One of the reasons why I have always liked fantasy over reality is that of 'belief'. Fantasy would includes stuff like the elves, drow, dwarfs and orcs from the ancient worlds from stories like Lord of the Rings, the widely acclaimed series Dragonlance and Forgotten Realms.

In these stories, belief is shared among comrades. There's trust, camaraderie and a instinct that somehow doesn't go wrong. In Fantasia, friends believe in each other. They put their lives on the line, relying almost wholehearted on their partners. What a sharp contrast to reality. Belief is meant for the self. Success is done alone. Friendships are made for self-satisfaction.

Maybe that's where fiction differentiates itself from non-fiction. Whatever is written almost never happens.

It was a few weeks ago that I tried cold sake for the first time. For a mere bottle (not the common bottle size) about 1-pint, it cost me $21 when I asked for standard quality which on the menu wrote $6. Luckily the drink was shared among four persons.

Anyway, this sweet-tasting drink is smooth on the throat and goes well with sushi. Definitely a must-try, better than vodka in my utmost opinion. I heard that hot sake is even better - something to look forward to!

This is most probably the worst period in my life thus far.

When I saw my exam results on the computer screen, the current path of my future shifted dramatically. At that moment, I almost wanted to blast heaven, destiny, fate. I kept asking why, a common past time since I entered University. The more I asked, the worse I did and the drop continues. Yes, I lost to muggers and talent. I have fallen further than I thought but I will move on.

Life seems to be getting more and more hectic with each passing day. The days of blogging seems to be almost over. I have to divide my time among many other matters nowadays. But if I can think of a new and interesting way to write, I will definitely continue blogging. My brain's heavily sapped...from school, work and society.

My previous blog template went haywire. The background link was broken making the whole page white. It's so damn hard to find a good and decent template. Even with this new one, I'm not satisfied cuz of all the wasted space around the entries and navigation. Additionally, I must say that blogskin is really a site deemed unsuitable for most guys. Check out the top ten blogskins and you know what I mean. If my html was better, I would not be cursing throughout the search for a gd skin.

As it stands now, I am having my official 3 months holiday break. Almost immediately I dove into work unwillingly, but for the sake of my PS3 and the chance for a short getaway from a mundane city, I have to persevere. Just a few years back, school holidays were the greatest times of our lives. More outings, more fun, more adventures.
Now? More complains, more isolation, more suspicions, more disillusions, more burdens.

If there is one thing I hate most in this world, it is money. It takes away my friends, my emotions, my life. I am not undermining the value of money but blasting the over-emphasis placed on it and the delays in my getting to Korea, Japan or Europe !

You know, reality always brings with it a sour taste. The world is bad cuz its inhabitants made it so. That is why fiction exists - an attempt to lay down in words and/or pictures alternatives to a problematic reality.

If I drew a horizontal line in the sand, who will stand on my side?

Recently, I hear about many relationship problems from the people around me. In fact, break-ups aren't that surprising to hear nowadays. Are the values of relationships depreciating?

We have a common understanding that nothing, besides life and death, is definite. Even marriages break down. Even long-time lovers turn enemies in a day. Even straight men turn gay, disappointed with the opposite sex. The painted picture of instability in any relationships is a cause for worry. But this should not hinder any of us from getting into relationships. Ultimately, it is where you will find a mate to spend the rest of your life with.

Each and every relationships have their own set of problems. That makes outsiders (your friends, family..etc) harder to help or advise you well enough. Take heed of your friends' advice but think it through before making decisions. It's your life, not theirs. While compromising solves minor problems, it requires balance on both sides, rather than one side always giving in all the time. Be the best you can give, so that even if the relationship ends one way or another, you know you did try.

If feelings alone has failed you many times along the way, maybe it is time to adopt the scientific method: finding a genetically favorable mate. You can laugh or cry, but at least you know that that person IS meant for you.