some passion is burning again~!~!

Ever since my time at Babyface came to an end, I have had more time for myself. More time to do things that I want to and such :) I am beginning to gear up a little more for my Berklee audition. Starting to practice more on the piano now! And it feels good :) But truth is, I am rather worried. Wendy said I am actually taking a gamble, I probably seem to be. I ended my studies at SIM for this without knowing what the outcome would be. I want to really trust in God, to do my best and leave everything to Him. Yet, I have to be honest and say I am still wondering, worried a little. Come on man! Where's the faith?? Not faith that I would definitely enter but that God has plans to prosper me :)

A discussion I had with Wendy came to a conclusion...

Nobody TRYING to be Somebody vs. Nobody GOING to be Somebody... Haha! In one night, we went from the former to the latter and back to the former.

the Bible says... DO NOT WORRY!

-LeB-

'Xmas Celebration + Breath-taking Experience.. Whahah

Christmas celebrations this year started with a gathering at Echo. It was a spread and we had a log cake! Haha... A good time of catching up, just spending time together and singing songs, of which, it was xinyao again. Is it in our blood? Pics below...


Our spread!


With Mama under the Christmas tree...


The Jin-Gang of the night...


That was the 23rd of Dec. Christmas eve was spent with EVOFUS but lacking Wanping! Wanping... where are you?? We must have a full gathering real soon! But I had to leave earlier for a family gathering at home. Home cooked food with a tinge of Christmas flavour, together with my beloved family and... my brother's GIRLFRIEND. wahhah. Soon, we left for Global Sounds Cafe. To support the echo peeps on their performance and we had a crazy time of uno stacko. Forfeit: sauces. Tabasco sauce mixed with water, soon the stakes were raised to tabasco, ketchup, chilli, soy sauce all mixed together. 2 rounds and sadly, it was the 2 girls that lost. Poor girls. Haha... Crazy fun we had :)


Group pic at the Upper Room of Global Sounds. Ha...

Christmas day came and it was a packed packed day. But, it was super duper fruitful and it felt greatly like a holiday! Met Wendy at 12pm for our last practice before the gig at Singapore Arts Museum. Theme: Xinyao... AGAIN! But I got to say, I really enjoy doing xinyo gigs! :) And its my 3rd xinyao gig for this year, I'm the resident xinyao gigger of SAM. Haha!


We really look matching in our outfits that day. With WendyMAMA...


Show time!


And, thanks to Yihui and Clara for coming down to support! Although I know the performance is very very different to what you usually listen to at Babyface. Ha... Thanks!

After our gig, we went to Dome @ SAM to chill out! Great place! Lesser crowd, nicely furnished and great food! I recommend the place for an afternoon tea. And I was introduced to a coffee dome card by Simon. I am so going to get it! Pay $40 plus at a go and redeem 10 cups of coffee. A great deal for a coffee lover :) The slacking and chilling out was probably a get-ready session for our upcoming korea trip! It got to be a blast!

Sadly, after we left Dome, Wendy had to leave for another appointment. Well, maybe because she has more friends than us. Whahha. We tried to lure her back but to no avail. Ha... Simon, Minhui and I were on the verge of watching our first movie together. However, knowing that its a public hol, no tics were available. We brainstormed for other alternatives... Driving in to Sentosa, foot reflexology, massage... etc etc. I am glad we did nothing of those and decided to go with listening to some live music! I suggested Jazz @ Southbridge as I had always wanted to go there. Often drive passed the place but I have never gone in before. Simon and Minhui said it would be too packed to get a seat. So, we opted for indochine instead. Since they were nearby, we poped by Jazz @ Southbridge. On the contrary, when we went at 7pus pm, the place was empty! Ah ha! Its now the time for us to be there! We returned at 9.30pm when the live band started their show. And boy was it a blast! It was really great! I really really enjoyed myself! The theme for the night was Latin music. At first I thought I wouldn't enjoy it since I didn't know what latin music really is. But I was wrong! The band was so good, the music was so good, it was BREATH-TAKING. It really was. At least to me. And it made me feel like a %&*^$&*#$(**&#. The pianist was so good! Young and talented. He certainly has a bright future in this industry. This Singaporean guy called Wei Xiang, heard he is studying in New York now. And there was ever-groovy singer Marcilla (hope I got the name right), great voice, singing abilities, a natural on stage and really groovy. She infects you with her moves! Resident drummer Tan Boon Gee and the Bassist were expectedly really good as well.

I fulfilled my wish of going to Jazz @ Southbridge and it was a great night. Thanks Simon and Minhui for the company too! Yet we came to the conclusion that we have xinyao in our blood, not jazz. Haha... at least for Minhui and I. Wendy! It was a good thing you weren't there. If not, you would have started the whole "I can't sing" nagging! Haha! We'll visit the place again! I am sure!


the 3 of us at Jazz@Southbridge...


With the band of the night! :) Great show! Thanks for the music...


My Christmas presents for this year. Little, but every one counts! Thanks Ereen, Nana, Esther, Fiona, Yan, Jiarong, Miss Tan, Yihui and Clara. And to all my friends, a big thanks to all!

-LeB-

A Pat On My Shoulder...

This week has been really hectic... AGAIN. I have been asked a same question by several people this week. This question is... "So what are you doing now? Studying? Or what are you working as?" And... I don't really seem to know how to answer them. Alright, I am no longer studying so I am officially not a student. To say that I'm a musician... Emm, it doesn't seem right too. I'm not professional. Then they would ask so what do you do everyday? And... I sometimes wonder too. If I am not studying and not really a full-time worker, what do I do? Just somehow, I really have a lot to do. This month has probably been the most gigs month of the YEAR and my entire life, thus far... My answer to them is usually... I am a keyboard instructor, that is probably my best answer.

So how crazy was this week... There were the usual new songs to transcribe and learn, jamming session and to top that, Children's Camp. :) The camp was short but I think it turned out great! Love the kids and... God really blessed us with AWESOME weather! For that 2 days of camp, it didn't rain and the weather was just good for our activities! Really great, especially during this end-yr season. Friday to Sunday was rather crazy... Friday evening was piano lesson + Denis' Wedding + 2 sets at Babyface. Saturday came and it was teaching + 2 sets at Babyface (Ended at 3am). Woke up at 7am on Sunday, Gig at Yew Tee CC then I could finally go home to catch some sleep + teaching at 5pm. Back to back. Thank God I survived it.

The new week is here and I don't see it slackening any time soon. May God give me the strength to always press on. And, I don't want to neglect my God. :)

Talking about "a pat on my shoulder", some things really don't come easy for me. And, I actually and really did it reasonably well! At least to my standards :) Wahahhah! I was really glad with the outcome and was happy that I didn't screw things up. I kinda learnt from a lesson and made good effort to make things better. Said my prayers, practiced and mustered up my courage. Caleb, you did well, 加油！

-LeB-

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-LeB-

End of the Year!~!~!

Its the end of the year again! How fast time flies. And its the most wonderful time of the year! :) Although Singapore does not snow, its beginning to feel chilly. And, Christmas is coming! I love Christmas, the festive mood and celebrative mood sets in! I hope this Christmas would be a blast!

Most importantly... Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Christ. :) Apparently, some do not know that or have overlooked that fact. Lets join in the celebration of Christ once again! :)

Thank you, God!

-LeB-

D.O.N.E

I just got back from tonight's gig. Its my 2nd show at the club. Currently playing at Babyface, Orchard Plaza. After all the hard work and stress, its finally over. This time next week, I should have done another 2 nights and it MUST be better. So... I am really playing in a club? I never actually could imagine this day. Whatever the case, thank God for opportunities. But still, that God will lead the way. At the moment the band is contracted for 1 month and it would be good that our contract gets renewed. I certainly do not hope to pull anyone down.

Time to improve, improve and improve.

And finally, I can take a little break and catch up on my cello and piano. Its still MUSIC... How boring Caleb's life is. But, I actually miss my instruments again! Woohoo!

-LeB-

D.E.M.O.R.A.L.I.Z.E.D

Last night or rather, this morning's jamming session was bad. And it was really demoralizing. It totally made me feel that I know nothing about music. And, its really meeting demands and expectations and WORKING. I felt totally bad and down and very very demoralized. Friday is going to be the first show. I really hope it would turn out FINE. Not even thinking of expecting well. Mood has been quite down for me, many things to do. I hope after friday or saturday, things would be better, things would pick up. All I can do now is to ask a MIRACLE from God. God... inspire me...

And, I want to get more regular sleep at not to "early"! Got to do something about it. Be forward looking!

Isaiah 40:31
31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

-LeB-

Counting your blessings...

Previous I started becoming stress about my decision on embarking on a music career. Forsaking mainstream education, applying to Berklee and sorts. Although now its still not too late to turn back. However, I am once again reminded that we really need to count our blessings, be contented with what we have, seek the Will of God and continually strive to improve. There were definitely times where I felt really lazy to learn new songs, practice on my instrument, got stress over gigs and jammings... etc. However, at the end of the day, music still brings me a whole load of joy! Really... :)

I seems that for many musicians, they prefer to gig and not teach. But for me, teaching is really quite a joy :) I cherish my students very much and always take pride when I see them improving. Besides teaching, "gigging" is also brings me great enjoyment. 3yrs back, I would never have seen myself doing ALL THESE. Teaching many students, talking to friends about music, pursuing a dream, performing at cafes/events/weddings! and many more. Indeed, when I started, my very first "excitement" was when Simon offered me a position to teach in Echo. I acted all cool in front of him as if it was nothing much in front of me. But I remember when I left the premises of Echo that day, I really shouted and jumped for joy. Even before that, that was what I really hoped for. Thank God for paving the way for me. I also give thanks and should continually remind myself that its an HONOUR to be playing the keyboard in church, to be serving God with the skills and talent (even that little bit of talent) that he has bestowed on me. And I have many people to thank for all the opportunities that I've been given. What I did fear was that there would be one day where all these opportunities are such a norm that they no longer become an "excitement". I certainly hope I would always remain humble, child-like to some extent and always give thanks for the simplest of all opportunities.

I had my cello lesson again today and... I REALLY REALLY enjoyed it. :) I'm beginning to see myself improve bit by bit although I wish it could be faster... I've got quite a lot to do this weekend and suddenly, they no longer seem to be a chore. I'm back to the mindset that it really is a joy and enjoyment to learn songs and to do up a performance. I am looking forward to it.

Yesterday I met up with my SIM friends for dinner. It was good to see all of them again :) Everyone is looking good and it was nice to know whats going on in their lives. Manda asked me what I've been doing and she says she feels like my life seems to be more interesting than hers? And again in dawned upon me that when I was still studying in SIM, I wanted so much to just leave and do music. Indeed, thats what I am doing now, so why fret about it when I've decided. I should instead cherish this chance and opportunity by doing my best. It is what I really want to do.

Its been sometimes since I had pics on my blog. Photo-whoring with the "Monday Gang"...

Dinner at Cafe Cartel.


Self taken pic!


Lets get ready for Christmas! Tis the season to be jolly!

-LeB-

Oprah at 5am...

For the past 3 days I've been sleeping really "earlier". Sigh. 5am, 8am, 5am?? And the result of it is me falling ill. 2 nights of jamming, 1 night of insomia. :( I do hope I recover fast, get back on track and do something about my sleeping habits and health. Our health is really really important!

The night when I was suffering from severe insomia, I caught Oprah's show at 5am. I used to watch it quite often; enjoyable and informative. This time round, it was about the FLDS. Whats that? It stands for Fundamentalist Church of the Latter day Saints. They are a religious group and community that is very much self-contained. Situated in Eldorado, Texas I think they live far from the city, in the middle of nowhere. The world is really big and different people live very very different lives. Thats what intrigues me everytime. But more than that, this group of people... they have very different beliefs!

The girls marry off at a very young age, at around 14-18 and usually to much older men. One of the girls was asked, "What does it feel do be 17 and pregnant?". She said, "Oh... Its an HONOUR." They practice polygamy (men marrying many wives) and they believe its for their good. Quoted from wiki "The FLDS Church teaches the doctrine of plural marriage, which states that a man having multiple wives is ordained by God and is a requirement for a man to receive the highest form of salvation." Therefore, their family is very very big. Their leader was convicted of being an accomplice to rape and many other allegations in 2007. His father had 19 wives and around 60 children. The leader arranges the marriages, deciding who gets married to who. Its an honour for the girls to get married as said by a woman who was interviewed on Oprah. She escaped from the community and is now leading her own life. The children do not go to a public school and is taught with the curriculum set by their leader. Sex education is not taught thus when the girls get married off, they do not know what happens after marriage and stuff. To me, everything is very hidden! The women wear long dresses and comb their hair coiffed. Its appalling to know that they are cut off from the world. There have been some people who escaped and left the community and they didn't know that there was "another world" out there. The place has also been raided and people are rescued out of this "lifestyle". Is there even a life in there?!?!?!?

Its devastating and appalling to know about all these. But I am glad for those who have left the community for another life out there!

The world is really so big and lifestyles are so different. All I can say is that we are very blessed in Singapore, for the knowledge that we've got and access to many things. Thank God!

-LeB-

late nights...

I just reached home. After 41/2 hours of jamming. Its been a few months since the last time I've jammed for this long. The jamming turned out better than I expected. I enjoyed it! It was nice playing music in a band, listening to other musicians and working things out as a band. It was also very comforting to see professionalism :) Whatever the outcome, at least it was enjoyable. Enjoy the process!

-LeB-

讨厌 - our homemade video! by dee and lebby

Somehow out of spontaneity, we decided to do up a homemade youtube video! Woohoo! And here it is! Do give your comments :) However, we probably are not very good visuals! Haha... Done on my 22nd birthday. It was great fun! Hope to do more of these. Enjoy!

-LeB-

1st project!

Scribblings from our first project... Hope to upload the result soon! :)

-LeB-

a very busy end year!

Time really flies. In almost a blink of an eye, 2008 is coming to an end. What have we achieved or what major changes have taken place in our lives this year? The end year and beginning of a new year is always a time of reflection for many. Before I approach the new and exciting year thats coming, its going to be a very packed end year for me!

-Tentative KL trip with my family end Nov
-Wedding Gig on 3rd Dec (I'll be singing! Its the first time for a wedding... challenging but I'm excited! Whats more, I'm accompanied by Simon on keys and WendyMAMA singing with me!)
-Wedding Emcee 12th Dec (Wahaha! Yes... I'm going to be an emcee. Very nervous but, I better do a good job!)
-Solid Rock camp
-Youth camp??
-Christmas concert with Star Program
-Carolling? With church and Echo
-Church's Christmas activities

and probably so on, so forth...

Today has been a very very good day! I woke up early in the morning, went to Mac for breakfast, read my bible, started doing what has to be done. And... boy do I feel USEFUL! Haha... I really beats rotting and waiting for fungi to grow on me. Lets work hard! For even God worked for 6 days and rested on the 7th, and work is what God had planned.

Proverbs 10:4 "Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth."

-LeB-

Irreplaceable

I never thought I would like a genre like this. Perhaps I am beginning to be more open-minded, good thing :) I'm loving this song! Irreplaceable by Beyonce! Groovy!

-LeB-

the need for technology...

My computer was giving me problems since last night. And boy was it infuriating. I guess the breakdown of a computer or a wireless system gets people on their nerves. We are too dependent on technology these days. E-mail, MSN, information from the net, youtube, music... etc etc. I admit, they have become a part of my life.

But thank God, the problem has just been fixed! I'm back online! Hooray!

-LeB-

THE e-mail!!!

Its finally here! After weeks of waiting. The e-mail from Berklee just reached me. The confirmation of my application and my date and time for the interview/audition. And seems like its a good place and date!!! :) I really do hope I have enough time to practice and prepare myself for the interview/audition. Please pray for me!

Honestly, I have been worrying a little and stressed up about this whole decision and the upcoming interview/audition. Whatever the case, I really ought to commit it into the Hands of God and do my best.

Details below!

Dear Caleb:

Berklee is pleased to invite you to audition and interview with us. The audition event is Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Day 1 and is scheduled for Mar-11-2009.

Your audition time is set for 03:30 pm and your warm-up time is 03:00 pm

Your audition will take place at:

International College of Music (ICOM)
Wisma ICOM Lot 126, Section 85A, Off Jalan Pahang
Kuala Lumpur, 53000
http://www.icom.edu.my/
603-4023-6000

MAMA-MIA! Save me!

-LeB-

How I love my Hong Kong dramas...

I've been watching a new TVB serial. Its the sequel of 溏心风暴... 之家好月圆. A rather good serial. I love HK dramas for its interesting plots, witty dialogue, good acting... etc. This current serial plays quite a lot on emotions, and I suppose, the Hong Kongers love that. It reminds me how important family ties are and how it should be treasured and time should be invested. But of course, dramas are always an exagerration of what reality is. Still, I think that many in Singapore do not have the best of family ties and its something that we should all work to improve. :)

Besides TVB serials, I'm so into cantonese. Love it totally. I love the sound of it and cantonese songs, be it old or new, always tugs my heartstrings. I guess a part of me is canto... maybe 2/5 of it? What attributed to this characteristic of mine was probably because when I was younger, my mum used to watch Hong Kong drama on TV2 or TV3, the blurry Malaysian channel and I ended up listening to those cantonese dialogues. Also, my mum and her 5 sisters, together with my grandma all converse in cantonese at family gatherings, I grew up with that... but I got to say that my cantonese is still so... LOUSY. How sad. One wish of mine is to be able to speak cantonese fluently.

My canton dream...

-LeB-

i miss you...

i really do miss... EXERCISING!!! sighz... I would probably have to wait 2 more months till I am able to exercise again??

-LeB-

deepavali!!! a holiday!!! :)

Today was really a HOLIDAY. Some might ask, but I thought everyday of yours is a holiday? Well, "free" days doesn't mean holiday. However, today was different! :) I still had 1 class to teach at echo, that was from 12pm-1pm but after that, I went out!

Minhui was at echo and we decided to look for Wendy to relax and lunch together. At first Wendy said she already has lunched at home but Minhui managed to persuade her. Minhui said that we were already on the way to her house, on AYE I think, but the truth... We were still at Echo! Wahhaha! But, it was GREAT time spent together. Now for the logic of why the day feels different... Its a rare occasion that the 3 of us would spend an afternoon out together. We do meet up but its 98% of the time at night, late nights... A morning or afternoon out, chilling and relaxing really makes a world of difference, especially with good company :) Wahhaha! *Wendy... your "wah... so good" reaction to Minhui's off day tomorrow is CLASSIC! Cracks me up totally.

We ended up at Dempsey Rd and it was good :) Went to CA, beside Ben and Jerry's and the food was great! Reasonable pricing. We then headed to Barracks for drinks and deserts... After which, I went to my Grandma's place for family gathering. Gatherings are always good :) Yeah!

I really let my hair down today and it was good... I feel more relaxed now :)

Its gonna be back to piano-ing and cello-ing. Preparing for Berklee's audition and Piano Grade 8 for next year.

-LeB-

its that time again...

that time that I am feeling a little lost. I guess it does happen. there's a lot at stake, a lot of uncertainties, a different path, a different mindset. however, I am comforted to know that as long as I stay close by my Lord, He'll look after me. He has great plans for me.

The Lord is my comfort, my shelter, my refuge.

-LeB-

Oh My Goodness!!!

I think I have found my true identity... I am a MAD man!!! Woo~!~!~!

-LeB- Wahahah!

a simple life...

too many thoughts clog up the mind.

a simple life, a simple me with a simple mind... thats what it is. period.

happy :)

-LeB-

i haven't updated this space for some time...

nothing really bombastic going on in my life now. just days of slacking and some piano playing.

today i went to New Creation Church together with Minhui, Wendy and Wanling (milk powder girl)... Wahah! I just love making fun of her (don't mind it ok? Haha...) Its an interesting combi to go church with, but its nice :) Ps Joseph Prince was preaching and the gist of the message was to...

Put our trust in the Solid Rock (Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour) and not on shifting sand. How true, many things in the world are shakeable but only our Lord Jesus never fails :)

After service, we had carls' jr and N.Y.D.C... the early morning, casual talk and empty cafes made it feel like a HOLIDAY... i love that feeling :)

Back home it was a cool and rainy and it was really good for an afternoon nap. :)

The cold is nice at times :) If the Korea trip does happen, I hope it'll be good weather and snow!

-LeB-

funny photo!

We're hot on VOGUE!!!

-LeB-

stay home days...

after being discharged from the hospital, days have been a bore :( so sad. no choice but i have to stay home to recuperate. yesterday i resumed my lessons at echo and boy was it... ... REFRESHING! it was refreshing to get all ready to go out of the house, drive the car and be back at echo, teaching. staying home for too long really makes me go crazy and sometimes, moody. i guess it was cause i wasn't feeling too well in the first few days also. thank God that now its much better :)

so what have i achieved by staying home? nothing much actually... its so slack i feel like trash :( i just watch tv, sleep, eat, surf the net, started to play a little of my piano (no cello yet cause I didn't want to lean my instrument on my wound) and... i subscribed to MOBTV! Haha... Thats the kind of things you do when you're too bored and have... TOO MUCH TIME? for once i can actually say i feel i do have time, just that probably i am not utilising it well, as always that is. although i subscribed to it, i couldn't view the videos! arggh! and being an computer-nut, i didn't solve the problem just like that. :( but, i just solved it. JUST! yeah... now i can watch more shows to pass time.

sadly, i have decided to stop my relief teaching duties. for one, so that i can have complete rest and not rush myself to work. secondly, i reckon that i should really pull up my socks and prepare for the berklee audition (i am still awaiting their reply to my application). no relief teaching means no $$$ :( well, i'll just have to make do. i'm trying to be far-sighted here and not look at temporal needs.

so those are just some updates. till then, tata!

-LeB-

a word of THANKS!!!

I just want to say a big word of THANKS to everyone out there who supported me and my family during this time of operation and recovery. Thank you EVERYONE... yes, EVERYONE who prayed for us, visited us, asked about us... and for the many many many GIFTS I received! I felt so BLESSED! thank you to all of you! still feeling a little drowsy to name all of you! But its just great to have so many friends supporting me! :)

And, all glory be to God for this successful operation... its really is a MIRACLE! :)

P.S. I have discharged and am now back home! My elder brother is still in the hospital though, for further observation

-LeB-

29th of September 2008

29th of Sept is the day. It is the day of 2 major operations that are going to happen for my family. It is going to be the day that the doctors transplant one of my kidneys to my elder brother. It is D-DAY! It really is... The surgeons will operate on me on Monday morning at about 8plus am and about 3hrs later, the operation will begin on my elder brother. I suppose the next 1 week would be quite torturous, emotionally, mentally and of course, physically. Which operation would not involve pain? I am sure all would...

Above all the tough times, anxiety and fear, there is a greater reason to rejoice and look forward to for the operation. Firstly, I am committing everything to God, really everything. Without Him, we are nothing. Dear Lord, I acknowledge that you are in control or everything and in all things, you work for the good of those who love You.

This operation means A LOT and I reiterate... A LOT... to me, my family and I am sure, especially to my elder brother. He has been through a lot and it is not something that I can just say, "I understand." A lot of us are blessed and truly blessed in the area of our health. So much so that a lot of times we just take things for granted. For my elder brother, since he was p2 he has had to deal with the fact that he wasn't as healthy as other kids. He had to watch his diet, he couldn't eat his favourite "char kway teow" everyday, he couldn't do PE like other kids, he couldn't participate in sporting events, he had to take lots of medication, be in and out of hospital frequently, limit his liquid intake (which was 1 small bottle of water a day!), undergo dialysis 3 times a week. However, he has been a very good role model to all of us... He has always been the strong one, depending on the strength of God, cheering us on, striving for his best in whatever he does, serving the Lord. There are few times that he ever complains or resigns to fate. Yet for many of us, we often feel like its the end of the world when something happens or fails.

I am not brave nor am I noble in any way. I am simply doing what is right and doing my utmost to help my dear brother. It is certainly my privillege and I thank God for giving me a healthy body enough to do this deed. I am looking forward to the time where my whole family would be able to go out for meals, where ALL of us can truly enjoy the food, drinks and deserts... have my whole family go on a holiday together, somewhere faraway and simply enjoy. And I long to have my elder brother do physical activities with us, probably we could play tennis together? Swim together? And to see him lead life with more freedom and have a healthier body, I hope and pray for that.

Please pray for us...

Lord, it is all in Your Hands... We will pull through this together... Amen!


The 3 of us... "Terence", Jaron and Aaron
*now known as Caleb :)

-LeB-

End of the Week...

This end of the week has arrived and its 1 day more till I get admitted into hospital. I am rather mentally prepared :) I shall let the pics do most of the "talking" and looking back at the past week, I did quite a number of things :)


Strawberry yoghurt drink and Apple vinegar drink. This was taken probably 2 weeks back? When Minhui and I decided to try out a new place... This japanese cafe at bugis. The food and drinks are good! But we spent a bomb there as well. (An outdated post)


The thin-crusted japanese pizza...


Their signature tofu cheese cake... light and good!


A picture of the sun rise I took with my handphone camera, while on my way to Nanyang Pri. I love my days beginning with the morning sun. It practical brightens up my day and give me that extra boost of energy for a start :) I have been seeing the school kids having their "PE" lessons even when the sun is really scorching hot, but I guess to them, they don't really care. I feel that as we grow older, we simply care too much. Don't even bother to exercise or would not do so when its TOO HOT. What excuses we give. I would like to see it that its a blessing to be able to exercise and I wish I could find a good time to bask in the sun! :) I won't be returning to school for the next 1 and a 1/2 weeks. School has been fun, mixing around with the kids :)


This is a really pleasant and awesome surprise I got on tuesday! 23rd of September '08. Its a gift of appreciation and a card from my keyboard students of 2yrs and 2weeks! Given my Lixian and Zhang Yan! Thanks a lot! It really meant a lot to me :) How time flies... When I first saw the both of them, they were still in POLY! And Echomusic was still at its old location... Well, I hope you have learnt well from me and, pls practice!!! Haha... On the card, they drew the keys of the piano, and sadly, Zhang Yan drew it with 4 black keys!!! Is that what you learn after 2yrs? Hmmph! Wahahah...


And, on Wednesday I had my first studio recording!!! Oh boy... Its been my dream of all time! To go into the studio to record my own voice! And I finally did! Thanks Simon and Minhui for making this little-deam-of-mine come true! Although, I think I sound really bad :( Still, it was a good experience :) Minhui says my voice is suitable to sing for an insurance jingle... it gives people hope! wahhaha...


In the studio... Echo's studio :)


Producer-mentor Mr. Simon :)


On thursday, we went to Hanabi @ Odeon Towers to celebrate WendyMAMA's birthday! Once again, happy birthday to you! You've been such a joy and blessing to have as a MAMA! :) I've learnt to much from you... Thanks for everything! I'm wishing you all the best in ALL your endeavours... 'cause you have... TOO MANY! From singing, to violin, to percussion, to song-writing, to emceeing, to hairstyling, baking, make-up, burger making! and many many more... You should be called the WONDER MAMA... Haha...


Wendy 2nd pic :)


Group pic! Once again, I'm the only single there :) 3 couples and me...


In an attempt to look serious... We failed!


And this is how we look like... succeeding!


Final group pic :)

-LeB-

updates of a busy? life...

Life has been super duper busy of late. Sadly... I feel I can't even find the time to rest. I guess a big part of it is because I'm working EVERYDAY. Work drains me out quite a little. And I haven't really had the time for myself... I have not touched my piano and cello for days, and I am upset :( I miss them...

On a lighter note, I manage to gather the remaining evofus to meet up for a dinner on Monday. A simple dinner and desert coupled with great companionship was a blast! :) Lots of laughter, seeing familiar faces and new face, deep sharing and updates. And through all these, we're reminded once again of how much we cherish this friendship. This friendship of 5yrs and growing stronger and stronger. Thank you everyone who are a part of evofus. Jiarong, Jasmine, Shuan, Wanping (you are missed!), Kelvin, Aloysius and now, Keng Chuan :) I really thank God for all my friends!


@ Haagen Daz (Thank you all for caring and the blessings! :) )

Love ya all!

-LeB-

a music-fied weekend...

this weekend was totally busy! i had to prepare for WTC's gig, which meant listening to new songs, transcribing chords and rehearsing... first time working with Ruby, playing for Danick and Max was in company. On top of that were my usual lessons that I had to teach. Played for Solid Rock on Sunday morning. feeling so "music-fied!"

on friday night I went to Joanna Dong's recital. coolz! she had a 3-piece band playing for her, and that was ENOUGH... mei shuem on piano, brandon wong on bass and "flats" on the drums. all of them were very very good :) so nice! and Jo Dong released her EP and i got a copy of it! i adore her voice.

i managed to meet up with Sun Quan after many failed attempts... the last time we met, he was still single. and now, he's attached! congrats bro! it was a very good catch up and the bond never fails to be stronger :) to Sun Quan: school's busy, but, take care my bro! its the process and EXPERIENCE... haha!

today also marks the start of my 1 month break from playing the keyboard at church. and my "last" performance at WTC before i take a "vacation". Performing has always been fun and its becoming better :) thanks to my Echo family for giving me thus many opportunities...

this time next week I would probably be in the hospital already. thinking about it, i don't think i would be able to sleep the night before the operation. its still kinda scary! haha... for those who did not know... my operation date has been confirmed. its next Monday, 29th of Sept. the operation will be at NUH. come and visit me if you're free! although i would probably be in my most "un-glam" state. above all these, i certainly pray that everything and all goes well! that my brother and I would be safe and the operation would be an ULTIMATE successful! God bless us!!!

signing off...

-LeB-

Mad TV - Black Woman Interview

Wahahah! This is hilarious!!! It was so bad that it was torturing to be controlling my laughter while watching it in school. This goes out to everyone who needs a burst of laughter!!! :) Woohoo~!~! Love MADtv!

-LeB-

its break time!

currently having my break and i'm watching madtv! hahaha! its hilarious! never fails to crack me up. just that, i can't laugh out loud here... WAHAHHA!

-LeB-

Hiromi Uehara - The Tom and Jerry Show

There can only be one HIROMI. Goodness! Her technique, tone, phrasing and whole performance... Its amazing. I love this piece too :)

-LeB-

school has started...

Starting this week, SIM classes would have begun. However, I am not attending any of the classes. I think it really means I have quit school. No wonder isn't it? But thinking about it, it really is a decision that I never thought would be made. So from this moment on, I am but a mere 'A' Level Holder. Not even a dip.

And so what's next? I really do not know or rather I don't have the confidence to say that it will definitely be an exciting future for me. Rather, I will continue to pursue my dreams and more importantly, let God govern my future. Without Him, all is lost...

Although I am no longer in school, but again, I am still in school. Just that its a primary school. Wahaha... Today is a rather relaxing day with my first 4 periods free and lesson back-to-back after that. I am enjoying the interaction with the kids. :)

-LeB-

Acapella...

I suddenly remembered that there's actually a thing called "acapella" and how I used to love it. A sudden urge to do acapella stuff... Amazing harmonies...

-LeB-

Phew... Results are out! Yeah!!!

Praise the Lord~!~! I got back my piano exam results! And I passed!!! U-weet :) No merit, no distinction though, just a pass... :) 3 marks short to merit... Still, I am very glad with the results... After playing badly, sight-reading like I was improvising, having my ears stucked and pissing the examiner off; what other result can I expect?? Haha... At least I can move on, didn't waste the money away and get back some confidence?? Thank God :)

However, right now and coming ahead there probably is going to be another even more MAJOR exam. It would be the Berklee auditions. I have been thinking quite a lot about it and beginning to feel the stress. Instead of being laid-back, this time round I really need to buck up! Its do or die... I surfed the net and found out that their acceptance rate is 34%. Emm... I guess its not going to be that easy. Still, I'll give it a shot.

Oh God... Please give me WONDER HANDS to play the piano, SUPER SENSITIVE EARS and a SUPERB MUSICAL SENSE... ah!!!

thank God for all the blessings :)

-LeB-

Monday Blues~!~!

Its been some time since I've got Monday Blues... :( However, last night I felt rather blue-y... 'Cause... ... I have to report back to my army camp for reservice! And that isn't the best news to have... Good thing is... I managed to defer my reservice! Phew! Close-shave. I spent my Monday morning "deferring". My application almost didn't go thru, but finally, they relented and approved it. Thank God!

It just didn't feel good to be going back to my army camp. I had to dig out my uniform, find my badges, prepare for other stuff... etc. Also, the culture in there is so different from what I face everyday. It doesn't help that I was the only one going back, none of my friends were called back. And when I went back, I thought about the times spent in there. I thought its... AMAZING. How did I survive those days? Haha... But there were memories too... The crazy happenings and stupid things we do back then... And till now, I still keep in contact with a couple of army friends and I am glad for them. :)

Life is rather different now. Its just been 1yr 6 months but it feels like life has changed pretty much, or rather, very much... I just thank God for what I went through in army and that He has always been watching over me. Thank you, God...

-LeB-

SIM results~!~!~!

2008's April and May were 2 gruelling months for me. I remember mugging all I could for my SIM exams. Spending a bomb at cafes and macs to eat and study. I was very lonely then also... Haha... 'cause I studied better alone. And now... The results are out!!! So exciting!!! I've been wanting to know how I fared!!!

The conclusion... ... ... ...

I PASSED all my modules!!! Yeah! ALL my modules! Despite expecting to fail a couple of modules. I cleared them all :) Heez!!! Kinda happy... Thank God for the results also. Although the results do not mean much now. Still, its better to know that I'm leaving after clearing all my Yr 1 modules.

Looking forward and committing everything to God. The future lies in His Hands...

-LeB-

a dream...

i think i do really want to go to BERKLEE...

-LeB-

the "click"...

There are answers that I've been wanting to know QUICK... Then I'm reminded of the show "click", starring Adam Sandler and how the moral of the story is that life would be in a mess if we just wanted the outcome and felt that the process of things are troublesome or a burden. How true it is, and definitely, the process of things make life more interesting :)

Its been months and news abt my SIM results are still not out... arrgh! I'm eager to know. Haha... Although it probably does not matter much now.

My classical exam a week ago... Whats the outcome??

Then I was thinking... How is life going to be a year later???? And I am reminded of the song... 明年今日... Haha...

Its not all about the outcome... The process matters!

-LeB-

My Weekend... Kickstart performance @ Global Sound Cafe and rest Sunday...

Saturday was Echo Music's first performance at Global Sound Cafe. We had our students Jake and Fiona singing together with vocal instructor Ruth and my MAMA, Wendy! Haha... Wendy did a superb job that night :) I asked her to sing 下一个天亮 and she did it under my request, even though she felt the song wasn't very her. Still, she aced that song and everyone loved that song... WendyMAMA, thank you and so proud of you! :) Sing that song more ya? Haha...

A performance at a new cafe and I was privilleged to have my friends come support me :) Jiarong, Jasmine and... Keng Chuan (Did I get the name right?) came down to support me :) Its been a long time since my friends not from the music school came down to see me perform, be it singing or on the keyboard. Sadly, I was sick and couldn't sing much :( I was also pleasantly surprised that someone from church came down to support me! Those from church... start guessing who... Wahaha! Its... ... Jonathan Lee! Yeah man! Thanks Jon, I appreciate it a lot :)

That night, I sang "That's When You Know" by Gareth Gates. Not many people would know the song but its a song thats of certain meaning to me :) 4yrs ago, I sang that song for my JC's talentime and won 2nd in the English Solo category. A small acheivement but it was meaningful... Jiarong and Jasmine were also in that year's talentime and they won 2nd for the Chinese Group cat. with their original composition :) Great times we had back in JC... And it was those times spent performing, composing and music making with Jasmine and Jiarong that sparked off my passion in music. I know we would never forget those times and memories left. I still remember there were times we would be quite "sian" because at times there were many rehearsals and much has to be done rehearsing, or we would try recording our demos but fail to do a good take everytime. And the LT5 grand piano... Ha... Kinda out of tune but we just hung out there and kept singing :) Jasmine and Jiarong, the both of you are my first music buddies man!!! Yeah, if there's a chance, we'll do music again :)

Sunday was sort of a rest day for me cause after many weeks, there's no gig at night. Although I was actually looking forward to watching the performance at White Tangerine. Probably it was a good rest for me especially when I'm sick. 休息是为了走更长的路 ...


From Right to Left [KC, Jasmine, Jiarong and Caleb (JJC)]

Life kept simple is the best... :)

-LeB-

Singapore! Singapore!! Singapore!!!

I just finished watching the live! telecast of the table tennis female singles. Li JiaWei vs. the world's no. 1... Initially, Li was leading with 1 set and subsequently, no. 1 caught up and eventually beat Li 4 to 1 sets... Sad. It was an exciting game! And, both played really well... The scores were very tight. It must have been tough playing at that kind of atmosphere, with so many pairs of eyes on you and so much pressure on you. Pressure to win a medal at the Olympics. What a big event. Still, Singapore winning a silver medal in this yr's Olympics is quite a feat. So proud of Singapore and all its sportsmen. Suddenly, I feel so patriotic. Haha... But I do realise that I feel for Singapore. Proud to be a Singaporean :)

I am always intrigued by how the world is. Many individuals raised in different cultures, settings and countries. Amazing... the world is big... and I hope to explore the world :) Still, Singapore is where home is...

-LeB-

My days as a Relief Teacher...

I survived 3 days as a relief teacher. The result of it... I have fallen sick :( Sighz. Down with a really bad cold. It is just the wrong time to fall sick when my piano exam is TOMORROW! I really hope I would still be able to go for it and do well... Flu, flu go away!!!

I probably fell sick because I am so not used to waking up at 5.45am when usually I would sleep at 3am and wake up at 11am. What a drastic change. And for the first 2 days, I only managed 3hrs plus and 5hrs of sleep. I have been taking afternoon naps, usually 2hrs which makes my day really short. Or at least it feels so :( I will need to get used to this. Sleeping at 11pm would ensure me about 7hrs of sleep, but 11pm seems really early :(

Time passes fast in school which is a good thing... BUT... I am losing my voice! 3 days and I'm beginning to feel it. In fact, by the first 2 days, I'm pretty gone. The kids make so much noise that I have to "battle" with them with my LOUDNESS. arggh! I must say... They really can shout! And I wonder what their voice boxes are made of... I still lose out. Today I managed to keep the noise level down without shouting, but that was only for 1 class? For another, literally everyone was shouting... No one was talking... Ha... But I don't hate the kids, in fact, some and quite adorable... the P1s especially. Just that, I don't think I can let them be that noisy.

Some kids seem to like me... Today, a P2 boy even said, "wah! look, the teacher is so handsome. right? he's a handsome teacher" Quite dotz... I didn't know a P2 knows what is handsome or ugly. Wahaha... And I get the usual, "he took my pencil", "no! I'm not your friend"... etc etc It is when they tell me such stuff that I don't really know how to react.

I have also noticed that the younger generation have the NEWEST names of all. Its no longer Matthew, Peter, John... etc. I get names like Clevereno, Antonione, Brennan, Nevin... Names that I never knew existed. Names have evolved man... ...

I pray that I would recover real soon and be back on track!

P.S. call my Mr Tay... Wahaha!

-LeB-

end of "free" mondays...

Its the end of another Sunday but its no longer going to be a "restful" Monday. But!!! I'll not let it be a Monday full of blues... Its 12.47am now and I will need to wake up at 5.45am to prepare to go to school. Ha! Its the back to school days... I wonder what I will be doing at Nanyang Pri tomorrow.

Anyway, I just came back from my PACKED day... Praise the Lord for how things went! :) I enjoyed singing for the charity show at Jurong Point although the sound system could have been much better, but overall, it was good. Thanks to Danick who came down to support... :) After which, all of us headed down to Global Sounds Cafe to prepare for the students' gathering. (Danick I haven't paid the cab fare... Pls claim from me!!!) I did emceeing for the night and I thought it went... well?? Was it?? Haha... Still, I was glad how it turned out to be. Thank God! Thanks to WendyMAMA also. We started off without much rapport but it became better :) I also witness my students playing and it was nice to see them being able to play at a certain standard and to see other students perform. Basically, tonight's gathering was heart-warming to me :) And I felt Danick truely deserved the $100 prize, of which $50 is given to Jake la... Hahha... But he did well too :) Danick... I enjoyed your performance!

Ok, thats all for the updates. This coming week, I'll be performing at Global Sounds cafe on Saturday at 8pm-10pm. Its a cafe at Chinatown... Feel free to come and support! Tata!


A pic at the Charity Show :)

God bless EVERYONE!!!

-LeB-

Tomorrow's Schedule...

The day kicks off with a church service at 10.45am tomorrow, but I would have to reach church at 10am to practice with the worship band. Following that it should be lunch?? I would need to be at Jurong Point tomorrow by 2.45pm for a charity performance (3pm-4pm). I will be singing 2 songs, namely Piano by 范逸臣 and 路一直都在 by 陈奕迅. After that, I will be off to Global Sounds Cafe to prepare for Echo Music's student's gathering. Much preparation have been done for this event and I certainly hope it goes very uberly duperly well! I'll be emceeing for the night together with my MAMA! Wendy MAMA! My "virgin" attempt. Also, I would be singing 谈心, a song by You Hong Ming and Joi Chua with Zhang Yan. In addition to that, I would be witnessing 3 of my students' performance. The 2 Adelines and Lixian :) Jia you everyone! I could clearly see the effort put in for every performance in this upcoming students' gathering :) So nice! But that made us BUSY BUSY... Also, I'll be accompanying Sky and Fiona on the keyboard with the song 心愿便利贴. Now... who will win the $100 cash price tomorrow... Lets look forward to the results :) Fun!

It certainly is a super packed day tomorrow... Lets enjoy every moment and step up to challenges! Woots~!~! I'll be praying to God and committing everything into His Hands :)

*People usually blog about what has already happened... I am the opposite... I blog about what is going to happen. Wahahah... Weirdo...

-LeB-

T.I.R.E.D...

There seems to be many things to do. And right now I am feeling tired and it feels like I am on the verge of falling sick. I pray that that would not happen :) Rest... I need rest...

-LeB-

These days...

These days I almost can't believe the decisions that I make, the things that I push myself to do... In the past I had lots of self-doubts. I guess even now I still do. But with the strength from God, support from friends and determination, I would like to strive for more!

Jia you Lebbylebleb... Wahahhah!

-LeB-

Bukit Timah Hill~!~!

We really did it! We said we're going to climb the Bukit Timah Hill and we did it... People these days LOVE to procrastinate, but I am glad that we are spontaneous enough to make things happen! :) Just that... I was... 1hr late?? We were supposed to meet at 9am that morning. Minhui called me at 9.20am and I replied, "Hello! Ah?? Ok ok! I am coming down NOW! I'll meet you all at the hill... Sorry sorry!" Once again, so sorry... But Minhui already expected it to happen. Ha... Actually, I would really have been able to wake up on time, if it wasn't because I had a really bad insomia the night before. I slept at 6am :( Sighz... Still, we did it and it was good :) Refreshing and it was great doing things not of the norm :) Lets organise more of such outings!

Minhui half way through the track...


A big Simon with a small bag... Hahha...


At the peak... Sadly, this isn't like the peak in Hong Kong :( WE MADE IT!

Tomorrow would be my first day at work... Yeah... I am going to work. I am going to do relief teaching at Nanyang Primary School. Melanie asked me to look after her younger brother and learn the school song. Haha... I am sure I would do it! I hope I can stay throughout the whole school term, learn something, earn money and adopt good sleeping habits. Going back to school means waking up at 5.45am. Sighz... These days I wake up at random times, sometimes at 10plus or 11am. First day tomorrow and it WILL be a GOOD day. All into the Hands of God! Pray pray pray!

I do not wish to be burnt out also. Life has to be 充实!!!

-LeB-

It was a public holiday today!!!

09 August '08. Today felt very much like a holiday! A public holiday... It really did. Somehow although I am on school holidays, today felt different, I could feel the holiday mood throughout the day. Splendid! And I was also in a mood for national day because I got engaged in a gig doing local compositions, xinyao and national day songs :) It was a very fun gig! I enjoyed myself! Probably because I enjoyed singing the songs we did :) Fun fun fun! And for the first time, I collaborated with He Fang. Its my honour man... She sings really well :)

Once again, it was a very packed day. Practice at 11am, 2pm-4.30pm gig @ SAM, slacking and chilling out @ Dome (SAM), gathering at diya's place... I was really tired, these few days have been really busy. Chilling out at Dome was good! Good food, nice ambience... It would be nice to go there again. Probably the weather contributed to a holiday-ee mood too...


A pic of our performance at SAM :)


Gathering at Diya's place... Thanks Diya!

Its going to be another packed day tomorrow and a gig at White Tangerine Cafe. I am looking forward to activities yet hope for some rest as well :)

-LeB-

Further Updates... and items from last week...

Last week was rather fulfilling for me. I met up and caught up with 3 of my old friends. Marie on Wed, Alvin on Thurs and Samuel on Fri. It was really good to hear from them again :) And, I could feel that our bond was still there, even after not seeing each other for some time. Talking to Marie was good... I kinda think alike, maybe because our pursuits are similar. She is currently a fashion design student in the UK. Emm... :) Alvin has by now started school, I hope all goes well for you dude! And I am sure it would! Have fun as a student once again... Sam! It was fantastic to have you come over to my place for a swim and to see the "still the same skinny you"... Haha... Well, just stay the same and stay happy! Lets catch up again :)

I hope I would be able to catch up with my other friends too! *Sun Quan! When are you going to be free??*

Besides meeting up with some old time friends last week. I just realised that I've been suppering almost every night for 4 consecutive nights with Minhui and Simon. Of course, it was great to have Wendy around on Friday! Mama! Join us more often man!

For the past 3 days, I've been listening to the same CD of 巫启贤, listening to the same song. I like unplugged and good voices to go along. Ha... And oldies never fail me. I just suddenly felt like listening to them every night.

*Make the world a better place! :)

-LeB-

a new found goal...

i'm taking steps to achieve my new found goal. focusing on whats needed... target... 4-6hrs of practice time on the piano each day... starting tomorrow!!!

-LeB-

Feeling Lousy :(

Caleb is feeling lousy right now. Blues... Improvisation... :( Haiz...

-LeB-

overwhelmed... very... excited yet lost...

after a family discussion; for the whole night, i have not been myself. the news affects my whole being. i hope yet i am afraid. somewhat of a dilemma. but, things are working out?? i didn't think it would be so soon, its shocking! i didn't think i would come to a stage like this. ultimately, all into the Hands of God... that leaves me without any worries...

-LeB-

Eason Chan's Concert 2008!

I just came back from Eason Chan's concert, I have to say that the $140 paid was all worth it. The concert was terrific! Great vocals Eason has... I admit, I am envious! Wahahha... However, I felt that the music could have been better, with more variety. The sound system at the indoor stadium was really good and that aid in Eason sounding AWESOME. The bottom line is... it was a really good performance by Eason Chan. We could see the effort put into the concert also :) Through the concert, I feel like perfecting Cantonese, I just love the language... or should I say, the dialect...


My concert buddies for the day, with our Magnum each :)

*many things in life do not just come our way. we've got to fight for it and earn it.

-LeB-

Medical Checkups...

By now some of you would know that I might and most probably would be undergoing an operation some time soon. There are many procedures to be done before going for the operation, and I suppose it is quite a major op. How coincidental it is when there are so many reports and talk about the legalisation of the sale of kidneys and right here I am just about to donate my kidney. For those who didn't know, it is a kidney transplant that I would be doing. I am the donor not the recipient. In all things, I am going to commit it onto the Lord. :)

Today I went for another check up and it was a CT scan on my kidneys. At these check ups, I realised that I am surrendering myself to the nurses and doctors, leaving it up to them to do whatever they have to, without even knowing what they are going to do!!! Just like today, I thought it would be some scan that didn't require any injections or painful treatments. Not that injections are all that painful, but, I would cringe at them. I always feel like laughing when being poked, its the painful-ticklish feeling. So as I was saying, I had to endure unexpected poking and injections today. The nurse poked a HUGE needle into my BIG BIG vein (they always comment that I have a very big vein and ask if thats usually the vein they use... the answer is YES!). Poking the needle and taking it out right away would be fine, but no, the needle was left there for the rest of the check up... probably 30mins? It just felt so... TICKLISH... wahahha! Apart from the poking, I had 2 injections, the first was water and the other was some liquid that would enable the doctor to see what was happening inside my body, ie. how does liquid flow in my body. Although I have obsolutely no idea why the nurse injected water into me, it felt weird. Just through a vein, the whole tube of water went missing and into my body. I could feel the sensation in my arm and flowing into my chest area. The other liquid was worst. I could feel the sensation throughout my whole body and it made me feel like... URINATING! Good thing I didn't wet the bed? Oops...

This is what the stuck needle in my arm looks like...

Huge needle 0n my arm...

*dreaming of my dream...*

-LeB-

Convocation!

I attended a convocation on tuesday. It was my very very good friend's convocation, dearest Jasmine Ng. :) I should have attended 2 convos by now but I've only attended one. Apologies goes out to Whitney Wong, so sorry I forgot about it. Still, I am very happy for them both and Xuan who has graduated from NIE as well :) First it was the A'levels and now, its uni, I am so proud of all of you! 2 more years for Jiarong, 2 more years for myself and 3 more years for Kelvin. Press on!

Although I was really excited for my close friends who have graduated, I no longer feel the urge of wanting to be there, wanting to be like everyone else, wearing the convocation gown and graduating from a local uni. When I was in secondary school, my primary aim was to get into a junior college, it didn't really matter which junior college, all I knew was that I wanted to be in that system. And in JC, I just wanted to get into uni, preferably a local uni. I used to roam NUS or NTU at times when I was in JC, when I visited friends or my elder brother. Back then, it seemed like a goal and something that I really wanted to reach. On tuesday when I travelled 1 and a half hours into NTU, I no longer feel that its a place where I would like to be. Looking at the students having their orientation and students in their convo gowns, everything seemed so foreign. I thought how would my day of convocation be. There wasn't even a sense of excitement. Yet I thought... My thoughts and feelings would be so much more different if I were to graduate from... BERKLEE?? Wahahah... There and then I was back into my dream land. For now, it might be a dream, but who knows, dreams do come true.

School is starting in 2 months time. I am so not looking forward to it. My focus has changed. Probably tremendously...

Happy pics below!


Congrats Jasmine! Offically into the work force and earning big bucks!


Woohoo~!~! I look so happy!


My turn with the bookworm hat :)

*cough cough* we had lunch with someone that day as well. same initials as Kelvin Ching... Lets call him Mr. KC. I have a rather good impression of him :) :) :) Jasmine... HINT HINT!

-LeB-

relaxing place...

Just came back from supper. I had Carls' Junior for supper. Does that seem too much? Well, I really had that. Went to the outlet at Big Splash where its opened for 24hrs. Its a really nice place. Great ambience, fresh air, comfy seats... :) The outlet is a building standing on its own and it reminds me of the States where many restaurants or cafes have the same layout. I love it! Great place to check out. Carls' Junior has good food too... I hope we would go back there again. Simon and Minhui are my supper gang now. I hope I am not a light bulb though. I'll dim my lights... Wahaha...

Sometimes we are not able to see how we really are. Things are different from someone else's perspective :) Time to have MUCH MORE patience...

In the pursuit of music...

-LeB-

the calling??

i had a meeting with my bosses today. yeah, the directors of echomusic. sounds big doesn't it? but it was a casual and easy-going meeting that was really fruitful :) once again I thank God for His blessings, for bestowing upon me this responsibility as a music educator.

we had a meeting to discuss about the school's syllabus and it dawned upon me that we are very blessed with really talented, passionate and knowledgable teachers. coming this november, i would have been teaching music for 3 yrs. i have improved along the way and i am very encouraged that i have students who have followed me for close to 2yrs. it really is very encouraging. i am often striving to do my utmost for the interest of my students :) i guess its a passion afterall. i would not want to stop at my abilities but to continue improving and learning so as to further impart greater knowledge to my students. thats what i really hope to do.

striving for the best...

-LeB-

trapped in the past...

i feel i can't move on. 'cause... i still like the songs of yesterday. yes, i like oldies... they exudesome kind of attraction that hooks my emotions. but of late, i heard a very good singer in the mando-pop industry. introducing Crowd Lu. yes, thats his English name. in chinese, known as "lu guang zhong". anyway interested in listening to mando-pop, do take note of this new singer. very unique in still, very acoustic, unplugged, very fresh. i am happy with my buy :)



Do all creative people need to look "different"?? Maybe I should try...

-LeB-

Monday Blues?? NOT!!!

Finally! The weekend is over! Woohoo~!~! My life is so topsy-turvy... While people look forward so weekends and dread Mondays, I look forward to Mondays... Mondays mark the end of the weekend and the beginning of a new week. As usual, both saturday and sunday this week was packed! Very packed... But its over now :) Time to take some rest and do my own stuff! Its time for my cello and probably take some time to exercise...

Something that I really look forward to these days is my Cello. Yeah, my new instrument :) I feel that I have improved and made progress! And my teacher commented the same thing :) I've been performing quite regularly, playing the keyboard for the past 3 weeks. I am looking forward to the day where I can actually perform on my Cello :) Goody!

Time for some rest :) And hopefully a VERY fruitful week ahead!

-LeB-

of Gigs and Performances...

I just came back from our 2nd performance at White Tangerine Cafe, Kovan. It was our 1st official slot at the cafe. We didn't sing well neither did I play well. There's so much room for improvements. Minhui said that I have grown up, and that is a big compliment for me. Thanks :) My thoughts? I am still improving and trying my very best at every gig/performance. And I thank God for where I am thus far. I haven't gone a very long way, but I've been blessed with opportunities and people around me who actually believe in me. When a lot of times, I do not even believe in myself. Thanks a lot. We are FAMILY! :)

Each week ought to be better... Keep improving! :)

-LeB-

Sakamoto Ryuichi - Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence (Live)

This piece of music is totally amazing! I heard the piece sometime back, enjoyed it, but didn't really think it was this good... After hearing it again, I love many aspects of the song. The melody, the simplicity in it, the emotions, the instrumentation! Piano! Cello! and Violin! Perfect! It would be a dream to one day work with a set up like this :) Enjoy the piece of music :) It is really emotive... Film music is rather good, and the Japanese are really creative...

Huh?!?!?!?!?!?

I can't believe that they actually used those pics. I look so so so "HANDSOME". Take a look at my retro hair. Worst hair day of all time...

www.instantglamour.com

-LeB-

the process...

I just thought I'm going to emerge stronger. I am not going to admit defeat. Life is about trying... and improving... Just got to do it harder and tougher...

-LeB-

Busy Bee...

Finally, I can take a breather. The last few days were crazily packed, I hardly could do anything I wanted. 2 performances during the weekend, 1 jamming session today on top of worship practice and teaching. I had to learn quite a number of songs, and my "learning power" is slow :( Both performances were so NOT GOOD. I better buck up. Thank God Echomusic still got the performing deal at White Tangerine Cafe @ Kovan. I should be performing quite regularly there now. Feel free to come down and lend some support! Haha...

I am now back home and I can finally bow a few notes on my Cello. Honestly, seriously, I miss my Cello... I am in love with it and its sound :) So nice. And I really enjoyed my Cello lesson last Friday. Although the lessons are only 30mins each time and we aren't playing anything fanciful, I feel so blessed to be learning something I've wanted for sometime :) I think my Cello teacher is a nice person too, the main thing, he is patient... I do hope I can achieve something on the instrument.

I hope it'll be a fruitful and relaxing day tomorrow...

-LeB-

别松开手

25th of June some of the star program students were involved in a charity performance. It was a fund-raising for the Sichuan earthquake. We were very honoured to be invited by Jiu Jian 老师 and to be able to sing his composition for the Sichuan incident, 别松开手. It was a touching moment on stage and off stage I saw some audience who teared. Neo also had "the moment" where is had an individual part, singing along-side Ric of DreamzFM. :) Ric and Joanna Dong was at the performance :)


The singers for the day... :)


I finally told Joanna Dong that I think she sings really well! And I got a picture with her :)


Do we look like brothers? (PS: I hate my camera... Its a green camera)

After the performance, some of us headed down to Miss Clarity Cafe near Seah Street. It was a nice place and the food was good!

Foodie Pics below...

WangDaJie's Pork Chop... Mushroomy Pork Chop...


My beef stew :)


Chicken Chop! Nicely taken?


And the supposedly chicken burger that became beef burger... Ha!
(I think I've rather good photography skills man...)


At Miss Clarity Cafe... Photographer: WangDaJie

-LeB-