Reached consensus

A long waited wish granted unexpectedly on one night yet drowned by a self-convinced undefined concern leading to unintentional unpleasantness amongst two humans. Not the best situation in which things had turned out but lucky enough to be salvaged by a silent mutual agreement, with stories shared in a manner of invisible slash lines and imaginary battle of words and debate.

It was understood by both.

The Focus

Jet lag is a monster. If there's such a term known as undersleep, I'd totally qualify. It wasn't bad when we first arrived in Vancouver since we have to work almost immediately until midnight. So for the consecutive 4 days in preparation for the mega important meeting, there's no chance to enjoy the luxury of jet lagging. Eventually, body clock was forced to tune to the 15 hrs difference, which yes, is good news. Now that I'm back on a weekend, sleep can be chosen more flexibly -- ironically bad because I can't adjust back to Singapore's time. I tried to stay awake till it's time to sleep but wasn't able to. The fatigue accumulated from the trip plus the defiance of mind that wouldn't grant me sleep on the ultra long butt-aching flight is just horrible. Nonetheless, the bonus of all these complaints is to be planted in a job and/or project that gives my passport the bliss to collect international stamps.

That aside, my first SIGGRAPH is truly an eye-opener. Now I understand why the people say it's hard not to attend future conferences after the first visit. All the works are just so fascinating and so many things outside my world that I've yet to be exposed to. Just, WOW. Amazing. And yes, I especially enjoy the Computer Animation Festival and Electronic Theatre screenings - something that at least I can understand, something not so out of my world. Exhibition booths are likewise, cool designs and never-seen-before. Taking photos is one, but being there is a whole separate feel. As always ya?

Then comes my one-day-holiday, though after the meeting is already like a one -- the difference is that the walk does not evolve around the convention centre; it's Downtown. I combed everywhere as much as I can. Grab the chance! It's not an everyday thing that you happen to have a ticket to Canada. I so love the season, the temperature, the fresh air, the beautiful sceneries, the smiles of people .. I walked a lot, spending time getting lost and taking photos, it's an enjoyment. Travelling alone isn't that bad afterall. Well, with a map, the worse you can go is to go round and round finding a place that you are already in (yes, that's me).

I went to English Bay beach after the exhibition to watch sunset but apparently the sun doesn't seem to set after waiting for 3 hours. I should have known. So I walked along the outline towards Stanley Park which I'm glad I did. I extended for only a day (sadly so) because I miscounted. 2 nights were my original intention but I realized later that the "second night" was actually a night to be spent waiting for my flight in the airport -- that leaves me with only one. Oh well, better than none. So this precious off day was spent in Stanley Park. Beautiful flowers, so bright and pleasing.

It wasn't late at all, slightly after lunch so I decided to carry on with my plans to walk to West Vancouver and walk on the Capilano Suspension bridge. It was .. sort of a mistake. Capilano bridge is a famous must-visit place and I was, still am actually, sad that I wasn't able to walk on it. I spent hours walking from the insides of Stanley Park to crossing the Lions Gate bridge and to reaching Capilano and continued embarking on the journey with high hopes of actually reaching the destination but it never seem to want to appear in front of me. I saw road signs after every now and then but AH, forget it. I was so close that I can "smell" it but on the safe side, I know it will be a rush if I continued so I decided to give up the cliff walk and all the fun. So I walked ALL the way back to Stanley park and walked freely instead of following main roads shown on map. Whenever there're man-created trails leading to the inner sections, I'd just walk. AND what's so surprising, I got lost. No matter how zig-zaggy I tried to undo my paths, I can't find where I was. So, I spent time getting lost again. Well, the comfort is that at least my legs brought me to seeing something new and different, awarded with maple walnut ice cream. Luckily the weather is cooling, perspiration evaporated as soon as you felt them forming. Good. I love the cool.

I got blisters on my toes -- especially painful on uneven grounds on the trails leading nowhere and everywhere but where I wanted. Still, I had fun. I threw my shoes away after returning to the hotel for a good long bath because the soles cracked. Man, I'm good walker.

Finally, headed to the airport for a goodbye Vancouver meal and checked my emails. Aiyo. So many emails and I'm shagged so I facebooked instead. Am I allowed to laugh? Hahaha.

It's no doubt an unforgettable good trip!

Casted

I’m not sure if I can understand or digest any of those words that hurt people so much without any hesitations. The untamed tongue .. the false words that flow along the thought which strives so desperately to please others while hurting the beside. How much further can things go; how much worse can a situation turn; how much more hurt can the past bring? The feeling of being misunderstood by everyone else except the closest still nonetheless carries the thereafter effect of loneliness, lost in the favor of darkness crowded with familiar faces.

I’m not sure why promises exist. Are they just another  medium of words with higher priority of temporal trust and belief? How easily can confident little fingers tie to each other in a second, like how words can flow out thoughtlessly faster than the work of synapses?

Nevermind the size

Shagged. 

There's supposedly lots to be typed but my body battery ran low due to the extremely long days of preparations and rush .. Drained. But before my eyes close for the short night, enthusiastic flaunts come first.

I bought my luggage (*JOY). This is the #1 update I wanted to share since the minute I owned it. Thankfully I didn't get yelled at when I dragged this pretty little thing home since the sole reason for me to get a luggage is because what I had was tiny and it won't grant me survival for 2 weeks in Canada (FLAUNTS*).

So after work yesterday, I excitedly went to hunt for a luggage with limited time and venues. I wanted to get a Samsonite but I mentally fainted as soon as the price was shared. Then this pretty little thing said Hi to me as I floated around the shop and within minutes, I owned it. For the size, price and durability .. I have my doubts. But for the design and color, an immediate Yes.

So here I am, with yet another small luggage. A prettier one of course, just to emphasize again. And slightly bigger  (*GRINS).

And here's another 'But' to be credited -- I believe I'm a pretty good packer. I can squeeze all sorts of things and survive equally well. After all the camps I've been too, I'm well trained. I don't care if I've to be as extreme as Mr Bean to cut off Teddy's body, bringing only the head along, I'll make sure everything goes in with ample space for new stuff to travel back.

Congrats to me, all the necessaries are in, especially the documents. Again, as always, (clap clap) there's space for more. Not to mention the 'additional' space when all documents are cleared.

AND I suppose that's it. The highest priority update I have in mind.