UpHiLL RuN, OfFiCe OuTiNg & StuDyiNg ScHeDuLe

...Lo aNd BeHoLd...


Uphill Run


The uphill run yesterday was real good fun. The whole route was about 3.8km long and consisted of various gradients of slopes. The best part of the run was the glorious weather. It was windy, cooling and even slightly drizzling towards the end of the run. To top it off, a light and calming mist surrounded the hill. Managed to get 7th position this year, an improvent of 1 position from 2 years ago. However, it was much harder to compete this time as there were competitors from the other services and vocations. All in all, the feeling of completing the run and pushing yourself against your own limits was very rewarding.


Office Outing

After the uphill run, I went out with my office buddies, Jill (Striker), Qi Hao (Chlorine), Malcom (Angsty Balls), Ashwin (Ashworth Braces), Larry (Bitch), Daniel (Roll the ball) and Joel (I am angry). It was an extremely fun and memorable outing. Just in case you are wondering, the nicknames of the people above were given during the bowling game. We took a cab down from work all the way down to CDANS club at Balastier Road. We bowled four games each with a interval in between the first two games and the second two games. The bowling lanes at CDANS were quite well waxed. The ambience was also very nice as there weren't many people there in the afternoon and we had almost the whole place to ourselves. To top it all off, each one of us was almost equally as crazy as the next causing the fun factor to quadruple. I achieved a max score of 140. On another note, Joel and Daniel only joined us for the second set of two games. Daniel was fashionably late whilst Joel was lost. I wonder how much he spent on cab fare yesterday.

After the bowling game, we walked down to Balastier Road where we had very good Hokkien mee and fish soup at a hawker centre. Thanks for the recommendaton, Jill. I am really looking forward to our next outing. Next up on our list of things to do is a farewell dinner (next week) and night cycling (the week after).

After the dinner, I went to meet up with Jie Ren and Bong in Cathay. We played a hour of LAN, some game that was suspiciously like Battlefield. After LANning, Jie Ren drove me home. Upon reaching home, I checked my results before going to bed. Amazingly, I am seemingly neutral to my results. I do not know, if I should be extremely happy or disappointed. I guess you become immune to such things after awhile. Whatever the case, it is crucial to continue working hard and you'll reap the results sooner of later. On that note, I decided to plan my study schedule for next sem. If I start studying the main concepts of the modules I will be taking next sem now, then I'll have time to study the modules with greater understanding and depth when school starts.


Just realised that I have a coupon to free 4 hours of KTV. Anybody want to go sing with me?



...aNgeLs BrOuGhT mE hErE...

3rd WeEk oF wOrK/ SoUp ReStAuRaNt ReViEw

...Lo aNd BeHoLd...


The third week of work has been equally amazing as the 1st two weeks. I can never get tired of reporting to work each and every day. Each morning you wake up feeling refreshed and energised. You think and ponder what new things you can do during the course of the day. Then, you work hard throughout the day and sleep, a satisfied soul at night. Amen! Amen! Amen!


Went for dinner to the Soup Restaurant with Kevin today. The food there was quite unique tasting and its freshness was undeniable. I had the best crispy lettuce ever. Crisp and juicy. I don't really remember the names of the dishes that we ordered but there was steamed chicken, fish and some tofu with a very nice and unique tasting sauce topped with shrimp. Of course, it is a Chinese restaurant and the food might serve as an acquired taste variety to some. Personally, I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars.


Tommorrow, I'm going for the Uphill run. Quite excited about it. Really miss that hill. Long and old memories. Will be going out with my office guys and a gal for bowling after the run. My office people are really a jovial bunch of hardworking people. They have truly earned my respect. Good to know we will be building upon our friendships tommorrow.... Very excited...


Now for the grand finale. Tommorrow is the much dreaded but highly anticipated results day. Results will be released at 3pm sharp. I really do not know what to expect as anything is possible where drastic moderation is concerned even though I might feel confident. Well, I guess I did my best and now its all in the hands of God....


....aNgeLs BrOuGhT mE HeRe....

IPPT SeAsOn/ KnOwLeDgE iS PoWeR

...Lo aNd BeHoLd...


The past two days have been seemingly hectic. However, I've thoroughly been enjoying myself. Time flies when you are occupied. Was just looking through my old mails today. Felt abit nostalgic and sad. Really miss the days when I got to groom my specs and junior officers. When, I was given full responsibility of tasks beyond my spectrum of duties enabling me to expand my intellectual and social horizons further. I am sincerely looking forward to the day I get to go back 'home'. 1 year down... 3 to go....


Went to the gym with Waifu and Kevin yesterday. Enjoyed the long and slow run on the threadmill thoroughly. Had a most satisfying dinner with Kevin at TCC, Bugis. Good Ambience, Good Food, Good Company and tortured body. My warped picture of Nirvana. IPPT season is coming. Reminds me of my old days in the unit when I used to train my guys. It filled me with pride each time one of the guys passed or attained a higher award during the IPPT sessions. One of the most rewarding things I've done in my entire life.


I ended work at abt 7.10pm today. Couldn't feel the time just slowly seep through my fingers. Adversely, I wasn't able to go to the gym today. Met Waifu on my way out of office and his brother gave me a lift to Serangoon North.


I also want to apologise to the people in my office and my friends at work. Sometimes, I have this tendency to slip into work mode where nothing resides in the realm of my understanding other than me and my work. This might cause me to appear grouchy, serious and unapproachable. I do not deny that. However, I personally feel it is important to be thoroughly focussed and involved in everything that you do. The mind has infinite capabilities. Learn to exploit each and everyone of them, even if self torture is necessary... Sounds morbid? But mental prowess determines the makings of a leader who will stand his ground in times of calamities.


Results will be out in 5 days time. I do not know what to expect. But I have my faith in God and will embrace the results I get, for the fact that that I am able to write this blog so fluidly today is an amazing miracle of god in itself. There are people in the world who never get the chance to learn to read and write due to various problems even though they would very much like to. Then, there are those who choose to remain ignorant even though knowledge is standing upon their very doorstep.


... aNgeLs BrOuGhT mE HeRe...

FaCeBooK NuiSaNcE & NiCe DiNnEr

...Lo aNd BeHoLd...


I am really starting to get annoyed with certain people who make comments without thinking on facebook. Such comments on a verbal basis or day to day conversations are seemingly fine. However, one really has to exercise extra discretion when putting them upon a frontier like facebook that is accessible to the masses. Damn annoyed....


The bottom line is, if you cannot say anything to make anyone happy, or you cannot give any form of constructive criticism, don't speak at all, more so post anything on facebook. Eventually, you just accumulate sins by hurting others without even knowing it. I'm beginning to think it was not a good idea to get a facebook account after all. Thanks to these 'nice' ppl...


In overall, I will disallow such things from irritating me any longer. If I hurt someone who has offended me, then I am a sinner as well. There is no difference between the both of us.


On a lighter note, went out with Kevin for supper at Ashton's Specialties at Katong. The food there was really very good and affordable. One of the best meals I had the entire week. I am really no food fanatique, but I personally feel that the chicken I ate there could beat Swensons and Cartel hands down. Of course, others might think otherwise. Kevin thanks for the intro to the place. Now to find a girl to bring there.... hahas...


Works starts again tomorrow. Looking forward to it once again. Going to gym with Kevin and Waifu. There is really no greater sense of satisfaction than to see your peers grow, develop and achieve success in your vicinity. Just, a random comment I felt like making.


Exam results will also be out at the end of this week. Feeling abit jittery. However, what has to happen will happen and it should not affect the the life that I or anybody else has before the day of the results. So just continue being wild and happy until the results determine your fate and prove the power of your faith.


...aNgeLs BrOuGhT mE HeRe...

OuTiNg wiF BonG/ My oThEr HaLf ??

...Lo aNd BeHoLd...


Spent the day today cleaning up my room, ironing my uniform and adding pictures on facebook. In the evening, I felt the sudden need to go out for a breath of fresh air. Amazingly, the first person whom I asked out was able to make it.


I met Bong at City Hall after which we went to Raffles Link. Believe it or not, it was my first time exploring the shops at the shopping centre over there. By the time we started exploring the shops after dinner at Coffee Club, half of them were already closed. Anyone wants to go with me on another day to explore? Dinner at Coffee Club wasn't very satisfying. The chicken sandwhich tasted like it contained some sort of bitter medicine. Argh....


After dinner, we went to Cosafe to chill out. The atmosphere was very nice as there weren't many people there and the songs being played were totally my type of songs. Like Josh Groban, full of soul.


Talking to Bong made me reflect upon myself and relationships with girls. Although, I know that it is important to find your other half, one who stands by you through thick and thin, I have still yet to place such emphasis in my life. My life still revolves around work, studies and music. Interested and curious to know who is that mystery other half who will understand my goals and fuel my determination in life. One who will be able to hold my love and attention through her affection for more than a forthnight.


...aNgeLs BrOuGhT mE HeRe...

DaNte OuTiNg/- InDiAnA JoNeS ReViEw/ AmEriCaN IdoL FiNaLe/ ReGs ChiLL OuT

...Lo aNd BeHoLd...

On Thursday, I went out with my Dante buddies to celebrate Ziling and Stacy's birthday. It was a very fun outing as everyone was as cheerful and bubbly just as we met a year ago. Zheng Wei, James, Stacy, Likoon, DaoJie, Ken Loong, ZiLing and Miaoxin thanks for turning up!! We had a nice dinner at Swensons' after which we decided to catch a movie at Cathay Cineleisure. Indiana Jones was the movie choice.


INDIANA JONES REVIEW

Personally, I feel that I didn't really like the setting of the movie that depicted the late 1950s. Although the storyline promised to be somewhat more complexed and informative, there were many scenes that were unrealistic which is dissimilar to the old Indiana Jones movies. I do adknowledge that the special effects were very good. I guess the downfall of the movie is the fact that its counter-parts made previously were very very good. Nontheless, I will give this movie 2.5 out of 5 stars.


REGS OUTING

Work has been fun thus far. Just received a set of whole new taskings that will allow me to learn much, much more. How cool is that! After work on friday, I went to the gym with Kevin. Gymming frequently with little sleep has allowed me to push my mental prowess to the next level. I forsee, I will not be running the uphill run anymore as I will be supporting my friends for IPPT.

Went out with Kevin for a very very late dinner at Cartel after which we decided to go to Clarke Quay and meet up with the regs there, Kumar, Jie Ren and Bong. I never knew that Clarke Quay looked so good at night. My first experience there was quite breath-taking. I do feel, however, that the entire setting was quite sleezy. Didn't really enjoy that part. Guess being a soldier makes you more of a disciplinarian through regimentation and you no longer enjoy such chaotic scenarios.


AMERICAN IDOL


After much anticipation, the next American Idol , David Cook has been crowned. Amazingly, I do not feel disappointed even though I am a David Archuleta fan. I always knew that Cook will have the upper hand when it comes to popularity due to his greater sense of confidence as well as appeal to female fans. I guess both Cook and Archuleta have their unique singing styles that brought them so far in the competition. Now that Idol Fever is descending, its time for me to hit my own high notes. Yay...!! .


... aNgeLs BrOuGhT mE HeRe....

Idol Finale- Loke's Verdict!!

...Lo aNd BeHoLd...


Its the church of David Archuleta and I'm a believer. Purity of heart reflects in every note of his song..... Vote! Vote! Vote! My inspiration.....


..aNgeLs bRoUgHt mE hErE...

Special News Bulletin : Ng Kai Yee Caleb

...Lo aNd BeHoLd...


Disclaimer: The relation of any part of this bulletin to anyone in real life is purely coincidental....


This special news bulletin is to update the public on the recent landing of the celestial being Ng Kai Yee Caleb a.k.a. Pi-pa-kao-Lips on Singapore grounds. Originally from the planet Kaya, Kaiyee is a spirited Kaya-tian warrior who was the dictator behind the massaccre of the Peanutians on the planet Skippy P.B.. His on-going conquest to plunder the lands of yonder and beyond has been disturbingly successful thus far. Now, he has landed on earth to spread his reign of chaos upon the earthlings. Under his 'dictatorship of the universe' master plan, he intends to make the earthlings run 2.4km sprints around the vicinity of his proposed castle such that a canal for the moat around his castle will be eventually carved in the ground. He also intends to force the earthlings to eat nothing else but top quality premium kaya from the planet Kaya such that the people suffer from a sugar rush. With his vast army of sugar-rushing earthlings, he then intends to carry on his conquest to other parts of the galaxy.

But little does he know that he has to deal with the Earth's very own league of extraordinary Superheroes. First, we have the leader of the team, Colonel Kui Wai (Why) Mee. He has the special power of whining his adversaries to their death beads. Non can withstand the power of his whines that engulf the very being of the adversaries leading them to mental retardation.

Then, we have Captain Yappy Doo. Yappy do has the power to move mountains with his AHhhhhhhh ray. One zap and the adverseries are grounded to smithereens. Recent studies have shown that his AhhhhHHhh ray can induce violent bowel symdrome upon enemies who can do nothing but run to the toilet to relieve themselves.

Next up, we have Captain Pek Wee Kian a.k.a Six Pack Week End... He has the ability to encapsulate entire galaxies within the cage of his six pack that is made of an unknown and indestructable alloy. The six packs then have the ability to churn the negativities of the things that they encage and turn them into harmless pieces of Chinese Chess mostly on weekends.

Next up we have Captain Joseph Chong a.k.a. Jobat. Being a distant relative of Galactus from the X-men series, Jobat adopted his uncle's skill of devouring planets. The hunch here is that he does not devour planets, but devours underwear instead. He has the ability to rip and devour the underwear off the fiercest of enemies, exposing their family jewels and thus embarassing them into hiding. Eventually Jobat, swallows the heads of his enemies whole.

What would the league of extraordinary superheroes be without Captain Ashwin, a.k.a. Captain Braces... He has the power to blind enemies with a flash of his ultra shiny braces. The braces then serve the dual purpose of entending into tentacles just like Doctor Octopus from Spiderman and crush the juice out of enemies. Some unknown sources quote that his braces are made from the same strong and stretcheable alloy as Six Pek Week End's abs.

Captain Kumar further glorifies the team with his amazing power of harnessing tuna. Whenever there is trouble, Captain Kumar generates large amounts of canned tuna and fires it all over the the enemy rendering it immobile.

Who can forget Captain Benjamin Chen a.k.a Captain Phido Bong... Phido Bong has the uncanny ability to turn super villains into young and harmless kid's dolls. He then packages the 'young kid dolls' and stores them in a secret chamber under his house. Officials are still looking into what Captain Bong does to these young dolls in his dark underground room.

One of the key highlights of this unique team is Captain Ben Tan a.k.a. Captain Break Dance. He has the power to induce confusion upon his enemies with ultra fast and complicated break dancing moves. Captain Break Dance usually works with Captain Yappy Doo who finishes up the job by pulverising the confused adversaries.

Captain tan Peng Yu a.k.a Captain Holey Tan has the amazing ability to search and clog the biggest and widest of holes. As long as there is a hole, you can be sure he'll be there to save the day. Other, than that Captain Holey Tan can also perform the rain dance with his long arms and legs causing the adversaries to be struck by lightning and be blown away by thunder.

Next up we have Captain Waifu a.k.a. Captain Wife-who... He has the amazing ability of stealting the adversary's wife from right under his nose, rendering the adversary heart broken. He then uses his laser basketball eyes to score three pointers on the adversary until he perishes.

Last but not least we have Captain Kevin Key a.k.a Captain Cave-In Key... Captain Cave in key has the unique ability to open any door by inserting his head into the door hole. On the offensive side, he is able to produce the jingling sounds of keys on frequencies that are equivalent to Yappy-Doo's AhhhhhHH rays. However, the key rays, turn the adversary into a door knob instead of pulverising him.


So there you have it, the league of extraordinary superheroes. The Kaya-tian Caleb has got a challenge coming his way if he intends to gain control of the earth. All for one and one for all...!!!



...aNgeLs BrOuGhT mE HeRe

9 Core Values/ American Idol Finals

...Lo aNd BeHoLd...


Every good officer should know the significance of the nine core values. For those who do not know, these core values serve as pillars of guidance and support to soldiers in the utmost of situations. Loyalty to country, Leadership, Discipline, Professionalism, Fighting Spirit, Ethics, Care for Soldiers, Team Excellence and Safety. To many of us these might seem like mere pieces of words and I DO Agree to that to a certain extent. These ideals are unimportant words when used on a daily routine. However, one must realise that these words manifest their true form, in the full splendor of their ultimate meaning and prowess when we need them the most. Hence, it is always crucial for a leader to reflect upon these core values when making a command decision. Am I doing the right thing? Am I thinking of the people under me? Am I going to push forward regardless of the circumstances? I personally believe, stick to the core values whenever in doubt and you will never go wrong.


AMERICAN IDOL FINALE


The moment i've been waiting for this entire year is finally here. The American Idol Finale 2008. I have never been so passionate about music my entire life. Been collating all my music scores, singing and recording more songs than ever before, practicing my saxaphone, practicing my violin, practicing my keyboard and am going to learn the guitar soon. Music has never been burning in my blood at such levels before. It has consumed my entire being and illuminated my life. On another note, I forsee that David Cook is going to win the competition as he will be able to attract a larger pool of people from the older crowd. However, David Archuleta's blusey voice is an unique force to be reckoned with. Personally, I feel that rock songs can be done with much more ease than songs that require great voice controls and ornaments. Just like songs sung by the great Mariah Carey and Luther Vandross. On the other hand, anyone can sing a rock song but few have the voice to give the angst and feeling needed to the rock song. It is, in my words, a gift to be able to do so. I guess the best man will win. Either way, both of the Davids are phenomenal. Bravo!!!


On a final note, am looking forward to work tomorrow. It just seems to get more and more exciting. If I could, i'll just camp my entire day there. Of course, I would run up and down my favourite hill once in awhile and hit the gym daily.... DANTE outing officially has 10 people now and the numbers are growing. Feel the love you'al....!!!!!


....aNgeLs BrOuGhT mE HeRe....

Made Of HoNouR ReVieW / UpHiLL RuN

...Lo aNd BeHoLd...


Aaron asked me out today to catch a movie. Initially, I was not in the mood to watch but decided to go all the same because Aaron is going to be leaving Singapore soon. The shopping malls were all packed with people as today is a public holiday (Vesak Day). Hence, after meeting at vivocity, we decided to head down to Marina where we had a late lunch at Swensons'.


MADE (MAID) OF HONOUR


The movie we watched was Made Of Hounour. For those who do not know, just like a guy has a best man in his wedding- the person who handles his best friend's wedding for him, the best friend of the girl who handles her portion of the wedding is called the Maid of Honour. I shall not divulge much on the plot of the movie here. However, I will say that the movie was very nice and touching. A must see for couples who feel that their relationship is under strain and for couples who need to reflect upon the reason they became a couple in the first place. The lesson learnt was that a number times we fail to realise and appreciate that the one true person whom we have been looking for our entire lives, has been walking beside us all along. On a side note, the comedy was freaking good. I found myself laughing hysterically a number of times. I give the movie 3.5 stars out of 5 stars.


UPHILL RUN


My personal training for the uphill run starts tomorrow. The actual uphill run is on the 30th of May. I still remember year 2006 when I first stepped into unit. As the unit sports officer, I was tasked to train up a group of people for the uphill run. Eventually, I took charge of a large pool of people from different units other than my own and we trained hard. As an officer, I felt a sense of achievement as each of the guys pushed themselves hard to train giving me the strength and spirit to push them and myself harder than ever before. Of course, I always had their welfare in mind and safety was always the main concern of the trainings. My chest swelled with pride on the actual day of the run when my group members sweeped 7 positions out of the top 10 positions. A job well done to all of them !! Now its time for me to train once again. Though I may be more injured and worn out than I was two years ago, the flame in me still burns strong. I still have the drive of a cadet, a newly commisionned officer to this day. As I have mentioned before, the power of the mind is limitless. Put your mind to something and you'll create miracles.


...aNgeLs BrOuGhT mE hErE...

fEeLinG DoWn

...Lo aNd BeHoLd...


Sometimes you just try to test the temperature of water and question your friends with questions that have obvious answers. Yet, a number of times, you get answers that you least expect from a good friend and end up hurting yourself. So why bother asking at all?


...aNgeLs BrOuGhT mE HeRe...

OuTiNg wiF DanTe BuDdiEs

...Lo aNd BeHoLd...

Tried to sing and record some songs in the morning today. In the evening, I went out with my DANTE buddies from NUS, Likhoon and DaoJie. Initially, I was thinking if there would be any form of awkwardness between us since we had not met up for an elongated period of time. However, as circumstances would have it, I had one of the most enjoyable times of my post exam outings. Dao Jie's jokes were as hilarious as ever and Likhoon just added more fuel and fun into the conversations with his 'wombat' tactics. Today, I realised how much I miss each and every one of my Dante friends. They were my stepping stone into NUS. The people who stood by me when I was down, laughed with me, sang kbox with me, clubbed with me, stood blind-folded by me for a day and made noise with me to the extent that we were termed as the noisiest OG of orientation. Thank you, Likhoon, DaoJie, ZiLing, Ken Loong, MiaoXin, Geraldine, Cassandra, Eileen, Horny Torny, Edmund, Pavel, Zeng Wei, Charlene and the rest for being my 'first gang' in Temasek Hall.


We went to a place called Sakura International Buffet for dinner. The food there was not bad but there wasn't much variety either as compared to Kublai Khan. I ate most of the cooked food while DaoJie and Likhoon mostly went for the raw varieties. I was surprised at how much salmon and oyster DaoJie's stomach could hold. I would personally give it 2.5 stars out of 5. After that we went for a game of pool where Bong and Jie Ren joined us for a short period of time and left. Amazingly, I thought that I did well for my second game of pool ever. At least I could hit the white ball without injuring the people around me... hahas


After a long evening, we decided to cab back home. Since me and Likhoon both live in Hougang, we dropped Dao Jie off at Marine Parade first. Along the way back Likhoon was not feeling well due to motion sickness, so we decided to alight at airport road and walk back home at 1am. It was a memorable walk home. Other than catching up with Likhoon and his life, we walked pass my primary school (Xinghua Primary School), my old house in Hougang Avenue 1 and a number of places where I used to hang and play soccer with my friends. The memories just started pouring in.


Ziling's 21st Birthday is on wednesday. Hence, I'm going to get the Dante gang to go out on thursday to celebrate it with her. Looking forward to the outing.



....aNgeLs BrOugHt mE hErE....

EaRn ReSpEcT tHrOugH LeaDiNg DeCisiVeLy wiTh ComPasSioN

...Lo aNd BeHoLd...

I was just looking through the the photos I collected throughout my unit life. I am glad to say that I worked with many of the most competent people both in the upper management as well as the NSFs. Although it is heart-wrenching to know that I might not be able to work with some of these people again, each meeting was a new and memorable experience gained.


LEADERSHIP THROUGH RESPECT


As a new leader, one learns vastly through experience. You may be one who is equipped with all the all information that is crucial to the organisation and yet you falter when it comes to moving the company to greater heights. So how is this possible?


Most people fail to realise that the people slogging hard under them are the basic entity and foundation of any organisation. The entity that gives the company its limbs, its drive and its direction. What good would a leader be without his men. Would Hitler have been so successful in his conquest if the soldiers under him did not believe in his views and ideas? The conclusion is that worker morale is extremely crucial.


Hence, the dilemma that a leader always faces is the ability to maintain a relationship of harmony and respect with his people vis-a-vis maintaining the drive and focus needed to keep the company advancing upon the ladder of success. I will now dwell into why this becomes a complex idea from a seemingly easy concept.


As a leader, I might be work-orientated and goal driven. Hence, I push the people under me hard so that they may achieve the results that I want. Eventually, these people may become exhausted and lose the morale and drive needed to do the necessary work. As a result, worker effectiveness declines and the overall objective of the company might eventually not be met. I believe one may be able to tell who is on the losing side.


On the other hand, I might be the best leader in the world, allowing the people under me to do do as they please. There would come a point in time when the workers would eventually take their leader's kindeness as his weakness and falter where their responsibility is needed the most. This would once again impact the organisation.


Hence, in my opinion, it is extremely crucial for the leader to earn his people's respect. Respect is the key to a leader's success. If I respect you, I will willingly work for you. The fact that a leader is respected signifies that he has done alot for both the organisation and the people working for him. He is able to consistently motivate the people under him, enabling them to understand the purpose for which they are working consequently leading the organisation to greater heights. At the same time he is focussed and objective. He has his goal in mind and effectively balances all facets of the organisation.


However, earning respect is easier said than done. The trust of people has to be earned. People have to look up to you. For you to lead and command people, you must have also gone through the ordeals, the trials and tribulations that they have experienced at some point in time. If I want to push the guys under me to attain higher physical fitness standards, then it must be crucial for me to have attained similar standards before. If that was not the case, my pieces of advice would become mere phrases of words woven togather.


Hence, when I do not get angry when people fail to address me as Sir at the workplace or when someone fails to pay the proper respects or compliments needed. It is upon me to earn that respect and privellege. People should respect you for that which you do, for that which you earn. When this happens, the insignia woven upon the shoulders of the leader no longer stand as mere pieces of cloth but carry meaning, carry power and most importantly carry the trust and respect of your men. The rank must reflect the fact that as a bridge within the organisation you will never let either the organisation or its workers falter and lose faith in the darkest of hours and will be able to effectively demonstrate your competence and abilities when they are needed the most.



...aNgeLs BrOuGhT mE HeRe...

NSFs...HeRe CoMeS tHe WeeKenD

...Lo aNd BeHoLd...


I am quite sad that theres no work tomorrow. I have gotten so enchanted by the nice people of my workplace and my jobscope that I do not feel like leaving the office at all. It has been nice interacting with the newer generation of NSFs and finding out more about their impression of the force. I was very pleased to know that most of them are glad to be where they are and are not consequently living their whole life as a drag. Frankly, I have seldom come across such dedicated NSFs in the office since my days in the unit. QiHao, Larry, Ivan, Daniel and Malcom, keep up the extremely good work and you are bound to go far in life. Bravo!!


On another note I went to the gym with Mr Khee once again today. Can see his biceps are growing bigger, giving me the signal that I have to work harder...hahas.... But I was really motivated to see the fact that he was pushing himself despite his injury. Just goes to show that there is a reason behind why some officers are officers and they manifest their strength of will and swift intellect when you least expect it. One does not know the power of the mind until he threads on the very threshold where the physical being of the individual falters. This was my motto during training and even to this day. Anything can be accomplished when you devote your physical and mental being to it, not forgetting the element of heart (liking what you are doing). After gymming we went to the Jack's Place at Bukit Panjang Plaza (Melissa's Favourite Place) for dinner. Dinner was not bad and the atmosphere at the place was terrific. I just felt like falling asleep on the soft and comfy couch.

I'm looking forward to my DANTE dinner tomorrow. Hope more people turn up if not me and Likhoon will be having a candlelight dinner by ourselves. Oh de wells....



...aNgeLs BrOuGhT mE HeRe...

WorKinG Life

...Lo aNd BeHoLd...


I was not able to blog yesterday. Have not been sleeping much lately with much to do within such little time. Work thus far has been extremely good. I have a very nice FEMALE boss who is very bubbly and chatty. No misconceptions here, she's the age of my mother. The rest of the people within the office space such as the clerks are very friendly and sociable as well. Gym routine still on going with brother Key. Dunnoe if I'm getting any bigger though... hahas


Went for dinner with my BMT buddies Ian, Boon Ping and Michael. Initially we wanted to head to Billy Bombers at Heeren but found out that it was closed for works. Then, we decided to head to NYDC that was eventually rejected by Ian. He had a very interesting story behind why he did not want to eat at NYDC. I shall not divulge it here. Ask me if you wanna know what lies beneath.... wahahas... Eventually we decided to eat at Swensons. Swensons recently revamped their menu which now includes indigenous Asian Cuisines such as Chicken Rice that costs $14...!!! We sat around for an extended period of time chatting happily about defining BMT moments and weird and funny characters in the platoon. Here I daresay, I had my most memorable moments in BMT when I reflect my entire stint in the force thus far. The one place where innocence, good will and comaraderie dominated the realm of training. Where no one had any form of hidden agenda. But I guess you must be the change that you want to see in the world- be fun yourself and the world is your happy playground.


Work today was equally fun with Ashwin hovering around me in the office.... hahas.... I went out for lunch with my previous vacational attachment friends, Gloria, Melissa and Cpt Tan today. It was extremely fun. So fun that one could never tell that the age gap between them and me was 5 plus years. We went to eat at a restaurent called RELISH at serene centre. They had amazingly huge burgers and the portion of food really justified the expensive cost. I didn't eat much though as most of the menu contained beef. Oh de wells... I drank half a big glass of chocolate milkshake only to find out later that it contained alcohol. Totally wanted to puke it out after that. But the outing was nice all the same.


American idol today rocked as usual. I love all the three finalists but I forsee David cook as the one who is going to reign supreme eventually. Can't wait for the finale.... Brace Yourselves..WooHooo....


Just came to the conclusion that me and someone have amazing telepathic abilities. We are able to guess what the other is thinking and voice it out. We were surprised that it occurred so many times... Coincidence or Science...? RIPLEY'S Believe it or not..??!!! Wahahas


Guess tonight will be equally late for me. Gonna get started on doing some office work and gotta wake up at 430am tomorrow because I need to get into the office as early as possible to hog a computer and finish up my work.



...aNgeLs BrOuGhT mE hErE...

1sT DaY aT wOrK / FriEnDsHiP

...Lo aNd BeHoLd...


I slept at 330am the night before attempting to iron my uniform and pack my bag for work. As fate would have it, I woke up at 650am only to realise that I was going to be freaking late for work. In a frenzy, I managed to get ready and leave my house at 720am. Amazingly, I found a cab within 5 minutes of leaving home. For once, I want to thank god for the ERP stations that enable the CTE to be clearer than it usually is at that particular time. I paid a hefty $30 for that taxi ride and reached camp at 755am.


The rest of the day at work was not very eventful as I did not have my computer card making it difficult to do anything. Hence I spent the day reading up the defence journals and write-ups by various people.


On a exciting note, I walked up and down a long and steep hill two times today, once with Ashwin and once with Kevin. It reminded me of the good old days in Dec '07 when I used to walk up the hill every single day to work. It also reminded me of the time both me and Pek walked up the same hill for our scholarship interview. It was the same hill upon which the final uphill run for our camp was organised and I got 8th position in the competition. (nice trophy). Hence, that slope really bears a special significance to me.


After work, I went with Kevin to the gym. It felt good to work out and tire my physical self out after the long and hectic exertion of mental energy during the exams. It felt motivational to be working out with someone as you get encouraged by the other just as you encourage the other. Thanks Kevin!!!


I had my virgin experience with a tea-egg today that was bought by Kevin. It tasted quite nice other than the fact that we had to peel it at the bus stop where many pairs of eyes were possibly watching us....


In overall, the day was blessed despite the slight hiccup in the morning.


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FRIENDSHIP AND COMARADERIE


The light conversation that I was having with Kevin on my way back home from work caused me to reflect upon a number of things and brought back a thousand memories from hall.... All the way from DANTE to OAC to Block Comm and my beloved C-block people. I shall write more about my Temasek hall life in another post some other time. But for now, I just want to share a lesson I learnt all the way from Army through Temasek Hall.


One can have many aquaintances but a friend is really someone special. Someone whom you laugh with. Someone whom you cry with. Someone whom you poke fun at. Someone who comes back to you to talk despite your inappropriate or hurtful behaviour. Someone who never hesitates to be by your side when you need him or her the most. Throughout my entire life, I met many people like that, who stirred the very essence of my heart. They walked with me through thick and thin. Some have paved such a way in my heart that I could never acknowledge them to be anything lesser than my brother or sister and would do all in my power to aid them if the need ever arose. I salute you all for being my friends and though I may not show it superficially and never seem to meet up or talk to you, I really deeply treasure each and everyone of you.


On a lighter note, I miss all my TH wives....!! Hahas... Huishan, Qian Wen, Bernice, Shuyi... etc. Although I bet they all want to disown me now.


I miss the click of the charmend ones, Desmond, Aaron, Steph and Halim. Really miss Steph, my long lost lover. Steph wonder if you still remember how our 'special picture' was projected to the entire lecture hall and both of us wanted to dig a hole and hide our faces in it....hahas

Thanks Alan, for being my best friend and more especially during the A-levels. We should meet up soon and record our radio show part 2 for all times sake... hahas


Philene, my dearest lefty... Still remember those runs we went for to relief stress on the track? Maybe we should get all the lefty's of the world like you, me, Ester and Shimon to overthrow the world of right-handers.... Wahahaha (evil laughter)


Dear Matilda, someone whom I could always talk to when I needed a female point of view and my study buddy...!!!


Mellissa.... My first friend in the council, I really miss you too and your powerful soul squeezing hugs. Haven't gotten one like that ever since I left CJ.... Hint... Hint... Hahas


Jieren for being more than a brother to me although you freaking got on my nerves where racist remarks were concerned... But i forgive you.... Hahas


Kevin, for being a role model, the perfect elder brother whom I can look up to and feel motivated through each conversation.


Caleb, for being there for me and never rejecting my requests to go out. So when is our next clubbing session? ....hahas


Ashwin is one of the most amazing regular friends I have. He is the one regular whom I have had the most quarrels and arguements with to the extent of vulgaraties and yet we remain close to this very day. It just shows you the extent of the friendship.


Pek was one of the closest friends I had during coursetime. When I went crazy and obsessed in my goals and thought that the world had turned its back upon me, he was the one person I could share my sorrows with without fear of being rebutted. Thanks bro!!!


If I were to carry on, this list would become infinitely long. Apologies for missing people out, but you know who you are. The bond of friendship is eternal. Hence, dear friends, I love you all and wish you all the best....!!!!


...aNgeLs BrOuGhT mE hErE...

WiLd GooSe ChAse/ MoThErs' DaY

...Lo aNd BeHoLd...


I have never spent so much time in my life looking for a proper bag to bring to work. I practically travelled all over Singapore togather with Kevin and Qian Wen in search of it. Just today alone, I went to scout Plaza Singapura early in the morning after which I went for my musics lessons.


After music lessons, I met up with Qian Wen at Bugis Junction. After nothing appealed to me over there, we travelled all the way to Tampines Mall. Once again nothing appealed to my eye. In utter desparation we then took a cab down to AMK hub where after much contemplation I decided to get a bag that is quite 'Lam Nuah' in the words of Caleb.


Phew!! What a relief it was when I finally got the bag. I really needed to get a bag that looked more 'adult' and presentable. My bright yellow NIKE bag would have just made me look like what I would term as an unpresentable eye-sore.


I found out something new about Qian Wen today. Just like Kevin, she also has super powers. She is able to dissapparate (appear or disappear) from the side of a person within the blink of an eye. There were a number of times when I thought she was beside me and I continued chatting enthusiastically only to eventually realise that she was not beside me anymore and I was pouring my heart out to some aunty. Terrific?! Well at least i'll get hitched to some aunty now... wahahs


After the bag hunt, I went to meet up with Christopher in Kovan to recce the music schools for guitar classes. My third musical instrument just to serenade the ladies. How cool is that.... :)


MOTHERS' DAY


I bought my mom a cake and a box of chocolates just like every other year. She looked pleased when me and both my sisters actually came up with some stand up comedy retarded act for her. On another note I think she is still secretly dissappointed in me with the fact that I officially declared I'm going to marry either a Chinese or a Caucasian girl. No other options.... Hahas... Oh de wells.....

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Now I am really looking forward to the outing with my long lost BMT buddies on Tuesday. I'm very happy to have met Ian in the Science Faculty, enabling our interaction and hence the birth of this gathering. PEGASUS PLATOON 2 WARRIORS UNITE.....!!!! wahahs


First day of work in 7 hours from now. Damn freaking excited. Just waiting for this long long night to be over. Gloria, Cpt Tan, Melissa, Ma'am Chin, Linda, Shaun and Alvyn here I come...!!!!! WoooHooo!!!!


...aNgeLs BrOuGhT mE hErE...

PosT eXaMs- DaY 2

...Lo aNd BeHoLd...

It was another wild joyride today. After reaching home last night at 2am, I created this blog and facebook account right through to 7 am. Talk about time flying by. With minimal sleep, I then met up with my long lost buddy Aaron to catch Ironman.


IRONMAN REVIEW


Let me say this: IRONMAN was superb!! 4 stars out of 5. I am a person who gets bored to death watching movies that involve complex plots and arguements and overly dramaic sci-fi effects. However, Ironman was totally different. It managed to maintain its mature message and complexity that adults can relate to alongside an inherent element that usually gives both kids and adults a sence of child-like wonderment or amazement. To top it all off, the sense of humour was put at all the appropriate places in well quantised amounts. A must watch for all marvel action comic fanatiqs.

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On another note, it was really very nice to see Aaron again. We used to be very good buddies during the good old LOBO days of my army life. Aaron, Seah, Andrew and Loke, the quartet...hahas.... they are gonna kill me for writing this. Then when coursetime came, all of us had to go our seperate ways coincidentally also when I sunk into what I call the 'dark period' of my life. But that will be a discussion point some other time. So I lost contact with all of them eventually.
However, Aaron has given meaning to the phrase 'Once a friend always a friend' by asking me out persistently for over a month till I finally had to give in. On another note, can't wait to catch American Idol finals with another idol fanatiq like him....Yayzz!!


After my meeting with Aaron, I went to meet up with Qian Wen and Kevin. We intended to shop for a nice semi-formal or formal bag for work which is going to start on Monday. However, we had only 2 hrs and the world to explore. Hence, engines had to be revved up and we practically jogged from one stall to another. But nothing caught our attention.


Kudos to Qian Wen who kept up with our disgusting shopping pace despite her ankle injury. Its people like you whom make me feel proud to be a soldier to protect the people and the country that I love.


Eventually Qian Wen went back to hall first and Kevin I continued to search for our 'perfect bag.' When it was time to go home, I found out about Kevin's secret. He has the innate ability to repel taxi uncles from miles away. As the taxi uncles bypassed us, they changed their taxi signs from Free to Hired at the mere sight of him waving at them to stop. After much effort, one taxi uncle finally showed him some mercy.


On a closing note, it was a super duper day once again. It really pays to hang out with people like Kevin and Qian Wen who can do nothing but boost your morale and lift your spirits even higher than you perceive youself.


... anGeLs BrOuGhT mE hErE ...

1sT PosT-ExaM OuTinG/ UpDatEs

...Lo aNd BeHoLd...


I just had a super time with three of my good buds, Qian Wen, Kevin and Caleb. Met up with them after my final exam paper. We went to NYDC for dinner and then went to Marina for a game of bowling. To end the day or rather night off, we walked to some Macdonald's near the esplanade that had a funny medieval church outlook to it. It got so late that Caleb and I had to take a cab back home....


UPDATES


I finally bought my 3 issues of men's health. The Singapore and American version. After working my brain for 1 semester it is time for me to totally buff up. Going to hit the gym and threadmill everyday as long as time permits. I will not and never take my IPPT gold for granted. As they say,'Easy come, Easy go.' Although clogging my gold for this workyear has given me the peace of mind, I think physical fitness does not merely stem from a physical fitness test. It is the ultimate combination of mind and body. If I do not have the mental strength to push my body beyond its limitations even though I might be of gold standard, then I have failed.


Work starts on the 12th of May. Shall not say much here, but i'm really looking forward to going back and doing what I love to do and once again serve my country. Hopefully, they will utilise me to the best of my abilities.


I can finally touch my dear dear saxaphone. Missed playing it so much due to exams. Going to learn the guitar and improve my keyboard skills. Then I'm all ready to compose, write and sing my first proper song. Who knows it might be the first step in me fulfilling my life-long dream of singing on a stage one day....


Finally, American idol.... I can't wait till the finale..... Yays!!! Music has totally engulfed my entire being and I can see nothing better. I'm hoping that David Archulata wins because I really love the blusey tone to his voice and the vocal ornaments he utilizes are really a force to be reckoned wih. However, I do agree that David Cook is not a force to be trifled wih and he possibly might have a bag of tricks up his sleeve to uproot Archuleta. Oh wells, as the saying goes,' May the best man win..'

Time for me to catch a nap now. Going to meet Aaron Chan for Ironman later. My friends told me its quite good.


...AnGeLs BrOuGhT mE hErE....

SuPeR DuPeR ThAnK YoU

...Lo aNd BeHoLd...

I have just had my last exam paper, political enquiry, PS2102, which totally rocked my socks. A very fun and interesting paper..... However, dats not my discussion point, yet....

I just wanna give a few groups a super duper bombastic THANK YOU for being there for me during this hectic exam period.

First and foremost, my newly found physics buddies, Gwen, Aini, Wendy, Patrick a.k.a Peng, Jelvin, Alex, Jun Kok, Luiji, Azhar and my brother since the good old CJC days, Halim. I really want to tell how much I appreciate you guys always being there by my side and never failing to brighten up my day. Each lecture gathering is a memory I treasure. btw, Gwen dun worry, Aaron will find a way to you sooner or later....wahahas

To Peng and Gwen, thanks for messaging me just to wish me good luck. Although it might not seem like it, those simple msgs did make me feel like there are people who believe in me, conclusively spurring me to work harder to achieve my goals. Especially Peng, for having those long intellectual conversations with me. Maturity in thought is a gift, one that you should never hesitate to share with others.

Next, to my hall buddies Bernice, Qian Wen and Hui Shan. Although I have barely been in hall this semester, I felt extremely touched when each of you either messaged me to wish me good luck for the exams or nudged me on msn to see how I am. Space and time are a test of one human beings relation to another human being and you girls have definitely proven that space and time do not pose as substantial barriers in our friendship.

Last but not least, I would like to thank my Airforce Brudders. After going through thick and thin togather in the armed forces it is good to know that we still stand close and united as an entity within Temasek Hall. Caleb, JieRen, Ashwin and Kevin a.k.a J.J., thanks for being there for me even when I started to behave like the most difficult person in the world.

Thank you Bong for never ever rejecting me each time I asked you out to relieve some stress.... Hahas... And also for accompanying me on msn during some of those super boring lectures....Hahas... U rock...!!

Thank you Pek... Although you may not know it, those 3 hour long conversations that I had with you totally boosted by morale and spurred me to push myself harder than ever before. It is good to know that distance does not pose a barrier to our friendship.

Thank you Waifu.... You have always been someone whom I always could and can pour my heart out to without any form of hesitation. Those short conversations we had during the exams really brightened my day each time and I felt re-energised to study harder. Coincidentally you are also the guy who tarnished my good name a few times..... REVENGE!!!! WAHAHAHA!!!!... hahas...just kidding, I know its all in the spirit of fun... at least I hope it is.....

A final thank you to anyone whom I have missed, one who has wished me well for the exam.

So there it is. My first thank you note on this blog. Exams are over. Given that I totally worked my brain and body to pulp this semester by taking IPPT 5 times and studying like there was no tomoro, I hereby declare party season open..... Yays...!!!!


.... AnGeLs BrOugHt mE HeRe....

ThE aBsoLuTe BeGiNniNg...!!

...Lo aNd BeHoLd...

A wise man once mentioned, 'He who does not try, does not know. For he does not know, he does not grow.'


After a long period of contemplation and reflection I finally decided to go ahead with the prospect of opening this blog. Initially I thought it would be a distraction, a waste of time just as my mindset was towards msn when the rest of the world revolved around it. However, I soon realised that msn was an integral part of university life that enabled people from all walks of lives to be linked and connected even if they were or are miles apart. Likewise this blog will serve as a my sanctum of my ideas and memories that I hope to capture and reflect upon in the years to come.....


Without further ado, I hearby declare this blog open....!!!!