Anyway, if you are interested, come with me and walk down memory lane. Let's laugh and cry, remembering the good and bad times of 2004....
In January, I decided to pluck out my wisdom tooth. And so I made a trip down to the dentist and after 3 whole hours sitting on the dentist's chair, the ordeal was finally over. However, it wasn't until months later that I realized that half of my wisdom tooth still remains embeded in my gums.
In February, we bid a teary farewell to Jing who had to fly to Australia for her studies. Barely two days later, we had to bid farewell to yet another friend, and this time, that friend ain't coming back. 17th Feb 2004, Lim Hock Chai passed away much to the agony of many who knew him. I cried very badly on that day. It was the closest I've ever gotten to death and it scared me. Knowing that death is so powerful as to take the ones you love forever is frightful indeed.
In March, I called off my 3 years relationship with dar dar. I can't recall what exactly happened that made me consider that decision, but all I know was that after the break up, I was in a deep depression. I felt like I was waking up from a beautiful dream.... and although it was wiser to be awake, I couldn't help but hope I was dreaming again.
In April, I patched up with dar dar in hope that things can only get better afterwards. Also in April, a new Miss Singapore was crowned. Miss Sandy Chua's crowning as Miss Singapore shocked many.
In May, yet another shocker took place which rocked the entertainment world. Vocal powerhouse Latoya London was voted out from American Idol. She happened to be my favourite idol and her rendition of "Don't Rain On My Parade" simply blew me away. I also got to know many new friends. Friends like Kevin, Roy, Irvin, William and Kai, brought in much fun and laughter to my otherwise sedated life.
In June, I faced a night of torrent showers while lining up with a dream to be Singapore's first Idol. Unfortunately for me, I didn't even make it past the first audition. Since then, all singing activities have been confined to the comforts of a KTV room. Also in June, Minister Teo Chee Hean announced that NS will be reduced by 6 months. The whole camp cheered when the news was confirmed. As for me, my NS was reduced by 4 months, allowing me to ORD in March instead. In June, I celebrated both my 20th birthday and Jon's 25th birthday. And on 29th June, Jon, Tommy, Peter and I flew to Bangkok and had a wonderful one week holiday exploring the exotic culture of Thailand. I came back with sweet memories and lotsa photos to look back at.
In July, Jon finally graduated with honours from NUS. It was a proud moment for both him and me. I was glad that he finally got paid for all those hard work that he had put into his studies. In July, I was finally introduced to the wonderful world of Sex and the City. The many Carrie's quandaries filled my head and has continued to play guide when it comes to relationship problems. David finally came back from London for a short holiday here in Singapore. I was invited to watch "The Revenge of the Dim Sum Dollies" in which he performed as one of the "beefcakes". The show was very hilarious and it truly inspired me to stage a similar production one day.
In August, I went to WOMAD together with Elvin and we danced the night away to the funky music from all around the world. Problems with me and dar were already stirring but I chose to ignore them. I chose to persevere on and hope for the better.
In September, I went back to Victoria School to revisit those familiar endearing faces. I managed to meet up with teachers like Mr Khoo Kay Yong, Miss Kong, Mrs De Souza, Mr Anuar and Miss Ng. Visiting Victoria brought back so much memories. In late September, I broke up with dar dar again due to communication problems amongst other problems we were facing. I was tired of quarelling with dar dar everytime we met. And so we broke up. I wanted us to cool down but dar dar obviously moved on. If I knew that this break up would have caused an eternal separation with me and dar dar, I'd have never even consider breaking up in the first place. And now, I shall live to regret this stupid choice I made.
In October, David flew back to London. With sudden free time in my hands, I decided to pursue a dream which I've always wanted to fulfil. I started writing the script for a new short film which I was producing. Within weeks, we had our auditions, casted the actors, did our rehearsals and got all our logistics settled. It was my first time producing and directing a film, but my lack of experience and training never once stopped me from pushing on.
In November, we started filming and four days later, completed the entire filming process. It was a fun 4 days mingling with the actors. It was also the first time since my break up with dar dar that I had so much fun. In November, I found an old friend, Sing, whom I had lost contact for 4 years. Sing had always been a sister figure to me and it was great meeting her again. The short film was finally submitted to the higher powers of Canon. And while at the end of the day, I didn't get into the finals, I was happy that at the very least, I accomplised something which I've always wanted to do. Also in November, I hired a personal gym trainer.
In December, Taufik emerged the winner and became the first ever Singapore Idol. All of us were relieved because Sly didn't get it. Nanny nanny poo poo! I attended my first wake when I had to go pay my respects to Edric's dad. On the 18th of Dec, I held my first public screening of my short film, The Letter. It recieved commendable praises by those who attended. I was greatly encouraged by the positive response and I told myself to continue to strive harder to make better films.
I called up dar dar with the thought of salvaging our relationships, but I was stunned to hear that dar dar had moved on with another guy. The news devastated me. To think my one true love has forsaken me for somebody else. My belief in true love was shaken to the core. I was in depression for 2 weeks, often crying and acting very dazed. Christmas finally came and went. Got rather drunk during Christmas because Tray kept forcing glasses of vodka down my throat. I finally know how Elvin must have felt when he's in his drunken state.
I was introduced to MIP, a group of people dedicated to producing new musicals. Yes, I'm on a new project and it's going to be a musical which will hopefully debut in June 2005.
On the 23rd of December, I came to terms with the fact that I was never going to get back with dar dar. And though my love for dar dar will always remain, I realize that there's no point holding on to something that has already moved on. And so I decided to move on too. And now, I'm going out with someone else and hopefully, things will work out for the better.
Today is the 31st of December. In a couple of hours, we'd be facing a brand new day in the year 2005. And while it is merely just a transition of numbers, it's good to see it as a fresh new slate of life given to all of us. We should all cherish this and begin our year with a whole new thought process. Leave the baggages behind 2004 and move forward. It's going to be a lovely year if only we'd allow it. Till the next time I meet all of you, have yourself a happy new year.