JoHnnY

2010-07-11T17:09:00.002+08:00

I just met a person whom I will not want to meet again FOREVER! He is fat, stupid and ugly.

The situation goes like this. My girlfriend wanted to buy bubble tea from a famous bubble tea outlet "KOI" before heading back home. She was not sure where the direct bus that goes to her house stops at so I went over to the nearest bus stop to check if the bus stops there while she queues up. The line was mixed up so before I went off, I told her to ask if that was the correct queue.

When I was walking back, she was standing somewhere else which I thought it is the correct que. When I got there, this lady told us that this was not to queue to order, puzzled, I asked her why was she standing there, turns out there was this guy who was in front told her that she could stand anywhere, being the rather blur her, she stood away.

What an asshole to tell her she could stand ANYWHERE, hey, why not infront of your freaking queue huh?

Angry matter aside, jokes now. This auntie was wearing her spectacles UNDER her sunglasses. Look so fugly and cock...

Today is my MILO's (Mother-In-Law-Okay) birthday. Brought her a purse as a gift and now, I'm off to add points by helping her cook.

2010-07-10T09:55:00.003+08:00

Recently I have been doing random good deeds, I just guided a blind lady off the train to the bus stop. That explains why I was late, suppose to be at my girlfriend's house at 0930, but arrived 15 mins late.

Not so far back, I helped some SAF personal in handling tourists and guests whom are going over to the esplanade for their show, they were late. An easy task but under pressure some can't think. A background of the situation. There were a group of tourists and guests, who were late for their show at the esplanade, the show was at 1500, but the time then was 1450. They were making alot of noise at the traffic light just across the esplanade. The solution I thought of was to make them go an alternative route by the underpass. One of the tourist said: "Stupid Singaporeans...". I AM A SINGAPOREAN HELLO?!

Well, these are just some of the random good deeds I have done so far.

Currently, busy with the preparation of the activities which starts next week. It is going to be hectic.... Don't think I can make it for my aunt's and Yin Whee's birthday.

2010-07-01T19:16:00.002+08:00

Unit life is.... Kind of slack now, due to my most awesome upper study whom firmly decides to hand over once everything has been taken care of, leaving me facing the computer reading emails, past reports, newspaper and playing games most of the time in the office. I do help out when ever I can mind you guys.

I just went to one of the guy's house to give him a welfare visit due to his absence for 2 weeks straight, it means he was absent even before I got posted in. He showed me all his slips and snips of medical certificate, so tomorrow, I will be going back to camp to conduct a short investigation and see what will happen to him.

Had an informal 18th "month-sary" celebration with my girl yesterday. Although the last time I saw her was Sunday, it felt like I have not seen her for weeks!

I'm going to force myself to stay in from now on to save on money for meals and transport and not to mention time. I can sleep late/early and wake up later then what I usually do when I stay out. During then, if I have enough cash, I might follow my upper study's footstep and learn driving.

Will be meeting friends staying around my camp from now on the catch on with life, just met my god-daughter this morning before she goes to school. Her school is somewhere near my camp. People who read this and wish to meet me, you sure can. Give me a call/sms and I will reply.

2010-06-17T21:09:00.003+08:00

Alvin is watching movies on MY PSP as a revenge of me using the computer.

Just 2 days later I will enter the parade square in my ceremonial number 1 attire to commission and get my 1 bar which I have been training for the past 9 months and 2 weeks. I cannot foresee how life will be like after I commission but well, will just do the best I can. I'm filled with mixed feelings now, a part of me wants to stay as a cadet but another part of me wants to commission.

After reciting the SAF pledge and officer's creed for upteen times in the parade square, I realised that my job is not as easy.

The SAF Pledge
We
members of the Singapore Armed Forces
Do solemnly and Sincerely pledge that
We will always bear true faith and alligence
To the President
And the Republic of Singapore
We will always support
And defend the constitution
We will preserve and protect
The honor and independence
Of our country
WITH OUR LIVES!

Officer's Creed
I am an officer of the Singapore Armed Forces
My duty is to lead, to excel and to overcome
I lead my men by example
I answer for their training, morale and discipline
I must excel in everything I do
I serve with pride, honor and integrity
I will overcome adversities with courage, fortitude and determination
I DEDICATE MY LIFE TO SINGAPORE!

Those words that are in red means alot to me. It brings out the weight of the responsibility of an officer to an even higher level. Words can't explain how much this 2 pledges means to me and how much difference has it made in my life. I have vowed to change and changes don't normally happens overnight but it will happen, I promise.

Most of my nights out are spent with my one and only. She never complains even during the times she has to travel from one end of the island to the other. Times are hard up now as I'm spending alot on anything that is related to my commissioning. I'm also saving up for holidays and other plans that I have for my family and friends.

There is this idiot who called me stupid for playing a prank. I must admit it was a stupid thing to do, but I just can't stand him calling me stupid for all the stupid mistakes he has done. After the day of the incident of him calling me stupid, he has not been trying to stop doing stupid things. He got scolded by one of the sergeant majors for playing a fool on the stairs today, well done. have I added that he is borned in 1988, he smokes and seldom helps out, but is excellent at finding ways to slack. What a loser.

2010-06-12T16:30:00.002+08:00

After months of mentally shifting and arranging my room, the brain power finally sets in and I have officially changed rooms with my brother. Now my room is much more spacious but looks rather weird and empty at certain angles, but who cares? So long as it is finally done...

Finally got my sword.

My brother just climbed the cupboard and toppled almost everything on the ground... Have to clear his mess...

2010-06-11T08:28:00.002+08:00

Alvin is sleeping.

For my commissioning parade, I won't be taking any position (be it parade commander or contingent commander) but the front left marker. Although I'm still quite disappointed with the empty promise made by my sergeant major of having a selection for the contingent commander, I'm very pleased with myself as I know that my drills are one of the top notched.

The reason why I'm not the contingent commander is because I'm the front left marker who has quite alot of things to look out for during the parade like taking alignment from the other contigent and controlling the distance between my contingent and the front contingent when marching. To add on, I also feel that he wants to cover up for his memory loss of the selection and telling me the importance of my role (OF COURSE I KNOW MY ROLE!), but if you can select a reserve contingent commander and teach him what to do for the parade, why can't you select another person to be the left marker?

I'll let the matter pass...

I think I have sleep disorder, I can fall alseep anytime and anywhere not knowing that I have fallen asleep. Can anyone explain why?

2010-06-10T22:03:00.004+08:00

Tomorrow is my Appointment Certification Presentation Ceremony (A.C.P.C. for short) and Military Dining-In. Getting my long awaited sword tomorrow! Time really flies, during one of the parade rehearsals, I had this feeling that I was back to day one where I reported to Officer Cadet School (SAFTI MI). Standing at the top right corner of the parade square, our instructors donned our first ever white strips for us. It was a moment I have long awaited since secondary school. Then came the next surprise, I was in one of the most "UP" wing, Alpha wing.

Time really fly and exercise after exercise, weekends after weekends, confinements after confinements, turn outs after turn outs (the list goes on). 37 weeks have passed in what those whom had come before us have always said, in a blink of an eye. Life has its' ups and downs and I have really learnt and changed drastically (besides slimmer) during the past 37 weeks. True that my temper has changed for the worst but I vowed to change for the better.

I began to understand the importance of family, money, time, love and plenty of other minute stuffs that has been oblivion to me in the past.

I might not have been able to survived through this 37 weeks if not for my ever supportive and comforting girlfriend, Riley, and my parents. I must really thank my dad for sending me back to camp despite the ridiculous hours, demands and fatigue. My mum for her cooking (I could now taste the great difference between home cooked food and the rest), for putting up with my temper when I'm stressed or fatigued and the rest of the backstage things that she has done for me. Not much thanks to my annoying brother but at times thoughts of him kept me going as I wanted him to proudly tell his friends that he has a brother that is/was an officer not an Out-Of-Course cadet, I didn't want to let him down. My friends for telling me they are there and always will be.

I know that, after commissioning, the real game starts. I'm not sure if I will be able to cope but I vow that I will not stop trying not much for the sake of myself but for the sake of those mentioned above and to prove to those that has once looked down upon me that I can be someone! It might sound that I'm vengeful but you guys don't know half of the story.

Ha, just realised that I have typed a what seems to be a valedictorian speech. There ~~will~~ might be another post about my OCS life, stay tuned, haha.

2010-06-10T21:01:00.004+08:00

Finished 5 books in a spam of 1 week, outstanding, well they were all short stories written by Low Kay Hwa - a Singapore writer. I waited twice the duration for the books to come and finished within a week... Best thing about the books are that they only cost roughly $10 each, the books were due and so I got a $20 cheque back as a promise made by the company.

Thats sums up the number of books I have read in 2010 to 10. Due to my constant reading of book, I think that some people think of me as a nerd, haha.

Joint term now will be the final leg to my path to commissioning. Sad to say I can only bring 4 guests in on the day so the rest... So Sorry... Have been attending plenty of parade rehearsals under the sun and have developed very ugly tan lines due to the sleeveless t-shirt that we were wore due to standardizing. Joint term is also the time when cadets come back and talk about their "war stories" from their respective vocations, sharing knowledge with each other and getting to ask about others everyday life back at their respective training institutes and civilian life.

I don't feel the welcome feeling back as I have expected, maybe cause I wasn't that welcome in the first place? Just another guy who "chao keng-ed" and is not "up".

Currently, I just feel like commissioning and another part of me feels like staying as a cadet and enjoying life, how I wish I could re-do my cadet life and do better by not falling out during exercises. One of my instructor told me I could easily be in top 10 (not the current top 30) if I have not fell out. I have no idea if he was telling the truth or just trying to console me.

My vocation training institute has signed those fast runners (those whom clocked under 10 mins in their 2.4km run) into the competitive section of this years Army half marathon (21km). How nice...

2010-06-05T14:48:00.003+08:00

Just had my lunch at 3pm, latest lunch ever this year.

Recently, there is this Indian kid that frequently roams around the corridor of my level. His family just moved in last year and stays a few doors down. His parents let him roam around wherever he wants and do not care about him till meal times. You might think that the kid is very independent but the truth in my opinion is, the parents don't give a shit about him. He loiters around the neighborhood alone (even at night) riding his bicycle or his kick scooter, but he frequents my house often even when my family is having their meals.

My mum is now a part time free baby sitter.

My mum also told me once that both families went to the library together. The boy's father went off somewhere on his own once they reached the library and the mother was reading some books by herself and when the kid went to her, she will just ask him to come and play with my brother who was doing his work under my mum's supervision. At least my dad sits with my family during then. Then, the kid suddenly pulled his pants down and showed his "stick" in public. My mum quickly pulled his pants up and asked him why he did that, his reason was, he saw some guy doing it at a secluded spot in the neighbourhood during one of his "patrols. What he saw was a couple having intimate activity. Kids, really learn fast now a days...

There was another incident where my mum saw him cycling around a group of guys who were trying to hit him down with empty bottles and cans, must be the influence of the movie "The Matrix". It was either he was really one of the chosen ones or the group of guys have bad aiming, he escape unscattered.

Parents now a days....

2010-05-20T17:13:00.000+08:00

I find this rather interesting so I'm posting it up for all the read and share with

“Try”
Try is a weasel word. “Well, I’ll try,” some people say. It’s a cop-out. They’re just giving you lip service when they probably have no real intention of doing what you ask. Remember what Yoda says to Luke Skywalker in Star Wars: “Do or do not–there is no try.” Take Yoda’s advice. Give it your all when you attempt something. And if it doesn’t work, start over.

Put passion into your work and give it your best effort, so you can know that you did all you could to make it happen. So if the outcome you were expecting didn’t come to fruition, it’s not because you didn’t do everything you could to make it happen. It just wasn’t the right time for it or it wasn’t meant to be.

“Whatever”
This word is a trusted favourite of people who want to dismiss you, diminish what you say or get rid of you quickly. “Whatever,” they will say as an all-purpose response to your earnest request. It’s an insult and a verbal slap in the face. It’s a way to respond to a person without actually responding. When you say whatever after another person has said his or her piece, you have essentially put up a wall between the two of you and halted any progress in communicating. It’s a word to avoid.

“Maybe” and “I don’t know”
People will sometimes avoid making a decision and hide behind words and phrases like “maybe” and “I don’t know.” There’s a difference between legitimately not knowing something and using words like these as excuses. Sometimes, during a confrontation, people will claim not to know something or offer the noncommittal response “maybe,” just to avoid being put on the spot. If that seems to be the case, ask, “When do you think you will know?” or “How can you find out?” Don’t let the person off the hook so easily.

“I’ll get back to you”
When people need to buy time or avoid revealing a project’s status, they will say, “I’ll get back to you,” and they usually never do. If people say they will get back to you, always clarify. Ask them when they will get back to you, and make sure they specify the day and time. If they don’t, then pin them down to a day and time and hold them to it. If they won’t give you a day or time, tell them you’ll call in a day or week and follow up. Make sure you call and get the information you need.

“If”
Projects depend on everyone doing his or her part. People who use if are usually playing the blame game and betting against themselves. They like to set conditions, rather than assuming a successful outcome. People who rely on conditional responses are fortifying themselves against potential failure. They will say, “If Bob finishes his part, then I can do my part.” They’re laying the groundwork for a “no fault” excuse and for not finishing their work.

There are always alternatives, other routes and ways to get the job done. Excuse makers usually have the energy of a slug, the vision of Mr. Magoo and the spine of a jellyfish. You don’t want them on your mountain climbing team up K-2 or Mount Everest.

“Yes, but …”
This is another excuse. You might give your team members suggestions or solutions and they come back to you with “Yes, but . . .” as a response. They don’t really want answers, help, or solutions. You need to call the “Yes, but . . .” people out on their avoidance tactic by saying something like: “You know, Jackie, every time I offer you a suggestion you say, ‘Yes, but . . . ,” which makes me think you don’t really want to solve this problem. That’s not going to work. If you want to play the victim, go right ahead, but I’m not going to allow you to keep this up and I may have to report you.” After a response like that, you can be assured that the next words you hear will not be, “Yes, but . . .”!

“I guess …”
This is usually said in a weak, soft-spoken, shoulder-shrugging manner. It’s another attempt to shirk responsibility–a phrase is only muttered when people half agree with you, but want to leave enough leeway to say, “Well, I didn’t really know. . . . I was only guessing.” If you use this phrase, cut it out of your vocabulary.

“We’ll see”
How many times did we hear our parents say this? We knew they were buying time, avoiding a fight or confrontation or really saying no. It’s better to be decisive and honest by saying, “I need more information. Please present your case or send me the data–both pro and con–so I can make an informed decision.” That way the interested parties will contribute to an in-depth, well-researched “verdict.”

Listen to advise, it never hurts.

2010-05-19T17:48:00.003+08:00

Currently the only few left in camp to rot and slack. The rest are either doing SOC or helping out with it. I'm just to lazy, tired, hungry to do it.

Fasted for 13 hours since 2200 last night till late morning today for my FFI jab. For those who are still clueless, I'm thinking of a career in the army, this is just one of the step. Didn't ate much for lunch as my arms were sore from the 2 missed insertion of the needle to the muscle and didn't had much appetite (god knows why).

Addicted and spreading the "Monster Hunter" game to the rest and currently, 4 are playing it already.

Well, think this ends here, nothing much to say anyway...

2010-05-18T18:58:00.002+08:00

I hereby conclude that nothing will be completed by Alvin Teo unless it is beneficial to him and he gets something out from it. All these rantings and whining about this particular person proves something, which is the point that I have mentioned in the above statement.

He told me infront of my APC not to vomit on my bottle (which happened yesterday due to over exerting myself I think) as he "always" fills it up for me. If memory never fails me, he only filled that bottle of mine twice.

The amount of things I did for him can be divided by 5 and still have a certain number of remainder. This classical case that happened not long ago:

I woke him up asking if he wants to cook breakfast as there was no breakfast indented, he told me that he will have it at home after we book out, thus I continued cooking my instant noodles. Not long later, he came out from the room begging me to cook for him and from his looks, if i agree, he will return to his slumber and wait for my call. I rejected as my mess mug as full.

While I was enjoying my noodles with one of my buddy Martin, he came down empty handed. My first thought was that he was coming down to beg for food. I was right, he did but not from me but the soft hearted Martin who gives in to all.

It happened today when I wanted to make myself a cup of milo. He didn't waste time to snatch another packet from my container and asked me to prepare for him too.

How fucking lazy can this asshole get? He never packs his room unless area inspections, he throws his things around, use my stuff without permission, ask me to help him do this and that cause I was going to do so countless of times and hogs on to the computer. The amount of minutes spend on the computer in camp is less then the amount of minutes I spend in the toilet, talk about sharing. I really cannot tolerate him... I WILL CHANGE BUDDY DURING JOINT TERM!

I can't seem to understand how some people still can be silly enough to be made use of by him.

2010-05-16T08:55:00.003+08:00

Specialisation phase over and I'm back in School of Logistics. The first thing that greeted me when I open the door was not my buddy but an untidy bed. Apparently, my buddy has been asking others to sleep in bunk with him and they do not have the basic discipline to pack the bed of others that they slept on when they book out.

Currently, in between the path between commissioning and me lies one last BIG obstacle, SOC. Been trying my best to clear it but everytime I try, I end up vomitting or losing strength at low rope. Some how, I really doubt I can commission at all...

2010-05-08T14:58:00.003+08:00

First post after my Taiwan trip.

Altogether I can say that Taiwan is quite a fun place if only you have:
1) Enough space in your luggage
2) Enough time to spend
3) Enough money to spend
4) The right company
5) No E-Tour or what so ever...

The Shi Ling night market is a must go and the A4 size chicken cutlet is a must try together with the pudding milk tea and the fermented toufu. There are also other places with very interesting stuffs which I have tried and seen like wild boar sausage, some glutinous ball dessert, Mcdonald's Hotcake with PORK sausage breakfast (non muslins only sorry.), Taiwan maggi mee with meat inside and much more. My advice is don't be afraid and just TRY! Shopping for shirts there will be good only at those night markets, not shopping centers as most of the stuffs are DIRT CHEAP.

Plenty of things to see, a pity that my camera decided to go bonkers before the trip, if not this will be a less wordy post.

An interesting thing that happened in Taiwan was the Train ride. The Taiwan train service is similar to Singapore's just that for the standard ticket, they don't use card but a coin with an electronic chip inside. Yes, a small blue coin slight bigger then a Singapore 50 cents coin. The group I went out with got dumb-fold and stood at the ticket machine for a good 1 minute thinking of where can we insert the coin and finally by pure coincidence and luck, Alvin tapped the coin on the reader and TA-DA! We unraveled the mystery of the coin card.

I kind of miss Taiwan's cool but not the cold weather. I think I sweat more then what I sweat in the entire Taiwan trip on the first day in OETI. I was dripping sweat by just climbing 5 levels of stairs.

Currently posted to OETI for 2 weeks of specialization training and then I will be back SOL for about a week plus for the last outfield exercise and finally back to SAFTI for joint term and then COMMISSIONING (if I manage to pass my SOC). Doubt that I will get any award, my performance totally sucked and I missed some of the graded exercises.

Well, that is all for now, till a later date folks.

2010-04-08T21:36:00.003+08:00

Having the mood to blog just before I fly off to Taiwan tomorrow.

Things that happened recently. I signed 4 extras and still have one more to clear after I come back from Taiwan. I failed SOC for the very first time since my last practise 3 or 4 months back. Rushed for 2 back to back movies yesterday which was a waste of me and my baby's energy... Luckily, we paid 6 dollars for each tickets... Ju - on was a total dismay, instead of a horror movie, it turned out to be a comedy. 0.5/5 stars...

Might not make it for Say Hoe's birthday. If I'm not mistaken, my flight touches down at 1850 on 1st May.

ARGH! So many things to blog about but I don't have enough time... It's time to get to bed, waking up at 3 am tomorrow...

2010-04-05T09:14:00.002+08:00

Currently slacking my ass off wishing I could book out or do SOC now, desperately need to pass that key factor. Everyone seems so busy while I'm just in my own world, ha, finally. It won't be long till someone knocks on my bunk door and drag me off to do something.

Don't you people find dragon boaters who can't swim a total failure? It just seems like they are digging their own grave.

SOMEONE JUST CALL AND TALK TO ME! I'm bored...

Baby sent her laptop for repair and she is still sleeping. Forcing her to sleep early and get her sleep pattern back before her school starts. So difficult to make her sleep early as I do but now, she doesn't have her laptop, thing MIGHT get simpler.

2010-03-27T11:50:00.002+08:00

Confinement sucks... Well, its kind of like a rest period, BUT I miss my girl...

So far so good, just some minor tasks to do. Settling on my admin stuffs like washing my clothes and preparing for Taiwan, etc. Instructors gave us badminton rackets to entertain ourselves. if your wondering why can I blog. That is because I'm in another section mate's room using his computer (Everyone went home remember?).

Been reading a lot of books lately, well to tell the truth, only 5 but it was way more then the number of books I have read throughout my entire polytechnic life, I read 1. Somehow, there seems to be quite a few pockets of admin time here and then, since I can't use the computer, might as well put the time to good use and improve on my English. I particularly like biographies, to see how others live their life and such.

Wishing I had an Ipod or MP4/5 to keep me company, tempted to buy one from the recent IT fair but I didn't trust the brand nor the country of origin (it was from China). Might as well save up and buy one which is even more trustworthy.

During this period of time, I really learnt quite a few things and found some sense in some qoutes. Quotes like "Good guys always dies first" not bragging but I find those slackers currently in my course enjoying their life slacking while I slog my ass off when I was an appointment holder, I got extras and they got nothing. Moral of the story? Don't do so much work if you think you can't handle it. Thinking about it infuriates me.

2010-03-26T08:15:00.002+08:00

Congratulations to johnny for getting another extra. This time it was due to his own carelessness. Now, I do not have anymore weekends left till I go for Taiwan, well done...

My instructor warned us about our bunks being untidy and if he catches our bunk in these state again, punishments will be given. My heart sank further when I heard this yesterday after doing the movement test with plenty of careless mistakes. If the instructors are kind enough, they will just reward punishments to the person who has the messy side, but since when were they? Have reminded my buddy to pack the bunk for like god-knows how many times and still? The mess tin that he used to eat maggi mee 2 nights ago is still on the table (yes not washed). Think he might have the intention to cultivate fungus. His blankets are still all over the bed just like his foot wears and I haven't even get to his cupboard... Just preparing myself to sign more extras... Wonder how much extras can he cause me to sign?

He also has this mindset that once we are buddies, all our stuffs are each others. Currently, his "food box" is empty and mine is at 50%, the rest of the sentence is pointless to illustrate... He has brought me nothing but trouble...

Baby, I miss you...

Life really sucks... Guess what? I have live firing later...

Relax, still not suicidal, YET.

2010-03-24T15:22:00.001+08:00

Relax, I'm not suicidal. YET.

2010-03-24T15:10:00.002+08:00

Got reprimanded by my Sergeant Major for going down to his office to pass my status slip to him, great... Now how am I suppose to get dinner?

Just remember some commotion that happen in the sick bay when I was there. There was this sergeant whom reported sick due to some reason and then one senior medic came into the room to see how was his situation. He thought the sergeant looked familiar and was reminded that the sergeant was the one who was riding a mechanized rodeo bull during a recent event. Just when the medic attending to him was about to administer the IV, the sergeant said he was scared and the senior medic replied "Eh, not scared cow scared needle ar?", totally hilarious. In the end, the medic like mine, inserted the needle wrongly and had to reinsert which gave rise to more moaning.

Now I can't seem to straighten my arm...

Life really suck....

2010-03-24T14:50:00.003+08:00

Back in bunk after spending less then 2 out of the 3 days outfield. Reported sick due to a mixture of physical exhaustion and hyper ventilation, didn't ask the MO what actually went wrong, just knew that I was out of breath. Was given 1 day of attend C but it downgraded to "rest in bunk", my 11B is still in the armory, can't book out... The medic whom administered IV for me was a new guy and I was his "first blood", he inserted the needle wrongly and now I have a swollen fore arm filled with the IV fluid.

Going to sign 3 extra for the "failure to report missing controlled equipment" when the culprit isn't me, it was my buddy but due to the fact that I was the appointment holder at the point of time, the arrow flew towards me like how a homing missile does. I didn't even knew the map was missing till the day I got back from outfield last week...

Supposed to be one of the top few cadets in School of Logistics but I don't really think so. Feel much more like "wayang-ing", don't think I really deserve the title...

To all those enjoying life out there, enjoy while you still can...

Life sucks just get along with it, suck thumb.

2010-03-14T21:20:00.002+08:00

Counting down to one more week till I step down from my appointment as a cadet platoon sergeant, 1 more month to Taiwan and 12 more weeks to commission. Time seems to fly during professional term and soon I'll be graduating in on service term duration, need less to say, weekends fly faster and time spent with my girlfriend the fastest.

Have been having doubts about myself on will I commission and even if I do, can I handle my men? Been having some troubles handling officer cadets which are listed as the more self disciplined and well behaved lot. Things change as time past, the time when people can carry out corporal punishments and getting away scot-free are over. There are 1001 things the instructors can do to us at certain point of time, I was expecting something to happen but it didn't. Time really have changed. To tell the truth, I really wish things do happen and people will learn, but it doesn't, just suck thumb and go through.

I plan to save at least $5000 in my bank by the end of this year, going by my current spending, it seems impossible but I will try. Signing on seems so tempting now... Haha.

2010-02-27T12:53:00.005+08:00

Has been quite a while since I really sat down and get to use the computer, the keyboard seems rather alien to me. Thanks to my buddy

Was "bestowed" the appointment of Cadet Platoon Sergeant (CPS), it sucks... The lowest rank of 4 appointments and the one who does the most crap. I must be the first to wake up and last to sleep, first to reach the cookhouse but last to eat, last to go back bunk but first to be prepared and last to go (by running) down to fall in. Rush here rush there, do this and that.

The best thing is, the cadet appointment one echelon above me isn't doing much but he likes to say "Johnny, I hand the platoon over to you, report to me if you need anything." when the order is the Cadet Platoon Commander (CPC) and CPS to take over. The CPC once grumbled that I was not doing my job of keeping the platoon's discipline up, what he was not looking at was me explaining a calculation concept to another section mate of mine. Another comment from him pissed me off when someone asked him why is he not doing it instead, he simply replied that it was not his job. Bloody know how to taichi and block arrows.

Have not been getting enough rest and combined with the rather intensive physical trainings, you get a never-seem-to-end muscle ache all over your body. It goes great when you are the appointment holder doing most of the running and crap work, the result? It prolongs and enhances the muscle aches till you feel that you body can just collapse any moment given the permission to do so. God, I didn't know I was so mentally strong...

My buddy is going from bad to worst. I delibrately volunteered myself for cleaning the key room so that I could get his butt off the chair and face of the screen to do the area cleaning for our bunk, guess what? It back fired and after cleaning the key room, I found him still stuck there and the room not cleaned. Talk about idiots... Spending another day with him seems like going through cancer and you are suffering so much that you just want to end your life...

I just realised why my platoon back in service term was spared from all the physical ~~torture~~ training, cause... WE ARE SO FREAKING ZAI! Just can't wait for joint term when we can gather and reminisce about old times... I miss 77/09 Alpha (service term) Platoon 3.

2010-02-18T21:02:00.002+08:00

Take this time off from studying for an open book test to blog, actually, I just have to familiar myself with the content page to ease the finding of desired contents.

Cookhouse aunties just caught a bird and is keeping it in this small cage. Reason, use it to scare the rest of the birds off from the cookhouse.

Lunch today was awesome! Fried Fish Slice Bee Hoon, outstanding! Wonder how the infantry peeps are doing in Brunei? This reminds me, one of my ex platoon mate got out of course due to integrity issue. He should have own up... Wasting his 3 months suffering for nothing...

Really missing my girl hell lot, booking out this weekend, can't wait to get to meet her. I need a hug from her now, desperately...

2010-02-17T07:10:00.001+08:00

Some laughs for it. Blog hopping in the morning, that is how bored I am now.

Saw the post before this and a smile lit up. That is the power of love. Haha, love you baby.

2010-02-16T23:31:00.000+08:00

Girlfriend was here.

To correct boyfriend's grammar mistakeSSS
Hehe

2010-02-16T22:26:00.002+08:00

My buddy Alvin is on attend C, till tomorrow. Might be going to my girl's house this weekend, I think, haha, inTERRORgation time.

Heard SOMEONE is attached, haha. Progressing as fast as us, might be getting ang baos from them next year if they keep up at this pace, haha.

Lights out~!

2010-02-16T11:04:00.004+08:00

It's the Chinese New Year and I have to book in later... Well, it beats the infantry peeps going to Brunei for 3 weeks, haha. Good luck and come back with your badges! Which kind of brings me to the other Alpha guys, hope you are doing well in your respective vocations. Alpha guys in logistics still going strong, just that those who got gold in service term are not getting it now.

My girl's going to work starting tomorrow, which means lesser time with her... Her exams are also coming... Jia You baby! The separation will be like those going Brunei... Going to miss you baby...

No festive mood.... Have to book in.... Book in blues...

2010-02-10T19:49:00.004+08:00

My health isn't much good lately, wondering why. Been having giddy spelling often, especially during period when I'm in an air conditioned room. Might be due to the fact that I don't drink enough water? "Idea-less" is what Kok Kiat will say.

I just did a " annual financial planning" while I had some time to spare just now and is still considering if I should buy an Ipod to bring in camp for another form of entertainment (hopefully, it doesn't get snatch by Alvin, like the speaker I just brought in camp).

Went to cash convertor last book out to sell some redundant stuffs rotting and collecting dust in my house, that includes my Xbox. In total, I earned $91 dollar which my mum kept. Looking for game boy games now, haha.

After this weeks visits to the many army bases in Singapore this week, I really should say it was an eye opener. Logistics isn't that bad after all, work is hell, paper work that is. We do more sh*t then the other vocations even though we don't go outfield as often as them. All the "chiong sua" is being done in the office where the "sua (hill in hokkien)" now refers to the mountains of paper work that needs to be done... Change of life eh? TIME TO GET FAT!

New link on my blog, introduced by my one and only sweet girl and not to mention wife to be in my life. Take some time off to go see, it is all about food.

2010-02-04T17:54:00.003+08:00

I'm losing my sanity as the days pass when I'm still in S.O.L. (School Of Logistics). I don't feel like I'm in a platoon of officer cadets, rather privates or recruits. Discipline is low till it touches the ground, no sense of urgency and the tension...

People don't march properly, talk in file, play/make fun with/of songs (even though it was made clear not to do that), untidy bunk, self-centered people, no caring for fellow soldiers, slamming of doors, scarstic remarks, people scolding others of the mistake they themselves make.

The one thing which I really couldn't stand is the giving of orders without thinking and giving the answer of "just do". The solution is there but they don't see it and to make life easy for them and worst for us, they use their positions to pin us down. Let me give you a classical example, The packing list stated we should have 3 shavers to be in our field packs, I sound off telling the cadet commander that it was not necessary but he told me "just do can?". Fine, I sound off during my PC interview stating that it was not a necessary AND THEN the problem was solved. Simple and classic, they didn't want to do it. There are many more of such ridiculous orders coming in and out, here and there and the answer of "just do it" never fails to come out.

I could keep going on typing but I know that I do not have the time. My buddy is going to pop through the door any minute now expecting the computer to be vacant, he is in another bunk entertaining with his only source of non desktop entertainment, his electric guitar.

Can't believe I ended up here, I will willingly give up my current achievements and start afresh with my service term platoon TILL THE END (commission) even though it will take a longer period to do so. Like here feels like heaven at the start but when we make use of this sensational moment and get use to it. Hell WILL break loose...

I need time to think through if I am really one of the worst to deserve this place here, with the rest.

2010-02-03T09:28:00.003+08:00

Says a sergeant from my BMT company, haha.

Currently on light duty for 3 days (till tomorrow, thursday). Been having giddy spells, the feeling to puke (but nothing comes out) and flu. Medication from the MO helps but the side effect of drowsiness is worst... Been sleeping alot since yesterday, thanks to the medicine.

Brought a game boy in to entertain myself cause my buddy hogs to the computer and guess what? He wants to lend it too... Feeling that he wants to keep deprieve me of entertainment and welfare. He played games using my phone when he is bored, hogs on to the computer whenever he is in the room, used my jacket even though he knows I'm cold, wanting to lend my gameboy when I'm using the computer. WHAT MORE CAN HE ASK FOR! MY MUM?

To make matters worst, he is MESSY(people who knows me will know why am I so paranoid about). He abuses the buddy system and treats me as a maid asking me to "help" him with this and that while his butt is stuck to the chair and his face glued to the computer or at home. He freeloads people food (I'm not spared). Does not do area cleaning till the last minute.

The door of my bunk is really pissing me off, or rather can I say my buddy. The door will slam itself shut when closing. The only way to stop it from slamming is to slow it when it is about to close. He buddy just walks right out of the room leaving the door to slam itself... How considerate... Sometimes, he just walks in and out of the room freely, despite knowing I hate the sound.

Been thinking if I should really sign on in the army, I mean, scholarship. Firstly, I don't have to rely on my parents for my university fees, and that amount of money can be used for my brother. Straight job after I graduate (not to mention promotion and pay raise). An average higher salary then my peers. Plenty of health care and entertainment benefits and more. Down side is to dedicate my life to the service for 4 or 6 years...

The choice is difficult...

Brought in tonnes of reading materials and was questioned by the guard house on why the heck am I bringing in so much. He asked how long was I staying in, I replied 5 days and he started laughing saying that how is it possible to finish the books within 5 days? I followed by saying I will be in this camp for the next 5 months, that shut him up.

Missed Kah Hui's birthday celebration, sorry, was confined due to event. Saw the pictures of them having fun.

I kind of miss my service term life, true it was thought but at the same time it was fun as well... Miss my section, miss Edric (my buddy back then), miss the singing of songs during bathing... *sigh*.... Life sucks...

2010-01-31T08:33:00.003+08:00

Might be playing this game with Martin when I'm in camp.

Sryth.

Not sure if it is nice but will give it a try.

I wanna find a new book to read during my free time when the computer is occupied (most of the time) by Alvin.

2010-01-25T21:04:00.002+08:00

Well, posted to become a logistics officer...

I really wanted to be in some combat unit but... Tough luck for colour deficiency peeps. Life here is pretty good, good food, good bunk, good instructors basically everything is good.

Still thinking of what my life will be like after I commission... Its something that will happen 5 months later so... I shall continue thinking.

Been really missing my girl everytime I'm not with her. Its... torturing... seriously...

More events coming up! All the would-be-free adults about to turn 21 this year. Haha, HAPPY BIRTHDAY in advance, just in case I forget.

2010-01-03T17:09:00.013+08:00

Finally, a year has past just like that. Frankly speaking, the year 2008 and 2009 isn't the years for me. I almost got killed on my birthday on 2008, fever on 2008 Christmas and I ALMOST could not go out on Christmas last year due to a sprain. Bad years... Hoping this year, everything will go on "shun shun li li", commissioning this year... haha.

Some resolutions for 2010:

Be together with my girl for another year (this resolution will be brought over to 2011 as well, so on and forth)
Meet up with friends
Save up for my licences (car and bike)
Save up more for my future apartment
Better health (for all that I know)

Well, shouldn't wish for much it shall stop here.

Another thing I'm going to blog about is my one year of relation with my dearest.

Thats what we spent several hours doing.

And this is what I got her for our special day which falls on the last day of each year.

Didn't get Duko (the dog) a pants, reason? Not potty trained yet (The reason I gave the shop assistant).

Went One rochester during Christmas to celebrate with KLP and another time during countdown with baby and her clique less JT with Parry as substitute. Both have the same insanity level but the guy has a better liquor tolerance. SH kept saying I was drunk but... I doubt she remembers what she said and done when we are about to get home.

Well, the next post will be 11 days (minimum) later. Going Brunei for training. Wish me luck and to be able to come back in one piece.

Baby says she is going to miss my massage only. So straight forward

Been through quite alot of things with my girl. At points, I couldn't be with her when she was down but I will promise and try my best to be with her when I can. It's going to be quite a rough year for you baby, take care and promise dun do any stupid things ok? You promised to marry me remember (Don't worry, I will save the sms next time)?

(PS. Supposedly an error made - "take care and promise dont do any stupid things ok?". edited by "baby") XD

2009-12-09T13:09:00.003+08:00

Been "chionging sua" this week till my feets are sore, filled with blisters and abrasions. My boots are on almost 16 hours daily. My body fills so drain that I sleep almost everywhere. Slept in the rain, didn't care less about my underwear getting wet since it will be anyway.

The thing I hate about going outfield is that the amount of things you have to clean after you come back. You don't have enough rest and to add on to the load, PC gives credits like free. Just to let you guys know, my PC has this very interesting way of ~~punishing~~ training us. Instead of asking us to do push ups under the hot sun in the parade square and sorts. He gives us credits in which we have to clear. 200 credits will take away any chance of you going back to civilistation.

There are a few ways to clear, one, gambling with him in completing something rather impossible (e.g. getting 80% IPPT gold; cleared) or doing exercises by credits according to his market rates. The market rate differs just like the economy, it goes by his mood, the serverity of your offence, you weakness in IPPT and the amount of credit you have. Some of the trainings we do to clear our credits are doing shuttle sprints for 10, 30 and 50m. That is considered one set and for that, congratulations, 5 credits gone.

Just to inform you guys that today, I have chalked up 400 credits. Wondering if the coming book out which is tomorrow will materialise.

Not been getting quality sleep now a days. Kept waking up in the middle of the night either to pee or just waking up for no reasons. I need the rest, seriously... Talking to girlfriend is another issue not to be mixed with this. Haha.

My buddy, Edric has finally stepped down from his wing appointment. Good news for him and me. I don't have to do his chores anymore, haha. Its quite frustrating to have 2 appointment holder in the same bunk. The one with the least workload dies... Which in this case is me.

Well, just glad he finally stepped down, back to the old times where area cleaning are done in pairs. Good luck to the buddy of the next appointment holder (whoever you are), trust me, you will need it.

2009-12-05T17:34:00.002+08:00

Back from digging trenches like crazy. spent 2 days digging a trench till chest level and 1 day to bury it... how stupid is it? The stupidiest thing is to dig and not use it at all... I was suppose to be the enemy for second phase, but it was a requirement to dig.

My brain probably switched off like a couple of times during digging as we dug through the night till the next morning. I can't seem to recall some events. All in all, it was a painful yet enjoyable and experiential exercise for me. I learnt alot and I really do mean alot. All the bonding got stronger as we sang some stupid songs while digging.

Though the insufficient rest, I seriously have no idea how my body managed to pull through the entire event. Even after the event, there was much cleaning and packing to be done. I slept at 11pm on the day we got back and woke up at 4 the next day just to continue packing and cleaning my stuffs. Tonnnes of things to clean, horrible... If I didn't remember wrongly, I only had 7 hours of sleep in total for 4 days 3 night, incredible...

Finally had our first night out and some of my section mates went over JP to have dinner at BIlly Bombers, saw QP working there again, I think shes a perm staff there already. Baby took the pain to travel from cine to JP just to meet me for like 30 mins? Freaking touched... Was almost late for book in, close shave, couldn't get a cab. It was a well deserved rest out and getting back to civilisation (though a short one), managed to restock on my reserve of food.

There are plenty of things I want to do when I have the time. Somehow, I think OCS is really sucking my private time off... Things I need to do are:
Meeting up with friends, cousins and have a outing with my direct family (promised them awhile back but couldn't materialise it due to last minute stepping in of guard duty for my buddy) and the long "things and places to go/do list" which my girl has been writing since god knows when.

Pictures will be posted when I get my hands on it and to those reading, I'm living life well in OCS, just that I have to suffer for the country, lol...

2009-11-26T17:59:00.004+08:00

Finally, I'm able to blog. Not much about my army life, can't blog much about it. Still being able to endure through all those craps that have been thrown to me. However, I'm staying in camp for Hari raya this year. All thanks to my negligence, I lost a spring, not just any normal spring, it a f**king small spring, which cannot be found.

Staying in camp till the 5th of december. The feeling of staying back while your whole platoon books out is... unexplainable. Had planned alot of things, catch up with friends, visit my grandmother, an outing which I owe to my family, and last but not least, the most important, my girlfriend.

I felt damn selfish which she planned our outing for this long weekend and then, I had to cancel it. It was meant to be a break for both of us. Alot happened recently and we both agree that this is not our lucky month. She had her projects to rush with short deadlines, and I have to help settle my buddy stuffs as he is now holding a major appointment. Me and my buddy didn't have enough sleep this 2 weeks. THe night before our exercise, we didn't even had time to pack our own stuffs and we had to eat into our sleep time just to get things done. Life sucks.

I had been promised alot of things from my section instructor but sadly, I realise the fact that promises made always leads to a deadend, with me suffering. Never did I ask for privilleges but the crap that I got is just... shit... If he had not made those promise, my life would have been slightly better, but why does he have to mess around like this. During the recent exercise then I realised that those promises were not a test but just a lack of planning and organisation. My buddy knows it too. In fact, I think the whole platoon knows it too.

Just want to end this post by saying sorry to my girl. Not being able to accompany her for the holiday, not to forget my family which I had not spend much time with.

2009-09-22T06:41:00.005+08:00

Going off to camp for the next 3 weeks and I won't be back (I hope). Having to endure 9 more months of training before I finally get what I always wished for.

Going to miss a hell lot of things especially this lady in the picture below. 8 months and still going strong, better if it can last the next 9 months. 1 year coming up and hopefully, I don't get confined on our anniversary.

Baby, even if you don't send me off crying, I know you are acting strong, haha. Nevermind, dear knows best, telepathy eh? Suddenly it seems like I have alot to blog about but no time...

Just ending this off simply and like always. Love you baby, will call you (if I can) every night, hopefully my PC don't do much stunts, haha. You my source of motivation. Hopefully, this can entertain you for 3 weeks, haha.

Just me and you always. Happy 9th months in advance, haha.

Loves
Donkey dear

2009-09-19T10:48:00.003+08:00

Just to let others know that I'm currently in a relationship with the girl in the picture. 8 months going 9 months already. You can joke thjat I can have a baby with her already given the duration but, haha, We just wanted to be low profile then.

Known her for 1 year 7 months and 7 days. For more infomation on how we met just ask, I'm not shy to tell, but lazy to type and explain, haha.

Nothing much left to declare right? Haha.

2009-09-10T16:10:00.003+08:00

BMT over and it was a BLAST! Really good to have bunk mates like section 4, always punctual and cooperative. Although at times we might not be happy with each other but we trash things out in bunk rather then outside which is really zai.

Played alot during BMT, talking crap with the section commanders, wanted to talk crap with CSM, called 2IC (warrent officer) sergeant and did 30 push ups for it and many more stunts. Truely enjoyed BMT much. Well... there were things that are not enjoyable which is the fact that I stayed at the top floor and the elevator cannot be used... Got used to that and "sucked thumb" and did the manual climbing.

Well, might be a little too late but HAPPY 20th birthday JY, XH and ED. Its just down to me and just me alone waiting for the big two-zero to come.

2009-08-23T07:43:00.001+08:00

Finally finished my confinement, its not what you think it is, I didn't get confine cause I screwed things up but rather its just cause of the training. NS is not as tough as I think it is, maybe its the case that I'm in one of the slackest company. Well, enjoying it now while I still can.

IPPT tomorrow, wish me luck for another Gold, haha.

Going out to get my things before booking in again later... Will post soon

2009-07-10T09:54:00.003+08:00

WOO! Got a card from my sister yesterday. I really didn't expect it but, was really taken by surprised when she said she had something for me. She work on it till 2am (die... guilty...).

Met her at Ngee Ann makan place for dinner. Helped her with some questions on some carnival thing. Talked crap, then we went over to this ice cream shop over at sunset way. I forgotten the name but I went there quite a few times before. Treated her to ice cream for the card, I have no idea if its a fair trade but... There is still a TINY PINCH of guilt left.

Well, thanks for the card sister! Now, I dare not bring to Tekong, I'm afraid I will lose it or someone else will take it. Its wrapped in plastic cover and sticked onto the wall infront of my study table.

2009-07-08T10:03:00.002+08:00

Slept at 2am and was awoken by a prank call, by my mum at 0820. I could have slept till late. I didn't have much undisturbed sleep recently. My mum thinks its funny to see me spring up from my slumber to answer my phone (ps. soemtimes I do get shocked when awoke suddenly).

Currently having mushroom and chicken soup with slightly burnt bread for breakfast. I have to say, finding the soup of this particular flavour is freaking difficult. I finally found one can of it in some drawer.

Went back to school yesterday, but before that I went to have dinner at this place near paya lebar. Had sweet and sour pork rice, it wasen't nice as compared to what I have at home. Ended up having mild sore throat.

Went over Ngee Ann to have a drinking and singing session with my poly lecture mates. I didn't sing at all due to the sweet and sour pork rice and drank only half a jug of carlsberg, it was awful... HoeGarrden next time please. I still have no idea why people likes drinking tiger and sorts, its practically carbon dioxide and CO2 only.

Plenty got wasted yesterday. Someone invented the combination of Henessy with carlsberg and not long after, everyone was downing it like plain water. Peeps puked, singing I have no idea what song, talking about NS life and wishing us luck over and over again within a short span of 5 minutes. Stayed till 30 minutes past midnight and took a cab back with some of the western people. Stopped at Weilson's place and walked over to KH's house. Paid money and went back home with a 20 minutes walk. Reached home, was soooooooo shag that I fell asleep on immediate impact on my bed. I did bath and brushed my teeth mind you guys.

The rest of the week are activites all lined up for this pre-enlistee. Waiting for that one times nice hairstyle whom plenty are going to get it once we reach this island which is not harpers (~.~).

2009-07-06T17:59:00.006+08:00

Well, just some blogging about the course that I have just graduated from.

197th Basic Airborne Course.

A very memorable course, which trains me to be an airborne trooper, a paratrooper. A course which trains me to jump out of any military aircraft via static line method from a minimum height of 500 feet.

I was suppose to do my first jump on the 25th of June, jump was cancelled cause the wind was rather strong. My second and third planned jump (my first and second jump) was on the next day. I didn't have enough rest, people making noise at 10pm, alarms going off at 12 midnight, 1215, 1230 and 1245 was enough to deprive me of sleep. Those who know me will know how light a sleeper I am. 0200 was the time to wake up. So while most of you are going to sleep or are already sleeping, I was already up and doing my pre jump trainings, briefing, DZ (drop zone) and aircraft orientation and preparation of my chute. I had my first jump at 0915 and second jump at 1030.

My jump initials
First Jump: Sortie 2, Pass 4, second jumper from door.
Second Jump: Sortie 10, Pass 3, second jumper from door.

First and second jump platform, CH-47, also known as the Chinook (picture as shown below). No pictures were taken so I had to rely on yahoo, haha.

It was the best platform for your first jump as you will experience 5 seconds of free fall before your parachute canopy deplays and you just have to step off the rear ramp and off you go. Free falling from this aircraft feels like someone carrying you (but you can't feel the arms) with wind blowing from below. By the time the chute deply, I will be at approximately 500 to 600 feet - derived from the theory that it only takes 10 seconds for a person to free fall to the ground from 1000 feet.

The first sortie and pass were streamers. Pieces of cloth thrown from the aircraft to determine if the jump is a "go" or "no go". The streamers were the ones that made the instructors cancel the first planned jump. Once the streamers hit the ground, there was total silence. Everyone was trying to listen to the walkie talkie for the DZSO (Drop Zone Safety Officer) decision. Everyone cheered when the green light was given. We saw the first sortie (which consist of instrutors and foreign jumpers) jumped and finally, the long wait was over. I was rather excited for the first jump. When the aircraft was at 1000 feet, it all came as fast as my mind could think (I was wearing a helmet, some army joke). I was second at the ramp, it wasen't as scary as I thought it will be. I scared myself more then the actual jump. I felt the tap and heard the "GO!". I let my body did the work, my leg pushed off and I went for my first every free fall in my life for 5 seconds. I didn't count till 2 seconds after (I think) and I just started from 3000 count. I went "3000, 4000" and I felt a jerk which made me relieve, the jerk which comes when my canopy deploys.

I enjoyed the flight even if was less then 30 seconds and the preparations took 5 hours. Landing was quite rough as I landed on the runway. I got my first bruise from my first jump. It really isn't that bad but I was ready and looking forward for my second jump. It was almost the same as the first. So 2 jumps from this aircraft and one more to graduate.

My last jump was on the 2nd of july. I had to book in the night before as the time to report was 0200, the same as my first jump. I didn't sleep at all, as I was going through my drills. The thought of the worst case scenario was enough to keep me awake. Turns out the whole bunk didn't have enough sleep as well. Some of them were talking till 11 plus.

Third jump initials: Sortie 1, pass 4, fourth jumper from starboard door.

Graduating jump platform, Charlie-130 (picture as shown below).

It was quite scary to know that you will be the first few to jump out from the plane that day (I was the 24th jumper). Stories from others added to my fear. Plenty of "what ifs" came popping on my mind as I was walking to board the aircraft. After boarding the aircraft, fatigue overwhelmed me and I dozed off for a couple of minute to be awoken by the moving initia of the aircraft, we were about to take off. Fear was no longer there once the aircraft took off, I kept telling myself not to be afraid and doing the drills correctly was the only option.

We circled above the DZ for more then half an hour (god knows why), maybe the wind was too strong. Those on board were getting demoralised as the minute pass, but when the side door slide open, cheers were heard. Jumpers were shouting "AIRBORNE!". The first pass stood up and the cheers got louder. After 12 minutes, It was my turn. I told the person infront that I will see him down on the ground, and I saw his face changed from fear to happiness. It was priceless. Once the green light was on, I was jogging to the door instead of shuffling towards it, before I knew it, I was out of the aircraft. It really felt like someone throwing you out of the aircraft and I was looking everywhere, till my canopy deploys. This time, I had more time to "play around" as I only had 3 seconds of free fall, was around 800 feet when my canopy deply.

Upon landing, I felt damn high. Was walking, singing and shouting. The 16kg load on my back felt very light. I was close to tears when I met with Ross and Nirmal along the way. We gave pat on each others back, sang, hug and continued our 1km walk back to the meet up point. We slacked till 1230 where we had a simple graduation where those attending module one receive their silver wings. It was pinned on our chest by Commanding Officer Para Wing, Major Simon Tan.

In total, I landed 3 times on tar-mat (the runway). I could be awarded the most unlucky jumper, as I think that no one else landed on the tar-mat 3 times in a row. I could also be awarded the most lucky jumper as I escaped all 3 landings with just a minor bruise. Others whom were not so lucky, had sprain ankles, deep wounds and bumps on their head.

The airborne creed.
I am an airborne trooper, a paratrooper.
I jump by parachute from any plane in the flight.
I volunteered to do so, knowing well the hazards of my choice.
I am an elite trooper, a sky trooper, a shock trooper, a spearhead trooper.
I blaze the way to far-flung goals
Before, above, before the foes front line.
I never let a fellow jumper down.
I cherish as a sacred trust, the lives of those whom I serve with.
Leaders have my truest loyalty.
Those whom I lead never find me lagging.
I have pride in airborne.
I never let it down.
I AM AIRBORNE!

The course photo.

My certificate and badge to prove me as a QUALIFIED AIRBORNE TROOPER.

My acheivements from NCC as a cadet officers.

Signing Off

johnny

197th BAC graduant

PARATROOPER

2009-06-21T09:41:00.005+08:00

This will be the last time I'm updating before I go for my 3 live decent. The feeling I have now is rather confusing, haha. My heart wants to jump but my mind is scared. Too many "what ifs" going through my head. I will clarify those issues with my instructor.

About my instructor, His name is Simon Kang, 54 this year and retiring next year. He did his 1000th free fall jump in 1998 and has clocked over 4000+ free fall and 250+ static line jumps. He is the most senior and experienced instructor there. Many have said that he is the devil when times comes, but till now, I have only seen the bright side of him. He is very patient in teaching and well, I feel that amongst all the instructors, he is the slackest. Rather short guy but together with his character, it gives others the impression that he is rather cute. His trademark, pointing his middle finger and sticking out his tongue, haha.

Had a enjoyable week, made a number of new friends in the course. Went around talking crap during breaks. Got conned and conned people, that was how I waste my time there. Just completed my tower evaluation and turns out to be quite good, but I know myself the mistakes that I made. The tower is 34 feet (10.36m) and they said that according to those people that studies the brain, it is the height whereby a person will dare to jump out from 1000 feet is he/she can jump out from the tower, some crazy crap. Some corporal by whom I address as Suen (su - when), came to me and helped me adjust my harness and he apparently made it so tight that when I did my first jump, the strap kind of slide upwards causing abrasion on my inner thigh.

Well, somehow, alot of the regulars thinks that I'm those kind of very regimental person. Might be because of the way I speak to them during training. Well, manage to talk crap with them after training hours.

Have to pack my bag, wish me luck people for my live decents. I'm praying that my chute will open, haha.

I really hate those people who makes noise when others owe them money and when they owe you money and you start asking them to pay back, they tell you that you are irritating and don't bother about you. I seriously despise these people. If you have no money, just say so, I can close one eye on that. Telling me I'm irritating after owing money for more then 6 months? Whats worst is you still have the time to go out watch movie, buy stupid stuff toys for your girlfriend and have luxurious dinners, simply awesome. I have no idea why you can't take the trouble of bring the money along with you and pass it to me. Not having your atm card around when you asked to meet near YOUR house is simply bullshit, please think of a better excuse. If you don't have the intention of paying back, tell me, I'll just treat it as money thrown to some pathetic begger on the street, at least I will have a sense of charity as I did something nice.

2009-06-14T10:03:00.003+08:00

I forgotten to mention, congratulations to Gret for entering the stage 2 auditions for Singapore Idol.

I got shocked when I returned home on friday night. My brother cut his hair GI! So you can imagine my face, tired and shocked when he greeted me at the door. The reason he wanted to cut his hair GI is just that he wants to gel his hair spike. He got dissappointed when he realised that his hair cant be gel. Now he has a habit of waking me up by brushing his hair against my face in the morning (=.=).

Ha, I just realised I have a new hobby, that is to take care of the chili plant I planted at the start of the year. That my precious baby which supplies this chili addict with his "drug". The first thing I did when I stepped out of the lift was to check the plant for chili. Those kids staying on the same floor with me likes to pluck the chili and bring it back home, depriving me of chili. The chili that comes from this plant is HOT (just how I like it, haha).

Its the one in the middle.

Thats the flower of the plant before it becomes...

This green thing and then...

Plucked and...

Packed.

Once the container is full, my mum (or sometimes me) will cut it and put the sliced chili into a jar filled with light sauce. So whenever we need chili, we take it from the jar.

Well, that about all.

2009-06-13T08:52:00.002+08:00

Well, booked out for the weekend from BAC. There isn't really much of a mental torture except some sick-head captain whose job is to lower the moral of the course (self-proclaimed). He likes to go around and start scolding people and finding fault over the most small issue.

There is 147 trainees in the course and most of them are younger then me. We are split into 8 groups known as stigs and I'm in stig 8. The strength of the first 7 stigs are 20 each and mine only has 7. There is only one girl in the entire course and she is in my stig.

Training is going to be repeatative the next week and there is going to be more bruises, cramps and aches. I have only gone through one day of training and now, I have a sore neck, bruised inner knee and a blister on my left index finger. The funniest thing is that everyone has to sit with our knees and feets together at all times. Doesn't make me comfortable with the bruise on my knee.

I shall endure for my Silver Wings!

Lastly, the commandos are a fun batch of people, likes to crap, talk and do alot of funny funny things. Not to miss out, booking out fanatics, haha, no offence.

2009-06-09T22:28:00.002+08:00

Last post before I'm off to airborne. Kind of nervous, but I don't wish to be a let down to those that has cheered and encouraged me. I WILL PASS THE COURSE!

Just a few more hours to the start of a milestone in my life. Can't seem to sleep though I have to wake up freaking early tomorrow to reach the other side of the island.

Ok, shall force myself to sleep. Good Night peeps. I shall return with my silver wings. [=)].

Signing Off
197th Paratrooper gonnabe
johnny.

2009-06-06T13:25:00.002+08:00

My god mum is que-ing up to in line hoping to be the next idol wannabe. I don't believe much in luck for this kind of event. It's all up to your voice, the judge and lastly, your face, haha.

Today is going to be one heck of a day and I won't be surprised if someone says I saw you here and another one says that I was seen somewhere else.

Lets see what I have installed for myself today...

1235: Meet Hui Ting and pass her my sleeping bag. (Boon Lay)
1500: Meet QE and gang for last outing before our enlistment. (The Cathay)
1630: Meet some thick skin person and pass souvenir (tentative)(Woodlands)
1730: Go grandma house to pass CD to aunt (Commonwealth)
1800: Meet cousins for dinner outing (Clementi - Bukit Timah)
2100: Meet back QE and gang for supper (to be confirmed)

Packed right? I cannot imagine the amount left in my ez link card at the end of the day. I have been on a topping up rage recently. In total I think I have topped up $40 (up till now) since last sunday and now, I'm left with around $8? Adult fare is ripping a huge hole in my pocket...

I'm just left with 3 more days before airborne. Kind of nervous but seem like I'm some sort of information counter for those going. My inbox is spammed with too-simple-to-be-considered-a-question questions. While the rest of the questions are not for me to answer considering my position.

Well, got to go to empty my ez link card.

2009-06-04T11:41:00.003+08:00

Finally a revamp.

Have been going out here and there meeting all my friends before airborne. More meetings and outing coming up.

Watched "Terminator Salvation" yesterday with the ncc peeps and my cousin-in-law. The movie was initially at 1925 hours but I have no idea why the tickets of the 2105 hours was bought. The movie was alright for me. I finished a popcorn combo myself (woah 0.o). Before the movie was dinner at clementi. They made me rush for nothing. Jing Kai still owes me $58, and I'm wondering when will be return it to me.

Have not been training much recently cause of my schedule.

Scammed off $60 dollars. My claim stated I earned $146 but I only received $86. So much from the new commandant...

Joke of the week:
Me: Excuse me, is there shuttle service from clementi to west coast plaza?
Operator: Yes
Me: Where can I board it?
Op: The bus stop over at that side *points*
Me: Oh, how long is the interval?
Op: I'm not sure
Me: So how can I differentiate the shuttle bus from the other buses?
Op: Its coloured.
Come on... which bus isn't coloured?

Well, thats about all for now.

Screw the cockroach and signature, haha.

2009-05-08T10:07:00.006+08:00

Daniel has started this testimonial thing for the class so I shall too. If I'm not wrong, I told him I wanted to start this during the trip to Vietnam...

I'll just make it an exception to blog in singlish as it brings out more humour.

According to Alphabetical order...

Cheng Jiang - Haven't made him angry before (cannot get dirty one)
This kns guy damn irritating when he suans people. When in need of help he will por (bootlick) and carry ur balls till sky high then after you help him? He drops your balls from that level he por till. He don't look tat hardworking but he really is la. Ask here ask there then get all the information bo share in the end? GPA higher then me (=.=). This guy will be the first to spot you saying something wrongly and then? He starts immitating your mistake and let the WHOLE WORLD NOES. Very gentle guy who using his mouth more then his fist but waaaa~ got girlfriend liao leh. He liked someone (very obvious is who la) before. He says my eyes are small and when I laugh, they became a line, obviously, he can't see how he laugh when he is infront of the mirror cause his eyes too becomes a line.

Daniel - Made him angry twice (plastic, and sibei jialat FYP group leader)
This guy can scold you for no reason (:@). And is always (or most) of the time late. Sleeps alot but hardworking la, thrifty also. He owes me $4 for yesterday's meal. His favourite phrase after he makes a mistake is "You wan how?" or "Really meh?". Knew him since I was secondary one and tio kan by him the first time also during secondary one cause of my ex-Commanding officers mistake (see I told you he anyhow scold people). Was rather surprised when I saw him in my class, third person to be my "friend". He is active in class activities and seems to have a problem with me going for too much NCC activites (think hes just jealous). He lives life through this motto of "Never say no to free food". I swear I will make you regret for having that motto. Can be considered my god brother cause he most of the times nag at the "stunts" I do which is sooo like my mother. Golden Grad LIAO BU QI AR? You do stupid things when you panick as well ok! Another yaya kia still don't want to own up. Actually he quite ok, just that the habit of him eating too slowly and chomping of his food gets on my nerves sometimes.

En Shao - Think I made him angry quite a number of times but not really that jialat (qiu mo)
Wa lan eh, this guy ar... SIBEI CMI. Everytime kena suan is confirm his mistakes or his stupidity one. Planning like shit, knowledge like shit and only noe how to go along with the flow (as said by me and young, 1 +1 = 3). Attachment with his is horrible + terrible. Every moment is heart stopping as you will never know when his brains stops thinking and he is in his lala~ land. Quite hardworking but no discipline at all. He gets distracted VERY easily especially during lessons by games. Most of the time he doesn't listen in class and after a teacher says an instruction, he ask again. And he packs his laptop only after most of the people clears the class... This guy sibei sissy one... scared of butterfly, cockroach, blood, death and many more... Cannot control his drinking and still wants to drink and in the end gets bloody drunk and lets his friend settles his aftermatch, only to wake up the next morning half dead and starts apologising. He says he don't like to act cute but till now, that was never true. He can tahan alot of suaning and raping, thats why he is always the target. Thanks for letting us bully (><). Second person I knew in poly. Don't know if he can find a girlfriend but I'm trying to matchmake him with someone else. This testimonial is considered very short for him as I'm too lazy to list out all the stupid things he has done. His singing is the worst...
Kok Kiat - Made him angry once (Hamberber, PKK, lousiest Malaysian)
He is so proclaimed the best in calculations and can keep spamming. Whines everyday about this and that and is never satisfied. Eats and sleep alot that explains his size. He sets goals and target but never fufils most of them, but when he does, he does it well. Very supportive but short tempered person who flares up easily expect when raped. happy-go-lucky but knows hows to control. Very very shy person but he also suans people. Second person in the "To rape list" after En Shao. Ranked fourth or fifth in class for vulgarities. I don't think your blog song is nice [=)]. His english is the kana lan type and he can make people suffocate by laughing at his spelling. Lets have an example.
Me: I think the boat can do with a sea anchor so it won't drift that much.
Daniel: KK, got take down what johnny said?
KK: *whispers to me* Eh, anchor is spell "kle" or "kel" (he was refering to ankle).

Naqiah - Made her angry ALOT of times (Nachia, my malay teacher, my notes provider)
YOU THINK I SCARED OF YOU? Your pinching don't even tickles me. Another Hardworking person in the class, first (I think) to get the notes done before exams, thats why I always go to her when I need notes. She is also quite short tempered and you cannot carry the same joke 3 times within 10 minutes else she will flare up. She wasen't very vulgar but after attachment, she replaces Wei Kok as the best in vulgarities. My bus buddy since I have no idea when but sometimes due to work, we don't meet. She doesn't like canteen 4 and throughout her poly life, she only went there 6 times. She likes to irritate people but when the tide changes, she starts screwing you up. You wouldn't want to see her angry, but I survived, know why? CAUSE I ZAI!

Pauline - Made her angry Alot of times also (Da jie in class, Porling)
Another girl in class, also short tempered and talk to her must see her mood one (sometimes I just don't care, I'm semi bullet proof). Ranked fourth or fifth in class for vulgarities. She owns a dog but it's not me. She is also somewhat similar to Cheng Jiang but she don't por you. She gives those xiao jie whining and "charms" you till you buay tahan then help. Very bo-chap person and has the most relationship issues in class. Was attached to Terry during year 1 then break then some guy called pear then after that, I lost track.

Qiu Ee - Havent made him angry before (tun, QE)
Sibei quiet guy, but when he talks, people follows. That what I call a silent leader. Got into NDU liao bo? Suans people in maple only (especially boon and elin). Will study but later will go play maple again one. Chiongster in maple, when want get girlfriend? Also quite a happy-go-lucky guy and spends his money wisely. Only tio rape once in his poly life.

Terry - Havent made him angry before (surround sound spekaye [speaker as mispronounced by kk])
Most bo chap person in class. Never really mixed around with him. But he is the third in vulgarities. THAT REMINDS ME, HE HAVENT TIO RAPE BEFORE (:$).

Thao - Havent made her angry before (no nicknames YET)
Joined us in the final year due to FYP. Very easy to bluff (proven-ed). She doesn't have much confidence in speech but she does her work DAMN WELL don't think its comparable with any of the guys. Sibei hardworking but don't know why never get GPA 4 before. Her cumulative is about 3.8 or higher.... She is very helpful and is very soft hearted person. Seldom see her upset and she has those smile that can cheer you up just by looking at it (that why SOMEONE tio hooked, we all know who la ar). Go Vietnam tio stuffed till bloated by her parents so REVENGE will come when you come back to Singapore. Very warm hearted la really... careful don't kena made use of cause.... we won't be there to protect you anymore (T.T).

Thiam Hee - Havent really made him angry (BIG Boss, fisherman)
The biggest in size in our class. Like tidehunter in dota. Don't let his size fool you. He can run sibei fast when he knows he is going to get raped, he is the only guy that havent get raped before cause no one dares to, not cause of his temper but his size. Daniel snatched my line of you being the most misunderstood peron. For all your information, he is the first friend I had in poly. Thanks for the prawns too but next time... WASH IT FIRST LA (if not we will all have really fresh salty prawns).

Weilson - Havent really made him angry (act cute guy)
Wa lan eh, I think the most act cute prize goes to him liao. Never fails to act cute when he is in school. This person sometimes don't know the limit and keeps pushing and pushing till his backside catches fire then he realised how close he was to death. My rival in computer aided design modules but sometimes he pushes far beyond the knowledge of what is taught by trail and error. Can smoke and talk crap through presentations and most of the time, your share of the presentation are always done last minute. Third in class to get a girlfriend after Terry and Wei Kok.

Wei Kok - Never bothered to make him angry (Mr Thao)
Was the number one in vulgarities in class during year one but after attachment and being attached, his reign finally stopped but it strikes back occasionally (due to the class, ok la... me and Weilson). He can play FM since year one till graduation (he is still playing that game now) and he never gets bored. Die hearted Man U fan. "And remember friends are not football players, the hairdryer treatment dosen't work on everybody. "And remember friends are not football players, the hairdryer treatment dosen't work on everybody." whatever that means. He cracks cold jokes which in the end makes people laugh not because of the joke but because of the silence that comes after the joke.

Wei Wen - Another person whom I don't bother to agitate (Mr Lobang)
First person in class to obtain his class 2 and 3 during his poly life. Sibei know how to suan siao people and never fails to make everyone laugh cause of his logics and bickers with the lecturers. Have anyone told you your singing need alot of improvement (><)? But overall he just a very crappy person who also uses his mouth more then his fist. When want take your air and sea licences also? Lobang alot la, but most of them isn't much of my preference. Zhi Young - Made him angry once (young)
This guy very sissy also, small thing like kena cut or fall down ar, he can whine and make noise till like he kena AIDS or SARS. I remembered laughing my ass of when Justin kicked your balls by accident during your birthday last year. He can crap la and I have seen all his personalities. Never cry before? hehe~ I keep my mouth shut for that. But you seriously, alcohol swabs is used to kill germs and disinfect the wound, not to make you cry. He stayed at my house during the first attachment as we were both in the same yard and he taught me quite alot of things that I was ignorant about. I still remembered being chased off the bus together with you at Tuas yard then we made our own way back, that was kinda funny if you think about it now. He is a great person to pour your woes to and he will come up with advises not like Daniel (:@). I alway go to him and complain about En Shao during attachment, haha. He is one of those people that are not afraid to be mocked when he questions in doubt. Like Naqiah, he don't like to be tricked, pranked, raped more then twice in a row if not he will start showing you attitude. Another hard core person and follows his dreams and goals without letting obstacles stop him, but he stopped body building liao (I think cause his body cannot grow anymore). FYI, he likes to play with fat little boys penis. And he knows most about my family as compared to the class (not that he knows alot is just that he knows the most). Your secret is safest with him.

The rest that left us during our poly life: Andrew Ericsson, Foo Yong Ling Justin (Dai Luo), Ho Keng Liang, Muhd Ziad.
Was in our class: James Shaun Joshua (I'm refering to just one person), Muhd Izuan.

It's really good to be in this class and somehow, I believed fate has brought us together. Sometimes I feel that we are like siblings fighting and quarreling but at the end of the day, its the bond that lets us forgive one another (I think). I never regretted joining poly and signing up for Marine and Offshore Technology although I was scammed by the brochure. If I were to go back in time and do well, I would still chose this course not cause of the brochure but the people and the times we had. It was all well spent. No amount of words can express the feelings I had.

Lastly, MOT gathering on the 16th of May, who coming? interested?

Signing Off
..\/...
3(t)E
johnny and for once, doggy (my nickname)

2009-05-06T11:47:00.002+08:00

My mum insists of putting a hell lot of corn into fried rice and now, I have no idea if I'm eating fried rice or corn rice. She claims its for colouring and look, but... Would it look appetizing for a plate full of yellow pieces with rice?

Seriously, I dislike the process of chewing and tasting corn and corn and more corn every bite, disgusting...

Airborne selection up just in a few hours. Hoping I could get through and praying for fine and cool weather. 12 minutes and 30 seconds in full army camoflage uniform (long sleeves) should not be a problem, or will it?

Have been going on small diets and frequent exercise, my weight seem to have only dropped by 2kg. What have I been doing? Running in the morning and evening, having brunch instead of both breakfast and lunch, no snacks between meals (if I'm hungry I'll just pop cheese or drink water till I'm full), no suppers (meals/snacks after 10), taking the stairs rather then the lifts and light exercise before I bath. That is almost the regular regime I'm going through. TRYING to sleep at 11 and waking up at 7 with no naps between.

Celebrated Say Hoe's birthday at IndoChine last saturday. I must cut down on alcohol.

Signing Off
..\/...
3(t)E
johnny

2009-04-20T09:51:00.002+08:00

Back from Mini Kayaking Expedition. Hands are filled with blisters.

It was the first time in this year that I kayaked that much and I think I kayaked the most. I did 2 and 3/4 leg. I kayaked thru and fro on the first day and three quarter of the way back on the second day.

According to Major Tan, The heritage was used by a heritage, haha. The phrase actually meant the old fibre glass kayak was used by a person who was going to step down, ME! The fibre glass kayaks are all being replaced by newer and better kayaks as there are too much complains about leaking and broken seats or missing bouyancy. To conclude, it is really not a good idea for a beginner to use the old fibre glass kayak. For me, I still find it reliant though the cons.

The weather for the first day was fine in the morning and torturous in the afternoon during the return trip and I feel that we were going against current on the return trip. The weather was so hot that I have to stop occassionally to drink and cool myself off with water. I drank about 4 litres of water just on the return trip itself.

After the first trip, I went out to my grandmothers house for dinner and as soon as I return, we went out for supper with Jin Chuan. Still the same, no change and mugging hard for his MIDs course. Went back to SSTC at around 12am and by 1215, I was in sea office trying to catch flying cockroach for the female cadet officers sleeping there till past 1. In the end, I gave up and the girls slept out in the corridoor from what I heard. The cockroach was killed by Lt Chang in the morning with 2 steps from his foot.

Woke up and I didn't do much. Just observed a watermelon (someone) fall into the water after a huge wave came to the marina. He was trying to save his boat from colliding with the marina. After the cadets set off, did nothing and so I slept for a while. Woke up and played CS till the bus to pasir ris came.

Was informed by Darren that he has not enough manpower to kayak back to SSTC as most of his coxswain are down. Came up with an agreement with Faizal that he will kayak from pasir ris till he cannot take it and then I will take over. He stopped way before the point where we agreed to switch over. Weather was fine and so I made it back.

After the entire thing, went over to Eugene's house and they ordered Mcdonalds... There goes my diet. Crapped and talked to a cadet whom I took for specialist course 2 years back as she called Yvonne and went off at around 10.

Met Yin Whee on the train. I really have to say, this girl sometimes don't think. If your friend is listening to his MP3, go over and tap his shoulder. Why must you shout out the name IN THE TRAIN [=.=]. I think she is too lazy to walk over and call me or she don't want to lose her seat.

Signing Off
..\/...
3(t)E
johnny

2009-04-15T17:02:00.003+08:00

Finally, back home, Singapore.

I have started with a training schedule, a 30 minutes jog in the morning and night. People, try not to ask me out during the evening as I ~~want~~ MUST jog to get myself ready for the 197th Airborne Selection.

We celebrated Thao's early birthday on the last night in Vietnam. Was initially suppose to be a surprise till she opened the fridge. We walked quite a distance to find her favourite cake and we finally settled on one at the last confectionary in Saigon (I think).

Daniel owes me $36. You guys know why? He didn't pay for his Mekong river trip and hotel before he went back to Singapore. Being his very close ex classmate, I paid for him and in the end? He still bears grudges from the trip, me giving his half eaten gummy candies to Uyen. What is this world coming to...

I miss drumming. Seriously I do.

I read people's blog after a nap and Yin Whee is a child care teacher? Actually, I'm finding a job myself. Have been waiting for MoE's letter of acceptance to relief teaching for god knows how long and it still isn't here yet. Hopes are low but I don't wanna give up the job. It's quite fun actually. In a worst come to worst resort, I might take up a child care teacher job. Don't mind the pay though.

Lastly, I MISS SUMO!

His this 20 months old 17KG kid from Thao's neighbourhood. Whose thigh is twice as thick as my wrist and pees at random timing anywhere and everywhere.

Going for my jog.

Signing Off
..\/...
3(t)E
johnny

2009-04-12T12:20:00.002+08:00

Karaoke was fun yesterday. I really have to trust what Thao said from now on.

She told us that there are English and Chinese songs. There are... oldies... There we very familiar songs that we sang and to top that up. They even have grades after you sing a song. The system grades you on your timing and pitch. You can control the speed, pitch and tempo of the song. Thao, her sister Uyen and Wei Kok all scored 100 while the rest of us got scores within the range of 75 to 99. We can't seem to fail the thing.

Last night here and I'm soo going to miss the food and maybe the car horns. I might not be able to to get to sleep without the hornings. Vietnamese horn at the slightest things. Cutting of lanes, over taking, going round sharp bends, turning, changing lanes, slowing down and maybe... pretty ladies.

Thao is too honest to be true. She tells her parents what we tell her, which is rather irritating at times. The "bao toh kia (complain queen)" of the group. Time to buy coffee and souvenirs for thick skined people.

Signing Off
..\/...
3(t)E
johnny

2009-04-11T15:59:00.003+08:00

Went to the Theme park in Saigon yesterday by bus. Left quite an impression on me. Firstly, from what I heard, the bus don't pull to a complete stop when passenger(s) alights or embarks.

Tickets are fixed at 3000VND (less then $0.20SGD) regardless of your destination. A ticket collector issues you your ticket upon payment when you have found a seat in the bus (if any). The bus doesn't have much standing space for a person of my height and I would certainly bump my head if the bus has to go pass a hump. Taking a bus is in fact faster (not to mention cheaper) then taking a taxi in Vietnam.

We found a glitch in the taxi meters which should increase every 10m (0.01km) but in actual fact, it increases by 0.01km in just a few meters. Which is seriously a pain in the pocket.

Thao told us that during weekdays, the park will not have much people which we thought that there would at least be a few groups of tourist or locals around. Well, what Thao said was what she meant. There was almost NO ONE, just some student couples whom skipped school to go dating in the park.

I felt that I have wasted 55000VND there cause of the not so scary Haunted house which I was entertaining myself by scaring the others. The roller coaster was a short and expensive ride which ended before my adrenaline kicked in. The only thing that I felt was worth my cash was the bumper cars.

During the bumping, some smart owner forgotten to take his camera out of his pocket and his butt landed on his camera when he got bumped. The impact was so huge that the camera fell out of his pocket, Young almost sprain his wrist, I almost sprain my neck and people can fly out of their seats if they didn't hold on to the steering wheel.

We didn't try the crocodile fishing as the water integrity of the boats were not well up to standard AND we were going to fish for real living crocodiles. As soon as we got near the enclosure, some of the crocodiles begun to move in the water. We would be dead if not of the metal fences that separates us from them, as 2 of the crocodiles appeared just right in front of us without us knowing.

Well, just finished lunch and I'm feeling bloated. Auntie took us by surprise when she took out the main dish when I was having my 4th Vietnamese "popiah". I ended up struggling to clear a bowl of rice and a glass of beer (offered by uncle). They really know how to trick you into getting bloated.

Well, I'll be back in Singapore in just 2 more days, going to sing karaoke in Vietnam today and doing some last minute shopping before coming back tomorrow. I need to get my camera fixed [=.=]

Ever felt like a millionaire? Well, I did. I have 1 million in my wallet now. It's just that It is in VND.

Signing Off
..\/...
3(t)E
johnny

2009-04-10T11:57:00.002+08:00

We went live firing at a 70m range yesterday and out of 4 shots, not even 1 of them hit the glass bottle. Those who understands the characteristics of the M16 and the how the round moves upon fired will understand the reason why I didn't hit the target.

This is especially for Daniel: "You don't anyhow say I yaya then in the end didn't hit".

Going to the theme park later, resting after breakfast. The number of sites to visit and places to go are getting lesser and lesser as the days go. 3 more days till I fly back to Singapore.

My appetite is getting bigger thanks to the "trainings" I had from Thao's parent. I need at least 2 bowls of rice to satisfy my stomach (not hunger). Sleeping patterns are still as usual but I'm still upset over the lost pictures...

I bought quite a number of souvenirs and I'm afraid that my luggage will be too heavy. Hoping that it will be under 15kg for luggage and 7kg for hand luggage. Some F.Y.I.s crossing your fingers in Vietnam is similar to pointing your middle finger.

Got to go.

Signing Off
..\/...
3(t)E
johnny

2009-04-08T13:05:00.005+08:00

Still in Vietnam, feeling rather guilty for eating too much and I kind of regretted eating so much. Training when I'm back in Singapore will be hell. Treated Thao's family for dinner last night and a meal of at least 6 course (inclusive of the drinks) cost an amount of only SGD$85 which is really cheap for 9 person.

I'm getting hooked on soup with loads of lime juice in it, the chili over here is nothing as compared to this that I'm having back at home. Haha.

Just to inform you guys that the memory card that I used for taking pictures is down. It auto formatted itself last night and all the pictures are gone. Luckily, there is another camera.

What I remembered that I took was...:

Hotel rooms
Dishes that we had for every meal
Places of interests
Flowers

Happenings at Mui Ne
Sand sliding
The beach
Sand storm
Blackout
Sun rise

Happenings at Nha Trang
Snorkeling
Beach views
Places of interests

Happenings at Da Lat
Fog
HOT FOOD!
The market
Cute little kid

Too many things lost... Total file size, 2GB of pictures. Daniel's gone back to Singapore for his golden graduate interview and the rest of us are just hanging out and slacking today off.

I shall go mend my heart...

Signing Off
..\/...
3(t)E
johnny

2009-04-06T19:57:00.002+08:00

Back to blogging again. Still at the same place as I was the last time I posted.

Shopping for daily needs is dirt cheap here. I bought a bar of chocolate, a pack of biscuits, 3 can drinks and a stick of oreo and the entire thing cost me less then SGD$4.

Booked in a new hotel in a "suite" (considered in the country). Pictures will be out and you guys will be the judge if it is really considered a "suite".

Food here is damn good and nice. I'm getting hooked to french loaf to noodles and the pork rice here. Noodles with lime taste absolutely nice. You guys should give it a try. I'm going to try cook up some Vietnamese dish which I tried learning from Thao.

Still looking for gifts for friends, I have been sightseeing till there is not enough time to walk and shop around. Well, time for discovery channel. Blog when I have the time.

Kok Kiat, I win you this semester and CGPA. I HAVE THE LAST LAUGH! HAHA!

Signing Off
..\/...
3(t)E
johnny

2009-04-05T22:25:00.002+08:00

Back in Saigon and using Thao's computer.

Grew fatter by a KG or so. Ate and laugh so much that I think my facial muscles are heavier then my butt (0.o).

Saw the outcome of an accident and almost got into one near a sharp bend as we were cruising along the mountain area.

Pictures to be uploaded soon. Back to civilization and a week more of sightseeing before my return. Miss me people.

Daniel's going back earlier then us, good bye! Finally, no one to snatch blanket with me. This bugger always snatch the blanket from me at night making me shiver like vibrator (=.=).

Signing Off
..\/...
3(t)E
johnny

2009-04-02T20:00:00.002+08:00

Well, I'm here in Vietnam (Nha Trang) blogging. The hotel here offers free internet service. It's been fun here and I just finished snorkelling and the day before, sand sliding. Pictures will be up as the computers here don't have USB ports.

My classmate's family, is treating us damn good. So well that we finish each meal bloated not full, but bloated. I think I have gained weight (crap). The food here is good and Thao's (my classmate) father always surprises us every meal with something nice. We just had noodles with jellyfish and super pungent fish paste. The vegetable here is served raw and in loads thus, no fear of constipation. What we normally do each day can be summarised in just this statement: Wake up, breakfast, sightseeing, lunch, sightseeing/sleep, dinner, sleep.

Travel here is crap and comes in hours but the destinations and views that comes after is well worth the wait.

Well, shall be packing my bag for tomorrow's 3 plus hours of travel from Nha Trang to Da Lat (a mountain town/city).

Signing Off
..\/...
3(t)E
johnny

2009-03-26T09:19:00.000+08:00

What are you truly afraid of? Your Result: Death (you) Your fear that if you are gone that you friends and/or family won't cope well. Your afraid they may do something rash that they know that you wouldn't like so you try really hard to stay alive. But rember it will one day happen to us all.
Nothing
Death (family/friend)
Your own shadow.
Clowns
What are you truly afraid of? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

2009-03-24T21:57:00.003+08:00

Camp FEAST is just finally over, dragonboat coxswain course as well.

Basic dragonboat helmsman course was quite fun. Didnt knew Xian Han was in the course as well. I passed at the first attempt but took 3 days instead of 2 (those faster ones can pass within 2 days). It was fun and I finally got the tan I wanted and not to mention burn off those fats and gaining the extra muscles.

Camp FEAST was quite boring this time round. Tried to pull some "stunts" to lighten up the atmosphere but fail... This time round as advisory post was quite a change as I still couldn't adapt to not doing things. Was slacking most of the time and occasionally getting "caught" not doing anything by those warrent officers who always thought I'm the Overall In Charge (I was just the camp mentor). Overall the camp was good, in the way that I now know slightly more about my juniors and they knowing how things run.

Well, it is either I'm getting fitter or cadets now a days are getting lighter I totally lifted 3 cadets with ease. Heres how the story goes...

Me: Number off (taps shoulder of cadets as they numbered off)
Cadets: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
*stop as one as he didn't knew his number*
Me: you are 11
Cadet: ...
Me: number off 11
Cadet: 0.o?
*lifts cadet up*
Me: Shout 11
Cadet: 11!

... and that how the story goes. There was another instance where I was at the room on the 1st level and the cadets are outside. I slide opened the window and lifted one of them up for the sake of fun laughter, peace and joy.

Counting down my days to enlistment where the number of days equals to X which is currently still an unknown factor. Can't stop being enthusiastic about it. Well, in a few days time, I will be flying off to Vietnam to drop by my classmate's house and do some sightseeing.

Signing Off
..\/...
3(t)E
johnny
197th Airborne wannabe

2009-03-09T13:49:00.004+08:00

Who the heck is TAN HAN TONG? I have been receiving numerous calls from anonymous people whom are finding this guy. Is he in debt, bad handwriting till the extent that it looks like my mobile number, has something happened to him or his family? I had enough and the next time someone calls for this person, I'm going to ask the reason why, if the reason is stupid enough, they are so going to get it from me.

My clique is going to start an online blogshop. Links to be up soon when the supplies and blog is up. I still wish that someone can help me in HTML for my blog. I'm going to create MY OWN blogskin.

Numerous things to do, shall not update anymore.

Signing Off
..\/...
3(t)E
johnny

2009-03-04T05:07:00.002+08:00

Done, Cleared, Finished.

Movie comments: It's not always the part where boy meets girl and falls in love, get married and live happily ever after. It can be the part where they are already married and broke up instead. Or! The girl never met this right guy at all. The story where the hunted became the hunting and vice versa. Quite a nice show to me, no scenes for me to shed tears (where there might be for the soft hearted).

Watched this yesterday with mum (Greta, god mum that is), Young, Frendy, Naqiah, Riley, SH, En Shao, Weilson. Initial plan was to go Pulau Ubin for a cycling trip and after, a seafood dinner.Change of plan, decided to watched movie, and then there was pool, and after that, fishing! We spent roughly 1 hour discussing over what to do. Finally, the plan was changed to ice skating at THE ONLY skating ring in Singapore. How undecisive. My main objective was to have dinner with Thao (my Vietnamese classmate) before she flies home today, in just a few hours.

Finally, upon reaching, after having lunch at KFC, we decided to watch movie (=.=). For that, we walked quite a considerable distance. To Kallang Liesure Park (KLP, rings a bell?). It was my first time at KLP. Rather empty place though...

Dinner was initially planned at Lot1 (PastaMania), changed to Tampines (still PastaMania, TamPines by Gret who can't spell) and finally, Changi (Popeyes). In the end... Dinner was at our very own Singapore Changi Airport KOPITIAM (=.=). We went the the most extreme places to have the most normal events.

Shall stop here, meeting Naqiah and Weilson at the NEW SMRT station, Pioneer. I shall be one of the first! Few hundreds to try the new line out. Off to bath I shall go.

Signing Off
..\/...
3(t)E
johnny

2009-03-02T12:31:00.003+08:00

I'm doing some virus scans and updating of softwares on my laptop, so no pictures for now.

Currently I'm still feeling very high over my POLY LAST PAPER. Well, I was in graduation mood even before my papers, haha. Flying off to Vietnam over to visit Thao's (my vietnamese classmate and FYP group mate) house at the end of March. Going off for 2 weeks, returning on the 13th of April.

Watched 2 movies over the week, "Marly and Me" and "Role Model". Nice shows but there is more that I want to watch. Movies anyone? Going to ubin for cycling tomorrow, anyone wanna tag along?

So for now, I'm just slacking at home and going for NCC events till I go off to Vietnam. After I return, there is the Mini Kayaking Expedition and after that, I'm going to start working as a relief teacher in I-have-no-idea-what school.

Well, basically that all that you guys need to know. Other then all my plans and aims for the future. Quick conclusion: I'm just waiting to get my hair cut very short.

Signing off
..\/...
3(t)E
johnny

2009-01-29T22:00:00.003+08:00

Well, it seems that everyone is updating their blog after chinese new year. I shouldn't be missing out on the action, neither should you guys on mine, ha.

Attention, the hong bao collection period has officially ended. Reality sinks in and *POOF!*, everyone is back to class rushing through their project on the third day of what seems to be Chinese New Year. Plenty of deadlines, events and activites in this 2 weeks.

FYP ISN'T OVER YET! Phase 1 needs to be completed before we (the team, be it MTE, ME or MOT) graduates.

Got myself scalded by hot oil on the second day of the new year, found a baby crow at the void deck and will be keeping it alive till it learns how to fly, exams and test around the corner. I can smell graduation.

Signing Off
..\/...
3(t)E
johnny

2009-01-01T13:37:00.005+08:00

Well, 2008 has come to an end (Like finally). December just was not the month for me.

Heard the news of others finishing their FYP and the project has already long been materialised. Mine? although it is materialised, it is still centuaries from being done with all the troubleshooting to be done.

A brief summary of what it is. It is a Solar Powered Water Testing / monitoring Vessel, called AMCat (Aqua Monitoring Catarmaran). The boat till now isn't complete, but I hope it will be when January comes to an end.

Resolutions for 2009:
Get my PPCDL License
Get a bike or car license
Get a job before NS (to generate some income)
Maintain or improve my physical fitness before enlistment
Complete things that are done halfway

Well that should be all. I sms-ed a couple of people in my contact list before heading off to sleep. I'm trying to make the first impression and be the first person to sms you guys in the new year. For those who didn't receive my message, don't worry, just tell me your contact number and next year will be another form of stunt, haha.

Signing Off
..\/...
3(t)E
johnny

2008-12-26T11:10:00.004+08:00

This is really the most screwed up december that I have ever experienced.

Accident on my birthday, fever on christmas, and I do not wish to imagine what is going to happen on the new year.

Time flies and 3 years have passed. I hate to bring this up but graduation draws nearer... That means... we need to complete our FYP soon, guys are enlisting soon and the worst thing... SEPARATION. How I dread that feeling...

Signing Off
..\/...
3(t)E
johnny

2008-12-17T13:06:00.003+08:00

Birthdays are wonderful days that you celebrate the number of years after your first breath.

My day started at 0000 when the first S.M.S. lit up my living room. It was from my FYP leader and he ask me to settle a bunch of FYP stuffs before wishing me happy birthday (how retorical, [=.=]). After his was a few more messages before I headed off to dreamland.

Was woken up by a few messages through the night, but well, I can't complain. It's something to be happy about. How I really wish handphones could have a function to reply numerous messages at a go. The reply will be standard "Haha, thanks, have a great day" or somewhere along that line.

Well, I have to wake up and as soon as I woke up, a call regarding FYP matters came. Headed down to the boat yard, still with a little excitement in me. Did a couple of stuffs and confirmation, before heading back. That was when things started to go wrong...

As usual, I was cycling back (I always do), when... This guy riding a 400cc bike came for a turn and little did that guy realise he was heading for the pavements where this birthday guy was. Upon impact, I was sent flying a distance from the point of impact. My bike front tire burst and that 400cc guy went off like nothing has happened. I walked back home with a bruised left knee, and cuts on my fingers and legs. I was lucky not to have landed on the road.

Is there anyone out there who is as lucky as me? To survive an accident on your birthday? For that, drum lesson was postpone, dinner with friend was also postponed. How nice...

Signing Off
..\/...
3(t)E
johnny

2008-12-14T12:14:00.002+08:00

Finally, Common test conquered. Weekends are here, and I'm practically not enjoying due to the fact that my entire holiday is committed to? FYP, how nice. Let me recall the time of my holiday... During year 1. Semester break during year 2 was occupied by Industrial Attachment, and now, its being overloaded by FYP. Guess the only official holiday will start after I graduate.

I think I have done what a friend should do and assist (even not 1 to 1) my FRIEND(s) in doing their assignments as most of them are lagging by a few lessons back (and not doing anything about it). I got this reply which made me FUCKING PISSED OFF. "No one asked you to help", if things have to really go this way, I could just well enough turn into a devil and FUCK CARE THAT FAGGOT.

It might seem really unprofessional of me by using vulgarities but heres the story (in point form)

1) Consider yourself the most hated person in class
2) You academic performance is not well (was never well at the start)
3) You have this friend whom was your first polytechnic classmate
4) True enough, after a while, that friend of yours starts to mingle around and is "accepted" by the class
5) You felt as though you are being left behind alone
6) Your friend still considers you as a friend but you showed no interest
7) Instead of making friends with your current classmates, you think everyone is trying to stay away from you
8) You make scarstic comments and unwanted arguements which made your impression on others bad.
9) Although that friend seldom talks to you, he still encourages and help you with your work
10) Instead of showing gratitude, you make him pissed by asking stupid questions
11) He swallows his pride and continues to teach you (where others have given up hope)
12) Everytime you are in need of help, you approach other only to be chased away after your stupid remarks and questions
13) Only that friend of yours accepts you and still tries to help you out
14) Now, that friend of yours helped you only to be pissed with a "No one asked you to help" sentence which you seemed amused and glad with yourself.

Confused and undecisive on what to do next with a "friend" like this.

Enough of my school problems, Lets move on to things that happened just recently.

I didn't have the chance to attend my cousin's Passing Out Parade due to my unacceptable attire (bermuadas with slippers and camera handphone). None the less, I shall congratulate him and another cadet of mine in obtaining their ranks. Another person whom I should congratulate is Sabiruna (from sea) for clinching the Overall Course Best.

KLP outing was yesterday, went over to minds for a quick but enjoying session of card and stacking games. Truely, this type of games really evolve over the time, or should I say I'm getting easily entertained?

Well the outing was not just for the sake of meeting one and other, knew it was to celebrate my birthday, HAHA. Think I just spoilt their mood for not playing along. Thanks for the watch [^.^]. After dinner, Ed, JY, XH and I went to search for the toilet, which we finally found and going to the toilet leads to a rather winding trail, which JY claims that he can be easily lost. Clever me wanted to scare him but instead scared 2 girls coming out of the toilet by doing nothing but just hiding behind a wall.

The trip home was by bus and luck me had my consession expired the day before. Everyone is working, busy with academic stuff and NS (for some), but I sincerly hope that we could meet again.

Lastly, the lady selling fruit (to be specific grape) juice at Boon Lay interchange is really selling fruit juice, you can have all the nutrient of the grape as the skin and seed are also inside. The drinks are sold for $1 and it left me and XH, spitting the skin and seeds while we walked back.

Signing Off
..\/...
3(t)E
johnny

2008-11-28T09:38:00.003+08:00

Final Year Project Final presentation down, Floating Production presentation done, Ship Design test over and COMANA test 1 finished. There are still more to come and FYP is at the critical stage where we cannot afford to wait and slack, but how is it possible for us to pour much more commitment into FYP when common test is just 2 weeks away?

I have been an angel this semester, not skipping lessons and doing my tutorials seriously, can I get a GPA of 4 this semester?

The stress level for the class is getting very high and everyone is tensed up. One small spark might cause a huge fight. Everyone is not getting sufficient sleep and it really simualates working in a ship yard life. The only difference is that we are paying fees instead of getting salaries. Work thrown to us with little or no information on how it is to be done, from a never during year 1 and often now. MOT juniors, don't be discouraged from hearing / looking at this, be mentally prepared.

Just "gan" a lecturer yesterday. Words just come out from my mouth to rebuke that "bugger". It wasn't 12 but he asked us to leave the classroom:
Lecturer: CAN YOU ALL PLESE LEAVE THE CLASSROOM!
Me: YOUR STUDENTS ALSO NOT HERE YET ASK US LEAVE FOR WAD?

The incident ended with him speechless and me victorious and not a pinch of guilt at all. True it was disrespect but we were at the right side, even when a handful of his students were outside waiting.

Have been postponing drum lessons for FYP, 2 lessons to fix for make up. This is where the guilt comes in. Giving people more work to do. Feel rather guilty for changing this lesson there and that lesson here. Front Desk ought to be pissed with me.

My FYP supervisor is my course manager and getting him to spend time with us over the project is ~~impossible~~ truely difficult. We have to work with his time, not him coming to us during our free time. If you know my time table, and you are finding me when I'm having my free slot, you can try finding me at the Automation Technology Center (my FYP office).

KLP outing tomorrow and Nephew's one month celebration on sunday.

Signing Off
..\/...
3(t)E
johnny

2008-11-24T09:10:00.002+08:00

Still in class, just finished my test while the others are still doing, first to finish again (without any checking, simply to lazy and tired to check my answers).

Updates about my life since after returning from Cambodia.

FYP, FYP, school, sea gathering, class gathering, family outing, FYP, FYP, maple guild outing, FYP, FYP, projects, tests and occasional meals with friends.

As you guys can see what activity forms the bulk of the event, FYP. As to what my team leader said:
Dear students in FYP2 for Diploma in MOT

after your Presentation 1 last week, you should not relax because there is still a lot to do in short period of time. (like we havent already slogged our ass off)
You are reminded that you should have completed your project work by end of Nov 2008, otherwise you may have to come back after the Common Test during the December break to do work on the FYP2. (Hey came back last holidays anyway, maybe we should just sell our life to FYP for $0.05...)

I have summarized a table of important milestones for you - some dates are postponed (delayed) from the earlier project schedule given at the beginning of Project1. (Which one? I don't seem to remeber it getting any slacker..)
In addition you have to post a WEB report in MeL - details will be given you shortly - as well as designing a poster for your project which will be printed for you to display at the Project Exhibition. (As if designing the friggin thing wasn't bad enough)

If you have any doubts, please check with your project supervisor. (He's in Osaka...)

(Words in red are quoted from the lecturer's mail, words in the brackets are comments from Daniel).

I'm still 9 CCA points (not including some recently participated events) shy from obtaining Gold for CCA points, have to go for more events.

Thoughts of backing out from drum lessons have appeared and reappeared in my mind countless times. I feel guilty postponing so many lessons, I feel that I should give them a treat.

Growing fat from all the fast food eaten since I came back from Cambodia and I have not been exercising. Stilling infront of the computer for long hours really makes your butt big and fat. Hair is short again and I'm not used to it. Too used to the feeling of having long sideburns, back and fringe.

Signing Off
..\/...
3(t)E
johnny

2008-10-13T22:35:00.003+08:00

It's been a week since I got back from Cambodia. Work has piled up and is still piling up.

Been craving for some "civilised" food since I got back from Cambodia. Chocolate goodies are still ranked at the top of my craving list. Talk about list, my things to blog list has now 10 outdates things to update.

Its the growing stage where everyone needs to learn, through only 2 ways. The hard or the harder, there was never the easy way out.

Signing Off
..\/...
3(t)E
johnny

2008-10-10T16:33:00.002+08:00

I'm going to re-vamp my blog. The test site. Please give me advise to improve cause I'm still learning how to operate the new template.

Signing Off
.\/...
3(t)E
johnny

2008-09-22T04:51:00.002+08:00

To all whom have been reading my blog. I have gone to Cambodia and will be back on the 6th of october. Please be patient and wait for future updates.

Signing Off
..\/...
3(t)E
johnny

2008-09-06T14:07:00.001+08:00

I have to take a break... shall continue next time...

2008-09-06T12:01:00.014+08:00

For august we have...

Ubin Beach Cleaning (020808)

Prey spotted

Moving in for the kill

Prey was killed without him noticing

The next prey (><)

Don't this picture look like normandy or something?

Weilson looks like a girl in this picture (above)

A resident of Ubin that you don't get to see everyday

Raping session

Another resident of ubin?

So which is fake?

Lunch was fresh seafood~

The scenary was too beautiful till young started crying (see person in black top)

The boat uncle's private stash

Letting his childhood run wild after being allowed to seat beside the boat uncle

the coconut which I vandalised using a metal spoon

His coconut which he vandalised with a metal. Compared to a drummer? Please...

Nanyang Observant Ceremony (030808)

We still have...

Ngee Ann Poly NDP rehearsal and celebration (080808)

Same day as the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony, just that the timing was different. Pictures are not with me but with one of the participant's friends. Still waiting for them though. Well, some heads up, I was the parade commander for the "parade" but was termed as a celebration due to the short parade segment. There was one rehearsal that dragged all the way till 11pm, that was totally brutal.

Just one minor cock up with one of the command I gave... Not alot of things to do, just that I was freaking nervous bring the parade commander for the first time in front of a crowd of a thousand odd with camera's zooming in (at any time) at me. I can roughly tell how nervous that actual NDP parade commander was, but as compared to his, mine was fractions. Super scared that I lost or went out of "tune".

Camp FEAST (250808 to 260808)

Ahh~ The record breaking FEAST which was lead by Cadet Lieutanant Irwin. A record holding of 7 instructors (including part timers) to a strength of 200 odd cadets. No major cock ups, except for the counting and tallying of strength. Was the Platoon Commander for a group of 46 part A (secondary 1) cadets and it was rather fun actually, treating them like kids instead of cadets. At points of time, I felt as if I was their older brother.

Well, Irwin, you did great managing the strength and undergoing pressure, 2 thumbs up! up for AKE 09 OIC? (><)

Signing Off
..\/...
3(t)E
johnny

2008-09-06T11:31:00.006+08:00

And another...

Ngee Ann F1 event (230708).

Pictures are too blurred, better not show them. Well some overview, Lynn (a burmese student that looks rather like the MP Eunice Olsen) and me were the commentators while Weilson and his partner (forgotten her name) were the MCs. Hwee Ling was the interviewer. Our task?

Commentator: Comment on the slow-mo replay when shown after the interviewer has spoken
Interviewer: Interview the students for their thoughts and feelings
MC: Do I have to go through this?

Well, before the actual event, me and Lynn went around asking some pre-event comments that we can pop out when we have nothing to say during our air. It turned out to be very useful.

HA! took snap shots and~!

Yin Whee's birthday celebration (250708)

The whole event was at IMM. First stop was Aijisen followed by I forget what cafe and lastly the playground. Not all the pictures are here so you guys will have to go to Yin Whee's and Jun Yong's blog.

Signing Off
..\/...
3(t)E
johnny

2008-09-06T11:08:00.006+08:00

Again, another update.

Pauline's birthday celebration (290608)

My talking cock buddy Young

The birthday girl

Naqiah my bus buddy and Young

Pauline's sister Pearlyn

Stunt

Someone got drunk from an empty bottle of beer.

Que Morh (En Shao)

MO1, 2 and 3

Signing Off
..\/...
3(t)E
johnny

2008-09-06T09:58:00.011+08:00

Miss Heng your nagging was a failure but thanks to that I'm blogging.

Well to continue from where I left off the previous time, Specialist course (160608 - 180608). I was the OC (Officer of Company or Overall Commanding - Company). Which ever you chose to use. Well, didn't have much interaction with the cadets because of my post. I was just there to walk and supervise here and there and when the need arise, check strength. I did conduct tests and lessons for the cadets and thats all that I can remember. Jin Chuan was down for Airborne so there goes one missing sea captain, the only present captains was Lim and me.

Me arranging the cadets

The companys, doubt if you can see the faces.

Well, up next is 4E1'05 class gathering (210608) planned by me, Qiu Xuan and Lina, financial help from Hui Ting and Jun Yong. Rather dissappointing because of the amount of adsentees. Eunice, Audery and Kai Xian are all oversea studying. Guest of Honor, Mr Lim Hock Beng form teacher from 04 to 05.

First to come and set up... S.K. peeps

WOAH! ITS THE THING! (><)

This picture is better without her face (LOL!

G.O.H.

Doris and Qiu Xuan (from left)

Lina and Yan Shan (from left)

NS boy, the person whom I have been verbally abusing from secondary 3 till now and maybe forever?

Shi Yun, Wei Ling and Yi Yuan (from left)

The "sabo-ed" chairperson for 2 years, James

Say Hoe, Geoffrey and Sze Wei (from left)

Edgar, Dickson and Jun Yong (and again, from left)

Yin Whee, Yan Shan, Yi Yuan, Shi Yun and Wei Ling (from left...)

Makan glorious makan.

Talking group 1

Gambling group

Talking group 2

The first to enlist, Kent

The cake to celebrate 4 years of bond

Shi Yun and Wei Ling (from left)

The late comer (as always), Jing Yu

G.O.H. with (from, you guessed it, left) Kah Hui, Yin Whee, Shi Yun and Wei Ling

Finally, one of the planner with Mr Lim (I don't have to tell who is who right?)

Signing Off
..\/...
3(t)E
johnny

2008-08-23T15:25:00.003+08:00

Sitting in front of the computer for a few hours uploading the tonnes of picture is tiring. I guess I will push the other posts back first.

2008-08-23T15:21:00.001+08:00

Here I am back again, to end the what-seems-to-be-an-endless-cycle of procrastination. Right, after 2 months finally, the long anticipated AKE post. I will just be uploading pictures. Refer to the post on the 15th of June for AKE.

To be continued on the next post.

Signing Off
..\/...
3(t)E
johnny

2008-08-23T14:02:00.002+08:00

Continued from previous post...

Lastly, we shall not forget those whom have scarificed themselves for the goodwill of others.

Signing Off

..\/...

3(t)E

johnny

2008-08-17T11:39:00.008+08:00

Tonnes of people updating about National Camp 08. Well, what can you expect from a strength of 800+? Not alot of male bloggers though, manage to find only one? Waiting for tag replies.

Studying is sooooooooooooo boring. Manage to "chiong" 3/4 of SPT and after that, I'm bored that explains why I'm blogging.

KOP (Kayaking Orientation Programme) briefing with me at the back.

Nice socks huh?

Bouyancy vest

Stunt woman

Can you spot someone with a sparstic face?

Guys bunk together with the "haunted" hammock.

Someone told us to remove footwear before entering (for what?).

Well the boys below are from AKE 06 boat boys (whom I took). When they were secondary 2.

Jordan and Matthew (from left).

Hafizah, Aiin and Wee Kiat (from left).

Nazril (not sure how his name is spelt) and Farhana.

Day 1:
Woke up at 0400. Reported to SAF terminal also known as the "gates of hell" where going to tekong seems faster then returning from tekong (a qoute from SGT Derek). Reached Ubin and slacked, saw Ah Fat at the gates ushering (lol). Slacked there and was told that we should keep ourselves concealed as the Guest of Honor is coming.

We did as we were told and found a corner with pull up bars so I decided to introduce some intensive exercise to the boat boys - carrying the 2 heaviest bag and doing chin up. After the 3rd bag was added, we proceeded to Bahru where our accomodations are.

Settled down real quick and begun to? Sleep of course. Didn't attend the opening ceremony cause our pants were too short again by the camp instructors. Woke up by the familar sound of those that reported to SSTC. Wet and sweaty, they came in and started "buah-ing (rubbing)" everyone.

The first 2 groups for the day were victims to the rather-screwed-plan. Sat down and had serious talk to thrash things out and finally we did, plan was fool proof (no la joking).

After activity was a long mudane period of Own Time Own Target till lights out. Bathe and slacked. After setting up the hammocks, we proceeded to the canteen and was "sponsered" some night snacks from one group of a particular company. Went back to the bunk and saw the hammock swining by itself due to the wind that it captured in the hood which sparked a round of hardcore laughing and video taking.

Went around spreading tales of ghost and lucky us, Jia Hui was telling ghost stories to his company and we decided to barge in and excite the atmosphere. Lead them to the bunk and TO THEIR HORROR! The hammock was shaking and swining by it own. Some of them were smart to spot the reason behind the "haunting" while the rest were shaken. It roused another round of laughter and it took us 30 minutes to cool down WE WERE PESPIRING! Talked and talked till past midnight.

Day 2:
The hammock was not as comfortable as it was suppose to be as the supports were too near to each other. Besides that, there was also the howling of the dogs and direct blow from the fan which kept me awake. Change and slept on one of the empty bed.

Woke up at 0600 and woke Irwin up as well, the NCC camp mode really kicked in waking me up at such early hours. Not long after was the sound of P.T. and cheers - The official wake up call. Freshened up, had breakfast and start work. 4 divisions per day and that wasen't even half of my life. Took the last division Bravo (I think) as JC said that he was going home (which didn't happened). My chinese was also made fun of (=.=). Some of the campers didn't have strength to carry the doubles, I have to agree it is kind of heavy. Thus, some of the instructors paired up and carried the doubles for them. The passing vessels made alot of wake making us run down to the beach a few times to prevent the kayak from drifting away.

The main activity was the one at night where some of us hail a van and took a trip around Ubin track in search of wild boars with some female counter parts which some of them were trainees of JC. Aiin was chased by one when she was "booking out" and some of us did when we were on our way back from the main jetty. Luck wasen't on our side when we went on the "hunt".

Day 3:
Another round of 4 divisions kayaking. Last day of activities of standing on kayaks, water splashing and capsizing. Some of us were suppose to go back on day 4 but we were some how instructed to go back after our activities on day 3. Personally, I felt offended, they told us to hide during the opening ceremony, said that our attire was unacceptable and shoo-ed us home when our help was no longer needed. Some camp huh? They didn't even let us stay for campfire, well not just us but the NCDCC instructors were also sent back.

On the other hand, they might be tight on budget or they do not want the out processing to be too long. Well, its up to you to think.

Brought some snacks there but only manage to finish SOME of the snacks, there seem to be a snack theif amongst us. Opening and finishing our snacks without asking for permission. The warrant officer was also a pain in the neck. Armed with his whistle and equipped with his disgusting coughing habit, he is really the most irritating person there (as agreed by most of us instructors).

Took public transport all the way home. It was around 1700 when we reached a Changi foodcourt near the ferry terminal and close to 2300 when I reached home, we had a early evening supper?

I'm happy being a Sea Cadet Officer.

From Left: Jordan, Azri, Matthew, Nazri, Zhan Hong, Wee Kiat (back), Hafizah, Farhana, Me, Irwin, Jin Chuan.
Photographer: Aiin
Suppose to be in the picture but you can only see his leg: Kum Fai
Other participants not in the picture: Bryan and Keith (the twins), Alif, Jing Kai, Faqih, Lt Chang, Sgt Derek, Sgt Larre and Sgt Aizat.

Signing Off
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3(t)E
johnny

2008-08-16T18:55:00.003+08:00

WOAH! Procrastination here and there. Have been "abusing" it too much and being guilty of it as well. National camp was rather ok. As mentioned to Irwin, it is THE ONLY camp which I really had enough sleep (7 hours). In norms, we instructors will only have about 4 hours (max) of sleep per night.

Although I have been kayaking most of the time, I didn't get tanned as much as I should, something must be wrong. Well, there were rather interesting incidents which I will update about when I feel like it. Some comments about the camp, the drink sucks BIG time. Its either orange or apple juice. Sick of it, and the quantity isn't enough. Imagine an egg tart tray filled with juice. Pathetic.

Till then, I'm going to mug with my mugging buddies of chip and snacks.

Uploading photos are a BOOOOOOOORRRRRRREEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!

And up till now I still owe:
Pictures of AKE
Specialist course
4E1 gathering
Pauline's bdae
YW bdae
FYP presentation
Ubin cleaning
NP NDP rehearsal
National Camp

Signing Off
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3(t)e
johnny

2008-08-07T10:14:00.004+08:00

There goes my 200th post, wasted.

Have been doing alot of events this week and wearing number 4 (camoflage uniform) the entire week.

Ubin was fun, interesting and rather destressing except for the part where we miss the freaking bus.

Then there comes NYOC (NaYang Observant ceremony) and lastly, NP NDP and trainfire. National camp next week and I have no information about the things to bring and what-so-ever.

I dread uploading pictures... Thus I shall procastinate again (><) and upload another day~

Signing Off
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3(t)E
johnny

2008-08-07T10:10:00.002+08:00

This is my 200th post. Figured I should post about something fun and whacky.

FUN AND WHACKY!!!

2008-07-26T19:20:00.002+08:00

Have been reading some teenagers blog and come to find that most of us can't really adapt well to the society - THE REAL WORLD. Many of us are filling up with questions and some are already flooding and overflowing with questions. Are there people out there to answer our questions?

The answer to these questions boils down to a familiar phrase "The answers are just in front of you" but a slight twitch to it. The source are with the people you see everyday and pay least (well to most of us) attention to. Our Parents.

Try speaking out to them, they are there for a reason. Well, there are also cases of broken families and single parents. Might be the reason that these "over grown teenagers" have not really adapt and settle down their enthusiasm.

Tension is high in the class as people's tolerance are getting slimmer and slimmer. Overwhelming projects (mainly F.Y.P.) and assignments. Well, some of them have low tolerance to start with anyway. Just a gentle advise, if you can't take the joke, don't start it. That is what I'm teaching my 6 years old brother now. Don't blame me for stepping over the line and being too much cause I'm just being me.

Well, Marine Business is still "on the other line". Have to go.

Signing off
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3(t)E
johnny

2008-07-22T11:16:00.002+08:00

I currently have time to spare till the end of the rest of the clique's lessons before we head over for lunch. Lessons for my second IS ended last week thus my free time now.

Weilson did a very clever thing yesterday. He got 100% plagiarism for his assignment, cause? He was guilty of copying his own work. In Ngee Ann, we have this software which detects the percentage of plagiarism (amount of work copied or cited from an external source, in simple terms, how much you copy from somewhere). We should check our work for the percentage of plagiarism then submit, but my friend here. Weilson, he submitted his work AND THEN check the percentage of plagiarism, which results in the 100%. Smart right? That was by far the ~~stupid~~ smartest thing I have ever heard in assignment submission.

This can be considered the most hectic week of this term. Having 3 pair of events clashing with each other in 3 consecutive days. How am I going to survive...

Actually I always do (=.=).

Next monday is the submission of the the final business report and powerpoint slides. Friday is the second FYP presentation. Shit.

Signing Off
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3(t)E
johnny

2008-07-21T09:21:00.002+08:00

Time check, 0921 on a monday morning. It isn't a dream nor fantasy. It is by right CAD3 lesson now and no soul (classmates) in sight. There is only me and the lecturer, romantic eh?

There is something wrong with my laptop, I hope it isn't trojan.

Alot of work, same old things... How did I even manage to pull through all these shit?

Be right back!

Signing Off
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3(t)E
johnny

2008-07-19T14:37:00.002+08:00

OCT GF's blog read this when you are free. Its not fake nor made up. Read the papers when you are free regarding the Officer Cadet Trainee who passed away during his training in Brunei.

Signing Off
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3(t)E
johnny

2008-07-15T19:29:00.006+08:00

Finally, WISP and Human Communication presentations down. Its just left with NAPFA and MBM 2 more presentations (one on friday and the other I have no idea).

Well, "celebrated" my triumph over IS (><) at KAP Mac. Ate the healthy meal of grilled chicken foldover, rather nice but... Look at the hole in my wallet. Its been the third month since I refrain from gassy drinks (0.o). Its all because of NAPFA! MUST AT LEAST GET A 25 POINTS! Made some art piece with the Olympic cups and tonnes of serviettes. Pictures are with Naqiah and I have to wait for her to end her conversation with her friend before she can send the pictures to me. Scams and frods everywhere, even the bald vegetarian guys are scamming. I truely have to worry for the future, prices are going up and higher. Shes busy now... just finished her camp.

OK she finally put the phone down.

Playing with chilli.

My unsuccessful attempt of drawing hearts was ended with drawing a face.

Serviettes in a cup.

THE FACE!

And the starting of the bouquet.

The finish product! Done by me, En Shao and Qiu Ee.

Close up.

And young here saw the bouquet when he put his PSP down.

He finally confessed his long dormant feelings for Kok Kiat (the shot putter).

KK rejected him... Young was sad...

But when the PSP was up, they became friends again.

And that was the end of my day... Reached home and fell asleep straight away till 7. Here are your pictures Liping (><).

Signing Off
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3(t)E
johnny

2008-07-12T16:33:00.004+08:00

Well, I finally have sometime to update. Will be running 2.4km later at 1700. Couldn't access blogger this morning.

Human Communication preparations, Marine Engineering presentation, Marine Engineering labs are all done. PPCDL theory cleared as well, waiting for Shu Man to pass before I book the practical date. Currently busy with Marine Business, Combine UG camp, some HQ stuffs and my trainings for NAPFA. NAPFA is next wednesday. Hope I can get at least a 25/30 points for it.

Was training yesterday with Young, Daniel, Weilson, En Shao and Jia Hao. Alot of people gave empty promises. Training still proceeded without them. Sprain my neck when I was jogging, it still hurts a little now. Daniel went off half way as he had an appointment with his friend. Weilson and En Shao just ran for like 3 rounds. Jia Hao, Young and Me completed 6 rounds and more at the tracks. I think I ran 10 rounds in total? Crapped about ants, continued station trainings (pull ups, sit ups and push ups), till 9 plus.

Washed up and went for dinner at KAP Mac till 11? En Shao practically gained back the energy and fats that he burnt while running by ordering an upsized Big Mac, and he was saying he wanted to train hard for NAPFA. What weak resolves...

Met Annabelle (my cousin) at the bus stop but she had to leave as she was meeting her friends for supper. Didn't had enough sleep, 3 hours to be exact. Fall asleep as soon as I touched my bed. Well, sms-ed her before I slept.

Well, I better get warmed up before running.

Currently still haven't blog about:
Pictures of AKE
Spec Course
4E1 gathering
Pauline's birthday
YW survey / questionaires

2008-07-06T12:45:00.001+08:00

Forget about the earlier post. Finally got my hands on the song. Anyone who wants that song can get it from me. The song will remain in my juke section for you guys to enjoy.

2008-07-06T11:51:00.004+08:00

I'm finding this song "Kidnap My Heart" - The Click Five which I have embedded it at my juke section. Anyone who has it please send it to me.

Haha, said that I have no time to update but I finding songs.

2008-06-15T10:28:00.004+08:00

Well, here to blog while I'm having my breakfast. have been sleeping throughtout most of friday and saturday. Reason being, I only had 10 hours of sleep during AKE (4 day 3 night event). I read some blogs just now, realised that everyone is enjoying their holidays and Young seems to get along well without me. That idiot, can't let me have my expedition in peace, MUST BADMOUTH ABOUT ME.

As mentioned, I was sleeping most of the time, woke up ~~yesterday~~ LAST (Daniel made me do it... he is freaking irritating when he nags. I mean whats the difference right?) night had my dinner and went to wash my plate. Grabbed the sponge and realise that part of the "sponge" was crawling up my arm. I stopped and figured, how can sponge move? Till the "sponge" was up my shoulder then I realise it was a cockroach. I flicked it off and grab a PLASTIC (Daniel now we're even) bag and caught the cockroach. Grabbed a can of insecticide and flooded the whole plastic bag with the fluid. Watched and enjoyed the death of that pest. WAHAHAHAHA! (*PS, this is what I do when I'm stress or very tired).

Well, I'm booking in for specialist course (Land Module) later. Have to reach HQ by 9. Have to polish my boots, iron my No. 3, fold my No. 4, finish packing my bag and decide to book in in CV or Uniform. I'm going to be super sicko and sadistic for specialist course [>=)]

Well, to get back to topic on AKE, it was rather fun to a sick-in-the-mind person like me. There were times where I really wanted to break down but managed to get a hold of myself. Alot of valuable lessons learnt.

Had one of my meals thrown away even though I haven't ate. Survived on night snacks and a piece of brownie (thanks Victor). That brownie really helped alot [=)]. On the second night, there was strong gale and heavy downpour when the cadets were about to sleep. Got some of them so frightened that they can't sleep, activated the entire AKE instructors to help out. Shifted some of the cadets to a warmer and dryer place to sleep, namely, the locker room beside the toilet, the panty and one of the staircase lobby. Note to all, 6 cadets can squeeze into a pantry [><]. Caught a period of the storm on video, will host it soon.

Was on one of the safety boats on the thrid day of the expedition. Was caught up in a storm, the boat almost capsized! Imagine, a 17 foot vessel capsize. We were off Changi (the stretch of land where we cannot beach up). Managed to get all the cadets together thanks to the coxswains. A kayak almost sinked as it was filled up to the brim with seawater which poured in when the waves strucked. Kayak was rescued.

There is these 2 particular female cadets which i must really mention about. Keep talking and talking and talking and talking, even when they are at the back. One of the Cadet officers went over and disturbed them, as their size were really big. He said "EH! YOU ALL HURRY KAYAK LATER I GIVE YOU BUN", and they went "I - WANT - TO - BATH - THEN -EAT (- means they paddle a stroke). Thus a name was given to them - The Dim Sum Dollies.

The last breakfast was spicy causing some of the cadets to have stomache and shit out at sea. Was seeing shit floating everywhere. The boat which I was on, was driven by a boatman called Wei Yang, know what he did? He purposely drive the boat near to the shit and look at it. You can even smell it on the boat. Conclusion, cadets body too "heaty" but not suffering from constipation, shits were floating.

Kayaked back after reaching woodlands causeway, we literally touched the causeway. While waiting for one of the cadets to finish doing his business, the gap between me, last boat, and the 2 kayaks were widening. Took the initiative to kayak and try to catch up with the expedition with one of the waiting kayak. Cannot catch up so I was towed and the 2 pairs of cadets were on the boat with their kayak. I think I fell asleep while I was towed cause I heard Joshua saying "Are you that tired? You fell asleep while being towed you know?" [0.o].

It is through these kind of activities that fuel my sick mind.

I'm being to hate a particular group of people falling under a catergory. Shall not elaborate much.

Pictures will come at a later date.

Signing Off
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3(t)E
johnny
AKE 08 OIC

2008-06-09T09:16:00.002+08:00

I had my hair and ear cut yesterday. The hairstylist cut a portion of my ear, well a very small portion till the extent of bleeding.

Annual Kayaking Expedition is just a few hours away. I won't be home neither will I be blogging from today till thursday. Having Drum Lesson on Friday at 12. Booking in for Specialist Course (land Module) on sunday night and booking out on wednesday evening. next Thursday and Friday will NPNCC camp cum FYP.

I keep having gut feelings that AKE will not be very smooth sailing. Can it turn out the other way around? Holding the postition of Overall-in-charge is no joke when you have 97 cadets (projected strength) and 13 instructor out at sea, kayaking.

Tagged at some of you guys blog, might be the last tag (><).

Before I forget, PKK went and pulled Weilson's pants down when we were walking down NP orchard road on thurday.

Signing Off
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3(t)E
johnny

2008-06-07T01:12:00.003+08:00

My brother dreamwalked just now. Walked to the ratten chair in the living room and started URINATING on the chair... I was still watching anime...

Common test are finally and officially over. Todays MBM paper was totally screwed. 38 marks just flew out of the window with no hopes of returning. I'm preparing to fail and sit for the retest. I'd better enjoy myself while I still can.

Well, the day after tomorrow is AKE, still unclear of what is left unsettled. Hoping AKE will be smooth and MOST of the things goes as planned.

I placed the counter there for a reason, it seems that there are people coming but not tagging. May I know why?

I should get going to bed. Rest is needed

Signing Off
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3(t)E
johnny

2008-06-06T08:18:00.003+08:00

23% Geek

146,367 People

18

$5450.00

73%

41%

How cool is that?

Try it by click on the logos.

Signing Off
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3(t)E
johnny