Where did they all go?

Just a side-rant (Twitter-styled, but not so):

Where did they all go flying/fading off to? What happened to the good ol' PC games (I don't know what they're termed) (and yes that was a dangerous oxymoron) that actually took time (not realtime games like Farmville or whatever uncreatively named games there are) and effort (unlike 'instant noodle' games that are over in like what, 20 seconds?)? Okay yes, those games are still around, but they no longer offer well, in terms of updated gameplay, more user-friendly interfaces, and graphics that could deceive a donkey. Maybe it's my fascination with seeing macro in micro, or maybe it's my God complex, or maybe I'm just really a little kid still enamoured with Lego, but games like Sim City (or any others that simulate control over an establishment) appeal to me greatly, but sadly, there doesn't seem to be that many of such games around, that are actually able to stand up to stiff competition from the influx of more action/gore/violence/thrill-packed games. Games that let us control characters a la Sims don't really appeal to me (because I might as well live my own life well), but I was admittedly interested in the 'Build'-ability that it offered. Recreational architecture - that's what I call it. Probably I'm more of a creative than a destructive force. Yes, that explains it best.

(Yes it's not Twitter-styled because it's wayyy more than 140 characters. What's up with the word limit anyway.)

Welcome 2 Taiwan!

Well would you just look at that. A fantastic, earnest effort to usher visitors into the country, to enjoy all of its nature- and lifestyle-oriented attractions, and really, I would appreciate all of that, except that I can't glimpse even a little of any of it, even after dwelling there for the next two and a half weeks. Eh, no, not really, I'll actually be revelling in what the flora and fauna there have to offer, sometimes even for days on end. But ya, that's not really a consolation worthy enough of being one.

Oh well, the few days before the departure have been rather enjoyable, with the New Year being a smashing excuse for meet-ups and gatherings that really don't have a lot of purpose, save for all-important (I'm not being sarcastic here) (neither there too) socialising and catching up, with people from church, JC, and gasp, my current occupation (not that the latter was much needed anyway, haha). But even as all this happens, one realises everything actually can easily be forgotten and put aside, unless there's an effort to keep them in mind. And so I shall, instead of viewing all of these as merely fun and laughter. Yes, they are that, but also more. They're also opportunities to strengthen bonds and create new memories.

2009 + 1

Yeah it's the new year. If I sound almost nonchalant about it, well maybe yes I am. Yup, it definitely is one of the better things so far, but when one is to fly off to the island off China for non-leisure purposes, especially for non-leisure purposes, you can't blame him ya? Certainly I carry with me a much better perspective this trip around, but I don't doubt it's a sad event, with additional responsibilities, crazy training schedules, and all.

So what happened last year?

The other day (okay maybe last week or last, last week) I met up with K after an astounding six months (no I can't believe how long it was) for lunch at this really purse-enlightening Italian outfit that really was Japanese in disguise. I must go back for more sometime, it's so worth it! Caught up a lot with each other (hopefully this time it should not last for more than six months), and I guess that's about it. I think that's all I'm capable of outside, eating and talking. Well, that's more than I can say for myself.

Went for (another) hotel buffet with the FAMILY, which truly stuffed me. I ate till I literally dropped, but who cares for the bloated stomach when you've attained the knowledge that you've gotten every single cent's worth. That's the Singaporean in me speaking (plenty of that in there).

Confined myself in camp for no compelling reason except that the whole FAMILY was in Taiwan and I only had a day out. But that turned out surprisingly fun, because I could settle a lot of the 'chickenshit' they gave us. I realise that my mindset has been turning for the better recently, even the authorities have realised and commended me (a lot, should I say) for that (and as a result the additional responsibilities). Well, all of this positivity should only encourage me, no less.

One up from 2009!