Beijing in Pictures

Outskirts of the city, Wang Jing.

Obligatory camwhore.

Tianjin's Da Ma Hua Biscuits.

Highlight of the trip... Scorpions for dinner.

Pattaya in Pictures

starts off the day...

sex sells...

all the time.

When ordering, just point...

Tom yum goong.

Petrol.

The petrol station.

the fun begins...

when drinking, always take a cab back...

So ready for a ruckin' World Cup weekend!

Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place and I don't care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it.

You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life.

But it ain't about how hard ya hit. It's about how hard you can get it and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done!

Now if you know what you're worth then go out and get what you're worth. But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody!

Cowards do that and that ain't you! You're better than that!

- Rocky Balboa (2006)

There are two worlds of magic.
One is the glittering domain of the illusionist.
The other is a secret place,
where magic is a terrifying reality.
Here, men have the power of demons.
and Death itself is an illusion...

A while ago back, I posted an entry about looking into the future. It still haunts me sometimes, how one is able to see what lies ahead for them. How every journey is written in indelible ink and cannot be undone even if we try. Swarmed with thoughts over the unending series of events, it takes a lot out of me to sit, meditate and refocus. Mentally and physically drained finally got me spiritually drained as well. I always say that to be your own god, you need to face your own demons. And there is no support system to back you up but yourself. Crazy thing is that the demons come from within you as well. The maths gets complicated from here onwards. A word of advice, if you're not prepared to do what it takes and give it your all, don't attempt it. Under any circumstances. There is only one way out and it is through. Cobain and Winehouse hesitated. I shall get my rest, and in the morning, it will be a new day. I have done what I can today, and the day before today. I have done my best. Tomorrow will be a better day than today. If not, it will still be, by any means necessary.

word.

I am a beggar. Torn and broken down below freezing point, I beg. I beg not for money, for those can be found and made. I beg not for love, or trust, for I deserve them no more. I beg not for charity, kindness, or empathy, for they are merely words. I only beg for one thing. Hope...

Today's a reason for living.
Today's the blood from a stone.
Today's the light from a candle,
helping us to find our way home.
Today we carry each other.
Today the past is a freak.
Today is the time for forgiveness,
you will never beget that to me.

Today is tasting the honey.
Today's the strike of a match.
Today's the lines in the pavement,
helping us to find our way back.
Today's the crosses we carry.
Today's the strength that we need.
Today's the hand of an angel,
you were not the kind to believe

Today we carry each other.
Today we do what we should.
Today is the time for forgiving,
today I wish I could.

I'm sorry I can't lie.
I wasted too much time,
Drowning, I've been blind.
But I've opened up my eyes.
Sorry I can’t lie,
So I'll just say goodbye,
goodbye, goodbye...

Our Lady Peace - Sorry

Dreamt about my inevitable existential nightmare... It has been recorded.

The tin man epilogue bequeaths the אֲבַדּוֹן prologue...

The moon turned red last night... Here it goes.

Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that all was vanity; but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dream with open eyes, and make it possible.

-Lawrence of Arabia

I'll get there and more...

I stopped smoking. Withdrawal.

Initially stopped the stick for two years. One of the milestone achieved. Again, I could find a scapegoat to blame it on, but I won't. Going cold turkey is crazy so I have my training to thank for this time. It keeps me sane, and it keeps me motivated.

After all, what I put in me today maketh me tomorrow...