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Tuesday, August 19th, 2008
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10:34 pm - Had a bad day at work?
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No matter how bad a day you have at work, please do not resort to doing this.
I have only one word to say...
OUCH!!
******
We had the folks from MOE HQ answering our queries and doubts in class on Monday. It was great that we could clear some of our doubts on the 'grey areas' especially since our EDA position is a completely new one.
What really bugged me (and many others in the class) was how a few kept asking questions like "how long should our lunch break be?", "can I do this? can I do that? must I do this and that?" and a whole lot of questions that were really redundant.
I don't get it. We get lots of flexibility to plan our time at work, and here we have people asking about the nitty gritty specifics. Wah lau eh! Cannot use own initiative and brain to decide what is best for themselves meh?
Career Q&A sessions are meant for useful and intelligent (although this is rather subjective) questions. Like what are the career paths and possibilities etc. Not questions that one can easily find out from their own supervisors and colleagues back in school.
The beauty of our job is due to the nature of our role, we get to plan how our own approaches, working style and timetables at work as long as the work gets done. Honestly, if one wants very fixed timing for everything, this job is not for them. Go work 9 to 5 in an office or something.
No wonder people are laughing at S'poreans for being such rigid people. *sigh*
Some of us were hoping that those officers who took down notes during the Q&A session won't do things to alter our work flow and schedules! *fingers crossed*
current mood:  amused
current music: Tourbillon - Break the Chain
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| Saturday, August 16th, 2008
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1:52 pm - The beautiful people
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As some will already know, I'm in the 2nd week of my 4 weeks course for my job. I'm having a ball of a time with my course mates. A hilarious and fun bunch of EDAs (Education Associates). Full of fun and laughter in class everyday. We look forward to seeing one another in class each day!
We decided to hang out at Starbucks after class yesterday. I have to say, that was probably one of the most hilarious 3 hours I have had in my life. I don't remember when was the last time I laughed as much and continuously for 3 hours!
The 'lame' riddles and jokes shared. There were all different races. Chinese, Malay, Indian, Eurasians and Caucasians. We were cracking tonnes of racial stereotype jokes at one another and laughing at them together.
That to me, was the most beautiful thing about this group. Everyone is able to laugh at ourselves irregardless of whatever race and backgrounds. Everyone is easygoing and share a common passion in wanting to help kids.
The chemistry and bond that this class has is incredible. We are already dreading the day when we finish the course! lol. But we told ourselves we are going to organise gatherings and get involved in activities together as a whole after this course. We have even elected a chairman, assistant chairman, treasurer and secretary so we can get things organised even when we don't get to meet regularly. We want to be able to have peer support when we are struggling in our own schools.
We will make EDA batch 2 the BEST group of EDAs ever. We will bring the best out of our kids. Long live EDA 2! :)
******
Try out this personality and self awareness quiz if you have time to spare. It only takes a couple of minutes.
This was one of the tests I did during my self-awareness module. Apparently my score was 54. Hmm I can be rather impulsive sometimes, which I am aware of even before doing this test. This test reminded me that I need to continue to keep my impulsiveness in check. Most of my classmates fall within the 40 to 50 range.
So what is your score?
current mood:  happy
current music: Plainsunset -01- Johari Window.
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| Thursday, August 14th, 2008
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9:56 pm - A late night commotion at the MRT station
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As I was on my way home late last night, I noticed some commotion at Commonwealth MRT station. There were many police cars and Civil Defence men at the station. The train on one side of the platform was stalled. Carol and I were wondering what was going on, but we decided not to waste time checking it out.
Then when I reached home, the curiosity somehow got greater. I wanted to know what happened at the station. I remembered seeing a SCDF man carrying out a stretcher. So I reckon it wouldn't be any case of bomb threats.
Then I decided that since I was not in the position to find out what was happening, I decided to call up Channel News Asia to give them a news tipoff. I reckoned that the journalist might just be able to find out what happened there.
I listened to the news on the radio and scanned through the newspapers today for anything related to the incident. None at all.
Then I scoured the net and viola. I found this. Can always depend on the 'resourceful' (or kaypoh and bitchy) hardwarezone people to put it up.
That led me to think, why is it not covered in the news at all? The first couple of such incidents were covered, but apparently the subsequent few were hush hush. Hmmmm... A case of media whitewashing?
On the lighter side of things, I found this as I was going through that particular thread in the forum.
SMRT Man to the rescue!
I wonder who was the wise guy with this 'brilliant' idea. Probably got inspired by the legendary VR Man lol.
current mood:  indescribable
current music: Soulfly - Conquer -09- For Those About To Rot
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| Monday, August 11th, 2008
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11:32 pm - My mother - the judge
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Mum walked into my room while the television had Superband on. She commented:
"What the heck are they singing? All like anyhow shout only. Even I can tell that they are all singing off key."
Then she left my room with a half-annoyed frown on her face.
That was coming from a person whose only contacts with anything music are the radio and her weekly Kbox sessions with friends.
What more need I say? lol.
current mood: amused
current music: Soulfly - Conquer -04- Warmageddon
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| Wednesday, July 30th, 2008
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10:10 pm - Burning out - almost
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It's only midweek and I'm already feeling totally exhausted. Getting more cases and responsibilities at work. On top of that, not forgetting the admin side of things at work. Reports, lesson plans etc. I'm even starting to bring work home sometimes, which is something that I try to avoid as much as possible.
Got to start replying to all the emails to re-schedule whatever meetings that I am supposed to attend but I can't, as I will be away on course for 4 weeks. Need to clear the left over admin work too. Seems like everyone is assuming that I will be around...
Can't wait for the well deserved 4 weeks break away from the hustle and bustle in the school. Looking forward to go learn some new things and take my mind off work a little.
Whenever colleagues tried to get me involved in cases/projects coming up, I sometimes I felt the urge to reply them:
"Fuck this! I'll be away for 4 weeks. I don't care!"
But of course, that thought only stayed in my head lah lol.
All right. I badly need some sleep right now.
current mood:  exhausted
current music: Sex Machineguns - Dokumamushi
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| Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008
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10:34 pm - Malmsteen joins Sex Machineguns!?
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That was the first reaction when I watched Sex Machineguns' latest video.
Their new guitarist bares uncanny resemblance to Malmsteen. Same plump round face, hair and tight-suffocate-your-balls pants. Heck, he even uses a Strat guitar, like Malmsteen.
I couldn't help but chuckle when I saw the new guitarist in the band lol.
Oh and look out for 3:58 in the video. Sex Machineguns never fails to give such funny surprises. Must be Anchang's crazy ideas lol.
current mood: amused
current music: Sex Machineguns - Shigotonin
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| Tuesday, July 15th, 2008
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3:01 pm - Failblog
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My currently fav website to visit when I'm bored shitless these days is Failblog. Some hilarious stuff there.
My fav so far has to be this video of Failed Mascots lol.
current mood:  lethargic
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| Monday, July 14th, 2008
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9:12 pm - The long lost one...
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Eons ago, during my Polytechnic days, I lost my entire Great Teacher Onizuka VCD boxset in the computer lab. I really loved the drama. G.T.O was easily my fav J-drama of all time. I've been wanting to get a replacement set for ages, but the stores here just don't sell it anymore.
( Well, guess what? )
current mood:  enthralled
current music: Cherry Boom - Qin Ai De Wang Zi
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| Friday, July 11th, 2008
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1:49 pm - Tizzybac time!
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Tizzybac at Esplanade Recital Studio tonight. I can't wait!
But first, I have to keep myself awake for the staff meeting lol.
Shall go freshen up a bit first. Got to run!
current mood:  excited
current music: Tizzybac - Slow Ride
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| Tuesday, July 8th, 2008
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8:00 pm - It's a small world afterallllll
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I went for a course on Mental Health First Aid today. There was a lady sitting in front of me whom I found awfully familiar. Especially her voice.
I dug deep into my memory and it occurred to me that she was my English Literature teacher in Secondary 2! So I went up to her, despite not remembering her name, and initiated a conversation. True enough, she was my former teacher. Such a small world!
She could remember me vaguely (understandably so) because I was one of the few students who was actually interested and paid attention in the Lit classes lol. We had a good time catching up on old times and exchanged contacts. She is now a counselor at School Of Arts and said that she can possibly invite me over whenever they have Music Therapy workshops and such. Awesome man! Very useful for my line of work. :)
A rather enlightening and empowering course we had today. It was quite a bit of a shocker that in fact, 1 in every 6 Singaporeans have some form of mental illness. Most are mild while some are more severe. So we should not see someone with mental illness as siao or whatever. It is as common as the common flu. Hence, the importance of being aware of the symptoms and how to manage certain situations.
I'm looking forward to the second and final session of the course tomorrow. I'm even contemplating to look for related courses to attend, so I have more in depth knowledge on the subject.
current mood:  thoughtful
current music: Rancid - Time Bomb
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| Saturday, July 5th, 2008
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11:02 am - Busy times
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So many things to do, so little time! The amount of cases to handle at work is piling up. Every other colleague has been asking me "can you come help do something my class' students? they are very naughty etc".
Sometimes I feel like a utility man expected to fix things (ie. student problems) on the spot lol.
Oh well.
Many other things going on too. So much that I don't even know where to begin with.
Sometimes I wonder how some people have so much time to grumble and whine so much when they claim to be extremely busy. I mean, if one is that busy, where got time to even grumble and whine so much? Just get on with it man! If there's some time to spare, I reckon it'd be better spent by catching up with some rest lol.
Will be back when I can organize some thoughts. A little break from things would be good!
current mood:  busy
current music: Linkin Park - Hybrid Theory -02- One Step Closer
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| Sunday, June 15th, 2008
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11:00 pm - Twist of fate
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Expect the unexpected. The unexpected can happen.
That is the phrase that sums up the week.
Things were down just 2 weeks ago. I decided to start afresh. Only then I realized how myopic I was to not realize someone's important presence during that time.
The decision to start afresh and to treat myself a little better was a good one. If not for that, I would not have experienced the unexpected.
It was quite unorthodox. It was a whirlwind. Heck, to some people, it might even seem ridiculously fast.
As Ming put it aptly - Fast And Furious.
But hey, fate comes in the strangest ways, doesn't it? The most important thing is for us to make it work.
I'm glad I found you. You were there, supporting me ever so gently.
15th June 2008 :)
current mood:  ecstatic
current music: Radiohead - Everything In Its Right Place
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| Friday, June 13th, 2008
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2:23 pm - Picking up the pieces
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Feeling a lot better these days. I have made up my mind to treat myself better.
I mean, why wait for someone who obviously can't make up her own mind on what she wants? I think what Regine told me is very true. I deserve much better than this.
Thank you friends. All those who gave me advice. opinions and words of encouragement in one way or another. I really appreciate it. :)
The gig on last Sunday went really well. One of the most fun gigs yet. It was almost like a whole big family carnival or something. Rocking, fun times with good beer and yummy pizza. More rocking times ahead for LGF and Black Forest yeah! \m/
It was funny to bug Alfe for his autograph on the EP of his band, La'Dies. I just had to do it just for the fun of it lol.
Of course, not forgetting a HUGE HUUUUUGE thank you to all friends who came down on the Sunday afternoon. The atmosphere would not be so fun and rocking without your presence. :)
******
The Night Safari excursion with my students 2 weeks ago was really fun. It was funny how a few of the more pai kia (bad boy) students kept following everywhere I went. They kept asking me to sit with them in the bus so they can talk to me.
The funniest part was some of them started calling me 老大 (Lao Da - Big Boss)!!
Wah lao eh. I had a good laugh about it and then told them to address me appropriately. We don't want to end up looking like some pai kias acting all rowdy at the Night Safari lol.
I guess it is good in a way that they are relating to me well. :)
No pics now as I'm at work. Yes, blogging at work. No one in the office mah lol. Might put up a pic or two when I'm home.
******
Just finished tying up all the logistics and loose ends for the S'pore Flyer trip for another group of students yesterday. Got all the things confirmed this morning. Looking forward to the ride and Popeye's lunch after that on next Tuesday! :)
******
Met up with Khairul for lunch earlier today. He just started on his new job at the Science Park. Since that isn't too far away from where I'm at, we decided to meet up for lunch.
It has been a while. We updated one another on what's going on in our lives. It feels like it was not too long ago when we slogged hard together at Borders. But how time flies. It has been like 2 years since.
It was good to see that he is settling in fine and that life is getting better for him.
We shall meet again soon dude. :)
current mood:  calm
current music: The Haunted - The Haunted -02- Chasm
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| Saturday, June 7th, 2008
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9:05 pm - Roller coaster week, myriad of thoughts
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Why show me all the signs and tell me things that you should not be saying, when you already have someone?
It makes me confused. You get confused too.
It makes me feel helpless and I'm sure you feel the same too.
Is this forbidden love? If it is, then I shall stay away. Let things calm down.
Why can't things be simpler? I just want to love someone wholeheartedly. I don't want to get involved in a triangle.
I need time to sort out my thoughts and keep my emotions in control. So do you.
Hopefully with some time, things will fall into place.... I don't want to feel so vulnerable again. Maybe it is time to close the door. Again. Only this time, the lock will be stronger.
******
Thursday was a difficult day for me to pull through. Her text messages confused me and made me feel down. Yet I had to put on the "everything is fine!" face in front of students, as I had to give some extra help in English to some of them.
It didn't end there. As I was queuing up for food with a colleague during lunch, I took off my spectacles to wipe the lens. Guess what? The spectacles split into two.
Like this:
It practically just disintegrated and fell apart. A clean split with no snapping sound. What rotten luck, I thought. I was as blind as a bat without my spectacles. The insecurity of not having clear vision. Fortunately it is the school holidays. So our work timing is quite flexible. I told my colleague that I'm having take away for lunch and rushed down to Queensway Shopping Centre to have a new pair of spectacles made.
The good thing was that it took the optician only about 20 minutes to make my pair of spectacles.
$220. Suffice to say, it was the most expensive lunchtime I've ever had.
Then I told myself...
Perhaps this is an omen telling me that it is time for a fresh change?
Then I went for a new haircut after work on the same day.
News spectacles, new haircut, new me?
******
With all those emotional stuff going on in my head and heart, it is a good thing that I can keep my focus on practicing with the 2 bands for the gig tomorrow. It kept my mind occupied.
Once again, music was there for me. What can I say? Music is my best friend! :)
Something else kept me entertained and happy for the week too.
My latest purchase:
My spankin' brand new Sabian 20" Handhammered Duo Ride!
Many thanks to Alfe and Alvin for helping me with the purchase. :)
I nickname it the 'Evil Ride Cymbal'. Here's why:
Nice figure eh? lol.
I didn't pay that amount though. I wouldn't splurge THAT much on a cymbal. Thanks for Alfe and Alvin, I paid half price for it heheh.
This ride alone kept me busy. I spent lots of time exploring its various sound possibilities on its different surfaces. It actually requires me to learn how to use it properly. I'm getting quite the hang of it so far. Love it!
Setting it up at the jamming studio:
A closer look:
Plus this ride is a lot lighter than my heavy-weight AA rock ride. So I'm able to lunge this around for jamming and gigs. Hmm.. speaking of which, I need to take a 'customary family portrait' for all my cymbals with this new baby in the family.
Can't wait to use this baby for its virgin gig tomorrow! ROCK!
******
The Night Safari excursion with the kids was fun. Not really in the mood to recap this now though. Guess I'll leave it for the next entry or something, when I feel like it.
It was definitely one of those days that I will remember for many years to come. :)
******
To end this entry on a haooy note, check out this video on Cigarette box Transformers.
Very creative and well done. Nice version of the sound track too.
current mood: excited
current music: Dog Fashion Disco - Love song for a witch
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| Wednesday, June 4th, 2008
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11:37 pm - That pain
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That one word from you was enough to pierce through my heart.
Does that mean everything that I felt all this while wasn't what I thought it was?
I hardly will make such a wrong judgment. So am I wrong this time?
That pain. It will not go away. At least not so quickly.
I shall hide that pain away. Deep inside. Appear like I did not see that painful word on my mobile phone.
In any case, I am not the sort who will give up that easily. I will cope.
No matter what, I will not crumble. That pain will be kept inside. I don't want to affect the other things and people around me.
Most importantly, I have to keep my focus for the coming gig on Sunday. Friends, please come down to Timbre for my band's gig. Details here.
If you see me, there is no need to console me anything. Just a patt on the back or a hug will do. That will do wonders.
I am absolutely exhausted. Had a long tiring day. But I don't feel like closing my eyes...
Yet, I have to make myself sleep so I can survive work tomorrow.
current mood:  gloomy
current music: Yang Cheng Ling - Ai Mei -02- Ai Mei
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| Sunday, June 1st, 2008
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10:13 pm - Flight of the Conchords
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I watched this video of a very talented Kiwi duo, Flight of the Conchords. Really enjoyed their wicked sense of humor and making up funny songs on stage.
They attempted doing some hiphop freestyle too.
Last but not least, their most famous song, Business Time.
They kind of remind me of Tenacious D.
current mood: happy
current music: Tori Amos - Smells Like Teen Spirit (Nirvana cover)
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| Saturday, May 31st, 2008
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11:43 am - The most challenging, yet ***edited***
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I'm struggling to learn the songs for my friends' band now. With minimal material provided (or not at all) and a very short time, I've got to nail down the songs.
Right now as I'm typing this, I've got whatever tracks I have available on repeat mode. It's a little frustrating and quite a challenge for me. I just hope I don't screw it up for their band!
This has got to be my most challenging sessioning to date lol.
***edit update***
The jam session wasn't as bad as I thought it would turn out to be. Managed to nail down probably... around 80% of the songs. It was indeed very challenging for me to pick up the songs on the spot. It was one of the rare few times when I actually had beads of sweat dripping down my forehead while jamming in a cold air conditioned studio. I was concentrating THAT hard to play and listen to the other instruments! lol.
With that said, it is very good training for me. To learn to pick out specific parts of different instruments to help me find ways to fit my parts in, without any prior knowledge of the song arrangements. Still lots of room for improvement though. Hopefully I can at least nail down at least 90% of the songs at the next jam session!
ROCK! \m/
current mood:  nervous
current music: Bodyslam song with a Thai title
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| Friday, May 30th, 2008
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4:59 pm - First excursion
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I'm in the resource room slacking a little now. Just finished up the planning and proposal for a S'pore Flyer trip I'm organising for some students towards the end of their school holidays.
Have some time to burn before the students arrive. Along with 2 other counselors, I'm bringing a group of 'at risk' students to the Night Safari later. I was assisting a counselor in planning and proposing this trip 2 weeks ago. The day has finally come!
It's raining cats and dogs now. I hope the rain will stop soon.
This should be fun! I can't wait to spend some quality time with the kids! :)
current mood: excited
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| Wednesday, May 28th, 2008
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7:45 pm - The king of farts
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A colleague showed me a video clip of someone I would call, 'The King of farts' today.
He even wishes you happy birthday in this clip. Careless whisper! Hahahaa!
It doesn't end there though. The fella became so popular that he even recorded an album! His studio recording here.
Heck, he even has an official Mr Methane website!
I thought I have friends who break wind a lot and get quite amazed (or rather, disgusted) by how much fart they have. Well, now I know that is really nothing. Mr Methane truly takes the cake!
current mood: amused
current music: Debbie Gibson - Foolish Beat
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| Thursday, May 22nd, 2008
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5:52 am - THE CHAMPS!
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We are the CHAMPIONS!!!!
EPL and Champions League double!!!
My heart almost stopped several times. Man Utd must always have such dramatic twists in their wins. Definitely not for the weak hearted.
Got to go wash up and head for work now. It's going to be a big struggle to stay awake today lol.
OLE!!!
current mood:  jubilant
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