Rants from Down Under

Malaysia army training

2009-05-04T11:28:00.002+08:00

Haha, the trainings are quite similar to ours ah. haha. at least i think their footdrill might be better than ours. but then again, they know they're on videos. so maybe they wayang. Haha.

Army Fighting Language

2009-04-01T22:36:00.002+08:00

Ok, I haven't blogged for awhile. Haha..

I'm listening to Mr Brown's Show "Army Fighting Language". Freaking freaking funny. But be prepared for some hokkien vulgarities. haha. Here's the link.

http://www.mrbrownshow.com/2009/03/30/the-mrbrown-show-army-fighting-language/

Anyway, I'm doing fine. It's the end of my week 5 lessons already. And it's April. Haha. Gosh I'm gonna be 24 soon! Lol!! Panic!!!! ok. I dun need constant reminder that I'm old (someone get this hint??) Haha. Yeah.. So just looking forward to starting my assignment. I got a pile of books sitting beside me now. But haven't really read them. Lol!

The hype about the MO

2009-03-18T10:40:00.002+08:00

So I see the Singapore netizen going crazy over SPH's alleged inaccurate reporting of Dr Allan Ooi's passing. Well, I'm not surprised and can understand why they are so agitated. After all, this is the age of the new media, and shame on SPH for not realising the repurcussions on inaccurate reporting.

However, what I cannot understand is that. Why are the netizens singling out journalists as the one to blame? One even says the journalists deserve their pay cut. For all that you care about the high-flying MO, you seriously lack empathy and a clear mind when you were talking about the journalists. I'm not jumping to the journalists' defence because I'm supposingly part of that group of people. But I'm jumping to their defence because I do know what goes on in the press room. To cut a long story short, there are two main points in this case.

1. Political Economy
2. Gate Keeping

Political Economy, to anybody who study social sciences, this term will be familiar to them. Yes, in the media context, it basically states that whoever own a media company can control and influence the news content the media company carries. No owner, state or private, will use their own media outlet to shoot themselves in the foot. Absolutely nobody. Even in the land of the free. So, do I even need to say who owns SPH?

So, with political economy as the backdrop. Now comes the gatekeeping. Whatever journalists gather on the ground do not mean that their articles will be definitely published in the papers, needless to say, even those published will go through multiple editing by senior editors before it goes to the printing machine. And without even having to think, a story like this one which concerns Ministries will have to go through the most senior of editors to make it to the papers the next day.

Now, blaming the journalists for lacking ethics and yada yada is an easy way out. They're probably the most powerless in the chain of heirachy in terms of decision making of what gets out to greet readers the next day. Yes, journalists are inculcated with a code of ethics and conduct. But seriously, do we live in an ideal world? Remember, Singapore has got how many media company?! And if there's more than one, how many media owners are there?

Like I said, I can understand why some people out there are so passionate about this issue, be it close friends of Dr Ooi, or simply another guy who's disgusted with the system. But, aim before you shoot. For, if you don't, taking the powerlessly innocent along the way will make you as guilty as the thing/person you were trying to pinpoint. But, definitely not the journalists.

My Apt

2009-03-12T14:18:00.004+08:00

Ok, so it's been 2 weeks since I left Singapore. Frens muz be wondering how my pig sty looks like right? haha. So here are the photos of my sty for the sem. =)

My bedroom with a queen size bed and built-in wardrobe.

The kitchen where we cook up a storm, for 2 ppl. Haha!

The dining table plus living room in the background. Comfy. Pity no cable tv. =p

My ensuite toilet. =)

Study?!

2009-03-08T12:26:00.003+08:00

So, I've been back in Brisbane for more than a week now. Everything's pretty much settled already. Went for class, still in hols mood i think. Haiz. I seriously need to get cracking. Haha. Everyday is spent online, tv, xbox and chatting. Lol! that's the life I want to lead, but sadly, study has to go into the equation soon.

Playing soccer later. Like finally. Haha. I hope it materialises. =p Havent kicked a ball for quite a long time already. Brisbane is still hot in the day. But I can feel it getting cooler at night. I guess autumn weather is gonna hit real soon. Which is good, and soon it'll be a standard, jeans with windbreaker outfit daily. Haha. I hope I've visitors coming. It'll really keep me going. =)

Back in Bne, back in business.

2009-02-28T22:05:00.002+08:00

Ok, so I haven't blogged in a long while. And I'm actually sitting in Brisbane already. Haha. So, the last month since Chinese New Year had been both mundane and exciting. CNY was business as usual, lots of ang pow, lots of laughter, and lots of card playing. Haha. After that was more or less meeting with people before I jet back here. Time really flies when you are enjoying. What looked like an endless hols of 3 months has actually ended, and here I am, sitting here blogging. Haha.

Well, let's see. The new apt is basically awesome. Can really have frens coming over to bunk in. Lol. Was busy unpacking and settling in. Bought a couple of new stuffs for the house and for myself. I think I shan't move for the next sem already. moving is tiring, seriously.. One of my hsemate is back in Bne, but nowhere to be seen, really. And the other one is jetting in only tonight. So it's been a one man show. I do enjoy being alone actually. Having the whole house to myself, but paying only my share of rent. Haha.

Anyway, met up with a few friends just now whom I haven't seen the whole summer. Nice to catch up, and learn about what has happened. It was basically about this guy's r/s with another common fren which went from spectacularly smooth to disintegrating spectacularly. Oh well. So we basically had to learn what happened, as we were also part of his strategy team to woo the girl. Also, master of tasting his sample food (aka guinea pigs). =p

So, one more day before school starts. Gonna enjoy it while I can. Haha. The summer is short. But so will be the sem... I hope to set foot on Singapore soon enough. Can PM pls call for elections? haha..

CNY here!!

2009-01-23T12:36:00.002+08:00

Haha, it's been more than 3 weeks and I haven't blogged. I guess life back home occupies more of my time so I don't have the urge to blog, and I'm so close to everyone who matters and read my blog that I don't need to update it. Haha.. Anyway, to friends and family, wishing you all a Happy New Year!

新年进步！万事如意！合家安康！

Just in case some of you havent been to the movies recently and have not seen this trailer of Love Matters, I love the part that Henry Thia use colour to 造句.. Super farnie, and only he can pull it off to such great effect... haha. here is the tralier, right at the end..

Goodbye 2008, Hello 2009!

2009-01-01T00:29:00.002+08:00

So, it's the New Year! Happy New Year everybody!

Everything feels so fast. "The new millenium" seemed like a term used so often not that long ago.. Well technically, the millenium is still pretty new, with less than 1% gone. The century is also not that far off... But this is the last year of this decade!! Oh mann....

Anyway, I shall not try to come out with New Year resolutions this time round, knowing I will not have one. But just hope for my family, immediate and extended, to stay healthy and strong.. And friends around me to have a wonderful year ahead. As for myself, I wish to be able to continue on a good start and have good grades for my studies in Aussie.

That's about it for now. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Festivals..

2008-12-24T22:53:00.002+08:00

It's Christmas eve. Went to Jo's church that night to watch her perform in a play, basically discussing what is Christmas and why people celebrate it... Which really bring up the point of festivals, what are they and why celebrate them. Why are the common festivals still pretty much celebrated, while alot others are ditched or forgotten? Other than allocated public holidays playing a part in the mood to celebrate, I guess the material gains in the festivals also play a part.

Christmas, a very much commercialised festival in Singaporeans' eyes. Presents and more presents. The original meaning of Christmas to celebrate the birth of a saviour in Jesus is slowly eroding.. Having just celebrated Dong Zhi on Sunday, I also wondered why Dong Zhi has lost much of its significance to Chinese compared to 50 years ago. Dong Zhi was a big festival really.. So, what's left for the Chinese is a Chinese New Year. Now, what is Chinese New Year? Will the younger generations care two-hoots about it if not for ang pows?

Anyway, the past week was spent catching up with relatives and old friends, and eating my favourites. Lastly, Merry Christmas to all.. =)

Back home!

2008-12-16T10:39:00.002+08:00

Back on Singapore soil! Whee.. It feels good to be back. And the NE monsoon and the wind in my room is something I enjoy every year-end and something I'm dying for after a few days of intense heat in the summer Aussie sun. Haha...

Gonna take a nap now since I didn't get to sleep well last night, but I concussed for most of the journey last night. Haha... YAWN... And, I had my prata! hehe.. Thinking of what to eat for lunch now. Hehe...

Internet again

2008-12-11T22:04:00.002+08:00

I'm half way home! Literally.. I'm done with my travels with my family. Excellent stuffs. The 2 weeks were spent sight-seeing at a leisurely pace, enjoyed food of Aussie. And of course, I scuba-dived for the first time in my life. Haha.. Shiokness.. I'll probably be posting pics only when I get back to Singapore, cos my sis took all the memory card back with her.. Maybe can preview some photos if she upload pics to FB and tag me. Hehe.

In Perth now, staying at Mel's place. Going to go to a place called Kalbina (or sth like tht) tml with Mel.. Her first time to that place too, so gonna be quite good cos she'll be travelling also, rather than bringing me to places she's been bringing others to see, like a tour guide like that.. Hehe.. And we played a "act high-class" (quoted from Gab) golf game.. Quite fun. Haha, can't believe I lost by a stroke! Dammit. Siannnn.... Anyway, it was fun and really lots of stupid moments, caught on cam. Haha. Share with the gang when back. =p

It feels good to be this close to home, in terms on the days left. Hehe.. And coming to Perth really feels good too, to be with a close fren.. It's really halfway home. Pity Jo can't be here while I'm here.. Wasted. -.-" So see u guys really soon. Cheers!

Back from Tasmania!

2008-11-24T22:09:00.002+08:00

Hey hey! I'm back from a great trip in Tasmania.. See my facebook for photos... =)

This will be a short update to let you all know I'm pretty much alive. I'm packing my room now to move the stuffs to my friend's place, but I can't get the person who's occupying the place now! (my friend still touring and sorta let her friend stay at her place). Dammit...........

Ok, so I'll get to see my folks in slightly more than 30 hours. Pretty excited about that one. Haha.. More excited than actually going on the trip itself. Heh.. Nonetheless, I'm sure we'll have a great 2 weeks together.

So I guess this will pretty much be it for the next 2 weeks.... So I'll see all of you when I'm back in Singapore, really soon. Take care meanwhile, and pple having exams at NUS and NTU, good luck.

Update

2008-11-07T12:36:00.003+08:00

So tml is my last paper. Haha.. Still reading through the notes and making sense of what's going on, or rather what to write. Pray that what I think is important will come out in the exams. Hehe. Anyways, I'm perterbed by Budd's comments last night. She says the pic on my msn totally look NOT ME. Huh?! And it's scary that she's the one from Singapore who has seen me after I jet off to study here. The last time being, say 2 months ago? My gosh. And even after I send her the pic, she still say everything is not me. I concede that my hair is long and really haven't been this long for as long as I've known my parents. So, I'm thinking of running through this update, with photo, to update people and not risk people not recognising me when I'm back in Sg in due time.

So Budd said, everything is not me. Let's see.

1. the hair. I concede so, but she's the one who has seen me in person as recent as anyone from Sg could ask for. -.-"

2. The grey singlet. She says I don't wear singlet. Er, yah.. I don't wear singlet when I'm out but this was taken in hostel and it was 2.30am. So... And Brisbane is getting hot....

3. The biceps. She says that she didn't know I'm so muscular. -.- That's cos I don't show off and you always see a guy who didn't do much during NS. WAHAHAHA..

4. Everything. She says everything is just so not me. Erm, well people, be warned then.

And so what am I doing at 2.30am with the state flag outside somebody's door? Well, let's just say it's a prank/award ceremony to one of my housemates next sem for his fine achievement in having a girl in his room at that time. Wahaha...

The koyok seller.

2008-11-06T14:18:00.001+08:00

This entry is about the "koyok" seller.

One fine day, the koyok seller is walking down a private residence area, trying to peddle his koyok. He came to a house and press the doorbell. After awhile, a man came out to answer the door. Let's name the man, George. George was taking the day off having suffered a bad cold and is still recovering. He had yet to see a doc. So, he came to the door with tissue in his hands, and a red nose..

George: Can I help you?
Koyok Man (KM): Hi Sir, I'm here to sell some medicine that will cure all illness!
George: (thinking) Whao, this must be godsent. How timely!
George: Oh! Is that right? Tell me more about it.
KM: Well, it cure all illness!
George: Uh huh, but I'd like to know more about it?
KM: Well, it cure all illnesses! Including the cold of yours!
George: Well, how about telling me the possible side effects of the medicine?
KM: Well, it cure all illness and that's all I know. What side effects?! It'll be $2,000 for it. Thank You!
George: Errrr.. How do you expect me to want to take this medicine when you don't tell me anything beyond the fact that it cure my illness?
KM: Well, you have the choice to buy it or not, but a lot of your neighbours are waiting to buy from me! And it cures your cold! And if they buy it, I don't think you really can miss out on this offer right??

Starring:
Cold - Absence of lift on every level
Medicine - Lift Upgrading Programme
George: The poor resident
KM: The genuinely clueless and uninformed koyok man from HDB/RC/TC and what not.

Chup Ji Ka

2008-11-05T22:32:00.002+08:00

Saw the SLA logo while reading an article on CNA site. Very well represented indeed. Chup ji ka. wahahaha...

And so Obama is the President-elect. Contented and hope that he will deliver what he promised. For those who've yet to see his acceptance speech, please do so.

Back to essay..

2008-11-02T16:16:00.002+08:00

One exam down, 100 MCQ. Not too tough.. But nonetheless some questions are still challenging. Haha. But I think all will go well. Hope to be able to get grade 6 for that module. Now back to my essay which I failed to finish before the exams. Now gotta work on it. Haha, got all the points I want, then again, starting proves to be a challenge again..

Had a wonderfull bbq at Mowbray Park last night. Fun, and it's great that it's right after my paper so I probably deserve to play a bit with no worries. Haha.. Ok, time to log out of Facebook, Blogger and whatnots distractions... Till then.. =)

Last three to go..

2008-10-26T13:39:00.002+08:00

And so, the semester is over, at least for the school-going bit. The coming week is study break, before the 2 weeks exam period commences. If I haven't already blog about it, my exam is on 1 Nov and 8 Nov, thereafter, I'll be free! Hehe.. But for now, I've one more essay to write (lucky deadline extended then I can chill lac and take my own sweet time).. And the two papers.. And lucky the one on 1 Nov is a level 1 module and all MCQ question, so easier to study I guess. The one on 8 Nov is a killer. Two essay question! My goshhh.. How the hell am I supposed to write essays in an non-open book concept... Dammit..

Anyway, thereafter, will be going Tasmania. Just confirmed the booking yesterday. Heh, for a week or so, before my family come for a holiday.. Yup. Many people eagerly counting down to flying back to Singapore already. Haha.. If I were like them, returning the day after exams, I'll be back in 2 weeks man.. But, I guess travelling now is a good trade off, and I will have 2 months to rot in Singapore anyway after I go back.. So now my itinerary reads, Tasmania, Sydney, Townsville, Gold Coast and Perth. Muahaha.. Next year can aim Melbourne and maybe NZ.. Then pretty much done with Down Under, except for exotic places. Hehe.. People interested please plan and save in advance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Reading Jo's and GF's blog inspired me to blog here. Haha, I can so imagine myself to be in the pictures u guys took, if I were in Singapore.. GF, bring me to the egg tart place! And, Gab, got Diadora boots to recommend? Haha.. The day I go back I wanna whack a lot of food. Haha.. And I mean, a lot... 16 Dec supper hor, u guys!

SBC Theme Songs

2008-10-20T18:55:00.005+08:00

This post is to share a few SBC theme songs. Was having dinner just now with friends then we suddenly talk about "Price of Peace" 《和平的代价》.. And how the lyrics go.. Really miss the days of really really good local dramas. Those will become 脍炙人口ones. I hope MobTV can d/l these.. I won't mind paying a few dollars for each series man.. Haha.. Let me check it out and tell you all. But for now, a few theme songs that I really like, and of course the shows.

1.《雾锁南洋》

I was not born even when this show sent Singapore marvelling at our SBC's power at producing such wonderful show and being able to connect with the people. I'm sure my grannies teared watching these shows. I think I've yet to really catch the whole series, but the theme songs rocks. Totally moving and apt.

2. 《和平的代价》

The big one that won accolades all over Asia that I watched. It was in 1997 I think. PSLE year.. During a period where watching tv series is still controlled by my parents, but I think my dad was pretty alright that my sis and I watch this show.. The theme songs still moves me. I was joking with my friends just now we should post the lyrics of the song on our Jap frens' facebook profiles. =x

3. 《铁警雄风》

This is a personal favourite. 1989 show. It's really when I idolised and want to be a policeman. Not really differentiating that the show is actually about Traffic Police, rather than CID. Haha, but who can blame me.. The directors made the TP go through gunfights and arresting the mastermind criminal of the town. As if TP do these things. But the effects of dreaming to be policeman has since waned but hasn't died. Talk about media effects. -.-

Funny vids

2008-10-19T17:41:00.004+08:00

Saw this on Aussie TV.. Pranks countdown. This is ranked 3. Basically the lady (Sarah Silverman) and guy (Jimmy) on the show right at the start of the clip are a couple. And Sarah just decided to play the prank on him. (I dunno if they're still a couple during that show, probably still together. But it's funny as hell.)

And this, the reply from Jimmy to Sarah.

无事不登三宝殿

2008-10-16T22:08:00.003+08:00

Ok, I don't know if it's "三宝" or "三保". It doesn't matter. I'm totally appalled by how true this sentence is. Pple whom haven't called me once on my hp, or seen out of class, for the past three months started calling me, twice in a day, to ask about assignment. Whoo. Not like I very close to you hor, like I know u how long only.. And it's a bloody easy assignment, why the hell u want to make life difficult for yourself by arguing the hard way only to find youself stuck and expect me to provide you with an answer. Like I bloody know! I already told you I refuted the argument and it's easier to do it that way. Stubborn pig. -.-" Me really think, me should really better learn to shut my bloody mouth or just bloody lie. I'm not a good liar. Not at all. And I should really learn how to appreciate people fast, like who I can say things to, whom I can't. Tweety, be my shi fu. Haha..

And I'm really bad at saying no to friends. Friends who I know I want to be friends with for a long time to come. I really don't know how to reject their requests. They should really know how to make my life easier, cos I don't know how to say no, don't ask for something that's not right! Cos if they don't learn, I will. I will learn how to say no and don't blame me then. Again, tweety be my shifu.

Two to go..

2008-10-10T14:02:00.002+08:00

Two to go.. Two weeks of school term to go, two assignments to go, two exams paper to go, and of course, two months to go before I go back Singapore.

I can't really believe how motivated I am to study.. Or rather, finish assignments. Haha.. I think I know full-well if I leave everything to last minute, I will just die. Probably the assignment which I didn't do too well woke me up. Well, it wasn't really like I asked for it by not putting in effort, but I think a valid excuse is that I was still finding my feet. Got 3 assignments due one, but I finished one already, which is due in 10 days' time. Cos got other 2 originally due on 24 Oct, last day of school. So I know I have to get the one on 20th down first, if not I will die cock stand. Haha.. So, it's done, less some editing to do I guess. Feel so proud of myself. Even Budd was like "OMG, u've changed budd" -.-" I know I used to leave everything to last minute. I still do, if I can. But I know if I leave all these to last minute I will die. Cos I can't juggle all at the same time one.. And the best thing is, one of the assignments due on 24 October is extended till 3 Nov. Hahahaha. So lucky. But that means I've to juggle one assignment with an exam during the study break. But nonetheless, I shall research nicely for the assignment first and write it during the study break, and luckily the first paper is quite straightforward one. =)

Got back 2 assignments that I'm very happy about. One of it was content analysis, got a 80% for it, and it's worth 40% of my whole module. Wheee. The other one, take home exam, got 90% for it, worth 30% of my marks. Haha.. Feeling so happy and especially so to see my hard work paid off. Just hope to keep it coming. Coincidentally, the last 2 assignments yet to be done are for these two modules, worth a whopping 50% each. Don't screw up!!!!! =)

Week passed..

2008-10-03T19:50:00.003+08:00

The break week has passed, now left with the weekend to go before hitting the classrooms again. Nothing much has gone on in the week, just got some filming for an assignment done, basically finished my part, now left to see how others fare. Hope to finish one of the 3 assignments left by Sunday, so that I have just 2 left on my hand for the next 3 weeks. Not easy tasks though, the 2 of them.. So hopefully all will turn out fine.

Exam timetable is out, got a very good timetable. I'm not even gan chiong of when it ends because my folks are coming end November, so it doesn't really matter when my exams end. Nonetheless, I've 2 papers to sit for, and it's nicely spread out. 1 and 8 of Nov. Haha, basically I can afford to study one week for each subject. The one on 8 Nov is prob more difficult. Haha.. hope all goes well. And this also leaves me with 2 weeks to go anywhere I like before I head to Sydney to link up with my family. Whee... Rockhampton to find my men remains a very possible proposal. Or maybe Tasmania with some friends. We'll see. =)

Called most of the Gang last night. Called Jo, in bible study so didn't talk. Then Gab, talked for a bout 5-10 mins then his dad called him and ended the call. Then GF, that guy play poker, he prob did stop to talk to me for awhile before the conversation headed to a 答非所问 scenario. What's irritating is that he keeps insisting he's listening. -.-" Nice try. Next was Long Ziling, she kept complaining I don't call her so I called la. But I have a good excuse not to call her from now. Why? Cos her first 3 responses were: "Hello." "Shut up!" "Irritating!".. WA. thanks lor!!!!!! Call still kenna this kind of treatment. And, after talking for say, half an hour, she keep saying she want to talk to me online. So I guessed Mr Bear wants to skype with her. Then she gave the sheepish response and laughter, like "ya, how u know, and darn, I got exposed". Haha.. Hello, Long Ziling, we are friends for 13 years not for nothing you know?!?! =p So, calls to Ziling shall be a premium from now on. Hahaha. =p

Mid Sem Break

2008-09-28T15:13:00.004+08:00

Ok, so mid-sem break is here. One week of not going to school. Haha.. But will have project to do. Some filming here and there. I think ah, my group mates don't know the urgency and necessity of a script. Until now haven't send me. I can foresee a day of frustration for me tomorrow. -.-" Cos we doing 3 short clips, mine has been filmed yesterday. With the aid of the script, and myself and my talent having Communications background in poly, we're able to chop chop settle everything. Tomorrow is gonna be a long day...

On other news, went to Oktoberfest yesterday. Basically lots of German booze and food. The prices are alright less the $15 entrance fee. But oh well. I think it was the first time I was dancing. Haha... It was fun, but still, not my kind of fun but I did enjoy it. Booze, no prizes for guessing who jio me to go. Adila! Haha.. Pictures below..

I cooked myself minced pork porridge that day! Wahaha!!
Super chio Museum..
Drunk dudes wanting to take pictures, that's before I even stepped into Oktoberfest.
Shintaro and me. Haha. I always look like Mr. Guan after one round of beer.
Two drunk dudes proposing to each other.Happily dancing..

Unfairness makes the world goes round

2008-09-21T18:42:00.003+08:00

Remember the last post, where I was complaining about this group mate? Ok, here goes an incident to send me lamenting and come up with the title above. Well, one of the killer assignments so far has been graded and given back to us. I got 15/30. Just passed. I'm not pissed with the grades, though I think I've been harshly marked down, but I can at least take it. The lecturer is also quite lame la, tell us "anything goes, even a business report will do fine, just about anything goes", there was no assignment outline. So, I give anything la! Not that it was crap, but I just din back it up with lots of theory, which proved to be my pitfall. So, I can't complain too much on that account, I was probably just fooled by his "anything goes" and wasn't too careful in the structuring of the essay.. Another gripe, he marked me down for using MLA style of referencing when he clearly said in lecture that "any referencing style do, I don't really care". Ya right. So, I'm going to see him for the referencing part and make sure I get some marks back!!!

About the group mate, well, she handed in the assignment AT LEAST one week late (why I say at least, cos I dunno when she exactly handed up, but she was still working on it 7 days after the submission dateline, power!), and she got 21/30. WTF RIGHT!! She's got MC to back her up, but it's so bloody unfair! She's got like what, 7 more days to work on it than me? Maybe she prays more, so she gets ill at critical moments, not me. Maybe she's been here for longer, so she knows the system better, and knows how to play with it. Was telling my friends that day about it, they were like "You can do the same too". But well, those who know me well enough, knows I don't do these things. I'll always submit my things on time. Maybe it's from Ngee Ann Mass Comm, anything late is a straight ZERO, not marked down. And that's the way it should be in the media industry! If you miss an appointment with a client, your work can be better than your competitor, but he's not gonna wait for you! Time do mean money, lots of money, in the media industry! F***

This is a late ranting, I'm actually quite over it. If I don't get the marks back for the referencing, I'll probably rant some more. It's quite alot ah. 1 mark means 1 mark of the entire module!

Mid-Sem break is coming up. It's not really mid-sem la. Wonder which genius did the calender, it's already week 10 of 13 tomorrow. So, after the break, 3 more weeks of school and it's exams! Time flies is an understatement. If my folks weren't coming, I'll be happily counting down to homecoming. But then again, I can look forward to more doing nothingness and probably some travelling around, and of course, Perth! =)

Update

2008-09-16T23:03:00.003+08:00

This is gonna be another short post, I guess.

Another assignment submitted on Monday. The end is near, but the going will get tough, I really hope I can be disciplined and start on some assignments soon, cos I got 3 due at the end of October, sure need to complete one before Oct starts if I'm going to survive. And have 2 assignments due in the next 2-3 weeks. Not that bad, but really have to get going.

Just when I thought I could get some well-deserved rest after the submission yesterday, my friend at hostel has had to break up. So, spent the night with him, returning to my own room only at 4am, and stuggling to wake up for school at 8am. Argh. Have been awake since, and it's now 1am. This friend is potential housemate for next sem, so yeah..

Just wanna get through the week, while clearing some work. This group mate, MIA for so long, last week sent an "ultimatum" to her, and suddenly appear now, when I've already took her as non-existent already. WTH.. She's quite irresponsible, and even her good friends from chruch etc, knows her pattern when it comes to school work. Always got excuse, submit work late, never do her part in school work etc.

Here comes the killer, she's a primary school teacher from Singapore furthering her studies. =x

The world economy is shaking, I wonder how bad it'll be. It's dubbed as the other Great Depression.. Sigh.. The only bright side is that AUD rates are dropping. But will Singapore sustain? Let's hope so with the vast amount of money WE had built up with the increased GST and what not nonsense.

Public Transport..

2008-09-13T22:32:00.002+08:00

Did I read the title wrongly?!

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/375553/1/.html

"Commuters generally welcome bus, train fare changes"

WHAT THE HELL?!?!?!! This is political economy working at its best. Enough said.

*Doing a piece of work right now, hope to update on my life soon. Haha.

Let your voices be heard?

2008-09-11T17:41:00.003+08:00

Hi people, you might be interested in this event?

Basically, five speakers will be speaking on the issue of Singapore's public transport and the expected fare hikes. Just spreading the word, since I can't go..

New Media..

2008-09-05T09:10:00.003+08:00

I like this cartoon sketch a lot, taken off a blog named My Sketchbook. So here's sharing with you. =) Check out the blog often for cartoons on current affairs. Cheers!

1, 2, 3.. Ssssiaaamm ahh!

2008-09-03T10:13:00.004+08:00

Why the title. It should be "1, 2 ,3.. CHARGE!" Well, I'm terrified of doing my reservist now... Why Why?! Here lies the answer.

For every good reason that MINDEF can offer (http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/373403/1/.html) to have this "high-tech" new uniform, it doesn't take a fashion designer to know that the uniform is simply FUGLY. Think I'll die in the battlefield, not of anything but cos I got dizzy seeing my comrades running around that I ran straight into a minefield, instead of clearing it.

Imagine people wearing this on the streets when they book out. OMG. I do recognise the fact that with urban warfare, it's probably necessary to update our uniform. But then hor, this is really an eyesore. Think all army camps will be full of people reporting sick with sore eyes come next Jan. Haha..

Poor Lim Jun Jie (his nametag is JJ LIM).. Good luck to enlistees from next year. I hope I don't laugh my ass off when I see you.

Ekka

2008-09-01T19:27:00.007+08:00

Ok, so I'm back. Done the first major assignments. Now happily sitting on 2 assignments, each due one week after another in the next 14 days. Not too bad to manage. So hopefully I won't go through the shit again, and fall sick. I had a fever yesterday, luckily it has turned out well and I feel almost fine now.

Time to update for the past month. Other than assignments, it was also a month of festivals for Brisbane. First off was Ekka. Basically a carnival, which has had more than a hundred years of history. Farmers selling fresh produce, showing off their animals - milking, shearing and so much more. That's for the traditional part, the other part is the modern fun-fair style with joy rides fast food and so forth.

All in all, it was a great and fun experience. And topped it off by having grilled lobster for A$11 at the casino after it was over. Sorry no pics of the lobster as my batt died midway through Ekka. Nonetheless, took enough pics to show what's going on. =)

*It's funny how I struggle to write much in the blog even after a month. Haha. Maybe all my word limits are zapped to the assignments already. But well if "a picture speaks more than a thousand words", then this will be a 8 thousand worded entry already. =P

People Mountain People Sea
Look at the cow's tits. Bursting already la!!
Mechanised milking..
Old machine to produce skim milk.
My turn to milk a cow. Hehe..

Meh Meh..Chicks galore. Cute right.. Prob a few days old nia..
Adeline and QQ, my Ekka-gang. =)

Beijing Spectacular

2008-08-09T11:44:00.002+08:00

Watched the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics on tv last night. Gosh, was it good. "Good" is an understatement. It was nothing short of spectacular. A classic showcase. I liked a lot of the segments. From the initial drums, to the art painting by dancers, to the movable type. Lovely. I particularly liked the drums segment. It's like a fusion of past and present; East and West. It's especially cool when the drummers coordinated so well to light up their drums during the countdown! Whoo!!

The idea of having the "footprints painting" was cool too. And it's amazing that it's became a portrait, of mountain, land and sea, and I presume the red coloured lane is the running track. Nice.. I'm also pleased to hear a slightly louder than normal cheer for our contingent when we were introduced to the crowd. Big Asian family. =)

It was just so so nice. It's indeed a "coming out party" for China. Sparing no efforts to make sure it's spectacular. And I think only China will pull off this kind of opening ceremony, in terms of mobilising so many of its people. In my words, "China has nothing but its people". Haha. And it's also amazing, that the only smoke in the Beijing air last night, was those from the fireworks. =p

Let the Games begin!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SINGAPORE!!! Will be catching NDP in school today. How can I not do that?! It's my unit preparing for this year's showpiece! 3 Guards Aei! =)

Tired??

2008-08-05T20:57:00.002+08:00

"You look very tired." This was said twice to me today. Once in school, once when I was back in the city to meet Dil. It's funny. I've been sleeping 7-8 hours, barring Sunday night, when I struggled to sleep. That might have been the killer. Oh well.

Life is pretty much settling in, more friends here and there. First supper, shocking for a place like Brisbane to be able to eat supper, but it was pancake at a 24 hours joint, just 2 streets away from me. Haha.

Ok, time to hit the sack soon, and I resolve to start on my assignments soon. =)

Fierce

2008-07-30T11:42:00.003+08:00

Met a fellow Singaporean at the hostel while cooking a couple of days ago. Chatted a bit, and asked if we were serving NS before school started. So we both said yes, but he ORD last Sept. Then he asked, "You were a 'sa tiao' (meaning sergeant) in Army right?" I was like "Ya", thinking he saw me before somewhere or what, I asked, "How you know?"

Then he said, "Oh, you got the face."
"What face?"
"The 'you don't mess with me or I'll f*** you' face"
"..."

Haha, I know I have the face, but coming from somebody I barely knew for 5 mins is unexpected. It's either I'm really fierce or seeing fellow countrymen overseas make you quick friends or his EQ is low. I think it's a bit of everything. Haha... And I love the face he gave when I said I was from Guards, HAHAHAHA!! Made all the suffering more worthwhile. Hehe..

Confirmed yesterday that one of my SISPEC platoon mate was here also. Met him 2 weeks ago but didn't ask him on the spot. Saw him in library yesterday by chance and approached him. He forgot who I was le. Haha, nvm. But it was great catching up, and yet another guy who paid homage to my NS life after hearing I'm a Field Engineer posted to Guards by saying "Wa, li si gan sway ah." (means you are f***ing sway). Haha... Oh well.

Of names

2008-07-26T19:11:00.004+08:00

Watching a Test match between Wallaby and All Blacks now. All Blacks is leading 19-17 right now, fight back from 10-0. I'm starting to like watching rugby even more, realised this during last year's rugby world cup. One of the beauty of it is seriously how the players do not argue to refs. If there's a dispute, only the captains talk. Think it's a mutual respect, last week Wallaby and South Africa's match, the ref did apologise for a mistake in giving the commands during a scrum, which led to its collapse. The ref said, "Sorry guys, it's entirely my fault.". Think it's cool their mic is wired for the mass audiences to hear exactly what they say.

And why my nick. There's this All Blacks player named Andrew Hore. And his position is Hooker. Enough said.
As I'm typing the last sentence, Wallaby has taken a 24-19 lead.

*post-edit:
Just wanna share this. It might be a bit of home sickness sinking in? Here's the story. I dreamt about normal things last night, well, things in Singapore, like how I live life in Sg. It's not the dream that may be proving I'm home sick or what, it's the instance when I woke up. I opened my eyes, I saw the cupboard, I was a little shocked and I thought "Where the hell am I?!?!". I was expecting to see the cupboard of my own room back in Sg. It was not till I turned my head left and right and 3 seconds later, it sank in "oh ya, f***. I'm in Brisbane." Maybe not so much home-sickness proper, but I think the brain was in Sg mode from the dream, and then when I wake up suddenly just change of script. Haha.. Got a shock myself.

Well, it may be just natural, considering 3 weeks is the maximum that I've been away from home alone so far in my life, I think. I will survive. =)

Guess who came to town...

2008-07-25T23:29:00.005+08:00

Haha.. Had a fulfilling day yesterday, both "emotionally" and stomach-wise. Ms Ng came to Brisbane! Wohooo!! Great to be seeing her man!! It's always nice to have people close to you to visit. It's like half of being back home. =p And things were made better cos she had brought me stuffs from home. Hehe.. Thanks budd! =D

In returning her the favour of helping me save nearly S$100 on one textbook, treated her to fish and chips. Sorry dil, outta budget ah, if it didn't rain and we went to South Bank for cheaper fish and chips, could have treated you also!! Ju Leen la, come then rain non-stop!! Haha. But you know what! Southeast Queensland has its dam up one more level, so their gonna lift the level 6 water restriction to level 5! Haha.. So budd, you are SE Queensland's unsung hero.. ine. Hahahaha!

Pancake house has the most devil-ish pancakes. They're so good and so sinful to eat. The choc pancake, you can really feel the cocoa in the pancakes. IT IS SO DARN GOOD!! So much so that budd happily declared she'll come back to Brisbane for pancakes... NOT FOR ME OR DIL! U good!!! Hahaha.. Anyway, pics!

The Great Court after school reopens-filled with people sitting on the lawn.

Our dinner - Fish n Chips, Grilled fish and Risotto

Dil and Budd! "Good Times!" (Dil, since dunno when)

Pancake house indulgence. The choc one gives u a sugar rush, trust me. Wonder how Daryl finished it alone when we came to Gold Coast last yr!

Yiling... -.-"

Little "gift" from Budd. I'm happy!!!

Back to School

2008-07-22T20:18:00.002+08:00

Ok, this week was back to school. It's Tuesday already. 2 days of school.. Seriously, I'm quite awed. One of the modules is a seeming killer, that I'm considering dropping it for now. First sem is not a good time to do some killer courses, seriously.

So school went alright so far. All starting light, just telling you what to expect for the coming weeks. And I'm already pissing my pants. "Army makes you stupid" is somewhat a sweeping and unfair remark. But the 2 year lay off does make you slow in trying to click back to studying mode. I just have to try to survive I guess. Argh.

The fire alarm went off again, in consecutive days. I wonder if the people really do pay, and what goes through the minds of the fire brigade people when their alarm sounds. Is it "Oh, money for bigger fire engines again!" or "Dammit, the stupid student hostel again.." Haha, really worth a thought.

Sleeping In..

2008-07-18T12:12:00.004+08:00

As the Chinese saying goes, "dong1 tian1 bu4 shi4 du2 shu1 tian1" (Winter is not the season for studies). Or is it Spring? Whatever, in this cool weather, sleeping time goes way beyond normal. Now you know why animals hibernate in winter, human included. Haha..

The fire alarm in my lodging went off for 2 nights in a row. People try to cook extravagant stuff in their room and end up triggering the smoke detector when the food burn. Haha.. Damn jialat. And a visit by the fire brigade costs A$970, if it's a false alarm (meaning not fire). Think the fire dept loves my lodging man.. A$2000 earned for a combined of 1 hour of work. Haha...

Nothing planned for the day. It's boring. Haha, might check out the casino later.. Sign up as member and can go have free drinks when I'm bored, have cheap nice meals. Heard chicken chops are at $6. Not too bad! =) Photos as promised.

The fire brigade downstairs last night.

Ferry stop at school. City Cat is the name of the ferry service. Hehe.

River with a view. Quite a lot of construction going on in Brisbane. Much like Sg..

Beautiful Great Court in school.

Found this on the Great Court grass patch. Wth!!

Orientation..

2008-07-16T20:28:00.002+08:00

This week is orientation week. Eh, it's nothing the sort of JC orientation when it's basically having fun. Well, this one was more seminar like. Formal welcome, tells you what to expect etc. They did a nice thing in going through a list of the countries where all the international students come from, from country A-Z, one by one and telling the total number of intl students they have from that country.

The top 2 on the count of intl student population has got the looks of the Olympic medal rankings. USA and China. If the 2nd runner up nation is to be included, it'll be an Olympic medal rankings that I'm be hoping for. It's Singapore! Haha. We've got a whopping 182 students. Just 10 less than China, and USA was the only country to break the 200-count, with around 220.

Took the ferry to school. It's beautiful. And the prospects of taking ferry to school daily still excites me somewhat. *cheap thrill* But it does offer a good alternative that will make sure I get to school on time during the morning rush hour, because there'll be no traffic jam. Will post picture at a later time.

On a side note, somebody set off the fire alarm in his room just now on the 8th level when cooking. He burnt something I think. The fire brigade came. I hope he had really set something on fire, cos if it's just smoke and considered to be false alarm, good luck. He'll be set back by A$970. And I wouldn't have known the alarm was off if I hadn't came back to my room to get dish washing detergent. Cos I was on level 4, where the common kitchen is, and we could hear nothing. So guess what, people evacuated, via lift (brilliant right?). How did I know? Cos I took the lift down too! To Level 4 to continue with the dishes. =x

First Week

2008-07-13T21:06:00.004+08:00

So, the first week is over. Time flies.. The winter really zaps alot of time off. It's so cold in the morning that you just want to stay in bed, and by the time you get out of it, it's already 10 or even later. Then it's brunch, then do whatever the day beholds, and in 7 hours (ie. 5pm), the sun sets.. Then it's dinner, wash up, computer, tv. Then to sleep, and the cycle continues..

The first week is over, I missed the entire programme that has brought me here this early in the first place. But I guess it's a trade off.. I'd really underestimated the need to get accustomed to a foreign place and living on my own.. If not for being "bluffed" here to attend to the programme, (well, by myself), I'd probably have to struggle through orientation and settling down.. Now, I'm actually praying that I've more to do.. =p

More photos for now.

Cooked lunch with Ancella. Middle plate (dark sauce minced pork is by me! My fav!) Kelly Chai Hui Bi, I COOKED OK!!!! =p
Preparing for steamboat at Ancella's friends' place
Guess what?! My soya milk fix!!
Laudry day means utilising whatever space available to dry clothes

Day 4..

2008-07-09T20:16:00.004+08:00

It's been 4 days since I touched down in Brisbane. Still getting used to everything, really. The past 2 days was spent at "supposed to go school" and ended up sleeping in and going to Queen Street Mall instead. No excuses here, but I think the sleeping in was due partly to the weather. It was still alright the first 2 days, in terms of coldness. But it rained yesterday morning and it got quite cold. Today was worse, even the locals feel cold, needless to say about people like me who had barely even gotten used to the 10+ deg C weather. It's 11.7 deg C now, according to a website. The forecast says it'll be pretty much the same tml, but the weekend will be warmer.

Met up with Ancella today and got to know one of her pals who is here too. Had pho bo (viet beef rice noodle soup), but it pales in comparison to Vietnam's one, of course. And I finally stepped into school today! It's beautiful.. Really like it. Probably ask my sis to bring the SLR when they visit so that I can take beautiful pics! Hehe.. The idea of going to school by ferry excites me, I've yet to try that. And judging by the traffic jam I had to endure while going back to hostel during rush hour, I guess the ferry service will come in handy at times. And I've got my student card! Yessah! Can travel at half price, buy cheaper meals at some places etc. =)

Right now, waiting for the academic exemption to be confirmed, that can be quite a bitch.. Judging by the receptionist saying, "we'll try to get it done by next Friday" Wa lao, try is not a good word. Although it's not the absolute latest to enrol next Friday, I don't really want to change course after school has started on the following Monday. We'll see.

For now, I'll leave you guys with some pics of my settling down in the past few days. =)

First grocery shopping. House brand galore!

My KAYA!!! Bought it at an Asian Mart near my hostel.

Packed cupboard.

The beautiful UQ. =)

First Post from Down Under

2008-07-06T19:29:00.003+08:00

So, I'm sitting here, right smack in the centre of Brisbane, typing my first entry after leaving Singapore on the 6th floor of a 26 storey lodging building.

Firstly, THANK YOU to all who bothered to send me off. Really appreciate it, be it those who arrived so early that I haven't checked in yet or those who caught me at the last moment before I went in. Thank You!

The flight was alright. But I found the seat to be rather crammed. See, I was put alongside 3 other Aussies in the centre portion of the flight. So it can't get worse, in terms of having all 4 big sized pple together, I was probably the smallest sized one. Dammit. I swear to ask for window seat the next time I fly.

Went around the town getting some necessary items, and boy am I so glad that I did so. It's quite cold now and I'm sure it'll only get worse in the middle of the night. Got a good pillow, and a reasonably warm quilt. They're supposed to last me through the entire length of studies, so I paid A$70 for them. Lucky I never gei kiang go buy some chui blanket, if not tonight can shiver like I did in Thailand outfield. =p

So basically met this guy from Sg and did all the shopping, lunch and dinner with him. Other people has been hi and bye so far today. All seems to be in a rush to go somewhere. Probably the 2 of us seemed the same anyway. So, hope to see more people? =)

The calling card here rocks. A A$10 card can give me 20 hours of calling time to land and mobile lines in Sg!! Wohoo!! So I guess I'll be the one calling already basically. =)

Guess I'm gonna have an early night. Haven't slept much since couple of days ago, trying to squeeze each minute outta my time left in Sg. And needless to say, the overnight flight didn't help too much. So, I'll leave with a couple of photos I took of my lodging. I'm still left with clothes to unpack cos I wanna clean the wardrobe first, though everything is generally clean. But well, 15 mins of cleaning to put my mind at ease for 5 months isn't too bad I guess. Hope to be able to get a rag tomorrow. =)

My room in its current state, ready for sleeping! =)

View from my window

The dining table, tv, kitchenette is beside the door, and toilet is behind the tv.

Less than 2 weeks

2008-06-24T00:07:00.002+08:00

It's less than 2 weeks to my d-day, leaving for Aussie for studies. It's no surprise to anybody as I've been planning for it since my Poly graduation. But time really seems to be running out. I'm pretty much done with all the paper works but that's about it. Haven't packed, no nothing. I haven't even pressed the panic button. haha.. that's the way it is..

Haven't got an idea what to start buying, if you ask me. I guess it's not really gotten to me that my holidays is fast ending and I am going Down Under in no time!! Bahh...

Kelly, promise you that I'll blog once in Aussie. hahaa..... I guess I'll eat more Char Kway Teow and carrot cake in this 2 weeks. Not forgetting my soya bean curd.. =p And many many more things that's so dear in Singapore.

Busy..

2008-06-05T01:42:00.002+08:00

I'm busy.. With application for Aussie studies.. That part is coming to an end, with the student visa application and Exit Permit application put in. What's left is the accomodation and confirmation of air tickets. But that's about all that's done. A lot more awaits..

I'm busy.. Relaxing. I've only a month left before I jet off. This one month, I want to be enjoying myself thoroughly, with relatives and friends dear to me. And as well as time to do some photo shooting with the SLR..

Really want to update on the blog, but I guess more important things need to be done right now in this month. I don't think I need to promise I'll blog more when I get to Down Under, cos I will. A month may seem long enough to settle my stuffs. But I can already foresee a mad rush when my parents return from Taiwan, trying to get everything I may need bought and packed. Sian man..

Bought a cam today, for myself to bring to Aussie. A pretty decent deal. At $229, I got a 8.2 Megapx Fujifilm camera. COmplete with a tripod, case, 2 X 2GB SD Card. Awesome. Sometimes, I just love going Sim Lim, in wonderful knowledge that I'm a Singaporean and I won't get tok-ed. =p

back from vietnam

2008-05-26T13:48:00.002+08:00

been to vietnam and back. Not much motivation right now to blog about it. Busy settling Uni stuffs. Accepted UQ's offer already and is now looking for flight and lodging to Brisbane. Wish me luck with flights.

Vietnam was fun.. Very fun. Missing it already. Cheap and nice food, nice environment and scenery. Pretty ladies to see everyday. Haha.. And didn't spend a lot for 2 weeks. Not even a thousand. Cool ah. =)

Will post some pictures and probably blog about the trip in due time. For now, it's really trying to settle my uni stuffs. Didn't help my mom just happily switch off the plug to SCV box when I'm recording "300"!! Been wanting to watch it since so long ago. Arghhhh...

ORD LOE!!

2008-05-08T07:53:00.003+08:00

ORD LOE!!!!

Yes I've served my due. I'm now a free man. And what is a free man supposed to do? Go on holidays!! And that's what I'm going to do today. 3 days after ORD, I'm going to Vietnam! Haha.. I'll see u guys when I'm back on the 21st. Till then, take care.

ORD LOE!!!

Nothing to blog?

2008-04-26T14:13:00.002+08:00

Nearly 2 months of MC has ended. Being at home for this period has obviously not translated into more blog entries. I would think the dull-ness of my life has prevented me from blogging. Everyday is between Internet, games, tv shows and the occassional trip to Hougang Mall. Having lived the past 2 yrs of my life to the fullest, it might be a much needed break before I head into the next phase of my life.

Last week of NS left. Time flies by, looking back. I've been wise enough to tell people who told me throughout my service "Wa, so fast hor, left (how many) months to go.", "Time will pass very soon one, now 2 yrs only.", that "When you are serving, time grinds on slowly and painfully, but when you reach the end of it, I'd be thinking it was very short." (screw up grammar)

Anyway, I think I've been proven right. Now that I can look back. It wasn't so long ago tht I stepped ashore Tekong and not being to get out for 14 days. 2 years in anyone's life isn't too long when it's passed, but it will always seem a distance away if you're looking ahead.

I'll plan to write the next few entries reflecting on NS. Hopefully I do it. =) Back to camp next week to prepare for my big day. Hehe..

Options woes

2008-04-15T21:33:00.004+08:00

Ok, studying woes. In a big dilemma over what to choose over what.

The unis I applied all accepted my offers. The thing is to choose where to go. It's a choice between the prestige of the unis or the structure of the course. Both are important. But none of them satisfy this criteria fully. Hmm.. How.....................................

The dilemma

2008-04-01T15:04:00.003+08:00

Ok, update on my condition. Basically, up and walking normally again. But the ankle is far from 100%. Can't walk for too long, or it'll start to sore, and the ankle is still abit stiff. So doing some rotating exercises to try improve on that, though I got a bit of fear when rotating. Not sure why, but my heart starts pounding a bit faster when I do the rotating. Shrug..

Anyway, follow up with the doc last week. He updated me what he did to my ankle during the procedure. It's called ankle impingement syndrome, result of repeated sprains. And he removed so-called "scar tissues" using a shaver. The joint looks cleaner now from the pictures. Haha.

He concluded that I was not fit to go back to camp and thus extended my mc by another month, till 24 Apr. Which means by then, I'll be back for only a week before I ord. Hahaha. Quite shiok. But I had my platoon and 2 fellow sect comds, who have been working their asses off in my absence to think of. My parents advised that I should let go. I've done my part and now it's time to give some long overdue care to my ankle. Agreed, but still not convinced.

Went back to camp yesterday, and talked to my PC. Basically he understood the situation. I asked him bluntly if they needed help. His reply was that although help would be preferred, they could still cope. Moreover if I go back, I would pretty much be just physically there and not much of help either. Agreed.

But now left one obstacle, in my OC, who's higher ranking than PC. He wants me to go back, to have my presence felt. Basically, to zo bo. That's what he prefers. Oh well.. Leave it to them and see how it goes. For now, I'm at peace with sitting through my last weeks of NS at home.

Just in Singapore

2008-03-28T15:29:00.002+08:00

The latest drama serial in Singapore. For my friends overseas.. =) Like the theme song alot. Nice and catchy tunes matched with meaningful lyrics.

A petition..

2008-03-22T02:17:00.001+08:00

I started a petition against rising sports Pay-tv contents pricing. If you feel the same as I do, please go and sign the online petition here.

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/sportshike/

Thanks!

Doing fine

2008-03-14T00:32:00.002+08:00

I'm doing fine. The ankle's recovering well. I'm still limping a bit though, just to be on the safe side. But the wound is healing fine and I can put certain amount of pressure on the ankle, and a bit of rotation, though I try not to. Again, to be on the safe side.

Been playing games, watch tv, vcd. Watched "An Inconvenient Truth" on DVD and was really impressed with the amount of work Al Gore put in to gather that much data in his slide show. It's a must see for all I guess. Because, global warming as I've learnt in textbooks 10 yrs ago, though it was giving us a stern warning back then already, the contents are pretty much an understatement and outdated. Global warming is more real than ever. The effects are already here. Hurricane Katrina in New Orleons 2 years ago was one such example.

Watching the film, watching Al Gore also made me curious about how he lost that election in 2000. So I looked it up in Wikipedia and read a bit on American President Election system. What can I say, Land of the Free. Their election system is damn complicated.. For the record, Al Gore won a majority in the popular vote, but lost in the count of electoral votes. Florida was the state in the spotlight. Read up Wikipedia if you are interested. =)

Today is by far the most rewarding day since I had the operation. Hope more of these days ahead. I'm beginning to plan my post-ord trips. hehe.. Found a partner to go SEA backpack with. Yeah! And Daryl wanna goes to some beach resort to chill. 2 trips in the pipeline already. =)

Arthroscopy..

2008-03-04T22:12:00.005+08:00

Arthroscopy is the cheem name for scope op.. Anyway, got my ankle done already and it's now heavily bandaged, like a big hammer. Haha. I'm not kidding. It feels fine. I just tried to walk, before that, I was hopping around the house, and basically I can walk. But now, for the first time since the op, I can feel niggling pain at the supposed wound. Not sure if it's just nice the Anaesthesia totally wore off or it's cos of the walking.. Hmm... Heavy bandage to be taken off on Thurs, that's when I'll get to see the 2 tiny holes stitched up.

The op went well, I guess. Reported at the Day Surgery Centre at 1pm, then registered, got changed to sterilised clothings, got blood pressure etc checked and waited till it was time. Once I was wheeled to the Operating Theatre, everything was on Fast Forward. Anasthaesist came to see me, injected the big ass needle into my vain and gave me glucose through it. Not pain, she is damn good. Then saw my specialist, Dr Ooi, and he talked to me a bit basically to refresh his memory on my injury. Then he went to brief his team of 2 other Doctors, don't know who they are, they never intro. Haha. I didn't stay long enough to see my doctors again.. I got wheeled in, transferred myself onto the Opeating bed, given an injection and some pungent "oxygen" (which is really the anasthaesia, but they say oxygen) After inhaling 3 times....... The next thing I know, I woke up in a whirl.. Took a minute, realised it was all done. But was too seh to do anything much, drifting in and out of consciousness, or sleep.. Talked to the nurse a bit, actually quite a lot.. About what, I'm not too sure, but I remember she's a Chinese national. Lol.. Thereafter I was transferred to the Day Surgery Ward, where I was joined by my dad.

Slowly regain my energy and then came the Milo and a pack of soda biscuits. Haven't eaten in a day sia.. I had to pee before I could be discharged. Cos, inability to pee is one of the side effects, and you should know the consequences of not peeing for too long... Well, really had some difficulty trying to pee, even though it was high tide already.. Stood there for like 5-10 mins and not a drop came out. When I gave up and sat on the wheelchair, that was when I suddenly broke out in cold sweat and felt nausea. "Merlion-ed" the biscuits and Milo out. Felt alot better after that though.. Managed to pee after half an hour, when my dad suggested I should sit.. Heh.. The pee reeked of the anasthesia.. I swear I remember the smell. But at least I know my body is working well. hehe..

Was promptly discahrged once the peeing was done. Changed into my own clothes, my dad signed some documents, briefed on my medicine and I was wheeled to the carpark by a nurse while my dad drove the car. Back at home at about 9pm.. MC of 31 days.. Haha...

On Kastari's escape..

2008-03-02T03:08:00.002+08:00

Well, needless to say, everyone should have learnt about Mas Selamat Kastari's famous, or infamous escape from the Whitley Road Detention Centre on Wednesday. The nation is now busy with hunting down for this guy.. Good effort from all walks of life.. I read, even MP (Member of Parliament) is giving out flyers with his photos today.

Wednesday night, I was happily taking time off in the Mess after a day's work, the news hadn't seeped through, to us at least.. At 10pm, when the mess closed, I made my way back to bunk. Funnily, I stopped at the Wall of Achievements of sorts, of our Brigade. There was the news write up on my unit helping out during Hotel New World collapse, saving a drowning man at sea and more recently, being involved in the man hunt for the 3 armed guys who fled to Tekong after commiting robbery in Johor. Read through them to see what we've contributed and happily walk back to my bunk thinking of turning in early..

When I reached the corridor outside my bunk, a guy from my company came to me..
Him: Sergeant, later got activation or not?
Me: Huh?? Smlj.. Why got activation?!?!
Him: You don't know meh?! Got a terrorist escaped..
Me: What the.. How you know?!
Him: Cos I'm the duty signaller... (Means he'll be the first to learn of these news from higher HQ)
Me: *speechless*

Anxiety start building up, I knew if what he said was true, we'd definitely be activated, just a matter of time. So I called home, but surprisingly, none of them knew of it. So I began suspecting if it was true, though the rumours/news was spreading like wild fire in camp. Everyone was anxious to know the truth too. I called FM.. But it was inconclusive too.. Till he checked CNA site and called me back and told me it was indeed true. Die. I was just praying we could catch some sleep before the button was pressed.. So I shooed my guys to sleep, and tried to catch some rest too..

I was just about to snooze off, when my PS' phone rang. Gone. We were activated. Right on the stroke of midnight. The rest just took care of itself.. At 1am, the unit was very much alive, with everyone doing the necessary preparations. At 3.30am, we were ready to move out. To say the truth, I was quite excited that.. This is a real thing! Not exercise, not training, but a real emergency. And I am sure, I wasn't alone feeling this way.

The rest of Thursday was spent helping to cordon off the Whitley area, as you'd have seen in Friday's papers.. We were pretty much the only SAF force to be there, apart from the Military Police. Good feeling. Haha. It's a pity he's still at large till now..

Time to audit, revamp, strengthen the security system we have.. Big time. Maybe it's about time for somebody to be man enough to take the blame.. We'll see.. Let's just hope Kastari will somehow be found..

Ah Long Pte Ltd

2008-02-19T21:49:00.003+08:00

Interesting that this film is named after my nick name. Haha. But whatever it is named, a film by Jack Neo would not be missed by my family. The show was average when first viewed, the content was alright, entertainment value was as usual-high. But my mom made a discovery about the plot, though she only told us after the show, it still made the movie all the more entertaining and darn.. It's good!! Haha.. Brilliant. (For those politically aware dudes.)

For those who've watched, see this trailer again to find out what you've missed in the local theatres. Darn good jokes. =) I'll tell about the plot when the show's running end. Less I spoil someone's fun. =p

Year of Rat

2008-02-14T23:07:00.002+08:00

Ok, the CNY came, and is on its way out, very very fast.. I was complaining about the lack of build up to the festival, and now, it's almost over, with 8 days gone and most people not going on any more visiting and stuff.

It's still good as any other year to see my extended family gathered and having a good time eating, chatting and of course, playing cards together.. Wonderful..

The new year passed by peacefully, at least for the stand-by part. No call ups or mobilization. Good... It's also ironic that I've already been briefed about my NS unit, when I'm still pretty much in the frame of action of my current active unit. Oh well..

Life in unit is pretty much hectic. Really can't wait for the new team of sergeants to come and take over my team.. Really. Anyway, I have 2 more weeks left to endure, in a way.. 3 March is the scope op on my right ankle..

HAPPY NEW YEAR and HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY too all my friends. Cheers to our friendship on this special day!

100 days...

2008-01-26T23:11:00.000+08:00

One of my sms at the stroke of midnight this morning read, "Get the champagne ready, 100 more days to freedom!" It was from Daryl. I've beenthe one who constantly harass him and my BMT buddy whenever it's the 5th day of the month, reminding them that it's "1 Year or 6 months" or whatever number of months left to finish our service. Well, I was gonna do the 100 days thingy, but the past week has really been hell.

Apart from being sick, I went back to camp on Wednesday to find that there was shit load to do and prepare for my Batallion going on standby. Packing of field packs, drawing of stores, drawing of map overlays etc etc. It was hell.. I had 2 days MC and I already felt that the week was tormenting, just imagine if I had been working since Monday. To compile the misery, or rather my misery, I, along with my 2 fellow Pioneer sect comd was called to do guard duty at the last moment yesterday. 2NTM... Really 2NTM.. (well, for the standby, we have this 2NTM thing which stands for 2 hours notice to move, which means u gotta be ready to take on any tasks given to your company or batallion within 2 hours..) We were notified that we're activated for guard duty at 2pm... Guard duty officially starts at 6pm, but we usually go to the guard room to prepare at 4pm. So, there you have it, 2NTM. Goodness..

And the reason for this last minute activation? Well, my batallion was going to have this handing over and taking over ceremony of 1st year commanders to 2nd year commanders. Practically, all 3rd Sgts (which is my rank and my peers who have been working with me for the past year in the batallion) handed over their duties to the newbies, except for my platoon. Because, sadly, my newbies who'll take over me are still undergoing training and will not graduate until mid-March. Sigh. These guys who handed over their duties are either 2 or 6 weeks away from their ORD.. Yah, though it's plain obvious I'm going to leave much later than them and shouldn't be complaining here like a whiny kid, but just imagine, we've been through the past year together.. Whatever they've done, I've done with them. What separates us is that they enlisted 3 months earlier, and got posted into my unit 3 months earlier, which coincidentally, was the lull period. Which means, the extra 3 months that they've serve more than me, was basically to do nothing? It's just plain bad timing I know. But they were getting a big fanfare, send off, show of gratitude from the batallion, and there I was, scanning visitors' IC, checking vehicles, standing from 5.30pm all the way till 12am, standing in for somebody who's getting his plaque and busy packing his stuff to bring home. IT WASN'T SUPPOSED TO BE MY DUTY! Arghh..

I just hope, and I'm praying real hard, that this kind of last minute changes will not happen in my last 100 days in Army. Give me a break.

"Ask not what the country can do for you, but what you can do for the country" rang in my head several times yesterday evening. I think this sentence can only work its wonder of motivating oneself if both have done something for each other.. What have I got from the organisation in the past 19 months?

Taken ill.

2008-01-21T23:36:00.000+08:00

Been taken ill. Same old sinus problem creeping in.. My doc shone a torch to see my throat and nasea, and said "Wa, your nose blocked until go Lao Pa Sat liao".. Haha..

Now whole body damn nuah. Thanks to the medicine.. This afternoon ate the flu pill, within one hour I couldn't take it anymore and just went to sleep. It's a damn power small pill, coincidentally light blue in colour too! haha..

Elated, shagged.

2008-01-19T00:11:00.000+08:00

Happy, elated to be exact but shagged out at the same time..

Elated cos I got marksman for my live firing 2 days ago!! Wheee!! Damn proud of myself.. And it did came as a little surprise.. But whatever it is, I've done myself proud and I've really got that much more confidence in my shooting now.. =)

It's been a long while since I've worked non-stop in a week. Where training in camp is back to back. I haven't got proper sleep since last week. Not too good.. Time to catch up on lost sleep this weekend, and yet not to miss out on the fun..

Anyway, yet to say that, I'll be going for a scope op in March to try and solve my ankle problem. The doc actually suggested a reconstruction surgery, but I was really hesitant about it. It's kind of too big scale and invasive a surgery I guess.. Because my ligament isn't torn yet, at least from the scan results 9 months ago.. So chose to do something much less invasive. He's basically going to open up a small hole, insert pinhole camera inside my ankle and see if there's any scar tissues that's causing pain in my ankle and clear it up. Hopefully it'll take some pain away, though I think the bulk of the problem will persist (judging by how my ankle is aching now after running up and down live firing chambers for 2 days).. We'll see..

CNY is around the corner, and I can't wait!!! =)

Applied..

2008-01-05T23:47:00.000+08:00

I've put in my application for overseas studies today! Like finally! Haha.. Well, applied for mass comm related courses at 3 universities in Perth and Brisbane. Applied at QUT, UQ and Murdoch. Will basically have no problems getting in. So it's a matter what they offer me and what I really want to do at the end of the day.

I was advised by the councellor to consider one of the top 8 universities (Aust have this Group of 8 Universities thingy), as it'd most probably mean that my degree is more recognised in Singapore, even in the civil service. Well.. Good point there, but I realised after talking to the lecturers at the exhibition that, what I'm going to study is also important. Is it going to interest me? Cos if it doesn't, then I think I'll struggle to do well... So it's really the weighing of things here.. Murdoch's mass comm programmes is very well recognised in the media industry here.. And I can see the course structure is good and they're sorta the only one (out of the universities I'm considering) to have a faculty for Mass comm. Speaks of how established their Mass comm is.. Only concern is, if I'm gonna go into govt sector, which I can't possibly rule myself out totally, will the degree be recognised? A hint that it might be is that, the medicine course in Murdoch is recognised by the Doctor's Profession association in Singapore. Hmmm...

Well, at least something off my mind now and can wait till the offer comes, and probably sound out more stuffs and if any necessary changes is to be made, there's still quite a lot of time to do so. =)

It's 2008!

2008-01-02T21:53:00.000+08:00

Happy New Year everyone! It's 2008! Whee!

Time flies, in a way.. I can still remember I blogged about wanting to set a new year resolution 12 months ago. Haha, and it is now 2008 already!! (For the record, I ended up not setting any new year resolution.) -.-"

Well, I've sorta got my resolution for this year, and maybe couple of years later. I might think harder to get a more detailed one, but the rough idea is there. I must really study hard and get good grades! This is no bullshit, not an easy way out in setting my resolution, but something really hit me today and I must make sure I see it through..

Everything's looking bright and good. 4 more months to ORD. I seriously can't wait! CNY is round the corner again!! I love CNY. I just hope my CNY don't get burnt cos of stand-by. *prays*

HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone! May 2008 be a better year for all!

Been back for awhile..

2007-12-25T21:00:00.000+08:00

I've been back for quite a while already. But have been busy going out to update. Haha..

Training in Thailand was alright. The only complain has to be the weather and being away from home for 3 weeks. The weather started out cold. We had a shock when we first arrived at the camp at 2+am, and it was like 17deg C or something like that. A lot of us didn't bring jacket and our CSM had to hurry up with the issuing of field jacket to us. Settled some basic logistic stuffs and it was off to bed. I didn't wear my jacket to sleep at first, thinking it was in the bunk and a blanket would suffice, shouldn't be so cold. But I was awoken by the coldness 1 hr into my sleep and duly put on my jacket.. The following week or so was still cold. And cos I slept in shorts, most of the time my legs felt cold in the middle of the night. But still, I didn't bother to sleep in long pants, like most of my friends did. Sleeping in the wild in that kind of temperature was an experience. And I tortured myself by being too lazy to unfold the sleeping bag while others tucked away peacefully and had a good sleep throughout the night.

The weather turned warm quite suddenly, over like 1 or 2 days. Suddenly, it was not so cold anymore. The jackets need not be on till we slept at 11pm, as compared to 6 or 7pm initially. And over another couple of days, the jacket was really not needed. It was so hot during the day that we felt like being toasted while in the bunk. The bunk was one big oven. It was still warm at night and some of us slept in singlets.

The killer about the weather came during our last outfield exercise. The 2nd day of the mission saw us walking in full battle order, meaning all the field packs, rifle, standard equipments etc., and route marching for like 6 or 7 km in the afternoon sun. KILLER. A lot of us were on the brink of collapse. Even the exercise umpires who walked in just their uniform and basic equipments felt the strain (and heat, of course). Good thing that the people who role-played as enemy cocked up a few things and my platoon was spared from a tedious task after the march and we were able to just chill and relax till a less demanding task came to us. Heh..

All in all, it was a good experience. Something to really add to my already colourful, if not dreadful and siong, NS life. Overseas training really brings an added dimension to the whole experience. Something that will not happen whilst training locally. And of course, a batallion-sized mission brings everyone in the batallion together. The normal villians who tekan you to walk that extra mile, do one more mission, in our CO and RSM, are now in this shit together with us. Haha.. So it's really then, we are all "brothers". Lol.

The missing home part really kicked in after 2 weeks. When we were so near yet so far from coming home. Felt quite low right before the Batallion exercise.. Felt that we had enough. Can't describe the feeling. But I think walking through the night really suck big time. Even if that's the key in every attack mission. Budd, sleep-walking is now my forte. Haha. But it really ain't fun, the feeling suck. You really appreciate it if the leading platoon get lost.. (cos they'd need time to re-orientate, then we can prone down and sleep.) Wahahaha!!!

So much for overseas training. Been home for a week now and it has been good. Miss raining. It didn't rain a drop for 3 weeks in Thailand!! *shake head* And just back from Malaysia. Went Kukup then Malacca with my family. Kukup was damn nice. A big chalet-style apartment by the river with air-con and a seafood BBQ dinner, cooked by the staffs, not yourself. Shiok.. All for RM55 per pax per night. I'm definitely going back. Anyone wanna go?!?!

Off to thailand

2007-11-27T12:55:00.000+08:00

So Crescendo is here! Off to the airport later at 5pm. Flight is at 8.45pm. Will be back in 3 weeks' time.. On 18 Dec. Only looking forward to that now. Hahaha...

My worry is that there's some concern regarding security of our equipment and weapons! Especially part of the training area is quite near to Myanmar (think junta). They should have cancelled Crescendo what. Let us go Taiwan la!!! =p

Alright, keeping it short. So to all who visit my blog, all the best and take care.

Heartache..

2007-11-18T23:03:00.000+08:00

Maybe most of you have not noticed. There was this piece of news announced last Thursday. Well, it concerns me more than you guys, quite obviously. Cos it concerns the Hougang area. The piece of news is that HDB is gonna tear down a cluster of HDB blocks just a stone's throw away from mine..

It is where I usually go for my haircuts; it is where there's yummy breakfast to look forward to on weekends; there's where I can find a hawker centre that's still intact, devoid of all the new colourful chairs and tables, nice but easily dirtied tiled floors, and most importantly, it's where the food prices have very much remained lower than other hawkers..

But of course, my personal sentimental attachment counts for nothing cos the small plot of land is so important. It is so important that the HDB has its eyes zoomed in on it. The bulldozers should move in sooner rather than later. Well, it IS important. Because, it is where the 'real Hougang' is; it is where the biggest opposition party, Worker's Party, is the most active; it is where the bulk of the votes for Worker's Party come from; it is where the MP for Hougang and leader of WP is the most respected and adored. In short, it is the heartbeat of Worker's Party. So, it is important.

I'm still a bit shocked to think that, by next August, I can no longer have my haircut at my favourite barber shop.. The many workshops there. The hawker. And a very lucky 4D shop that never fail to make the list of "Lucky Stores" whenever there's a Toto Million Dollar draw. Many things will be gone..

Mr Eric Low, the PAP man in Hougang SMC said something like, the kampong spirit will be gone, but it's for the residents will be able to live a better life. Let me just ask this question, who are you to say it's better for them? Well, a lot of this people living in that part of Hougang are aged people, who have nothing much, but neighbours who are also their closest friends. If they lose those friends, can it definitely be better lives for them? Not everything should be measured in a very materialistic manner. Having a better-conditioned living area, DOES NOT mean one will have a better LIFE. get it? Now, I think I understand why Eric Low lost in the GE last year.. And by a bigger margin than in GE 2001.

It is really sad. When people around you do not treasure heritage. The 34 year old blocks are certainly some sort of a heritage to me! I just love those buildings.

I went for live firing that day in our Live Firing Area in the west. And I managed to go onto a hill and had a great view of the Live Firing Area. One of my men was standing beside me. And I said, "Damn nice right?!" He replied, "Ya, but damn wasted." My jaws dropped.

Me: What is damn wasted?!
Him: (sensing my annoyance) Er..
Me: You mean this piece of forest left intact is a waste to you?
Him: ya, they could have build something and put it to better use.
(I smacked my forehead, I was speechless)
Me: 2 points. First, if we don't save this piece of land, the SAF will not have anymore training areas! Second, if this piece of land is gonna be gone, you and my children will not know what a "forest" look like...
Him: Ya, true.

But somehow, I think he just accepts my point of view, but isn't totally convinced. I won't go to the extent of saying I'm an environmentalist or what. Maybe I'm just an antagonist. But if that's what a lot of our people's mindset are, then the advertisement now constantly playing on TV about saving the Earth, fronted by 4 teenagers, is just plain bull.

Lazy week..

2007-11-12T11:57:00.000+08:00

After the unfortunate outfield at Tekong that caused me to miss an entertaining weekend, I've been basically given the week off.. Haha... But now, feel a bit sian already ah.. Boring. But I'm still glad to be given this breather of sort, before the Thai trip, which is now only 2 weeks away..

Anyway, saw the othorpaedic specialist last week and he's thrown up the option of having a scope op on my ankle. Though he says it's not compulsory, and his recommendations "are not that strong as of now", it's still my choice, he said. Well, still gotta consider la. Basically, if things aren't particularly improving, then it might be a good choice? And it's probably the only way I can really rest this battered ankle of mine and not care about whatever happens in camp.. Decision, akan datang.

Went to Sentosa on Friday with camp-mates. An official working day made cohesion day. Wohoo! Brilliant!! So basically played a day of beach vball, go beach nuah, sun-tanned, sun-burnt... Haha. Dinner with my platoon then caught "Game Plan".. It was nice and funny. "Bee Movie" was also great. Very nice. I like how they spoof a few celebs like Larry King, Sting. Haha.. And the best part was those celebs spoofed V/O the characters themselves!!

So if u want to have a good laugh, go catch either movie. If you only want to catch one, then, I'd personally recommend Bee Movie. =)

Some more pictures..

2007-11-02T20:43:00.000+08:00

Some more pictures I got from Budd for the Gold Coast trip. Eh budd, I thought u'd give me most that u take!! How come so few only?!?! -.-"

Da Gang (L-R: Budd, Cheryl, Daryl, Whoelse, Jenn & Dil) at Brisbane.. CooL!
U can see the sleepiness in the eyes of those who flew there.
Er, why Cheryl looks the most tired though??
Bugstop. =P
Before gorging ourselves silly @ Hog's Breath Cafe.

I will soon try to back-post what happened in Brisbane and Gold Coast. But somebody must really pray hard for me that my weekends will no longer get burnt.. Thankew for ur prayers! Amen, Amithaba and whatever other blessing will do. =p

A soldier's rant..

2007-11-02T13:15:00.000+08:00

Feeling really down at the moment. Why? Hmm. Simply because I've got a fully burnt weekend to endure? Well, that's the one that's bothering me a lot at the moment. But really, I see a real problem surfacing with my platoon. More and more people are gonna get out of my platoon. Injuries have already claimed 2 victims. And I hate to see them go.. The whole freaking situation is just weighing down on me.. I'm worried..

Anyway, for what happened this week. In a space of 2 days. I got arrowed twice! BIG ARROWS.. First was being scheduled to be Guard Commander on Thursday. Now, I know sooner or later I'd be scheduled to be one. But really, 1 day notice was not what I was expecting.. And in the current climate, after Mr. Dave Teo decided to elope with a SAR21 and a few live rounds of ammo, "extras" are dished out by superiors like nobody's business. Really not good. So on Thursday, as I was gearing up for Guard duty, I told myself, it's only one night. Get it through, and Friday will be book out day. Moreover, I've got Saturday to look forward to! Last 5 episodes of the HK drama that I've been catching on Sat mornings. And the clash between Man U vs Arse on Sat night!!

But, my platoon had to be arrowed to be "enemy" for Scout's Exercise.. And it's going to be from Saturday till Wednesday. 5 days! I haven't been outfield for so long since BMT field camp!! And they were still saying we'd not have anymore outfield till the overseas exercise. Herh herh..

Just feel really down at the moment. And it doesn't help when you've got one other commander who consistently siam all the 'siong' stuff and you still give the most. For whom? Right now, a big motivation is the men under my care and command. But, like I said, the platoon is gonna fall apart.. How long can we last?

Back..

2007-10-19T22:40:00.000+08:00

Well, Im back from Gold Coast and went straight back to action in camp the very next day. Sian.. Was hoping to get a day off or what to recover. It's only 2 hours difference, but somehow I do feel a little wonky on the first day back.. Slept at 8+pm in the end, all the way till 6+ the next morning. Haven't slept for so long for a long time! Now I know how Budd feels. Haha.. But it ain't quite easy to sleep so long, I woke up a few times, and actually by 3+am, I already felt I've slept enough. But it was still so early, so just might as well sleep a bit more. =p

Well, a little lazy to upload alot of pics. I took 1 GB worth of pics. Lol.. about 300+.. The cam is really good.. Hehe.. Will post more group photos when I do get them from others. For now, here's some of them from my own cam.. =)

Dolphin backflip!
The dolphins were great!!
The golden sand on Gold Coast..
Encounter with Tweety & Bugs..
Beautiful Sunrise at Gold Coast..

Dim Sum Dollies..

2007-10-11T12:58:00.001+08:00

Found these on YouTube. Very funny.. A reason why I like local stage productions.. =)

Parking Pontianak

Battle of the Girls School

The Longest Day..

2007-10-08T23:01:00.000+08:00

Well, pretty much experienced The Longest Day in my entire life..

Yesterday was my batallion's company live firing day.. An eye opener in the sense, managed to see how all the support arms, heavy weapon were used to support an attack, other than the normal infantry troopers using rifles..

I was there as a safety specialist for demolition.. Nothing much to do on paper, but the sad thing is, there was no rotation for us. The other safety officers or rather, every other single person there had times when they are not in action. But not for me and my 2 other friends. It was super duper shag.

Probably can't say too much details, but I left camp at 6.30 am on Sunday morning, and reached back to camp only at 4+ am today. And finally went to bed at 5 am.. Can somebody please tell me that this is the last time there's a live firing or whatever shit that needs demolition specialist?! :( It's really not fun.. Getting bitten by mosquitoes, skipping lunch, the loud rifle bangs that threatened my ears, the camou cream, the ineffective insect repellant etc etc.. Thank goodness, I do not need to clean rifle... =p

Outfield at Lim Chu Kang..

2007-09-30T12:31:00.000+08:00

Went outfield from Wednesday till Friday. It was just 1.5 days in reality, but nevertheless, still sian.. And they never fail to do last minute things on us. Screwed up.

Changed my duty from the supposed Thursday to Monday, so that I could send Jo off on Thursday night. Now, it seems pre-destined that it's not meant to be. haha.. Well, hope Jo can do well in her last year there.. The next time you're back, I'll be free!!! Haha. I'd consider about the 'invitation' to visit. Maybe if I strike the lottery or what, then it'll be a sure-go! =p Mel came and went too. Wanted to meet with her, but she seems as busy as ever and made me wait till 1+am on Friday night, when I just came back from outfield. No way I was gonna make it to her place in one piece. Hehe...

Anyway, outfield was kind of, fun. But tiring on my soldiers. A particular mission was tasked to my section to search for a rebroadcast station. I led them super tactically. Came from the back of the hill and made a zig-zag combing up and across the knoll. Quite fun, but shag also. Took nearly 2 hours before we found the target. Satisfying in the end. =)

A promised trip into the cemetery didn't materialise.. I was somehow hoping I'd be tasked to go there and stay for a couple of hours or longer. Adds to my Army story collection. Hehe. But plans were changed and I ended up sleeping in the tonner, while my guys were sweating it out on a fast march, thanks to my ankle. Hehe..

Brisbane beckons.. I wonder if I'm gonna pack in time. =p

The buggers who bugs me everyday in camp now..

Same old story..

2007-09-23T10:19:00.000+08:00

Sian. Sprained my ankle again. Just that this time is not as bad as the last time..

Same old story. I sprained the same ankle, probably same ligament, doing the same thing: That's SOC, and at the low ramp again. Well, just that this time I could run back to the end point and not feel the pain. But once I stopped, the pain grew. And I've been limping since. Sian.

The only good thing out of this is that I can don't go to live firing and type this entry on a rainy Sunday morning.

Don't know if this time spraining will set back the recovery using physio by how much. hope it's not too bad..

For the week..

2007-09-14T13:35:00.000+08:00

Ok, so block leave has come and almost gone, it's Friday afternoon and the sky is grey. Had wanted to go swim for the whole of the week but didn't have time when the sun was out, and when I have time, it's this kind of weather.. -.-"

Well, the week has seen me catching up with friends not seen in a while. To kick off the week, sent Shuling off to Chicago at the airport. Woke up in the wee hours to go man! Boss, appreciate it? Heh. Oliver went to the airport in our unit's admin tee. Not very glamourous. Haha. Poor lad had to do live firing before he could book out at 2.30 am and head straight to airport. Haha.. Send offs are always emotional, to the person flying off especially. Shuling's already small eyes were reduced to a straight line after Oliver "abducted" her for 10mins and sweet-talked her, into crying I guess. Wahaha.. Evil. =x

Went for seafood with parents and Mr. & Mrs. Kwek at Telok Sengat. And also bak kut teh at Kota Tinggi. Eh, seriously, I wanna take my friends to these places and eat man. It's really fantastic and cheap!

Caught "881" with GF on Tuesday. It's quite a nice show. Qi Yuwu didn't need to talk a word in the show. Just keep playing with his chicken, and got to smooch the female lead. Hahaha. How shiok. But the fat lady Liu Lingling's acting was good. So unlike her, given her not-so-class image portrayed by her Gao Xiao Xing Dong performances. Heh.. But be warned if you don't understand Hokkien, the shows may not be as enjoyable!

Met up with ZJ on Wed to do some catching up. Been a long time since I last met her. But it's always good to catch up with your old mates and learn how their doing. So I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Went to see my nephew afterwards, who's slowly getting naughty. He tries to speak in a language that nobody understands. The most funny part is after he "gaa-gaa-gaa" he'll look at you, as if waiting for an answer. Hehe..

Thursday, caught up with the poly gang. Well, it might not have seem that long, but I haven't seen them for half a year already! Time do fly, in terms of these enjoyable things. But not really for life in Army. =p Budd, you better go change ur flight!!!!!!!!!!!!! *this is a threat* Wahahha..

Back to Bedok

2007-09-09T16:08:00.000+08:00

It's been a couple of weeks since I last blogged and I'm going to be on a week-long leave. Heh.. It's a welcomed break. But I'm left to worry if I'll have enough during December to clear, cos I'm going away to Aussie in Oct. Anyway, Aussie trip promises to be fun, and I really hope Buddy can join!!

Erm, course at Nee Soon camp has ended and it's back to Bedok Camp. Hell. And as if we needed a reminder, the first thing happened was sorta a bad news and just proves to us how hellish it is back in my unit. As I said, we're supposed to be on block leave this week so when we reached Bedok Camp on Friday evening.. We prepared to book out immediately and go enjoy our week away from anything Army. The stage was set, my platoon fall in in their civilian attire, all raring to go, when my PC announced that there was to be Remedial Training for those who failed SOC, basically my whole platoon didn't make it. So it meant they had to book in that particular night again! You could see the mood changed immediately.. Even if I needn't go back, I still felt the pain and anguish, for my men.. Tried to ask my PC to ask for special 'discount' from OC, that our platoon be excused. But to no avail. It was until 5 or 10 minutes later when I think even my PC couldn't take the mood that he decided to ask the Conducting Officer. -.-" Luckily, he allowed my platoon to skip RT the next day! Really a relief. But by then, one guy had already cried (haha, this was funny) and left all others in a bad mood to enjoy the Friday night. Sigh.

Can feel the joy of leading my men. They're really quite clueless at times that you feel like slapping them but they're clueless in the innocent way. So u feel like laughing when they ask u some questions. hehe.. Anyway, felt happy quite happy that day over an incident. One of my guys sorta have relationship problems. The day before while waiting for exercise to commence, PC and I were talking cock to him when he revealed that he was having this problem la.. His gf was not answering his call and basically just MIA, and most probably with another guy. Like how sad la. So the next day, as we were working on some practical stuffs, this guy just said, "Eh Sergeant, she called me last night leh..". Well, the rest of the conversation is irrelavent here. But I felt joy that he was going to share something with me. Really.. This is cool.. Heh..

Army Half Marathon..

2007-08-26T17:30:00.000+08:00

Went for the Army Half Marathon today. Well, didn't do the Half Marathon but rather the Sheares' Bridge Run, which was 12km.. Still quite shag. Haven't ran more than 3km for about a month already. And it always feels good after the run, but NOT during the run.. Haha.. The down part was having to book in on a Saturday night, when I could have easily been watching football at home.. -.-"

The run was enjoyable. Ran with my men.. Groaned together alot. The shag part was when the scout PC passed me the company flag. It was only 3-4 km into the run but it was the climbing up Sheares' Bridge part, moreover, in any run, that distance covered is the part when u feel the most shag one. Well, so he passed me the company flag. The thing is, alot of pple damn cui already, so walking like grandfathers.. Super bo liao. And when I run pass, everyone will take a look and go. "WA! Guards leh!!" Sibei jia lat. This means.. I CANNOT STOP!!! And I'm not bull shitting. It's really like every mother's son that I overtook went, "Guards!!".. Sian!! And holding the flag meant I couldn't swing one of my arms and I lost some momentum and my men pulled away from me slowly. So, I decided to just chiong, catch up with them, and hand the flag to them! Wahahaha!! The feedback after the run was the same, my men told me everywhere they go with the flag, people will start whaoing.. -.-" And so, they also lan lan cannot stop, have to carry on running till they find the next 'victim'. Haha..

Some nice looking girls along the way to make the event even more worthwhile. There's something bothering me, that is.. When we reached the finishing line, there was this bunch of teenage girls behind the railing cheering for us and reached their hands out for high 5. But sadly, none of my batallion guys actually returned the encouragement. I mean, speaking from a purely sporting point of view, return the high 5 la!! Never return make them look like kuku!! And from another point, u get some perk too right?! Stupid army men. I would have high 5 with them, if I had not been filtered all the way to the other side of the road. =p

And so, we're now all left to nurse our sore muscles. Those who ran the half marathon would feel the pain even more. Hopefully they'd be alright. Thinking of going for Stan Chart.. But burning a Sunday morning like this is quite dumb.. Anyone wanna go?!

shall we eat?

2007-08-20T23:59:00.000+08:00

Eh gang... I seriously think we should go get some good food to pamper ourselves soon. Heh.. Shall we?

Erm, anyone else who's game to dine with me just gimme a ring! =)

Frustration..

2007-08-15T15:38:00.000+08:00

Went for a follow up on my ankle. It's damn frustrating because I couldn't get much physio done and the condition is more or less status quo. Which means, the doc could only ask me to try out physio again, and gave me yet another 3 months period. Sigh..

It is very frustrating. I had hoped that the doc could do more for me. But I guess he was as clueless as I was to what could be done. Physio seems the right way out, if not for the nature of my 'occupation' now, it would be clear cut. Already, I'm finding it hard to get proper rest, let alone doing physio. It may sound like excuses, but being in a batallion gearing for operational status is not fun.

I seriously felt damn down and helpless after I saw him. It's kind of inexplicable. But I know that chances are 3 months down the road, it will be the same old story, simply because the schedule in camp shows no letting up. Unless I really get the blessings from my superiors to go for intensive physio sessions, I'm really just doing alot of "henta-keki".. Marching on the spot, no progress and slowly but surely damaging my ankle further.

Sigh.

6A gathering..

2007-08-12T03:21:00.000+08:00

Today was the day we chose to commemorate 10 years of graduation from Pei Chun. Hmm, turn out was poorer than last year's.. I guess some people lose some interest, when the gathering loses some sense of novelty.. Shrug.. Or people are just too busy.. Chatted a bit with those we rarely see.. But a conversation is hard to sustain. It's alot of finding how and what people are doing now. And I get a kind of satisfaction looking at the shocked faces of guys who got to know that I am in Guards now. Lol. I think I'm going mad.

Thereafter, went to Mel's place to see her granny. Had an uneasy time trying to shake off the people who aren't from the Gang. Quite awkward. But managed to do so in the end. Heng ah.. But we told them the truth that we're going to visit. So I guess they found it awkward to follow also.

Anyway, it's really quite drastic how life changes in 3 months. I last saw granny when the EPL season was going to end, back in April; today is the kick off of the new season...

I guess nothing much I can do, except to be there physically and mentally, for Mel and her family. Eh, Mel.. Don't worry ah. You know you'll always have the bunch of us! =) Please take care and work hard Down Under.. 加油！！

Finally, rest..

2007-08-10T10:20:00.000+08:00

It's been quite a while since I have been able to rest peacefully at home.. The last weekend was spent at demolition range. Along with my other pioneer commanders, we are the Subject Matter Experts when it comes to demolition. Haha, the very "big" names SAF slaps onto people who are a little more trained in certain fields than others..

Really felt the effect of not having a day off or what.. Monday this week and I was already feeling damn jaded, physically and mentally. Luckily National Day is here and we get a short week. And to top it off, get an off-in-lieu today for the Saturday burnt 2 weeks ago. So it's a super long weekend.

NDP.. Watched the full telecast. But somehow, as it always has been, the segment that truly engages me is still the parade. The mass displays sometimes seems like just, mess(y) displays.. Needless to say, fireworks engages anybody. And I plan to go see fireworks at Marina soon.. =)

Entertainment in my room?

2007-07-29T18:11:00.000+08:00

Went to NTUC hypermart in Hougang Pt just now. Saw a LCD TV, 19", going at only $389.. I'm really tempted to buy. Will use the next week to see if I should buy one.. Heh.. Then can play game, watch DVD and tv in my room, that is if my dad helps to put one antenna in my room.. Really enticing. Looking for a dvd recorder also to record any missed programmes. Hehe... Cool eh?

Anyway, busy is the word for now. Burning my Saturdays like nobody's business. Next Saturday there is demolition live firing again. Hai.. And still have 3 of it!! There's a chance that my Sunday will be burnt as well... We'll see..

There's an article by Neil Humphrey this weekend in Today. Though taking a serious matter in his usual candid tone, but I think it's worth some thought. It's about our education system..

Wet weather..

2007-07-22T17:58:00.000+08:00

The weather has been pretty wet the past week. Which is bad news, cos I'm going outfield again tml till Wednesday. Sian man.. Losing count of the times I gotta spend outfield, compared to Gab's one and only "field camp" in BMT, where he did not need to stay over night.. -.- I'd probably rather serve his 2yr 4 month in exchange.. Haha.. Kidding.

The past week was also tiring, even though I was off on Monday and worked only 4 days. This week's gonna be a bitch cos there's live firing on Saturday.. Wad the hell.. Shall take things one step at a time.

Anyway, probably haven't told most people, might be going on holidays to Brisbane in mid-October. haha.. Thanks to Daryl's luck and himself, he won a contest by Ch V and invited me to go on the trip with him! Coolness. Haha.. He's still yet to tie up the details with Ch V so I am waiting. And still yet to apply leave. So budd, now u know why we going Brisbane?? Haha.. Try to go with us ok!! And try to take a couple days off so you can be with us throughout the 4-5 days that we'll be there? Hehehe...

Isn't he cute?!?!

Photos..

2007-07-16T00:18:00.000+08:00

The coveted khaki beret.. - Mine!
3 for $10 durian, lousy! But we still very happy.. *Shrug*
2 happy women and my 'V' sign.
The little one turns 8!
Lower Pierce Reservoir.. Beautiful..
Upper Pierce. Serene..
Huge ass spider web..

Jacky's World Tour

2007-07-15T03:33:00.000+08:00

Tickets - checked.We were there! Thanks for the treat, sis.

Singing his heart out..

Went for Jacky Cheung's concert just now with sis.. One word, ROCKS!!

Jacky Cheung, though my idol, but I have to say that my comments here are really typed objectively.. He's one hell of a singer. Damn solid and totally mesmerising.. It's lucky that he did not sing too many of his new songs, a very nice blend of old classics and new songs throng the concert together.

Some dance move, really energetic, considering his age and that he's not that famous for energetic dancing.. Nice, but had him panting like a bull after 3 songs. Not that easy. He asked after the 2nd song, "Do you like my dance?" And of course everyone yelled "Yeeeahhhh!!". So he gamely announced, "Ok, come'on next song." And finished dancing and singing one more Canto tune before he asked again, "Do you like my dance?" To another chorus of "Yeeahhhh!!" But this time he replied, "Even if you all like I won't dance also already, very tiring.." That was funny..

The concert also had a mini musical where he used songs from Snow Wolf Lake and Perhaps Love for a 20 minute performance.

Thereafter, we had like an endless encore. I think he already planned to sing that much anyway.. Haha. But he treated us to another 45minutes of Canto and Chinese classics after crediting all of his backstage key personnels and thanking the audience together.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable night, if not for his democratic decision to poll the audience on the language he was suppose to use when talking to us. He spoke in Canto.. -.-" I can't understand 95% of what he said! Really took off half my enjoyment. Because, his words help connect the audience to the songs that he was going to sing. Sian... If not, it's really worth every penny of the ticket man!

He wrote a song each for both his wife and daughter. The song for his daughter was cute and very sweet. I liked it a lot. Though it was in canto, the lyrics was flashed on screen, and it was just beautiful. The song for his wife was sweet no less, and loving of course. But I liked the daughter's one better, sings out the simple fatherly love and the hope he has in his daughter to grow up well..

The concert finally ended at 11.45. Really very satisfied and he really showed why he is the Heavenly King.

Guardsman!!

2007-07-07T11:42:00.000+08:00

YES!! GCC is finally over!!! And I'm a converted Guardsman! Whee!! Just damn happy that I manage to go through the course and finish most of the things, except for first day when I fell out of the Ex Welcome, if not I went through all of the stuffs. Though with much pain and thoughts of giving up, I still went through them all... =)

This week was quite hectic, gotta complete all the veto factor events to pass the course. First up was live heli rapelling on Tuesday.. Damn fun. We rapelled down from a helicopter! Whoo... Quite an experience. And you'll never have a bigger fan than that of a heli. Haha.. The weather was quite hot but whenever the heli ascended to a height, it was like a ceiling fan, and my sweat will slowly dry up while we were waiting for our turns to rapel on the ground. Hehe.. It was fun, probably once in a lifetime kind of event..

Next up, and probably the most shiong one, was a 12km fast march. Had to do it under 108 min.. Walking with a buddy really made things easier. Pushed each other on and maintained the discipline of speeding up whenever we reached a certain landmark. Might not have done it if not for buddy-ing up. And it would have sucked to have to re-do it all over again. But luckily, I passed it on first try and in a timing of 101mins. Not too bad at all..

Had the final veto in coastal swim yesterday.. Coastal swim itself was nothing much, cos I swam with a life jacket half-inflated. Hehe.. But still drank abit of sea water cos the waves just came splashing in at times. But it was the first time I was swimming out at sea, so it was pretty fun too. However, right after the swim, we truncated into the next programme, which is also the last on GCC, called the Guards Assualt Course, in short GAC.

Let's see, first we had to carry rubber boat with 2 full jerry cans (2 jerry cans = 38 litres of water) in team level.. First destination was back to camp from East Coast Park, which was maybe close to 2km. Then walked one full round around the camp compound, which was a further 1.7km, before putting the boat down and embarking on the super shag mission. It's called "7 hills". Basically, it's climbing up and down the staircase of my Battalion block, 5 storeys high each time, totalling 7 ascends and 7 descends. It's killer because we had to do it in FBO (Full Battle Order) and it's no joke. Nearly died of shortness of breath. Thanks to KP, he asked for toilet break midway through it and we managed to catch a breather.. If not, really up the lorry man..

After getting done with 7 hills, we picked up the boats again and headed for the SOC ground to clear the SOC in reverse order, with the boats of course.. Before we headed to the Guards Tower to do rapelling from the tower. It was another point where we could catch our breath cos we had to do the sit sling. Lucky man, really damn shag by that time. After rapelling, we went back to the parade square where the last challenge awaited us, in "psycho stride".. It's really quite psychotic if you play the full version. But with the boats, we basically just had to walk a certain distance la.. Can explain to you all in person if you are interested to find out. And, after psycho stride, it all finally ended!! We've finished the course!! And it's worth noting that my team started the latest cos we had a very weak swimmer who came in very late during coastal swim, but we ended up being first to complete the whole GAC. Good work, syndicate 3!!

Words really can't describe the feeling of finally earning the Guards tab and Khaki beret.. I really earn it, with gallons of sweat, streams of blood, S$50 in medical bills for my feet infections and other intangible contributions. Sweet reward. No less..

Summary Ex is over!

2007-07-01T12:57:00.000+08:00

Ok, the most shiong part of my GCC is over.. And I'm barely surviving... My feet are swollen cos of infection from blisters. Hope it recovers by wednesday so I can participate in the route march. It has to... It's the last week of the course and I'd hate to fall at this last hurdle, especially the shit that we've gone through..

The last week was shag. Trust me when I say shag. It's the toughest training I've gone through so far. Starting from Monday, the summary exercise was in Tekong. You've no idea how much I walked over the 4 days, because I've no idea too! 8 missions, no less than 30km walked on battled soles, 12km pedalled (yes, we pedalled from Tekong to East Coast), carrying loads that weighed like a tonne on our frames. All in 4 days, and without proper sleep. The only time to sleep was when you are waiting for the enemy or when walking. It's no joke when pple say they learn to sleep while walking in the army. We did a whole range of missions la. It was damn tiring, but on hindsight, it is eventful and it's definitely something I'll remember for life.

Just trying to enjoy my weekend here, and let my feet heal. Sat in Gf's car last night. He is one hell of a lousy driver. Bo wei gong. Hopefully next week when I blog, I can show off my hard earned khaki beret and Guards tab. =) It will definitely be hard earned, with sweat and blood, no less. (think wounded feet and a nose bleed after reaching East Coast). Chill! It's gonna be over!!!!!!! Yeah!!

And oh, GST hike is in place. I can almost hear our PM aka Finance Minister laughing his way to the bank. I guess his must have popped a champange with his Cabinet at the Istana at 12am this morning.

Hanging on..

2007-06-24T16:23:00.001+08:00

Another week has passed in the GCC. 2 more weeks to go, but all siong activities.. Starting with Summary Exercise in the coming week. Going to Tekong for 3 or 4 days. Gonna be shag.

More settled to the course now and just wish that it ends real soon.. I need a hug. Haha..

Anyway, gotta run now, going to airport to receive our homecoming Jo before heading back to camp by 7pm. So early book in, sucks right. =(

Torturous week..

2007-06-16T16:14:00.000+08:00

It's been hell of a week. And when I say that, it's not like an American slang saying it was darn exciting or what.. I was really hell. Both physically and mentally..

All started on Monday.. First, came the news that me and other Pioneer specs won't be going for Guards Conversion Course.. Mixed feelings. Had been waiting for the course for very long already, and on the eve of the course, told to us that we are not going.. Some of us were very happy, I felt more disappointed. Though a part in me was punching the air that I need not suffer.. But I was disappointed cos I felt that we Pioneers are treated like dirt, nothing important to them. Like, 可有可无, very much disposable.. Felt angry at times also.. Then, diverted attention by jio-ing my friends to go for a short getaway to neighbouring countries during this coming week.. As we were checking tickets and all this, came news that we would still be going for the course after all!! Get my point? We are like, unimportant..

Then, at night came the seed of my whole week of turmoil. A 24 km route march at East Coast. Walked as a batallion.. Lots of campers at night. Merry makers having BBQ and chalets.. As usual, a lot of people like to shout "ORD" to gek us. A young woman, was looking at us and commenting to his male friend as we walked passed.. I heard "Wa, like very fake like that.." Hello?! Like what was very fake?! I had a full battle order on my body, complete with a SAR21 and a increasingly big blister. I might just have pointed my rifle at her and asked her "Fake or not?" Of course, the rifle not loaded. Hehe. Anyway, gained loads of blister after the 24km, and a soreness in my right ankle to throw me wondering if I should go through GCC..

The main concern is my ankle. I mean, it's obvious it's not recovered. And I risk of aggravating it further. I was 90% certain I did not want to go through the course. I know that I probably can't go through a lot of the strenuous activity without worrying about my ankle.. And I was not keen for that kind of pressure. And I really felt damn pressurised. And it was also the course, by going through the course and being excused from a lot of the activities, I was worried I will undermine the course. To me, it is a prestigious course. Of course, there had been people who had got it after doing only the minimum requirements. But I was determined not to be one of those.. If I am going to wear the khaki beret and Guards tab, I will earn it.. If not, I will live with my blue beret. I might regret it later, but I considered that this regret will pale in comparison to the regret that I will get if I injure my ankle further. I told my OC of all my concern and even the CO. But they did not want to take me out of course. Ask me to try my best.

Well, the blister also added to the concern, cos I couldn't walk properly for the past few days.. My left foot is now swollen from an infection of sorts, though it is subsiding.. But that's how bad it is.. And yah, through my own words, "it's the size of Australia on a world map". Haha.. Went to my GP this morning to get medication for the blister, so that it can heal faster. So, I can properly assess how my ankle can take the training once the blister is healed.

Was really really low when they refused to take me out of course.. Very very uncertain. I might not pass the course anyway. And I was prepared to go for the lessons to learn more things about Guards operations but be considered out of course. Meaning I'll not get the khaki beret and Guards tab at the end of the day. But I was prepared to do so, for myself and the standard of the course.

Since they've insisted I stay in the course for now, and that my blister is recovering, I'm now more ready to take on the course.. The ankle is still a worry, but at least one less thing on my mind and I can walk properly again. So, we'll see how it goes.. And hopefully, nothing else will happen to weigh me down...

Hikes..

2007-06-10T21:11:00.000+08:00

With the booming economy, pay rises are not the only increase come July.. Alright, I know I've lamented on this issue and whined like a pussy. But things have seriously hit me again and again, and I have to let it out, somewhere..

GST hike is well known to all, with the garment trying to squeeze out more little dollars we the poor citizens have. But it's all done so that we'll have bigger reserves, more investments, more revenue and more benefits for the citizens! Hooray! Fair enough. And also, more school rebuilding projects, with a relatively new school going under the PRIME project, getting rebuilt totally. It's quite lame and to me, wasteful. I don't see why a school slightly older than a decade needs to be torn down and rebuilt!!! I was totally aghast to find out this fact.. If you wonder which school I'm talking about, it's one of the top 5 secondary schools, when all schools were still taking O Levels..

Now, the big 4 has ganged up to earn even more, much like the big 4 in EPL or the G-14 group in Europe football.. That is, if you haven't realised, the hike in NETS fee.. It's been on the papers for a couple of weeks now. Now, in my opinion, the big 4 is really a big bully.. Today's Sunday Times: There was this shoe shop which passed on the extra levy that NETS imposed to the customers. Ok, fact is the levy hike has been postponed to July and the shop should not have charged the levy, though they claimed to be ignorant of the postpone-ment. Anyway, why I say the big 4 bullies is that they claim that the charges incurred should not be passed on to the consumers, which is us.. But anybody spare a thought for the retailers? Is it fair for them to shoulder the charges? Now, think about this.. Would you rather retailers tell you outright they are gonna charge you extra if you pay by NETS, so that you can decide to use NETS or cash, or would you rather have one standard price, be it payment by cash or NETS, but the cost have already been included in the price of an item (meaning a price hike)?? I would prefer to have a choice, seriously.. But if the big 4 are going to demand charges not to be passed on to us, then the latter choice will happen. So whatever it is, we are more likely to lose. Unless having the option of paying by cash or NETS is implemented, the consumers will always be on the losing end. Coming from corporations that earn hundreds of millions per quarter, now if that's not bullying, it must be extortion.

I'm contemplating if I should buy what I want all before July to beat the hike. Like getting presents for people whose birthdays are coming now, rather than later. Still thinking.. I wonder if price hikes or tax hikes are like mountains. If it is, I'm glad. Because however tall the freaking mountain is, there'll be a peak. But how many of us can make it to see the peak still in one good piece? I wonder again...

Happy Birthday Long Ziling!!

2007-06-02T13:26:00.000+08:00

Happy Birthday Long Ziling!! Welcome to the Club 22.. Wishing you happiness and health in your year of double 2.. =)

Had a tiring day. Slept at like 5am last night after celebrating Ziling's birthday with some po lo bun and other delicious food at Kovan which cost quite a bit. Thanks to Ziling's craving for "yuan yang" and butter sugar toast.. "We could have gone to Ya Kun lor...", Kunlei noted. I agree. But Ms Long wanted HK Cafe. So, no choice. The ageing girl last say for the day. Heh..

Went to PC Show with Fei Meng after waking up at noon.. I wonder why Singapore flocks to any I.T. related exhibition that there is in Singapore.. The normally empty train to Expo will be full when it has IT show there, there were so many people at Suntec that I wondered if the metal bridge would succumb to our weight and collapse.. Anyway, checked out the laptop prices and also the Samsung cams that Guangfeng was selling.. There was one that was pretty bad. Even with 7.2 MPixels, the noise of the shots taken was still quite high.. Tsktsk.. Room for Samsung to improve yet..

Thereafter went to Sim Lim. I tell you, it's the first time I see Sim Lim so empty on a weekend. The only holidays for Sim Lim is, when there are IT fairs elsewhere.. So yup, had an easy time strolling and browsing through the products as I looked for a new keyboard and mouse. Heh.. Which I am typing with now.. Quite happy to be a mini tech 'geek'. Using a cordless keyboard and optical mouse now. My old cordless set of 4.5 years is failing me, with the mouse losing sense of its ball. So, yeah.. Parted with $44...

Still looking for an LCD tv, budget most important, to play my game.. Then there's the sling bag I wanna get from Queensway too. Heh.. Quite a bit to buy eh.. =p

A bully scene..

2007-05-31T23:54:00.000+08:00

This thing has somewhat disturbed me for the day.. Was out with NCC buddies at City Hall area when we witnessed a bully scene. Right outside Raffles City..

A group of youngsters surrounded a guy who seems to be in his late 20s or early 30s and hurled abuse at him.. All the hokkien profanities came out and it was really just hokkien profanities.. I seriously don't know what triggered that. But that man was super helpless and was almost ducking.. Turning his head away, leaning against the wall and hung his head low to keep away from the verbal assualt. He really looked helpless, weak and I really don't know why the man couldn't defend himself from the group of youngsters.. Maybe he did something wrong? I don't know...

What disturbs me is whether I could have helped that man. There was an urge among the 3 of us to go and interfere. But being the typical Singaporeans that we are, we just looked as we walk further away from them.. Could we have help? Was it a case of plain bullying? It's in times like that I wished I have been enlisted as a police for my NS.. I would definitely have intervened if I was a police..

Now, the question to myself is, will I be daring enough to intervene if such incidents occur again right in front of me?

Diagnosis..

2007-05-26T20:26:00.000+08:00

So, seen the specialist already. Reviewed the MRI.. And it's confirmed as a sprain, though there's actually 2 ligaments involved.. Hmm, think it's just a bad sprain ba, since it's not recovered after so long. Anyway, will continue to chiong sua.. Asked the doc not to give me any excuse.. Though he said he could give me anything I want. -.-" So, he wrote a letter to MO to say that if I suffer a reccurence, then I be excused from all physical activities. Fair enough. =) Anyway, I have to do physios and see how it goes.. see if the strengthened muscles will relieve the pain from my ligaments. If not, then he'll see what to do the next step. Now, I just have to be disciplined and do some physio at my own time. I'm pretty lazy man. but I've started doing some simple rotation before I sleep. And ah, had drill sessions this 2 days for the change of command parade. Didn't help at all.. My right ankle ached like mad after that.. Hai, what to do..

Anyway, Mel. Rather than thinking that my very inconspiguous blog is being tagged and spied on, I'd think that you've learnt well there.. Being able to diagnose like a physio. Haha.. Keep it up.. =)

Boss, national stadium on ah? Haha.. Shall set a day soon, the stadium will close end of June I think..

I've guard duty tml. Sian. Gotta book in later. I just booked out this afternoon!! What the hell.. Totally sucks..

And oh, the 'collapse' of the UNSW campus in Singapore is quite stunning.. Totally don't expect it to pull out so suddenly. Hope Uma will get her future sorted out.. And for me, I think it came at a time when my mom has been buggering me to look into a possible education there, rather than go overseas. Haha.. Well, I think this has more than pull the plug on her asking me to do so. Going to the already established campus is definitely more secure. Then again, I'm starting to wonder if I should, with my dad planning a retirement next year. Shall sit down and talk with him soon. His work-mad principal is sending everyone in his school hay-wire and planning for alternative futures.. tsktsk.. *shake head*

The fate of Support..

2007-05-20T11:40:00.000+08:00

Well, Support Coy is becoming the sai-kang company in my Battalion. A lot of shit work thrown to us. "The Ultimate Sai-Kang", as my OC calls it, came on Friday.. We had to go into Tekong to dig a shell scrape and fire trench as examples for the recruits to see, who are having their field camp now.. Hai.. And a couple more coming up in the next week.. So going back to Tekong again tml and supposedly Wednesday, but got my review with the orthopaedic specialist and OC is kind enough to let me go for my appointment instead. So yeah, results of my MRI will be out on Wednesday. Ok, some rambles about my ankle before I know the result.. The physios have been saying I probably need some exercises to strengthen the muscles around the ligament, as I haven't really torn any of them beyond redemption. Thing is, the process can be quite long, and meanwhile, I'd still have to do all the chiong-sua thing, which means no rest for the ankle. -.-" So, in that way, I'd prefer it more if my specialist told me I might need a surgery. Haha, but the rehab process can be lengthy too. So what the heck. Back to square one..

Watched "Just Follow Law" again, in camp this time with my fellow specs on Thursday.. Well, a lot of them were complaining that the show had no meaning, and very lame. Lame, probably yes, but only because of the jokes cracked? I seriously think it's a good film. Better than "san ge hao ren" which was a bit of a propaganda eh.. "Just Follow" reflected the environment that the workforce is facing today.. The soul switching of Fann Wong and Gurmit was probably "lame and out of point". But why can't people see it beyond the entertainment bit of it, with Gurmit acting sissy and Fann Wong going "na bei".. The switch helped portray how different in mentality the "top" executives and the "bottom" workers have. And that with a little bit more of understanding and unity between them, things can get done better.. no?

Anyway, went for a tour of the National Stadium yesterday with Sis, her friends and a cousin, and her friends too. Was rather gloomy, don't know why. Just a bit sian.. The tour was quite alright, caught C.Kunalan, who was there to add some weight to the tour. He is a funny chap. Cracking jokes frequently during the short 15 mins that he was with us. One thing on my itinery is to go back to National Stadium on my own, with a SLR, to take some pictures before it is torn down. Anybody who wants to go with me?!

The coming week is rather sian. There's some stupid blood donation drive in camp on a Saturday! Don't know what time it'll end. Sucks to the core. And the bloody thing is I have guard duty on Sunday!! Meaning.. I won't spend another night at home till June! Boooo.. Sucks.. That leaves me with 2 weekends before Guards Conversion starts. Must spend them wisely...

Sick..

2007-05-14T22:28:00.000+08:00

Sick. Not feeling that good. My sinus acting up again. Went to see doc at A&E at Tan Tock Seng yesterday. Queued a good 3 hours before I saw the doc. Sigh. But the irritating thing is, I needn't have waited so long! That is, if I was a paying patient.

You see, I saw Jingsong and his gf at a clinic near my place. They had food poisoning. The queue at the clinic was quite long, reckon would take an hour or more. So I suggested to go A&E. JS agreed. Cos both of us NSF, no need to pay. We forgot that his gf will have to pay, and happily went to A&E at tan tock seng.

Sitting at the bloody waiting area for 3 hrs alone is no fun. No Mp3, no newspaper no nothing. Only a few pretty girls were there, but were with bfs, so only can bio a bit. Haha. I was asked to go to a different area from JS, don't know why. But I reckon potential X-Ray cases are sent there. Cos I complained of headache. Anyway, it's damn irritating. Cos JS' gf got to see the doc after an hour or so. We registered at the same time!! And JS and I have to wait another hour or so.. JS and his gf had the same illness, so can't be anything else that differentiate the waiting time right? The only thing is, she is a patient who had to fork out a cool $70!! Totally out of the world..

I wanna operate a hospital. And to think that TTS is a "gov" hospital. The rate is really quite exhorbitant. Ain't it?

Champions!!

2007-05-07T01:31:00.000+08:00

And so, after an extremely exciting 9 months, the champions of the EPL is out! And it's none other than my dear dear Manchester United! Wohoo!!!

Glory Glory Man United!!

Bad bad day...

2007-05-06T00:29:00.000+08:00

Had a really bad 24 hrs... I was so vexed and angry that I could hardly talk..

Booked in last night after blogging for a Commander's Training session this morning in camp. The bad cycle didn't even waited till the clock struck 12 am, 5 May, to begin. Right after booking in at 2330hrs, my CSM was already up to something. Hauling down a bunch of us from our bunks and asking us to do some sai kangs.. At such an unearthly hour?! The story didn't end there.. His instructions are always half-f***.. He would say something and leave out something, that he really wants too, and expect that you get his whole bloody picture. And when it's not done, he'd come to you and have a go at you and always repeating the same words. "Do you need me to spell out A-Z to you?" "You guys are commanders, do you want me to treat you like man?" Actually to both his corny questions, I have even more corny answers. But of course these answers will only and should only be given in really unforeseen circumstances.

So, he already succeeded in making my blood boil last night. Couldn't get to sleep after the incident for a solid one hour. Listening to my mp3 didn't help. Resorted to sms-ing a few pple, even if knowing they may not reply till this morning, to vent some frustration before I blocked off all thoughts and slept..

Woke up feeling okay, ready to just get the training over and enjoy my weekend.. Training was supposed to end at 12pm. But it overran all the way till 2pm.. Sigh, I didn't have breakfast and lunch. I was famished!! (ok, breakfast missed cos I slept till too late to go cook house and eat, but lunch was not indented) CO dismissed us after the lengthy AAR.. And all of us eagerly chiong back to our company line to return rifles and even had our last parade already, before going up to pack and go off.. BUT!! The CSM always has something up his sleeves (though he normally wear a gay-ish looking sleeveless piece of singlet-rag), just like Cinderella's stepmom always got evil plans to harm her. Yah, this time he held us back, checked our bunks, made a big fuss, proudly told us he booked two of my mates for different "offences" and will be "awarding" (such a nice and ironic word to use) them one extra duty each.. He just spoilt my weekend beyond any form of redemption. We only managed to book out at 4pm in the end. My tummy was empty but it felt full. Filled with Vitamin A*nger*. Think I'll have lots of Vit A to eat in the year to come.

Piah home, cos meeting the Gang at 5.30pm. Only to find out response is cold and it was going to get cancelled. Pui!

My sis also added to my anguish by losing her 2nd phone in like 3 or 4 months. She's using up all our plans cos of her negligence. Well done. And I'm not angry cos I can't buy phone using my dad's plan. I had wanted to see if any phone model suits my dad and he should get a new one, since his is already 3 or 4 yrs old already..

All done in much less than 24 hrs. How wonderful. And I was looking forward to this day! 5th May 2007. The day when it's exactly a year to ORD. The day when I knew (or now it's more like "I thought") I could meet my Gang who had just finished their Uni exams.

The saving grace was to watch football with Fei Meng and Zhongwei at my place. And watching my Red Devils march closer to the EPL title. Scant consolation.

My 2nd MRI experience..

2007-05-04T20:06:00.000+08:00

Had an MRI done for my ankle today.. I realised that a lot of things have improved in the technology...

For a starter, I could wear my normal clothings in! Even with the metal button and zips on my shirt and jeans, it was no problem! I could even keep my socks on.. Just that I was warned not to bring my credit cards etc. in if not they'll be de-magnetised. That is, understandable.. Well, about 5 yrs ago when I got another MRI done for my knee, I had to change into the gown provided.. I don't know if the difference is that now it's for my ankle and that was for my knee.. But I reckon times have changed and so have technology..

Everything was done very fast. I think the procedure itself took only 15mins.. I think the last time it took almost half an hour.. And I remember there was this thing spinning inside the machine.. This time there wasn't. But then again, it maybe down to the different parts of the body being investigated that made the difference.. Next on, physio on Monday. And thereafter would be revelation of the results on 23 May.. Can't wait.

Found out that my Guards Conversion Course will be starting from 12 June. Lasting about a month. I really really hope to go for it.. But I'm equally worried my ankle can't take the rigours of things like fast march and all those things. And mind you, failing one of the three core factors (ie. 12km fast march, heli rapel and coastal swim) would mean failing the course.. Just hope my ankle don't fail me one last time. Then again, I'd see what my doc has to say come 23 May..

Gotta book in later. Sucks man. Don't know what nonsense Commander lesson tml morning in camp... Sigh. Spoil my weekend only. And cycling with the Gang is off. Bohoo!! Jo, come back we go cycle alright?! After my GCC, that is.. =)

Burning Labour Day..

2007-04-29T22:02:00.000+08:00

Sian. I'll be doing duty again on a public holiday. Labour Day.. Dammit. And another guard duty at the end of the month on a Sunday. Wa kao.. Super sian.. To have 2 weekend duties in a month is super low.. Well, apparently it is to punish me for forgetting to bring my beret on one fine morning. Well, I did have a beret in the end to show for, but it was without a backing. Ah crap.. So punishment it will be and I have to suck my thumb.. But it seriously hinders my plannings for weekends. Grrr... On a brighter side, 1 more week to go and it is 1 more year to ORD! Whee!!! But thinking of it, I haven't even served a year yet! Ahhh..

On a much much brighter side, my Man U is gonna clinch the title!! Wohoooo... Last night was a wonderful night spent catching the action of a Man U comeback plus a Chelsea slip up. Haha.. Really wonderful. Now it's a matter of time before we lift the trophy. Hehe.. Went to Mel's house to talk to her dad for awhile. It's really quite funny.. Mel's dad asking me over to talk about Man U's triumph. Haha.. But at least got a bit of entertainment also la.. Anyway, thanks Mel for the info on ATFL.. =)

Gonna be a slack week in camp I guess. But already kenna a few arrows already for the weeks coming after that. Sian.

Giant....

2007-04-22T22:53:00.000+08:00

Finally got to pop into Giant in Tampines yesterday. Morning not so crowded, so got parking space and also manouvering space in the store. I tell you, the afternoon crowd is crazy. The place will be jammed right from the time you try to go into the carpark. So I've never entered Giant there before. Anyway, my dad seems to like that place a lot and I think I'll be visiting there often from now onwards.

Watched Film Fest yesterday with Boss, Ryl and Aaron. We watched a 'compilation' of 10 short films that's the brainchild of Singaporeans. Really cool.. Like what Boss said "It makes me wanna shoot a short film myself.." I agree! I would relish an opportunity to do a short film again. And I've an idea. To do either a documentary or a film on... The Gang! Wahaha.. I mean, seriously.. I think it's a good idea. But how to go about it is another thing. Friendship that started since you were 10 don't normally last beyond your teenage years, do they? So a film on friendship since young might be good. Idea ah! Heh..

Now, about my ankle again. I think it's a bit bad. Saw the specialist on Wednesday and he's sending me for an MRI and some physio session before seeing him again in late May. He din say much about my condition. But in his referral letter for physio, he wrote "Likely cartilage tear in Right ankle AFTL". God knows what AFTL means. Maybe Mel can help me with it? But, yah.. Apart from this early diagnosis. I'm feeling that my ankle is deteriorating. Bah.. I don't bear to think what will this injury translate into with regards to my NS duty.. ZJ asked me, "I thought everyone will prefer to slack?" (Meaning I down-PES or what..) I was stumped. I really don't know how to answer the question as much as I don't know what the answer is myself.. Is it good to downgrade? What's so bad about it? I really don't know. I dread having to chiong-sua and all those shit, but I also dread to think I'll serve the remaining of my NS in an office doing clerical work..

Bottomline, like what she said, "But your leg is still the most important, right?" I nodded. I know it is still the most important, my health. But I also said, "It'll take me some time to come to terms with it if it were to really happen.".

And there's this thing, in me (and I think everyone else), probably named sub-consciousness? that's telling me, it might just happen to me.

Guards Convert?

2007-04-15T12:45:00.000+08:00

Supposed to be confined this weekend with chao Recruits. But it was decided that Support Company should not take recruits cos we'll conduct the next Guards Conversion Course in June.. Hmm, Friday night a bunch of Recruits still did come over to Support. They are re-coursee whom the CO decided should not be mixed with freshies. So we'll still run a platoon of BMT. Diao. But luckily I'm not directly involved. Phew.. But I think these people sure do alot of cock things for you to f*** them one. Haha... Already heard got pple come in don't want to cut his hair and all this. Wad the hell, re-coursee big F*** ah...

Anyway, after a night of splendid football when my Man U bulldozed a hapless Roma 7-1, it was back to camp to do sai kang to welcome those bloody recruits on Friday. My 3 other Engineer friends and I in-charge of tying the bloody banners again. Sian.. Tempers nearly flew, seriously. It was lucky I was not there to witness those provocative scenes, if not even God can't save my ass from being charged.

It looks a simple job tying banners to lamp post. But it's tedious. The whole bloody day we were doing it, consistent phone calls from Platoon Sgt checking on our progress, and everytime the progress was reported, it was met with sarcasm that we were doing very slow. "Why so slow? Tie banners very easy one wad, why take so long?" Sgt, if it was that easy, please help us do la, instead of MIA-ing the whole day and then cameo appearance awhile say some more shitty things to us then F.O again. Anyway, it's really damn scary, the banners have to be damn high up and we were using a freaking thin ladder that is super unstable cos we only could lean it against the sshaky lamp post.. Kudos to Jonathan for making all the banners go up.

The even more bitchy part came from my CSM. It was around lunchtime and we took turns to go for lunch. And there was a thunderstorm brewing, skies damn dark. Lightning flashed and thunder roaring every half minute or so.. I went for lunch and heard this from my friends after I went back to work.. CSM came, and asked if we could finish the job by 1345hrs. It was about 1300 then. My friend replied, "Encik, impossible ah, we still have quite a few to go." Encik reiterated his point that he wants the job done by the deadline. My other friend said, "Encik, but now CAT 1 (meaning lightning) cannot do." Encik still insisted he wants it by 1345. I do not dare to quote him for fear of mis-quoting cos I wasn't there. FUCK!!! (Notice I don't censor anymore) It's a frigging CAT 1!! You mean your bloody banners are more important than our lives?! Not to mention one life, it's a good handful of us down there.. Did you even use your brain?! or heart?? I mean it's just totally insane! It's not even a case of working in an area without shelter. We had to climb the bloody ladder! If we had done that it'd be a case of live human 避雷针.. Right?! Damn dulan. If I were there, I think I'd have gone ballistic.

My friends lan lan, had to go and do. Until our S3 drove past. He immediately asked us to stop and called CO to delay his vetting.. Phew.. Luckily, common sense prevailed. And S3 is a Major, so Encik LAN LAN! (Though he's already disappeared into thin air after putting our lives on the balance.)

Anyway, the title. Guards Conversion Course. Sian. I seriously wonder if I can go for the course, not because of other thing, but my ankle. It's a tough course. Si bei jia lat one.. Kenna whacked the daylight out of you. I'm relishing to challenge myself to see if I can earn the khaki beret. It'd be immensely satisfying if I were to do it. However, my ankle that I rely on to stand, now stands in my way of going through the course. I'm walking perfectly fine, but I just know things aren't right in my ankle yet. The fear was further re-confirmed yesterday, when I did a simple thing, getting up from a proning position to answer a call at home. My ankle felt an instant pain, the part where it hurt the most during the injury. Sigh............ We'll see what the specialist say on Wednesday, though he most probably sending me for a scan only..

*sigh*

22nd Birthday..

2007-04-10T23:57:00.000+08:00

Birthday was Sunday. Had a long, tiring but great time celebrating my 22nd. The day was pre-dominantly about eating (typical Singaporeans).

Ended Saturday late cos Utd had a late kick-off, slept at nearly 4am and woke up before 7am to go pray for Qingming festival.. I always look forward to this day, it's really great to see so many families coming together to pray.. But the choking smoke also made me think about global warming for a while. But it's tradition, what to do. And anyway, though burning of incense paper does contribute CO2 to destroy the depleting Ozone further, it is really nothing as compared to industrialisation and sorts..

After praying, went for lunch with family. Wanted to go Vliage at China Square Central but it was closed! Thing is, it doesn't looked like it was close, with all the lights and stuff. BUt the shutter was down, nobody was inside. Asked around and the shopowners around there said they were still opened the night before! Crap.. Anyway, headed down to Marina Sq for Jap food on Sis' recommendation. My sis live some mid-high life on the food front. She and her friends always go some good restaurant for food one. Haha, the power (spending) of unmarried, working young adults. Anyway, lunch was good, some exquisite Jap food.. The price also quite nice. Sis footed the bill. Hmm, somebody got a pay rise! =x

Dinner was at Bugis with the Gang! Whee.. Steamboat buffet at Liang Seah Street.. Chongqing super spicy steamboat. We ordered the 'weakest' degree of spiciness and it was already choking. Imagine "ma la" (as in numb-spiciness).. But the bad bad part of it all is everyone was late, (including myself) but somebody topped it off by being 2 hours late. No names here, Mel can make a guess. Correct answer will earn you a kaya toast treat, courtesy of the culprit. Hahaha.. Anyway, dinner with them is always good. Kaiyi brought his new girlfriend to meet us too. Towards the end of the makan session, Gab and I just whacked the prawn.. This was the best part..

Ziling: Eh, you guys still want to eat anything? Want then go and take..
Gab (standing up): Ok, I go take..
Few of us started giggling. (Are we surprised who volunteered to take more food.. keke)
Ziling: What you all want to eat.
Gab & Me (together): Prawn lor...
We burst into laughter. Then told Ziling it was a 'duh' qn. Haha. Steamboat finale is eat prawn until u drop silly one leh... Hehehe..

And so the day was spent eating myself silly and wondering when I can start running again to shed some weight. And booked in extremely tired and I just zonked out almost immediately.

Thank you Mel and Jo for making overseas call to wish me. Albeit bad timing cos their calls clashed. Haha. Next yr you two make booking ok? Lol.. Thanks to Dil for sms-ing from overseas. And the numerous well-wishers, whom I reckon half of them got reminders from Friendster. Hehe.. Thanks Budd for remembering to sms after coming back from Nippon. And yeah budd, one year has passed so damn fast. I'm looking forward to my next birthday and hoping it will go even faster this year, but just for this year. =p

Thank You pple.

Number Game

2007-04-06T00:18:00.000+08:00

The number game is a genius game. It gives people an alternative way of looking at things and perhaps, change their perception of certain things. Let's talk soccer and play Football Manager a bit. Say I'm Fergie and I'm gonna take Cristiano Ronaldo in for negotiating a new contract.

Now let's post a situation that Fergie might face. Ronaldo is underpaid. The fact that he is one of my best players tells me that I have to pay him what he deserves, increase his pay to be one of the highest, if not the highest, among all my players.. But how am I supposed to go persuade my owners that we should give him double of what he is earning now? Or worse, how do I justify to fans who might have to pay more to watch a match so that the escalating cost of running the club is balanced? Now, this is the tricky yet ingenious part. I just have to play, the number game! Here is what I should tell them:

"I think it's quite plain to see what a player we've got in Cristiano. He's a gem, totally brilliant. I can confirm that the reported rise in his salary is true. He'll take home almost double what he was earning from next season onwards. He's in great demand now in the footballing world and I just can't let other clubs lure him away, can I? Now, he'll be on £120,000 per week now, making his annual intake to about £6.2 million. Yes, this is a significant increase from his £70,000 p/w wages previously, but let's not forget Ronaldo is one of the best footballer on this planet who can turn games round and win us many competitions. For a club with a revenue of over £150 million annually, the increase in wage is only a small percentage of it and poses no problems. Imagine if we lost him, our club can't win that many games, the lost in revenue, other great players would mean our famed club could lose whatever it has in a short time!" (The players' wives or even my wife might even have to go to foreign lands to be maids instead of being taitai!) [obviously this part is un-publishable to fans]

See, that would really put things in perspective for the pay rise. Now let's say another manager who is more stingy is in charge. He thinks that Ronaldo is already well-paid, thinking of cutting his pay even. He should say this:

"Well, no doubt Cristiano is a very important player, he can turn games round, win you some games single-handedly. No doubt. But I believe he is already very well-paid. At £70,000 per week, he is already one of the best paid in the world. I might increase his pay a little cos he is really very important. But double his wages? You must be out of your mind! Do you know the structure of the wage bill? Star players, about 7 of them, take up about 60% of my total players' wage bill for 30 players! If I doubled his salary, it will become 62% of the total wage bill! I can't do that. I can pay for another 2 good players who can contribute well to the squad with the extra £70,000 that I'm gonna pay Cristiano. No question about that. Increase, maybe. Double, no way!"

So you've seen my number game. Pretty fun to play ah? Go think about your own game.. Or see if my game applies elsewhere other than money. =)