2 More Days

I've never made New Year resolutions. I might even have scoffed at the idea. It may be a combination of commitment phobia and a short-term mentality. How do I forecast the next 365 days and compress it into, say, 10 sentences? What if something else crops up at a later date - will it seem less important because it didn't make it into a pre-thought up list? And what if a listed item loses priority over the months - will I feel forced to complete the task or feel less satisfied because the list is not completely crossed off.

But the biggest problem has probably always been, what the hell do I put on the list? Did I leave anything out? If I left it out, then what?

And other technicalities and minor details.

As 2008 paced nearer to a close, I started thinking at times that I couldn't wait for it to be over. Today, the same thought reared its head and it occurred to me that I felt the same about 2007 back then. And so I tried to recall what was so bad about these past two years.

Other than the fact I hated my job by the end of 2007, I don't remember anything about it. Well. This year, I started in what was essentially the same job in a different place. And grew to hate it too. But the money was much better and enough to get me to Tokyo, so there's the silver lining in that.

So let's do this instead. An organic 2009 to-do list based on 2008.

1. In 2008, I discovered the joys of film, sunlight, vignettes, sprockets and plastic. It all started with a Holga 135BC. The picture below is of playground at Tiong Bahru and from the first roll of film that successfully got developed. I wasted two rolls before that.

Along the way, the collection grew a little. This is the stash I brought back from Tokyo, including the Olympus mju ii used to take this picture. The Goldenhalf and some of the film were purchased over there while the rest were lugged to and fro. Quite a bit was spent developing the photos but I simply couldn't resist the temptation. The light in Japan is so pretty.

My bag was super heavy every day but I guess I got used to the numbness in my shoulder. I couldn't even switch shoulders since I'm only able to carry my bag on my right side (it feels uncomfortable on the left and slides off easily).



In 2009, I will pay closer attention to the little things around me. I tend to look at the big picture and am too impatient to observe detail. But with plastic, I believe it's the smaller stuff that makes all the difference. So consider this an aspiration - cut the generic crap and zoom in on what matters. No, I can't really explain what that means. I just want to take more pictures that I love.

In 2009, I will own my first medium format camera. Well, actually I already have it - the scrumptious limited edition Diana F+ Tokyo Rising, which is an advanced birthday present from the lawyer, mathematician and funny girl. Scrumptious is not exactly the right word for a plastic camera but it totally describes how I feel about it. May I also add that the camera is already out of stock. I'm not really into limited ed stuff but when I do possess some coveted thing that other people no longer can have... Let's just say there's some evil cackling going on in my head.


Thanks guys. I already have a first roll theme in mind and all are required to participate.

2. In 2008, my Chuck Taylors breathed its last. There are so many (large) gapes between shoe and sole I no longer dare to wear them out.

In 2009, I shall take more long walks with my cameras and continue to wear out the replacement Jack Purcells and white canvas MUJI sneakers.



3. In 2008, I caught 伍佰 (Wubai) & China Blue, Camera Obscura, Tizzy Bac, 蘇打綠 (Sodagreen) and My Little Airport. I can't remember if there were others but it was a great year in terms of music.

I don't really know the lineup for 2009 but it will kick off with 盧廣仲 (Lu Guang Zhong) in Feb for me. Hope it'll be just as fab. And I hope that in a couple of years, I will once again be excited to step into a 五月天 (Mayday) concert. In the meanwhile, I have my ipod and their latest album while I wishfully wait for their last couple of years to retreat into oblivion.

4. This year, I discovered Pasir Ris beach. I've forgotten how therapeutic the sea can be. In 2009, I shall visit more often.

5. In 2008, I picked Tokyo over Taiwan. In 2009, I shall return to explore Taiwan in greater depth.

6. In 2008, I fell in mind-blowing, life-altering love with Tokyo. In 2009, I shall plan for a big-bang return in 2010.

7. In 2008, I finally read Ian McEwan's Atonement. It was my third attempt. I've owned the book for years and I was always too distracted and unable to get past even the first chapter. But I figured it was only a matter of timing.

There are some books I'll never touch. And then there are those whose time has not yet come. You'll know when it's right. Because the sentences cease to tangle and start to flow into one another. The ripples still and the image is suddenly sharp and no longer in slow motion or like a video clip refusing to stream properly. You'll then finish the story easily and with luck, love it.

I loved the book. It was so devastating in such an unexpected manner that I fell in love with it without any warning.

In 2009 I shall read even more. One of the books I hope the time is right for is Leo Tolstoy's Anna Karenina.

8. In 2008, I completely gave up on my skincare regime. In 2009, one word. Resume.

9. In 2008, I discovered I no longer bothered to express anything. My verbal diarrhoea had been so severely reduced I no longer remember what it was like not to be safe.

I should try to open the floodgates a little.

10. In 2008, I ended my life as it is. In 2009, I'm free to start again.