My Life

Central Library Bazaar!!!

2009-08-23T23:35:00.002+08:00

Gossip Parlour is having a bazaar at Central Library!

Check it out at http://gossipparlour.livejournal.com/!!!

**PS: Something wrong with lappy. Cannot post the photo. =D

15 Minutes Quick UpdateS!

2009-07-26T17:33:00.002+08:00

Damn.. I need more time!! I guess I will be burning midnight oil pretty frequently for the next few weeks as the due date for Dissertation is drawing closer.. Hence.. I will have lesser time to update.. 15 mins and that's all.. So sit tight..

8Th July was a very pleasant day cause I had a very good evening with Lynn, Stanley and Alicia.. We went to watch Own Time Own Target.
A very nice show as it was really funny and very realistic with the usage of vulgarities as it was being used in the army.. Especially so for the character who will start every single sentence with 'CB!!'.. haha.. We had a good laugh and it is strongly recommended for others too! But a bit the late as the show has ended.. Perhaps they will re-play the show next year so make sure you get to watch it. =D

Anyway, a bit more on how I get to watch this show.. It was actually a surprise that was arranged by Lynn and Alicia to surprise me and stanley but I got Lynn to tell me who I am meeting and such and she revealed that we are meeting Alicia and Stanley. It was suppose to be a dinner and a movie but I got to guess that it was not a movie cause of the bits and pieces of information that I got from Lynn.. By the stroke of luck, I got to National Library early that day as I wanted to do some readings on my dissertation.. Normally I would have taken the lift but I took the escalator instead and as the I was going up to the reference library, the drama centre caught my eyes with the deco and the staff who were preparing for OTOT's preview. I went in, took a walk and could have possibly missed out the fact that we are watching OTOT if I did not take up a brochure on the cost and the dates. Taa-daa.. 8pm.. 8th July first show.. Lynn mentioned in a SMS that we got to be ready by 8pm cause the movie starts at 8.. It got me suspicious and I went to check the movie timings at Shaw.. There is no show at 8.. So I called Lynn..

Me: Dear Dear, I at Bugis le.. What show we watching ah?
Lynn: Dunno leh.. Got to ask Alicia..
Me: Oh.. Is it transformer?
Lynn: No la.. Not transformer.. I think it is Ice Age la.. **Stammering**
Me: oh.. Is it? But ICE Age is at 9pm leh..
Lynn: Oh.. I dunno la.. Call Alicia loh.. She book tix one..
**HAng Up..

I knew she will immediately call alicia to get her to sell the same story.. hence I immediately called Alicia..

Me: Hello.. Alicia ah.. Eh what show we watching ah?
Alicia: Dunno leh.. The name very long and complicated one..
Me: Oh.. Is it transformer or ice age?
Alicai: No la.. Not those.. I forget the name liao..
**Second Line**
Alicia: Eh wait ah.. Lynn on second line.. I call you back..
**Hang up..

Wahhahhahaa.. Why must Lynn call alicia leh when she ask me to call her? Why Lynn say Ice Age when Alicia says no? hahaha..
The mystery is solved.. The answer is OTOT!! wahahaha..

Although it was a known surprise.. It was a very very plesant surprise.. Really lovely of them and I was really touched by that.. and.. Lynn knows.. =D Thanks dear!!

That was one of the significant events that happened over the past 2 weeks..

The following week was SAF Paracounsellor Course.. I volunteered for it as I think that it is very useful in life.. Everyone at some point will need counselling or give counselling.. it is a lifelong skill and I must say that I learnt a lot over the 5 days.. It is quite a compact course but I was lucky once again to have very good chaps in my group and every discussion session was an interesting and enjoyable one.. I got to meet 2 non-saf personnel from ALPA-S. James Png and Debbie. They shared a lot of insights into a pilot's life and also the procedures to be a pilot with SIA. Blessed to have them in the course as they offered a very different perspective for the course discussion. Some notable knowledge was dealing with suicide, grief and breaking of bad news. From the course, I got to know some of the things that I did not understand in the past and this course is really beneficial and I hope that every officer will be able to go through the course in bid to understand servicemen better.

19th and 20th July was visiting to Malaysia with Lynn's parents. We went to visit Auntie's siblings who are living in Malaysia and through the trip, I got to interact more with Lynn's parents.. It was a good trip as I got quality time with Lynn and also a break away from work and from Singapore. Simple living in Malaysia but there are also issues that they faced where we Singaporeans will not be able to understand.. The grass is always greener on the other side.. =D

Now got to work for my dissertation and this Tuesday I will be meeting my prof le.. Update again..

Love,
ET

What's Up!

2009-07-08T11:06:00.004+08:00

Monday was the day that I send Lynn to work at her workplace at Centris. Monday was the day that I started researching in SDE IRC for my dissertation. Monday was the day that I went to open an account with UOB Kay Hian for trading of shares.

Quite a fruitful Monday and it rolled over to Tuesday.

Tuesday started with a visit to MMI for oral surgery and the X-Ray shows that I have 3 wisdom tooth to be removed. **Xu Wen.. Don't you feel lucky?** haha.. Told the dentist that I am part of the Colours Party for NDP and he said.. 'Wa. Colours Party ah? Then U better re-schedule your surgery till after NDP. I don't think we should have an Ensign Bleeding from the mouth during rehearsals.' Hahaha.. he was quite comical as he gestured the bleeding from the mouth like vomiting from mouth.. So the oral Surgery will be delayed till after NDP.

After the visit to MMI, I went over to SDE IRC to do research on dissertation as usual. Had lunch at technoedge and then back to work. Realised that I cannot read journal articles from computer cause it is simply too irritating so I selected 5 articles to be printed. **total number of articles that need to be reviewed is around 40... fainted** Left IRC at around 3 to go back to camp and do my vacation attachment report. got stuck there till 1830 before meeting Dear Dear for dinner at clementi Black Board. And yes.. Black Board has moved to BLK 443 and the price remains the same. Food quality is still as good so please go there and try it yourself. Back home after dinner and was so tired that I went to sleep.

Wednesday and that is today! Even before half the day is gone, I have got a good deal to share!

Jetstar is having a promotion and the deal is really good! 3-day sale!! All in fare for BKK at 38 dollars, Hongkong 88 dollars and Taipei 128 dollars!! good deal! I have bought tickets online for $396 for 2 pax for HK trip from 11-14 Aug with Dear Dear and Caderam may be joining us. Nice.. So that means I will be missing first week of school.. hahaha!!!

View of Hongkong from The Peak (source: Flickr)

It is an irresistable deal and I am going overseas at the expense of some time for dissertation.. So that means that I have to work harder before and after the trip.

Going out tonight so update again when I am back..

Ciaos,
ET

NDP Combined Rehearsal 3: GOH and CP March In and March Past

2009-07-06T20:45:00.003+08:00

I found the 2 videos that will show the standard of the GOH and Colours Party in the drills.

GOH and CP Marching In. Focus on the Fanning of the Colours!

GOH and CP Marching Past.

NDP Combined Rehearsal 3: Event and Overview

2009-07-06T20:17:00.012+08:00

Last Saturday was NDP Combined Rehearsal 3 and for this rehearsal, friends and relatives of the working party of NDP were invited to view the parade and it was the 'first show' that was put up in front of a big crowd. One word to describe it. **WOWED!!**

As I was not able to see other chapters of the NDP celebration (there are 10 Chapters in this year's celebration and the Parade is Chapter 3), I can only comment on the parade part of it. Not being biased because I am part of the team but it was nearly a flawless exhibition by the marching contingents, Guard of Honour and Colours Party.

This video is an overview of CR3 and part of it featured the parade segment so you can witness it yourself.

There are a few more shows coming over the next few saturdays. NE Show 1,2 and 3 + NDP Parade Preview and NDP Parade (9th Aug). Stay Tuned!

FRIDAY!

2009-07-03T15:25:00.003+08:00

Hmm.. Actually Friday has no significant meaning to me la.. It is just like another normal day cause I am clearing my off and leave now.. haha..

So what have I been doing for Thursday and Today?

I slept for 14hrs yesterday and when I woke up, it was 2pm already. I started to dl all the annual reports of REIT for my dissertation and by the time I am done with it, it was 5 plus le. Had dinner and then slacked for a while. Went for a jog with bro and then bathe before meeting Shiming and Edmund Twohill for a catch up. Interesting conversation with them and got to know a lot more about Guards Operations. Got home around 1200hrs and was still not sleepy hence I watched a documentary about the korean war on youtube. Technically, they are still at war and if you have been reading the newspaper, you will notice that the tension at the korean peninsula is pretty tense now. Slept after the documentary is over.

Woke up at 11am and started working on my dissertation. Going for a jog + catch up + dinner with sydney later at 1730hrs. After that will be working on my dissertation again. MUST finished CHAPTER 1 TODAY!

haha.. ok.. till then..
ET

SAF Day

2009-07-01T23:58:00.002+08:00

Today is SAF Day. I did not set my alarm and was awaken by Jun Shi when I did not meet him at 0645 at the meeting place. I jumped out of bed and had a quick wash up, changed and ran to meet him. 0701hrs. I was 16mins late. so paiseh to keep him waiting when he was doing a favor for me by giving me a lift. Luckily, we reached camp on time at 0730hrs.

Collected the colours and left for SAFTI. Ate breakfast at the SAFTI canteen before falling in at 1015hrs. Team A to rest while Team B to go for rehearsal. I am in Team A, aka NDP Ensign while Gary is in Team B, aka SAF Day Ensign. So basically, my team either sleep, read newspaper or play PSP. I did not sleep as I was not that tired hence I took my notebook and started to think about the things that I want to do as an OC when I am back to the force for good. There are many things that can be done but it really requires a strong team to support the vision.

Lunch was KFC AGAIN. sick and tired of it but there is no choice unless we spend money at the canteen for lunch. Went to have a haircut at SAFTI Barber Shop at $3. Told the lady that I want to have the hairstyle 'mallet' and she asked 'How does that style look like?' and I described it to her. Then she said 'oh.. that is astro la.. there is another style that sounds the same but that is MARLET.' We had a short discussion what is the name but I concluded by telling her 'ok.. it doesn't matter what is the name, as long as you are able to cut the style that I had described.' Lol.. It was kind of paiseh cause she took a lot of time to cut my hair and the rest of the people in the queue were like 'sian-half' cause she took great care to style my hair. Others took at most 4 mins while mine was about 5mins. Lol.. But I must say.. the hairstyle looks good. =D

After that was some presentation ceremony and then we changed into our number 1 uniform. wanted to get something to eat so I went to the mess with Jonathan and Willip. At the mess, we talked about religion and I realised that Willip had the same religion and he is also interested in what I was practicing. We had a very interesting discussion about what is buddhism, what is the practices and even talked about christianity. We concluded that, whatever religion you practice, it is important to question the religion because questioning is not an act of doubt but an act of trying to understand more. After eating, we left for the casing and uncasing of colours. MSD inspected us and upon clearing, we left for the parade square.

The parade was almost flawless, except for some minor mis-step, and no one fainted in the parade. After the parade, the colours were posted at the dining hall and all the ensigns were told to interact with the guests. I met some of the people that I worked with before and had my dinner at the dining hall. After the dinner, the colours were retrived and we went back to camp.

Tomorrow is an off day, and so is friday. I will be starting on my dissertation tomorrow and perhaps doing some research in school on friday if there is a need to. Need a break to rest too so I will be talking my time doing my dissertation tml.

=D
Ernest

Revived

2009-06-30T17:30:00.003+08:00

At the request of my dearest dear dear, my blog shall be revived.. Dunno for how long but it is revived with this post.

Half a year ago was the last post on 21st Nov. What happened in the last half a year? A lot..
Union Trip to Australia, Demise of My Beloved Grandmother, Rites and Rituals coupled with projects deadlines one after another till it was reading week for exams. After exams? It was back to the army for me at Maju Camp. Was there any break? Hmm.. finding one.. lol..

Maju Camp should ring a bell now since it is one of the H1N1 Cluster for the pandemic. Yes. I am working there now but since last week, I will be officially on off and leave throughout till NDP.

Oh ya.. I am involved in NDP. I am carrying the colours for my unit, 6 SIR. I will be marching in the parade, including the 3.2km City March.. Not easy. Pretty tiring but I think that it will be a good experience. I have never been involved in NDP and this time round, I am glad that I am. It is the last time that I can carry the colours for my unit as I will not be eligible once I am back for good. **ensign officers need to be the youngest but definitely not a CPT**

Training is every Thursday and Saturday from now on and we will be training to prepare for the endurance march round the City. In the middle of July, I will be attending SAF Paracounsellor Course as a volunteer and to be certified as a counsellor with the SAF. There is actually a tie-up with SIM for the counselling modules and after the course, I will have to submit an essay assignment within 2 weeks. If the assessment is good, a certificate in Basic Counselling will be awarded. For the days that I am free, I will be working on my dissertation as I have yet to start and it is due in August 31st. I think Prof Ong is going to kill me soon.. Real Soon..

Just got back from Bangkok yesterday and I shall blog about my family trip to BKK when I get the photos from Dad. The last family trip overseas was more than a decade ago to Penang when I was so so young. Shall add the photos of that trip too when I find them.

Till then..
Love,
ET

F.R.I.E.N.D.S.

2008-11-21T22:46:00.002+08:00

When was my last post? I guess it was donkey years again.. 'Eh.. why so long never post?' 'Busy lah..'

But of course, something that prompted me to post at this point of time when exams is round the corner, **to be exact, tomorrow, 1300 is the first war**, it is definitely something that is going to be heavy again. Haha..

FRIENDS. Hmm.. How many friends do you have? My facebook tells me that I have 883.. But do I? hmm.. I dunno. What about you? How many friends do you have? Who are called your friends? Who are they exactly? What are the attributes of a friend? It seems to me that it is a very loosely used word.

How do I define friends then? What are they to me? I have posted something about friends before and it struck me again because of some observations that I had recently. I have mentioned it that friends are those who come to your mind immediately when you have problems and you know that you can trust you life with in their hands. So do I have friends like these? I think I do. Some of the names that immediately popped into my head are names such as Daniel Yong, Shun Ying, Yenshun, Sydney, Caderam, Kenny Tan Yik Ming, Koo Chieh Yang, Xiao Qian, Joel Wong Heng Yi, Toh Yong Soon and so on... So are there names that takes a long long time to pop up too? Definitely there are..

I often wonder.. Do you place yourself over others or others over yourself? And what about friends.. It is easy to say that I will place my friends before me and not myself before my friends.. But what about when you are doing it.. Do you really place them before u? or after? Do you care about yourself 1st or others? Are you stupid or selfish? it is all a matter of perception.. I was reflecting upon some incidents that made me think really deep into the meaning of friendship.. What exactly is a friend? Do you even have a friend?

~True Friends stab you in front.~

I am going to start stabbing people soon..

Web 2.0 The Machine is Us/ing us

2008-09-09T17:20:00.001+08:00

Stan Chart Marathon 2008

2008-08-28T11:03:00.003+08:00

Ok. I have decided to run the Stan Chart Marathon afterall. The closing period for the special promo period is 31st Aug so those who are still interested to run for this marathon can sign up within these few days to receive $10 off the price.

Why I decided to run the marathon? Hmm.. Last year I signed up too but did not go for the run as I was in the midst of my exams. This year, last paper is on the 4th and since the event is on the 7th, there is no excuse why I should not be going for this run.

The joy (or some may feel that it is a pain) of running a marathon is the fact that you will be doing something that not many people is willing to do. The thought of running a marathon may draw response like 'what? 42km?', 'er, cannot la.. I can't even run 10km.' etc. But to run a marathon is not about running it in record time but it is about finishing it. Try it once and most probably, you will be hooked. =D

Self-Deception

2008-08-14T09:55:00.002+08:00

A: 'I am pretty upset by your performance today. What were you thinking man?'

B: 'Nope. I don't think that I have did anything wrong nor anything that is incorrect. It was all planned for. That is what I exactly wanted it to be.'

A: 'Are you sure that that is what you have planned for? Or are you just simply deceiving yourself?'

Above is one classic example where one is obviously deceiving himself and people around him that whatever that has happened is planned for and part of a greater cause. But the true fact is this. You can never read the real intention of a person. He may say whatever that he says but that may not be the truth.

Human beings are naturally self-defensive. We are naturally people who are not receiving of any critic as we think that we are always correct. But it is always good to take a step back and start thinking and reflecting about yourself. I myself included. I often take at least 30 mins a day to reflect on myself and think about what I have did wrong today and how to make it better the next time I am faced with the same issue. And this process is tedious but it reaps great benefit to oneself over a long period of time. The next time that you start defending yourself, try to stop yourself from doing so and take a step back and think about it carefully. are you simply defending for the sake of defending or are you true to your words?

Elections is coming or rather, it has already started. I am still thinking what should I do. Should I run for DE Club again or should I move on to NUSSU or should I just take a break? What do you think?

Life of a Student Part 21

2008-08-13T00:48:00.002+08:00

Alright.. It is time to start it rolling again.. haha..

Monday I moved into my room at KFH, 221. Well.. I had 2 lessons from 4-6 and then from 7-9. Went home to rest and also to bring the other items back to hostel as I bring really a lot of things to hostel.

Taking sociology of power and I think the lesson is really interesting. 39 students in all taking this module. Seem difficult as a level 3000 module but I think that the lecturer is good. Give me some time to settle down in school and also to settle club stuffs and I will start getting my brain to work and give hell lot of questions to the lecturer.

Another mod which started on monday is Real Estate Investment. Taught by Prof Harrold. Well.. The 1st lect is basically a introdution to the module and a very very thorough intro about himself. haha.. Seems like the next 5 lessons with him is going to be pretty interesting. =D

After the lect, PPs started planning for the next 2 weeks of events and it is like super packed. Back to back with club elections so the next 2 weeks is going to be tough. We planned for a steamboat at Ryan's house on Tuesday and it did happen. Lol.. Pretty rush but it is pretty nice to have everyone seated and eat together again. PLayed polar bear (as usual) and then back to school for me.

Tomorrow afternoon will be lunch with NUS president, Prof Shih from 1130 to 1400hrs. Thereafter will be relax time for me from 1400 to 1900hrs. Perhaps will do some readings on power and also to do some in depth planning for this coming sem.

Tomorrow evening will be dinner with Carol as an early celebration with her for her bdae. After that will be clubbing. Perhaps I will be going cause I think i will be damn shagged to go clubbing le.. lol..

Thursday will be lecture day. Planning to catch a movie with Lynn on thursday night. Money no Enough 2.

Friday is celebrating Joel's Farewell together with Joyce and also Christina Tay. Haven decide where to eat but will do so soon. haha..

Saturday is Annabelle's bdae. A sec school friend at costa sands so most prob I will go home on friday or sat afternoon.

Sunday will be BHBH2 outing which is not confirmed. If not going for it, I will be going to catch another movie with Lynn. 12 Lotus. haha.. Support Local Production!!

This is a weekly heads-up on the things that are to be done.. haha.. Shiong. But SHIOK!! Lol..

Back from Hong Kong in Business Class Seat

2008-08-04T03:22:00.003+08:00

An amazing shopping trip and a really good forum at Hong Kong. =D

Will update in depth once I get the photos from Caderam.

But as a starter, let me tell you more about flying in Business Class.

I was in for a surprise when I check in as I was told that my Economy Class Tix was upgraded to Business Class. I didn't know why but I guess that it was because a Korean Tour group has booked a lot of tix from them and they upgraded those single seaters to accommodate them. So what's so special for Business Class?

Right from the start, they can get a drink or two from the stewardess and there are like 4 of them serving business class which is only 20-30 pax. The ratio is so much higher than that of economy class. What you will notice is also the fact that mostly they are ang mohs and have a big belly. **Xu Wen, you are on your way there with your golden hair and your beer belly. Jia you!** hahaha.. Kidding.

When I fell asleep while the plane took off, the meals were served. When I woke up, I realise that I was not awaken to take my meal. Instead, I was left to sleep and once I woke up, the stewardess asked if I would like my meal to be served and I said Yes. This is different from economy class where they will wake you up and ask you what you want.

What came was a surprise as I was given a mini table cloth and a plate of starter which is salmon and a salad. I asked for a glass of champagne and water and started on the appetizers. After finishing the appetizers, I was immediately served my main course with 3 dishes to choose from and I choose the pasta. I was addressed with 'Mr. Tay' and whenever they serve me or ask any question to any of the Business Class Passengers, we were called by our name. While I tot all is over, I was asked if I wanted cheese or fruits and I chose the latter. All is not done as there is also a passion fruit cake that was served and then I was asked if I wanted Coffee or Tea which the stewardess will take down with pen and paper to ensure that all the drinks were customised. And then it was another serving of chocolate from them from a box which I declined. Haha..

Looking at it, the service is so much better at business class than in economy but at the end of it, I still conclude that paying the extra money for the service is not worth it unless you wanna experience it or if you have too much extra cash on hand that you dunno where to spend. haha..

Indian Songs

2008-07-17T10:30:00.003+08:00

Familiar?

Student Leaders' Camp Performance

Benny Lava

Funny sia.. Direct translation..

July Updates

2008-07-17T08:56:00.004+08:00

Yeehaa!!

July updates after like nearly one month! haha.. Was busy with FOC prep and FOC then followed by the incident follow up. Till now, still busy with DELTA Forum prep and also Vacation Attachment Project, 'Recruitment of Specialist in SAF'. Time to tell some grandfather story.

SDE FOC 2008
FOC was superb and it was really great. Many many thanks to the organising committee, Eugene Lee, Caderam, Kailing, Weiting, Kelly, Christina Ong, Benjamin Peh, Zi Jian, Henry, Stephanie, Jasmine Kong, Eugene Ang, Kok Liang and Ezann Lee for pulling this FOC off. I really appreciate the understanding of those who were not in the picture on day 1 night and also thankful to those who were up till 5am with me to review the program. I hope that this is a good learning experience for all especially so for the thinking process of planning for games and also the flow of the program. Below is Main Comm's ONLY complete photo and that shows how little time we have to cam-whore.. hahaha..

When FOC was over, I literally suffered from POST FOC Hangover for days. Perhaps it cannot be called a hangover but withdrawal symptoms. hahaha.. Below is the video for FOC so enjoy the Video then!

Blogging to me wasn't second nature and hence I only update whenever I am free. It is really amazing how others manage to keep updating their blog regularly and some of them is really everyday. Well, I hope that I can blog more about my experience and also share a lot more through my blog. But at the end of the day, I am still pretty reluctant to blog about negative feelings (be it personal or public) as I strongly feel that negative feelings are not meant to be shared through blog which everyone has access to. Positivity flows and multiplies and the same goes to negativity. Hence, I shall not blog about the incident and it will be known only to people who need to know. =D

Anyway, RAG has started and everything is going on smoothly. I am really fortunate to have Xu Wen ending his intern and literally taking over the whole running of O'Week and Rag. He is super involved now in both events and I am really glad as the PDs really need a lot of guidance. We started out with some dispute over the channel of communication and instructions but I believe that all those were for a good cause. For the better of the events and for the better of DE Club. At the end of the day, we are all volunteers doing things out of passion by the students, for the students. And as always, Xu Xu is always acting like a professional and is definitely professional in his undertakings. Work is work and personal is personal. =D

Another highlight of this month is the birthday of the GREAT LEADER aka MY IDOL, PROF SYDNEY!! hahaha.. He got quite a good one from us and let me blog about it when I get the photos from PPs. Lol.. to summarize the event, he was the bday boy and we did not make reservation at vivo's thai express. He ended up being the 1st to reach and to queue for seats.. hahaha.. then we started ordering and when the orders was taken, I took out my swimming goggles which was stuffed with tissue paper to blindfold him. After that he was literally blind for almost the whole dinner while the rest were drawing the shirt for him to wear. Really very nice shirt leh.. Designer brand.. hahaha.. So for the whole dinner he fed himself and others fed him too.. with things like lime, chill etc.. hahah.. then when dinner was about to end, we brought him to the toilet with his goggles on and then change clothes for him.. imagine the stares from the people while he was guided to the toilet, blindfolded.. and to make things worse, I led him to walk into the wall.. hahahahh!!!! =X bad karma.. lol.. After dinner is dessert time and we had it at Earl Swensens. Sang a bdae song for him, welcome him to the Crumpler Family and the event ended.. haha..

Upcoming events will be DE Club Appreciation Dinner on 25th July and I will be flying to HK on 26th July to 2nd Aug. I will try to blog everyday when I am there so that you will know what is going on over at HK. =D

JUNE!!

2008-06-23T15:02:00.002+08:00

Haha.. Ok ok.. Complains coming in about not updating blog.. actually.. you all don't see me online often too leh.. 11pm sleep, 645am wake up, go camp.. work till 530pm then reach home after exercise at 7-8pm.. then read newspaper till 8 plus 9.. then watch tv.. then bathe.. then sleep.. haha.. see.. this cycle where got time to blog? only time to check mails then clear mails then sleep le.. lol..

anyway.. FOC is coming and it is about time to rah rah again le.. haha.. every year just wait for FOC and Rag nia.. have fun, play games, sing songs, cheer, supper with freshies, talk cock.. haha.. song bo.. Trial Camp was over 2 weeks ago and last week was admission day. out of 148 freshies that came, 109 signed up on the spot and that is really a lot. I really hope that as many freshmen will join the camp as possible so that they will get to know seniors and have some help with knowing the system in NUS. The camp will be a good start to their next phase of life and a fun-filled one. =D

So weekdays were just routine and weekends for June is spent on trial camp, admission day, Yong Cheng Bday, prep for FOC then PP's Potluck..

In July, only 12th and 13th is free.. most prob will be meeting with OG.. haha.. 19th will be appreciation dinner and then 20th free.. 26th will be off to Hong Kong for Forum till 2nd Aug. Then 3rd Aug rest and it will be last week of Work le.. 8th will be RAG and then school starts!! That is when I will have freedom!! hahahaha..

Diving Trip on Week 1 or Week 2 weekend.. anyone?

Sundown Marathon

2008-06-01T17:38:00.003+08:00

Woo-hoo.. Sundown Marathon.. 1st ever Night Run.. 2nd long distance run in the running calendar of Singapore.. Without training for this marathon, it was really a difficult run. Started out very slowly, it was a manageable pace. And guess what.. I saw Jasmine Kong!! Haha.. She was having night cycling with her friends.. She was like so so so shocked to see me la.. Machiam kan dao gui.. LOL..

Anyway, when the distance hit 15km, it started to get tough. With 27km more to go and with $20 in my pocket, I realy wanted to take a cab and go home. Haha.. It was not only the pain on the calves, the ankles and the thighs but also the feeling of wanted to sleep. At 2am, it was way pass my sleeping time of 11pm. Lol..

My Number Tag..

Front of the finisher's shirt

Back of the finisher's shirt. The printing is not straight at all loh.. Look pretty ugly.. -_-

Anyway, I am glad to have completed the run. =D The last 5km was caught in the rain.. When it started to rain, it just started to get people running too.. it was especially worrying as there was lightning in close proximity with there we are running. Though asked to seek shelter by the marshallers, most of the runners just continue running.. However, it was disappointing to see that there is no photographers at the end point to take a finishing shot. Hopefully there will be nice photos available.

Till we run again.. MILK Run with PPs..

Nearly after 1 month

2008-05-15T23:39:00.002+08:00

Haha.. Nearly after one month and I am starting to blog on my blog again. Er.. well.. a lot of things happened like BKK trip with PPs and dinner with Cool Family. Will update them when I am free this weekend..

But since so many people is blogging about their intern, let me share my attachment with you. I reach the camp at 8 and I was like waiting for things to happen cause it was LIFE Run day.. Then I was finally "received" **using Joel's term** by the clerks and I realised that within the camp, I have like juniors from Hai Sing all over.. Nicholas Sim in G1 aka CAC, Yan Xin in G3 aka my branch, Tom in G4 and even the RP..

haha.. Now for my work.. Just to share about what I am doing now.. I am currently CLASSIFIED classified cLaSSiFiEd classified classified.. You get it? =D

Anyway, my camp is 20 minutes run away from home and I think it is approximately 4km.. And yes.. I have decided to run to and fro from home EVERYday to keep fit.. haha.. Join their LIFE runs prep for AHM every 1,3,5 and Gym session with Caderam on 1,3,5 evenings too. I think I will be HULKIFIED.. lol..

Work culture is pretty peaceful for now but I think things will get heavier as the days goes by. And I am making full use of my evenings to pack up my room and prepare my FBO, ready for my next command appt or even as an Umpire for other units going for training. Got to do some shopping soon at beach road..

Alright.. Update more soon this weekend. Time to bathe then sleep and wake up to a run tomorrow.. =D

Day off..

2008-04-23T09:35:00.004+08:00

I took 2 days off work on Monday and Tuesday just to rest for the week. Was really sick and tired of mugging and it actually affected my mood. I went home on monday to pay my last respect to Ms Jenny Yong, my SRJC principal who passed away peacefully last friday. She was cremated yesterday.

Was suppose to leave home for school to study but there was a really high inertia to do so and I was glad that I spend a lot more time at home, talking cock with my mum. Haha.. Home is always a good place to rest and find solace in. I have had a good rest at home for Monday and Tuesday and hence it is about time to continue moving. To all those mugging now.. Do remember to eat well and rest well.

Jia you!

Amazing Singing

2008-04-18T04:25:00.002+08:00

Perhaps Xiao Qian Qian can try? haha.. enjoy..

The music is the background music of a chinese song. If I do get the title of the song, I will post it here.

Live with no regrets..

2008-04-17T21:35:00.004+08:00

To all those mugging for exams and happen to chance upon this entry, do read it.

As much as all of us are mugging hard and facing a lot of barriers like 'trying to understand', 'trying to stay awake', 'trying to stay focus', 'trying to finish reading all readings' etc, I just want you to know that, whatever that you are facing, I am facing too.. Not easy but after hearing a story yesterday, I have only one sentence to tell you all.. 'Live with no Regrets'.. I will share the story briefly..

A final year student embarked on his FYP and he did his FYP presentation recently. At the end of the presentation, he said 'I just hope that I will not fail my FYP. I am feeling lousy.' When I ask him why so, he said, 'actually won't fail la. but I feel that I have not did my best for the FYP and there are more that could have been done, but I did not do it.'

Takeaway from this story? It doesn't matter whether you get an A or a B or a C.. What matters most is whether you have put in your best. If you have not, then just suck it up and go. The worst thing to do is to regret. I had my fair share last sem. My results was not as good as the previous 2 but I know that it was my fault that I made terrible mistakes during the exams so I just suck it up and go.

Think about that feeling when you know that it is because you did not put in your best. It sucked right? So to make sure that you won't feel that way, please please please please please.. You have the time now to give your all and do what you can.

Jia you!

Singapore Bay Run + Run NUS

2008-04-17T21:29:00.004+08:00

Hey hey! This is a much shorter run which I believe my dear PPs will be able to join right.. haha..

Singapore Bay Run or otherwise known as the Army Half Marathon. Visit http://www.safra.sg/singapore_bay_run.aspx?pageid=1433 for more information on the various category. Got 10km non-competitive so it is about time to get yourself sweating a bit..

Another run which we can all go together will be the Run NUS. http://www.runnus.com/index.php/race-details/. A short refreshing run at Kent Ridge Park.

So all my friends, especially to the PPs and also Joel, Chuan Xin, Brandon, Justin, Vance etc etc.. haha.. Let's go for a run together..

Life of a Student Part 20

2008-04-16T00:46:00.003+08:00

Woo-hoo.. last lecture tomorrow and it is time to start mugging again.. Anyway, i had a new haircut at Snip Ave with Steph, Cooldad, Kelly and Eugene. Well.. My hair was so short that I told the hairdresser that all I want is for it to be thin and cooling. the style i leave it to him.. and this is what I got..

Really very cooling hairstyle.. haha..

Next will be cooldad and his dyed hair.. Well.. U see it for urself..

Ah-Beng.. haha..

Below is a song that Lynn is going to learn.. haha.. =D

It's hard for me to say the things
I want to say sometimes
There's no one here but you and me
And that broken old street light
Lock the doors
We'll leave the world outside
All I've got to give to you
Are these five words when I

Thank you for loving me
For being my eyes
When I couldn't see
For parting my lips
When I couldn't breathe
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for loving me

I never knew I had a dream
Until that dream was you
When I look into your eyes
The sky's a different blue
Cross my heart
I wear no disguise
If I tried, you'd make believe
That you believed my lies

Thank you for loving me
For being my eyes
When I couldn't see
For parting my lips
When I couldn't breathe
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for loving me

You pick me up when I fall down
You ring the bell before they count me out
If I was drowning you would part the sea
And risk your own life to rescue me

Solo

Lock the doors
We'll leave the world outside
All I've got to give to you
Are these five words when I

Thank you for loving me
For being my eyes
When I couldn't see
For parting my lips
When I couldn't breathe
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for loving me

When I couldn't fly
Oh, you gave me wings
You parted my lips
When I couldn't breathe
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for loving me
Thank you for loving me,
For loving me

Update more often when I am more free after exams ba.. =D Looking forward to the trips!!!

Power Packed Day + Advertisment..

2008-04-09T00:30:00.004+08:00

HEy hey!!

Last post was like so feeble and weak but IT IS POWER PACKED for this entry! hahaha.. Anyway, ytd after blogging, I immediately closemy laptop and leave it on standby, latch my door, off the lights, dragged my heavy body to bed an'zzzzZZzzz' I was sound asleep in the next minute.. Hahaha.. I slept for nearly 11 hours, from 10+ to 9+.. SHIOK!!!

After that it was tutorial with Cheryl for Soci and then mugging session for valuation Quiz. Well.. this quiz was definitely a giveaway and I am glad that we had a discussion prior to the quiz.. **except for CK cause he gave us the wrong answer to one of the qns..** hahaha..

During Lect, there is a quote that was shared by Kwame that I felt that it is indeed empowering and it is the way we should think.

'Take examination to be a time for you to show off your knowledge.'

When you do embrace this thinking, I am sure that you won't be studying for the exams but for the knowledge that you want to flaunt. Without those knowledge, you won't be able to tell others what are you made of.

After lect was another session which is equally good. My clique had a good session of talk to feedback about the whole semester and I think it ended off with a good note and did conveyed what we wanted to convey. I really really worry for the case study or dissertation that everyone is going to embark on within 2 years from now. It is the time now to learn before you are on your own for this personal project. Learning is the key takeaway and being pro-active is another.

Went for a short run with Stanley and Zi Qiang and we arranged for another one on Wed and Thurs. Great! Exercise keeps me alive.. **PPs.. where is our WEDNESDAY sports day huh!!**

Another thing to share will be my trip to Hong Kong for a forum on Pearl River Delta. A forum that is held in Hong Kong for sharing with uni students from other schools. It will be from 28th July to 1st Aug.. Looking for sponsors for my trip.. Any one? LOL

Really looking forward to the BKK trip with PPs and yes.. with lynn also.. **she ask me to put this in one..** hahahha.. I really think I need a break from work and I do see it coming.. haha..

This shall be our staple drink there.. HAHAHA..

A thailand commercial video to share too. Haha.. Upz one!

Anyway.. below is a Advertisment by Shimin, Eileen and Tracy. Enjoy.

Tired day.. Long Day

2008-04-07T22:22:00.002+08:00

Slept at 3+ in the morning after doing tutorial with XW at the Mac near our house. Went home to pack my bag and then I went to bed but all the while knowing that I am only half-asleep because I don't want to be late.

Woke up at 645 and I dragged myself to meet XW.. Got to school at 8 and got back to room at 815.. Started reading about Pearl River Delta to prepare for an interview at 1230. Skipped Soci tut and making it up tomorrow at 10. Read the stuffs till 11 and I can't take it le. Go and sleep.. But it was again a half-asleep. Woke up at 12 to go wash up and go for the interview.. Pretty good. Should be able to be selected for the forum.

Went over to SDE for Valuation meeting and then it is the Valuation Presentation. Got it over and done with and it is time for Mktg Lect. Dinner at Megabites with Lynn Ong and gang.. Went for 7-9 lect for Finance.. NEarly fell asleep during lecture but lucky I did not. Hahahaha..

Now back in room feeling like zombie.. Going to sleep soon.. Night..

Kok and his Napkin

2008-04-05T22:16:00.003+08:00

I have nothing to say in this post but Kok really look dumb.. It seems like I have had tea with a dum dum kid.. hahaha..

Happy Happy!!

2008-04-05T13:31:00.002+08:00

Hahaha.. What a piece of good news! My brother was offered a place in REAL ESTATE! Haha.. Welcome brother! I will have a celebration for you in school when you are here! LOL.. =D

Anyway, let's see what NTU have to offer you. =D

Dinner with Lynn Ong

2008-04-04T01:17:00.008+08:00

Busy day today with meeting for Mktg at De Club Room with the PPs and lunch at Arts with them too. Power Yong Tau Foo Stall with Laksa.. Haha..

Went for briefing by Prof Tan and after that I head back to room to sleep from 3-6pm. Really very tired. So much so that XW told me to rest.. Hahaha..

Anyway, this post is about the dinner that I had with Lynn Ong. Went out for dinner after waking up and going to gym for a workout where I saw Brandon working out too. Dinner was at clementi and it was also the place where I got ABUSED by not-so-lovely lynn.. haha.. See photo below..

Yes! that is a palm mark by lynn ong.. Haiyo.. Stop abusing ur bf leh.. hahaha..

This is aunty lynn in her 'very pretty' clothes today.. hahaha..

Haha.. Watch the video on the spoilt kid.. LOL.. Never send home means not spoilt.. Send home once and you are spoilt le.. Hahaha.. If u don't understand, comment please.. I will get it clear to you.. hahaha.. =D

Life of a Student Part 19

2008-04-03T19:03:00.002+08:00

I Survived!!!

Sociology Assignment is OVER!
Marketing Lit REVIEW IS DONE!

Though there is still Asset and REIG, it shouldn't be a prob. Just some minor touch-up for REIG and 500-700 words for Asset.

Meetings will just come and go. Now it is to prepare for the interviews that are coming. =D BEMA Leadership award interview on the 14th Apr too.

Life will slowly get better from this point onwards.. LOL

Sleeping Beauties of DE CLUB Room!

2008-04-02T23:39:00.004+08:00

Haha.. this will be the official ranking for the sleepers of the club room.. **drum roll**

HO XUE MEI - 3rd Place (Sleeping very peacefully..)

OUYANG JIANMING - 2nd Place (Focus on the spectacles.. hahaha)

And last but not the least, the champion of the sleeping beauty is...!!!

LIM XU WEN - Champion (er.. nothing to say but DEEP DEEP SLEEP..)

Wahahaha.. I bet I will get stoned or killed tomorrow when I see them.. In order to cushion the damage, I must admit la.. I also got sleep.. Haha.. See Below!

ME!! - aka 'Kun Sin' (Sleeping God) lol..

Life of a Student Part 18

2008-04-02T03:12:00.003+08:00

Oh ya.. As I have updated the list to do in terms of projects, let me introduce you to another monster in my life which starts with the word 'M'.. No.. Not MONEY but MEETINGS!!

Thursday - 1430 - Meeting with Prof Tan Teck Koon on Social Camp
Friday - 1430 - Meeting with SDU, NYC etc for sponsorship
Friday - 1900 - Meeting with NUSSU Rag Comm for 2nd Rag and Flag PB meeting
Saturday - 1000 - NUSSU Council 6th Council Meeting
Monday - 1230 - DELTA Forum Interview with OSA

Isn't that wonderful???

pull my hair

2008-03-31T10:11:00.002+08:00

Argh!!

Now u know why Mr Smart has his hair as shown below???

Life of a Student Part 17

2008-03-31T08:05:00.003+08:00

A good way to start a new week with a morning run. 3 rounds along the 96 on campus route. SHIOK..

Having breakfast with lovely later then will have to continue on my project liaoz.. I was so so sian of staying in school yesterday that I went over to lovely's house for dinner. After dinner, we went to catch a movie, 1st Rule at JP. Well.. The most interesting part of the movie is what you see below.

Yes.. that is a popcorn. One that you cannot get anywhere cause it is locally produced by lovely.. haha.. Big Right.. LOL..

Jiayou for this week's hell week. Soci Due on wed, REIG Due on fri and Mktg Due next monday!

Runners' Delight

2008-03-29T17:37:00.003+08:00

Man.. I think my backside itchy sia.. Haha.. I just completed the signing up for Sundown Marathon. 42km on the 31st May 2008. That is with only a few weeks of training considering that I have exams in end Apr/early May. But well.. it is about completing the marathon. Not about timing. When I do train, then perhaps performance will be important.

If anyone is interested, here's the link http://www.sundownmarathon.com/

Challenge yourself if you have not did a marathon before. Go for it again if you have did it one cause it is going to be a very different experience running at 12am with thousand of people and enjoying the night breeze. Just aim to complete something that seem so difficult. Do things that you think you cannot do and you will come out of it stronger. =D

I hope that my pals will run with me.. **hint hint.. Joel, XW, JM, Sydney** haha.. Just aim to complete it.. Can do it de.. You will be addicted to it after doing one.. haha..

Many more runs coming up.

Passion Run, 10km
http://www.singaporepassionrun.com/cgi-bin/passionrun/pp.cgi?set=home

Singapore Bay Run, 10km, 21.1km
http://www.safra.sg/singapore_bay_run.aspx?pageid=1433

Mizuno Wave Run, 10km
TBC

MILK Run, 4km, 10km
TBC

New Balance Real Run, 10km
TBC

Lynn Ong still owe me 1 10km run ah.. haha.. And baby Dawn also ah.. Never run le right.. Haha..

Life of a Student Part 16

2008-03-25T11:14:00.002+08:00

Done! One down.. 4 more to go.. REIG Report is over and done with.. Now left with Valuation Proj and Soci and Mktg to pia so that I will not be so rushed for time later this week.

Going for gym and tan now.. Ciao!

Life of a Student Part 15

2008-03-24T16:16:00.002+08:00

Yes Yes Yes.. I know I need to update my blog on my bdae.. But be patient k.. I got like tons of things to do.. And I am skipping Mktg Lecture now to blog this entry.

Valuation Report - 28th March
Sociology Assign 2 - 2nd April
REIG Report - 4th April
Marketing Report 2 - 7th April
Asset Report - 17th April

Be understanding k.. Haha.. there are a lot of things worth blogging about so I will definitely blog about it de.. Other than that, I have remove my tag board cause there are simply too many advert on it.

Cheers!

Life of a Student Part 14

2008-03-17T22:01:00.002+08:00

Hmm.. Let's do a count for the number of projects once again..

SC2205 - Assignment 1 (Done) Assignment 2 (Due on 2nd April)
RE2803 - Project (Due 28th March)
RE2804 - Project (Done) REIG Report (Due on 4th April)
RE2805 - Project 1 (Done) Project 2 (Due on 7th April)
RE2903 - Project (Due on 14th April)

As u can see.. 8 projects/assignments for this semester.. And there are 4 that is going to be due soon.. I'm deadmeat..

25th Bdae Celebration

2008-03-13T00:34:00.003+08:00

Haha.. Even before my 23rd is over, I am already planning for my 25th Bdae celebration. I am really planning it and not kidding it at all. Quarter-a-century Old.. haha.. Definitely worth celebration.

Actually, I view bdae as a good excuse to gather friends together to meet up and gather to have fun. And for the 25th, if you project it forward, you will realise that it is the last bdae that I will celebrate while I am still a student. Hee..

Many thanks to Wai Kei too.. So many people are having themes to their bdae and I will have mine too.. Guess what.. UNIFORM!!! haha.. Be it school uniform or army/navy/airforce/police uniform will be welcomed.. hahaha.. If u hate this and know that u will be part of the invite, kill Wai Kei.. LOL

Life of a Student Part 13

2008-03-02T21:56:00.002+08:00

Another part to life of a student. Mid Sem Break coming to an end and many fellow students are mugging for tests or rushing to meet deadlines for projects/assignments. Sama Sama here la..

Tuesday - LSM 1304 Test
Friday - Finance Project Due
17th March - Marketing Proj Due
22nd March - Soci Assignment 2 Due

Where is my life? Haha.. I think it is going to get busy so just got to hang on. Have not been able to fully focus as there are bits and pieces of things going on here and there. Must start to get back my momentum soon and work harder for exams.

Jiayou!

Control and Deviance

2008-02-27T01:06:00.002+08:00

Today I had an interesting conversation with Joel and it is pretty interesting to note that he is starting to feel the way I felt in the past. Haha.. He was questioning on the things that he cannot do and why can't he do it? He used an example of smoking and pointed out on how various social institutions polices 'good behaviour' to be with not smoking. Social institutions such as religion, family, school and even peer interaction groups.

Yes.. Our life is very much controlled by the environment that we are in. The social setting that we grew up in. The things that we experience in life. There are also social rules that we learn everyday and these rules are often policed by the state and other institution in the society.

Once we are not playing the game well, we will be considered deviant and there is a social stigma attached to it. It will be up to an individual to choose his path and what he want to do to his life. No one else can decide for him except himself. =D

Joel, live by your faith to find the answer to all these. Confide in the Lord. =D

Street Games Photos

2008-02-25T19:05:00.006+08:00

Fair Play Award =D

Handsome and Pretty Referees!

Champion Team from School of Computing

PHOTO OF THE DAY!!!

2 wrongs doesn't make 1 right

2008-02-25T18:54:00.002+08:00

Perhaps this is often used but in application, it may not be as easy as it may be. Today is Street Games and the rules of the game was to have only 7 players and it was alleged that one of the teams field 8 players. Accordingly they were suppose to be disqualified and as the other teams were unhappy about it, they complained to the organisers and feedback about this to me.

Well.. To me, I don't really see a big issue with that as I feel that in sports, winning is not everything. But the element of sportsmanship and spirit. 3 teams wanted to boycott the games as they felt that the other team did not have integrity. In my opinion, it is not a good solution as boycotting the game just make things worse and it just make things easier for the other team with lesser teams to compete. When the other team does not have integrity, it is about getting it back by winning them on the court and not by walking off. Just like the Singapore-Thailand match that we watched at National Stadium last year, Thailand walked off the field as they were unhappy with the referee's call. That is not sportmanship and many of the football fans watched in disgust. If that is the case, why is it that when it is happening to ourselves, we are supportive of it?

Haha.. Cause to comment is easier than to do it ourselves. So lesson for today is that, if your opponent cheated, take them on the battle ground and not leaving it totally. Don't expect everyone to be perfect cause everyone ain't perfect.

Happy holidays!

My Bdae Gift

2008-02-19T13:46:00.001+08:00

Thanks Lynn for promising to buy this gift for me. =D

Life of a Student Part 12

2008-02-04T10:30:00.000+08:00

This sem seems to pass so fast. It is already the 4th week of the sem and very soon it will be the due date of one of my assignment and then mid sem break then another project due and then starting to prepare for exams le..

This week is CNY and it will be filled with activities and next weekend will also be the same with house visiting and such. The following week will be the submission of a sociology assignment and then IFG Finale for 6 sports all together. Mid sem break will start on that weekend and street games is on monday and the week is sort of going to be a week to do project. Then it will be CA for my LSM1304 on Tuesday when school start and friday is the submission for the project. The weekend of that week will be lunch with my family and the following weekend will be NUS Open House.. Man.. That will be the 8th week of school with 5 more week before exams and I am still doing so many things.. Haha..

I think the next few weeks will be very hectic so the only way to get my readings and tutorials done will be to squeeze every single free time that I have to do them.

Hope that your schedule is not as packed as mine.. Lol..

Halfway through my term

2008-01-25T11:19:00.000+08:00

Thanks to many who have made things happened especially the Project Directors of Various Projects and my MC Members. I was reflecting through the last half a year and I realise that I am surrounded by people who are going all out to support me, especially my MC members. I am really grateful to them to the extent that I feel that no words can describe how thankful I am for them. As the beacon of light for the club, *or so I think*, all that this light do is to give directions and that's about all. It still takes the hands and legs of the rest of the team to move forward.

Leading this club made me feel so much like the drummer of a Dragonboat team. **too heavy to be a real one though** All that I do as the drummer of this team is to make noise. Strong and constant noise. **aka think and instruct the MC on what to do** Yes it is impt so that the coordination of the boat is good and the boat will move forward faster but the drummer is still only a drummer. He is NOT the one whose arm will ache halfway through the race. He is NOT the one who will have to endure the pain. He is JUST the one to make noise. Loud noise.

What went on in my mind is also the promise that I made to myself. The promise to ensure that at the end of my term, everyone in the MC will have a piece from me. A piece from me that they will take and bring along with them for the rest of their lives. To make sure that at the end of their term of office, they will grow up with me and not only grow old with me. Our term will end and once it end, I know that I will miss little things that happened between us. Long meetings, club retreat that is so draining with the discussion but yet fun with polar bear game **you will get to know that quiet people are the most dangerous.. (points to seo hoon)**, going for activities together etc. In the next half a year, let us treasure all the time together as a team, because this team have an expiry date *in terms of operations*. But do remember that this team does not and will not have an expiry date in terms of our memories and such. Perhaps 5-10 years down the road, we will still be meeting up together as 18th MC and reminiscence about the things that we do during our club days. Perhaps we can have a 18th MC award on every SDE Award Day to give to the most outstanding member of DE Club. Perhaps we can start a DE Club Alumni Fund to fund the activities. Perhaps.. Perhaps.. Perhaps.. There are so many things that we can do together.. =D

Since I am feeling so high now, it is better to stop writing or I will start to talk old grandpa stories le... haha.. Thanks to all those who have supported me thus far, in a way or another. Special Thanks to my close friends, OYJM, LXW, NXJ, WHZ and their partners. Not forgetting the one who suffered the most with me taking up this position, Lovely thanks to Lovely Lynn for standing by me at all times, 24/7/365.

SDE Bash 2008 - 'Best' Photo of the Night

2008-01-25T10:58:00.000+08:00

Amazing...

2008-01-23T02:34:00.001+08:00

Your Birthdate: March 18

You are a cohesive force - able to bring many people together for a common cause.
You tend to excel in work situations, but you also facilitate a lot of social gatherings too.
Beyond being a good leader, you are good at inspiring others.
You also keep your powerful emotions in check - you know when to emote and when to repress.

Your strength: Emotional maturity beyond your years

Your weakness: Wearing yourself down with too many responsibilities

Your power color: Crimson red

Your power symbol: Snowflake

Your power month: September

Life of a Student Part 11

2008-01-22T22:27:00.000+08:00

This entry is prompted by HO XUE MEI.. hahaha..

Well.. There are many things from where I left off man. Hmm.. But I shall not do a XUE MEI in this case.. haha..

Lucky me to have a good deal this year by going with the Union for the Union Trip to Bangkok-Seoul-Taipei. Learnt a lot of things about Thailand though I have been there 3 times and the most wonderful thing that I learnt was about Korea and the situation between North and South Korea. Watched a lot of videos on Korean War and also Vietnam War since I was back from the trip. Interesting to know about how history actually shapes a society and the life of the people living in it.

Some things to share from Bangkok University and my personal opinion.

Bangkok University
One point was highlighted by one of the delegates was that the school adopted a point system for the students. Without satisfying 35 points in terms of participation in school activities, the students will not graduate. It was argued that if the students are going to be only academically inclined and apathetic about other things, it will defeat the purpose of higher learning. I strongly agree with this point made and although it may bring about some dissension amongst students if it is implemented in our school, I feel that it will help the students to grow up further and not just to grow old. Definitely it may cause some students to do things for the sake of doing it, there is no system that is flawless. This will be a better solution than the current system.

Personal Opinion

Just like in Bangkok University, it is recommended that we can consider adopting their system of clocking points for graduation. NUS is the premier university in Singapore and we should not be producing students who are just concerned with studies but students who are equipped with their professional knowledge and other soft skills such as organization, teamwork, management etc.

This system is definitely going to draw fire from the students and hence we can perhaps adopt this system only for those who are going to enter our school. I remember that when we have the system of SS, GEMs and Electives, it drew a lot of fire but as a student who is going through this system now, I feel that if there is no such system, I will not be willing to explore beyond my comfort zone and not have a broader perspectives of things as acquired from different discipline like business, arts, science etc. I feel that I am not just a Real Estate Graduate to be but a student majoring in Real Estate but ‘minor in everything’.

That's all for the sharing on the trip. A really packed 9 days and a hell load of things to do after I'm back from the trip. Besides post trip blues, I was trying to settle down with studies, catching up with club stuff, following up on mails and with so many things in hand, things seems so haywire. Don't really like things to be messy and disorganized and that is the reason why I was a bit sianz and lethargic for a few days. Thanks for the concern from my friends. I'm better le. After packing and writing down things to do for YEP, Club, NUSSU and Personal stuffs, things are getting better le. =D

That's all for XUE MEI's reading pleasure.. hahaha..

Life of a Student Part 10

2007-12-27T11:14:00.000+08:00

Well Well.. Part of the life of a student will be the receiving of results for our exams. This sem is filled with careless mistakes on my part and hence, I paid for the mistakes with a drop in my results. Not much but enough to make the journey to 4.5 an even harder one. 8 A's with no other modules being below A- will be the way to 4.5. With every module below A-, it will mean that more As will be needed to pull the grades up.

Impossible? Hmm.. Well, as an Adidas lover, I will go with its slogan.. 'Impossible is nothing.' Perhaps I'll need to change my strategy and review on what I can do to make next sem an even better one.

For all those whom I know, be it you have did well or badly, let's move on together and work towards next sem. Look into what went wrong for last sem and what went well. After which, plan for next semester. Thanks to all those who have encouraged me. =D

XQQ, this is for you. Well done on your results. I calculated and I think you got a 3.9 for this sem. That is superb. Maintain your performance and strive to make it to an overall cap of 3.8. You will be safe there. Jia you!

Seo Hoon, aka the one who reads everyone's blog but never tag (except on XQQ's blog), well done for the inching forward to 4.0. Just a little bit more to it and you will get it le.. But don't just aim for that little bit more. Aim for smth more than that so that you will be in a safe zone. =D

Joel, you are also closer and closer to 4 le. The only way to go is upwards and by this sem hit 4 before going for SEP. Make the SEP even sweeter by knowing that you have hit ur target before leaving for SEP. Excellent!

Perhaps I should take 5 mods and do well in them. Let's see what I can get through my review of last sem. =D

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-26T11:06:00.000+08:00

It is christmas! How did you spend it?

Well.. On Christmas Eve, I spend it with my family at my 2nd Gugu's House. She was a buddhist and then converted to be a christian. She lives in a small house by herself with one room and one living room. Pretty cosy and it have been years since I last visited her house. I guess this may be a yearly gathering for my family at her house. =D

After the gathering, I went over to meet up with Meiyi and gang at Partyworld for Kbox session. Haha.. These group of friends is a crazy lot but it is definitely fun to be with them. Missed last year's christmas celebration with them but lucky I made it for this one. I don't always go out with them but we often celebrate occasions together. And it is also a session to get updates.. haha..

This is also the 1st christmas eve that lynn is at home and never go out. So much so that her parents asked her 'eh.. you quarrel with ernest ah? why never go out?' LOL... Seems like she is not very welcomed at home.. =X lol..

On christmas day, I met up with lynn to go for a picnic but.. it rained.. and we were stucked at vivo instead. Spent the whole day there and had our picnic there too. Lots of good food and with a beer.. Not forgetting a whole tupperware of fruits that can feed 4 person!! Hahaha.. Thanks dear for the nice nice food.

After that, we went shopping for clothes and I got my own suit le. Can return XuWen's one after I send it for dry cleaning. Decided to buy one as I'll need it for HR3003 and for other events too and to wear XuWen's suit with my own pants is so weird as the colour is very off.. hahahahaa.. Thanks to XuWen's suit anyway as it helped me with my photoshoot with the Council. After buying the suit, we shopped for my shirt and I got 4 long sleeves shirts.. But it was pretty cheap. 116 bucks for 4 shirts from G2000. =D So if you wanna get shirt, get it there! Vivo City!

Hee.. After a long day of shopping, we went home and I continued with my celebration with a mahjong session. *excuse to play mahjong la..** hahaha..

Once again, Merry Christmas!

Massive Updates!

2007-12-19T14:45:00.000+08:00

Exams

After 6 brain cells killing papers, exams is over! I have been very very careless in 2 papers out of the 6 and they are Real Estate Econs and QM in Real Estate. Calculation errors in both papers and I think Real Estate Econs is going to be a disappointment for me. The other paper that is going to disappoint will be ES2007D. As for the rest of the papers, they are still manageable. Now let's wait for the results to be out then.

Post Exams Activities

First on the list is a chill out session at Jian Ming's house with games thru the night. Dinner at our 'lao-di-fang' followed by Mahjong, Sink-the-bottle game and Texas Hold'Em! A good relaxation after the exams.

Next is to clear my room so that I can check out of my room. Tong-pang a lot of my belongings with EZ, Albert and Chaowei. haha.. Thanks to them or I'd have to lug all the things home le..

Lynn's Gang CHALET!

First Day

Gift exchange + Games for the night. Look at Zi Qiang Beautiful Face.. LOL.. And of course.. Lynn's face with Make-Up done by 'professional' make-up artists Janice and Alicia. Chio chio-des!

Second DayBrunch is KFC and after that, more games!! Went cycling too and then BBQ. Lynn fell off the bike and had some injury on her legs. Haha.. Healing well right dear? =D The highlight of the day is the massive Heart Attack Game that we played with 12 players in all. Damn.. Really heart attack sia..

Students' Leaders Camp!

This camp is for all the student leaders of NUSSU to gather together and get to know each other. In this camp, we had some workshop and also low element obstacle course. Quite a pity that the weather was not good for the usage of high element course. The camp was quite fun and it did help the participants to have a better network within NUSSU itself. Thumbs up for the committee.

BEACH-O-HOLIC 2007!

An event organised by sports cell, I must say that it is a great success! =D A total turnout of around 80 participants and we had a great day at sentosa. Vance is really lucky that it did not rain on that day and the event was ran smoothly. After the event, we went to Vivo to have our dinner at Kolo Mee. Not bad. The noodles and soup was great.

A day for us to get tanned and some others to get burned.. hahahaa..

NUSSU Colour Award 2007

It is a night to appreciate all those who have contributed to NUSSU and it was held at SPACE Bank at Bukit Timah Campus. The dinner was graced by Senior Deputy President, Prof Tan Chor Chuan. During the ceremony itself, Kenny won the Best President Award. Haha.. **perhaps he was the only president present ba.. LOL.. **

Prior to the dinner, Lynn and I went to watch the movie 'Warlord'. 'Da ge shi dui de...' Hahah.. An over-rated movie as I don't really find it fantastic. Just ok.. So those who are intending to watch the movie, don't have high hopes k.. And u will catch the joke above.. LOL..

After the dinner, Ronglin, Ethan, Edna, Xinli and I went to Holland V for a drink and Chao Wei joined us afterwards. Not bad. We have arranged to have another session after NUSS's dinner on the 28th.

Mum's Bdae!

16th Dec is Mum's Bdae and also Xiao Qian Qian's Bdae. First to XQQ ba.. 20 years old le ah.. Must be more independent and be more mature k. Happy 20th Bdae Girl. **My present is on the way k.. haha.. In the making.. =X**

For mum's bdae, we had dinner at a place where my family frequent when we were young. Have not been there for around 10 years le ba.. long long time man. Mum was pretty happy that day during the dinner. hee.. Mum.. Happy 49th Bdae! **although she won't be reading this..** hahaha..

After dinner, we went home and it is the start of the planning for MC Retreat by me, Justin and Da Tou Wa Wa. Haha.. We did the planning from 9pm to 2am before XM go home. Justin stayed over at my place. The time spent planning is well worth it as the MC Retreat went really well.. I hope that everyone have taken away something. =D

DE CLUB Retreat

MC Retreat - Planning, Brainstorming, Planning, Eating, 'Polar Bear', send Ryan off, Sleep and more sleep.. Lol.. MC Retreat is pretty technical so it is hard to blog anything much about it. But I feel that the MC did get to know each other better and we know how things are going to be like in time to come.

Club retreat on the second day with team building games and get dirty games. Haha.. Very happy with the retreat as the ice between some cliques are broken and with that, I feel that the bonds between members will be much much stronger. Ice between groups can only be broken when there is effort from both side to break it and it will definitely be easier with someone to facilitate that. =D Always look at the bigger picture and get to know more people will help you eventually.

Many thanks to the organising committee with special thanks to Natasha as I can see that she is really tired and yet still helped with the conduct of the games. Xie xie ni.

Events up ahead? Blading with Lynn, Christmas Celebration with Meiyi and Gang, NUSS Dinner, Meet up with Douglas, Shun Ying, Kenny and Daniel and ultimately UNION Trip. Stay tuned!

Who are you?

2007-11-25T13:37:00.001+08:00

I was talking to Joel and Pearl and I asked them a very mind-boggling question though it is a very easy and fundamental question.

Who are you? Who are you exactly?

Try answering that.

Part of a Student Part 9

2007-11-23T13:04:00.000+08:00

1st Paper for Year 2 Sem 1 and it was disastrous! Hopefully I will be able to get a B and not anything worse than that. =(

Left with 5 more papers and I will have a freaking good time next Thurs to Sat with 3 papers back to back. Revised target for this sem.. Hmm.. 4.0? I think that will be a good target cause getting 4.5 will be nearly impossible.

Exams fever is on.. Study hard and rest well.

Goodbye My Cousin..

2007-11-18T11:19:00.000+08:00

I received a text message this morning which reads ' Ah Boy korkor passed away..' This message was sent by my eldest brother and Ah Boy korkor is my eldest cousin from my father's family. What was the cause of death? I dunno. He have always been healthy so I guess it will be something alarming that caused his death.

Will be going home for this reading week to study at the wake.

For those mugging, jia you...

Life of a Student Part 8

2007-11-14T12:57:00.000+08:00

Week 13 of the semester and one more week for reading week and that is the start of the exams. Still having a pretty high inertia for studying though I am forcing myself to read and read and read. Last project for the Sem will be due this Friday.

If you were to ask me how to study for exams and how to do well, I think my advice will be..

Study to get your facts right and then apply them during exams and think about the concepts and why they are as such. It is also about being able to see the linkages of all the various topics and to think out of the box. Value-adding to your answers will help you to be distinguished from the crowd and this is the difficult part.

When studying put some thoughts into what you are reading and keep yourself abreast with the current affairs in order to have examples for your exams.

Good luck to all and all the best!

Do you even care?

2007-11-09T09:48:00.000+08:00

The text reads..

'The photo in the mail is the "Pulitzer Prize" winning photo taken in 1994 during the Sudan famine. The picture depicts a famine stricken child crawling towards an United Nations food camp, located a kilometer away.

The vulture is waiting for the child to die so that it can eat it. This picture shocked the whole world. No one knows what happened to the child, including the photographer Kevin Carter who left the place as soon as the photograph was taken.

Three months later he committed suicide due to depression."

As the world capitalise and globalised with information readily available online, we are only interested in things that will be able to benefit us and not things that concern the others living in conditions that are sub-human standard. Do we even care about this world? Do we even bother about things that are not within our academic program as students, not within our work as adults in future but yet within reach?

Is this all because of our culture? Is it because we are lucky to be borned here? Why do we complain about every little things in life when it is already much much better than millions of people out there?

Food for thought.. We are researching into AIDs vaccine and lets' say we managed to do so.. Will the Africans be able to have access to them when they formed a huge percentage of those infected? I bet no.. The thing that will happen is that once the vaccine is out, the world's moral values will be eroded because people will get vaccined and then be promiscuous in action and what values are there left?

Perhaps this is because I am socialized into having the Asian values and thinking that if this were to happen in my lifetime, I really wonder what will my reaction to it..

Hopefully I won't live to see that day.. Or perhaps my life will end on that very day..

Life of a Student Part 7

2007-11-08T00:26:00.000+08:00

Woo!

Good day today! I woke up from a nap at 145am, bathed, had supper with Chaowei and Ethan till 3am. Then.. I stayed awake to surf the net for info till it was time for breakfast. 745, I washed up and went to YIH for breakfast. Nasi Lemak for breakfast. After breakfast, I went over to SDE and did a mindmap for Religion. Zzzz Monster struck me and I went to club room for a 45 minutes sleep till 10am. Went for ES tut then go for lunch with Lynn and gang. 12pm, back to club room to do some readings and finally I cannot take it anymore. Sick of studying, I decided to go for a swim and that was it.. I swam 30 laps and then had a half-an-hour tan before going back to hall to bathe. Back to SDE at 4pm to meet Natasha for Law Mind Map and at 6pm, went over to SRC for a meeting. Hit the Gym at 1940 till 2000 then went for Engin's BBQ. Ate till ard 1015 and then back to room.

Hectic? I bet it is but at least I exercised! hahaha.. Song.. Super Song.. =D

Hmm.. tomorrow is a public holiday and here I am in my room and tml is just like any other day to me.. Mugging for exams. Studying Soci and PS ba.. Hmm.. Still have 3 projs in hand.. Sians..

Key, Door and Ladder

2007-11-06T19:26:00.000+08:00

Decided to share this analogy which I started using for my speech for the elections of DE Club Management Committee. It is perhaps something which I'd like to share with all students.

The key which is often known as the passport to all the companies out there is what I refer to as the degree that every student is chasing. I was talking to Prof Tan Eng Chye, Deputy President (Academic Affairs) and Provost and we were talking about this paper chase which is pretty obvious in our current society. What are we exactly chasing for? What is this paper all about? What is it for? Why are we so engrossed in this chase that we are so sucked into this game? What is beyond this key or is it the end of it all?

Next is the door which the key is able to open. Definitely, what degree you hold can open some door and leaves some others permanently shut. For example, someone who is a Major in Chemistry and try asking him to be a valuer. I bet he can do so but only after some training. But at the start, the door of Real Estate Valuer is closed and perhaps only chemistry related industries are open for him.

And yes.. The level of your degree may matter too! Perhaps a first clas honours can open the door of some big MNCs and a Pass degree may not be able to do so. However, there have been cases where the employer filtered out the 1st class students as they are deemed to be too academically inclined and perhaps they will expect much more from the company than the amount that they can give back to the company.

Lastly, it is the ladder. Behind every single door is a ladder and that is the ladder of Power, Influence, Fame and Name. **money too** And it is actually this ladder that matters the most which is failed to be recognised by many others in life when studying hence, they focus more on studies than on developing skills which can benefit them to climb the ladder. What is the destination of this ladder? The destination is the second storey of the whole building where every single door is closed but not locked. This is the storey where you will be able to gain access to every room only if you try to and the good thing is that you have enough reputation to do so.

In fact if you were to think about it, everyone will reach here, be it you are 1st class or pass degree, as long as you have the capabilities to climb the ladder. And the entry to every other door in the second storey is another ladder that will lead you higher and higher.

So.. Which is actually more important? The ladder or the key? Perhaps we have been taught to go for the key and everything else can wait till you get the key. But my take is that, if you can, why not get both together? By the time you are ready to learn how to climb the ladder, you would have been socially constructed to undermine your own abilities to climb the ladder. Hence, the message is.. Start early and start learning.. Maintain a balance with chasing the key and at the same time, start to learn about climbing the ladder. And one point to note is the, the key is just the destination. It is the journey that matters. The knowledge gained in the process that matters.

Was quite heart-warming to see Jianming teaching and going through with Ryan on her soci MTT and what went wrong with her concepts. That is really nice to help each other to get the 'key' and also to build friendship. =D

For those who have heard me talk about this, sorry to be lo-so. For those who have yet to, I hope that this have made you think a bit. **i bet u will at least use a bit more of your god-given brain to think about what I've mentioned here than that class quiz of mine..**

Life of a Student Part 6

2007-11-06T19:00:00.001+08:00

Ladies and Gentleman,

Let me give you a preview of a question from a University's Quiz Paper!

1) Which of the following cities has not imposed a congestion tax on cars entering the central city?
a) New York City
b) London
c) Singapore
d) None of the Above

2) MRT is usually featured with exclusive right of way. (True/False)

3) In the US, racial segregation had been getting worse between 1980 and 2000. (True/False)

God! What is that man? Does it even test on our knowledge in Urban Economics? And does these questions value add to me as a university student? I bet they don't and this is a negative externality on me as a student studying at University level. Come on.. We expect more and these questions are more factual than application and it does not even need me to use my god-given brain to think at all. No wonder we are always thought to be unable to think. It is a social construct that we are socialised to be so. Just eat your textbook and you will excel in life. Boo-Hoo!

Teach me something useful and test me on that please. Not on some things that can be done by someone who memorises the facts. Application and critical thinking questions are appreciated.
(-_-")

Life of a Student Part 5

2007-11-06T00:27:00.001+08:00

Hmm.. Urban Econs test tomorrow, with 3 projects on hand.. Haha.. Well.. The term is coming to and end soon so I guess it is the norm to be busy.

Went to swim with Joel today and had a 30 mins tan by the pool. Btw, Joel only slept from 7am-9am and he was cajole to go swimming with me.. Haha.. Well, exercise is addictive.. Haha..

This is for my loyal fan, kopi-cheng, who never tag my blog when she reads my blog. Kaoz.. Oei.. U wanna go fly Kite ah? Opps.. I forget, you fly mini planes one.. hahhaa.. TC dude! And Run faster la.. 1:50.. Kaoz..

Got to hit the books now for tml exams. Ciao!

Life of a Student Part 4

2007-11-02T01:59:00.000+08:00

Didn't get to sleep on Wednesday night and not wanting to miss my last Soci tut, I stayed awake till tut was over. Got back to residence and I slept till 2pm, missing my soci lecture. What a life of a student.

After I woke up, got a lunch delivery by lovely Lynn. And after lunch, I started on urban planning project. Freaking big headache. Have been on this proj for a long time and I am still on it at this hour. Things are just not connecting and there are so many things to change in the report. Gosh.. And what's worse is that I recovered from flu this afternoon and night time I got it back.. *damn*

Going for a run now and hopefully it will help to get rid of my stupid flu.. Adious.

ORD Parade

2007-11-01T04:51:00.000+08:00

Bravo Company, Ord Parade @ Maju Camp.
Outfield, Route Marches, Fast Marches, IPPTs, Endurance Runs and the list goes on...

Parade Square

Central Backdrop
Bravo Platoon 4 Commanders
(Desmond, Isaac, Zaki, Me, Shao Wei, Darren)

Platoon 4 Group Photo

Final Send-off.. Tough and Effective!
Spartans!!!

Prof Shih's Meeting

2007-11-01T04:43:00.001+08:00

Prof Shih's Meeting at the VISTA, University Hall.

VISTA Meeting RoomView from the Top (1)

View from the Top (2)

View from the Top (3)

My Tag

Overall, the meeting with Prof Shih and the senior school administrators is insighful. But there are still many issues that will need to be convened within the 29th NUSSU Council in order to make things move. Let's go 29th NUSSU Council!

Life of a Student Part 3

2007-10-31T13:32:00.000+08:00

Do we plan too much and we are too afraid to venture and we fail to learn more?

I was talking to a Vietnamese peer of mine, Allan, and we were talking about SEP and he told me that he is going to apply to European countries for exchange instead of going to USA. I asked him why not USA and he told me that he went there last year on the work and travel scheme.

I was taken aback because he is on student loan and I remembered that he told me that he will take a super long time to repay his loan. If that's the case, how is he able to go to USA and with great plans to go for SEP while me and some of my peers are not even thinking that far when we are financially able to?

I am impressed that though he is not rich, he is travelling more than anyone of us who is staying in our comfort zone, doing what we do best and not venturing out. Are we planning too much about the future that we are not fully utilising what we can enjoy now? Perhaps it is a good takeaway from the foreign friend of mine that we should enjoy what we have now and not worry about the future. Perhaps I shall plan for a backpacking trip in December and not worry about money issues.

Life of a Student Part 2

2007-10-30T11:11:00.000+08:00

Having Urban Planning Tutorial now and here I am blogging cause something hit me.

I remember Dr Kwame mentioning a concept called 'Learn, Un-learn and Re-learn' which he said is the way to go in university. I'd say that I agree with him to a certain extent that we have learn what we already had for the past 12 -13 years, it is about time to un-learn so that we can adapt to a new system and new environment of learning but the difficulty is about re-learning. How do we re-learn? How do we teach someone to re-learn?

Some friends of mine are facing problems with adapting to the system in the university and I think that it is about learning the process of re-learning. Be it from Poly or JC, the system here is different. Poly students may be used to the idea of modules but not JC students and for the poly students the weightage of the projects to final year exams is different from poly system as well.

In my point of view, the only way to re-learn is to know the game of the university well and to know how is the system is like and strategise the way to learn.

It is about consistent work in uni and not about last minute mugging.

It is about striking a balance yourself and not just about studying as there is no such thing as compulsory CCA.

It is about having the last opportunity to learn about management, leadership and making mistakes as it is our last time schooling.

It is about making friends and keeping them as these friendships will last you a long way.

It is about the learning and not about results.

This system works well for certain people but not for some others but it is possible to be tuned to it. Excelling in JC and Poly does not equate to excelling in Uni and not doing well in JC and Poly doesn't mean that you are gone too. The only limiting factor is yourself and your mental model of yourself. You may feel that you have been disadvantaged in any way that you felt you are but that should not be a limiting factor to yourself.

Hope that this will inspire you to do your best and not to belittle yourself. You are as powerful as you think you are.

Glimpse of Council Photoshoot

2007-10-29T13:02:00.001+08:00

Photoshoot for Council.. =D

29th Council Formal Shoot

29th Council Informal Shoot

C-Cube Photo

Student Organization Review

Committee (SORC) Formal Shoot

Student Organization Review
Committee (SORC) Informal Shoot

The Reps from SDE - 3 Times RAG
Best Float Design Champions and the
Wannabes being the Background... =D

Life of a Student Part 1

2007-10-29T09:59:00.001+08:00

Hmm.. Decided to start this series of Life of a Student since many of the posts will revolve around school during term time and even during vacation.

Anyway, last sat was a long day with no night.. Did my ES project till 5pm, took a break, start doing my Soci Essay and watch TV with my brother.. and guess what.. I took 10 hrs to finish my essay.. from 7pm to 5am.. lol.. Decided not to sleep cause if I do, I am sure I will not wake up in time for my NEW Balance Real Run.. Damn.. 15km run without rest.. How best can the life of a student be? -_-

The run was a good one with a good weather and it was held at Changi Exhibition Centre area.. The endless road and the 'sand-run' which was ran not really on the sand.. haha.. A much easier run than last year's as I was taking my own sweet time and not going for timing.. And perhaps the route was much much easier.. Did the run in 1hr 33 mins.. Not bad.. Pretty acceptable without much training coupled with no sleep.. Below is a picture of the clear blue sky of that morning.. =D

After the run, I went home, bathe and slept for a good 7 hrs till 7pm before packing up and go back to school with my brother and his gf. Back in school and do what? Tutorial loh.. haha..

Hope that this coming week will be good. Prof Shih's meeting, induction program with OSA and Dean of Students' Affair, Star Search Finals, and the highlight of the week will be Wednesday's ORD Parade of my men over at 6 SIR. Will update on the events by weekend so check my blog!

**exams in 25 days.. countdown..**

Strike a Balance

2007-10-23T11:08:00.000+08:00

As the exams is nearing, people around me are hitting the big red 'PANIC' button already. Some are going into seclusion while some others are tired of studying.. **me and joel..**

Many things are still happening, local and overseas and even in school, as we are hitting the panic button.. Things ranging from repealing Penal Code 377A to Keeping Penal Code 377A, CPF changes and its effects on Singaporean Citizen and PR, Myanmar Crisis, Bangkok Sinking, China-Taiwan Relationship, Death of Major Roberts in Afg, Court Martial for Wrongful killing in Iraq and the list goes on.. Are you keeping up with the news?

As we are studying for exams, it will be good to strike a balance by studying, exercising, relaxing and keeping up with the news in order not to be a nerd in a well. Don't look at the end point which is the results. Enjoy the process of learning by thinking through what is taught and apply it in your life whenever applicable. Be a devil's advocate and think against what was taught and find out about other perspectives before accepting something as the gospel truth. It will help you to know what are you really accepting and not accepting it for what it is. The mass media may not be the best source though it is a good source.

4 more weeks to exams.. Study hard, play hard, relax and enjoy the process of studying..

Council vs SEP

2007-10-13T01:49:00.000+08:00

After being in the council, I felt that there are a lot that can be done at NUSSU level to benefit the students and yet on the other hand, I am facing the dilemma of choosing between running for council and SEP for next year..

For the students or for myself?
Is there any possibilities for the best of both worlds?

8 MEETINGS IN A WEEK!!!

2007-10-02T22:38:00.000+08:00

Hmm.. 8 meetings in a week.. Will I break the record in any upcoming weeks?

1- Rag Acct
2- Kim Seng Project Manager
3- Heads Meeting
4- Prof Lim Meeting
5- YEP Leaders' Meeting
6- OSA + OFN Meeting
7- BEMs and TAS Meeting
8- NUSSU 3rd Council Meeting

Anyway, all the planning for the club is more or less done except for the meeting of the Vice-Dean to approve on some of the student activities and proposals. Great to have a strong team working together towards a common goal.

Another project deadline coming up next week and a Sociology Test next week, it seems like weekend is going to be burned.. But then.. Brother organised a dinner on sat with Mum and Dad.. Henceforth.. SAT WILL BE A REST DAY!! =D

Suffer on Sunday then.. -_-!!!

"Discipline is not something I impose on you so I can control you. Rather, it is something you must develop within yourself so you can become the best person you can be, not the one who could have been.” - Timothy F. Hough

Updates!

2007-09-20T06:30:00.000+08:00

Hmm.. For the past one week, I have been busy with DE Club stuffs, Budget, Planning of activities, projects, presentations, tutorials, meetings.. Hell weeeeeek!

But well, there is more to come and I shall embrace them as they come along.. **enjoy the process and you will feel better about it.. [NUSSU council meeting on Mid Sem Break and it starts at 8PM!!!!!!!!!!!!]**

Beginning to look at a lot of things from very different perspectives and getting comfortable with who I am and what I am doing. There are so many things that we can do to help people around us but I am the happiest when I can help people to know themselves better and to be a better person. I have been blessed with many guardian angels and I'd like to pass the blessings on. However, I recognise that I am not perfect either and I am learning too. As I go along, I just hope that I can learn more from others and to teach others too.

Anyway, something hit me hard today with Ko Zaw telling us that he is leaving for Liverpool. A very sudden departure of his and we are planning to have dinner and to send him off. Dunno when will we get to see him again but I know deep down that friendship will not be forgotten.

that's Ko Zaw and me.. =D

Last but not least, I had a celebration with Lynn on sunday for our 1st year aniversary. =D We spent the whole day together starting with breakfast, movie, shopping for my clothes, desserts and dinner at Kushinbo!

Haha.. A very simple day but meaningful with each other's company. Due to my committment in my studies and CCA, I don't have the luxury of time with my girl but I am really appreciative of her understanding. Thanks dear! We will have many good years ahead! **but firstly, can you pass me the photos? =P**

Will update again when I have the time to. Ciao!

18th Management Committee

2007-09-13T02:21:00.001+08:00

After today's AGM, we have completed our handing over and taking over from the 17th MC and we are now all on our own.

But come what may because I think that I have a great team to work with. The road ahead may be tough but it will definitely be rewarding. After 1 year, we shall look back on today and smile saying that we have did our best.

=D

!@#$%^&*

2007-09-10T00:59:00.001+08:00

Tired.. Very..

Look at the time now.. I have yet to even type my QM Essay Assignment.. Gosh.. Going to be a very busy week with loads of project meetings..

**Fighting Fighting..**

Human Dignity

2007-09-01T22:28:00.001+08:00

Just got back from dinner at clementi and I'm now at DE Club room. Something struck me just now as I was dining there. I was sharing a table with a pair of couples and when they left, an old lady selling tissue paper came over, took out a plastic bag, took the plate of leftovers of the couple who left and then scoop them into the plastic bag.

Why? Who is it for? In Singapore with such high GDP and high standard of living and yet there are minorities who are living on leftovers of others? Where is the human dignity of these people?

I feel for the old lady as I look at her in the eyes. Without saying a word, when our eyes met, I knew she was embarrassed with what she did and she looked away, moving back to her bag which wrote 'Self-Living Asthmatic'.. Was she without kids or family? Is the Government doing anything to help them? Or is she a tool of some other capitalist to help them earn money by exploiting the sympathy of the public?

Often than not, when we see these people selling tissue papers, we raise our hands to signal 'NO' faster than when we were asked to raise our hands to answering questions or to give opinions. Why are people behaving in this manner? Is it because they are unsympathetic or is it because they are being wary of these elderly being tools of other capitalists? I choose to give these people the benefit of doubt and choose not to think that they are tools of other capitalist.

Looking at this from the recent CPF policy changes, the Govt mentioned that it is a safety net to ensure that these people will still have the human dignity to continue living when they are old. However, this will be applicable only for those who are working now and in future, and hence, what about those who are not having that human dignity now? Is the Govt doing anything to help these people to live the last lap of their lives with human dignity?

I don't have the answers to these questions but I urge all of you who come across these elderly to buy the tissue packs from them. It is just $1. I believe you will be able to afford it.

Toying with Fear

2007-08-26T09:56:00.000+08:00

Thanks to all those who had left a comment in my last entry. I hope that it did make you appreciate little little things in life and see things from my perspective.

Anyway, the episode on that 'stranger' was not over. Apparently, on friday, she hinted to my friend that a mutual 'stranger' of theirs wanted to write a letter to the Dean and to ask my friend to make a public apology or she will sue my friend for defamation. What an IDIOT. The primary intention of the statement was not to tell my friend that she is going to be sued but to strike fear in her and to intimidate her. This type of people is a menace to the society and one big word for her.. DUMB.. A very prominent public figure sued an opposition party leader for defamation for $300,000.. And that was because of a statement made publicly and spread all over the news and considering the reputation of the public figure, all he got was $300,000. I'm not saying that it is a small amount but looking at the situation, if that mutual 'stranger' were to sue my friend, she may not even succeed and if she does succeed, perhaps all she will get is peanuts. Literally.. Firstly, the remark was not made publicly and the damages on that mutual 'stranger' is not even great. Secondly, the mutual 'stranger' is not very reputable anyway so if the damages got through perhaps the damages awarded will be $1000 or $2000. And thirdly, with those amount of damages, will a rational person hire a lawyer to do so? I doubt so but perhaps that mutual 'stranger' will do so since she is already irrationale to even think of suing my friend. Some people just don't use their brains.. Perhaps they don't even have one..

So friend.. Don't worry about it.. This ordeal will only rally people around you to help you. If that dumb*&%$ is really going to sue you, then we will think about it when the action is taken.. Now no action yet so don't need to be so bother by those words.. Moreover, that 'stranger' may not even be credible in what she says so why bother?? =D

And because of this, it struck me with this topic about toying with fear. A lot of people will try to use fear to inflict damages on someone who may seem to be more harmless. I have experienced it twice over a month. One involving me and another friend and the other is the case above. The very question we'll need to ask is 'why are people doing it?' The very fact is that it works a lot of time. Words are often used to inflict fear and not action because when someone uses action to intimidate you, he can be criminally liable. However, there are also cases where words are also criminally liable. The usage of words aggressively on someone can try to sway one's decision and causes someone to be unable to live without thinking about what has been said. I hope that this entry will allow those who read to be able to try to control fear or at least to be able to recognise fear because the action of recognising something as fear can help you to better cope with your life.

Quoted from www.dictionary.com, the word fear has this meaning which is 'a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid.' Most of the time, fear is not real but imagined. The following short story will show you what I meant.

According to legend, one day a man was wandering in the desert when he met Fear and Plague. They said they were on their way to a large city where they were going to kill 10,000 people. The man asked Plague if he was going to do all the work. Plague smiled and said, "No, I'll only take care of a few hundred. I'll let my friend Fear do the rest.

What was drawn by this legend?? how is the combination of fear and plague going to kill 10,000 when plague kills only a few hundred. It is all because of the fact that even for those who are not infected with the plague, the city dwellers will still eliminate those who were in contact with the ones infected with plague for the FEAR of the plague. it kills.. Doesn't it??

So what are we suppose to do when fear approaches us? Most of the time I can say that we will still be fearful of it. Even for me, when I am faced with fear, I recognise it and yet there will still be residual 'fearfulness' for the thing that causes the fear. It is natural but it is possible to reduce it by facing it. Most of the time you will discover that by recognising fear, it was not really such a big threat after all and fear does not have any special power unless you empower it by submitting to it.

"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." - Franklin D. Roosevelt

The next time you are faced with fear, remember what I have written. Face your fear and to recognise that the only thing to fear about it fear itself. =D

Friendship

2007-08-22T00:08:00.000+08:00

Something heavy for this entry..

A friend of mine was totally disappointed in one of our common 'friend' (or should I just call it a not-so-strange STRANGER). All because of the root of all evil, money.. I just don't understand how can someone actually look at money, car, condo, and all other materials in the world to be more important than something as simple as friendship.

Is it because of our society?
Is it because of our culture?
Or is it simply a norm that many of us have yet to be able to look through it?

I must say that money is important since we are living in a society that needs money for almost everything but it is very sad to see and to know that money became the ONLY thing..

Can money buy you friends? Can.. Those who will leave you when you have no money..
There were incidents where people who strike lotteries being more unhappy and not as satisfied with life as before because whoever that gets closer to him, he will assume that it was for his money. So he will end up being more wary of people around him and form a circle of protection to prevent himself from being 'robbed' of his money. Eventually? He ended up being unhappy and have lower social interaction with the society therefore increasing his probability of being suicidal. Sounds familar?

Can money buy you time? Can.. TV commercial time to air an AD for work purpose..
Why do we cry at funerals regretting that we did not spend enough time with that someone who is important in our life and when the funeral is over, we go back to our old 'programmed mode' and work like nobody's business then cry at the next funeral and regretting the same things again? Perhaps we are just a species that is very forgetful.. Perhaps..

There are many other things that money can't buy and yet we place money/ material needs over and above these priceless things. The very question to ask is 'Why?' and then evaluate on yourself to see if you are guilty of it too. If you are, you have two choices.. One is to do something about it, and the other is to continue to be guilty..

"Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It's not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything."
- Muhammad Ali

I feel that this quote is very meaningful and I'd like to share it with the rest of my friends. Friendship is not being able to meet each other everyday, call each other everyday or even think of each other everyday. Friendship is about a bonding.. It is about being there when needed and offering a listening ear whenever possible. Some people may view it as constant contact but I think it is very fake and it shows that without contact, the friendship won't last. If that is the case, then I must say that the bonding of the friendship is very very weak though it may appear to be strong with all the calling, meeting and what not.

I have a sworn brother whom I contact once in a blue moon and yet when crisis strikes him, I was one of those called to be by his side to be there with him which I did. It was just so amazing that since the day we left school, we contacted and met for less than 20 times over 6 years and yet when he needed help, I was the one who was called upon rather than those whom he is meeting everyday at work. Isn't it simply a sign that it is not constant contact that counts?

I have another person in my life who helped me and groomed me to who I am today whom I seldom meet and yet still closely bonded. He is non other than my NPCC teacher, 'cousin' cum a close friend Daniel Yong. We did not contact nor meet up often since I left NPCC and since he left Hai Sing and yet, whenever we meet up, we are still able to relate to each other very well. As he is very much older than me, he seldom confide in me but for me, when I am having problems in life, he is the 1st person who will come to my mind as I felt that he understands me the most.

I hope that most people will be able to look through the tangible stuffs and focus on things that are intangible. The priceless things are those that are intangible..

"When I find myself fading, I close my eyes and realize my friends are my energy."

Night Cycling

2007-08-21T00:00:00.001+08:00

Nearly one week since I last blogged. School just started and five lectures went by just like that.
Tons of readings to do and I got to organise for my school's night cycling. Everything went pretty smoothly and all that we need to do is the registration for the participants and the event day itself which is this coming Friday.

So just let me update about last weekend. Went for Lycan's Chalet after my last lecture of the week. The little lycans prepared a lot of food and it was more than enough to feed a Company size of people yet it was just a section plus of people there. Had great fun with the 'Giant' singing 'Bing Yu' and the Freshies version of FATE on the 2 bdae girls. And what's even more happening is when the seniors got drunk and spouted nonsense till they left. Haha.. Me, Jian Ming and Shitnee left the chalet at 4+ to go to the airport to send Kok Sheng off. Made Ryan cry with our songs. Went back to hostel with Ryan and I reached KFH at 6am. Slept till 2pm and then packed to leave hostel at 3pm. Reached home at 5 and I fell asleep till 8. Missed Christina's farewell meet up. Sorry about that. Left at 9 to meet Cindy for night cycling recce. Recce started at 1130pm and we ended at 640am. Had breakfast till 730am then we returned the bikes. Took a cab home and I reached at 10am. Slept till 4pm before taking a cab to collect AHM race pack at Toa Payoh SAFRA and meet up with lynn for dinner at SAKAE after that. After dinner, we went back to hostel and home respectively.

A very packed weekend and I expect another packed weekend for this coming one. I wish that all my other friends out there to be happy and cheerful always. Apologies for not having time to accompany you guys as I am really busy with school stuffs. will catch up with you all when I have my vacation once again. =D

Ultimate tension of the Opposites

2007-08-13T18:11:00.000+08:00

Should I or should I not? There are so many things now at this juncture that I will need to make decisions and they may change the way my life is going to turn out to be.

Should I take 7 modules?
Should I run for Sports Director or President?
Should I continue fencing?
Should I aim to complete in 3.5 years or 4.0 years for my uni?

This is what I like and also dislike about life. We decide our own destiny.. We decide on which path to take. We decide on what our life is going to turn out to be. So what is it installed for me? What do I need to do? If I decide to take 7, I may have to give up running for pres and perhaps drop fencing too. I need some peace.. I need some time to reflect on things here.. *ohm*

Rag and Flag Week!!

2007-08-13T00:30:00.001+08:00

A long wait ladies and gentleman! Apologies for the long wait of my updates as this week is a really hectic week. But it was all worth it when our school won the BEST FLOAT award for three consecutive years! Well done guys.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0hslQHF7fQ

Just wondering how many people know about the story of Rag and Flag for SDE. It all started with people with passion to bring up the school, bond the student and organise activities throught the club for students. We are at our 17th MC now but we were actually only 2 years old. No one heard about SDE till recent years and that is why I always consider our club as a very young club. A lot of things need to be done and a lot of room for improvement and one of the ways is to archive things that we do to reduce the learning curves of the future project directors.

2 years ago, the FOC head was John and the Rag head was Danny and that was the year when SDE sweep almost all the awards during Rag & Flag 05. That was also the year when DE Club started off. The bonding between the students made them pass it on to the following year with FOC being led by Cody and Rag by Kok Sheng. This was the FOC and Rag that I was involved in and it changed my life totally. I had a good start to my uni life and it was really great to win it for the second time consecutively and me being part of the team. Henceforth, I decided to choose to contribute to DE Club over Raffles Hall. And as the SDE spirit passes on, we had Xu Wen leading FOC and Chia Wei leading Rag and here we are at the top of the world, being crowned the champion once again for the 3rd time consecutively for Rag. It further adds on to my joy when we are a small school as compared to the rest of the faculties and we are not a force to be reckoned with. WE ARE THE BEST!

As we bask in the light of the glory, lets not forget that it is not the end but a beginning to pass on the spirit and love on to the next batch. There are still a lot of room for improvement but due to the fact that our school is small, we are able to bond everyone easily and that is the way to go. I hope that the Raggers this year will make things happen for the 4 years that they are going to be in SDE and make a difference to those that are going to enter the gates of SDE.

Academic term is going to start so I wish all those who are schooling all the best!

Last working day..

2007-08-04T09:21:00.000+08:00

Thanks for the breakfast from Sally.
Thanks for the Lunch with Vijay, Meng Kai, Jack Pun, Jack Hong, Ee Wah, Jasline, Sally, Daen and Benjamin.
Thanks for the bear and little book from Sally.
Thanks for the photo collage from Benjamin.
Thanks for the minisafe and card from Daen.
Thanks to Teo Hong and Mike for their patience in teaching me and answering my queries.
Thanks for Sin Boon for his advices and rides to camp.
Thanks to Ganesh for helping me every now and then.

There are many more to thank for making my stay an enjoyable one especially to Daen, Sally and Benjamin. Things that we share and we do.. It made working less dreadful and that helps a lot. I dunno how would my attachment be if I had not met your guys. It will most probably be just another attachment and nothing special. Something for you guys to remember..

'Things that you want may not be what you need.
Things that you need may not be easy to get.
Things that are easy to get may not be exactly simple.
Things that are simple may not be seen with the eyes.
Things that you see may not be real.
Things that are real may not be felt with the heart.'

We will still meet up and I shall org it instead just in case Daeny Daen wanna forget me.. LOL.. Take care pals.

Am I old?

2007-08-02T23:40:00.000+08:00

Sometimes I wonder if it is the fact that I interact with a lot of older people that I tend to think very differently from others.. I wonder if it is from those people who have walked the way ahead of me and shared their life experiences with me which enabled me to have a very different perspective of things and of life..

I believe in teaching, helping others plan their life, helping others to have a smoother transition in life, helping others to have a more gentle learning curve by sharing whatever knowledge that I have.. And yet all I get was people trying to guess what 'ill intention' do I have or what 'ulterior motive' do I have that I am so willing to share so much.. Hey.. what's so so so so so wrong about sharing and helping? What's so difficult about believing that everyone helps everyone out of kindness and not for selfish gains? Is it because nowadays we are living in a society that everything comes with a cost and everything must come with a reward or incentive before someone is willing to do nice things to others? Is technology helping us or is technology bringing the new generation further and further away from being human? just being human..

I'm pretty sadden by several things that happened these few days with things that people assume.. must I really be just be selfish to avoid having people trying to guess what other agendas do I have up my sleeves? Should I just act blur live longer? I think this mentality of people being kung-fu masters must be changed so that everyone will be happier and gain more. Kung-fu masters actually get better as they teach their disciples because they will study more into the skill before they can actually teach.. Same theory goes to studying because if we are able to teach someone something that you learnt, you will be much much better in it yourself.

Freshies who are reading this.. I just wanna say that, I am helping you guys because I think this phase of life, the transition from JC/Poly to uni is an important phase and if it is not planned and handled properly, it may disrupt your uni life which I why I am eagerly sharing what I know with you all. Some people may be enrolled into SDE alone and I want to let them at least have a senior to look for when he/she has a problem and not to be helpless. If you felt that I am too pro-active that you felt uncomfortable, please tell me. I don't like people to talk behind my back. All I want is to help you without anything in return so please don't return anything and worse still return with negative stuffs. I still love you guys as much and I'm still as warm to help, so please don't make me turn cold and just keep to myself. Be more humane and love one another. Keep friendship.. Don't break them.. Words hurts..

Updates X 5!!

2007-07-30T00:23:00.000+08:00

Tuesday

A casual talk led to us going for dinner at Daen's Mum's Eatery. Well.. Good food cannot be missed and Daen's Mum ate with us. A plump lady like my mother and she looked really amicable. Haha.. After dinner and we had durians bought by Daen's Dad. Really nice durians. =D I'm a sucker for durians.. Hee.. After that, we went separate ways back home.

Wednesday and Thursday

IPPT was not conducted on both days as it was raining. Had a workout at the Gym to prepare for IPPT next Wednesday. Dinner was at Botak Jones on BOTH days with the Raggers. And yes.. Both days!! Haha.. But well, the food was nice and the portion was big too. Got to know a few more peeps and Kdriam sent us to tanah merah MRT station for those who stayed in the East. Thanks bro. =D

Friday

10km run in the morning with Derek and we holland-ed. Haha.. Ran for about 11km due to the wrong route that we took. Went off early from work today to go to HDB Hub with Daen. Got to meet his mum again and had a good chat with her while waiting for their queue number to be called. Met his sister, Celine, too and know a lot more about Daen after accompanying him through the HDB flat application. Jia Jia You Ben Nan Nian De Jing... Took a lift from his mum back home and got to know about Celine's occupation. Motorcar dealer so if anyone who would like to buy car, contact me so that I can contact Celine about it. Parallel Imports so it is cheaper. Went to TIMBRE with Daen, Ben, Sally and Jack @ around 1900 for chill out session. Ate the Kebabs and Thin Crust Pizza.. Superb! Really very nice. Saw Hui Fang and also Kai Men at TIMBRE. Really a good place to catch up with friends, have a drink or two, enjoy the food and with nice live music bands playing. Shall bring Lynn here for a chill out sometime soon. =D

After food and drinks, we went to Shenton Way's party world to sing our hearts out. All the way till 0330 before we go back home. Bed never felt so nice before.. LOL..

Saturday

Slept from 0400 and woke up at 0800 to prepare for the meet up with Alicia, Stanley and Lynn at Jurong Point for Lunch. Met up at 1200 and had lunch at KFC. Went to Alicia's house started to share modules planning skills with Stanley. Had dinner with them at somewhere near Lakeside and thereafter we went to look at Loyang Dua Beh Gong's tour at Jurong. Met up with Lynn for dinner and it was DURIANS!! Bought 3 Durians and had them at one of the void decks. Haha.. Durian lovers... Literally.. =D Went home after the durian dinner and then once I hit the bed, I fell asleep immediately again. Too tired.. =X

MIZUNO Wave Run @ Bedok + Lynn Day

2007-07-29T23:48:00.001+08:00

Joel came over to my place to sleep so that we can go and run MIZUNO Wave Run together at Bedok. Had to sleep very cautiously so that I won't give him a kick or a slap in the face.. LOL.. We woke up at 0600 and left my house at around 0630. Took a bus to Temasek Poly and followed the crowd to the start point. As it was drizzling in the morning and I guess it causes some logistics problem to the organisers.

However, we felt that the contingency plan was not well planned for and the registration booth was quite redundant. It should have been in the field and not at the grand stand. Moreover, there was no championship chip issued to take timing and there was totally no crowd control. The baggage deposit was not well planned for too. When the run started, there was 2 choke points at the start of the route and that really dampen the running mood of many of the runners. It was definitely not well planned for and that gave a lot of negative publicity for Mizuno rather than positive ones for organising the event. And when the event ended, another horror was awaiting for us. Our baggage was thrown on the wet road and there was only one staff there to help with the baggage. Eventually, it was a total free for all situation when runners just find their own baggage and some helpful runners helped with issuing of the baggages. If that's the case, then what's the point of having baggage deposit? Besides that, there was no security at all for the baggages and many bags were lost in the process. To add on to that, the goodie bag counter had only one entry and only one person can collect at one time. There was more than 10000 runners and if it were to take 6 seconds per pax, it will take nearly 16 hrs to collect all the goodie bags. I wonder what was the organisers thinking. It was really a badly conducted run with poor organisation and the logistics sucks to the core. It leave every runner a bad impression of the run and I overheard many conversation starting with 'Are you going to participate in the run next year?' If any organisers of the MIZUNO Wave Run is reading this, please reflect on the organisation of the run and evaluate if the run should be organised again next year. Think and plan. Don't rush into it. Looking forward to the upcoming 3 runs. AHM on the 26 Aug, New Balance Real Run on the 28 Oct and Stan-Chart on the 2nd Dec.

After the run, I went home with Joel and thereafter met up with Lynn. She came to accompany me while I cut the stacks of newspapers that my mum was grumbling about for years.. haha.. For dinner, we went to 85 @ Bedok for the famous Ba Chor Mee. =D Nothing much but we spent quality time talking about the updates and about anything under the sun. hee.. Thanks dear!

A decade since we left Primary School.. Outing with Primary School Mates

2007-07-22T13:48:00.002+08:00

Saturday
Slept till 11am today and had my brunch at 12pm. Went to meet my Primary school friends at Marina Square's Swensens and I had another meal!! Damn.. I need to workout more.. Haha.. Anyway, the turnout for the gathering was great! 15 people came for the gathering, namely, Ernest, Qi Min, Clement, Kwan Shen, Hao Xiang, Jun Zhang, Choon Kit, Rebecca, Effie, Ereen, Doreen, Marie, Fadilah, Azriana and Bibiana! And that's not all.. Angela, Xueting, Gary, Ai Jia, Ningsih, Omar and a few others couldn't make it or it will be nearly the whole class le.. Haha.. Glad to meet up with these old friends and had loads of updates from them too. Doreen was so emotional that she cried before she left as she is leaving for USA to finish her studies le. All thanks to Rebecca for organising this outing and it was really good to have so many people attending the outing. We shall organise at least once a year to meet up and update each other. =D

After the outing, I went to meet up with Daen and Sally for dinner at Daen's Parent's Eatery. Great food and a good round of talk-cock session.. haha.. and yes.. Durians for dessert.. haha.. Then Sally had to leave to meet her friend for movie while Daen came to my house to take 'a look' and that look lasted another 2 hours.. Listen to songs, see photos on my laptop and share some more about each other. Haha.. A really metrosexual Daen.. lol..

New Vela VIRGIN Outing!!

2007-07-22T13:48:00.001+08:00

Friday
New VELA first outing to eat some cheap and good food at Bugis Street. Most recommended dish.. 'PAHD THAI'.. haha.. Really cheap and good. Saw Dawn and Xu Wen too as they were there for 'PAHD THAI' at the same place. After dinner, we went to Ah Chew dessert and that was where I realise that the OG is getting more and more chatty, and I concluded with Lily that they have achieved the 'Zi-High' standard. LOL.. Nice desserts with more updates about each other.

Thereafter, we went to the Intercontinental Hotel's lobby for a chat and played with the piano which was placed at the lobby. And all of a sudden, the security guard started to scold us and told us not to touch other people's belongings when they doesn't belong to you. In the first place, if you do not want people to play, put a sign there and we won't play it. Secondly, if it was not meant to be played, then what's the point of placing the piano there? IDIOTS... Following which, one of the staff came out and said, 'this place is for tour guides to hold their tourists while checking in so please GET OUT!!' What attitude was that? Is that the standard of hospitality that we are talking about in Singapore's service industry. I believe if he said, 'Can you please leave the lobby as this is a holding area for the tourists?' we will definitely leave the place without feeling pissed with them. I am totally disgusted with the way they handled us and perhaps that explains their worth. So friends, please do not engage in their services and do spread the word around.

Anyway, we did a 'VELA WOOSH' right outside the place and that can really explain their level of 'Zi-High'.. LOL.. Looking forward to the next outing which will be going to NIGHT SAFARI.. haha..

Sally's XXth Birthday

2007-07-22T13:47:00.001+08:00

Thursday
Thursday was meant to be only free day this week but just nice, it was my colleague, Sally's birthday hence we went out for dinner with Daen and Benjamin at Railway mall's HOOKED. Not bad and the portion was quite big but the Sashimi was not worth the money. Afterwhich, we went for dessert and sat down for nearly a good 2 hours talking cock and getting to know each other better. Happy xxth Birthday to Sally once again.. [Lady's age is a secret.. haha.. =X]

Old Sec Sch Mates Outing

2007-07-22T13:46:00.000+08:00

Wednesday
Another happening evening with the Raggers. Got to know a few more freshies. Namely, Candy [the one who says that my name is weird while thinking that hers is not.. hahaha], Nadia [the one who is laughing all the way], Jonathan [the one who is just like Sydney, wanting to order pork for the whole table when Nadia is a muslim] and also some others whom I only know by name, Tony, Albert, Tracy, Vance, and 2 others that I can't remember.. =X haha.. But well, this batch of freshies are really energetic.. GOOD!

After finishing dinner with them, I went over to TIMBRE located near City Hall MRT station to meet up with my Sec School Mates and had a good chat over some drinks and pizza. Really nice to meet up with old friends and update each other about things here and there. Attendance? Chia, Clarence, Wen Li, Ernest, Eugene, Alfred, Yueze, Weichieh and Sydney. Left early with Clarence and along the way back home, we met with a traffic police stop as predicted while we were chatting with the rest.. haha.. Ho-seh.. what good luck we have sia.. Anyway, Chia just left for overseas studies on Friday and I wish him all the best.

Old Vela Outing

2007-07-22T12:27:00.000+08:00

Gosh.. A really packed week but I loved that!! Haha.. so let's start with Tuesday since I have blogged about the lovely Monday which Lynn cleared the Monday Blues away with her Ai Xin Zao Can.. =D

Tuesday
Great Tuesday with an outing with OLD VELANIANS and the 2-HEADED Serpens, SLUT KENNY, who loves Serpens more than he loves VELA. **Stir SHIT** Haha.. It was an evening with those crazy people from my FOC last year and it was to celebrate our 1st Year Anniversary. Whee!! Dinner at the Glass House Fish 'n' Co and we literally sat at that place to catch up for almost 2-3 hours, gossipping about everything under the sun. Still as crazy a group as before and still feel as close to them as ever. Attendance? Erritating Ernest, Lovable Lynn, Crazy Cheryl, Lovely Lily, Jovial Jia Wei, Jubilant Joyce, Slutty and KINKY Kenny.. =D Nice meet-up.. Love you guys man!!

Wonderful Breakfast!!!

2007-07-16T23:34:00.000+08:00

Today was a good day though I was needed to return to office early in the morning. Lynn made bread with Ham and Egg for me and it was 'Hmmm.. YUMMY!!'. A good breakfast to start the day once again, all thanks to my dear dear. =D Thanks!!!

BREAKID VELA Team Analysis

2007-07-15T13:12:00.000+08:00

Apologies for the late analysis of our team VELA, as I was busy for the past week. It is very much a good lesson for everyone who is going to read this entry as I am using a real-life example to illustrate a soft skill that is going to be important in time to come for everyone.

The first time I met up with the team, I had a strong gut feeling that the team lacks a strong leader but still, I decided to have a go at trying to have a freshies-led team than an OGL-led team. It all started with learning of cheers, playing of games on the 1st day and thereafter the cluedo day games and there was still no prominient leaders amongst the pack. There was no one to strongly dictate and lead the team which causes the team to be very scathered and that was not a very good feeling.

While the Loreal talk was on, I deliberately skipped it and had a conversation with a few other OGLs and they gave me their feedback on the team and that prompted me to take actions. I came to realise and convinced myself that the team's make-up is one that is lacking of a dominant leader and full of great followers. In a tool called the DISC (Dominance, Influence, Stability and Compliance) test, I presumed that my team lacks a 'D' character and my team is filled with 'S' and 'C'. In an ideal situation, there will always be a good mix of the 4 characteristics and in my team, I recognised that we are missing a 'D' amongst the 12 of them. So now what?

The OGLs, namely, Joel, Cheryl, Lily and Me had a discussion at the back of the LT that we shall kick in and behave like freshies leading the freshies and that will most probably help to lift up the situation and make the camp a more enjoyable one for the 'real' freshies. Hence, the OGL-led team came into play on the 2nd half of the 2nd day. =D

The results of an OGL-led team?? Hmm.. I'd say that it salvaged the situation and it made the team enjoy the camp more though it was taxing on my fellow OGLs. Thanks to Joel, Cheryl and Lily.

On the whole, VELA was a strong team but lacks a strong leader and in recognition of that, I think the OGLs deserves a pat on the back for making VELA so high and fun on day 3 and day 4. VELA was a team that warms up very slowly unlike O'VELA which is easily warmed up and performed. The only wish I have for VELA is to stay connected and stay strong as a team and if there is any problems in your uni or personal life, U have got 4 lovely OGLs to hear u out and help you. My take-away from this experience that I'd like to share is that everyone will be a leader in a way or another and to be successful in whatever you do in future will be to lead in a managerial or executive role. Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses and every team is different. As a leader or even as a member of a team, you will have to observe how is the dynamics of the team and think about how can you contribute to team to make it stronger. Some members or leaders may not know their strength and weaknesses while others may know but do not know what to do with the knowledge of it.

As a saying goes 'knowledge is power', I'd beg to differ and say that 'useful knowledge is power'. Many of us know what are we good at and what are we 'not-so-good' at but we do not know what to do with this set of new found knowledge. Like in the teamVELA, some of them know that they are high 'S' and high 'C' but when in a team with no 'D', they did not realise that they can actually adapt to it and 'transform' themselves into a 'D' so as to make the team more well-balanced. Another example is when the team is full of 'Ds' and no 'Cs', those who are able to recognise this will have to be more of a 'C' so as to let only 1 or 2 'Ds' lead the team or there will be conflict of instructions and ideas. This is a critical skill that all of us will need to know so that we can value add to a team next time when we are working.

For those who are interested to know ur personal DISC test, do approach me. I can help you do a simple and easy one for u to know yourself better.

SDE FOC 2007 - BREAKID Collages

2007-07-11T18:10:00.001+08:00

Big Head Collage of VELA

Blind VELA Freshies

Last Day Collage with BREAKID Shirt

Photos with Lynn during the Camp

SDE FOC 2007 - BREAKID DAY 4

2007-07-11T17:48:00.000+08:00

Main activity for the last day of the camp is at SENTOSA!! The sun, sand, sea and the freshies!! A very enjoyable day out playing games. Had a team bonding game with VERMIES while waiting for the rest and it definitely shows that 'The chain is as weak as its weakest link'. Well done Vermies for maintaining the stance and did a cheer while playing the game. =D

As the end of the camp is nearing, VELA gets stronger and more hyper. This team of Velanians are slow warmers. If this camp last longer, they will definitely be the strongest OG in the whole camp. But well, as long as you guys know the team's strengths and weaknesses, I'm glad enough.

VELA.. You'll be missed.

SDE FOC 2007 - BREAKID DAY 3

2007-07-11T17:35:00.000+08:00

FOC Camp Day 3! Yes yes.. That's me in every single photo. Well, we had Loreal to sponser us for the camp so we had some freebies for the freshies and we had to take photos of the freshies receiving the gift so 'ta-da'!! The 1st photo update about the camp on day 3.

After the 'Loreal Presentation', we went to SDE for our lunch and sad to say, Rebecca had to leave us for another camp of hers and we bade her farewell. Last group photo with the full team is the 1st three photos of the collage with our day 3 identity of a red cloth with the words 'bi-sheng' written on it.

After lunch was a talk and after the talk it is the start of the games and the highlight of today is the pool games!! We had our fun and we had our winnings coming one after another. The feeling of winning is always a very powerful tool to bond a team and day 3 was the day that I felt that VELA is starting to bond and performing as a team. Spirit was getting high and I bet day 4 will be even higher. Good Job VELANIANS!

SDE FOC 2007 - BREAKID DAY 2

2007-07-11T17:20:00.000+08:00

Finally.. The blogger team released my blog from being suspected as a spam blog. So here it goes. BREAKID Day 2!

Day 2 started with Lynn's 'ai xin mian bao' for old VELA as it marks our 1 year anniversary as Velanians. (Photo 1-3). Afterwhich, CLUEDO day started and for day 2's identity, we had stick-on tattoos. First game was with Chuan Xin and it is to make a 5 level pyramid with the cards and VELA did it. Well DONE!! =D

As for our last station in CLUEDO, we went to John and Matthew's station and I was very glad that VELA was asked to play a team building game with requires the whole team to stand on a piece and newspaper. It helped to build their team bonding and it also surfaced an issue to me about my team and that is the fact that there is no leader amongst the freshies. An issue which me and my fellow OGLs tackled as we discuss about our team. And of course.. OGL and a 2-man bonding session too with Joel carrying the 39kg Cheryl.. =D

SDE FOC 2007 - BREAKID DAY 1

2007-07-03T02:49:00.000+08:00

Woo-hoo.. Long and tired day with the OG.

Some photos updates before I sleep.

Night!

SDE FOC 2007 - BREAKID DAY 0

2007-07-02T00:42:00.001+08:00

Today is the pre-camp preparation for SDE's FOC 2007. A very hectic day with program packed back to back. Went for MILKRUN, a 8.4km run, prior to the pre-camp.

Attached is the photos that will be used for the CLUEDO game that is going to be played by the freshies. Nice face-making by the actors. (^_^)

Looking forward to meeting my OG and looking forward to the camp too. Stay tuned for the daily updates about the camp. =D

Losing Someone

2007-06-30T10:00:00.000+08:00

It has been 5 days since I last blogged and the reason was because I just send my 'god-father' on his last journey. His son is my sworn brother since Sec 2 and those were the days when we were still naive and immature and do all sorts of stupid things. Those were the days...

This entry is about how I felt with regard to losing someone.. Be it literally or not.. Humans have a lot of flaws, though we may be the smartest amongst all the other species.. We take things for granted when we had them and we only learn how to appreciate them only when they are gone. And I'm no saint either.. I commit that sin too. In one of my blog entries, I've mentioned that only death is forever and only in death will we know how important is that someone to us. Life goes on. The world will continue spinning. Time will heal the wounds. It is about the take-away from the close one's death that is important and that is to spend time with those close to you especially your parents and grandparents. What I took away was to know what regrets my sworn brother had when god-father passed away. It was simply to spend a bit more time with him. Just a little bit more.. I hope that you will start spending a little bit more time with your parents before it is too late.

Employment Act Part 1

2007-06-25T23:03:00.000+08:00

During vacation period, many undergraduates are working part-time to earn extra income, however, many of them do not know their rights as stated in the employment act. Several incidents happened to people close to me and that prompted me to share my knowledge which was acquired last semester after taking SSB1204 Labour Law in Singapore.

First thing first, since we are talking about employment act, we will have to identify who is an employee and who is an employer with tests. The current test in place will be what I called the '15 factors' test. The following will be example of the factors that are considered in the test.

Assuming A requires service from B.

1) Is payment of salary from A to B? If it is, then it is more likely that B is an employee of A.
2) Can A control over what B do? If A can, then it is more likely that B is an employee of A.
3) If B needs time off from work, do he need to inform A? If he does, then it is more likely that B is an employee of A.
4) Is equipment provided by A? If so, then it is more likely that B is an employee of A.
5) Do B wear the uniform of A's company? If so, it is more likely that B is an employee of A.
6) Does the contract stipulate working hours? If so, it is more likely that B is an employee of A.
7) Does A has the rights to dismiss B? If so, it is more likely that B is an employee of A.

The 7 factors listed above are just examples of the factors considered to establish if one is an employee of A or just an independent contractor who is given a contract for service.

Upon establishing if he is an employee or not, we will be able to see if the Employment Act will be valid. The Employment Act covers everyone except for:

1) Government workers
2) Statutory Board workers
3) Domestic Workers (Gardener, Part-Time house cleaners)
4) Any person employed in managerial, executive or confidential postitions

***IMPT!! If the Employment Act does cover the employee, it does not matter if the employee is FOREIGNER or PART-TIME worker. [Part-Time workers are those who work for less than 30 hours a week as stated in the Employment Act Chapter 91, Part 6A, 66A. Those who work for more than 30 hours a week will be considered as full-time worker.]

To read about what the Employment Act states, log in to http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/ and search for Employment Act.

For the Employment Act, there is a part which covers only specific categories of people and it is Part IV of the Employment Act. It covers only employees who earn less than $1600/mth or manual workers. This part of the Employment Act clearly states the entitlement of those who falls in this category. I will cover in detail what Part IV states in great details in my next Employment Act entry.

Time to sleep. Have a good day pal. =D

Nice Sunday Outing to SENTOSA!!

2007-06-24T23:27:00.000+08:00

We finally had our long-waited sentosa outing to all the various attractions on that sunny island. Our day started with a breakfast at Mac and it was very filling. =D

Nearly took a wrong bus to the MRT station but luckily I realised that early. =D

We took a cable car for the 1st time to go to sentosa and it was a pretty good ride. Look at the following photos and you will see why..

Started our tour with the butterflies and other insects..

Beautiful right? Those are the exhibits and now for those that are in the enclosed garden..

Following that, we went to watch a show in Sentosa 4D Theatre. The experience was terrific.

After the short movie, we went to images of Singapore and had a brief history lesson about our country.

Exiting images of Singapore, we went to the Merlion to its head and its mouth for viewing. There was a coin given to everyone to place into a slot and then redeem some prizes.

Thereafter, we took a skyride to the southern part of the island and went to book our tickets for the musical fountain, 'Songs of the Sea'. After getting our tickets, we went to Underwaterworld for a visit. Amazing!

And now for the stingray feeding..

WOo.. So if you had not realised, we skipped lunch just to go to all the places and hence now it is DINNER TIME!! We ate at SAKAE sushi which SOMEONE told me it was SAKURA.. LOL.. Btw, the air-con was down when we were there.. (-_-!!)

And the last event of the day!! The 'Songs by the Sea' musical. A good closing to our long day.

A very eventful and good day out with Lynn and really enjoyed myself with you. Thanks for a wonderful day wor!! =D

Time for me to sleep le. Stay tuned for more posts as I had a lot to say but a bit too late now to post them. Good night!