Coming Home Soon
By Latch Key Kid
Where have all the young men gone?
They're leaving town, one by one
Johnny, come and get your gun
Father give your only son
Fearlessly they lay down their lives
Son, don't be afraid to die
You're fighting for the land that you love
Fighting for your God up above
When the bullets fall around you like rain
And the starry night has burst into flames
Remember you're the few, you're the brave
Remember what you're fighting to save
I know you'll be coming home soon
The war is over, it was on the evening news
Nobody's winning when it's life we have to lose
I know you'll be coming home soon, coming home soon
Victory can be bittersweet
Insurrection in the street
It never comes without a price
And never without sacrifice
Suicidal bombs in their cars
Wrap them up in stripes and stars
Johnny boy is coming home
For a soldier's burial
I know you'll be coming home soon
The war is over, it was on the evening news
Nobody's winning when it's life we have to lose
I know you'll be coming home soon, coming home soon
What is a friend?
Can't help but when I reflected on what had happened. It means a great deal. Was having supper yesterday with them. Yeah, I understand it's not their fault, so yes, aunty, not ur fault. whahaha.... the crap about "boh sim" is just b/s that came out of my mouth. Pardon me. My mouth needed that exercise.
Yeah. Thought of it in many ways. Perhaps he has been wrong all the while. Perhaps that guy has been thinking friendship would still be possible. And that guy had so much hope that at least, the very least, friendship would persist. But it turned out the other way round. It wasn't what he expected at all.
Just close your eyes and imagine. My friend there got enlisted into NS. Prior to that, he broke up with a girl. She was still in his mind, all the while. But the other party thought he had changed heart so fast. A chain of events took place while my friend was prisoned and stranded on a pathetic island off the Singapore mainland. Guess what, he logged on to his online friend network website and realized that she has deleted him off the contact. How would he feel. Would you sympathise, empathise, pity or not feel anything at all? This wasn't just all. It isn't a full-stop yet. He too knew the friends of that girl, well they were all classmates after all. So those friends and him used to go out together to catch movies, laze around, eat, etc. This time, because of that girl, special arrangements had to be made. You know, those situations which you will commonly see in Mediacorp 8 dramas where it involves love relationships.
Nothing much to do before I go to my new unit, so I just blog. Waste time...
Signed off,
Francis
About Stress
To my beloved friends out there, before I continue my so called crapping about how to reduce stress and more bullshit, please please please i beg you to take this short and simple test on stress. It means no harm to take right? So hit it... http://www.stressbusting.co.uk/quiz/quiz.asp
Here's a picture of how the website will look like.
Since most of my friends and peers belong to the "young adults" category, after reading much of the reviews and advices from what I believe are reliable sources, I have decided to share them on the web just for you guys. Just remember, grades in school are not EVERYTHING.
TOP 10 TIPS FOR BUSTING STRESS (information below courtesy of http://www.stressbusting.co.uk/articles/coping_10tips.asp)
1. KEEP A DIARY |  |  |
2. TALK
Talk through your diary with a good friend or your partner - even the act of discussing things often makes you feel better. Ask for impartial advice as to how to ease the problems that you have discovered, or choose the sort of stressful situations that you have identified in which to use the following relaxation techniques.
3. LEARN HOW TO RELAX
•Practise deep-breathing techniques such as slowly inhaling while counting to five; hold your breath for five seconds then breathe out slowly. Repeat this 10 times when feeling stressed, concentrating on nothing but your breathing.
•Stretch the muscles of your neck and shoulders by keeping your shoulders level and trying to touch each shoulder with your ear. Look right up at the ceiling, down at the floor and then rotate each shoulder in a wide circle. Repeat five times. Open and close your jaw widely after each time since stress often causes tenseness in the jaw area.
• Take time out. For five minutes every hour, try to 'shut down' and think of nothing but your perfect situation. This could be a dream holiday, ideal partner or simply thinking about doing nothing at all. You will be surprised at how effectively this can lower stress levels.
4. EXERCISE REGULARLY
You do not have to be a gym freak to get the stress-beating benefits of exercise. Even 20 minutes of brisk walking three times a week will help to reduce stress as well as promoting restful sleep.
5. PLAN BREAKS IN YOUR DAY
The aim here is to allow time for the unexpected (which, as we all know, will happen!). Get up 15 minutes earlier than you think you need to and prepare for the day without rushing. Even better, get things ready the night before. Try to have 20 minutes in the morning and afternoon that is exclusively 'your' time, in which you can do whatever you want, even if it is simply sitting doing nothing. Look forward to these times when things get busy and if you are unable to use them always remember to 'catch up' later on.
AND ONE THING NOT TO DO...
One approach, on the other hand, to avoid, is that of using smoking and alcohol as crutches to help you cope - in the long run they simply make stress worse. Drinking more to 'calm your nerves' is a slippery slope.
• Dr Henderson is a GP and medical columnist who is a regular contributor to The Sunday Times and other national papers and magazines. His book, 'Stress Beaters - 100 Proven Ways to Manage Stress' is published by Metro Books at £7.99.
...AND FIVE MORE SIMPLE STRESS RELIEVERS
Ingrid Miller offers five handy stressbusting techniques to use in everyday situations…
1. STRETCH
Sitting upright on a chair, and keeping your back straight, extend your arms out in front of you as far as possible. Hold for ten seconds. Repeat, with your arms behind you. Then hold on to the sides of your chair and push your body upwards. Feel your spine stretch. Hold for ten. Now stretch arms to the ceiling, to release tension in back and shoulders. Relax and shake your arms.
2. USE SCENT TO IMPROVE YOUR MOOD
Certain aromas are thought to activate the production of the brain's feel-good chemical serotonin [although one recent research study suggests that the benefits claimed for aromatherapy may derive from the power of suggestion. Ed.]. Drip a few drops of the following aromatherapy oils on a tissue to sniff when you feel stress levels rising: jasmine, neroli, lavender, chamomile, vetiver, clary sage.
3. DE-CLUTTER
Mess creates confusion and a sense of loss of power. If your desk/home/car is messy and disorganised, have a good clear out and tidy up. You'll instantly feel more in control.
4. CHANGE THE HABIT
Many stresses are habitual. If you start to feel anxious or stressed out, do something out of character. Stop what you're doing and do something else. Or take a minute to take stock and work out why you're feeling uptight.
5. THINK POSITIVE
Use 'affirmations' - positive strands of thought put into words. Repeating, 'I am a loving and much loved person', can work wonders. Say it and believe it. And it will become true.
And to caution those who think being stressed is ok and a small issue, do take note of the following. (Information below courtesy of http://www.stress.org/topic-effects.htm)
Effects Of Stress
Stress is difficult for scientists to define because it is a highly subjective phenomenon that differs for each of us. Things that are distressful for some individuals can be pleasurable for others. We also respond to stress differently. Some people blush, some eat more while others grow pale or eat less. There are numerous physical as well as emotional responses as illustrated by the following list of some 50 common signs and symptoms of stress.
| 1. Frequent headaches, jaw clenching or pain | 26. Insomnia, nightmares, disturbing dreams | |
| 2. Gritting, grinding teeth | 27. Difficulty concentrating, racing thoughts | |
| 3. Stuttering or stammering | 28. Trouble learning new information | |
| 4. Tremors, trembling of lips, hands | 29. Forgetfulness, disorganization, confusion | |
| 5. Neck ache, back pain, muscle spasms | 30. Difficulty in making decisions. | |
| 6. Light headedness, faintness, dizziness | 31. Feeling overloaded or overwhelmed. | |
| 7. Ringing, buzzing or "popping sounds | 32. Frequent crying spells or suicidal thoughts | |
| 8. Frequent blushing, sweating | 33. Feelings of loneliness or worthlessness | |
| 9. Cold or sweaty hands, feet | 34. Little interest in appearance, punctuality | |
| 10. Dry mouth, problems swallowing | 35. Nervous habits, fidgeting, feet tapping | |
| 11. Frequent colds, infections, herpes sores | 36. Increased frustration, irritability, edginess | |
| 12. Rashes, itching, hives, "goose bumps" | 37. Overreaction to petty annoyances | |
| 13. Unexplained or frequent "allergy" attacks | 38. Increased number of minor accidents | |
| 14. Heartburn, stomach pain, nausea | 39. Obsessive or compulsive behavior | |
| 15. Excess belching, flatulence | 40. Reduced work efficiency or productivity | |
| 16. Constipation, diarrhea | 41. Lies or excuses to cover up poor work | |
| 17. Difficulty breathing, sighing | 42. Rapid or mumbled speech | |
| 18. Sudden attacks of panic | 43. Excessive defensiveness or suspiciousness | |
| 19. Chest pain, palpitations | 44. Problems in communication, sharing | |
| 20. Frequent urination | 45. Social withdrawal and isolation | |
| 21. Poor sexual desire or performance | 46. Constant tiredness, weakness, fatigue | |
| 22. Excess anxiety, worry, guilt, nervousness | 47. Frequent use of over-the-counter drugs | |
| 23. Increased anger, frustration, hostility | 48. Weight gain or loss without diet | |
| 24. Depression, frequent or wild mood swings | 49. Increased smoking, alcohol or drug use | |
| 25. Increased or decreased appetite | 50. Excessive gambling or impulse buying |
As demonstrated in the above list, stress can have wide ranging effects on emotions, mood and behavior. Equally important but often less appreciated are effects on various systems, organs and tissues all over the body, as illustrated by the following diagram.
There are numerous emotional and physical disorders that have been linked to stress including depression, anxiety, heart attacks, stroke, hypertension, immune system disturbances that increase susceptibility to infections, a host of viral linked disorders ranging from the common cold and herpes to AIDS and certain cancers, as well as autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. In addition stress can have direct effects on the skin (rashes, hives, atopic dermatitis, the gastrointestinal system (GERD, peptic ulcer, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis) and can contribute to insomnia and degenerative neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease. In fact, it's hard to think of any disease in which stress cannot play an aggravating role or any part of the body that is not affected (see stress effects on the body stress diagram) or. This list will undoubtedly grow as the extensive ramifications of stress are increasingly being appreciated. Additional information is available at Current and Past Stress Scoops, Current and Past Newsletters and elsewhere on www.stress.org
And for Christians, just remember, whatever the health magazines and reviews may write. Yes, indeed, I rekon that they are truly useful. But there's still one God - our Father, who can give us rest and make a way for us even when we are heavy-laden. It's our individual decision as to whether we want to surrender EVERYTHING to Him and let Him rebuild the "tomorrows" for us. Only thru SURRENDERING and telling God that we are serious in allowing the Holy Spirit to take control of our lives and emotions, then by and by the issue of stress will be minimal. Moreover, our bodies are the holy temples of God, it's thereby even more important to take care of our mental health so as to bring glory to God's name to others in spite of whatever situations we are in, be it in school or at our workplaces.
Great Acting Justified in Local Film "Cages"
Yes, indeed, I'm too free these days due to block leave given to me by the SAF. Yes yes, all the crap about "it is a privilege, not an entitlement". Ok whatever that happens...
So I was too energetic and I could not sleep, therefore, i glued myself to the computer and began looking at official websites of movies. Well, maybe some might think it's a weird thing to do but, like I say earlier on, I just want to pass time.
Chanced upon this film which I liked and watched twice. And I thought the main character of the film was just a normal human being - a healthy boy, perfectly fine. But when i clicked on the "behind the scenes" photo gallery of the film's official website, i was stunned, totally. Fwah! Maybe that boy (by the way his name is Dickson Tan), was probably posing for the still camera. No! Guess what, I clicked on a link to YouTube, which showed me a "making off cum trailer" of the film. That guy is seriously visually impaired boy.
All I can say is, kudos to the crew. For crew members to communicate with him, whoa, not an easy task definitely. I used to be crewing as a freelancer before my ah gong enlisted me into NS, and I know how painful it is most of the times to communicate.Watch the making of, simply just click the "play" button. And really, watch the film if possible. O yes, the photos you see... they're just awesome. Can't wait to be back crewing?
Note: Photos courtesy of Cages Production Team
an awaited post...
not anymore of this and that. totally no more. i can't help it but to really let go of all these. yes, i will miss them. but so? well, life goes on...
booked out @ approx 1200hrs, Friday 6th Jul 07. gonna book in @ 2015hrs, Sun 8th Jul 07.
someone tell me how? no dates? well, life goes on...
am realizing how surface things are. seriously... also, i am realizing that things may seem simple on the outside, but it's seriously complicated on the inside.
time goes slow back at Tekong Island, but it simply isn't when it comes to time during book out. well life goes on.
my photos taken just with her used to appear in quantity in her friendster and blog, it isn't now. seriously. why? i chanced upon her friendster page, can't help it but disappoint myself.
perhaps that's why.
and so sometimes it's impossible to throw away anything - simply because he or she can't bear to.
what a conclusion.
of shock...
o yes, Julie, i would like to say a very very big thank you to you. You've been such a great friend. And after that phone call from you, seriously, after hearing what you told me and what you know, i am seriously very disturbed by certain facts and at the same time, disappointed at such childish behaviour of him, or whoever, "you". right.... whoever you are.
and it came upon my head that i really can't believe that he, that guy, can behave weridly this way. Ranger, or rather lone ranger, i can't help but say that. and yeah... sometimes i wonder why i should be helping people out when in the end people do all those crap to me. politically unsafe or are they politically unsure. yeah, perhaps what she meant was totally right, so sweet of him to do that, yeah. i just can't help but agree because for a matter of fact, i can't do it. or maybe i am not a person fit enough to do it. and ya, i just came back from JJ's shoot and i cannot get to sleep after the chat with Julie, ya...this time seriously can't get to sleep. I met with someone in the school's management just some days ago, and i can confidently say that this guy did it. did what? guess... ya... he gave me away to this someone from the school's management. and you know what? i am sure it's you. hear me my friend (or foe from now), i think what you did is childish. and right... i am unsure if i should say this. well, i see couples all around. just remember, especially to all peeps out there, if you are attached, do not, i repeat, do not try to woo the attached because it really breaks people's heart. i just cannot ta-han.
i've been thinking of so many issues, since the 1st to the 2nd to the 3rd to the last... should i be the one giving up? should i be the one letting go? what if the other does not do anything about this situation (the guy who gave me away). how? i'm confused, depressed, disturbed, maybe want to punch him (but i guess not...why punch? let's not waste my time to such a loner)
and i pray that when Julie speaks to her, she will understand. really...hopefully.
the thing i guess is that i have to "Close One Eye"
should i or should i not?
Francis,
In a v v bad mood
of shock...
o yes, Julie, i would like to say a very very big thank you to you. You've been such a great friend. And after that phone call from you, seriously, after hearing what you told me and what you know, i am seriously very disturbed by certain facts and at the same time, disappointed at such childish behaviour of him, or whoever, "you". right.... whoever you are.
and it came upon my head that i really can't believe that he, that guy, can behave weridly this way. Ranger, or rather lone ranger, i can't help but say that. and yeah... sometimes i wonder why i should be helping people out when in the end people do all those crap to me. politically unsafe or are they politically unsure. yeah, perhaps what she meant was totally right, so sweet of him to do that, yeah. i just can't help but agree because for a matter of fact, i can't do it. or maybe i am not a person fit enough to do it. and ya, i just came back from JJ's shoot and i cannot get to sleep after the chat with Julie, ya...this time seriously can't get to sleep. I met with someone in the school's management just some days ago, and i can confidently say that this guy did it. did what? guess... ya... he gave me away to this someone from the school's management. and you know what? i am sure it's you. hear me my friend (or foe from now), i think what you did is childish. and right... i am unsure if i should say this. well, i see couples all around. just remember, especially to all peeps out there, if you are attached, do not, i repeat, do not try to woo the attached because it really breaks people's heart. i just cannot ta-han.
i've been thinking of so many issues, since the 1st to the 2nd to the 3rd to the last... should i be the one giving up? should i be the one letting go? what if the other does not do anything about this situation (the guy who gave me away). how? i'm confused, depressed, disturbed, maybe want to punch him (but i guess not...why punch? let's not waste my time to such a loner)
and i pray that when Julie speaks to her, she will understand. really...hopefully.
the thing i guess is that i have to "Close One Eye"
should i or should i not?
Francis,
In a v v bad mood
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