joshomatic

updates overdue

2006-02-13T09:30:00.000+08:00

Just to give you a quick update as to what's been going on in my life recently.

I've given up drinking. Not a drop. I realize I have the tendency to do and say stupid things when I'm drunk. The real crime is not knowing when to stop. No more alco for me. Not for a LONG time anyway. Almost a month and still going strong.

G has successfully moved out of her place and into mine. We're storing the stuff she couldn't sell in a few different places so thanks for everyone's help.

I bought a new pair of work shoes. As rarely as that happens, it was time for a new one. 4 years of loyalty. Goodbye my friend.

I got a hair cut. Sorry, let me paraphrase. I shaved my head. Used the #3 blade and got an army haircut. Wanted to go with #2 which would mean even shorter, but i decided to be moderate for starters. I like it and my next haircut is going to be with the #2 blade... though I'm also toying with the idea of using the #1. G hates it though. We'll see.

The Harley club I'm in finally got registered as a legal entity and is now the only other registered Harley club/society in Singapore. The first being Harley Owners Group (HOG). Congrats to the Iron Chariots Motorcycle Organization. Give us a thumbs-up if you see us on the road. The logo on the back of our vests is of a trojan helmet on fire. Will post pics soon.

Club MoMo asked to sponsor us. 10% off total bill. VIP seating and priority free entry. Each member can sign one guest in. Priority parking of bikes in the lots directly outside the club. The works.

This weekend was spent on home improvement. G and myself made a water fountain for my room, with plants, pots, pebbles and a pump. Also helped mom to setup a partition to cordon off the kitchen into 2 parts; a dining area and a washing area. We did good.

Lastly, only 3 more months to my Class 2 motorcycle license. Can you hear the rumble?

All is as it should be. Life is beautiful.

lelong lelong!

2006-01-12T15:53:00.000+08:00

I haven't had much time to blog as we've been busy with packing and stuff. Even G's birthday festivities were somewhat compromised because of the move.

Anyway, there'll be a garage sale (actually a living-room sale) on the 20th and 21st of January at G's place and we'll be putting furniture, clothes, bags, shoes, photo frames, electronics and other stuff up for sale so it would be nice if you dropped by for a look-see. Besides, you'll never know what you might find at a garage sale right?

The address is as follows:

Country Park Condo
49, #05-22
Bedok Road
(next to the Bedok corner food center)

Hurry whilst stocks last! (always wanted to say that)

quiz: what temperament are you?

2006-01-06T10:33:00.000+08:00

You Have a Melancholic Temperament

Introspective and reflective, you think about everything and anything.
You are a soft-hearted daydreamer. You long for your ideal life.
You love silence and solitude. Everyday life is usually too chaotic for you.

Given enough time alone, it's easy for you to find inner peace.
You tend to be spiritual, having found your own meaning of life.
Wise and patient, you can help people through difficult times.

At your worst, you brood and sulk. Your negative thoughts can trap you.
You are reserved and withdrawn. This makes it hard to connect to others.
You tend to over think small things, making decisions difficult.

What Temperment Are You?

happy birthday mom!

2006-01-03T12:55:00.000+08:00

Yesterday was mom's birthday and the lot of us (G, Tony, Scruffy and myself) went for lunch at The Bark Cafe in Changi. We also went in to see the War Memorial Museum next to it and then later on to East Coast Beach to let Scruffy go for a swim... unwillingly of course (he's such a pussy). Later at night, we ended up in front of the telly, watching a dvd together and enjoying my specially cooked "Curry Flavoured Maggi Noodles".

Mom got a novelty candle & card set, a snazzy yellow wallet, a flower, an excellent dinner the night before, a hearty lunch and museum visit on the day itself and of course a good stroll on the beach with her favourite son, Scruffy.

I'm glad it made her day that more special.

Happy Birthday Mom! Love you lots!

garage sale - everything has to go!

2005-12-31T13:10:00.000+08:00

I'm helping G sell some of her furniture as she'll be moving to another place. I've put them up on ebay if anyone is interested so please see if there's anything you'd like to have.

Go to the eBay list here.

She'll also be seling some smaller nick-nacks like photo frames and candle holders which I will post and inform you about shortly.

Happy shopping!

the christmas entry

2005-12-28T09:11:00.000+08:00

As most of you know, I was on annual leave from the 19th to 27th December. There were lots to keep myself busy with and overall, I think I haven't had a better, more well-planned Christmas in a long, long while.

I finally got my room painted. The walls are covered with Nippon's Autumn Green and the ceiling is Bamboo. This is to match the mix of dark and light woody coloured furniture and decor that appear ever-so-often around my room. The painting turned out better than expected and I can't keep people out of my room now!

G basically sorted out all the Christmas shopping and we've agreed to split the damage. Total cost of the pressies came to $500++. I did some last minute shopping of my own for the people closest and dearest to me. In total, I spent close to $400 on pressies this year. Ouch! On the plus side, I managed to get G's favourite Kipling waist pouch mended (after thinking it would be an almost-impossible feat) and she now wears it every day. Thanks for the tip Marie!

For the first time in 29 years, I hosted a Christmas dinner and it was for about 20 people. Ok, G and I hosted the dinner and it turned out excellent. Though most of the meats were ordered from Cold Storage, there was still a significant amount of preparation to be done like the salads, the dressings, the whipped potato and the soup and of course, heating up the meat. Everything was set up on the eve in no more than 4 hours.

We sacrificed waking up late on Christmas morning for the old folks at St. Joseph's Home in Boon Lay. Having woken up at 7ish am, we made our way to the home and wheeled all the residents in to the chapel for Christmas mass. Archbishop Gregory Yong (who is also a resident there) attended the service and guess who had to go up and do the 2nd Reading as well as the Offetory? "The second reading... A letter from St. Paul to the Hebrews..." I was so nervous I thought the Archbishop was gonna get off his wheelchair and throw his shoe at me! Later that same morning, we gave all the residents a goodie bag each, which we hand-packed several nights before. Nothing could describe the look of joy on their faces when we handed out the little satchels of chocolates and sweets to them as we wished them the compliments of the season. I was so touched!

The rest of Christmas was spent napping and then going for dinners after dinners. In fact, there were too many dinners and lunches to go to and I felt bad having to decline invitations by my mates for coffee. Sorry guys, will meet up for coffee with you all real soon!

Anyway, Christmas came and Cristmas went. This year, I got to do something charitable, something with my family, something I've never done before, something with loved ones and friends of old and last but not least, something religious. I've been blessed.

Merry Christmas and compliments of the season!

want vs. need

2005-12-08T12:39:00.000+08:00

Jill got the Nokia 6230i the other day and I'm envious.

This is a classic struggle between want and need.

The damn phone has a 1.3 megapixel camera / video and an MP3/FM player for shit's sake! *swoons*

ever elusive sleep

2005-12-08T07:52:00.000+08:00

The past few days from G's parents 40th anniversary party onwards have been quite draining. First there was the party which I helped setup and now her mom is in hospital recovering from a leg operation so G and I visit everyday or as often as we can. When we get home at night, we're usually pooped (though more me than her) so we end up falling asleep while watching tv. Its good to be able to do things for others. It's good to feel needed. It gives you a sense of purpose.

I'm so looking forward to my super long leave in 1.5 weeks but for now, I'll settle for the weekend. I need sleep I say!

On another note, I love the NZ All Blacks. Not as much as I love Harleys, but enough to buy 2 different jerseys of theirs.
I came into the office today and a colleague of mine filled me in on a little secret. He said that everyone in Austalia were now calling the Wallabies the "Wobblies", after their season of disappointing games. I thought it was quite funny. "Waltzin Matilda Waltzin Matilda.. you'll come-a-waltzin Matilda with me..."

είμαι στην αγάπη

2005-12-05T11:43:00.000+08:00

The above says "I'm in love" in Greek. That was my reaction when I came across this little seaside village in Greece. It's so beautiful and the view is absolutely amazing.

I was quite inclined to the idea of retiring / settling down in Thailand or one of it's islands but if I had to choose between that in this, I'm afraid Greece has my heart. I have probably never seen any place more beautiful in my life and if I could just drop everything and move there with G right now, I would.

Anyway, here are some pictures I got off the net. I'm gonna go daydream about living there now.

oh procrastination, how i love thee

2005-12-02T12:33:00.000+08:00

I was supposed to paint my room (autumn green walls and bamboo ceiling) as part of our project to "zenify" my room about 3 weeks ago but that never happened. We've changed the decor slightly by getting some matching stuff like bed sheets, cushions and rattan window blinds. We've even spray painted the grills of the fan sitting on my floor brown - to make it look ethnic and stuff. All that is left for me to do is to paint my room but I keep putting it off.

Yesterday, I was supposed to go to the gym (stop laughing). This came about after 5 months of not going. The night before, I packed my trainers and my water bottle, my gym clothes and a towel. I made plans with Dre to meet at 4pm but my dear friend messaged me at 4pm sharp to tell me he couldn't make it. Already having a coffee with G at the time, I knew my time was expandable, since I now did not have to live up to my meeting with Dre. So between 30 minutes on a treadmill, 30 at the static stations and 30 in the pool, I readily succumbed to the fact that I was more comfortable sitting at a cafe with G and having girl-talk.

At work, I'm supposed to complete an exam for a certification I'm to achieve by year end as part of the company's goal for me. I started on the first module about 4 months ago. There are about 8 modules left and only 4 weeks to the new year.

I was supposed to take/complete my car license about 3 years ago but I took it halfway and never completed. I got my basic and advance theories and I took about 3 practical lessons before I lost interest, telling myself I would definitely renew my provisional driving license or advance theory before they expired. They expired.

I'm such a procrastinator and though I don't think much of it at the time the act is commited, I always regret after.

It's time to get your act together Josh! Potest Qui Vult!

bored

2005-11-28T07:25:00.000+08:00

I've been blogging since 2003 and I've grown tired. Through the two years, I've not only spoken about my aspirations and daily activities, but I've also shared my life's story with one and all. In this process, I've made my fair share of enemies just as I have made new friends.

I have come to the conclusion that I don't always have things of interest happening in my life (no, it didn't take me that long to realise that) and for me to put it on a blog is a waste of both your time and mine.

I'm almost 30 years old. I have a job. A significant other. A family. My own house. Good friends and also a hobby that I have in common with the rest of the Harley enthusiasts in Singapore.

I have also been earmarked for the position of territory manager (though it's still only a possibility) which will come in Jan/Feb if it comes at all.

At the end of the day, I have a very full and meaningful life and I think I should spend more time living it than writing about it. Gone are the days I write about useless stuff that has happened in my day, as if you really wanted to know how I parted my hair when I comb it.

From now on, I will only blog when I feel there is something worth talking about in the first place. Something I feel may contribute positively (hopefully) to your day, may it be funny or motivational. This obviously means that there will be less frequent posting on my part but with that being said, probably more interesting rants.

Lastly, I would like to say thank you to the few people who have shown their continuing support by asking me to update my blog ever so often and to those who have influenced my writing in some part and for being loyal readers. You know who you are! It's nice to know that you're thought of.

Peace be with you all and I will post again in time to come.

Cheers!

touched

2005-11-24T16:24:00.000+08:00

Just a glance into your eyes
One can see the kindness of your heart.
Searching for ways to bring
Happiness to those around you, you
Unselfishly give all of yourself, to
Allow great joy and love to shine through.

Dedicated to family and friends,
Affectionate to the greatest capacity,
Virtuous, gentle, faithful and
Incredibly generuos, you are a
Delight to all who know you!

Spirit so strong and bright,
You naturally draw people to you,
Mentally stimulating, keen witted,
Outright and forthcoming, there is
Never a dull moment with you...
So never stop being you!

No one's ever done something like that for me... *floats*

australia has a go at s'pore

2005-11-23T14:40:00.000+08:00

Singapore 'hypocritical' over drugs
By Connie Levett and Rachel Kleinman
November 23, 2005 - 10:14AM

Criticism of Singapore's trade with Burma, a major global supplier of heroin, is mounting as the execution of Australian convicted Australian drug smuggler Nguyen Tuong Van draws nigh.

Human rights campaigner and former Federal Court judge Marcus Einfeld this morning accused the island nation of hypocrisy because of its substantial trade with Burma.
Burma, led by a military junta, was one of the world's worst regimes and one of the largest heroin traders, Justice Einfeld said. Attacks on the economic links also came from the Singapore Opposition and academics.
Singapore should not remain one of Burma's major trading partners while it was proceeding with plans to execute Nguyen for drug smuggling, Justice Einfeld said.
"It is quite hypocritical of the Singaporeans, on the one hand, to sustain this regime which won't let (Burmese democracy leader) Aung San Suu Kyi out of house arrest after years and years," he told Channel Nine.
"It's one thing to keep that regime going, as Singapore helps to do, but (not to) then pick up a young man for a serious offence and then want to execute him."

Singapore's opposition Democratic Party leader Chee Soon Juan said Singapore needed to focus on the Burmese drug lords rather than drug "mules" if it was serious about keeping Singapore clean of drugs.
"This Government keeps going on about having to take a tough stance on drugs and what a scourge illicit drugs are in our society. Fine, but go and get it at its source," Dr Chee said.
"What's the point of getting the mules? You know these drug lords are just going to find new people to get the drugs."
Justice Einfeld said the international community could bring pressure on Singapore, particularly countries represented at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Malta.
Dr Chee said Singapore's continuing policy of investing more than $US1 billion ($A1.35 billion) in government funds in Burma despite the regime's complicity in the opium trade was hypocritical.
"The Singapore Government has access to the Burmese military, it needs to ask them hard questions: what are you doing on the drug lords?" said Dr Chee, who opposes the death penalty.

Bertil Linter, who has written extensively on Burma's drug trade, said Singapore was the first country to invest heavily in Burma when the regime reopened its borders to foreign investment in the 1990s.
"The main issue was the Traders Hotel, which was built by Asia World, a construction company owned by the Lo family Lo Hsien Han and his son Steven Law, in conjunction with Singapore interests," Mr Linter said. Lo Hsien Han is widely recognised as one of the most powerful drug lords in Burma and was a frequent visitor to Singapore until recently. His son Steven Law, who has been barred from entering the US on suspicion of involvement in drug trafficking, has an office in Singapore.
The Singapore Government's joint venture with the drug lord came through the Myanmar Fund, set up to channel investment into Burma, which has since been shut down. Singapore's involvement was through its billion-dollar Government Investment Corporation.

Professor Desmond Ball, of the Australian National University's Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, said many Burmese drugs lords used Singapore for banking.
"Some of Burma's closest economic relations are with Singapore," Professor Ball said "A lot of electronic transaction services in Burma are run through Singapore."
Singapore Technologies, a quasi-government agency, also supplied a wide range of services to Burma's ruling junta. "Internet monitoring, telephone monitoring is done with Singaporean equipment and assistance and the cyber warfare office in Rangoon is built and maintained by Singaporeans," he said.

Professor Garry Rodan, from Murdoch University's Asia Research Centre, said the relationship appeared to be one purely of economic gain. "Over the years (the drug issue) has not bothered Singaporean investors a great deal," he said.

UNION leader Bill Shorten has warned the Singapore Prime Minister that his Government's reputation may continue to slide in Australia unless it commutes the death sentence against Nguyen Tuong Van.
In a letter sent "in the spirit of friendship" to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Mr Shorten uses Singapore's economic, commercial and political ties with Australia to appeal for clemency on behalf of Nguyen.
"Our close relationship imposes a duty on each of us. As friends, we feel entitled to call on you to provide clemency (for Nguyen Tuong Van)," he writes.
"In one month, Australians have gone from feeling very warmly towards Singapore to losing confidence about the regard your Government has for the views of its friend."
Mr Shorten said it was "not unreasonable for Australians to expect stronger leadership" from the Singapore Government given its relationship with Australia.
Both the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Austrade are believed to have been inundated with calls from citizens wanting information on how to boycott Singaporean companies.

Human rights lobby group Rights Australia has warned of a consumer backlash, with executive director Howard Glenn urging all companies with Singapore Government connections to back the campaign for clemency.
Sydney-based lawyer Tim Robertson, SC, said Australians should target products made in Singapore. "Australians could decide not to purchase products made in Singapore or services offered by the Singaporean Government," he told the 7.30 Report last night.
"Most major companies in Singapore are owned directly or indirectly by the Government there. So when dealing with these companies we are in effect dealing with the Singaporean Government."

Despite these calls, Australian companies with strong ties to Singapore have so far been unaffected by the Nguyen case.
Retailer Harvey Norman has a 40 per cent share in Singapore company Pertama, which runs 13 Harvey Norman stores in Singapore. But chairman Gerry Harvey said yesterday he did not expect his business would suffer.
Developer AV Jennings, more than 60 per cent owned by Singapore shareholders, has also been unaffected.
Optus, owned by SingTel since 2001, would not comment on customer behaviour. "As a company we have no comment on the … pending execution," a spokeswoman said.

I got the above in an email sent by a Singaporean friend of mine currently living in Australia. We both agree it's total crap!

exasperated

2005-11-23T14:37:00.000+08:00

Koreans really annoy me! I don;t know if it's the whole damn country or just a select few, but the ones I have come across never fail to peeve me off.

Thank goodness Korea never was on my "to visit" list in the first place. Bleah!

good writing

2005-11-18T15:19:00.000+08:00

I came so many times I lost count. Bone-shaking, mind-numbing orgasms that made me gush and squirt copious amounts of pussy juice onto the sheets. Orgasms that made me bite down hard on the fingers that were forced against my teeth to contain my moans. Orgasms that drew blood as I dug my nails into the nearest available expanse of male flesh.

It's rare to find blatantly good bloggers in this day and age, let alone honest, no-holds-barred ones.

I chanced upon this blog on Hapadoll's site and just had to share it with you.

My favourite part (with regards to her writing) has to be 'But for now, I am too lost in my post-coital wonderland to care. I’ll mourn the moment when my body recovers and I have to resume the search for the proverbial needle in the haystack of plain vanilla sex.'

Enjoy.

Link

all i want for christmas

2005-11-18T11:33:00.000+08:00

one can hope i guess...

ze wishlist

revamp, recover, rekindle

2005-11-18T10:57:00.000+08:00

i got sick of the previous layout and apparently, you can't change the template without fucking up or deleting every single post you've ever written in your old one. we're supposed to use the same template till we die. go figure! (or is it me who's being a moron and getting it completely wrong???)

anyway, a friend is in hospital as she underwent an abdominoplasty surgery yesterday. just spoke to her on the phone and she sounds like she's ready to go home. tough chick!

lastly, G and i had a good, long talk last night all the way till 3.45am this morning and at least now i can say i know her that much better. i really do enjoy our long conversations when they occur.

that's it for now. will update soon.