In the name of the Father: Of November 27, a pink piano, and a very silly boy.

There's a reason why Jay has the ability to capture everyone's hearts, how he seemed amused at the power he had over the crowd, how his songs spoke to the heart of every person - in love, out of love, the pain of love, the sweetness of love. Not only was the timing perfect such that he filled the role of the ideal shy dreamy kinda guy, but I think his image fulfilled the need for someone just like that. Even his rap songs, happy songs, I was amazed by how hardcore everyone in that stadium was - old aunties to girls to guys singing like they were him, it's just amazing... his music. I was charmed over by his shyness and passion for music, which he so perfectly made a piece of art out of his piano playing. When he played the piano and sang qing tian, an jing and long juan feng, I just wanted to melt into nothingness... it's these songs that go with some people during their saddest moments. Seriously awesome. (JL, 27 November 2004).

Okay, I just had to make sure I referenced that ;p Sorry Jean for pinching this off your journal just like that, but I felt there was just no other way I could express my thoughts about Jielun (and the concert) better than you did :>

"Incomparable to Jay" (cheesiest concert title ever, I know - it just didn't turn out right translated into English, I guess) was the best concert I've ever caught in my entire 11 years of concert-going. No, I am being seriously objective here - the stage setting, the crowd, the music, the special guests, were in the truest sense of the word, amazing. Not to mention that Jielun was in top form that evening - vocals, stage presence, piano skills and some talent showcase on the Chinese flute and drum set (okay, save for the drop dead awful outfits according to the Straits Times review ;p).

I guess the reason the concert touched me so much was mainly because I have been a fan since he entered the industry 4 years ago. From Jay, to Fantasy, to Ban Dao Tie He, to Ye Hui Mei, and now Qi Li Xiang... I felt like I literally grew up with him, with his music. And seeing how much he has grown and improved over the last 4 years... truly touched my heart so much I felt goosebumps (in a positive sense) just hearing him sing. Standing alone amongst the crowd of lightstick-waving fans around me, I smiled to myself seeing him attempt to dance and successfully sing the notes he might not have been able to hit one year ago. He may not have the looks, everyone knows he isn't the best singer around, but... there is just something about him that just draws you in... despite all that countless criticism about his diction and music ("You call that music?"... some may ask). How his songs speak to your every mood and every emotion, how he so cleverly knows all the thoughts in your head, then effortlessly wove them into beautiful melodies... these are things that a non-Jay fan will never comprehend.

Few days before my arrival in Singapore I was bitching so much about not having the time to pack and relax in Melbourne after my exams. After the concert, however, I felt like the entire mad rush to come back was so worthwhile. It wasn't just about getting high and screaming with the crowd - it was also about that indescribable feeling I got when I realised that after 4 years in the industry, certain things about him have moved on, whilst certain things remain the same.

That exact same shyness and innocence on him 4 years ago - it's still there.

:)

I'm looking forward to 2005.





Only the piano speaks to me
All day
The cello lies asleep
Silent and old -
I think you've made it very clear
I know, I understand
You don't feel anything at all.

X X X

This brings to mind the most horrid and traumatising scare a friend gave me when she sent an sms at bloody 5.30 am Melbourne time, two years ago, saying just three stone-cold words with no further elaboration: JAY CHOU DIED... when I was just about to sit for an exam 4 hours later.

... which of course, was merely a very mean, childish and heartless attempt of someone from a particular NTU hostel *erhem* who wanted to create unnecessary trauma by spreading such a rumour. WTF la.

Two years may have passed, but I still think you deserve to die and burn in hell.

Home is where the heart is.

The very first thought I had when I stepped out into Singapore air at the airport was: "Arrghh it's so bloody hot and humid!!"

Okay guys, so I am back in sunny Singapore now... for the next three months, till end of February 2005. Primary school pals were awfully sweet, had 3 of them come all the way from home at freaking 5 in the morning to pick me up in a car :> I'm one of the very lucky ones who still keep in touch with childhood friends from Primary school!

So anyway the main purpose of coming back this early was for the one Zhou Jielun (affectionately known as Zhou Dong aka my best friend according to Calcium ;p) concert... which I still refuse to blog about now because I need the right mood and timing ;p Now you know how much he means to me because there is simply no way that anyone can make me push forward my flight back home. Well, except for him, that is ^_^ Will blog about concert tomorrow. Or something.

X X X

It's been awhile since I last wrote and so many things have happened since then!! Final exam on Thursday the 25th, after which followed a mad rush of meet-ups and packing and cleaning and sending Fai off to the airport and shopping and the list goes on. One thing I do have to blog about right now, is the fact that I ran into Tay Ping Hui (yes, him) on the streets of Melbourne just half an hour after my exam.

*scream* (apologies to those who have already heard my story but I have to blog about it now ;p)

Was walking along the Lonsdale-Swanston intersection at about 4.45pm when this horse carriage thingy passed by me. I happened to look up to see who was inside and I almost died when I noticed it was a familiar face - and a face which I liked - OMG is that Tay Ping Hui?!? He was looking out the window at the same time, and spotted me in my very unglam expression - eyes wide open with gaping mouth (I am not kidding), and waved at me (because he knew that I recognised him). I was taken aback by his sudden response and all I could do was just wave back with a faint smile. Then it hit me. It is Tay Ping Hui, right here in Melbourne. Sitting beside him in the carriage was Joanne Peh (aka Bai Wei Xiu). And then I thought to myself: Here to film, or for holiday?

First thought that stuck me - I have to call Porridge and tell her all about it! But I could not, for the life of me, remember what her number was at that time (sorry girl, I just don't know why your number is so difficult for me!!). So I called Yuki and literally screamed into her face that Ping Hui (my 2nd best friend ;p) is in Melbourne. After a few minutes of gushing and squealing about how hot he looked, we ended the conversation and I mulled about whether I should run after the carriage to see if I could get a 2nd chance (ie: to talk to him or something).

And then - I saw the exact same carriage pull over in the distance, and recognised the red shirt he was wearing. Ran like a crazy 15-year-old 5566 fanatic to where it was parked, attempted to hide behind one of the streetlights because I didn't want him to see me (okay so that was another very unglam thing to do), until Joanne got out of the carriage and Ping Hui was left inside alone. Go Lynn you idiot, now's your chance to say hello!

I was almost shuffling as I went up to him because I was so nervous and I had no idea what to say. Finally he saw me approaching him, and I just mumbled a vague "Hello" with a silly wave of my right hand. Was about to drop dead by then because he was looking ohsogood with a bronze tan, megawatt smile and electrifying eyes. He asked if I was Singaporean and I said yes. I asked what he was doing in Melbourne and he told me that he was filming a tour program (just did an online search and realised to my disappointment that it will only be telecast in March 2005 ARRGGHHH!!!). The best part of the entire conversation was when he stretched out his hand and, with that gorgeous smile, looked me in the eye and went... (get ready for this)

"Hello, (wo shi) Binhui..."

*dies* (???!!!!?!??!!!!)

At that split second I truly forgot what my name was... and all I could mumble back was "Hello, hello..." with a sheepish smile.

Everyone who's heard my magical encounter asked if I requested for an autograph or a few pics. But no, at that moment these did not cross my mind at all. I mean, right there and then it was just so hard to suddenly whip out my camera and go "Cheese, Pinghui!" Especially when I was standing there all by myself. I don't know, I guess at age 21 you tend to get over the fact that celebrities like him are just human after all and there is no need for the big fuss about autographs and pics.

Or maybe I am just finding an excuse for the lack of courage to open my mouth -_-

Nevermind. That beautiful experience will remain in my memory for a long time to come. Thank you Ping Hui for making my last day in Melbourne so memorable :>



Picture him in a red shirt with bronze tan minus goatee, and that's what he looked like when I met him. Very, very yummy.

Just like an answered prayer
You make the loneliness easy to bear.

Indecent Obsession - Fixing a Broken Heart.

The One.









The one and only boy who made me fly 6000 miles across the oceans to watch him sing. And man, was it worth all that trouble :) Thank you so much Jielun, for putting a big big smile on my face.

I am too high and too tired to blog about it but I shall... tomorrow (or something).

PS: Thank you Jean for pics on your blog - will get the originals from you soon, if you don't mind :> My own pics STINK cos I was sitting quite far away -_-

Blasting Duan Le De Xian at top volume now. Such a feel-good track ^_^

The trouble with love is.

Why did the cranberry fragrance oil from Body Shop sell out two years ago?!

My lunchtime this afternoon was spent with 2 very nice ladies above 40, and 4 kids below the age of 10. And there I was, somewhat stuck in the middle with absolutely nothing much to contribute (in terms of conversation) to either age group. Not that I had anything to complain about - it was a sumptuous dim sum lunch for free, because it was a treat from one of the very nice ladies. You must be wondering how on earth I ended up sharing a lunch table with 2 ladies and 4 kids. Well it's a long and complicated story so I shall spare the unimportant details. All I can say is that, it pays to have good neighbours ;p Anyway the whole bill came up to 100 AUD. I'm not a dim sum fan, but what awesome fare that was. Thank you C ;>

X X X

I told myself repeatedly that since I already made the decision, I will and I must maintain my stand and not do anything silly. You shall be out of my life, I shall be out of yours, fair and square. Full stop. Period. The end.

So tell me, why am I still so religiously checking the weather conditions up where you live, and why am I counting the days to your birthday?

I am such a disaster. You are my disaster. A very unjustifiable, wrongful, unnecessary disaster.

X X X

The trouble with love is
It can tear you up inside
Make your heart believe a lie
It's stronger than your pride.

Kelly Clarkson - The Trouble With Love Is.

It's a neverending issue with this strange four letter word isn't it.

Men of my life - Part I: Asia.

The following is a two-part series revealing the few very important men in Lynn's life. Part I starts off with Asia, a continent so full of diversity within, yet seemingly similar when it stands against the others ... and also, where some of the most good-looking men on earth hail from *wink*

In no particular order of interest...



Andy Lau.



Tony Leung Chiu Wai.



Won Bin (aka my husband - shut up all of you).



Takeshi Kaneshiro (check out the intense stare).



Daniel Wu (HJ, please scream yamete now).



Yoshida Eisaku - old, forgotten, past his prime, but still very, very hot.



Oh, I wish this pic were 10 times clearer...

And with that, Part I of "Men of my Life" has ended. Stay tuned for Part II, when we will do a hunk exhibition from the West...

Do I have eclectic taste or what? ;)

You are beautiful,
No matter what they say.

Christina Aguilera - Beautiful.

Ajisen Ramen?

Big hooha in Melbourne now that the very first Ajisen Ramen has opened. When I walked past the restaurant with DOK this evening, we were like, "Right..." because people were actually queueing to get in (queueing outside the darn door mind you!!!) Inside was bustling with activity - waitresses (one of them my friend) looking flustered due to the crowd, clearing bowls, cleaning tables, looking around for empty tables so that the people outside could come in, etc.

Nope, never will see this in Singapore - at least for Ajisen Ramen, that is. Saw huge bunch of Japanese inside. I don't get why they reduce themselves to eating non-authentic Japanese food (I mean, that particular outlet isn't even managed by a nihonjin). I have nothing against Ajisen Ramen but I think their ramen is only so-so. In Jap-speak, maamaa desu. I can't think of any reasons for the big hulabaloo here, except for the fact that it's new, it's the first ramen-only Japanese restaurant in town, and Singaporean students miss it way too much.

I'll endeavour to try Ajisen Ramen in Japan come January. Still can't decide if I want to do Tokyo alone, or throw in a short trip to Kyoto as well though. Can't wait to get to Japan, save for the fact that I'm going on a hitori tabi (trip by myself). Nope, I absolutely can't picture myself going on a package tour with a bunch of retired uncles and aunties, sitting with them at dinner tables and making small talk about how successful their children are. And no, I don't want to visit 1001 souvenir shops, not even Disneyland. I want to do real travel.

Bah.

X X X

All by myself
Don't wanna be, all by myself.

Celine Dion - All By Myself.

Hard to say I'm sorry.

... as much as this decision has been difficult, I have made up my mind to do it... I guess it's sayonara for now.

I never knew saying these words to you could be so difficult ... and this actually feels like the first time I mean it when I say gomennasai.

Gomen... hontou ni gomennasai... is all I can say now.

X X X

What do I say when it's all over?
Sorry seems to be the hardest word.

Blue feat. Elton John - Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word.

This is just the perfect situation for me to be in, with 2 more exams to prepare for.

Cravings.

It is 0446 hrs in the morning and I am craving desperately for Vietnamese fried pork spring rolls. The ones which you eat with lettuce and this sweet chilli sauce thing. Nope, having a very kind Vietnamese neighbour does not help - not at this hour at least. I think the craving's got to do with the fact that I am (still!) working on my Modern Southeast Asia essay which involves the colonial rule of Vietnam. I don't get how writing about Vietnam will cause me to have a spring roll craving, but nevermind. This is my final essay for the semester and I am quite glad, save for the fact that I am left with less than three days to study for Japanese 1B on Thursday.

Now can we all say it again: IF ONLY I HAD STARTED WRITING THIS ESSAY EARLIER.

I am currently sitting at 813 words and my 1500-word paper is due at 5pm later. Not to mention 2/100 already taken off for late submission ;p Do I feel screwed or not? Hmm. But this is actually quite an amazing feat already, considering I only had about 300 words when I woke up this afternoon. WTH have I been doing this entire weekend? ..... Nonetheless, thank you Perrin and Gerry for your (indirect) help with the paper. Made writing so much easier than I'd expected.

After handing in the essay later I shall reward myself with some delicious Vietnamese spring rolls.

Salivate.

X X X

On another craving altogether - I want to watch Bridget Jones' Diary II.

Up where the mountains meet the heavens above
Out where the lightning splits the sea
I could swear that there�s someone, somewhere
Watching me.

Bonnie Tyler - I Need A Hero.

Release me.

It's been a huge week. There's an essay left to write, there are exams to study for (!!), and some crazy things have happened - all in this week.

Definitely not one of the best times for me.

X X X

I can't believe I was so extremely blind and wrong about you. All that you once were, or seemed to me, does not hold meaning for me anymore. Deleted all your photos and emptied my recycle bin, that was what I did last night. Goodbye forever, you pervertic asshole.



I'm feeling really relaxed about my Japan trip now, because that makes it one place less to visit :>

X X X



17-year-old Timmy (and his pet cat Tinkerbell), my first (and only?) real Australian friend. 4 years my junior... but believe me, I go to him for advice.

"Maybe it's always the unattainable that makes it so irresistible."

True words of wisdom I will never forget.

X X X

I see my light come shining
From the west down to the east
Any day now, any day now
I shall be released.

Nina Simone - I Shall Be Released.

Overdose.

I realise that people blog so much more than usual during the exams. This is my second post in less than 24 hours but I can't help it. The thought of my upcoming essay due Friday (effectively tomorrow) makes me sick, and I need some distraction. It would be nice if I could write my essay as fast as I blog.

If Gerry's room was a bomb site, mine would be a remake of Hiroshima in 1945.



In view of the evidence shown above, the impact of the two atomic bombs that were dropped in Japan were indeed very deadly...

I have pics of the floor too but I shall refrain from putting them up lest I freak the hell out of you guys ;p

X X X

This has probably been repeated countless times but I will say it again anyway: The world that we live in, is an unfair one.

Everyone wants to look good, to be born good looking - and we human beings are naturally attracted to good looking people. Yes, physical appearances aren't everything, but it's a very important first step to establishing a connection with someone (ie: getting someone to have a good impression of you, or to have an interest in you). If your looks are below average, the chances of someone wanting to get to know you better would probably be slimmer than that of a person who's twice as attractive. Similarly, it'd probably take alot less for you to reciprocate someone else's feelings if that person was good looking.

I wouldn't use the word ugly, because everyone will look good to someone, somehow. It's just that people with average or below average looks tend to have it more difficult when it comes to getting someone interested, I guess. I may be wrong, but it was just a thought that crossed my mind today. We all love good looking people, no matter how much we tell ourselves that the inside is more important. I find it quite a waste how so many people with amazing personalities miss out on chances in love just because they don't look as good as others.

With that being said, I can't do anything if I'm born this way, can I? No, I am not jealous or bitter or envious or resentful.

Like I already said, the world in which we live is an unfair one.

You said you go for looks. I don't blame you for that ... because we all do, inevitably. But I guess hearing it come from you didn't feel too good, that's all.

Am I not pretty enough
Is my heart too broken
Do I cry too much
Am I too outspoken
Don't I make you laugh
Should I try it harder
Why do you see right through me?

Kasey Chambers - Am I Not Pretty Enough?

I hate this song 'cos it's so irritatingly annoying, but just for tonight's topic...

The sweetest thing.



This little teddy has got to be the sweetest thing I've ever come across for the whole of this year. Saying goodbye to him was, in the truest sense of the word, heartwrenching.

X X X

I feel like Jann Arden's songs speak to me so much it's almost uncanny.

You give your hand to me
And then you say goodbye
I watch you walk away
Beside the lucky guy
Oh you will never know
The one who loves you so
'Cos you don't know me.

Jann Arden - You Don't Know Me.

Thank you Jean for lyrics on your blog ;>

But 'Insensitive' is undoubtedly my theme song of the year.

What a difference a day made.



Yummy suckao, sinful trouffle and delightful white mocha from Max Brenner.



Tried to do some reading (and played around with the camera) outside the ERC.



Two silly girls and a silly boy :>



Under the beautiful blue skies and sunny sun...



And the difference, is you.

What else can I say? I had a beautiful day.

X X X

It's heaven when you
Find romance on your menu
What a difference a day made
And the difference is you.

Jamie Cullum - What a Difference a Day Made.

Art.


You are Drama.
You are extroverted and like to show off, but can
be very subtle and intelligent when you want.
As an expert at story-telling, you love
attention and have developed the skill of
keeping it.
You get along well with Literature and Film.


What form of art are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

After more than 7 days of slacking, I feel the stress setting in.

So don't ask me why
I'm running out of laughter
There's tears in these eyes
Not happy ever after.

Julia Fordham - Happy Ever After.

Indecent Obsession.



Kendo Club annual dinner at Torimatsu - I am being blocked (I so need to grow!!!!!) ... oh, does anyone wanna take a stab at who Mr Eye-Candy is? ;p



Someone else's Mr Eye-Candy ... hmm ... shan't point out which one, but it should be pretty darn obvious ;p

PS: Me also like ;)

And because I have taken up the mission of doing a song dedication on behalf of this particular someone else, *cough cough* ... here is Vanessa Carlton with the song "A Thousand Miles" *cringe*, to a very beautiful person who shall only be known here as TS ;>

If I could fall into the sky
Do you think time would pass me by?
'Cos you know I'd walk a thousand miles
If I could just see you ... tonight.

Vanessa Carlton - A Thousand Miles.

Happy now sweetie? Don't say I didn't warn you ... bwahahahahhahaha :p

Sympathique.

Yesterday was basically one of those happy days when you feel like life's got so much in store for you to smile about.

Lazed the afternoon away with Sponk at the State Library (did basically NOTHING although we were supposed to be 'studying'), then met HJ and his significant other for yummy Hard Rock Cafe dinner - where we again stuffed ourselves silly with potato skins and steaks and a sandwich and a Medley Mountain (or was it Mountain Medley? O.o) for dessert.

Received a wave file guitar recording from someone over MSN and it totally made my day. Thank you KQ - OMG I didn't know you were this good :>

X X X

I think we are fortunate people. Just how much does it suck not being able to see or hear or talk? Or walk?

I live 3 minutes away from a deaf school and yesterday on the tram I saw 2 students from the school 'talking' to each other in sign language ... I told myself that I'm very fortunate to be born normal. To be able to see things beautiful, listen to all this music I'm going crazy for and the voices of people I care about, as well as share my ideas and thoughts with others around me (Okay, it's cliche but I just wanted to re-emphasize this fact to myself because I can't stop bitching about school and assignments while people just 3 minutes away are struggling to learn how to communicate effectively).

Never in my whole life have I seen a dog with only 3 legs before, but last night the three of us saw one after dinner. It seemed like his (I like to personify animals ;p) right hind leg had been amputated due to disease or injury. Awww. It was such a heartwrenching sight seeing him limp after his owner ... but nonetheless I thought he was a really brave dog who overcame his disability - because he could move around and do normal doggy stuff with just 3 legs. Well done doggy, you don't know how much respect you have commanded from me (getting a tad bit emotional here, as you can tell).

X X X

Left with only three (!!!!) major obstacles to clear before I hit the road to freedom for the next three months.

1) Modern Southeast Asia reflective 1500 words - due 12 Nov 5pm

2) Japanese 1B final exam - 18 Nov 2pm

3) The Mobile World final exam - 25 Nov 2pm

With that being said, I haven't done anything constructive since the semester ended last Friday ... -_-

X X X

About this time Town used to swing so gay
When glow-lamps budded in the light blue trees
And girls glanced lovelier as the air grew dim -
In the old times, before he threw away his knees.
Now he will never feel again how slim
Girls' waists are, or how warm their subtle hands.
All of them touch him like some queer disease.

Wilfred Owen - Disabled.

Hmm. Fond memories of Sec 1 English lit classes.

Sugizo.

Gerrybin just sent me the greatest Japanese rock song ever, and I lurrrrrve it!!!! Thank you Gerry ;> Play count on itunes currently stands at 12.

Kendo end-of-year dinner was good, MSN chat 2 hours later even better :>

Time for bed. Body (;p) clock seriously getting screwed up again.

Everytime you go away
You take a piece of me with you.

Paul Young - Everytime You Go Away.

This song is what I would call an evergreen classic which will never fade away with time - for me, that is. (itunes play count = 22 ;p)

Like china in my hands.

It seems to me
That we are both the same
Playing the same game
But as darkness falls this true love falls apart
Into a riddle of her heart

Days like these
No one should be alone
No heart should hide away
Her touch is gently conquering my mind
There's nothing words can say

She's coloured all the secrets of my soul
I've whispered all my dreams
But just as night time falls
This vision falls apart
Into a riddle of her heart.

Roxette - Vulnerable.

With this song I remember the very first person who taught me what being in 'love' felt like, at age 15.

It's weird how a song like this can do things to you at 2 in the morning.

Melbourne Cup.



7 in the morning, view from the window. Stayover requests, anyone? ;p

X X X

Today's a public holiday in Melbourne but as always we don't exactly get a day off because the semester is already over anyway. Have a strong urge to go for serious retail therapy at the new Billabong store in town but I would reckon that most shops are closed for Melbourne Cup. It's so annoying how you've got time on your hands and really want to get out there and buy stuff, only to be reminded that it's a public holiday -_- I want a pair of Dr. Martens, a Herringbone shirt, and a lot of other stuff from Billabong (which all cost a hell lot - sob).

X X X

So anyway I live in front of this awesome lake (Albert Park Lake if I am not wrong), and for the 15 months that I've been living here I had no idea what an amazing place it was. Two days ago I decided to go down and check it out, and well I don't think I'd ever want to move out from my place ever again.



Awww, sorry. Will promise to bring bread next time :>



Damn I should just be a professional photographer. Don't you think the sunset-lake-swan combination blend in so well?



I refuse to believe I haven't been here since I moved in 15 months ago.



Can't find places like that in Singapore, I think?



The perfect place to do some quiet reading, or just a nice chat with a friend :>

Yes I live here!!!! ^_^

X X X



And finally, the Kendokas of UMKC ;p Pity the most good-looking one in the pic has his eyes closed -_-

And no matter what I do
I feel the pain
With or without you.

N'Sync (blah) - Tearin' Up My Heart.

Vrroooom.

Mel told me that she was going to purchase an old car for 1000 bucks (?!). Right here, in Melbourne.

Arrrrgghhhhhh.

I thought I could feel myself salivating just at the mention of the word 'CAR'.

I want a car (too).
Wo yao che.
Kuruma ga hoshii.

Actually if I had a mini I'd probably die so I guess a 2nd or 3rd hand beat-up piece of metal will have to do for now.

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance.

Lee Ann Womack - I Hope You Dance.