The Ham Sam Show

You simply have to watch it! This 5 minute long production is hilarious and has little moments in there where you find yourself giggling crazily.

Sameer and Idham, fantastic job guys. It takes alot to be the hosts of any show and you'll pulled it off. On top of that, you'll did it with finesse! Idham with the whole awkward crying moment and Sameer with the censored vulgarities! Haha!

Naathan, that was simply insanely funny. Mr Bubbles!?!?! I'm not gonna give anything away because you have to watch it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And Yoga....Yoga Yoga Yoga. OMG! The music and the way you stood!!! PRICELESS!!!

And ofcourse Praven, well done with the whole plan. It's turned out fantastic. And keep going at it.

So folks, do watch The Ham Sam show because it is worth your time and most definitely will make you LAUGH!

AND HERE IT IS FOR YOU VIEWING PLEASURE!!!!

Times and Memories (Part 4)

Before you read Part 4, you may read the 1st 3 parts by clicking on the links below:

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

"Here we are," her father proclaimed as he pulled the car up a driveway next to a quaint house. As he got out of the vehicle and rounded to the back to retrieve the bags, she sat there for a few seconds and stared blankly out her window. She felt isolated and cornered at the same time. Taking in a deep breath that caused her entire body to shiver, she pushed the door open and got out of the car. As her father walked towards her with her bags, she took one from him and obediently followed the silent man to the front door. But before he could even open it, she stopped dead in her tracks and made a pathetic little sound.

"I can't do it. I can't go in there dad," she held her hands up in defeat as her voice trembled from the emotions that flooded her. "I just can't." She felt worn out and weak from everything. She was tired of life and all the roller coaster rides it had taken her on. And she was especially tired of getting off the ride without any good memories to take away.

Her father stared at her for a moment before slowly walking up to her. Laying a callused hand on her shoulders, he said in a gruff voice,"She needs you now more than ever. She asks for you every day. Please. Don't make her suffer any longer." With that said, he turned away and went into the house leaving her at the driveway feeling torn.
.....................................................................................................................................................................

"Please Faith, you have to help me! I can't do this alone," Ray pleaded with her twin.

"I never said I wasn't going to help you," Faith said sternly even as she placed a comforting hand on her sister's, "I'll never leave you, ever." Ray collapsed into tears the moment Faith said those words and Faith held her sobbing sister as she spilled tears over her lost innocence.

"I didn't expect this to happen Faith. I don't know what to do," Ray managed to get those words out in between her sobs.

"Hush. Now listen carefully. I'm here for you and we're going to get through this together, okay?" Faith looked into her sister's eyes. Ray nodded her head as she brushed away the tears that had dampened her cheeks.

"Good. Now first, I need to know who got you pregnant?" Faith asked her twin sister calmly.

"I can't tell you that," Ray shook her head.

"Why not? It would help Ray. Have you talked to him about this? Does he know you're pregnant? He needs to know Ray," Faith poked her sister for the truth.

"No! Please just leave it! He doesn't need to know alright!" Ray spit out venemously.

"Why not? I think he deserves to know. You need to atleast give him a chance to make a choice!" Faith counter argued.

"I can't because he's married!" Ray shouted. Faith looked away as she absorbed this piece of information.

"He's married?" She whispered. This changed everything. All at once, Faith's anger was riveted onto this unknown man who had slept and impregnated her sister. How dare he?

"Who is he?" Faith asked. "Do I know him?"

Ray fell silent as she sat beside her sister.

"Do I know him Ray? Have I met him before?" Faith persisted on. She wanted to give the scumbag a piece of her mind. Her sister did not deserve to be treated like this. "Ray?"

"You don't want to know Faith," Ray mumbled softly.

"Why not?" Faith asked and it was at that moment, a bad feeling crept over her. Just then, the front door to her house opened and she heard the familiar voice of her husband of two years.

"Honey, where are you? I got us dinner reservations at that restaurant you've been eyeing," his velvety voice floated down the hallway to where Faith and Ray sat.

Faith, in all slowness, turned to look into her sister's face and what she saw there jarred her to her very bones. For there, on Ray's face was a look of fear and guilt and it was then that Faith knew who the married man her twin had feared mentioning.

Anger seeped away only to be replaced by cold fury.

Hah! I was right! But then again I always was!

Hah! (Yes this word actually bears repeating.) I was right! You know what this means? This means that you should log into my blog constantly and read it! WHY? BECAUSE I OOZE AWESOMENESS!

HAHA! And because I'm always right. Like do you know why it was raining again tonight? BECAUSE Zeus lost the game Para Para to Hades. Sigh...when will they ever learn...

Anyways, I'll post some time later...oh yeah, Sameer wanted me to post this:

SOFABEDTABLE ROCKS!!!

IKEA (Win $1000 vouchers)

Check this out!!!

 3 simple steps:

1) Go onto the IKEA Website and download the software that will help you design your room.

2) Design your room! Have fun and be creative!

3) Submit your entry and await the results!!!

It's as simple as that!!!

I'm working on mine now!!! So fun lol. So if you are interested in joining the competition click HERE!!!

Oh and before I go off check out this comic strip I found within the pages of the IKEA magazine:

I read twice and couldn't stop laughing to myself. My sister called me crazy and walked off...

Oh and as a final comment, here's a weather report:
Residents of the North were shocked to their bones when a storm came over their homes; a thunderstorm to be exact. Reasons are not clear but we're getting reports that Hades stole Zeus' PS3 and as a result, the great King of Gods decided to retaliate rather childishly by tossing his powerful weapons down to the pits of Hell in order to spite Hades. However, Zeus in his anger forgot that between him and his brother, lies the domain called Earth, where humans reside and hence get caught in the middle of it all.

But Zeus realised his mistake at about 7pm last night and ceased his fury. As such, today we're enjoying a peaceful clear morning. But we've gotten insider scoop that Hades is now planning to steal Zeus' pride and glory, his God of War game. So be warned, there could possibly be a greater thunderstorm tonight.

And I'm out.

When I was 10... (And other things)

I still remember this because I yearned it so badly that I could not stop thinking about it for a very long time.

When I was 10, I wanted to be part of a performance group. I didn't care what performance group it was as long as we played instruments, sung or danced, but I mostly wanted to play an instrument. It happened on the day my mum took me shopping with her at Causeway point and I saw a performance taking place there. It was a marching band performing several pieces and it was then that I fell in love with their uniformity and music. But most of all, I fell in love with the idea of being so much a part of a team that even if you left it a year later, the memories and sense of comrade would never leave you. I suppose NS guys would understand that. It's like going to BMT and leaving with a life time of bro stories to tell.

Anyways, when I got back home, I couldn't stop thinking about it and I wanted so badly to be part of some music group. I only played one instrument at that time and that was the Organ. I began to play it earnestly and whole heartedly but I was disheartened as days went by and I couldn't be part of a team. It was then I made a promise to myself  that one day, I would start a team and I would play with them and we would perform in well known locations.

Today that dream was fulfilled. Last year, that hope I had of being part of such a team was rekindled when a bunch of AFT members began playing the drums that one of our cast members left behind after a children's camp we had. Together with several bongos left behind, everyone began to fool around and it was then that I remembered that dream I had of being part of a team. So I prodded on with the idea and the percussion group was born. Haphazardly, a few people came together to perform for countdown and soon after, we were performing at events.





But it was not enough for me. For the first time, I did not want to lead this team. I wanted to genuinely be part of it.










Here's where I'm going to introduce you to my concept of levels of leadership. Imagine a ladder if you will.

A 3rd rung leader is someone who is very much a part of the team. Meaning, he/she chooses to be a follower and listens and follows orders. He/she is also very influential for when he asks everyone to keep quiet and pay attention to the 2nd or 1st rung leader, they keep quiet and listen.  (Idham I believe that in Soundwave you are that person.)

A 2nd rung leader is someone caught in between being partially part of the team and partially leading the team. He/she is able to influence the team to a certain extent while capably appealing some of his/her ideas to everyone else. He/she is also looked to when small problems need to be solved. (Thana, I believe fits into this category in AFT Soundwave.)

A 1st rung leader is someone who completely detaches himself from the team in the sense that anything he/she does is entirely for the benefit of the team. He/she is well respected by the team and ultimately makes the decisions for the team. This person can sometimes become the bad person, which in many cases is very necessary. This person also risks several chances of bonding within the team because he/she chooses a position that gives him a bird's eye view rather than bro bonding session. (Praven, took up this role in AFT Soundwave.) 

Praven, my brother, did an excellent job in conducting Soundwave's music. I'm extremely proud of him and here's a warning to all other AFT members, you shall soon be facing Praven's learning journey as well because sometimes in life, you cannot just be a 3rd or 2nd rung leader, sometimes, you have to become a 1st rung leader. It's not that easy but you have to deal with it. All 3 levels of leadership is equally important and I believe that Thana, Idham and Praven filled it up very well. So here's to the 3 of you'll.

I'm digressing. Back to the point of me wanting to be part of a team. So yes, since Praven was the 1st rung leader, Thana was the 2nd rung leader and Idham was the 3rd rung leader, I was finally left to be a team mate! I was pleased at that prospect. Practice sessions were more fun for me because I did not need to lead anyone, I could simply focus on being part of the team! I did not have to worry (much) about how things went on (except for the fact that I m AFT chairman and sometimes things do come back to me).

And today, when I was on that stage, I felt light and happy because I saw this one kid, this one small little Indian girl who watched us from the floor. She was staring at all the instruments and the people playing it and I remembered, "When I was 10, I was that kid who wanted to be that person who was part of that team. And I finally am."






So yeah : ) It's a feel good moment. Anyways, as the title of my blog states, there's another part, the "Other Things" part. Here are a bunch of random things that have happened that I wish to mention. First, the Canberra Quarterly newsletter. Kudos to my mum for doing a brilliant job....again!







And here's the article that Serena and I did for the newsletter!!!

It's the "Editor's Pick For Top 5 Hotspots in Sembawang". Serena took the picture while I did the write up. Yoga's name is inside as well even though he did nothing...so he's going to have to do most of the write up for the next feature. If anyone wants a copy of this newsletter, no worries for if you live in Canberra, you'll be getting one in your mail for free soon! And if you don't live in Canberra, well you can collect one from the CC. Trust me. This issue is terrific. And if you are interested in writing for this magazine, drop me an email @ ancientoriant@yahoo.com.sg : ) Or just let me know on my tagboard!!!

Anyways, moving on....HERE'S ANOTHER BIRTHDAY GIFT I GOT TODAY!!! This one's from Kanitha:

It's a freaking Carousel!!!!!!

Isn't it pretty? I recall once, seeing something like this. I wanted so badly to buy it but didn't because I didn't want to squander my money! I do believe that there should be a new definition for birthdays. Here it is:

BIRTHDAYS: A good reason for others to squander their money on behalf of you. : )

Thanks Kanitha! Seriously love the gift. It came as a huge surprise similar to the thrill my sis and mum's gift gave me! Don't you just love surprises!?!?! Haha. Anyways, that's all I have left in me to blog. So I shall end it here and bid you goodbye.

My Birthday Presents List

Every year, on my birthday, I actually take note of the presents I get. I mean birthdays are even more fun when you actually get presents. What I do is, I write down a list of gifts I get for that birthday and keep it in a diary. It also helps to look back on the past years with a good memory of how my birthdays were like. For example, when I turned 13, the greatest present I received then was a disc man. And how rare is it to see that piece of equipment around now?

Anyways, that's my point. It's fun to look back and compare the presents you got then to the kind you may get now because time changes and so does the type of presents you receive.

So here's the list for the birthday presents I got this year:

1) A pair of delicious and sinfully delectable brownies that Shruthi baked for me : )

2) A delicious birthday cake that Sri Ram, my cousin brother, bought for me. (Choco Exotic from Four Leaves)

Yup that's me, blowing out the candles.

3) An awesome lunch out with the beloved family.

4) An awesome artwork from Prabs.

5) Delicious pasta, cheese and meat dinner from Ravind (It's a silent 'D'). He cooked it by himself and I must say he's got a future in the FnB industry ; )

6) Nice dinner and ofcourse gaming (L4D2 and Battlefield 2 with friends and family). And I promise not to drive a tank anymore.

7) This beautiful statue from my mum : )

8) This is Calastria! Shanty got it for me from 'Build A Bear'. Isn't she adorable. She's a horse in case you're wondering. And the picture below that is of Calastria together with Hunter.

9) AND HERE'S THE CAMERA WITH WHICH I TOOK ALL THE PICTURES!!! I haven't explored all the functions yet  but I shall figure it out soon! It's a Nikon Coolpix camera. It's pink. Not my favourite colour but it looks good here! It's a touch screen camera and need I say it's FREAKING AWESOME. Getting this camera is = to getting a car to me. Wooohooo! So thanks mum and dad : )

10) And ofcourse, MY BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm just too bloody excited!!!! Finally after so long, my book is published!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's called, "The Guardian, The Land of Arilt"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! lol. If you are interested in purchasing my book, please do let me know and I'll sell it to you. It's priced at $12.90 which is very reasonable : )

And that was my birthday for me.

But I want to leave my blog with one thing clear. In the post prior to this, I stated I was hesitant about turning 21, that I wished for the clock to still so that the 24 hours may pass quickly. Here's the thing. When that clock stroke 12, my brother's friends, who were staying over, wished me Happy Birthday before bundling themselves back into my brother's room. My family wished me Happy Birthday and my sis and mum presented me with the gifts. It was then that the first prickle of joy started spreading through me. I then went to sleep but not before cracking several lightsticks I had in my room and hanging them about so that I fell asleep amidst glowing lights.

When I woke up, we went for lunch and my family wanted to cut the cake at Cafe Cartel. I said no, that I would rather cut it back home. I wanted it to be simple and share it only with those who would probably sing me the Birthday Song because they actually cared. After that, I opted to go play lan with my friends and family. And that was my birthday.

Here's where I started realising several things. 

1) Instead of going on that buffet lunch at a Hotel like my mum suggested, I wanted to go to a simple restaurant. So we went to Cafe Cartel.

2) Instead of going to town to do something different and special, I chose to play lan.

3) Instead of taking up my mum's offer of going out earlier and that she would do my housechore for me, I washed and dried the clothes.

I just realised that I had made several choices today. I chose to celebrate my birthday simple because I was afraid that by celebrating it grandly, people would expect some significant change from me. I wanted to keep things plain and simple and possibly dull because I didn't want false expectations to be raised of me. 

But I just realised (yes yes, I'm using that word alot), I'm okay with that. I'm okay with turning 21, because someone wrote something on my facebook wall today that left me touched. She said, I was "SOMEONE OF SUBSTANCE". 

It makes one pause and think and I did. I'm okay with turning 21, in fact I'm excited. I'm fine with whatever expectations people throw at me because I know I'm capable. I'm ready for a significant change to take place because all these years I've been living has taught me how to adapt quickly.

21 isn't an age, it's a way of thinking. It's a mindset that forces you to think what direction you're heading in and whether you're okay with that direction. And I'm perfect with where I'm heading. Within the past 6 months, I've learned so many lessons that I feel more matured and capable of making decisions. Being 21 isn't an overnight change, it's a change that has been building up for over 21 years. 

So I'm proud of where I am and I'm happy to be 21 and even though I celebrated my birthday in the most simplest of fashion, I'm happy with the day. And who knows, maybe I'll go for the Fullerton Hotel Chocolate Buffet : )

I'm Not Ready

I'm not ready to turn 21. I don't feel changes overcoming me. I don't see a difference. And I definitely am not experiencing some life altering moment. What is it that makes turning 21 special? What makes it so important that people keep mentioning it and you feel as though you're put in the spotlight for that period of time? It's not like you're moving from being a teenager to a young adult. Heck, if that were the case then we should be celebrating turning 20.

What is it then? And if you think that I'm asking this question because I know the answer and simply want to lead you on some self discovery journey, you're wrong. Because I have no clue what it is. Especially for a Singaporean Indian girl like myself. I hesitate when I think about the fact that my birthday is in exactly 24 hours time. I detest it and wish time would stop for another week so that I may think long and hard about what turning 21 means to me.

When I was a kid, I went to my cousins' (yes more than 1) 21st birthday celebrations and they were grand affairs, held in function rooms and halls. I grew up anticipating the excitement of that day for myself because it seemed really important. But now I'm not sure.

I've got 24 hours to think about it and I hope I have an answer by the end of it because whether I like it or not, I'm turning 21 this Sunday.