asphyxiation.'s photostream

Just realised that all in the same page, are uploads from 2009, 2010, 2011, and now - 2012. That said, new year, new beginnings and resolutions. Got to start picking up the cameras again, and create new footprints down highway 2012.

Contradictory how in this age of technological advancements that seek to bridge the distance between people, we have inevitably been separated by a wall thicker than before. A wall of instant tweets interlaced with Facebook updates, lined with books that are as thick as your iPad is. Scenes of daily commute on public transport now include an iPhone in every other commuter's hands, as their heads are bowed low and their fingers flicking away at the screens. (Makes you wonder how you used to kill time when you were on the bus home.) While we sum up whatever is "on our minds" in 140 characters or less, we have become recruits in the ever-expanding army of judgmental skeptics, who perhaps are just inwardly seeking some comfort and reassurance. We no longer spend time just watching the clouds go by, or notice how a friend does not seem to be his or her usual self, because every second is money.

As there will always be ups and downs as we journey through life, 2011 was no different, albeit with some different challenges. Armed with a university degree but in no absolute way consequently that much wiser, it is time for the beginning of yet another chapter. Not the most cheerful of photographs to kick start a new year, but it is true that there will be many unknowns down the road. Even plans that are supposedly cast in concrete can still change, and as Denise McCluggage puts it - "Change is the only constant. Hanging on is the only sin." To cut the rambling short, let us forge on with the courage to let go of what we should, and focus our energies on what we can still change.

Another shot from the short trip overseas earlier this summer. Missing the beaches of that tropical paradise, already. Been somewhat busy.

As July prepares for its exit, so are many students bidding farewell to classmates as they convocate/graduate and move on to the next chapter in their lives. While what lies ahead might not be clear for everyone, faith is what lights up the otherwise dark path. Departures will always be an occasional feature, but learning from and facing those problems will only make one emerge stronger.

How time flies.

It has actually been more than a year since the last upload, and the second Flickr birthday of this stream is only six months away. So much has changed but still, this restless soul struggles to find some peace and direction in life. Being lost can be frightening, yet exciting at the same time.

Added more new items to the "collection" - acquaintances, cameras, a degree (well, unofficially), and yet another long train/bus journey alone. Sadly not the case for photographs though. The puzzle is still largely incomplete, but the missing pieces will eventually surface when the time is ripe. Knee feels kind of busted, stress level is climbing again.

Hope everyone has been well.

School this semester has been anything but a walk in the park, but at least we're down to the final month or so. Can't wait to be done with the examinations, and this semester so to speak. Been experimenting more with film (35mm) these days, and it's a different experience from digital. It's unfortunate though, that film dealing with film means more money spent. Any preferences/opinions on film/digital shots?

Chanced upon this cat stretched out in the middle of the path when we were out taking a walk after dinner. Spent an hour or so trying to keep the cat 'entertained' and attempting to get shots of it (it kept turning away from us), but it was an hour well spent.

The examinations are finally over, but this feels nothing like a holiday. Still loads to do, but it does feel better to be busy without having to worry about school. Leaving on a trip in just a few more hours, but I thought I should really post something before this stream ends up being neglected again. Packing can wait, I guess.

Anyway, it's finally the first flickr birthday of this stream! How time flies - can still remember being apprehensive about getting a flickr account and looking back, glad to have done so in the end. It was nice getting to know so many wonderful people here with great works to share, and all the feedback that really helped in learning. A big thank you to you guys. Thought of using this because this was taken during a birthday celebration (too) for a friend, whose birthday happens to fall on today, the same as the birthday of this stream - happy birthday Alicia!

Model credits to Yan Ling - thank you so much for letting me post this.