Why Would I Write

  • Words Per Minute

    Typing is such a fun activity. I remember when I was first introduced to a computer when I was a kid, I saw my uncle typing in commands in MS-DOS, and I thought it was such a ‘pro’ thing to do. So when I got my first computer, I was always booting up to play my games in MS-DOS mode even though they could run in Windows 95. I just preferred typing in commands in the console to run them – that was how much I enjoyed typing.

    Fast forward many years to a couple of years ago when I had to use my sister’s old laptop (because I didn’t have my own laptop) and installed Linux onto it, I had so much trouble using the command line (and Linux was all about the command line) because I couldn’t remember anything beyond the basic commands. Sure, the GUI was fully workable, but to make the most out of the operating system, you had to use commands. I was Googling how to do something different almost everyday. I was quite happy to switch to a Windows laptop after that.

    These days, unless I’m writing music (it’s quite a feat to write down lyrics with a guitar on your lap – much easier to put words on paper with a pen), I write with my keyboard. Like many things I enjoy, I’m not the best at it (gaming, music, drawing) but that doesn’t stop me from doing it. For some strange reason, it is satisfying to see characters appear on the screen each time you hit a key on your keyboard. Instant gratification. I guess the feeling of typing on a mechanical keyboard accentuates it as well.

    I’ve been spending a lot of time working on my typing speed recently by doing speed typing tests on Type Racer and Keybr. I have only hit 100 WPM once, but my average of 70 WPM is pretty good I guess. I probably need to type more (which I’ll do with my new job, starting next week yay) and eventually I’ll get faster.

    I don’t type correctly. I definitely don’t use the proper touch typing method – my pinkies don’t do a good job or picking up the slack, and I use my index fingers way too much. Not sure if I’ll be brave or bothered enough to learn a new layout like DVORAK (apparently you can form more words on the home row than with QWERTY) but as long as I type fast enough to be a qualified typist, that’s probably good enough for me.

    Maybe that’s why I enjoy playing Invoker. Casting combos quickly is as enjoyable as typing out a sentence quickly. With the added bonus of seeing enemies being blown up on your screen.

    Do I love typing more than writing itself? I guess there’s a chance that’s true. Then again I disliked taking minutes at my old job. I probably just enjoy typing what I’m interested in.

  • Rain

    For the past year, every time I’ve sent my car for a wash, it would rain later in the day. Case in point, I sent my car for a wash two days ago during lunch and it rained in the evening. I’m not even kidding. Unless you believe that there’s some greater being out there trying to fuck with me, there really is no relation between my car getting washed and the weather. But it did get me wondering why this always happens.

    Do I have a biological barometer that instructs my brain to send my car for a wash whenever it thinks it’s going to rain? Instead of my bones starting to hurt or my body getting aches, my tells me, “hey – the weather is going to get wet, you should get your car ready for it!” I don’t know why I don’t check the weather before I send my car for a car wash. It’s literally one swipe away on my homescreen.

    I know I’ve had some polarizing thoughts about our weather – before I experienced snow, I wrote about how great it would be to have cold weather in Malaysia but after that I wrote about how it was a hassle having to put on a coat and gloves every time you headed outdoors. The weather we had in KL last weekend was perfect. It was cold enough to put on a hoodie if you wanted, but not too cold to walk around in shorts and a t-shirt.

    Rain is great – if you’re not caught in a traffic jam or have anywhere to go to. It’s the perfect complement to a cup of hot coffee and some cigarettes. The sound of rain falling and hitting a roof is calming and therapeutic. I guess there’s a reason why RainyMood.com exists. I don’t know if it’s just me, but for some reason I feel colder whenever I put it on.

    Rain always comes to mind when I think about assigning values to situations/problems in life. To an area that is suffering from drought – rain is heaven-sent. To another place that is suffering from floods, rain is a nightmare. Rain, like everything in life, itself is neutral – it is your situation/mindset that determines how you see it.

  • Gig #111: KL Journal Open Mic

    Wow, it’s been a while since I wrote one of these. Tomorrow I’ll be playing my first show of 2018, also my first gig since playing with The Propositions in Penang last November. Should be fun! Drop by if you guys wanna listen to cool tunes while drinking chill beer. Brendan de Cruz is headlining, that dude’s voice is smooth as silk.

    Event Page [Facebook]
    Date: 18 January 2018
    Time: 8-11pm
    Venue: KL Journal Hotel [Google Maps]

    The KL Journal Open Mic is our brand spankin’ new open mic night right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur that happens every Thursday! #openmicmy

    ***FEATURED ACT***

    BRENDAN DE CRUZ

    Passion, and persistence without exception are the two key things that would best describe Brendan de Cruz as a person, and most of all, as a musician.

    His strong vocals make up for his seemingly reserved personality, but stay a little longer and you’ll learn that this talented musician is so much more than meets the eye.

    With a heart made for music & a voice that leaves quite an impression, Brendan James best defines who he is & what he does when he says,

    “As long as I’m making music, I’m happy.”

    Follow him: https://www.facebook.com/brendandecruz/

    ***YOUR HOST***

    SHANEIL DEVASER OF THE ENDLEAVES

    Shaneil Devaser has been around the block! From fronting Crossing Boundaries back in his college days, to backing Mystery Tapes on bass and vocals. He has gigged all over Malaysia and beyond, including stints in Singapore, Australia, USA, Japan and Hong Kong, and has even pocketed a couple of VIMA awards! With 2 albums and a few EPs from various projects under his belt, he now tours with his rock band The Endleaves to promote their releases nationwide and across the great divide! Join the revolution!

    Follow him: https://www.instagram.com/shaneildevaser/
    …and his band: https://www.instagram.com/the_endleaves/

    ***OPEN MIC***

    #1 Jenssen Kuek
    #2 Dowandofla
    #3 Yasher Shafiai
    #4 Yo-Gi
    #5 2storeyheart

    Sign up by emailing us@openmicmalaysia.org 😀 #kljournal

    JOM!

    #jointherevolution

    For more info on our other events, visit: http://openmicmalaysia.org/