My final post for the year 2003. It hasn't been a particularly good or memorable year for me, but I guess I can't really complain much about it. Though I can say that there is a significant landmark in my life in this year, whether it brings about a better or worse outcome in the future is as yet to be determined. I crap.

I hope next year will be a better year...

Anyway, I refuse to go squeeze with the crowds tonight at the parties. Home is nice and warm, and besides, I still have so many movies to watch at home.

To one and all out there, here's to a wonderful 2004 ahead!

After a losing streak at mahjong that has lasted for months, I finally got back to winning ways yesterday. The force was strong in this one last night.

There's a really huge and elaborate funeral going on at the void deck downstairs now. It's so damn noisy! From my room, I can see people gathering around to watch the ceremonies. Those Taoist dong-dong-chang types... I can't sleep, I can't watch movies, I can't wait for it to end. But I guess we must respect those who have moved on, so I'll live with it...

Names of places and stuff starting with the word "New", like New Zealand or Hougang New Town, should have some time limit to them. I mean, New York isn't exactly new anymore...

Had a nice trip to JB. Food good. Very good. Didn't buy much at the shops though, I only got a Daniel Hechter tie at 70% off... Wanted to find a nice long-sleeve shirt, but couldn't find any that looked nice or fit me... I'll post some pictures another day.

Anyway, I thought of switching to ICQ 2003b, coz I thought the interface looked more compatible with Windows XP, but the there were a lot of bad reviews for that version over at CNet. Many suggested sticking to 2003a, which is the one I'm using. Is the new version really that bad? I think I'll stick to 2003a for now then...

Robert de Niro was amazing in Awakenings. Yes, yes, it's a very old movie, but I just watched it on DVD. I'm so amazed at his control over his body and expressions; he makes his role so believable. Robin Williams was ok in it. Robert de Niro definitely stole the show. It was a very touching and enjoyable film anyway, with moments of humour scatterred thoughout an otherwise serious and heartwarming film.

Interestingly, Julie Kavner, the voice of Marge SImpson, plays Robin WIlliams' "love interest" in the show. I recognise that voice anywhere.

Went sniffing around Sim Lim for a digital camera for my brother. Saw a few models which fit his budget and specifications, but will have to wait for him to decide. Damn, he's gonna get a better camera than mine at a cheaper price. Technology sucks!

Went for steamboat buffet later at night with Renee. Stuffed myself silly. Never again! At least for the next few days... Bleah

Watching LOTR later, then going JB tomorrow. Man, what a busy man I am...

You know, I hate those automatic taps in the public toilets. Those that sense your hands at the sink, run water for 3 seconds, then shut off. It's always so damn difficult to get the water to run again after the first 3 seconds. I mean, 3 seconds is not enough to wash my hands properly... Totally terrible sensor system.

Or is it just that I'm not putting my hands in the right place? Anyone else with the same problem as me?

NUS showed me another example of ineptness today. Not that I was surprised, but it did spoil an otherwise peaceful sleep. At least it got me started at settling things which I have to attend to but have been procrastinating.

I really need to stop leaving things until the last minute. From now on, I'll leave them until the second last minute...

So they caught Saddam. Big fat hairy deal. Osama's the one that is more dangerous. It's all just another excuse to "celebrate" the US "efficiency" and "effectiveness". So what if no one can find weapons of mass destruction in Iraq? We caught Saddam, so let's lynch him now! Bleah.

I'm still alive. So is Bobby. I'm over the sadness of James' demise, but I still think of him now and then. Bobby, in the meantime, seems to have gotten naughtier. He has been busting out of the enclosure on a regular basis. having him run all over the place is a no-no, as he leaves his shit all over, but surprisingly, he has been keeping all the shit to within the balcony, so maybe after a while, we can just let him loose. I wonder whether he feels lonely. I think he does. I've been trying to play with him more...

Today is a special day. It's been 2 years. And we are still alive... =)

James just passed away today. He was so much better in the beginning of the week, but started getting worse the past 2 days. My parents brought him to the vet this morning, but the vet just said that he was weak, and prescribed some vitamins and stuff. But when they got home, James didn't eat anything at all, and kept so still that my parents brought him back to the vet again. But by the time they got there, James was no longer breathing. I didn't get the chance to see him for the last time.

He was my very first guinea pig. He will always be special.

Goodbye, James. I hope you are in a happier place now...