2014

First post of the new year, and I'm not entirely sure about the direction of this post.

My Christmas gift from myself finally arrived through the mail. Finally a decent headphone to satisfy my aural cravings, especially with full surround sound movies in the middle of the night. I must say, the active noise cancellation is fantastic. I'm sitting in a hawker center, with this pair of cans over my ears, and I barely hear the din that's going on around me. The Monster Inspiration ANC really impresses me despite what some of you audiophiles might say.

A couple of new year resolutions to make, because it's the "norm" to make resolutions regardless of whether you are going to fulfil it or not. But this year, it's all about details and specifics, rather than sweeping statements or impossible tasks.

First off, extend my range on the trumpet by a fifth. At least that would enable me to take on most standard repertoire, and play lead for big bands.

Learn jazz. Not just big band playing, but how to really solo properly from a big band setting to small ensembles.

Take at least 3000 photos, of which at least 500 must be of usable quality. I've been dragging my feet along my photography interest for far too long. It's time to pick up the pace and get some standards.

Make at least one grand from bonds, unit trusts, stocks, and forex. Well, you definitely have to start somewhere. And one grand seems like a challenging target to work towards.

Update my wardrobe with more "adult" clothes. Face it, we're no longer kids. Those ripped jeans, hoodies, print tee shirts and fancy sneakers have got to go. Tailored shirts that actually fit, bags that don't scream teen, accessories that suit the setting. Just a couple of items to start with before a complete makeover.

Be more on the ball in the workplace. 2013 was a distracting year, with multiple periods of disappearing from work. I still appear for deployments and all, but the standard that I delivered was in all honesty, not up to par.

Physically, I'll probably need a whole lot more work on cutting down my fat percentage, and building strength. Think more Daniel Craig in James Bond. Quite a long shot, but it'll be nice to finally be able to stroll down the beach topless without the muffin top hanging out. In line with this target, I'm proud to announce that I've slimmed down 5kgs over the past two months! And I'm currently wearing a pair of shorts that I haven't been able to fit into for the longest time ever. There's still a little muffin hanging about though.

I recently tweeted that this year, I want to love less, trust less, care less and draw clearer lines to those who don't care. To clarify myself, I'm saying that I'll only put in the effort for those who deserves it, and not to people who just don't bother. The past couple of years saw too many betrayals by people that I used to care about, with the most recent being a couple of days back. It's time to be a little selfish, and not offer myself to the vultures in society. As always, doors are left open for any chance of reconciliation, but the odds that they'll come around are slim.

To the brothers and sisters that have been standing by me, I'll do my best to treat you well. But do keep me in line when I start to stray.