My Life . My Reflections . My Story

Reminiscence of the Good Ol' Days

2009-06-24T14:50:00.003+08:00

CJ recently posted an old class photo of ours and all went "owww...those were the days".

Those were the days indeed. Good ol' days. I really miss it. In fact, I missed it more than any other period of my life. Took out the commemorative VCD given to us in the 2007 PU3 appreciation tea and watched it for the first time in I guess...a year? Memories came rushing back, hitting me like a steel freight train and threatening to overwhelm me in a nostalgic tsunami. Man, I miss those days. (refer to http://dottymonster.blogspot.com/2007/11/finally.html for the videos)

And look at the effort the teachers put in. Though through my years in Millennia Institute I've criticised MI much, deep in my heart I know I don't mean it. MI is a real great place. If given a chance to turn back time, even if I had scored straight As, MI would have been the place I would want to go again. The great friendship I've forged there with the peeps; the great mentors who have so selflessly went beyond their duty to give extra pointers, to guide us not just academically but spiritually too.

I've bickered on so many occasions with my home tutor (not literally, it's the name for form teacher in MI) Miss Tee, but to be frank, she's a great teacher. Then there's Mr Tang - I can bet that there's hardly any teacher who's more enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge with you than him. Oh, and how can I forget about Mr Victor (now-a-father) Soh? He's the best math teacher I've ever got in my whole life (he actually made me like math for the first time in my life). And our motherly accounts teacher.

Indeed, as Sir Issac Newton so rightly puts it, "I can see further than anyone else, it is only because I am standing on the shoulders of giants"

Reflection

2009-05-03T14:03:00.002+08:00

Did a some self-reflection the past few days.

Realised that I had too much expectations. Of people around me. Of people whom I work with. And the problem is that when they do not meet those expectations, I label them as fucked up.

I guess I judge people too much, and judge myself too little. Everybody have their flaws. No wonder Valerie once told me that if you want to be truly happy helping someone, be prepared that he or she isn't going to help you back when you need them. You can't judge someone based on your own point of view. Not everybody is willing to sacrifice. Not everybody have the same mindset as you are.

I guess that's a big realisation for me and something I really have to work on. Noticed that Vincent was asking me: "Why you so pek chek? You seldom so pek chek one what." too many a times it makes the comment seem an irony. Because I am always so pek chek. Reason being that I am not as selfless as I think I am. I do things with an expectation of reciprocation of some sort, which was why I was quite upset over how others did not help me but simply keep rushing me. I don't like to rush things. If I have to do something, I want it to be done properly. Do it once and for all. Maybe I'm too narrow-minded like Jack said or too perfectionist like James said.

But well, things have passed and though I still feel a little upset. I guess I should also reflect upon my actions and the way I react to the situation. And I would also like to apologise to all those whom I have acted rudely or caused unhappiness to.

Léon

2009-05-01T14:51:00.002+08:00

Beautiful.

If there's one word to describe this movie, beautiful would be it.

A 1994 film, it's been 15 years now. I was only 6 then, Gary Oldman 36, Natalie Portman 13, and Jean Reno 46. But after 15 years, I watched it today. And I love it.

Leon is everything you expect of a professional "cleaner" (the word he use to substitute killer). He is calm, quick, routine, punctual. Yet he is also what you wouldn't expect of a killer. No vice of any sort. No alcohol, no drugs, not even cigarette. It's just him, his guns and his plant. His mundane life is however spiced up (and messed up) when he meets 12 year old Mathilda (portrayed by Natalie Portman).

Leon is an Italian immigrant who fled Italy after killing his lover's father (who killed his own daughter). After landing in America, he worked for mob boss "Uncle Tony". He lives comfortably with his plant in a little apartment next door to Mathilda whom he occasionally talks to. Mathilda's father works for corrupted DEA officer Norman Stansfield, but was brutally killed together with his wife, step daughter and son when he stole part of Norman's drug. Mathilda, the only survivor who managed to escape the massacre because she was out grocery shopping was taken in by Leon. And their lives changed forever.

This movie is different from other movies about killers in that it focused more on addressing other issues on love, growing up and a series of other moral issues. There's even a slight hint of hero worshipping and paedophile. Lol. And it tugs on your heartstrings. Somewhat like the way Korean movie (also about a professional killer) 愛無間 did.

And the movie is really great. Definitely worth a watch.

What Kind of SAF Soldier Are You?

2009-04-26T17:11:00.007+08:00

Facebook. Quizzes.

Seems like besides all the games, the new craze is now quizzes. Which Little Nonya Character are you...What is Your Dream Job...Are you Gay...etc etc. But there's just this particular one that WE as NSF must do. What Kind of SAF Soldier are You?

Did it twice. The first result I got was Act Blur Soldier. The second attempt yield a result I think suits me more - Suck Thumb Soldier. Act Blur Soldier is more apt for Wei Seong (think of his favourite phrase: 'Huh? Shi Meh?') Matthew...I think EVERYONE KNEW - Chao Keng. Rui Long would most probably be Wayang soldier but to give him the benefit of doubt, we'll let him have the honour of Garang Soldier.

So here's the 5 types of soldier classification and their description.

And so I was thinking about the 5 types of soldiers and I think the most unhappy group of Soldiers are the Wayang Soldiers. Why? Because to them, Chao Geng soldiers are "Jia Liao Bi", Act Blur soldiers are not much better, Suck Thumb soldiers are waiting to be told, while Garang Soldiers make their effort to look garang mediocre.

But that's just my two cents worth. You can argue all you like but I don't care, coz' I'm a true blue bo chap Suck Thumb soldier!

Long Time No Blog

2009-04-19T17:11:00.002+08:00

Been a while since I blogged.

And the last one was just a pissed comment.

Wanted to blog about my Taiwan trip but am too busy (read lazy) to do it. Especially that I have to sieve out the army part. But I promise (myself) that I will do it after I come back from outfield and proficiency test.

And then there's the plan to rent a yatch for my 21st Birthday so that I can get near Marina Bay and make use of the fireworks. But the plan's ruined because of National Day ops. =(

Anyways recently caught up with Selene and Marianne. Selene's part was good. Had lunch together at the newly opened Xin Wang Cafe at the newly opened Yew Tee Point (LOL). As for Marianne...haha...I'll just say it's awkward. Had to try to put in a lot of effort talking about different topics to keep the awkwardness away. And then there's the headache...Marianne don't speak Mandarin so I had to converse in English with her. But I am used to talking with James in Chinese. Argh. Poor planning on my part. Should've guessed that it would be awkward for the both of them to meet. The 2 of them did not say a single word to each other I think. Neither had their eyes met. I mean...it's so long already right? They should have moved on le. But then it's not really up to me to comment.

Went to gym after that with James and chatted a lot. Seems like a lot of things happened during the 3 weeks I was away. And then there's news which was long overdue. Things I was unaware of. But I guess those stuff are not up to me to put up on the blog either.

Looking forward to the release of X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Been a long time since I caught up with Shamana and James. Hopefully I can get to meet up with Munirah too and of course our married Man Zhi Hao.

That's all for now. New resolution: Start Blogging Again. =)

Bitch Blogging

2009-03-05T12:56:00.002+08:00

Pissed.

I was so overwhelmed with anger initially that I just had the urge to start bitch blogging about those a**holes. Then the anger turned to upset and then disappointment.

REAL DISAPPOINTED.

Facing the Giants @ GAP

2007-12-11T21:15:00.000+08:00

Attended GAP today.

Been months since James and I last went - due to A levels. And it's been months too that we last praised the Lord. Today's GAP was a fruitful one, albeit only few attended. James was at first reluctant to attend, but after much persuasion, he agreed to join me, and after the entire session, he did not regret.

Watched Facing the Giants which was an amazing movie. The cast was made up of volunteers from a local church, but they all seem so professional. The movie revolves around a Christian high school football coach, Grant Taylor and his messed up life. In six years of coaching, Grant Taylor has never led his Shiloh Eagles to a winning season and the is facing a dismissal from the school's board should he continue to fail this season. His car breaks down constantly. His house stinks. And his infertility meant that his wife could not have a child she wanted so badly.

Devastated by his circumstances, he cries out to God in desperation. When Grant receives a message from an unexpected visitor, he searches for a stronger purpose for his football team. He dares to challenge his players to believe God for the impossible on and off the field. When faced with unbelievable odds, the Eagles must step up to their greatest test of strength and courage. What transpires is a powerful story of the fight between faith and fear. And the message is simple, there is nothing you cannot achieve through Lord who strengthen and empower you.

Other subplots include a small built boy hoping to play soccer but his school only offered football, and he was encouraged by his paraplegic father to join the football team as a kicker. And how he managed to kick 51 yards when his best struggle is only 39 yards and half the time he couldn't even kick it straight.

Another subplot involves a rebellious but talented transfer student, Matt, who always think that his father doesn't understands him. But after a talk with the coach and committing his life to God, he began to understand his father's intentions and decided to pop by his father's office to apologize for his behavior. Coach Taylor provided the much needed ride and that touched Matt's father, who in the end got Taylor a new truck to replace his failing car.

Through this short session, I regained my faith in Lord after backsliding for the past months. Indeed, as the film tries to bring across, praise the Lord for everything good and everything bad that happened in your life. Trust in the Lord for everything is planned.

In fact, James and I experienced it for ourselves. After leaving the church, we decided to walk to Bukit Batok MRT station, and halfway through the journey, it started pouring heavily. I then prayed to the Lord to help us. Coincidence some may say, but true enough, after the prayer's said, a mother and her son who were also traveling in the same direction as us offered to tumpang us across. Praise the Lord!

Makan Trip and Geylang Sight-Seeing

2007-12-09T00:07:00.000+08:00

Burrrrrp!

Haha...met Siwei to go buy some stuff for NS today at Lavendar Golden Mile Food Center. Got myself a PT Singlet, an Admin Shirt, 5 rolls of Black Duct Tape, Boot Garters, and a pair of Dog Chain Rubbers (silencer - prevents the dog tags from clinging when u run).

After which, the makan spirit took over.

First we went to The Sweet Stone Ice Parad and ordered 2 Liège Waffles, a Belgian Chocolate Dip and a coffee Gelato which we shared. We also ordered a mug of sweet cane juice (sweet tooth eh?). We then walked around and bought a fried yam ice cream which was just ok...but the muffin from SLII was heaven...oooh~ I must really say I am lucky! The chocolate chip muffin that we bought are freshly baked and just out of the oven. My oh my...they are heavenly! Hot and moist (drools~). After which we pop by to the Hokkien Prawn Mee stall and ordered a plate of Hokkien Prawn Mee which we shared too.

We then took a train down to Kallang where we are supposed to meet up with Jia Jia, who is supposed to bring us to some nice makan place in Geylang. But as she had some recce for her ODAC Extreme Challenge beforehand, she reached pretty late. And so Siwei and me wandered around the Kallang housing estates, where I chanced upon this cute cat that kept rubbing itself against my legs (soooooo lovely!). After Jia Jia reached, she brought us to Taiwan Yong He Eating House to try its famous soy bean jelly with peanuts (seriously, this is Siwei's and my first time going to Geylang, and we are brought there by a girl :X). We ordered a bowl each, an oil fritter each , a hot soy bean drink to dip our oil fritters in (don't laugh, but it's my first time doing that), a plate of fried meat dumplings and a bowl of taiwan vermicelli to share.

(Bean Curd Jelly with Peanuts...see how satisfied Siwei looked!)

(Taiwan Vermecilli...my first time trying...)

(Oil Fritters rock!)

(My first time eating them after dipping in hot soy milk...)

(Jia Jia and Siwei)

(Fried Meat Dumplings...mmmmm~)

And so after eating and paid the bills, we sat and chatted a while, mainly NPCC stuff, the recent ATC which I missed, and reminiscence of the old training days. After which, we took a stroll around Geylang and yea, we saw many prostitutes. They are all around the streets tugging at any guy they see, even the Bangladeshi workers. They were totally different from what I had expected. I used to think of them as 30-40 year olds with no looks and no figure, turns out that most of them are young 20 somethings with pretty faces and hot bodies. Jia Jia kept saying that they are so pitiful, but I don't see why. They are all able bodies young ladies and I believe they can get a decent job as some sales assistant or something. I don't think they have to resort to selling their bodies and their dignity to earn a living. I believe it's all just because of easy money.

(Some were out as early as 4pm...according to news reports, these sex workers target the after school students)

(Malay Hookers...)

(...and Indian ones)

(In the alleys...)

(...and along the streets)

(Outside Hotels...)

(...and inside brothels)

(Some work in groups while others work alone)

(Some try to look as if they are having a girls night out...but it's plain obvious what they are doing)

(Parading themselves on the streets for people to pick and choose...)

(Try standing alone for more than a minute, and they will come after you)

* The above pictures are taken off the web and not by me

After all the sight-seeing, we then proceed to take a bus down to Bukit Timah where we ate at Al Azhar. We ordered a durian and a cheese and mushroom prata which we shared among the 3 of us, while Jia Jia ordered Teh-O Lychee (Teh-O with Lychee), Siwei ordered Bandung Dinosaur (Bandung with Milo powder toppings), and I ordered Milo Godzilla (Milo with Milo powder toppings, whipped cream, a scoop of Ice Cream and cherry) for ourselves.

We then proceed downwards to the Hawker center where we shared a plate of fried carrot cake and fried kway teow. Boy, are we gluttons!

We proceed home shortly after, but not before taking some photos!

(Us! Need I say more?)

(Ah Wei and me!)

Totally enjoyed myself man, and yea...hella full too! Shall meet up soon for another makan outing, probably to Lao Pa Sat and Newton Circus. Haha.

Pictures!

2007-12-04T15:15:00.001+08:00

(Dug out some of my junk pile and realised I've gotten bursary for all 3 years in MI!)

(21km last year...42km this year)

(I still keep my number tags!)

(The school's running jersey)

(Finisher Tee with medal and running tag)

(The sunburn marks)

(Back)

(Ouch)

42.195

2007-12-02T15:02:00.000+08:00

Ouch!

I am hurting so badly now, my quads, hamstring, calves, ankles, feet, abs, obliques, back, and the sunburn! 42.195km is such a torture, primarily because we didn't train due to the A levels. And also, James and I didn't sleep the night before, all thanks to watching Coach Carter on my computer.

Felt like giving up at about 38km mark, but well, luckily there were some fellow Millennians pushing me on. Finished the race eventually, after nearly 8 hours (and walking about half the journey) but damn, it wasn't satisfying like it did last year when I finished my 21km half marathon. Walked a lot, and the first thing that came to my mind the instance I cross the finishing line was, well, to sit down.

I seriously think I ran very slowly because firstly, not much people were behind me, secondly all the Powergels, bananas were finished, and thirdly the massage tent was closed too. So you can imagine, I was totally famished after the run, and there was no food, totally tired and there was no massage. Argh.

Limped my way to the medal and finisher tee collection booth to collect my "consolation prize" and then headed off home with James.

Think I'm so gonna sleep the whole day.

103

2007-12-01T23:55:00.000+08:00

Granduncle passed away today. At a ripe old age of 103.

But as the Elders from the church says, we should not be sad, for this separation is temporary. Some day we shall be reunited again, on that beautiful shore.

James came over earlier at about 8 to sleep at my place so that we can go over to CCK Stadium the next morning to take the bus down to Esplanade together for the Marathon. Ronnie's supposed to join us as well, but well, his father insisted that he attend the Air Force career talk instead.

Well, couldn't wait for the marathon!

Cummins Inc

2007-11-30T23:05:00.000+08:00

Stocktaking!

Zheng Hang introduced me and James to this agent Adecco which assigned us as stock takers with Cummins Inc today. Cummins Inc is an American MNC dealing mainly with engines, generators and its peripherals.

(Look at all those boxes behind me!)
(James is soooooo Blue!)

We were supposed to report to work at 8.15am, and had agreed to meet at 6.45 at Jurong East interchange the day before. But well...I overslept. Woke up at about 7am when James called me. Took a quick shower and immediately rushed down to Jurong East. By the time I reach, it was already 7.30am, and so we decided to take a cab down. Reached Cummin's premises at about 7.45, half an hour ahead of our reporting time. And so we spent the next 30 mins at their pantry talking cock.

Shortly after, their representative briefed us on our job scope and assigned us to our respective venues to do the stocktaking. I must say Zheng Hang, James, and I are really lucky to be assigned to the air-conditioned office with tables and chairs to do our stocktaking. The others working with us that day were doing it in the dusty and humid warehouse.

I must say that the job wasn't as simple as imagined though. Some parts are big and thus easy to stock take, but some are as tiny as 1mm diameter metal balls and are hell. After the preliminary round of stocktaking, we then rotate with other stock takers and double check the quantity they reported with that on their stock sheet.

Though tiring, I must say that its quite an interesting experience.

After work, I went to Lot 1 to meet up with Marianne, Hui Mui, and Sam for what's supposed to be a farewell gathering for Sam before he fly off to Thailand. Turns out, it's an elaborated surprise gathering for me before my NS. Am very touched and at the same time shocked I must say. Thanks a lot Marianne, Hui Mui and definitely Sam, for having to act along with their plans.

Should've taken some pics though haha. After dinner, we went over to Marianne's place to play basketball (with netball) and then collect her books to return to the library (we had actually went over to her place earlier but well, she forgot to bring them and so...). Saw her cat Twinkles which is very scared of strangers and kept hiding under her washing machine, and her fishes, plants, and oh...her green bedroom.

In anycase, it was quite an experience the whole day, first the work, then the surprise dinner. Thanks Marianne, Hui Mui and Sam once again!

Finally!

2007-11-29T11:16:00.000+08:00

Finally.

The A Levels are over.

Dunno why, but a mysterious sense of nostalgia overwhelms me. Hate to leave school. Those days of waking up early in the morning to go school, sleep during lessons, argue with Ms Tee, talk cock with friends, suddenly seems so distant.

It seems just yesterday that I stepped into MI, full of discontentment, sitting at one corner of the class refusing to interact with the classmates. Yet now, I am leaving with wonderful memories, peppered with the sadness that there will definitely be some people whom you are going to lose contact with. All of a sudden, the desire to grow up and enter the working world is replaced with the desire to stay young forever and simply study...study...study... Seriously, now I understand why our seniors keep telling us that studying is the most fun part of our lives. You don't have to worry about office politics, your pay, family obligations, tax, government policies. You are so carefree and insulated.

Thinking about how fast I'm going to serve NS, then Uni (if my results permits that is) and finally into the working world is scary. I simply wish I can turn back time and lead the carefree life I had.

Alright, enough of rambling, let's turn back the calendar and see what went on during this period of my absence from the blog. Hmm...nothing much happened besides the graduation high tea we had...IN SCHOOL. That's dumb. I was expecting a prom night or at least have the graduation ceremony somewhere outside school. But whatever it is, it was still quite a memorable one.

Prior to the graduation ceremony, James, Munirah, Shamana, Charlene, and I went to watch Mr Woodcock. Not exactly a very memorable movie I would say, nothing fancy with some stale jokes here and there, but definitely full of taglines to quote. Afterwhich we went to Swensen's
for some desserts before heading to school.

(Mr Woodcock! Oh...Shamana's lost her tix...so in place is the Swensen's receipt)

The rest of the photos are available on my friendster, so I'm not gonna put them up here (lazy as always). However, I am kind enough to share my school's wonderful graduation video with the world! I uploaded it on youtube la...took me quite some time splitting up the video and minimizing the file size. The video was an effort of our school, with the entire cast featuring our favourite teachers like Ms Loke, Ms Chan, Ms Alicia Ng, Mr Victor Soh, Mr Tang, etc. Enjoy!

(MI's Graduation Video Part 1)

(MI's Graduation Video Part 2)

Ah! And since I uploaded the school's graduation video, I might as well upload the video James took at the gym. It was Dexter's (the gym trainer - big sized guy you see walking ouside the gym) last day and also our last day training in the gym, and so we decided to take a video for memory.

(The MI Gym)

I am worth $221.50

2007-08-30T21:10:00.000+08:00

Saw this on friendster bulletin...

Here's the deal. You look it over the
following list and see how many of
these things you have done. BUT you
have to ADD up the money amount along
the way. Then post the amount that you
are as the title of the bulletin.

1. Had sex: $25.00
2. Smoked: $10.00
3. drank: $5.00
4. Went skinny dipping: $10.00
5. Kissed someone of the opposite sex:
$1.00
6. Kissed someone of the same sex:
$5.00
7. Cheated on a test: $7.00
8. Fell asleep in class: $5.00
9. Been expelled: $10.00
10. Been in a fist fight: $10.00
11. Given oral: $10.00
12. Got oral: $10.00
13. Prank called the cops: $10.00
14. Stole something: $10.00
15. Done drugs: $10.00
16.Dyed your hair: $5.00
17. Done something with someone older
(like a few years): $10.00.
18. Went out with someone OVER 18 (if
your under 18): $10.00
19. Ate a whole bag of oreos: $10.00
20. Cried yourself to sleep: $0.50
21. Said you love someone but didnt
mean it: $1.00
22. Been in love: $5.00
23. Got caught doing something that
you shouldnt have been doing: $10.00
24. Went streaking: $1.00
25. Got arrested: $10.00
26. Cuddled: $1.00
27. Peed in the pool: $5.00
28. Played spin the bottle: $10.00
29. Done something you regret: $5.00

Now add up and post as "I COST $ _._

I had posted that I was worth $63.50...but to tell the truth, I had done everything stated on top...

1. Had sex: $25.00
Of course I had...and I still have...my sex is Male

2. Smoked: $10.00
Yeap...I smoked my way through lessons and exams...luckily the teachers accepted my bullshits

3. drank: $5.00
Drank water, soda, milo, milk......

4. Went skinny dipping: $10.00
In my bath tub...

5. Kissed someone of the opposite sex: $1.00
My mum and grandma...

6. Kissed someone of the same sex: $5.00
My dad and Grandpa

7. Cheated on a test: $7.00
I cheated failure...as did some cheated death...

8. Fell asleep in class: $5.00
That's of course...especially in Lay Hoon's lessons...

9. Been expelled: $10.00
From the Smart People Association for entering MI

10. Been in a fist fight: $10.00
My left fist fought with my right...

11. Given oral: $10.00
Gave lectures conducted orally on multiple occasions when the visualiser/OHP failed to work...

12. Got oral: $10.00
Had English Oral and Mother Tongue Oral...attained distinction at O levels but only a merit at A levels

13. Prank called the cops: $10.00
Prank called a few of my PNS friends...

14. Stole something: $10.00
I believe I've stolen some girls' hearts...

15. Done drugs: $10.00
Done drugs justice by leaving them alone (I am more addictive and destructive than drugs are...)

16.Dyed your hair: $5.00
I dyed it black when I was still in heaven...some colour came off liao...that explains the white strands...

17. Done something with someone older (like a few years): $10.00.
With my parents, grandparents, cousins, uncles and aunties, teachers......

18. Went out with someone OVER 18 (if your under 18): $10.00
Am over 18...but when I was younger I went out with my my parents, grandparents, cousins, uncles and aunties, teachers......

19. Ate a whole bag of oreos: $10.00
A bag? I ate 3!

20. Cried yourself to sleep: $0.50
When I was a baby...

21. Said you love someone but didnt mean it: $1.00
When Ms Kaur made me shout that I love her during literature lesson...

22. Been in love: $5.00
Been in love and still in love with Nissan Fairlady 350Z

23. Got caught doing something that you shouldnt have been doing: $10.00
I was caught slacking during exam period...

24. Went streaking: $1.00
Yeap...on a losing streak while playing internet scrabble

25. Got arrested: $10.00
By a fashion police for wearing my underwear outside in an attempt to mimic superman

26. Cuddled: $1.00
When I was a baby...to be more exact...I was cuddled...

27. Peed in the pool: $5.00
The mini pool in the toilet cubicle...

28. Played spin the bottle: $10.00
I spinned the bottle and it fell off the table...

29. Done something you regret: $5.00
My greatest regret is in coming to MI...

Haha...just being lame...because I am so totally bored...gonna get my daily dose of Russell Peters...bye!

The Beattitudes

2007-08-27T21:08:00.001+08:00

Matthew 5 (New International Version)

Matthew 5

The Beatitudes

1Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2and he began to teach them saying:

3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.

12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

Salt and Light

13 "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.

14 You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.

15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.

16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

* Ripped off http://www.biblegateway.com

What is love?

2007-08-26T16:16:00.001+08:00

Unbelievable but true.

I watched A Walk To Remember for the 5th time and I still sobbed. I am not a known cry baby, but it simply touches me to see how powerful love is - the untold love of a father and the love between the two central characters. It is simply the most beautiful movie I have ever watched. It shows how love can change can change a person. It shows what love should be. It should be patient, it should be kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Familiar? It was the 'poem' in Jamie Sullivan's mother's diary. Beautiful and deep, it encompasses everything that love should be, and yes, it is from the Bible.

1 Corinthians 13

Love

1If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

*Ripped off http://biblebrowser.com

Updates

2007-08-24T15:02:00.000+08:00

Birthday pubbing, N73, belated birthday gift...

These are some stuffs that happened for the past few weeks since I last updated.

First is my birthday pubbing. Chris organised it and it was quite a nice experience. My first time drinking and its at Wala Wala at Hollang Village. Local band EIC was performing that night and it totally rocks. However though, I developed a rash which lasted for about a week after that. Other than that, it was a pretty nice experience. Thanks Chris.

(Me and Chris @ Wala Wala)
(D52...I am not drunk yet...it's just the flash...and ya...I'm an easy blusher...)

Next is the N73. James and I were using one of the empty classrooms for self study when we found a N73 under the table! Feeling naughty, we took it with us to the toilet (no...not that kind of naughty...) and took a picture of ourselves with the 'peace' hand sign. We then renamed the picture as "We found your phone!!! lol". After which, we returned it to the general office so that the owner may go and claim it. About a week later, when James and I were in the library doing our work, a girl approached us and asked me,

"Are the two of you from 05B2?"

"Ya...why?"

"Are you James?"

"Nope...he is." (points towards James)

"Oh...the two of you found my phone right?"

"Er...ya."

"Thank you very much"

"Oh...ok..."

Please understand that we were still a little taken aback that's why the replies seem so...short? It was only after she left that we regretted not talking to her more and get acquainted with her (yes, she is quite a babe).

And finally, the belated birthday present. It was bought by Kaibing. Though it's 2 weeks late, it's the thought that really matters isn't it? The present is a 1:6 model M4A1.

(In the box, with self-fixable parts)(Fixed...ain't it very intricately done?)

That pretty sums up my past few weeks. Gotta go to collect my CCA records from Mr Vj for the SGC. Will post again some other time =p.

NDP!!

2007-08-09T19:55:00.000+08:00

Singapore is 42!

Happy Birthday Singapore!

Celebrated NDP in MI yesterday with a parade segment for which I was involved as part of the Guard of Honour contingent. It was really memorable, and I really miss it, though it was just 2 rehearsals and then the real thing. This year is indeed full of firsts. Besides the 'firsts' at the actual NDP @ Marina Bay, this year saw the most number of UG Instructors involved in the NDP parade, and also probably the largest number of UG participants. Made some new friends, including one particular guy I had used to dislike. And of course there is Hafizah from Teck Whye, whom I may get to meet up more often during Area events. Not forgetting all the other dudes and babes :X

After the celebrations at MI ended, I went on to meet Marianne at Choa Chu Kang to exchange presents (she have the same birthday as me), followed by my cadets Gek Hwee and Wendy to receive my birthday present - some 'salad' they made themselves (it's yummy by the way).

To consolidate, here's my birthday gifts so far:

BVLGARI After Shave Emulsion from Larence

Crocodile Leather Belt from James, Leoric, Ming Yi & Ronnie

Ferrero Rocher & Self Made Card from Sherlynn

Solar Powered "Dancing Toy" from Joo Teng

"Bread" Pen from GAP Friends

Teddy Bear & Self Made Card from Marianne

The Salad made by Gek Hwee & Wendy
(Should have taken the picture before I eat =( there's suppose to be a smiley face arranged by them with the onion rings)

The box cover for the salad by Gek Hwee and Wendy

The Birthday Card made by Gek Hwee and Wendy

I must say that these two girls really make me feel appreciated, and feel that all I did for the unit was worthwhile. When I said I would stop going for unit trainings, they actually made a card for me =) and the words in there really made my day. It even cheered me up when I am sad. Now every time I am down, I would remember those words, look at my hands, and cheer up. Thanks Gek Hwee and Wendy =)

The Card from Gek Hwee and Wendy

"Find the Smile in Your Hands" go figure what it means if you think you are smart enough like me...=p

I'm 19!

2007-08-07T23:48:00.000+08:00

It's my birthday...so wish me a Happy 19th Birthday!!!

haha...1 year older and gonna take my A lvls soon...and NS isn't that far too...looking back...it's been 19 years and it's been great! great friends and people I know...people who have wished me birthday ranged from my ex-colleagues, net friends, ex NPCC squadmates, CIBTC squadmates, to MI pals...haha...feel so touched can...

yet with every birthday comes a reminder that I am no longer young...and this time it came as my last year of teenagehood! haha...and the best indication comes from the gifts (in order of when i received the prezzie):

Larence - BVLGARI After Shave Emulsion
James, Leoric, Ming Yi, Ronnie - Crocodile Leather Belt
Sherlynn - Ferrero Rocher + Card
Joo Teng - Solar Powered "Dancing Toy"
GAP Friends - Pen

See the belt and after shave? Seems like I am getting old...lol

Post Saucony-100 Plus Passion Run (08/07/07) and Mizuno Wave Run (22/07/07)

2007-07-22T15:50:00.000+08:00

RUN!!!

Haha. Let's see. Ran the Saucony-100 Plus Passion Run two weeks ago with Bi Neng (his virgin competitive run), Jie Hao, and his brother. Was pretty bad. Not satisfying at all. About a kilometer into the run and I am hopping on one leg. It's my ankle. Sprained it on Wednesday (04/07/07) night while playing basketball with Bi Neng and Jin Xiang. After the run ended, I could hardly even walk properly and my left leg is also entirely worn out due to all the 9km of hopping.

The Saucony Run in general is pretty well organised (considering it's Saucony's first time organising a running event here in Singapore), though they could've done better if they had actually provide baggage storage service.

Being Saucony's first competitive running event in Singapore, I must say that I am pretty surprised that ChampionChip was used. In addition Saucony is still pretty much unknown in Singapore due to the lack of publicity and a market that is pretty much dominated by New Balance, Mizuno and the usual Nike and Adidas. This move is probably its first move to make its presence felt in Singapore. I am currently running in a pair of Saucony Grid Omni 4 and it is pretty comfortable, accompanied me through my Standard Chartered Mararthon (21km), National Vertical Marathon (60 Floors), Mizuno Mount Faber Run (10km), Brooks Life Run (10km), Saucony-100 Plus Passion Run (10km), and today's Mizuno Wave Run (10km). Yep, I'm taking this chance to list down all my competitive runs so far. Despite the high mileage (including other personal runs), the Shoe still feel pretty new. Am considering to continue with Saucony if NS does not tilt my preference towards Brooks.

Today's run was met with bad weather. Before the run even started, my socks are already entirely wet, and it doesn't help when the route is filled with puddles of water here and there. I am, however, pretty much satisfied with the run. I hardly walk at all save for the bottlenecks at the gates, bridges, etc. This is probably the reason that I shaved about 5 minutes off my usual timing for 10km.

Organisation wise was bad. As with the usual Mizuno runs, no timing was taken for runners except the top 10 runners of each category. And while there was baggage storage service provided, I am really pissed with the way they handle the bags. First off, they simply toss the bags into the truck, and when they return the bags, the same was done. And because I wasn't there when they tossed my bag out of the truck, it landed in mud and people are kicking it around. I am not at all impressed and I am not the only one. One other woman I came across shouted loudly in anger, "this is the worse run I've ever been to!" That simply echoes my feelings then. As if having my pair of shoes covered in mud was not enough that my bag have to suffer the same fate. Goodie bag wise was reasonable, with a Mizuno shoe bag, a copy of June's Maxim and Men's Health (actually they are taken at a separate booth), and a dryfit Mizuno jersey (which I must admit is better than the one given by Saucony). Other than that, my impression of the entire run is a bad one. Hope the relevant organisers would do something about it and make next year's one a better one, else I swear I will boycott all their events.

19/07/04 - 19/07/05 - 19/07/06 - 19/07/07

2007-07-19T22:08:00.000+08:00

It's been 3 years.

Time passes so fast. Wonder how many of us actually still remember this day. Though I may not be very close with you, but I will always remember this day. The day that you left us. Your smiles, kind heart, the lor mai kai you made for us...those memories will never be forgotten...

Busy Busy Busy

2007-07-15T22:54:00.000+08:00

Busy.

And dead busy at that. Been hell long since I last updated. Let's see...during the June holidays I officially picked up a new hobby - bowling. Highest game is now at 118, and ball speed is about 37.4km/h. Gonna improve further with more practice.

And partly due to picking up of the new hobby, I screwed up my mid years. Gonna be fried this Friday during the parent-teacher conference.

Joined the Unity Alumni Network, and had an official gathering on 070707, yea...an auspicious date. Volunteered to peer-tutor maths and POA on Fridays after NPCC. After the gathering, James, Salman and I went to watch Transformers at AMK Hub. Pretty nice place, just a bit too cold. The movie is nice too, I will rate it 4/5 (but no review this time - sorry ah biao, no time + lazy).

Finally, met my ex-squadmates and Ma'am Rini today at Jurong Point McCafe. Look at how time flies. 7 years. She's getting married. My oh my...I'm really missing those days, the fun, the tough, the laughters, the tears, the sweat. Miss my cadet life sooooooooo much. I suddenly feel like taking a time machine back in time. But the sad thing is not much people turned up, only Guo Zheng, Foo Boon, Jia Jia, Si Wei, Shu, Al, Fizah, Nisa, Res, Amirah, and me turned up. Haiz. hope more people will be there during the wedding day.

As for studies, start tomorrow, I will be staying back for night study almost everyday till 9. Home has too much distractions, especially the internet. So expect less MSN, less blogging (which I have already cut down), and less youtube/games. Gonna focus on studies. I know I am amongst the top, and I will make my vow in year 1 come true - getting straight As. SO study hard I will and prove my worth.

It's back to the gym...

2007-06-18T21:20:00.001+08:00

Pathetic.

It's been a whole month since I last stepped into gym. And it was hell.

Couldn't complete the usual 5 sets. Did mostly 2 sets. Even those exercises which I did 3 sets, I can hardly complete it in proper form. My bench press dropped to a pathetic 25kg and my deadlift, a miserable 30kg. Even 88 year old Endora could deadlift 100lbs. I was ashamed.

And guess what? I puked after that. Then again, it could be because of the lack of consistent training, 1 month of junk food, and lack of sufficient sleep the previous night.

Hope Wednesday's training would be better. =)

Two Tubes of Blood and a PES D

2007-06-14T00:32:00.000+08:00

CMPB.

My first time there. Was super nervous because Ronnie said the people there are quite impatient and have quite a bad attitude. But it turned out quite ok. In fact I think the people there are so friendly! I started with the blood test. Way less painful than I have expected, but I ended up 2 tubes of blood lesser, while most of my counterparts were only drawn 1 tubeful. And that's the cause of my PES D result.

Something seems wrong with my blood? Haha, probably due to my father's medical history of hepatitis. Hope they don't end up telling me I have some weird illness. And so I have to go back for a follow up a month later.

The other stations were fine. In fact I think I saw all PES A status for the other stations.

My second station is the ENT station. Don't know what it stands for but basically that's just a hearing test. Following that is my eye test, then X-ray, then dental checkup, then some stupid body test that require them to clip my hands and legs and my nipples. After which was the height and weight cum blood pressure station, the penis checking room and last but not least (in fact, it's the most torturing one...I never hated computers like that) is the computerised quiz that is supposed to test our IQ and character. Spent around 1 hour plus there and it's a real torture. In total we spent about 3 hours for the entire medical checkup.

Hope that NS next year would be like a breeze too.

Mizuno Wave Run 07

2007-06-03T22:59:00.000+08:00

Race Date: Sunday 22nd July 2007
Venue (Start/End Point): Temasek Poly (TP) Sports Stadium
Distance: 10km and 5 km (Fun run)
Reporting Time: 0630hrs
Race Start Time: 0730 hrs

Categories and Pricing
Mens open ($20)
Womens open ($20)
Mens veteran ($20)
Womens veteran ($20)
Non-Competitive Fun run ($15)

Race Route

Route Explanation: TP Stadium - Bedok Reservoir Loop - North along TP Main Road - TP Stadium (Yellow Line)

Registration Details
Registration closing date: Sunday 15th july 2007
Register personally at the following Mizuno & World of Sports outlets (VGO Corp):

Mizuno Paragon
Mizuno Marina Square
Mizuno AMK Hub
Mizuno Vivocity
WOS Plaza Singapura
WOS Jurong Point
WOS Toa Payoh
WOS Heartland Mall
WOS Takashimaya
WOS Velocity @ Novena Square
Feder Sports
Running Lab at Funan IT Mall & Velocity

Runner Entitlements
Goodie Bag containing:
(For all categories) Mizuno Limited Edition Event Singlet worth $25.90
(For competitive only) Mizuno Shoe Bag worth $19.90
(For non-competitive only) World of Sports Socks worth $9.90
30% discount on Mizuno regular-priced merchandise at point of registration.

(Ripped directly off http://www.shaunchng.com)

Area 3 Rocks!

2007-06-03T22:34:00.000+08:00

They made me reconsider.

Had wanted to stop my journey in the life of NPCC after I graduate. Was tired of all the backstabbing and stuff. But the ATC with Area 3 made me reconsider all these. Not everyone is the same.

Went there nervous, worrying that I may screw things up (perhaps the bad experience of screwing things up at my previous ATC). But I came home satisfied and falling in love with ATC and NPCC again. The CIs there are really nice, easy-going and they embodies the true spirit of teamwork. No pointing fingers, no backstabbing, no one is alone, no one is at fault. Problems were discussed and solved together. Though I've met many CIs for the first time only, we manage to get along well and talk like we already knew each other for ages.

And the kids too. Though they can be troublesome at times and really pisses me off, they are in general really lovely. Take Tristan for example. He may always be complaining (understandably though as he is suffering from some acne problems that spread around his entire neck, chest and back region), what he said before the camp ended really made my day - he said "This camp is really very memorable"

There's really so much to say, and the feeling really overwhelms me. I would really like to thank all the Area 3 CIs and cadets for giving me this chance to love NPCC all over again, for accommodating me and for every single memory. Really.

My Wishlist

2007-05-28T23:49:00.000+08:00

Blunder.

Salt man. Yea, I put that on my previous post's title but forgot to mention about it. Well, basically, I think I am a really good salt producer. The salt residue on my arms after the 10km run is probably sufficient to fill up a teaspoon. Lol.

And since I'm doing another post, might as well update on the conditions of my shoes. They are all real bad. My running shoe (Saucony omni grid 4) was so ill-treated by me, it is spoiling soon (in fact I think it's punctured), my basketball shoe has already opened its mouth (yea, it's torn) to protest, my casual shoe (Atlanta) is punctured too, and my formal leather shoe is also gone. Time for me to go shoe shopping, but I lack the ca$h. Totally broke. Haiz. Anyone keen to buy me some shoes? I wear size 45/11.5-12. :P

My current wish list would contain the following:
1) SHOES!!! (formal, casual, basketball and running)
2) A Guitar (I don't mind a 2nd hand one)
3) A new sling Bag (I like the standard ones - and a brown one at that)
4) Casual Belt
5) Formal Belt (yea, my belts are spoilt/rusty)
6) Army print Bermudas
7) Dark brown long sleeve shirts (seeking to extend my wardrobe range)
8) Tie (hmm, let's just say I only have one and would need more?)
9) Rubiks Cube (am lazy to go buy one)
10) M16 replica (found a cheaper alternative at ~$30, 1/6 of the authentic 1:1 model)
11) MP3 (em, I've never owned one...pathetic eh?)

I'm Salt Man!

2007-05-28T21:40:00.000+08:00

Let's see.

Been a few days since I last updated my blog. Let's see. Went for part 2 of our "Take Flight" seminar held by Adam Khoo Learning Technologies Group on Friday, rushed down to One Fullerton to collect my race tag and shirt on Saturday, and ran the Brooks Life Run on Sunday, and watched Born into Brothels today at Vivo.

Ok. Let's start with Friday. I'll probably say that it's quite fun, but I learned nothing much. Gary is all jokes and most of the content are merely recaps of what Adam did previously. Though Gary brought more laughters, Adam was more motivating and covered more content than Gary did. The bowling games during the break was fun, but I made a fool of myself when I overstepped onto the lane and slipped and fell. Luckily I did not slide all the way down the lane like the movies.

Saturday was hell hectic. Did housework though the entire morning and afternoon, mopping floor, wiping cabinets and washing the toilets (no, I have no maid). Sat down and read my emails around 6.30pm and guess what? The representative from NUS sent me an email requiring me to go down to One Fullerton to collect my race tag and event shirt between 1600hrs to 2000hrs. Wow. I was rushing like mad and to make things worse, I don't know where One Fullerton is. I'm a nerd remember? I hardly go out, and even if I do, it's rarely to town. Called up a few people and to my surprise, many, like me, only heard of The Fullerton Hotel. So after much calling, I finally found out that it's actually opposite The Fullerton Hotel. And so, I collected my tag and event shirt.

Sunday was hell tiring. Woke up early in the morning, and went down to One Fullerton alone again (my first run alone). Let's just say the lack of someone I know in front to pace had made me less motivated. And to make things worse, the fall on Friday left my left ankle sore and I did not have sufficient sleep the night before. I came in around 1hour 30minutes. Real bad. Hope I would do better at the Saucony-100Plus Passion Run on 8th July.

Watched "Born Into Brothels" at Vivo today. My first time watching a movie at Vivo. The movie is a 2004 documentary about children of prostitutes in Sonagachi, Calcutta's red light district. Unlike most documentaries, this was pretty unique. Firstly, it's funny, secondly, it had originally started as a mere documentary of the prostitutes and not the children, and thirdly, it provided much laughter. The documentary mainly revolves around the prostitutes' children - Puja, Suchitra, Shanti, Kochi, Avigit (whose photography talent was spotted when he was invited to represent the group at the World Press Photo Foundation event in Amsterdam), Manik and Kour, and Zana Briski, a documentary photographer, who went to Calcutta to photograph prostitutes. While there, she befriended their children, and offered to teach the children photography to reciprocate being allowed to photograph their mothers. Much of the children's work was used in the film, and the filmmakers recorded the classes as well as the daily life in the red light district. What had initially been intended as a documentary on the lives of prostitutes in a developing country soon turned into a struggle to free the children from a vicious that would see them being forced into prostitution. Though she was finally able to get a handful of kids into a boarding school, many left before long either due to family's withdrawal or they left on their own accord. Only one stayed.

The sad fact of life is that many of us are living in abundance, yet we are never satisfied with what we have, and we hate studying. But in another part of the world, we see children being in poverty, yet they live their lives without complains, and they simply wished they could study so that their lives may improve. There's no single word that can fully describe this film. It's inspiring while being depressing, brings hope yet crushing under the weight of reality at the same time. Definitely worth the watch. Pictures taken by the children may be viewed at http://www.kids-with-cameras.org/kidsgallery/.

(The Documentary's Poster)

(Part of the Documentary when the kids were brought out to play at the sea)

The Videos are up

2007-05-23T22:16:00.000+08:00

Youtube.

I guess there is probably nothing much you can't find on Youtube. Now all 4 houses' videos are uploaded. Haha, and slightly better quality than the previous one uploaded. Anyway, enjoy.

(Onyx House)

(Sapphire House)

(Garnet House)

(Zircon House)

Spiderman 3 and the weird woman at RC Starbucks

2007-05-19T22:22:00.000+08:00

Been a busy week.

No I'm not abandoning this blog. Just that I've been quite busy and am unable to find spare time to write in my blog. But well, that does not mean that nothing happened.

Watched Spiderman 3 last Saturday after my school's institute day with James. Spider-Man returns yet again in Sam Raimi's blockbuster, with more action, more villains and more problems. Having finally achieved balance between his regular life with Mary Jane and his superhero alter-ego, everything seems perfect for Peter Parker. But problems are brewing in the horizon. His former friend Harry has taken up the mantle of his late father's persona as The New Goblin to seek revenge against Spiderman. The case regarding his Uncle Ben has been reopened and new evidence points to Flint Marko (who became the Sandman after a freak scientific accident) as the true killer. A possible new relationship with fellow student/model Gwen Stacy drives MJ to terrible jealousy. Eddie Brock, Peter's new rival at the Daily Bugle (who will become Venom later), is determined to take over Peter as the new photographer. And worst yet, a mysterious alien substance attaches itself to Peter, enhancing his powers but changing his personality for the worst. With the mysterious new darkness corrupting him, Spider-Man will hunt down Sandman in revenge, settle his score with Harry, drive MJ away from him and unknowingly create his most deadly enemy yet: Venom.

(Harry became the New Goblin to avenge his father's death)

(Spiderman against Sandman)(The battle within...)(Spiderman vs Venom)

Though the plot seems flawed in many ways (that often happens when too much is packed into a small 140 minutes package), it's success topping box office worldwide is of no wonder. Packed with special effects, action, laughter, more villains and more problems for our poor little neighbourhood Spidey and not forgetting the talented cast, the plot flaws are easily ignored. But what the film really triumphs in is driving home some really educational messages by illustrating sin with the symbiote: Sin is fun, Sin is sticky, Sin can be beaten. And for me, the greatest take home lesson is that of forgiveness. Seeing Harry forgive Peter and Peter forgive Flint made me really touched (yea, I did sobbed a little but I believe man can cry sometimes too?) http://tatumweb.com provides some really interesting insights and its corresponding Bible verses on the issues Spiderman 3 brings up.

On Wednesday, I had to stay back for some Economics and Fund Management Quiz organised by NUS. I didn't sign up for it nor did my economics tutor. Mrs Mary Choi did, and I found it stupid to be forced to take a quiz I did not feel like taking. So Guess what I did? I went in and complete the quiz in 30 minutes (1/3 of the allocated time for 40 questions). Sakqteesh completed slightly earlier than me and he seems pretty confident, but the same cannot be said of me. I skipped 4 out of the 5 calculations questions and the 10 fund management MCQs were rather tough for me. The first 25 economics MCQs were ok though. But it wasn't like what Sakqteesh said it to be - too simple for us. It isn't really that simple at all.

Later that day, I met Bi Neng to register for the Brooks Life Run (27th May, 10km) at Raffles City Starbucks. That's where we met a weird woman. She claims herself to be a playwright and also a song writer. But she has no handphone. So basically she got us to help her SMS her 'play' to some producer or something. The 'play' is as follows (I don't understand the script at all. Anyone who does please let me know?)

Mr Gigolo!! Let me tell you the following "Act" -

Actress: Do you want me to call you again?

Actor: Yes!

(ringing 1st call)
Actor: 你找谁? (Who are you looking for?)
(hang up!)

(ringing 2nd call)
(switch - m/c)
Last 20 cents gone (value for money - miraculously my heart lightens and all the hurt's gone - what a relief thanks to you!)
Drama KING!! (Another disappointment!)

* You probably don't know I have very selective senses - my hearing (voice once heard will never forget), able to recognise gade before a person steps in without opening the door. My sight (I cannot see the "Elephant" right in front of me but I can see the "Mosquito in the ocean). My tongue (very sensitive to different taste) so far Vitamin A-Z taste the worst!! Very revolting!!

Why can't you for once be truthful? (I mentioned before - "Honesty" and "Sincerity" is utmost important in any relationship.)

It's "Ok" if you are married, got a fiancee or steady girlfriend whom you co-habit with.

"If you want to protect your interest, then don't "flirt". If you want to "flirt", you have to bear the risk. It's as simple as that!"

"It makes no difference to me because I am already married to one of my love - my lifetime companion - The "Goggle Box" and the "Big Screen" so far no one comes close and are irreplaceable."

"Why don't you jump down from Westin 72 storey?" (I will be very happy to see you become flat like Pink Panther and your Pinocchio nose flattened. HA!! Ha!! - sign OJ)

This took us about 2 hours to compose. I almost fell asleep while my friend is busily helping her compose the SMS. If this does not make her weird enough, she actually had a hell lot of reading materials in her bag to keep me 'entertained', of which included is the Singapore Business Review (which she gave me and my friend a copy each as a gift), some news papers and a food review bulletin. She claims that she will be getting Tan Kheng Hua, Peirre Peng, etc to act in her play and even claim to have met the in person and that Pierre gave her his number. She even said that she is selling her house to raise money for her play and that once it is ready she will give us a ticket each though we can ask for more if we want. She also composed 2 Chinese songs which she sang and rapped. She claimed that she is getting it produced into albums and will give us 1 each for free when it is done. She then went on to get our contact number and said that she will contact us once the deal for her play goes through and she will treat us to a buffet lunch.

Just as we thought everything is done and we can finally leave, she asked my friend to take a photo of her. Her right arm was scratched and her left arm bruised. She claimed that she was beaten up by a another lady and would need the photos as evidence to file a law suit against that lady.

Weird eh? I think so too. Thinking back, my friend and I should have just left her, we reached home nearly 10 that night. And I totally regret giving her my number. Hope she doesn't call.

Friday was my GP mid-year paper. It sucks. My essay was horrible and so was my comprehension - I couldn't complete my application question. Think I'm gonna flunk this one. Should have been less cocky and studied. Haiz. Went home after the paper and changed into my PE shirt. Went to IMM after that with Larence and walked around a little to kill time before our sports night starts at 6pm. Spent quite a lot of money on food. Bought some vadehs, ebiko sushi, salmon and tuna sushi, kaya/cheese/chocolate/redbean puffs, and drinks. That was the fullest I've been since I started dieting. Went back to school at about 5 plus and played basketball for a while before trudging to the stadium. But I was soon fired up when the events started, and was most excited when the cheerleading teams by various houses start cheering. Onyx is the best and eventually emerge champions for cheerleading. I am from Zircon by the way and I must say that Zircon truly deserve to be the last. It was very uncoordinated and the moves were very random like they put it in just for the sake of putting them in. And my friends sitting in the front rows said those girls wore only panties without shorts inside. Eww. Of course credit must be give to them for the time and effort put in, and I should not just put them down like that but it is very obvious to all why the various houses got what they got. The champions deserve their titles and the losers their loss as well.

(The ONYX house's cheerleading routine)

Did a search on Youtube and found a video of ONYX's practice in 2005. There were some similarities with this year's routine but cheerleading are usually the same old moves mixed and matched anyway.

(ONYX house's 2005 cheerleading practice - note some similarities with this year's)

That pretty much sums up my past week. Quite exciting I would say. And I am looking forward to the June holidays. Though it will be mostly revisions anyway, I do look forward to catching up on my lost sleep and of course, time away from having to see Ms Tee 5 times a week. =p

Wednesdays

2007-05-04T21:12:00.000+08:00

Been a while since I last updated the blog.

Wonder how many people read anyway (afterall it was meant primarily to serve as a way I reflect upon things that happen, not exactly one that is very entertaining). Anyway, many things happened during this period. My aunt passed away.

It was a chain of unfortunate Wednesdays. She was admitted to hospital on Wednesday, exactly a week later her heart stopped. When the doctors finally revived her heart, her brain is already damaged. Shortly after, she left. How unpredictable life is.

My uncle has no children of his own (other than the god-children that is), and is already retired. Wonder how he is to lead the coming days. Guess he must be real lonely.

Haiz. That reminded me of the GAP meeting we had last Tuesday. If I am to die today, how prepared am I to say that I am confident to be taken by Lord to the heaven and not by devil to hell?

Photos from the Mizuno Mount Faber Run

2007-04-24T21:00:00.000+08:00

(Nigger and White Boy - Small Head vs Big Head)

(I think I forgot to mention the pretty girl in red whom I talked to - she's the one with folded arms. I told her she's pretty and I think she freaked out...lol)

(We had intended to take another picture at the start/stop line, but after changing out of our sweaty shirt into the Mizuno shirt, it's removed. So we took it in front of the truck instead.)

(I think I look slimmer in this back view, but my head looks so much bigger...lol)

Get Addicted

2007-04-23T21:33:00.000+08:00

Addiction.

Sports, running, gyming, etc are addictive. Really.

I wouldn't consider myself a fit guy. In fact, I would say I have quite a bad physical fitness level that I can't even clear my NAPHA. And that is precisely the reason why I am hitting the gym trice a week and at least one long distance running per week. And I play basketball virtually every Sunday.

It was indeed tough initially, then it became addictive. The euphoric high of running, the pump you get from all the gyming, are the best sensations in the world I would say. It all began last year when I signed up for the Standard Chartered Marathon out of curiosity (and being a true blue kiasu Singaporean, I was taking advantage of the school - the school is paying the full registration fee for us). I can still recall the moment I crossed the finishing line vividly. I felt like nothing can stop me from achieving my goals because I conquered the full 21km.

Therefore, I would like to urge all those out there leading a sedentary lifestyle to get ass off your seat and start exercising. Not only does it benefit your health, it also has multiple other satisfying returns (not forgetting the nice physique girls go crazy over). If it is hard to go run 10km at one go, start small by slow jogging around your neighbourhood, or pick up a sport you like, or take the stairs instead of the lift. Start today and embrace in a healthy lifestyle, it is never too late to start!

If life is a race, what kind of runner are you?

2007-04-22T16:44:00.000+08:00

Mizuno Mount Faber Run 2007.

Woke up this morning at around 0530hrs and got prepared for the run. My third (with the prior 2 being the Standard Chartered Marathon 06 and the NTU Vertical Marathon) physical challenge since last December and my first uphill. While losing some Sunday sleep time is only the least of my sacrifice, the gains were plentifold. Besides the great sense of achievement completing the journey and experiencing the addictive euphoric high (runner's high), I learned a life lesson. In fact, I was thinking about what to write in this blog entry throughout the entire journey.

The journey's start and end points will be at Henderson Community Club itself, the route will bring runners out to Henderson road through Bukit Merah View up towards Safara Mount Faber (Telok Blangah) into Morse Road and Pender Road. It will be an uphill climb along Mount Faber Road finally exiting at Bukit Purmei Ave, running past Jalan Bukit Merah/Lower Delta Road and finally back to Henderson road. (Quoted off shaunchng.com as I am lazy to type it out myself)

I would like to liken a race like this to life; to school life especially. I realised that I am a short sprinter - not that I run very fast, but rather, I run in short bursts of speed and then I would slow down due to lack of stamina. In this case, stamina is like determination, and the short bursts of speed is like short term enthusiasm.

I was able to run at a pretty comfortable speed initially, but as the journey progresses and I finally hit the upslope journey, I could no longer maintain my pace. The upslope journey slowed me down entirely almost to walking speed, and many of those I overtook earlier soon overtook me. After what seemed like an eternity, it's downslope time. My legs were cycling at such high speed that the sole of my feet felt like it's burning from all the friction against my shoe. However, it is interesting to note that there are a handful who held back and controlled their steps, and I soon realised why - I was panting like a dog when I finished the downslope journey. I would like to compare this as one's strengths, like a subject you are particularly good at. Control your steps too much and you lose out on the advantage you could have had leveraging on gravity's pull. But expend your all on it, and you will soon run out of stamina to run the rest of the race, which I would liken to your weaker areas such as subjects you can't grasp as well. The rest of the journey was covered by short bursts of running followed by intervals of jogging and walking. I was rather drained and I have to admit that I wasn't really prepared for it at all. Considering that I wasn't that great a runner, I should have trained at least 2 weeks earlier, but I only trained once last Monday, and it was on the track. No upslopes. So that brings forth another point - in life, to be able to succeed in whatever you do, you have to prepare for it, adequately and specific to the requirements.

Anyway, will be starting to integrate stamina training into my current strength training regime. Will try to hit the tracks as often as I hit the gym to ensure that I will be well prepared for the Standard Chartered Marathon this year. By the way, for those who are keen, this are some upcoming running events for this year that I would probably be taking part. The dates are not yet confirmed.

20 May 2007 - TNP Big Walk 2007 (possibly cancelled this year as a suitable venue could not be found after the National Stadium is closed for rebuilding)

19 Aug 2007 - New Balance Real Run 2007

17 Sept 2007 - Terry Fox Run

18 Nov 2007 - Swissotel Vertical Marathon

02 Dec 2007 - Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2007 (will run the full 42km this year if I feel well-prepared by then)

As usual, the photos will be up later.

Haiz

2007-04-20T23:04:00.000+08:00

I asked. She rejected. End of story.

Friday the 13th

2007-04-13T22:42:00.000+08:00

Friday. 13th.

Got back our PW results today. It sucks. I got a band 3, and I don't think I deserve it. I don't think anyone else in the class who has put in effort should get it either. And as if things aren't bad enough, the weather actually had to be bad too. But any setback is a learning experience. From this, I learned 2 things. First, in a team, an individual's effort does not bring success, but an individual's slacking pulls down the whole team. Second, pray hard you don't get a slacker in your team. However, I don't want to dwell on it anymore, it's over anyways. Will always remember only the good times, especially towards the end when we have fun at Ric's condo's poolside.

Went home and took a nap before waking up to prepare for Unity Awards Night held at my former Secondary School. Was proud to be invited back to receive an award in the capacity of an Alumni serving as instructor in NPCC. Despite going back almost weekly, I only realised today that things seem to have changed alot. The school colour scheme, hall, foyer, blazers (formerly maroon, now blue), the principle, management of the school...

The Awards night was not as I have imagined. Was expecting rows of chairs with buffet at the canteen. Ended up being tables arranged in restaurant style with caterers in the hall itself. The hall suddenly seem so big and grand. But I have to say that I was rather disappointed with 2 things. Firstly, the principal - her articulation is bad, real bad (though not as bad as the Guest of Honour :p). Then there was this guy, I don't know who he is, but I suppose he is a teacher. I went to the table to get a pudding for my cadet, without knowing that the table's food are meant for the VIPs and teachers. He saw me approaching but kept quiet, and instead of actually informing politely, he held my hand down firmly and said, "no...these are for the VIPS. Please go over to the tables at the back of the hall." (I can't quite remember his exact words but that's roughly it.) That totally suck because I expect that I am to be treated like a guest as well?

Anyway, according to Mdm Ng, the Alumni will officially start again, probably in July or August with proper committee elected and put in place. Will update the Ex-Unitians soon. =)

Memories in My Mailbox

2007-04-08T19:34:00.000+08:00

Nostalgia.

Reminiscence of the old times. Was clearing up my email mailbox and was really overcame by nostalgia. How fast time has passed.

Realised my mailbox is full of emails from her. Its been so long since I last chatted with her online, and despite the fact that she also lives in Yew Tee, I've not seen her for ages. She's grown prettier though, as from pictures in her friendster.

Then there is that particular email which I circulated out of childishness. Regis's email on Shu Min. Felt so childish la. Caused so much awkwardness and unhappiness back then.

And then came a painful reminder of the 2 rather important men in my life. Kenneth Ramos and Mr Ngiow. Ken used to be in the US Navy, but upon retirement, has became a self-taught...em...scientist? He basically studies pathogens and would travel around, collecting samples of river water, etc and examine them under microscope. I got to know him after he joined my secondary school's biology forum. He is really helpful and friendly, but after my 'O' Levels, I lost complete contact with him. It was only until recently that I realised he is the site administrator of photomacrography.net. Though attempts to contact him seems to be to no avail. Mr Ngiow is my primary school teacher (Pri 5 to be exact, and he only stayed for a short period, after which he was posted to another school). Though he only taught me for a short period of time, he has taught me many invaluable lessons. After he left (and throughout my Secondary School life till the end of MI year 1), we did keep in contact, through occational phone calls and emails. However, due to a hectic year 2 (full of PW), I stopped emailing him. Took the chance to send him an email, but wonder if he is still using that account.

But what's even more painful is the one and only email ML ever sent me on our first month together. That was when our relationship met its first problem. I've to admit that things changed after my return from the ATC. Partly due to stress from PW and need to rush year end reports, etc. But the real root of the problem was my inconfidence in the relationship. Was talking about my relationship with my bunkmates and they were similarly concerned as to how far the relationship can go. I mean, I can talk crap to almost anyone but I'm tongue-tied with her. Though I know I love her, we can hardly talk much and we only knew each other for a very brief period of time. In a state of dilema, I chose to escape from it. I contacted her less and she took the hint. We broke up shortly after. I really regret now, but all's too late. Everytime I see her in school, it's just so awkward because I really don't know how to face her. Haiz.

The rest of the mails are a load of junks, from advertisements to the useless newsletters I've signed up for. I mean, I don't even read them at all. So a total of nearly 600 mails were cleared today.

Yo! Whatsup Baby?

2007-04-05T23:31:00.000+08:00

Yo! Whatsup Baby?

That's how we were greeted the moment we step into Thye Hua Kwan Moral Home for The Disabled (MacPherson) by one of the mentally disabled patient there. And guess who he said it to? Ms Tee, and he even try to high five with her, though people who know her would have guessed that given her sarcastic and egoistic nature, she just simply ignored him (his name is Justin by the way). After which he proceeded to ask if Ric understand the meaning of "whatsup". His explanation of it is simply a translation in chinese. He is a really chatty person. I guess his dream must have been to be a emcee, because throughout the day, he kept acting like one.

Then there is Henry. He seemed perfectly normal. The way he talks and behave is simply like any other normal guy - other than his obsession with stickers. I would believe his dream is to be a singer because he stood on the stage and sang JJ's Cao Cao to Ms Tee. He is really fit and when he hugged me, I can hardly breathe. He is also rather hip I would say, listening to techno songs, wears wrist bands, etc. I would guess that he is just less intellectually developed like a few others there.

And there is the volatile Vincent. He was rather violent at times, punching Julie in the face and snatched Jame's spectacle, attempting to break it. Luckily James manage to get it back in time. I happen to stand near him one time and he took my hand and brought it towards his face. I thought he wanted to bite it or spit on it, but he ended up giving me a kiss on my hand. He even 'sayang' me and adjusted my shirt.

In general, it is a really fun experience. I almost felt that we had benefitted more from them than they had benefitted from us. It was more enjoyable than I had imagined. However, it is quite sad to note that those there are mostly orphans, have parents who are also mentally challenged or their parents have given up hope on them. Their conditions also vary. Some are intellectually challenged, some are mentally unsound, and some are hyperactive. According to the person-in-charge, the 'better' ones are sent to school and when they are deemed capable enough, they will go out and work too. The rest who are not studying or working will be trained in-house on skills such as doing the laundry, cooking, etc and will then play the role as chefs, cleaner, etc, in the home.

As usual, I do not have the photos yet, but when I do get them, I will post them up on the blog. =)

Photos update

2007-03-30T23:23:00.000+08:00

Photos!

Finally got the photos for the class reunion with the 2 ZHs - Zhi Hao and Zheng Hang. So long can. Ronnie had probs loading them onto the computer. So had to wait till Jame's phone is repaired so that Ronnie can transfer them to James' phone.

And there is an additional picture. It is taken with one of the Gillette Fusion promo girls. The other cuter one had attitude problems and did not want to take photo with us, so we made her the cameragirl. This particular girl gave us free blades everyday, and on her last day of work (yesterday), she gave us 4 blades each, i.e. a full pack of refills worth $17.50 each. She is so friendly that James and Salman are so...impressed by her? She is only 17 by the way, a business student at some polytechnic. There are 2 new girls today, talked to one of them. Very friendly and personable, a poly nursing student. And she is very bubbly and cute. But she don't give extra free blades. Wonder why I am so interested in free blades? Because I have the Gillette Fusion shaver which I got for free (refer to my earlier entry, 'City Hall' for details). Getting the blades for free means EVERYTHING FROM THE RAZOR TO THE REFILLS ARE FREE. Bet Gillette must be regretting their campaign strategy, because one potential customer is getting everything for free. Bet they must have thought that by giving us the razor, we would have to buy the blades. And while giving out free blades, people will buy the razor. Turn out, I went to two different events and got both items free. It will probably be sufficient to last me till the end of the year.

By the way, this marketing strategy is called word of mouth (WOM). It is increasingly popular as it gives more credibility. How it works is to let people try it out for themselves, be convinced and convince others to buy. Another strategy they employed is the use of babes in mini skirt (mentioned in my previous post 'Sex Sells'). I was right. According to the super friendly girl (the one who gave us lots of free blades), their company only hire female sales person. See? They are indeed using sex to sell.

(Main characters of the reunion, the 2 ZHs)

(Group Photo 1 - almost seemed like we are in a studio)(Group photo 2 - James shifted!)(Ronnie, me, James, Zhi Hao)(The original guys of 05C1 with the absence of CJ that is)
(Me and my 'dear' - ain't she a hot babe?)
(Finally, the friendly Gillette salesgirl - her hairstyle reminds me of Ms Tee)

Funny Tests

2007-03-28T22:28:00.000+08:00

Took some funny tests today.

According to http://www.findyourfate.com/deathmeter/deathmtr.html, I will live till 12 July 2065. That makes me 77 at the time I die.

According to http://www.humanforsale.com/quiz-results.asp?id=1989042, I am worth $2, 046, 106. Anybody interested to buy me?

Do take the test if you are as bored as me. Good way to kill time.

Sex Sells

2007-03-26T21:41:00.000+08:00

Unspoken marketing strategy.

Sex really sells. Look at IT fairs, Car exhibitions, Rallies, Advertisements, Promotion Booths (especially for men's products), you will bound to see ladies dressed in ultra short mini skirts and revealing clothes. Beer ladies is a classic example, then there is the unconventional - flyers on tuition services at the void deck my friend's block that contains pictures of (assumed) pretty tuition teachers. The examples are endless, and I would like to particularly point out the two girls in ultra mini skirts at the Gillette Fusion promotion booth at Westmall today. They were the source of this entry's inspiration. Their skirts are so short that when they squat down to retrieve the stocks.............you get the picture (but I must clarfiy that I saw nothing).

What I am particularly concerned is, how well do they understand the products? Yes, they may know the technical details which the companies that hired them would have force fed into their brains. However, will they really understand what we want or need when they would probably not be able to understand the pain of having to shave on a daily basis? Maybe a hairy girl might know, but the two at the booth seem to have flawless smooth skin.

Then there is the case of advertisements for tuition services at my friend's block. They look almost like advertisement for chatlines. Maybe an adolescent boy with raging hormones might want to enrol in their tuition programme after seeing the flyers? I assume those who really did so would be dissapointed because those pretty faces on the flyers are probably models hired to pose for the photos and not real tuition teachers.

Wrong priorities. But I do believe they must have proven to work. After all, most normal (and straight) guys would be attracted to girls who are pretty (and dressed scantily). And probably a handful would be mesmerised into buying those products.

Just another unspoken but powerful marketing strategy. All budding entrepreneurs might want to jot this down. Me included. Maybe I will only hire pretty babes and handsome hunks as my cafe's waitresses and waiters.

(IT fair model)

(Race Queens at Car Exhibition Shows)(An Advertisement in TODAY newspaper)(Casinos also employ the same strategy)
(And Banks too...)

TMNT

2007-03-23T21:31:00.000+08:00

Umm?

Watched TMNT earlier with James, Zhi Hao, and his cousins. Let's just say this movie is not up to my expectations. Not that it isn't good, but perhaps I was looking for more.

The movies starts with the Turtles growing apart as a family after the defeat of their old arch nemesis, The Shredder: Leonardo has been traveling the world for the last year, honing his skills. Raphael has been scouring the streets at night as a masked vigilante, the Nightwatcher (taking a page from Casey Jones' book). Michelangelo, in order to bring money in, has taken a job as a masked children's birthday party character (as a big headed…turtle), and Donatello works as an information technology consultant.

While struggling to keep the family together, Splinter realizes that strange things are brewing in New York. Tech-industrialist Max Winters is seemingly scheming to amass an army of ancient, evil creatures to help him take over the world by opening a portal during a solar alignment of all nine planets. This was done with the enlisted help of Karai, a minion of the erstwhile Shredder, who is intent on restoring the glory of her late master. Karai has assumed leadership of the fearsome Foot Clan and throughout the majority of the film, she is an elusive, adept ninja and commander who directs her troops in accordance with Winters' wishes of opening the planetary portal.

As the film progresses, the Turtles reacquaint with one another and enlist the help of their old allies, Casey Jones and April O'Neil, in order to put a stop to Winters' plans and save the world. Leonardo returns to New York City and reassumes the leadership of his brothers, though this creates much contention between Raph and Leo (much of the second half of the film focuses on the discord between the two), ending in a duel between the two that Raph feels will determine the true leader of the Turtles.

Though Raphael wins a rooftop battle with his brother, Leonardo is subject to capture by enemies and Raph attempts to track the usurpers, though to no avail. He returns to his deep-sewer home and, much like Leonardo before him, calls upon Master Splinter for leadership advice; Splinter tells him that he is no less or more than his brother and that his aggression is the reason he is not the true leader of the Turtles. The three brothers then set out to save Leonardo and in the process, they collaborate with Jones and O'Neil and take on Winters, the Foot Clan and the Stone Soldiers to rescue Leonardo.

Though Winters is portrayed as evil throughout the film, he ultimately is redeemed by his good intentions – to reopen the portal so as to undo the harm he had done 3000 years ago (that of releasing monsters from another realm into the world in exchange of immortality). This is however at the expense of his and his brotherhood (the “Stone Soldiers”) immortality. One of the Soldiers realizes Winters' true intentions and begins to rally the others into mutiny, though the Turtles ultimately thwart this attempt, with the help of Jones, O'Neil, the Foot Clan, and Master Splinter, each of whom participate in the penultimate fight scene.

In general, this is one CGI film that is easy to swallow especially with the funny conversations in between. I would give a thumbs up for the overall animation (the new look given to TMNT and crew was nice, and oh, I simply fell in love with Karai's looks =p) as well as the fight sequences. The movie also touch on issues such as teamwork, jealousy, pride, responsibility, loyalty and kinship.

However, the film seem to lack depth. It is very brief, running for only 90 minutes. And the film seem to place too much focus on Leo and Raph that April, Casey, Doney, Mikey (my fav turtle because I am pretty much like him - lazy and clumsy), and Winters seem like extras. Humor seem to be insufficient especially when they are typically associated with much goofy moments. April was also lacking in the strong pivotal character she should be, and Casey seemed too 'domesticated' that there is not even a slightest hint of the violence-loving vigilate he used to be.

Though not a must-see movie, it would be a good movie to past your time especially if you are a fan of the TMNT.

(TMNT Movie Poster)(The movie mainly focuses on Raphael and Leonardo) (The "Stone Soldiers")(Karai and her Foot Ninjas - she's pretty eh?)

(TMNT Trailer 1)

(TMNT Trailer 2)

300

2007-03-21T21:28:00.000+08:00

Amazing.

Watched 300 with James and Munirah today. It is simply amazing. Oops for the boobs (it's really awkward when you have a girl with you), but that aside, this movie has much learning points. Had it not been a M18 movie, I would have definitely encouraged my cadets to watch it.

Based on the epic graphic novel by Frank Miller, 300 is a ferocious retelling of the ancient Battle of Thermopylae in which King Leonidas and 300 Spartans fought to the death against King Xerxes and his massive Persian army. Facing insurmountable odds, their valor and sacrifice inspire all of Greece to unite. It is a powerful movie on leadership, teamwork, commitment, courage, determination, hardwork, and definitely nothing short of love. There is a husband's love for wife, a wife's love for husband, 300 men's love for their country, warriors' love for their fellow brothers, a mother's love for son and a father's unspoken love for son.

Though it has a heavy visual effects touch to it, it certainly does not distract but adds value to the movie (unlike Ghost Rider). And not to forget the funny punchlines that lightens a movie with such a heavy theme.

Despite the fact that almost everything in the movie is created digitally, it is super realistic. James and I were totally amazed by that and of course, the buff bodies of the actors we wish we could have. Munirah on the other hand was so captivated by the movie that she cried - touched by King Leonidas' last words, "My queen, my wife, my love...", and saddened by the greed of men that led to betrayal.

(Trailer for 300)

Oh, by the way, today marks 1 week of my mental diet. Had been positive since last Wednesday and it really just feels great and everything seems to be in favour of me and it is simply wonderful.

It's Bullshit!

2007-03-19T20:53:00.000+08:00

Bullshit!

Yes, that's what one student screamed at Mr Ivan Lim (the GP lecturer of the day cum Discipline Master of our school) today in the center stage (a.k.a. performing arts theatre) before leaving the room. That was kind of surprising for someone I would consider somewhat autistic.

He is probably offended by Mr Ivan Lim's usual sadomasochistic jokes. But I simply couldn't understand how he could have been offended over a joke on cockroaches. Maybe he is in love with them? Maybe his house is a mini cockroach nation with a million citizens. But while I am somewhat taken aback and surprised at the guts he had (he wasn't punished by the way, just told that he had the right of expression but it is not appropriate), I certainly am not impressed. In fact, I found that rude and disrupting and that he has made a huge clown of himself. However, an event or two occasionally does add spice to our mundane lives and give me something to write about.

In fact, I was joking with James that it can be a way we sell MI to other students. "We are a democratic school that believes in freedom of speech. You can tell the teacher "BULLSHIT!" in the face and walk out of the class if you do not like their way of teaching." Lame. But it might just work for all you know.

Some Photos

2007-03-17T22:23:00.000+08:00

Pictures.

These are some photos from the National Vertical Marathon (NVM) 2007. Some photos taken are not available online leh. Sian. Emailed Pei See (yea...that purple hair girl I like) to enquire on those photos of me that are not available online. She was so efficient la. Replied to me the next day. However, thinking back, Erny still owes me my Home Team Academy (HTA) Opening Ceremony photos, Ronnie still owe me the Lau Pa Sat class reunion dinner photos and yea, NTU still owes me some NVM 2007 photos. Will continue to chase them for my photos so I can put them up haha.

(Adrian with his striking red shorts and orange shoes at the starting line)

(James, Me and Ronnie preparing for our turn to embark on the 60 storey journey)

(Leong and his thumbs up at the starting line) (James finished his journey in 15 mins 31.88 seconds, while I finished mine in 16 mins 3.67 seconds)

Wasted 8 hours

2007-03-16T23:51:00.000+08:00

Went on a one day job shadowing at Jigsaw Puzzle World (JPW) Suntec City (James spent his in JPW Plaza Singapura). Let's just say, I could have spent my 8 hours more meaningfully anywhere else, doing any other thing.

Basically stood there for 8 hours gaining nothing much but some basic knowledge on jigsaw puzzles and frames. Oh and perhaps learned about some Human Resource Mangagement problems that exists in JPW.

Even the guy in charge did not know what to teach me. I seriously wonder if I was a hindrance to his work. In anycase, this is one job I will never land myself into. Poor pay and poor working conditions. I don't think I can survive alone in a shop with no entertainment for more than 11 minutes, much less 11 hours. And for 5 days a week at that - that's insanity and human cruelty.

Reunion Again

2007-03-14T23:48:00.000+08:00

Again!

Had a wonderful experience today at the Church. Must say that it is an eye-opening and faith-regaining experience for me. I have not been attending Church for many years now, and as the pastor has said, I feel that I am just a Christian by name. I am born into a Christian family and thus assumed myself as a Christian, but I did not receive Lord as my shepard, my saviour, whole-heartedly. I have now. Seen Lord's wonderful work on me. HE healed my illness and brought my pain away. And it's not just me he cured. So many years claiming to be a Christian, I saw deliverance for the first time on one of our fellow sisters (and hear people pray in tongues). Laughable, but sadly true. I've also heard the testimonies of many and have decided to follow his teachings and stick to them as best as I can for there is nothing more important to my life than Lord Himself. HE is my purpose. To start off, I will begin regular Sunday service starting this week.

After everything ended, James and I proceed to Raffles Place to meet up with former 05C1 people for dinner at Lau Par Sat. It was wonderful. Another reunion. And it is really nice to meet Zheng Hang and Zhi Hao again. Crapped a lot as usual, took alot of photographs, and just have a really nice evening together despite only having less than half the class attending. Will post the pictures up once I get hold of them, yesterday's included. :)

Reunion

2007-03-13T23:45:00.000+08:00

Great.

The feeling is just so great. Finally feel that my soul is reunited with the body. Feeling more energetic today and my tonsils are not so pain anymore. I can drink without much difficulty. Must have been God answering James and his friends' prayers for me.

Even greater is the pleasure of reuniting with my fellow NPCC squadmates! It's been 3 whole years, and we still click. Talk and do all sorts of stupid things - telling ghost stories, me sharing my motivation seminar, play lame games (tapping, slapping, guessing, insulting included), talk cock.

Everything feels so great today. Hope everyday is this wonderful.

Nightmare

2007-03-11T19:41:00.000+08:00

Ridiculous.

Had a nightmare last night and woke up with a fever of 39.9 degrees and swollen tonsils. Unbelievable right, but it's true. Dreamt that I was fighting some sort of war in a very hot place.

Couldn't eat anything the whole day because it is too painful to swallow anything. And neither can I drink water despite my thirst. The doctor says that my tonsils are in very bad condition and it may take a few days to recover. And my fever may take up to Tuesday to subside.

It's been a long time since I last fall so terribly sick. Hope I will be feeling better tomorrow so that I can at least go down to help out in the camp.

E + R = O

2007-03-10T22:35:00.001+08:00

Motivated.

That's exactly how I felt after the talk by Adam Khoo, and I realised how much the power of the brain can do. In fact, I was so inspired by it that I went around sharing what I learned to my NCOs and cadets during the camp from yesterday till this morning.

Wonder if the Law of Attraction is really that miraculous, but yesterday was really great for me. In really high spirits, and everything seems to go my way, until today. Maybe it's a biasness which was long in existence, and the slight spark caused an explosion and I was really very affected by it. Everything seems bad. Couldn't locate the SMU open house venue, and just simply feel lousy.

There is this lady who was at the social sciences booth (which James, Ronnie and I took a look out of curiousity) who asked where we were from, and the instance she heard that we are students of MI, her reply was "Don't worry, grades is not all that matters." My first response was "thank you" and I started walking away. I must admit, I know that she had not meant anything bad but because of the bad mood I was already in, I felt that she had implied that we may not attain good enough grades to get in.

That's how great an impact emotions have over you. After which we went to NTU's open house, and after taking a look around, decided to leave. Afterall we have visited their open house at Suntec a few weeks back. Went to Jurong Point to have our Lunch-cum-Dinner, and visited the Toy'R'Us outlet there. The toys there really bring back much childhood memories. Look how fast time passes. I'm alrady 19 this year - the last year of my teenage life. Took some pictures of myself trying to act cute, but ended up looking gay instead. Guess age is really catching up on me.

(do we look alike? minus the specs that is...)

(Barney!!!)

Last time we are going to be in the same class...

2007-03-08T20:36:00.000+08:00

Finale.

Today is our last malay lesson. Last time I can get to be in a same class as her. Don't know why, it hurts a lot. Not that I won't get to see her again, but...I just don't know why.

Anyway, went to gym after school today. Great feeling, then it suddenly dawns on me - will I get shorter? Crap. I'm already short enough, currently standing at about 178, 2cm short of my target. If I am to get any shorter...

Met Zheng Hang after that to pass him the NTUC Link card he needed to book chalet. On our day to Bukit Batok Interchange, James and I saw this guy running, and he is in great shape. James asked, "When will I become like him?" and it struck me. Don't ask when the day will come. Instead, tell yourself when the day will come, step up to the challenge and work towards it. Don't be bothered by what others say. You have only yourself to prove to. =)

Regained Faith

2007-03-06T23:24:00.000+08:00

Faith.

Went to Bukit Batok Presbyterian Church after school today. My second time there, the first was last Tuesday. It's been ages since I last went to church. Going back to church is really refreshing. The regained faith in the Lord gave me the much needed strength I need to move on in life after the recent bad patch I'm going through. Learned about quite a lot of stuffs I was never exposed to even in my own church - which I actually stopped attending for nearly a decade.

Anyway, that aside, there's this movie I really would love to watch. Been really into dance movies, the previous dance movie I was crazy about is Step Up. Up next is Stomp the Yard. Saw the trailer and immediately fell in love with it. This is what I really call dancing. (see dance montage from the movie below)

Of toys and movies

2007-03-05T19:45:00.000+08:00

Bikes.

Feel real bad la. Reached school late today and is unable to complete the bike model on time to give Mel. To make things worse, it broke. The brittle parts are so fragile, all it takes is just slight pressure to break it (and it doesn't help that some parts are missing).

Blew my nose today. Guess what? The mucus's blue. Think it must have been the spray paint fumes from yesterday. Should've been less lazy and use the mask. Now I really wonder if they entered my lungs too (hope my nose hair provides enough filter).

So basically, the bike model's screwed. And I had to leave early (and left Ric all by herself to solve the bike model problem) because I've promised to watch Ghost Rider with James. Yea. Bike again, only that this is the movie. The movie is pretty lame, and I would have said BOO if not for the visual effects and Nicholas Cage. So unless you are a visual effects junkie or a die hard Nicholas Cage fan (or Ghost Rider fan for that matter), I would advise against watching it. Besides, it is pretty short too, running for 114 minutes only, so not really worth the money. However, it is a pretty smooth ride punctuated with laughter, making it a pretty enjoyable and light-hearted film for its genre. But if you are looking for an adventure, skip this.

A Day of Firsts

2007-03-04T21:10:00.000+08:00

Firsts.

Let's see. First time I went to Orchard 2 days in a row not for work purposes. First time I went to Sakura Restaurant for a buffet. First time in ages since I am so full I can hardly walk. First time I actually play games that involves eating food.

Basically met Xiang, Hao, Lao Die, Shannon and Gerald today at Cineleisure around noon. Afterwhich we went to Sakura Restaurant for a buffet. And I think you guessed it. As 6 typical Singaporean guys, we basically grab everything available (and in huge quantities) and gobble down our stomach till we can hardly move. And just before the buffet ends, we grab whatever remaining desserts and...play "zong ji mi ma". Whoever loses eats one dessert. I lost twice, and I almost vomitted.

After the torturous lunch. We went to Art.Friend at Takashimaya to take a look at the spray paints available. It is meant for Mel's bike model, but well, since we are in Orchard and have nothing to do, might as well. They left early though because Min Hao have to book in by 8. Oh, by the way, Min Hao got straight As for his A levels and a B4 for his GP, so proud of my friend man.

(Me and Gerald, who is sporty enough to take this gay pic with me)

So I waited for Ric at Art.Friend while looking around to kill some time and, by chance, found the eyelets I've been searching for to make my miniature tentage. Wow. But when Ric finally arrived, we are unable to buy the paint becoz of insufficient cash and they don't accept cashcard payment. So another wasted trip where we did nothing. So what do we do? We distribute the parts and I took home the parts that requite painting while Ric, those which doesn't require painting so she can start fixing them first.

So sian can? Gotta wake up super early tomorrow despite starting school at 9am because I have to meet Sir Vj at 7am to sign my duty allowance claim form and then rush to school to meet Ric to do the final assemblings for Mel's bike. Wonder how she thinks of my painting skills. Not that sucky but not fantastic either. Hope she is fine with it, else...haiz

Anyway, realised I tend to offend people easily. Girls especially. I think women are really super complicated. You can never figure out what they are thinking or what they want. Maybe Universities should start considering offering a degree in Women Psychology - it requires intensive researching and studying. Or maybe I should just reflect on myself and think what I did wrong. Lol.

City Hall

2007-03-03T23:19:00.000+08:00

Record.

Yay! Me, James and Salman are among the people involved in setting the Singapore National Record for The Most People Shaving Simultaneously (an event organised by Gillette as part of their launch campaign for their new Fusion razors which features 5 blades and an additional blade at the back for styling).

(James, Me, and Salman with our blades)

Just realised City Hall holds so much memories. Been there on numerous occations, many times with James. From the Ballet Appreciation Series at the Esplanade to the Marathon Race Pack Collection, and today's record breaking event at Suntec, it seems like City Hall has become a place of much memories for me. Haha.

Went to Orchard prior to that to meet Ric to buy acrylic paint for the bike model meant for Mel's birthday. Feel so bad la. Had intended to paint and built it together with Ric, but went late and had to rush off after buying the paint for the Gillette thingy. So I brought it home with me to paint, and probably meet her tomorrow to build it so we can give it to Mel on Monday.

As promised

2007-03-01T21:26:00.000+08:00

Ta-Da!

Here is the picture I've promised to put up.

Haha back to my life. Hmm...today is a school day right? So nothing much, other than the fact that today is 6 months since I know ML. Had a present for her. But think it's a super lame reason to give her a present, so decided not to give. Don't know how long I'm going to hold the present or when would be a good day to give her. Guess I'll just wait.

Back to Yesterday

2007-02-26T19:43:00.000+08:00

Rewind.

Nothing much happened today. Nothing much happens on a school day anyways. So let's talk more about yesterday!

Alright. Start with the Vertical Marathon. Overslept. Luckily Ronnie gave me a call. Made him and his father wait for around 10 minutes for me (feel so bad la). So we reached Raffles Place around 6.20am. Waited till 6.30 to register and then waited again till 7.56 for our turn to go up the 60 storeys. So meanwhile what do we do? Sleep! Wow. What an experience to sleep at Raffles Place early in the morning like a vagrant. Well, I can't sleep though and merely lie down and stare into the sky. What a nice portrait. Nice blue sky painted with skyscrapers and clouds.

Below are some pictures taken yesterday.

(City portrait)(Pretty but shy singer who turned away when I tried to take her pic)

(Me having a taste of Donut Factory's Double Chocolate Donut)(6 missing pieces - in James' stomach)(Brokeback Mountain)

Shall not elaborate on the mundane stuffs. But well, there's this pretty helper from the NTU Sports Club Management Committee that caught my attention. Primarily because of her striking purple and blond hair. Her name is Shi Pei See. Ronnie on the other hand was awed by the beauty of Tan Ya Fen (who is pretty lame - trying to sell me drinks which are free), and James, Marianne Woo Wai Mun. Will try to scan in their photos (on the back of their NTU sports club magazine so you may know who they are) soon, together with other photos taken during the vertical marathon with Adrian, Ronnie and James (don't think we took any with Leong =p).

Finally something interesting

2007-02-25T22:24:00.000+08:00

Finally.

Finally an interesting day today, but let's start from last night's lau yu sheng. Not exactly my type of event since I'm not the party kind of person. Lots of people, but none my age range. So that's another reason I don't really enjoy it.

So today's the vertical marathon. Wow. Lots of pretty babes - both helpers and participants (yea, I liked one particular helper a lot - her name is Pei See or something, has this blond and purple hair, but that's not the point). But that's about all that excites me. The event is not as satisfying as I had expected. I think I finished it in under 30 minutes. And it isn't as physically strenuous as I expected either. Oh, and the goodie bag sucks too! My most satisfying feat is probably overtaking a Hwa Chong guy who started earlier than me (or rather he was wearing a HCJC shirt - yes HCJC, not HCI, so he's probably graduated way earlier or that's not his shirt). Don't know why, but I'm really happy about it.

Oh ya, and I saw Adrian today. He was my NDP 03 Instructor, now in NS. Saw him somewhere last month at Bukit Gombak. Didn't expect to see him there today. Had a great chat while oogling at the babes that passed by and commented on almost evey single girl and lady. Of course James, Ronnie, and Leong was there as well la.

After that, me and James make our way to Raffles City. Asked around on how to get there by walking (one particular girl looked especially familiar, think she was from MI). Different people tell us a different route (or maybe we did not comprehended them correctly). So we walk one big round to South Bridge road and to Boat Quay and back to where we left. Wow. Finally decided to take a train to City Hall, and went to take a look at the Donut Factory. Bought a box of 12, which is only $11 (that's under a dollar each!). Oh, and we saw a girl that resembles Pei Shan, but no, not Pei Shan's sister. Finally realised why we actually had to queue for around 1.5 hours. They are so yummy! But fret not. Smackies will overtake them someday. Oops. Almost forgot. James requested that I tell the world how much a sacrifice he made queueing up for over an hour with me.

Went home after that because James is not feeling well. After which, me and my parents went over to my dad's friend's place for lunch (he organizes a small buffet every year around the second weekend of new year at his place and would ask us to join in). Then we went over to my eldest uncle's house where we met my third uncle and his family. For the first time in ages, I finally met Ah Kwan jie jie and Philip kor kor (makes me feel young again...). Oh, and not forgetting meeting my cousin brother-in-law for the first time. And guess what? I'm finally taller that Philip kor kor! My mum always used to say how short I am compared to him...yay! Haha.

Hmm, thinking back, today's really a reunion with people whom I've not seen for a real long time, and it really feels great.

Mundane Life

2007-02-22T21:24:00.000+08:00

Repetitive.

Everyday is repetitive, rountine, mundane. Maybe that's the way life is supposed to be.

My friend had this MSN nick that goes, "In life, are you given a choice?" and my reply is no. In life, there is seldom a choice. It's all about obligations. You follow rules. Life has its preset rules that you have to abide by, else, it's game over. (even if it's not game over, you are going to have a hell of a hard time) You take whatever life throws at you. In fact, I've been saying to everyone, our life is like a dog. You are born and you crawl on fours like a dog, then you go to school and study like a dog. You graduate and start slogging like a dog in hopes of making ends meet. And ultimately, you die as a dog. Everyone goes through a similar life cycle, at least in Singapore. Pessimistic/Extreme? Up to you to say. You will agree with me at some point in your life.

So well, back to my life today. School life is as usual - a routine. Nothing exciting. Other than perhaps seeing JK on my way back home on the bus. Been quite some time since our squad last met. Miss the training days at old PA. Such a homely feel as compared to the new HTA. Maybe that's where I grew up in as a cadet. NDP 2003, revolver shoots, campcraft competitions, CI Course, CC06...reminiscence of the old days - a sign of growing old. Reaching the end of my teenage years and thinking back, achieved nothing much.

My first real relationship happened last year and ended last year. Oww...I know, not her again, but I can't help it. I can't stop thinking about her. I really didn't know how important she is to me and how much I loved her until I lost her, and felt the pain that never fades but only grew stronger with each passing day. Maybe that's what people call retribution of not treating her better when we were together? Haiz...maybe that's how life is too...

Boring Day

2007-02-21T20:01:00.000+08:00

Dead.

Another boring day. CNY break's over and it's back to school. Alright, got back our Management of Business results. Surprisingly, I came out top of cohort for MOB, but I ain't a bit excited. Dunno why, but somehow getting good grades does not really interest me anymore. Don't feel like studying at all. Yea I know it's As this year and I should be slogging my guts out, but it's just...I don't know how to put it but yea, no motivation at all.

Maybe that's because of my slacking hormones at work again. Even the talk today by the 4 Universities (NUS, NTU, SMU, and UniSIM) doesn't do the trick. Guess it's just her again. But whatever la. Been talking enough about her lately. Don't want to talk about it anymore else it's gonna hurt again.

Oh ya, my nick a few days ago has brought about much response. Seems like a lot of people are interested in my donut cafe plans. Maybe it's the donuts that interests them. A variety of people approached me indicating their interest to help out at my donut cafe. But they are either current MI or JCs students. Why on earth would I want to hire University grads to work at my little shop? It's going to cost me a bomb just to hire them, and I may end up losing money instead of making profits. But seriously interested people may choose instead to invest in my little plan?

Well, basically I intend to start a small donut specialty bakery in some neighbourhood first, and should it be a success, would then move on to open a donut cafe. Yea, you heard me right, a high end cafe selling premium brewed coffee, tea, latte, mocha, etc and definitely...DONUTS! The idea struck me last year when I was totally hooked onto donuts...haha. Worked out about 30 different donuts, about 7 other snacks/desserts and about 10 types of drinks. And I decided to name it SMACKIES DOUGHNUT! Don't ask me why, it just popped into my mind.

Am now working on my plans, and really need help from any gurus out there to guide me. So if anyone has any suggestions or inputs, do let me know =). However, I have to clarify that it will only realise at least 2 years later, after my NS so...... But meanwhile will be working on raising funds, planning and market study. Have decided to study J Co and maybe Dunkin Donuts too...so watch out that one day Smackies would do as well as them.