Tuesday, July 22, 2008

PeRsOnaLiTy TesT

...Lo aNd BeHoLd...


I am quite impressed by this personality test. For those who have known me, especially my NS buddies you'll be able to tell the accuracy of it.


I am a Dynamic Thinker (DT)


(Just visiting? Take the free personality test and determine your iPersonic type!)


Dynamic Thinkers are confident and independent persons. They radiate enthusiasm and energy. Dynamic Thinkers pursue their objectives actively and energetically. They love nothing better than new challenges. This type is the born leader, competent, energetic and responsible. They have a sharp eye for errors and can criticise without mercy if they see the success of a project endangered. They are completely unconcerned as to whether they alienate anyone in the process. But they are always open to objective arguments; they love discussions, they are very gifted rhetorically and they are good at convincing and enthusing others.As they are very sociable, Dynamic Thinkers like to have a lot of friends around them, preferably those with whom they can share their interests and discuss all sorts of subjects. They are very direct but never in an underhand or scheming manner. If you can bear being spoken to frankly, you have in them a loyal and unwavering advisor as friend. Everything new and unknown stimulates Dynamic Thinkers and awakens their curiosity. However, rules, routine and traditional things arouse their resistance. If something does not go the way they want it to, they can react rather pigheadedly and obstinately.Dynamic Thinkers expect a great deal of themselves and of others. Whoever does not fit in with their scheme of things does not have it easy. They sometimes appear to be rather severe due to their frankness. Partners and family also find it difficult to satisfy Dynamic Thinkers. They know exactly what they want and compromising is inconceivable to them. Whoever has an Dynamic Thinker as partner should have a strong personality and have a great deal of independence and sufficient self-confidence in order to give this dominating type some opposition. Normally, for Dynamic Thinkers, a partnership only takes second place after their profession. But they like to have someone at their side who is a match for them intellectually, with whom they can pursue mutual objectives and have interesting discussions all night long; preferably factual discussions - sentimentalism and romance are not their thing.




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...aNgeLs BrOuGhT mE HeRe...

sHoPpiNg sPrEe 1/ ShOppiNg sPrEe 2

...Lo aNd BeHoLd...


I went to shop with Ashwin and Kumar on Sunday after my music lesson at Plaza Singapura. After buying some tops and a pair of berms we made our way to OG where I bought xxx.... :) After that Ashwin and Kumar departed because they had to go and watch The Dark Knight. Continuing my shopping spree, I went to Citylink Mall and Suntec City where I bought a pair of pedro loafers.


Yesterday, I started my day by going to the gym at Hougang Sports Complex. After gymming, I met up with Kevin for more shopping. We went to Far East Plaza where I bought a handphone pouch, another pair of berms and ear studs. We had lunch at Long John Silvers where I tried the mango wrap. I'll rate it 2 stars out of 5 stars because I think the mango flavour did not really complement the fish well and the overall taste of the wrap was sweet which made it taste 'weird'. Acquired taste perhaps...??


After that Kevin brought me to try out the Turkish ice-cream in Far East Plaza. When we were standing at the ice-cream counter, Kevin started randomly chanting in a very audible tone, "the longer the better". People in the vicinity started looking at us. I was wondering what the hell he was trying to do. Then, I went to the area of the restaurant where they served the ice-cream. A small little Turkish man stepped up the counter and started stirring the ice-cream. He scooped a generous amount onto a long metal ladel and affixed the cone upon the ice-cream. He then extended the ladel towards me. The idea was for me to pull the ice-cream off the ladel together with the cone. I was utterly stunned by what happened next. Each time I attempted to grab the ice-cream, the Turkish man pulled a trick on me by lowering the ladel, over-turning it or pulling it back, disabling my attempts to get the ice-cream. Everyone started staring at me. Now, I knew what Kevin meant, 'The longer the better.' He was hinting the Turkish uncle to pull my leg as long as possible. Eventually, I did get my hands on the ice-cream. I'll rate it 3 stars out of 5 stars as the ice-cream was smooth but the cone was lousy. However, it was really a very fun and memorable experience. Thanks bro!!!
Ps: Definitely a good place to bring your girlfriend to if she cannot take jokes and you want to break-up with her soon.


After the ice-cream, we loitered randomly around town, window shopping. After much comtemplation and no better ideas, knowing that we were going to eat in agony, we went to Seoul Garden for dinner. I do not really like the idea of cooking my own food when in hunger. Furthermore, the plates in the restaurant were quite dirty and there was nothing that really tasted like it was worth the money. I'll rate it 1 star out of 5 stars. Another buffet black-listed. I guess I'm just not a buffet person.


Since we were so full after dinner, we decided to walk to Little India from Takashimaya. Along the way, we stumbled upon a LAN shop. We decided to go for it. Played DOTA for 3.5 hours. My eyes were burning by the time we finished playing. After LANning, we continued to walk to Little India where we got on board a cab to bring a long long day to an end. I reached home at 2am.


2 more days to Japan.....


...aNgeLs BrOuGhT mE HeRe...

Saturday, July 19, 2008

HoSpiTaL tRip/ JiLL's B'Dae/ DiNnEr & ChiLL ouT SeSsioN/ DaRk KniGhT ReVieW

...Lo aNd BeHoLd...


As the lengthy title suggests, yesterday was a long yet fun and memorable day for me. In the morning I went with my aunty to SGH to get her stitches removed. The stitches at the back of her head looked like a series of thick stapler bullets had been embedded into her skin in a continuos 'railway track'. I'm glad that the stitch removal went well. Now all that is left is for the doctor to remove the entire length of cotton wool dabbed in antibiotics through her ear from the region where the operation was conducted.


After the hospital, I went to Raffles Place to buy Jill's birthday cake. Since she was at Shenton way for some office related work, some of us had decided to buy her a cake, bring it there and surprise her. Everything went very well and Jill was thoroughly surprised and touched. It was even more touching when Larry, Neville and I broke into a birthday song just for her as we all walked down the stairs of the building togather. Happy Birthday Jill!!


After parting with Jill and clan, I travelled to Takashimaya for dinner with buddies from my previous attachment. It was nice to see all of them once again. Although each of them are at least 5 years older then me, I have never felt the age gap. If fact, sometimes I think I'm the 'uncle' amidst them. Goes to show that age is really a number and its how you feel that counts. We had dinner at Breeks. I had the grilled Chicken there. It was not bad, neither was it amazingly nice. The portions of food were also quite small and unfilling. I'll give it 3 stars out of 5 stars. After the dinner, I went with Gloria and Wei Ren to one of the pubs in a hotel nearby. The ambience there was really amazing and the live band made it all the more magical. However, the service in terms of waiters tending to the visitors was not very good. However, I enjoyed myelf thoroughly. It is always the company that counts.


The last event of the day was the grand finale. I met up with the office gang once again to watch The Dark Knight at Marina. Since I was about to be late, I had to jog all the way from the Esplanade to Marina Square. The movie generally met expectations. I have never been a fan of Batman, so the fact that I did not fall asleep meant that the movie did have a degree of calibre and sophistication. The Joker acted brilliantly and the storyline really carried lessons that people should reflect upon and learn from. The movie did get draggy at certain points. However, the surges of action and energy at other points managed to neutralise the effect. I'll personally give it 3.5 stars out of 5 stars. After the movie, I took the night rider home. It dropped me at Hougang Mall from where I had to jog home.


Going to do some planning for the modules I intend to take in University next semester. So far I have, PC1142, PC2130, PC2131, PC2132, PC2193 and SSA2204.


6 more days to Japan....!!!!!! :)


...aNgeLs BroUghT mE HeRe...

Thursday, July 17, 2008

ReAsOn 4 CeLeBraTioN/ PhYsiCs DiNnEr

...Lo aNd BeHoLd...


After thorough hardwork, dedication, support and well wishes from everyone around me, I managed to achieve my goal. I am very thankful to God for bringing me to this stage today. I promise the force that they will not regret their decision and I will devote every ounce of my energy in service of the country.


Will be flying over to Japan next week together with Kevin. Really looking forward to the trip. A short break and then its time to mug to the max.


I went out for dinner today with my Physics buddies Aini, Alex, Gwen and Azhar. We ate at NYDC near Heeren. I had the Red Hot Chilli Peppers Pasta. I must say that it was really very nice. The melted chese tasted heavenly amidst the soft pasta topped with generous amounts of chicken chunks, mushrooms and peppers. I'll give it 4 stars out of 5 stars. After dinner we went to Coffee Bean at Takashimaya to chill out. Gwen and Azhar were as hilarious as ever with their 'relationship' all the way from China.... I now realise how much I subconsciously missed them and their zany tactics. You guys rock...!!!


...aNgeLs BroUghT mE HeRe...

Saturday, July 12, 2008

FaReWeLL fRoM oFfiCe

...Lo aNd BeHoLd...


Yesterday marked the second most touching day in my life this year other than my birthday, My last day in the office.


My heart and mood were on a low as I walked up the hill to my office for probably the last time this vacational attachment. As I entered the office, every single person greeted me, "Good morning, Sir" with total enthusiasm, all knowing that it was going to be my last day in office. Then, Miss Amanda came in and shook my hand to congratulate me on completing the attachment. She gave me a shoe bag. What happened next totally hit me by storm. Jill bought me two boxes of Royce chocolate. For those who know me, chocolates are the one thing that I cannot resist. The Royce chocolates were heavenly. I shared one box of them with the office and brought the other box home.


In the afternoon, the whole bunch of us went to Jack's Place at Bukit Panjang Plaza for my farewell lunch. The food at Jack's place was not bad as usual. I had the grilled chicken that I would rate 3.5 stars out of 5 stars. Of course, Jack's place is a steak eatery so I guess I cannot rate the overall restaurant since I cannot eat the beef. During the lunch, the NSFs surprised me with a new set of Nike headphones and a farewell card written by every single person in the office. I was thoroughly touched. Thank you everyone.


However, there was more to come. After work, my bosses brought me down to the mess. Although they made me down almost 2 mugs of beer (I don't drink), I had the most enjoyable time ever. I talked to them, got to know my bosses and commanders on a better level. I even got to see the Minister in real life for the very first time. Amazing....


After, reaching home, I got changed and went out to meet some of my office people for supper at Punggol Nasi Lemak. The nasi lemak there was savoury as usual. The rice was fragrant and the batter used for the fried chicken enable the chicken skin to be light and crunchy. I'll give it 4 stars out of 5 stars. After sitting around and chatting, I finally retired home, at bliss with the day's events. I was very touched indeed.


Here are some of the messages my office people wrote for me:

  • Dearest Sir, thanks for being such a great officer and friend to all of us. We'll miss ya, keep in touch
  • Sir, it really saddens me to see you leave. You've been really a good officer and you really got every inch of my respect. This period was really inspiring to me and I've also learnt alot from you. Not only were you a great officer, you were a great friend to all of us, esp me. Thanks for encouraging me always and helping me to overcome my fear of 'the bar'. Life in office will definitely be different without your presence. Will really miss ya and do not forget us. Hope you enjoyed your stay with us and all the best.
  • Loke, you're indeed an interesting character to be with. I like your sense of humour and especially your great smile! Thanks for bringing so much fun and joy to our branch. I am impressed with your passion and dedication towards your assignments. Keep up the good work and maintain the good work attitude. With this, I'm sure you'll scale the peak of excellence in whatever you do, be at at a professional or personal level.
  • LTA Loke, though your stay with us has been short, I find that you are a very responsible and humble officer. It was great to have you as our project officer.I can see that despite being very busy,you always spare time for exercise. This is something I should learn... haha... take care and see you around
  • Yoyo Handsome Mr Eggs, really appreciate your enthusiasm in organizing those bonding activities- life became so much more fun! Will miss your company. but hey, goodbye is not forever. Do well in school and realise your dreams:) Keep on runnin'...
  • Hey man, although its been a really short time, its easy to tell that you're one driven individual and a responsible one at that. Remember to stay in tune with yourself as you climb the rank ladder. Other than that, you are one that definitely leads by example. Keep in touch.
  • Sir, its really nice to know you. You and Ashwin really made the office much more happening. Hundreds and thousands of thanks for your help in the book and thank you for being my confide. See you in dec or in NUS.
  • Heya Mr Loke, it has certainly been a great time having you around. It really doesn't feel like you've been around for 10 weeks. Suddenly, much life was injected into the branch with so many activities lined up. Night cycling will really be something I'll remember as my best experience in NS.
  • Loke, we are going to miss you alot, especially me. But I can look at your photo everytime...hahaha
  • Sir, it was nice knowing you. Thanks for all the fun and joy you've brought to the office. Have a great time at school!
  • Hi Sir, I think I'm going to write have a nice day again... lol
  • Yo Loke, your presence has brought much joy and laughter despite the short time. Thank you and all the best!! Ps, "I'll be monitoring you"
  • You guys have been a great help. Keep up the positive attitude!
  • Dear bro, haha, hw coincidental for us to be in the same branch togather! But it was fun and I grew to know you better and get closer to you! What a bonus in that! I know we will be friends forever. SSSS Twins rule!!!
  • Hi Loke, it was good to get to know you. All the best to your studies and may you have a fruitful stay with the force.

I really thank each and everyone of you in making my stay such a memorable one. With all these well wishes, I feel invigorated to try my best for the scholarship interview next week.


...aNgeLs BrOugHt mE HeRe...

Thursday, July 10, 2008

FrAgiLiTy Of LiFe & DiNnEr wiF ReGs

...Lo aNd BeHoLd...


My aunty was hospitalized last week for reasons that I shall not elaborate here. Surgery was performed near her brain area at the back of her neck. When I first saw her frail and pale as the nurses trolleyed her out of the operation theatre it suddenly dawned upon me how fragile the human life really is. Hence, it is crucial to treasure everyone around you for you do not know when one may leave you.


Wednesday proved to be a hectic yet meaningful day for me. After ending work, I went to meet Noel, Kumar, Pek and Ashwin for dinner at Aji-Sen. I had the chicken don there. I'll rate it 2.5 stars out of 5 stars. However, I will not rate the restaurant as there were many other dishes that looked appetizing and I didn't try. After the short meal, i went over to SGH to visit my aunty and stayed at the hospital till about 1am before returning home.


Tommorrow will mark the last day of my work. Very very sad indeed. However life goes on and I value the new friendships forged and experience and knowledge gained there.


...aNgeLs BrOuGhT mE HeRe...

Saturday, July 5, 2008

RuNniNg WiF JiLL/ AsHwiN'S FaReWeLL DinNEr



...Lo aNd BeHoLd...



This week just whizzed across as the sands of time in the hour-glass seemed to obey the laws of gravity more actively than usual. Work was fun as usual and the people in the office made it all the more fun.


On Thursday, I went to run on the track with Jill. It was quite a fun experience. The air on the hill was fresh and refreshing vis-a-vis the jovial company that Jill provided whilst jogging with me. She was way faster than I had expected. Cheers Jill.... :)


Today, my fellow AFIMC twin, Ashwin, had his last day in the office. The whole office chipped in money to order pizzas for lunch to bid farewell to us. It was very very touching indeed. In the evening, we went to Master Crab at Ghim Moh for a seafood meal, recommended by Jill. Although, I did not try the crabs, I could see that the rest of the gang thoroughly enjoyed them. I loved the fried tofu-thingy, Sambal Kang Kong, Fried Man Toh and Cereal Prawns that we had along-side the crabs. Jill and Larry tricked me into trying deer meat. When I found out I almost puked on the spot. Either way, Jill's recommendation was right and the food was quite good. I'll personally give it 3.5 stars out of 5 stars.


Now, I have one more week of work left. Really very very saddening. I'm going to savour every single moment I spend with the office gang next week.



...aNgeLs BroUgHt me HeRe...

Monday, June 30, 2008

JuDgEmEnT aNd mOviNg FriEnDsHiP

...Lo aNd BeHoLd...


Disclaimer: I am not attempting to judge people here. I'm going to make general statements that can be applicable to most people.


Usually when people are good friends with or extremely close to another individual, they tend to overlook or accomodate to their friends' flaws. This may happen to an extent that they eventually do not see the flaws (as deemed by themselves) anymore. However the moment that they become distant from the friend, they start to notice these 'flaws' again and have trouble mending the friendship. Flaws are a relative entity. I might find one attribute in a person a flaw but another might not find a flaw in the same person at all.


On a side note, I realize that as much as I like to surprise my friends with elaborate plans, I keep foiling my friends' plans to surprise me. On Saturday night, Kevin came over to my house at about 1++ am to share some food his friends had parcelled him from Japan. He called me on my phone numerously many times and even shouted my name through my window. However my phone wasn't with me and I wasn't able to answer the call. He was even barked at by my neighbour's dog. After waiting for nearly two hours he drove back home. When I found out the next morning I felt utterly guilty. He had warned me that he might drop by later and yet I fell asleep. It made me feel even more guilty to realize the fact that he was so forgiving about it. Kevin, thanks for being such a good brother... I owe you one.... :)


...aNgeLs BrOuGhT mE HeRe...

Sunday, June 29, 2008

DeDiCaTiOn/ ScHoLaRsHiP UpGraDe

...Lo aNd BeHoLd...


I was offered an interview for a scholarship upgrade last Friday. Personally, I was thoroughly happy with the entire idea because I have always wanted to contribute to the organization till my hair turns white. A career with the force is thoroughly rewarding, especially so for someone like me. My grandfather was a freedom fighter, a politician and today I carry on his legacy as a soldier. Every morning reels in new light and new possibilities as I report to the service of my nation.


However, even with thorough hard work, dedication, patriotism, sense of purpose, ability to write papers, ability to speak and most importantly ability to lead people under me, I may falter when it comes to the crunch at the interview. Inevitably such things always depend alot on the factor of luck, as I of all people have experienced before, even when all possible exploitive factors were on my side of the arena.


No matter what happens at the interview, I am thoroughly focussed. Even if I do not get the upgrade, my studies are my ticket to contribute to the organization on a larger scale. I will put every ounce of blood and sweat into my work and studies as I have been doing since I left J.C. I'm glad and thankful to god for giving me the strength and determination to do so thus far.


On a side note, if I do not get the scholarship upgrade, I would want Ashwin to get it. Ashwin, has this element of modesty that most officers often have difficulty attaining. Even with all his smarts and competency, he still remains humble. Of course, that is a personal attribute. He may not be much of a motivational speaker, but he has the smarts (operational knowledge and competence) and situational awareness. Furthermore, to this day only two people have ever impressed me with their work and dedication. Mind you, I do not get easily impressed by people's work, because I personally believe that every single second of your life should be spent in the service of the country and organization. Those two people are Pek and Ashwin. Pek got what he really deserved and I'm sure Ashwin will do well in the time to come.


...aNgeLs BrOuGhT mE HeRe...

Saturday, June 28, 2008

OfFiCe NiGhT CyCliNg OuTiNg

...Lo aNd BeHoLd...



It was a night unlike any other as 11 world-reknowned atheletes gathered to face the ultimate race of their life. A race that would determine their mettle and worth. One that would decipher their very existence. This, my friends, is the story of the elite team that went through Operation Flying Wheels on Fire a.k.a. Night Cycling.. Muahahahahaha!!!!


Now that the dramatic opening is over, I'll get to the story. Night cycling had been on the agenda of my office guys for the past few weeks. We finally decided on a date and hit the road last night. The crew consisted of myself, Ashwin, Bong, Jill, Malcom, Qihao, Larry, Daniel, Joel, Ivan and Choon Hong. It was a first time experience for most of the gang. We started out at East Coast and cycled mostly along the coast. Eventually, our first stop was at Changi Village. There, we had Nasi Lemak and dessert. After Changi Village, we cycled to old Changi Hospital. It was a very interesting trip there. I was a little dissappointed to find that most of the building was in ruins, most of the doors had been removed and the many remnants of potential cult activities had already been cleared. However, it was eerie and thilling all the same especially to some of the team members who never had a chance to witness such adventures. After thoroughly exploring the hospital, we cycled all the way to Changi beach, a never-ending road that ran alongside the Changi-Airport runway and eventually hit bedok jetty at East Coast. We camped at bedok jetty for the next hour in anticipation of the sunrise. Finally, we travelled back to the Mcdonalds at East Coast Park for breakfast. A night well spent indeed. Going to miss everyone in office when I leave work in two weeks time.


My E51 handphone just got delivered. Going to spend the next few minutes to install and configure it. Yeh!!


...aNgeLs BrOuGhT mE HeRe...

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

BoNg'S B'dAe/ LiFe UpDaTeS

...Lo aNd BeHoLd...


It was Bong's birthday on Tuesday. We celebrated it on monday night. I pretended to want to meet up with him with the made believe story that I needed someone to talk to due to emotional trauma. Therefore, he decided to meet up with me at Plaza Singapura for a chat session. Little did he know that Cpt Joseph and Jie Ren had already bought a birthday cake and were camping in TCC. I brought him to Starbucks. When both of us were seated comfortably, Jie Ren and Cpt Jopesh surprised him from the entrance of Starbucks. It was a comical surprise as Bong was dumbfounded as he stared at Cpt Joseph whilst Cpt Joseph stared at him until the situation finally dawned upon him. All this while Jie Ren was blurly looking for Bong all over the place. We were then joined by Kumar who made the evening even more enjoyable with his hilarious jokes. Eventually, we sang Bong a happy birthday song and shared the rich chocolate cake. Happy 22nd Birthday, Bong !!!!


Work has been enriching, rewarding and fun as usual. I have never regretted devoting myself to the service of the country and I never will. So naturally anything that I do to serve the organisation on any scale would be rewaring for me.


Looks like Larry is about to hit his first chin-up soon and I'll be there to witness it. Good job Larry! Someday when you can hit 20 chin-ups you'll read this post and remember your effort and motivation.


Friday night is NIGHT CYCLING night with the office gang. 11 people are going as of now. Expecting it to be super fun.


...aNgeLS BrOuGhT mE HeRe...

Sunday, June 22, 2008

HaW PaR ViLLa OuTiNg

...Lo aNd BeHoLd...


For once, I'm not in a very long-winded mood. I'm going to make this post short and sharp. Went out with my cousin who just came from overseas. He wanted to visit Haw Par Villa, so I brought him along. It was an educational trip and I learnt alot about Chinese history.


Meet Mrs L. Singh


Loke The Goat-Heard


King Kong Attacks...!!

...aNgeLs BroUghT mE HeRe...

Friday, June 20, 2008

ConFuSiOn iN CLaRiTy

...Lo aNd BeHoLd...


When you truly enjoy your work, will you still call work, work or leisure?


When you are serious about about what you are doing and show no emotion, will you consider that being under stress?


When, instead of understanding you, your friends try to judge and evaluate you, will you still call them friends?


When you have a purpose and commit yourself to hardwork, will you then be judged on the basis of of selfish reasons such as honour and glory?


Just because you choose to do work instead of being with friends are you considered to be forsaking them?


Thanks for this perfect Friday night....



...aNgeLs BrOuGhT mE HeRe...

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

CycLe Of GiVe & TaKe

...Lo aNd BeHoLd...


Many a time family, friends, colleagues or even mere aquaintances tend to forget about the idea of 'give and take' that is embedded within any form of relationship. When someone loves you unconditionally and does all that is within his or her power to please you, just a simple gesture, a small word of acknowledgement will render that someone happy. Sadly enough, in any relationship, there comes a point in time where one starts to take the other for granted. " No matter what I do, no matter what I say, he or she will stay by my side through thick and thin." So a great takeaway would be to never take another for granted. Today you might hurt and harm that person who cares about you. But does that mean he or she will always be there to endure you? Treasure every moment with each and every person. The world is an unpredictable place. Try all that is within your prowess to never hurt people with a tongue that can be sharper at times when compared to the pen and sword.


Also, I think that it is crucial for people to evaluate whom they are speaking to and choose their words wisely in a conversation. If I know my best friend hates it when I crack defaming jokes, then I will try my best to not do so. Eventually, each and every relationship finds its foundation upon trust and understanding. Understanding in this case eventually leads to tolerance, you accept the person for all of his or her flaws. Unless in the utopian context, there is no such thing as a 100% compatability agreement between two different people. Tolerance, I re-iterate is key. Of course then tolerance requires patience. So it is really in the domain of the individual to use such principles as a guide to be happy in his or her daily life.


Lastly, I would just like to say that in the pursuit of happiness such as a guy looking for a girlfriend and vice-versa, human beings generally have a tendency to forsake or forget about the best of their friends. Those who were with them through thick and thin. To put it bluntly, many a time people lose interest in their old friends when new friends come into their lives. So one must always give equal credit and acknowledgement to everyone who has contributed to his or her life from time to time.


P.s. People who utilise friends for selfish purposes or only think of certain friends when they have some need are utterly disgusting....



...aNgeLs BrOuGhT mE HeRe...