffet. BUT BUT there wasn’t any seafood! wth! In anycase, our 2 seniors (Graduates doing Masters) came along. One sneaked away from a Seminar, while the other came with his gf.
There’s Master-Junhong, shooting me with his questions during presentation
And Master-Mau, erm… erm… examing the bruillin zone of C atoms in wood!
The ultimate Lorry Drifter Mr. Zhihao, calming watching on. In the backdrop, Mr. Weikeong thinking about his next bike hike.
And yes my good ol neighbour Qui Xun on the right. DotA games had become lonely without him. He had to rent an apartment where there is… NO INTERNET CONNECTIVITY! Goodness!
Here’s Miss. Andrielle teaching us kids where our cheek is. She has shown great dedication to her profession as a teacher.
And finally… the Food. WITHOUT the seafood! I miss the crab
And here’s something absolutely irrelevant. Something I chanced upon at Suntec – A Girly Gundam
It’s great that we all could have a good time together. and i really hope we’ll all keep in touch even after we graduate. These guys are awesome people. It’s probably thanks to them that my life in the Physics department was, so Beautiful. Really thank god for them man. They rock!
Rabbit Power
Ok just for the record, It would be good for me to remember… That after taking our initial hobby of keeping pets. Liz and I had expanded our numbers. While I had actually kept my numbers constant at 3, It still pains me to sell away “Baby” and get “Blackie”
Here’s Good ‘ol Yuri at 1yr at 10 months in her condo.
here’s Blackie who surprisingly got along with Brownie (not in view)
But in anycase, Dear’s got alot more to handle. From a humble number of 2, her rabbits bred to…11. Few days back is was 9, but now… it’s seriously 11. She originally had Muachi + Tomi who had 7 babies. Thankfully she managed to sell 2, but recently… they gave birth to 4 more. Goodness gracious.
of all the babies, this one’s really Pretty.
It’s odd though how this rabbit turned out. Black and White lion head + white teddy = Grey and white? She’s got 2 others that are completely Black too. Wierd.
Well, I hope Dear’s mum can manage with soo many rabbits. If my rabbits ever get to that number, Then… then… its gg for me.
*gg = good game in counter-strike lingo. usually implies the end of the game similar to “end of the world” implication.
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