What's the best thing about Post Christmas? Post Christmas SALES!!! Haha yes... so I, the one who has a thing going for sales descended upon Orchard Road, armed with $200 worth of Tangs vouchers and my faithful POSB debit card. I was expecting Zara to have a sale but unfortunately, it wasn't...neither was ProjectShop. But....and it's a BIG BUT, Topman was having a SALE!!! Scream! Go Crazy! bleahx. Anyway, I basically settled what I'd be wearing for CNY, less the pants. I'm intending to get my second pair of Levi's jeans after I come back...consumerism rocks!
I looked forward to Christmas this year with great anticipation because it was the only thing that motivated me to carry on during the full troop exercise that started on Sundary and ended on Wednesday. Can you imagine getting stuck out in the jungle feeding mosquitoes and sandflies, wearing clothes that have been soaked with sweat with a foul and vile smell emanating from it in the week just before Christmas? It's awwwwwwwwwfuuuuuuuullllllll. Thank goodness I didn't have to walk the swamp and get lost in the jungle cos I had to drive the BV. But wait! Before everyone thinks that the driver gets to get away from all the jungle bashing and swamp walking, let me tell you how mentally exhausting it is to drive in the wee hours of the morning, fixing your eyes on two small little red dots in front of you in order to follow the next vehicle in the convoy. It's so dangerous because you could just knock off at the wheel!
Anyway, this year was a season of giving...for me at least. I immersed myself in gift giving which meant that most of my pay went back into circulation in the economy. Last minute Christmas shopping was a bit of a hassle but nonetheless enjoyable on Friday with Gilbert and Renhe, my medical centre mates. Went for night bowling with my family and Auntie Lynn and Uncle Robert that night and since there were 9 people in one lane, we took 2 hrs just to finish a game. In fact, we never did manage to complete it cos it hit 12 before I could even bowl my last frame, not to mention my score was dismal.
Christmas is all about love, relationships etc. so I spent Christmas eve with all my friends. First up was meeting up with my BMT mates whom I've missed so much, some of them newly commissioned officers. Chun Guang has been posted to my camp and will be the new signal officer which means all my signal bunk mates should curry favour me so I can help them a little. Bleahx. I had to rush down to church to give the credits for the drama but in the end, we didn't manage to play it since the projector screwed up and stuff. Argh. The drama team was great, they put on a great show especially Kris Teo who was so natural as a ai mian zi mother, Josia as the disgruntled Father who was constantly being bullied and finally Ian Chew, who brought his character, a beauty salon owner, albeit a gay one to life.
I whisked myself once again to Orchard to meet up with my JC friends, Zhong Wei, Ben, Cheeks and KP and where we caught Narnia. I have quite a good mind to make a local version and call it A-hia. Anyway, the evil witch was really evil - I loved the way she played the character. Predictable plot, which ran parallel to the story of Jesus, but nonetheless and enjoyable show with Lord of the Ringgish CGI effects and a beautifully animated lion. We waited for the countdown at Orchard before trying to squeeze our way to the MRT station. It was a tad bit terrifying trying to dodge people spraying fake snow and stuff and squeezing through the mammoth crowd that thronged the sidewalks yet fun at the same time as we pushed our way through and tried to simulate taking cover from artiller bombardment. Army and the things it does to you. Thankfully, I managed to catch the last train back.
Christmas itself was spent doing the IT stuff for the drama. We performed for 3 services, including the Filipino service. Our prayers were answered and we had wonderful feedback but more importantly were the salvations and the fact that people responded to the message. Our cast added in a few impromptu lines, and the most memorable line?
"You want any package also can. Christmas package or my package also no problem."
Ian Chew
Those who could read between the lines had to manually close our jaws when we heard that. Amy, Michelle and I went hysterical when we heard this on stage...and of all places, in church! Ah Well... Family christmas party at night to end of this year's Christmas. I got a total of like 9 T-shirts, including one with a bull that reads "horny" and another with an alarm clock that points to the snooze button which says "Keep the dream alive". Now I shall concentrate on buying higher end shirts since I've completed my t-shirt collection for the year. Should have more than enough to last me till I ORD. Winkz.
Till then...
Monday, December 26, 2005
Saturday, December 3, 2005
3 December 2005
I spent the morning slacking at home instead of going for my usual swim because I woke up late and was too lazy to do so. Besides, SOC almost killed me on Thursday.
Was finally able to meet up with Chun Wee, after a very very long wait since I'd been SO busy for the past month. Our dear Zihao tagged along, which in Chun Wee's words 'spoilt our romantic evening' which is very very gay. Chun Wee's been acting weird lately... He keeps saying I was cuter in Sec 3, cuter with that centre parting hairstyle that used to characterise my crowning glory and cuter because i was 'softer' back then...eeeeekkkkk.....freak out.
Borders was having a very tempting offer today, 25% discount for 3 books, 30% for 4, 35% for 5 or more. In fact, it was having a big SALE, which I totally have a soft spot for and on another note, practically everywhere is having a sale. Argh!!! Orgas sia! My bank account is going to suffer, all these months of scrimping and saving is going to go down the drain. Oh heck, retail therapy is good for the soul yeah. Card swiping is good for the mind and body. ;) Met my Sec 3 Geog Teacher, Ms Fiona Chong (I thought Fiona Xie at first when Zihao first mentioned it) and she's as elegant as ever, to the extent that her daughter who was tagging along seemed like an accessory of sorts, a necklace or something.
Went to Lido to have dinner after that and as usual, we sat there and had a nice chat, reminiscing on our days in RI, 4E, the wit, the interesting characters, the teachers bla bla bla. RI rocks I tell you - that was the best period of my life. I dragged those two fellows shopping after that, but I didn't want to bore them too much so i just window shopped. Hopefully, all the good stuff will still be there next week or the week after, or even after Christmas. No time to shop...no time to shop....no money to shop...no money to shop....AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.
Was finally able to meet up with Chun Wee, after a very very long wait since I'd been SO busy for the past month. Our dear Zihao tagged along, which in Chun Wee's words 'spoilt our romantic evening' which is very very gay. Chun Wee's been acting weird lately... He keeps saying I was cuter in Sec 3, cuter with that centre parting hairstyle that used to characterise my crowning glory and cuter because i was 'softer' back then...eeeeekkkkk.....freak out.
Borders was having a very tempting offer today, 25% discount for 3 books, 30% for 4, 35% for 5 or more. In fact, it was having a big SALE, which I totally have a soft spot for and on another note, practically everywhere is having a sale. Argh!!! Orgas sia! My bank account is going to suffer, all these months of scrimping and saving is going to go down the drain. Oh heck, retail therapy is good for the soul yeah. Card swiping is good for the mind and body. ;) Met my Sec 3 Geog Teacher, Ms Fiona Chong (I thought Fiona Xie at first when Zihao first mentioned it) and she's as elegant as ever, to the extent that her daughter who was tagging along seemed like an accessory of sorts, a necklace or something.
Went to Lido to have dinner after that and as usual, we sat there and had a nice chat, reminiscing on our days in RI, 4E, the wit, the interesting characters, the teachers bla bla bla. RI rocks I tell you - that was the best period of my life. I dragged those two fellows shopping after that, but I didn't want to bore them too much so i just window shopped. Hopefully, all the good stuff will still be there next week or the week after, or even after Christmas. No time to shop...no time to shop....no money to shop...no money to shop....AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.
Friday, December 2, 2005
When the iceberg of Reality sinks the Boat of dreams
I'm feeling depressed, dissapointed and disillusioned. That spells dooms day in the month which aptly begins with D. The past month of work and outfield has finally taken its toll on me, physically and mentally, bestowing upon me gastroenteritis which entails general fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite and diarrhoea. My intestines and stomach are giving out weird noises, as if they are groaning and begging me to slow down.
You might wonder why I used such a cliched title in this entry, but truth of the matter is, it's that thing that's making me feel depressed. It's tough when you are forced to work in an organisation in which you have no say in, but I'm over that phase. Heck, I'm in it so I try my best to work. I set goals, I have aims, I work hard and have expectations but there is always a downside to having expectations. The more lofty, ambitious they are, the more it hurts when reality hits you and everything fall shorts of whatever you're aiming for.
Admittedly, I've worked hard in the past few months since the day I stepped into 40 SAR's Keat Hong Medical Centre. Working hard in the initial months was out of survival, to stay in HQ. After that phase was over and things begin to stabilise, i began to set myself goals: I wanted to go for SPEC II course and rise to the rank of 3rd Sgt. For the record, it was always my goal to go for SPEC II course since the start of SMM - partly for the experience, especially the hospital attachment and partly for the monetary rewards it entails in terms of my pay packet.
Seeing a good buddy of mine, and in fact my SMM CMC buddy go for it was tormenting. He entered 40 SAR earlier, he was better during the course, he overshadowed me in terms of PR bla bla bla. So I couldn't really say much when he was given the opportunity to go, in fact, he's slated to take over as 2IC. I really hoped that I had could have gone the last time yet I missed the boat. I hid my feelings, jealousy, disappointment whatever that I was feeling, wishing him all the best, putting on a false front while nursing whatever ill feelings I had. Yeah, a friend would wish for the best for his friend, but isn't it human to be jealous?
History sometimes plays a joke on its characters, repeating itself once again like a never-ending nightmare. My other close colleague has been slated to go on the next course, leaving me as the last one in the clique of 4. When he smsed me about it, my heart sank and yet I harboured the small hope that 'hey, there's still a chance. didn't MO ask you if you wanted to go?' Whatever it is, the confirmation email never came - it went only to him and him alone. The hope hinged on the fact that my email was down and I hadn't been receiving any for the past few days since the migration to the new server. Was I smoking myself, deluding myself into harbouring any hope that would fulfill my desires? Yes, and when reality sets in, the disappointment, the jealousy, whatever negative feelings drown out the positive ones. I keep asking why why why, since I don't see the need for him in going for the course. On the other hand, why should I deserve ti go? Bleahx.
Should I bother to continue working SO hard? It just seems that my work has gone to waste. Does meritocracy really exist? More of connections perhaps, and maintaining good relationships with others. Right. But hey, this is the SAF, a government organisation which sets double standards. 2 Years of my life worth $33,000. Yes, put a monetary value to it. $33,000 freaking dollars - I could jolly well pay that sum. Too bad I don't have any special talents that warrant me an excuse from serving my National Service. Long live the government.
Expectations can have such devastating effects, it demolishes a person and forces him to his knees when everything goes in the opposite direction. I haven't learnt my lesson yet and its painful. Expectations: expectations of people remembering your birthday, maybe celebrating it for you and in the end, it's spent alone; expecting that the future is good and life will be smooth sailing...Expectations - its clutches playing out the drama set in our medical centre. Politics, rumours, stories flying everywhere. I'm too tired to narrate anymore, too exasperated to comment and to frustrated to bother about it anymore. Welcome to the working world Winston, the playground of politics, delusions, backstabbing, expectations... You have made tiny steps into the adult world.
You might wonder why I used such a cliched title in this entry, but truth of the matter is, it's that thing that's making me feel depressed. It's tough when you are forced to work in an organisation in which you have no say in, but I'm over that phase. Heck, I'm in it so I try my best to work. I set goals, I have aims, I work hard and have expectations but there is always a downside to having expectations. The more lofty, ambitious they are, the more it hurts when reality hits you and everything fall shorts of whatever you're aiming for.
Admittedly, I've worked hard in the past few months since the day I stepped into 40 SAR's Keat Hong Medical Centre. Working hard in the initial months was out of survival, to stay in HQ. After that phase was over and things begin to stabilise, i began to set myself goals: I wanted to go for SPEC II course and rise to the rank of 3rd Sgt. For the record, it was always my goal to go for SPEC II course since the start of SMM - partly for the experience, especially the hospital attachment and partly for the monetary rewards it entails in terms of my pay packet.
Seeing a good buddy of mine, and in fact my SMM CMC buddy go for it was tormenting. He entered 40 SAR earlier, he was better during the course, he overshadowed me in terms of PR bla bla bla. So I couldn't really say much when he was given the opportunity to go, in fact, he's slated to take over as 2IC. I really hoped that I had could have gone the last time yet I missed the boat. I hid my feelings, jealousy, disappointment whatever that I was feeling, wishing him all the best, putting on a false front while nursing whatever ill feelings I had. Yeah, a friend would wish for the best for his friend, but isn't it human to be jealous?
History sometimes plays a joke on its characters, repeating itself once again like a never-ending nightmare. My other close colleague has been slated to go on the next course, leaving me as the last one in the clique of 4. When he smsed me about it, my heart sank and yet I harboured the small hope that 'hey, there's still a chance. didn't MO ask you if you wanted to go?' Whatever it is, the confirmation email never came - it went only to him and him alone. The hope hinged on the fact that my email was down and I hadn't been receiving any for the past few days since the migration to the new server. Was I smoking myself, deluding myself into harbouring any hope that would fulfill my desires? Yes, and when reality sets in, the disappointment, the jealousy, whatever negative feelings drown out the positive ones. I keep asking why why why, since I don't see the need for him in going for the course. On the other hand, why should I deserve ti go? Bleahx.
Should I bother to continue working SO hard? It just seems that my work has gone to waste. Does meritocracy really exist? More of connections perhaps, and maintaining good relationships with others. Right. But hey, this is the SAF, a government organisation which sets double standards. 2 Years of my life worth $33,000. Yes, put a monetary value to it. $33,000 freaking dollars - I could jolly well pay that sum. Too bad I don't have any special talents that warrant me an excuse from serving my National Service. Long live the government.
Expectations can have such devastating effects, it demolishes a person and forces him to his knees when everything goes in the opposite direction. I haven't learnt my lesson yet and its painful. Expectations: expectations of people remembering your birthday, maybe celebrating it for you and in the end, it's spent alone; expecting that the future is good and life will be smooth sailing...Expectations - its clutches playing out the drama set in our medical centre. Politics, rumours, stories flying everywhere. I'm too tired to narrate anymore, too exasperated to comment and to frustrated to bother about it anymore. Welcome to the working world Winston, the playground of politics, delusions, backstabbing, expectations... You have made tiny steps into the adult world.
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Long week
Well, it seems quite a long time since I dropped by this forsaken blog of mine. It's been a terribly busy month of November as we had a shortage of medics in the unit and because some ID*OT complained to CO that HQ medics were too slack when he himself is the epitomy of a chao genger (person who pretends to be injured or sick to escape training).
I was attached to Archer company this week, famous (or rather infamous) for it's 'xiong' (read: extremely tough) training. First it was the 4 ntm meaning 4 hours notice to move out. This bestowed upon me a really funky gadget known as a pager, a block of plastic which makes weird noises when activated. Next, I was attached as a platoon medic to platoon 1 section 2 for their company proficiency test. They were a great bunch of guys and great company, sharing with me their pringles, hundred plus, red bull etc. which they stocked up in the vehicle. However, I would never trade my place in HQ to be a platoon medic, never in my rotten career in the SAF.
Jungle bashing is just plain stupid, the act made even worse when carried out in the dead of the night. I will never be able to figure out nor get used to. The smell of plant sap and moist soil simply irks me and tripping over branches and vines, getting pricked by thorns and donating blood to mosquitoes and sandflies which can bite through your clothes does not constitute to what I call "adventure". Oh, and I had a once in a life-time experience of going through a swamp, which smelt like decomposing vomit. Now how's that for an "adventure". I made an observation: there was a layer of slime that shimmered under the moonlight - what that is I don't wish to know. I guess why the activity was carried out at approximately 1 am in the morning is that no one in the right frame of mind would want to immerse themself in that crap. Enough said.
One of the more exciting things happened on Thursday when I received a call from Amy.
Amy: Hey, we've just done up your sister for her prom!
Me: It's TONIGHT??!!
Amy: Yeah! We've done her hair, put on her make up and gave her one of Joy's dresses.
Me: Really! I thought you guys (i made a mistake there, it should be girls) bought pants instead.
Amy: Oh, we did her hair and everything and realised nah, it's just not suitable for her. She looks so beautiful.
Me: Darn! I wish I was there to take a look.
Amy: You're in camp right? Or you could just zip down to the Grand Hyatt to take a look.
Me: I'll have to settle for pictures then. This is SO EXCITING!
Amy: Talk to you later, bye!
I felt all fuzzy wuzzy after that, trying to imagine my sister in a gown, with her hair done up. It's like my little sis is finally growing up. Awwww.... Then i started to imagine the day she would get married and stuff and it just made me emotional. Argh. If I'm getting these weird feelings just because my sis is going for her prom, imagine how I would react when my daughter (God willing) reaches that stage. I'll be wailing when she gets married. Bleahx. Darn it Winston, you're a man for a goodness sake! *slaps himself.
Anyway, Christmas is coming soon. The sales are starting too!
Yippee!! hopefully, I'll have the time to shop, for myself that is.
I was attached to Archer company this week, famous (or rather infamous) for it's 'xiong' (read: extremely tough) training. First it was the 4 ntm meaning 4 hours notice to move out. This bestowed upon me a really funky gadget known as a pager, a block of plastic which makes weird noises when activated. Next, I was attached as a platoon medic to platoon 1 section 2 for their company proficiency test. They were a great bunch of guys and great company, sharing with me their pringles, hundred plus, red bull etc. which they stocked up in the vehicle. However, I would never trade my place in HQ to be a platoon medic, never in my rotten career in the SAF.
Jungle bashing is just plain stupid, the act made even worse when carried out in the dead of the night. I will never be able to figure out nor get used to. The smell of plant sap and moist soil simply irks me and tripping over branches and vines, getting pricked by thorns and donating blood to mosquitoes and sandflies which can bite through your clothes does not constitute to what I call "adventure". Oh, and I had a once in a life-time experience of going through a swamp, which smelt like decomposing vomit. Now how's that for an "adventure". I made an observation: there was a layer of slime that shimmered under the moonlight - what that is I don't wish to know. I guess why the activity was carried out at approximately 1 am in the morning is that no one in the right frame of mind would want to immerse themself in that crap. Enough said.
One of the more exciting things happened on Thursday when I received a call from Amy.
Amy: Hey, we've just done up your sister for her prom!
Me: It's TONIGHT??!!
Amy: Yeah! We've done her hair, put on her make up and gave her one of Joy's dresses.
Me: Really! I thought you guys (i made a mistake there, it should be girls) bought pants instead.
Amy: Oh, we did her hair and everything and realised nah, it's just not suitable for her. She looks so beautiful.
Me: Darn! I wish I was there to take a look.
Amy: You're in camp right? Or you could just zip down to the Grand Hyatt to take a look.
Me: I'll have to settle for pictures then. This is SO EXCITING!
Amy: Talk to you later, bye!
I felt all fuzzy wuzzy after that, trying to imagine my sister in a gown, with her hair done up. It's like my little sis is finally growing up. Awwww.... Then i started to imagine the day she would get married and stuff and it just made me emotional. Argh. If I'm getting these weird feelings just because my sis is going for her prom, imagine how I would react when my daughter (God willing) reaches that stage. I'll be wailing when she gets married. Bleahx. Darn it Winston, you're a man for a goodness sake! *slaps himself.
Anyway, Christmas is coming soon. The sales are starting too!
Yippee!! hopefully, I'll have the time to shop, for myself that is.
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Leaving on a Jet Plane
I'll be boarding a plane for Shanghai, China in a few hours time, without my family. This is so exciting! I'm going for a holiday with two of my JC friends, who are all in the same predicament as me ie. serving NS but heck! We're going to China for a holiday and for SHOPPING!!!!! So EXCITING!!! Haha.
Shanghai xiaolongbao, la mian argh...I'm so going to pig out and grow fat.
And, I'm turning 19 in Shanghai, which marks the 3rd time I spend my birthday overseas. Teeheehee. So lucky.
I'm happy happy happy. My army buddies gave me a nice birthday card, and my really good buddy, like an elder bro to me gave me Sun Yanzi's new album. I was so touched, I got all flustered and stuff. It's been a long time since friends gave me something. Oh well... Shanghai, here I come.
Anyway, things would be even more exciting if I announced my sister has a boyfriend. okay I'm speculating but from his friendster profile, he's cute with a great personality and holds a rather high position in school. Goodness, it's a good catch: now I wouldn't mind such a brother in law.
Tata.
Shanghai xiaolongbao, la mian argh...I'm so going to pig out and grow fat.
And, I'm turning 19 in Shanghai, which marks the 3rd time I spend my birthday overseas. Teeheehee. So lucky.
I'm happy happy happy. My army buddies gave me a nice birthday card, and my really good buddy, like an elder bro to me gave me Sun Yanzi's new album. I was so touched, I got all flustered and stuff. It's been a long time since friends gave me something. Oh well... Shanghai, here I come.
Anyway, things would be even more exciting if I announced my sister has a boyfriend. okay I'm speculating but from his friendster profile, he's cute with a great personality and holds a rather high position in school. Goodness, it's a good catch: now I wouldn't mind such a brother in law.
Tata.
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Another nice weekend
Let's play a game.
We shall guess what Winston's wearing while he is typing out this blog entry:
(a) The clothes he wore to church today
(b)His wet swimming trucks after a swim
(c)A towel
The answer? It's for me to know and for you to find out. Barney says use your imagination.
I just came back from a swim, well not exactly a swim as in a swim to keep fit. I went for a swim because the sun finally came out in it's full glory. Ah, the naked sun and its radiance, its rays that bathe me in its warm glow and turns my skin and crisp brown. Okay, I sound as though I'm preparing a turkey for Christmas. To cut it short, I went for a tan because I'm too fair and I'm trying to shake off my nerd image: of staying at home and reading non-stop even though I'm in the army now. *Dramatic manner* Vanity, my alter ego. Bleahx.
Anyway, I stayed under the sun for about 2 hours, in my swimming trunks of course. Come to think of it, I need to get rid of those SAF ones that I'm using. I should go buy something more minimalistic so I can get as much surface area on my body tanned. In fact, a little splash of colour won't hurt. HOWEVER, I shall wait till I develop a toned body before I indulge in attracting unnecessary attention to myself.
I'm fair, I don't deny that fact and I inherited this trait from my mom unfortunately; the boys are fair, the girl's dark. WHY?!!! Genetics add such a cruel twist to life. Thus, even though I get darker, some parts of me remain fair. I[m thinking of the tale of MY FAIR LADY; on second thoughts, I'm thinking of the tale MY FAIR ASS. Argh. Maybe one day after I ORD, I'll fly myself to a nudist beach in France or something and go for a full body tan. Readers discretion to read what's in white.
The ORD guys, my upperstudy Weixiang, and Weihao treated us to a meal at Brewerkz at Clarke Quay. I didn't really enjoy the meal partly because I was down with a stuffed nose (I kept having to run after that nose of mine), and because the butter rice was too salty. It's basically catered to either the British or German tastebuds with it's buffalo wings cooked in beer and various sauces with their tangy flavours. Anyhow, it was the company that mattered. I was looking forward to the tower of beer (which they brew themselves since they have a microbrewery) but they didn't order it.
We proceed later to Weixiang's friends "pub" for a drink. The inverted commas are there because firstly, it was more of a KTV lounge nestled in the second storey above some Japanese restaurant. We were given a small claustrophoic room with a Karaoke set, that had not enough seats for the 12 of us. I didn't really like the place, a tad bit sleazy and full of cigarette smoke. My idea of a pub is something which plays jazz and serves classier drinks like magaritas or vodkas, not bourbon coke or vodka ribena which tasted like cough syrup. It ended up resemvling a scene from one of those typical karaoke scenes you see in drama serials. Arff. I smelled like a cigarette butt and a bit high after 3 mugs of Tiger and a few mouthfuls of vodka ribena when I left for home.
I went shopping yesterday, unplanned though, since my main was to make use of the 2 30% Borders discount vouchers I got from the newspapers - I always look forward to such opportunities to buy books. I got a finance textbook, to prepare myself for university while bumming around in NS and Disgrace, a book about a 52 year old lawyer who was involved with a student of his. Interesting, scandolous story - Love them.
Anyway, I headed for Wisma's ProjectShopBloodBrothers after coming across an ad which declared SALE. I've always wanted to get something there cos the cutting of the shirts fit me but it's always a bit pricey. Well, i discovered things were going at 50-70% discount! I couldn't believe it and so I went around trying out all the stuff i could lay my hands on and settled for a nice checkered white shirt with black stripes and a long sleeve blue shirt with a simple sewn in design. I'm so in love with them.
Shopping at ProjectShop got my adrenaline going and I decided I was going to do a little birthday shopping. Anyway, my mom had given me a Robinsons voucher to spend which expires soon as a birthday gift (where are all the angbaos and cash? the gifts are getting worst eh?) so I walked to Centrepoint Robinsons. It's changed quite a bit and I can see the effort to go upmarket and move away from the Robinsons that always ON SALE, attracting huge crowds of aunties. I'm sure they finally realised that they were going head on in the competition with their neighbour OG. I had a headache trying to figure out what to settle on there. On one hand there was the 'Spend $60 in the men's department and get a sure win lucky dip to obtain 20-50% off your next purchase' versus the $50 voucher that I had and the $90+ that I had already spent. Argh. I wanted to get a long sleeve shirt going for $89 but instead settled for a long sleeve T-shirt with Detroit written in front at $49. I like the dark rich chocolate brown and was contemplating getting another T-shirt at $39 to be eligible for the lucky dip. Hmmm...How? Should I? Spend or Save? I made so many trips to the fitting rooms trying to make a decision.
In the end, the 'Give $1 to Robinsons for free' rationale triumphed over the 'Come back with a possible 20-50% discount on your next purchase' since I was so relunctant to tempt myself into spending more. Consumer irrationality? Nah. I made the choice based on the information that I had even though it was possible that I didn't have all the information required to make my own decision - in short, I made my decision based on what I thought was the best possible outcome at that moment of time. Econs lesson over. Wink.
I stopped at Little India on my way back to change currency for my China trip and at did grocery shopping on behalf of my mom at Hougang Mall.
I'm packing my luggage now as I await my trip to China on the 28th at midnight. As Koh Chieng Mun who acted as Dolly said in Under One Roof, "So exciting!" I can't wait to leave on a jet plane. China here I come. Meanwhile I shall return to matching the clothes that I would wear each day in China. I want my pictures to turn out well. Haha.
Tata (Young, Sex Naughty Bitchy Me).
We shall guess what Winston's wearing while he is typing out this blog entry:
(a) The clothes he wore to church today
(b)His wet swimming trucks after a swim
(c)A towel
The answer? It's for me to know and for you to find out. Barney says use your imagination.
I just came back from a swim, well not exactly a swim as in a swim to keep fit. I went for a swim because the sun finally came out in it's full glory. Ah, the naked sun and its radiance, its rays that bathe me in its warm glow and turns my skin and crisp brown. Okay, I sound as though I'm preparing a turkey for Christmas. To cut it short, I went for a tan because I'm too fair and I'm trying to shake off my nerd image: of staying at home and reading non-stop even though I'm in the army now. *Dramatic manner* Vanity, my alter ego. Bleahx.
Anyway, I stayed under the sun for about 2 hours, in my swimming trunks of course. Come to think of it, I need to get rid of those SAF ones that I'm using. I should go buy something more minimalistic so I can get as much surface area on my body tanned. In fact, a little splash of colour won't hurt. HOWEVER, I shall wait till I develop a toned body before I indulge in attracting unnecessary attention to myself.
I'm fair, I don't deny that fact and I inherited this trait from my mom unfortunately; the boys are fair, the girl's dark. WHY?!!! Genetics add such a cruel twist to life. Thus, even though I get darker, some parts of me remain fair. I[m thinking of the tale of MY FAIR LADY; on second thoughts, I'm thinking of the tale MY FAIR ASS. Argh. Maybe one day after I ORD, I'll fly myself to a nudist beach in France or something and go for a full body tan. Readers discretion to read what's in white.
The ORD guys, my upperstudy Weixiang, and Weihao treated us to a meal at Brewerkz at Clarke Quay. I didn't really enjoy the meal partly because I was down with a stuffed nose (I kept having to run after that nose of mine), and because the butter rice was too salty. It's basically catered to either the British or German tastebuds with it's buffalo wings cooked in beer and various sauces with their tangy flavours. Anyhow, it was the company that mattered. I was looking forward to the tower of beer (which they brew themselves since they have a microbrewery) but they didn't order it.
We proceed later to Weixiang's friends "pub" for a drink. The inverted commas are there because firstly, it was more of a KTV lounge nestled in the second storey above some Japanese restaurant. We were given a small claustrophoic room with a Karaoke set, that had not enough seats for the 12 of us. I didn't really like the place, a tad bit sleazy and full of cigarette smoke. My idea of a pub is something which plays jazz and serves classier drinks like magaritas or vodkas, not bourbon coke or vodka ribena which tasted like cough syrup. It ended up resemvling a scene from one of those typical karaoke scenes you see in drama serials. Arff. I smelled like a cigarette butt and a bit high after 3 mugs of Tiger and a few mouthfuls of vodka ribena when I left for home.
I went shopping yesterday, unplanned though, since my main was to make use of the 2 30% Borders discount vouchers I got from the newspapers - I always look forward to such opportunities to buy books. I got a finance textbook, to prepare myself for university while bumming around in NS and Disgrace, a book about a 52 year old lawyer who was involved with a student of his. Interesting, scandolous story - Love them.
Anyway, I headed for Wisma's ProjectShopBloodBrothers after coming across an ad which declared SALE. I've always wanted to get something there cos the cutting of the shirts fit me but it's always a bit pricey. Well, i discovered things were going at 50-70% discount! I couldn't believe it and so I went around trying out all the stuff i could lay my hands on and settled for a nice checkered white shirt with black stripes and a long sleeve blue shirt with a simple sewn in design. I'm so in love with them.
Shopping at ProjectShop got my adrenaline going and I decided I was going to do a little birthday shopping. Anyway, my mom had given me a Robinsons voucher to spend which expires soon as a birthday gift (where are all the angbaos and cash? the gifts are getting worst eh?) so I walked to Centrepoint Robinsons. It's changed quite a bit and I can see the effort to go upmarket and move away from the Robinsons that always ON SALE, attracting huge crowds of aunties. I'm sure they finally realised that they were going head on in the competition with their neighbour OG. I had a headache trying to figure out what to settle on there. On one hand there was the 'Spend $60 in the men's department and get a sure win lucky dip to obtain 20-50% off your next purchase' versus the $50 voucher that I had and the $90+ that I had already spent. Argh. I wanted to get a long sleeve shirt going for $89 but instead settled for a long sleeve T-shirt with Detroit written in front at $49. I like the dark rich chocolate brown and was contemplating getting another T-shirt at $39 to be eligible for the lucky dip. Hmmm...How? Should I? Spend or Save? I made so many trips to the fitting rooms trying to make a decision.
In the end, the 'Give $1 to Robinsons for free' rationale triumphed over the 'Come back with a possible 20-50% discount on your next purchase' since I was so relunctant to tempt myself into spending more. Consumer irrationality? Nah. I made the choice based on the information that I had even though it was possible that I didn't have all the information required to make my own decision - in short, I made my decision based on what I thought was the best possible outcome at that moment of time. Econs lesson over. Wink.
I stopped at Little India on my way back to change currency for my China trip and at did grocery shopping on behalf of my mom at Hougang Mall.
I'm packing my luggage now as I await my trip to China on the 28th at midnight. As Koh Chieng Mun who acted as Dolly said in Under One Roof, "So exciting!" I can't wait to leave on a jet plane. China here I come. Meanwhile I shall return to matching the clothes that I would wear each day in China. I want my pictures to turn out well. Haha.
Tata (Young, Sex Naughty Bitchy Me).
Sunday, October 16, 2005
A Good Quote
We don't charge anything for providing medical services in the medical centre; the exception is for malingering.
- Winston
I have been out the whole of today and I just realised it was the same last week. That means, I HAVE A LIFE! Maybe it's too naive of me to jump to such a conclusion; I'm just consoling myself, it at least signals a departure from my usual family orientated life that I'm so used to living. (Truth is, I rarely went out in Secondary school, choosing to spend my weekends at home and with my family.)
It's been a hard week at work in preparation for our Internal Quality Audit. So much paperwork, stress, sleepless nights etc. Frankly, I wonder why I work so hard for my Senior Medic and for this organisation known as the SAF, at a wage WAY BELOW the market rate. I reckon is a mix of innate competitiveness and pride, to be in a medical centre that is ranked on top; honouring the Lord through my work; and perhaps the inherited workaholic trait that beseeches my mother. Speaking of competition, that's exactly what the economy needs, to spur innovation, productivity, efficiency ... Sorry, I digress.
To reward ourselves, I went with a group of fellow medics - Gilbert, Renhe, Wee Keong and Emil for karaoke at PartyWorld Orchard, to showcase our vocal prowess. My case was a little different - I was there to show off my vocal powers: the uncanny ability to crack glasses the moment I open my mouth. I did warn them about bringing extra cash to pay for the broken cups, mirrors and TV screen ;). Thankfully, the KTV room was built with screech-resistant glass, hence I was spared the embarassment.
From JJ Lin to Stefanie Sun to Tata Young to Coco Lee, we sang the whole afternoon away in a freezing, claustrophobic room, feasting on chips and fake alcoholic drinks. My dear buddy Gilbert selected a whole lot of songs while we were screeching our hearts out and we ended up with a whole string of JJ Lin's whose pitch was way above our range. I gamely volunteered to do a few songs and nearly threw up my Adam's apple. Nonetheless, it was fun indulging in such mindless activity and we 've found an unpolished gem, our beloved MO PA, Renhe, who might just become the next Jue Dui SuperStar! The whole SAF will be behind him...haha.
Thereafter, we headed for BakerzInn at Paragon, the place for all those rich tai tais and those flushed with too much liquidity. I have a love/hate relationship with that place - on one hand, it satisfies my lust for consumer goods, on the other, it drives me nuts because I can never get my hands on Hugo Boss, Yves St. Laurens, Raoul etc. Oh gosh, I'm getting sucked into this consumeristic world. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh..............
We pigged out at Maestro at Cathay after that for dessert, gorging myself on a vanille and coffe sundae with a dash of espresso. I almost went for cookies and chip but I figured I could get that anytime so I settled for something more unique. Coffee isn't exactly the thing to partake of at night, which is particularly the reason why I'm typing out this entry, in the wee hours of the morning. I am such an IDIOT. The result of this pigging out has left me broke and has thrown whatever lipids that I've lost in yesterday's 5km run down the drain.
I'm headed for my tour to Shanghai soon and it's getting very very exciting! Shanghai here I come!
- Winston
I have been out the whole of today and I just realised it was the same last week. That means, I HAVE A LIFE! Maybe it's too naive of me to jump to such a conclusion; I'm just consoling myself, it at least signals a departure from my usual family orientated life that I'm so used to living. (Truth is, I rarely went out in Secondary school, choosing to spend my weekends at home and with my family.)
It's been a hard week at work in preparation for our Internal Quality Audit. So much paperwork, stress, sleepless nights etc. Frankly, I wonder why I work so hard for my Senior Medic and for this organisation known as the SAF, at a wage WAY BELOW the market rate. I reckon is a mix of innate competitiveness and pride, to be in a medical centre that is ranked on top; honouring the Lord through my work; and perhaps the inherited workaholic trait that beseeches my mother. Speaking of competition, that's exactly what the economy needs, to spur innovation, productivity, efficiency ... Sorry, I digress.
To reward ourselves, I went with a group of fellow medics - Gilbert, Renhe, Wee Keong and Emil for karaoke at PartyWorld Orchard, to showcase our vocal prowess. My case was a little different - I was there to show off my vocal powers: the uncanny ability to crack glasses the moment I open my mouth. I did warn them about bringing extra cash to pay for the broken cups, mirrors and TV screen ;). Thankfully, the KTV room was built with screech-resistant glass, hence I was spared the embarassment.
From JJ Lin to Stefanie Sun to Tata Young to Coco Lee, we sang the whole afternoon away in a freezing, claustrophobic room, feasting on chips and fake alcoholic drinks. My dear buddy Gilbert selected a whole lot of songs while we were screeching our hearts out and we ended up with a whole string of JJ Lin's whose pitch was way above our range. I gamely volunteered to do a few songs and nearly threw up my Adam's apple. Nonetheless, it was fun indulging in such mindless activity and we 've found an unpolished gem, our beloved MO PA, Renhe, who might just become the next Jue Dui SuperStar! The whole SAF will be behind him...haha.
Thereafter, we headed for BakerzInn at Paragon, the place for all those rich tai tais and those flushed with too much liquidity. I have a love/hate relationship with that place - on one hand, it satisfies my lust for consumer goods, on the other, it drives me nuts because I can never get my hands on Hugo Boss, Yves St. Laurens, Raoul etc. Oh gosh, I'm getting sucked into this consumeristic world. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh..............
We pigged out at Maestro at Cathay after that for dessert, gorging myself on a vanille and coffe sundae with a dash of espresso. I almost went for cookies and chip but I figured I could get that anytime so I settled for something more unique. Coffee isn't exactly the thing to partake of at night, which is particularly the reason why I'm typing out this entry, in the wee hours of the morning. I am such an IDIOT. The result of this pigging out has left me broke and has thrown whatever lipids that I've lost in yesterday's 5km run down the drain.
I'm headed for my tour to Shanghai soon and it's getting very very exciting! Shanghai here I come!
Saturday, October 8, 2005
Bloggers jailed.
The two individuals who were found to have posted inflammatory racial remarks on their blogs have been jailed and fined - a predictable ending in Singapore's "warning culture" of using "examples" to fend off repeat offenders. The two are just too unlucky to have written the wrong things at the wrong time.
The recent issue of self-censorship in the no-boundaries world of the internet has surfaced as a result of the two who were charged under the sedition act, a 1972 law that has been lying dormant in one of those thick law books embellished with cobwebs and dust. Perhaps someone decided to dust the shelves, took out that particular volume and said, "HEY! That's cool!" Nonetheless, the event overflowed into the context of the typical Singaporean student and teachers began scrutinising their students' blog, fearing that their reputation too may have been at stake as a result of "inflammatory" remarks.
So, besides a community uproar, it caused another stir among the student sub-community; those who once were able to relish in taking down their teachers on their blogs were suddenly robbed of that priviledge. The sanctity of the sanctuary of the blogging domain, the only means of "freedom of speech" was suddenly gone in a flash.
My response to all this. Grow up people. Grow up.
Shouldn't it be time we get our own spaces? Perhaps the reason why we keep such a tight rein on our lips, or rather, words is because Singapore is such a small world; I bet we all are connected in some way or another, so any remarks made about someone could spread like an LA wild fire. Perhaps a little sensitivity would do fine but teachers, come on, give your students a break. If you suck at teaching, you suck. There's just nothing you can do about it.
On to the next issue. Whilst charging those for sedition sends out warning signals, what does it reflect on society in general? Does the government admit that our social fabric is wafer thin? So thin that it cannot afford to be pierced by the occassional racist remark? Let's ask ourselves this question, is our society existing harmoniously because of the need to? Perhaps, underlying all that chummy, lovey dovey, all four races in one poster holding hands is something that cannot be changed? Obviously, many do harbour some sort of racist ideas about people in other countries, so isn't it the same ie if we harbour racist thoughts about a certain race in another country, isn't it equivalent of being racist against a fellow countryman of the same race? Going further, are Singaporeans just a whole bunch of racist, civilised people who keep their thoughts inside their heads and just don't express them?
Think about about it. We need to exist together because we cannot afford to give up what we have. We have spent the past four decades building a place we call home, we spend hours slogging away just to pay COE, taxes, and the likes. We'll Singaporeans ever want to give that up just because they dislike their neighbours, who are of another race?
Food for thought: We exist with each other because we have to. Is there a true love for fellow Singaporeans of other races, or are we just co-existing in a very superficial manner?
The recent issue of self-censorship in the no-boundaries world of the internet has surfaced as a result of the two who were charged under the sedition act, a 1972 law that has been lying dormant in one of those thick law books embellished with cobwebs and dust. Perhaps someone decided to dust the shelves, took out that particular volume and said, "HEY! That's cool!" Nonetheless, the event overflowed into the context of the typical Singaporean student and teachers began scrutinising their students' blog, fearing that their reputation too may have been at stake as a result of "inflammatory" remarks.
So, besides a community uproar, it caused another stir among the student sub-community; those who once were able to relish in taking down their teachers on their blogs were suddenly robbed of that priviledge. The sanctity of the sanctuary of the blogging domain, the only means of "freedom of speech" was suddenly gone in a flash.
My response to all this. Grow up people. Grow up.
Shouldn't it be time we get our own spaces? Perhaps the reason why we keep such a tight rein on our lips, or rather, words is because Singapore is such a small world; I bet we all are connected in some way or another, so any remarks made about someone could spread like an LA wild fire. Perhaps a little sensitivity would do fine but teachers, come on, give your students a break. If you suck at teaching, you suck. There's just nothing you can do about it.
On to the next issue. Whilst charging those for sedition sends out warning signals, what does it reflect on society in general? Does the government admit that our social fabric is wafer thin? So thin that it cannot afford to be pierced by the occassional racist remark? Let's ask ourselves this question, is our society existing harmoniously because of the need to? Perhaps, underlying all that chummy, lovey dovey, all four races in one poster holding hands is something that cannot be changed? Obviously, many do harbour some sort of racist ideas about people in other countries, so isn't it the same ie if we harbour racist thoughts about a certain race in another country, isn't it equivalent of being racist against a fellow countryman of the same race? Going further, are Singaporeans just a whole bunch of racist, civilised people who keep their thoughts inside their heads and just don't express them?
Think about about it. We need to exist together because we cannot afford to give up what we have. We have spent the past four decades building a place we call home, we spend hours slogging away just to pay COE, taxes, and the likes. We'll Singaporeans ever want to give that up just because they dislike their neighbours, who are of another race?
Food for thought: We exist with each other because we have to. Is there a true love for fellow Singaporeans of other races, or are we just co-existing in a very superficial manner?
Sunday, October 2, 2005
Winston's Embarassing Moments - Part 2
Welcome back to part 2 of Winston's Embarassing Moments
Winston has just came back from a facial, something he absolutely deserves after such a long and arduous week.
He had already made an appointment on Friday night and was all ready to go on a Sunday, just before booking into camp. Winston wants to look good this month; he's turning 19 soon and is going on a holiday to China so he wants all his pictures to look good, thus the rationale behind the decision. For girls going to a beautician, it's as straightforward and natural as guys flock to porn. The reverse though is thought to be unnatural. Therefore, Winston wanted to keep it a secret. But of course, someone had to leak that secret out. And the person who did so was none other than his dear sister...
It was after church in the carpark when the family was about to leave. As 2pm approached, the members were getting into the car. Just then, Benjamin and Jonathan called out from the other side of the carpark, inviting our dear antagonist for lunch. My dear sister declined on my behalf and screamed," He's going for a facial!" Thanks. The guys burst into a huge laughter. Jonathan let out gasps of the word metrosexual, Ben completely amused at what he had just heard. Oh fine.
"I'm still unattached so i need to keep myself looking good."
Jonathan, not having enough of his share of the fun began to taunt, "People bring their girlfriends out for movies and dinners, you bring her out for facials. People talk about what they do during the week, you talk about things like 'How's the service like?' Wuahahahahahahahaha..."
I'm beaming with embarassment. But hey, what's wrong with wanting to look good?
Winston has just came back from a facial, something he absolutely deserves after such a long and arduous week.
He had already made an appointment on Friday night and was all ready to go on a Sunday, just before booking into camp. Winston wants to look good this month; he's turning 19 soon and is going on a holiday to China so he wants all his pictures to look good, thus the rationale behind the decision. For girls going to a beautician, it's as straightforward and natural as guys flock to porn. The reverse though is thought to be unnatural. Therefore, Winston wanted to keep it a secret. But of course, someone had to leak that secret out. And the person who did so was none other than his dear sister...
It was after church in the carpark when the family was about to leave. As 2pm approached, the members were getting into the car. Just then, Benjamin and Jonathan called out from the other side of the carpark, inviting our dear antagonist for lunch. My dear sister declined on my behalf and screamed," He's going for a facial!" Thanks. The guys burst into a huge laughter. Jonathan let out gasps of the word metrosexual, Ben completely amused at what he had just heard. Oh fine.
"I'm still unattached so i need to keep myself looking good."
Jonathan, not having enough of his share of the fun began to taunt, "People bring their girlfriends out for movies and dinners, you bring her out for facials. People talk about what they do during the week, you talk about things like 'How's the service like?' Wuahahahahahahahaha..."
I'm beaming with embarassment. But hey, what's wrong with wanting to look good?
Winston's most Embarassing moments!
A long week for me and tons of things have happened, notably the embarassing ones.
Incident 1
We had outfield this week but neither was the building of the BCS nor the 10 km route march the highlight of it all. It was what happened in the medical centre at 5 am in the morning. The story goes like this... Me and Gilbert were preparing to load up the jerry cans onto my BV, the really cute transport vehicle which looks like a caterpillar. At 5 am, I wasn't of the clearest of mind and never in my wildest imagination thought that I was so unlucky as to have a lizard drop from the ceiling, into the space between my neck and collar. It happened in a split second and I just felt something crawling down my back. I eventually caught it between my fingers though the fabric, put my other hand to feel what was under. It was MOVING! I took it, flung it to the ground and realised what my skin had come into contact with - a freakin grey lizard! My reflex reaction was to just squirm and scream and squeal and basically did whatever a guy is not supposed to do.
In the stillness of the morning and the silence that reigns over the whole of Singapore still in slumber, it's no wonder my buddy Gilbert, who was in the treatment room, separated by 20 m distance and a door heard my screams/squeals/whatever you call those high pitch shrills. He rushed over and upon realising what had occurred burst into a laughter that turned his face red. Argh. I finally revealed my true colours and the fact that my voice didn't quite break during pubescence. Argh. Now, the whole medical centre knows about it and I am the butt of most, if not all jokes.
Incident 2
I organised a surprise birthday party for Chun Wee today, with Yen Yeong, Zihao and Keng Piang. Noting that a surprise has some element of be the person being in the dark, it went well until we all gathered at Cartel. I gave Chun Wee some of the most ridiculous excuses today. When I asked for a table for 5 when there were only the 3 of us, I gave the excuse that I had asked my girlfriend out and intended to introduce her to him (the girl that I mentioned, only the 3 or perhaps 5 of us know). How dumb.
Getting the gift for him btw, was worst.
3 options:
1. Downfall, the DVD, which I'm sure our historian would have loved.
2. A book on sex eg. karma sutra
3. A history book.
3 was out almost immediately, CW has a veracious appetite for books, history books to be exact and it would be of no wonder if he basically finished the whole history section of borders.
Me and KP had found the DVD and I had it with me in one hand. Aware that this dear friend had watched the show, and knowing he loved it, this option was kept open.
Now the middle option was a little tricky. Under the heading of social sciences, me and KP stared at the shelves of books on reproduction: the (physical) process. The books were all wrapped up, mainly to keep them away from the prying eyes of teenagers overcharged with hormones. Why they do so is because the state mandates that if teenagers get their hands on these books, they'll indulge in so much sex that there'll be no tomorrow. Perhaps, they also want to keep the number of cases of stuck couples being admitted to hospitals down, so tabloids like lian he wanbao can focus on other more important social issues like mistresses, actresses afflicted with certain diseases etc.
Stuck with these two options and unable to decide, me and KP decided to consult our dear Zihao, who evidently seems to know more about CWs taste. This was proven wrong, SO WRONG later on. While waiting for his return call, the two guys basically were stuck in front of the shelves stocked full of scientific books and transgender studies. Interesting books there I must say, ranging from Talking Cock: The men's answer to the Vagina monologues, to The Best boy in the world, who's gay. Not forgetting the panoply of gay, lesbian and other topics. I am sure I got a few stares from passerbys.
Anyhow, based on the advice of our friendly ZH, who suggested option no. 2, I had to pick one that had no green label (conditional release) and discreetly carry the darn piece of vital information to the cashier. Thank goodness it wasn't a female cashier but the guy did give me a cheeky grin. Argh. I should have winked back I suppose. Getting the book to the wrapping counter was a nightmare. I even had to get them take out the price tag! At the end of it all, I just wonder where I actually got the guts to buy the book. Thanks Zihao for all your wonderful ideas and choice of "reproduction" books, which you suggested as a gift for my birthday last year.
We've come to the end of Winston's most Embarassing moments.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Incident 1
We had outfield this week but neither was the building of the BCS nor the 10 km route march the highlight of it all. It was what happened in the medical centre at 5 am in the morning. The story goes like this... Me and Gilbert were preparing to load up the jerry cans onto my BV, the really cute transport vehicle which looks like a caterpillar. At 5 am, I wasn't of the clearest of mind and never in my wildest imagination thought that I was so unlucky as to have a lizard drop from the ceiling, into the space between my neck and collar. It happened in a split second and I just felt something crawling down my back. I eventually caught it between my fingers though the fabric, put my other hand to feel what was under. It was MOVING! I took it, flung it to the ground and realised what my skin had come into contact with - a freakin grey lizard! My reflex reaction was to just squirm and scream and squeal and basically did whatever a guy is not supposed to do.
In the stillness of the morning and the silence that reigns over the whole of Singapore still in slumber, it's no wonder my buddy Gilbert, who was in the treatment room, separated by 20 m distance and a door heard my screams/squeals/whatever you call those high pitch shrills. He rushed over and upon realising what had occurred burst into a laughter that turned his face red. Argh. I finally revealed my true colours and the fact that my voice didn't quite break during pubescence. Argh. Now, the whole medical centre knows about it and I am the butt of most, if not all jokes.
Incident 2
I organised a surprise birthday party for Chun Wee today, with Yen Yeong, Zihao and Keng Piang. Noting that a surprise has some element of be the person being in the dark, it went well until we all gathered at Cartel. I gave Chun Wee some of the most ridiculous excuses today. When I asked for a table for 5 when there were only the 3 of us, I gave the excuse that I had asked my girlfriend out and intended to introduce her to him (the girl that I mentioned, only the 3 or perhaps 5 of us know). How dumb.
Getting the gift for him btw, was worst.
3 options:
1. Downfall, the DVD, which I'm sure our historian would have loved.
2. A book on sex eg. karma sutra
3. A history book.
3 was out almost immediately, CW has a veracious appetite for books, history books to be exact and it would be of no wonder if he basically finished the whole history section of borders.
Me and KP had found the DVD and I had it with me in one hand. Aware that this dear friend had watched the show, and knowing he loved it, this option was kept open.
Now the middle option was a little tricky. Under the heading of social sciences, me and KP stared at the shelves of books on reproduction: the (physical) process. The books were all wrapped up, mainly to keep them away from the prying eyes of teenagers overcharged with hormones. Why they do so is because the state mandates that if teenagers get their hands on these books, they'll indulge in so much sex that there'll be no tomorrow. Perhaps, they also want to keep the number of cases of stuck couples being admitted to hospitals down, so tabloids like lian he wanbao can focus on other more important social issues like mistresses, actresses afflicted with certain diseases etc.
Stuck with these two options and unable to decide, me and KP decided to consult our dear Zihao, who evidently seems to know more about CWs taste. This was proven wrong, SO WRONG later on. While waiting for his return call, the two guys basically were stuck in front of the shelves stocked full of scientific books and transgender studies. Interesting books there I must say, ranging from Talking Cock: The men's answer to the Vagina monologues, to The Best boy in the world, who's gay. Not forgetting the panoply of gay, lesbian and other topics. I am sure I got a few stares from passerbys.
Anyhow, based on the advice of our friendly ZH, who suggested option no. 2, I had to pick one that had no green label (conditional release) and discreetly carry the darn piece of vital information to the cashier. Thank goodness it wasn't a female cashier but the guy did give me a cheeky grin. Argh. I should have winked back I suppose. Getting the book to the wrapping counter was a nightmare. I even had to get them take out the price tag! At the end of it all, I just wonder where I actually got the guts to buy the book. Thanks Zihao for all your wonderful ideas and choice of "reproduction" books, which you suggested as a gift for my birthday last year.
We've come to the end of Winston's most Embarassing moments.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, September 2, 2005
Driving a Mercedes
To my not-so-many loyal readers out there, and all those who happen to chance upon this insignificant blog of mine, I proudly declare that I can now drive a Mercedes. I've learnt how to drive this new toy of mine in a mere 4 days. It's cute, so cute that it's sexy. And I for one acknowledge that I'm one hot medic, so now I'm a hot driver cum medic in a sexy mercedes that literally kicks up a cloud of dust. YEE HA!
To be honest, I've spent the week learning to drive a BV 206, a transport vehicle with two carriages. You might find it quite familiar, think Pixar's A Bug's Life and voila!, it looks a fat caterpillar powered by a mercedes benz engine. How's that for cool ;)
I can't deny that I've been blessed the past few weeks, and God has answered many of my prayers, even those I "jokingly" prayed for. Take for example today. I prayed that everything will go smoothly bla bla bla and ended my prayer with, "for fine weather...... and perhaps a bit of rain, just so we don't have such a hard time washing the vehicles." Well, that came true this morning and what started as a sprinkle at first, turned into a pouring rain the moment we reached shelter. I sat there and just watched, amused and amazed. Cool eh?
Not much has happened through the course of the week (pun intended), my last weekend was the highlight, though it lasted for only a day. Even though I missed home (I had stayed in camp for 7 days!), I spent most of my Sunday outside, first going to church, then lunch with the TFers, before meeting my insurance agent since I signed up for a savings plan. You see, I spend so much effort saving and still end up spending everything in the twinkle of an eye - by behavioural economics can give a terse explanation of my actions. And so, forgoing the current liquidity would be a better trade off to the lack of it in the near future ie 25 years time when I mature together with my savings plan.
I was at Wisma talking to my agent, sipping a cup of tea which cost $2.00 but still affordable for my agent ;). She had commented just a while ago that everytime she met me, I was alone, doing my own shopping, and if I did not misconstrue what implied, that I lacked friends. Fine. Thankfully, Chun Wee and Zihao walked past and I caught their attention, had a small chat before I turned my attention back to my agent, victoriously. "Secondary school classmates," I declared when she asked. At least I showed her I wasn't a hermit.
I caught up with them later at the Heeren and found out about their intention of getting a birthday gift for a friend. Incidentally, they got for Keng Piang a soft toy turtle - that says A LOT! Brought them to fourskin and luckily I met Uncle John, who owns it. *[Cheerleader style] Connections, connections, build build connections.* I managed to get a 50% off for a T-shirt i handpicked for them plus 20% off a canvas belt that I bought. I like it. I like it. I really really like it. Okay bimbo mode off. Borders was the next destination we stopped at where I caught sight of a hard cover version of Edgar Allen Poe's complete works. Ah, at $15.95, it's a small price to pay for such a book, not less the priceless opportunity to satisfy my soul devoid of literary works and the freedom of personal interpretation, buried by the regimentation of military life and mind numbing daily activities. The wonders of literature.
Since I'm on the topic of literature, I'll say I managed to derive quite a bit from Ha Jin's War Trash, which I managed to finish during the week. Fiction, but based on actual events, Ha Jin tells of an individual forced to join the Chinese Volunteer Corps. Caught in the Korean war, he finds himself trapped as a POW stranded between two ideologies - the communist and the nationalist.
With regards to the aftertaste of reading the book, I for one seem to bear a deeper hatred towards communism but at the same time, it made me question the meaning of a war. How worth it is it to fight for an ideology or a belief? We can view the act of laying your life for your country as patriotic but in the end, aren't we like pawns on a chessboard, controlled by the leaders at the top with their own goals? Taking the analogy of playing a game of chess, even literally, the sacrifice of a chess piece requires no feelings, no conscience, no sense of guilt. Who will mourn the deaths of soldiers except their loved ones? How much, in the eyes of the government is a soldier worth? Is the soldier just a chess piece, an piece of ammunition or even as the author suggests, war trash - useless if not for the purpose of death? Is serving this nation a noble cause as they claim, or something that is forced upon us? May this be food for thought for those in the army.
To end off, here's an interesting conversation that took place between Ivan and I on Sunday.
Ivan: Hey could you teach me how to act gay at home, which your sister told me about?
Me: Huh?
Ivan: Then we could both act gay together and freak her out!
Me: [Still wondering why Gloria would say so] But I don't act gay at home. I just behave normally.
Ivan: Oh okay...
Me: Erm....Forget what I just said .... I'll ask her when I get home...
So much for questioning my sexual orientation. Maybe one day I should conduct a poll. Haha.
To be honest, I've spent the week learning to drive a BV 206, a transport vehicle with two carriages. You might find it quite familiar, think Pixar's A Bug's Life and voila!, it looks a fat caterpillar powered by a mercedes benz engine. How's that for cool ;)
I can't deny that I've been blessed the past few weeks, and God has answered many of my prayers, even those I "jokingly" prayed for. Take for example today. I prayed that everything will go smoothly bla bla bla and ended my prayer with, "for fine weather...... and perhaps a bit of rain, just so we don't have such a hard time washing the vehicles." Well, that came true this morning and what started as a sprinkle at first, turned into a pouring rain the moment we reached shelter. I sat there and just watched, amused and amazed. Cool eh?
Not much has happened through the course of the week (pun intended), my last weekend was the highlight, though it lasted for only a day. Even though I missed home (I had stayed in camp for 7 days!), I spent most of my Sunday outside, first going to church, then lunch with the TFers, before meeting my insurance agent since I signed up for a savings plan. You see, I spend so much effort saving and still end up spending everything in the twinkle of an eye - by behavioural economics can give a terse explanation of my actions. And so, forgoing the current liquidity would be a better trade off to the lack of it in the near future ie 25 years time when I mature together with my savings plan.
I was at Wisma talking to my agent, sipping a cup of tea which cost $2.00 but still affordable for my agent ;). She had commented just a while ago that everytime she met me, I was alone, doing my own shopping, and if I did not misconstrue what implied, that I lacked friends. Fine. Thankfully, Chun Wee and Zihao walked past and I caught their attention, had a small chat before I turned my attention back to my agent, victoriously. "Secondary school classmates," I declared when she asked. At least I showed her I wasn't a hermit.
I caught up with them later at the Heeren and found out about their intention of getting a birthday gift for a friend. Incidentally, they got for Keng Piang a soft toy turtle - that says A LOT! Brought them to fourskin and luckily I met Uncle John, who owns it. *[Cheerleader style] Connections, connections, build build connections.* I managed to get a 50% off for a T-shirt i handpicked for them plus 20% off a canvas belt that I bought. I like it. I like it. I really really like it. Okay bimbo mode off. Borders was the next destination we stopped at where I caught sight of a hard cover version of Edgar Allen Poe's complete works. Ah, at $15.95, it's a small price to pay for such a book, not less the priceless opportunity to satisfy my soul devoid of literary works and the freedom of personal interpretation, buried by the regimentation of military life and mind numbing daily activities. The wonders of literature.
Since I'm on the topic of literature, I'll say I managed to derive quite a bit from Ha Jin's War Trash, which I managed to finish during the week. Fiction, but based on actual events, Ha Jin tells of an individual forced to join the Chinese Volunteer Corps. Caught in the Korean war, he finds himself trapped as a POW stranded between two ideologies - the communist and the nationalist.
With regards to the aftertaste of reading the book, I for one seem to bear a deeper hatred towards communism but at the same time, it made me question the meaning of a war. How worth it is it to fight for an ideology or a belief? We can view the act of laying your life for your country as patriotic but in the end, aren't we like pawns on a chessboard, controlled by the leaders at the top with their own goals? Taking the analogy of playing a game of chess, even literally, the sacrifice of a chess piece requires no feelings, no conscience, no sense of guilt. Who will mourn the deaths of soldiers except their loved ones? How much, in the eyes of the government is a soldier worth? Is the soldier just a chess piece, an piece of ammunition or even as the author suggests, war trash - useless if not for the purpose of death? Is serving this nation a noble cause as they claim, or something that is forced upon us? May this be food for thought for those in the army.
To end off, here's an interesting conversation that took place between Ivan and I on Sunday.
Ivan: Hey could you teach me how to act gay at home, which your sister told me about?
Me: Huh?
Ivan: Then we could both act gay together and freak her out!
Me: [Still wondering why Gloria would say so] But I don't act gay at home. I just behave normally.
Ivan: Oh okay...
Me: Erm....Forget what I just said .... I'll ask her when I get home...
So much for questioning my sexual orientation. Maybe one day I should conduct a poll. Haha.
Sunday, August 14, 2005
Tuesday, August 9, 2005
Saturday with Chun Wee
I haven't updated in more than a month - I'm aware of that and I'm sure "many" people must be wondering about how my pathetic little life has progressed, whether it has actually progressed positively is still debatable.
For the past two weeks, I had been attached out to PLC to cover the RCC. When I was part of the support staff there, I had a great time. I was away from the arrows that emanate from my senior medic and from his voice; away from the bloody CSM who seems to have the ability to come up with new (useless, dumb, trivial, stupid) directives within the blink of an eye, aimed at converting an already regimental camp into a hell hole; away from that stupid camp; I am BLESSED to have been given the opportunity for a quick getaway, nevermind that it's still confined to the shores of our sunny island which incidentally, turns 40 in the next 12 minutes.
Anyhow, to sum my life there, it was a return to the good old days when I was TSS in SMM. If there was no outfield or PT, basically, I had nothing to do. Thus, I managed to finish reading 2 books and all my magazines and do up a few pages of my exhibit. More importantly, it was the priviledge of being able to enter the SPEC mess. With 4 TVs plus a large screen projector, you would be sure to find me there, slouching on one of those nice cushy couches, in air-con, catching my 7pm drama. In addition, I had the rare chance of savouring duty free beer so it's not surprising that I capitalised on the opportunity. The only thing that held me back from drinking more was the fear of a beer belly; I am not ready to see myself look like 20 albeit with a figure of a 40 year old.
Last Saturday, I went out with Chun Wee to watch fireworks! Yippee! I love fireworks, lasers, light shows, musical fountains etc. I don't know why, but yeah, I like 'em a whole lot, even if the critics say that Sentosa's is just plain lousy. Perhaps it's the kid in me, I don't know. I just like fireworks. I had the intention of going with Chun Wee (he was the first to come to mind), but I confess, I extended the invitation to my classmates first. Sadly, the response was pathetic, not to say if there was even a response to begin with. I don't regret asking Chun Wee out though, we tend to meet up as a pair, just the two of us, instead of a group setting. Don't know why, I think it's because there's a strong bond between us.
We met up and had LJS; Chun Wee claims we always have LJS but I can't seem to recall going to LJS with him in all the times we've met up. I remember Coffee Bean at Taka though this year... Then we went to watch the fireworks. At this juncture, it seems awfully wrong (to me at least) for two guys to go and catch fireworks together. But who cares, it seems like I do such things with Chun Wee all the time (now CW, let's see if you know me so well as to read between the lines...). And, as he has mentioned, it's to make up for the new year's countdown in which all celebrations were cancelled no thanks to the tsunami. I don't regret it - it was nice and pretty, the fireworks and all... It's like in the movies:
The two individuals sat down side by side along the breakwall of Marina Bay, the sea breeze blowing at their faces. It was a cool night plus the weather was fine save for the few clouds in the sky; mindless chatter and squeals of excitement filled the air. Across the narrow strip of water dotted by old bump boats was where the action took place, a carnival held in celebration of a nation's 40th birthday. Beams of light shot up into the night sky, akin to the two which serve as a rememberance of the tragic attacks of Sept 11.
The pair had managed to squeeze to the edge despite the long, continuous line of eager spectators, after taking a short walk past the supporting beams of an overhead expressway (a decision which they did not regret later). Settling down on the grass, one of them set up his camera on a small tripod stand facing out into the water. His was small; real small as compared to the towering ones which surrounded him. Amateur photography at best? Not even that - the tripod was just too pathetic. As he did so, his child-like anticipation was evident, emerging as squeals and high-pitched tones as he conversed with the individual seated next to him.
At exactly eight, they set off the fireworks. The loud booms startled a young kid who suddenly burst into tears and a screaming fit, in contrast to the beautiful sight of fireworks bursting in the night sky. The two individuals admired the sights and smells before them, their faces reflecting the blues, greens, reds, yellows of the fireworks that opened into streaks of colours in the sky. Amidst the oohs and aahs from the crowd, the cynical one did admit that the fireworks were indeed a pretty sight and he enjoyed every moment of it, as compared to his "photographer" friend who was busy snapping pictures and trying with all his might to hold his trembling hands still.
In 15 minutes, the light spectacle was over. It had been a visual and chemical spectacle, not forgetting the chemical reactions involved. But it was not the fireworks that mattered; neither was it that irritating child; it was that the two individuals sitting next to each other that mattered, to one another. The best thing was the companionship, the thing called friendship and that was what mattered most, and more importantly, it was what brought those two individuals, living on the opposite ends of the island, to that stretch of water at Marina Bay that very day, very place, very time to watch fireworks...
Okay, enough of the sweet stuff. We kinda walked down one fullerton admiring the night scenery, stopping by the merlion and having a chat there, enjoying the breeze. We walked some more until we ended up just behind the Padang, on a short boardwalk that again extended into the bay and watched two technical runthroughs, commenting on how nice the lights were and matching the music with the events that occurred in Singapore's history. We talked about everything, an occurrence that occurs all the time when we meet, from Singapore's history to sex to how cute I look when I was in Secondary 1. The conversation lasted 2 hrs, till about 2230 before fatigue started taking its toll and we headed back home. It's such things that one doesn't forget easily. Who knows, we might be doing this another 20 or 30 years down the road...perhaps with kids too. Haha.
It's late now.
Good night.
Happy Birthday Singapore!
Monday, August 8, 2005
Thursday, June 30, 2005
It's rare that I get the opportunity of being alone by myself in the stillness of the night, doing what I want to do, thinking about life and other stuff. Late night TV programmes are great I must admit and I find it hard to understand why the media, or rather Channel 5 would put other lousy shows in prime time slots as opposed to the likes of The Practice, Alias, Nip/Tuck etc. Perhaps it's because these shows have what we call "mature" themes but frankly, I believe that viewers might be a little to immature to understand the issues that such shows bring up and hence prefer to indulge in the more superficial shows. Sad. What a sad sad phenomenon.
I've come to realise that the world doesn't stop spinning when you enter NS - thank goodness it doesn't, for life in here seems like an eternity. The flip side is, it leaves you behind. Devoid of the media, life for the past month seemed surreal, consisting of nothing but eating and sleeping and parade rehearsals whilst others continue on with their lives - friends getting ready to start a new life as an undergraduate; Singapore gets into full steam with preparation for major events such as the upcoming IOC meeting (frankly, I'm really looking forward to it) and in other regions terrorist attacks go on as if it's part of a daily routine and Gloria Arroyo seems to be losing whatever she has worked for as president. It's scary how the world moves as such a bewildering pace whilst we, men, serve in a mind-numbing environment, oblivious to what goes on outside the gates of our "internment" camp. This fear, which is turning into reality, of being left behind when we are liberated is definitely something that we have to confront.
It's scary when you realise that you've completely forgotten whatever you've learnt in the past 13 years of your formal education. In the army, your brain degenerates; you engage in meaningless conversations; gone are the days of brooding over economic theories, or debating about current issues. Everything now is just based on an order and mindless execution.
We had our very last rehearsal for SAF Day Parade today and well, I suppose the exceptional weather did make it a memorable one. First it was cool and windy. Later, it became sunny and windy, followed by cloudy and still and finally the ultimate combination of sunny and rainy. The rain clouds were merciless in dispensing water and it seemed as if it was only raining on OUR side. Ah well.
Sad to say, with the end of SAF day parade marks the end of the holiday which I've been enjoying thus far. Soon, I will posted to the other side of the island - Lim Chu Kang despite assurances that all efforts will be made to post us to "convenient" locations (convenient for the SAF, inconvenient for us). 40 SAR awaits me. Medic. Oh fun.
I've come to realise that the world doesn't stop spinning when you enter NS - thank goodness it doesn't, for life in here seems like an eternity. The flip side is, it leaves you behind. Devoid of the media, life for the past month seemed surreal, consisting of nothing but eating and sleeping and parade rehearsals whilst others continue on with their lives - friends getting ready to start a new life as an undergraduate; Singapore gets into full steam with preparation for major events such as the upcoming IOC meeting (frankly, I'm really looking forward to it) and in other regions terrorist attacks go on as if it's part of a daily routine and Gloria Arroyo seems to be losing whatever she has worked for as president. It's scary how the world moves as such a bewildering pace whilst we, men, serve in a mind-numbing environment, oblivious to what goes on outside the gates of our "internment" camp. This fear, which is turning into reality, of being left behind when we are liberated is definitely something that we have to confront.
It's scary when you realise that you've completely forgotten whatever you've learnt in the past 13 years of your formal education. In the army, your brain degenerates; you engage in meaningless conversations; gone are the days of brooding over economic theories, or debating about current issues. Everything now is just based on an order and mindless execution.
We had our very last rehearsal for SAF Day Parade today and well, I suppose the exceptional weather did make it a memorable one. First it was cool and windy. Later, it became sunny and windy, followed by cloudy and still and finally the ultimate combination of sunny and rainy. The rain clouds were merciless in dispensing water and it seemed as if it was only raining on OUR side. Ah well.
Sad to say, with the end of SAF day parade marks the end of the holiday which I've been enjoying thus far. Soon, I will posted to the other side of the island - Lim Chu Kang despite assurances that all efforts will be made to post us to "convenient" locations (convenient for the SAF, inconvenient for us). 40 SAR awaits me. Medic. Oh fun.
Another of my rambling
It's rare that I get the opportunity of being alone by myself in the stillness of the night, doing what I want to do, thinking about life and other stuff. Late night TV programmes are great I must admit and I find it hard to understand why the media, or rather Channel 5 would put other lousy shows in prime time slots as opposed to the likes of The Practice, Alias, Nip/Tuck etc. Perhaps it's because these shows have what we call "mature" themes but frankly, I believe that viewers might be a little to immature to understand the issues that such shows bring up and hence prefer to indulge in the more superficial shows. Sad. What a sad sad phenomenon.
I've come to realise that the world doesn't stop spinning when you enter NS - thank goodness it doesn't, for life in here seems like an eternity. The flip side is, it leaves you behind. Devoid of the media, life for the past month seemed surreal, consisting of nothing but eating and sleeping and parade rehearsals whilst others continue on with their lives - friends getting ready to start a new life as an undergraduate; Singapore gets into full steam with preparation for major events such as the upcoming IOC meeting (frankly, I'm really looking forward to it) and in other regions terrorist attacks go on as if it's part of a daily routine and Gloria Arroyo seems to be losing whatever she has worked for as president. It's scary how the world moves as such a bewildering pace whilst we, men, serve in a mind-numbing environment, oblivious to what goes on outside the gates of our "internment" camp. This fear, which is turning into reality, of being left behind when we are liberated is definitely something that we have to confront.
It's scary when you realise that you've completely forgotten whatever you've learnt in the past 13 years of your formal education. In the army, your brain degenerates; you engage in meaningless conversations; gone are the days of brooding over economic theories, or debating about current issues. Everything now is just based on an order and mindless execution.
We had our very last rehearsal for SAF Day Parade today and well, I suppose the exceptional weather did make it a memorable one. First it was cool and windy. Later, it became sunny and windy, followed by cloudy and still and finally the ultimate combination of sunny and rainy. The rain clouds were merciless in dispensing water and it seemed as if it was only raining on OUR side. Ah well.
Sad to say, with the end of SAF day parade marks the end of the holiday which I've been enjoying thus far. Soon, I will posted to the other side of the island - Lim Chu Kang despite assurances that all efforts will be made to post us to "convenient" locations (convenient for the SAF, inconvenient for us). 40 SAR awaits me. Medic. Oh fun.
I've come to realise that the world doesn't stop spinning when you enter NS - thank goodness it doesn't, for life in here seems like an eternity. The flip side is, it leaves you behind. Devoid of the media, life for the past month seemed surreal, consisting of nothing but eating and sleeping and parade rehearsals whilst others continue on with their lives - friends getting ready to start a new life as an undergraduate; Singapore gets into full steam with preparation for major events such as the upcoming IOC meeting (frankly, I'm really looking forward to it) and in other regions terrorist attacks go on as if it's part of a daily routine and Gloria Arroyo seems to be losing whatever she has worked for as president. It's scary how the world moves as such a bewildering pace whilst we, men, serve in a mind-numbing environment, oblivious to what goes on outside the gates of our "internment" camp. This fear, which is turning into reality, of being left behind when we are liberated is definitely something that we have to confront.
It's scary when you realise that you've completely forgotten whatever you've learnt in the past 13 years of your formal education. In the army, your brain degenerates; you engage in meaningless conversations; gone are the days of brooding over economic theories, or debating about current issues. Everything now is just based on an order and mindless execution.
We had our very last rehearsal for SAF Day Parade today and well, I suppose the exceptional weather did make it a memorable one. First it was cool and windy. Later, it became sunny and windy, followed by cloudy and still and finally the ultimate combination of sunny and rainy. The rain clouds were merciless in dispensing water and it seemed as if it was only raining on OUR side. Ah well.
Sad to say, with the end of SAF day parade marks the end of the holiday which I've been enjoying thus far. Soon, I will posted to the other side of the island - Lim Chu Kang despite assurances that all efforts will be made to post us to "convenient" locations (convenient for the SAF, inconvenient for us). 40 SAR awaits me. Medic. Oh fun.
Sunday, June 26, 2005
3E Gathering 250605 cum Oreo Cheese Cake part III
Nothing beats coming back to Singapore after a nice long stay in Batam; back to the dull and depressing greys and greens of what is symbolic of slavery to this country, nicely termed as NS liability. No more aircon hotel room and fluffy beds; goodbye to smiling faces of a great staff; farewell to good food - teriyaki fish. It is depressing.
On a better note, SO3E had a gathering yesterday at Sharon's house. The food wasn't good, or rather there may have been a lack of it and our BBQ wasn't quite a success but still, I enjoyed seeing all my good friends once again. This time, my Oreo Cheese Cake was a SUCCESS! Chee Keong and Boon Seer couldn't stop eating once they started and I saw Meh-Meh and a few others eating spoonful after spoonful while talking. The crust was a tad bit too hard though, or perhaps it was because we didn't have a knife to cut it so it was left largely untouched, with signs of feeble and unsuccessful attempts of someone trying to scrape something from the brown mass of Oreos.
16 out of 19 turned up, unfortunately, Ben couldn't make it because he was sick. Oh well, I'll meet him really soon in my new unit. Zhong Wei and I managed to sneak some time to bitch together; esther and al taught me a basic salsa move and we basically took tons of photos so much so that Sharon had to confiscate my camera in a bid to get the class to move to the basketball court. Pictures ruined, memories not- my camera sucked though at taking night shots. Class basketball lasted a whole ten minutes or so since the lights were turned off at about ten, but it was fun while it lasted and that definitely got me reminiscing about the weekly basketball we used to have as a class. I definitely got a much needed cardovascular workout and lucky for me, I was tycoing 3 pointers like no one's business. Perhaps, just maybe, I do have a knack for basketball. Haha. Yangqi hasn't lost his skill at dribbling - he's zai.
There's quite a bit that I want to say but I shall reserve it for my own personal journal. Voyeurs out there, I'm sorry.
Till then, it's back to camp tomorrow.
Pictures here:
http://community.webshots.com/album/378429494FpTWPL
SO3E - Class picture!
On a better note, SO3E had a gathering yesterday at Sharon's house. The food wasn't good, or rather there may have been a lack of it and our BBQ wasn't quite a success but still, I enjoyed seeing all my good friends once again. This time, my Oreo Cheese Cake was a SUCCESS! Chee Keong and Boon Seer couldn't stop eating once they started and I saw Meh-Meh and a few others eating spoonful after spoonful while talking. The crust was a tad bit too hard though, or perhaps it was because we didn't have a knife to cut it so it was left largely untouched, with signs of feeble and unsuccessful attempts of someone trying to scrape something from the brown mass of Oreos.
16 out of 19 turned up, unfortunately, Ben couldn't make it because he was sick. Oh well, I'll meet him really soon in my new unit. Zhong Wei and I managed to sneak some time to bitch together; esther and al taught me a basic salsa move and we basically took tons of photos so much so that Sharon had to confiscate my camera in a bid to get the class to move to the basketball court. Pictures ruined, memories not- my camera sucked though at taking night shots. Class basketball lasted a whole ten minutes or so since the lights were turned off at about ten, but it was fun while it lasted and that definitely got me reminiscing about the weekly basketball we used to have as a class. I definitely got a much needed cardovascular workout and lucky for me, I was tycoing 3 pointers like no one's business. Perhaps, just maybe, I do have a knack for basketball. Haha. Yangqi hasn't lost his skill at dribbling - he's zai.
There's quite a bit that I want to say but I shall reserve it for my own personal journal. Voyeurs out there, I'm sorry.
Till then, it's back to camp tomorrow.
Pictures here:
http://community.webshots.com/album/378429494FpTWPL
SO3E - Class picture!
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Orea Cheese Cake - Part II
My second attempt at making an Oreao Cheese Cake failed miserably. It seemed to have a lot of potential in the initial phase but unfortunately, the end product was a mess. It was an expensive failure - a big waste of Philadelphia cream cheese, Nestle cream, butter and Oreo cookies plus a whole lot of time.
Originally a surprise for my mom as a birthday present turned about to be a flop - a vomit inducing greyish mixture that started overflowing over its Oreo cookie crust as soon as I removed the metal cylinder that was supposed to give it its circular shape. And, it didn't help that my mom's secretary also made an Oreo cheese cake for her in celebration of mom's maturing process; it was successful attempt compared to my utter failure. No one wanted to eat it, the brave ones included my mom who did so out of encouragement and my sister, who took an eternity to finish it with a face so contorted, it seemed like I was toturing her. But she says, "We still love you." So much for cheese cake yeah?
At this rate, I'll never ever be succesful at making one for my class BBQ in a few weeks' time. Sigh.
Help anyone?
Originally a surprise for my mom as a birthday present turned about to be a flop - a vomit inducing greyish mixture that started overflowing over its Oreo cookie crust as soon as I removed the metal cylinder that was supposed to give it its circular shape. And, it didn't help that my mom's secretary also made an Oreo cheese cake for her in celebration of mom's maturing process; it was successful attempt compared to my utter failure. No one wanted to eat it, the brave ones included my mom who did so out of encouragement and my sister, who took an eternity to finish it with a face so contorted, it seemed like I was toturing her. But she says, "We still love you." So much for cheese cake yeah?
At this rate, I'll never ever be succesful at making one for my class BBQ in a few weeks' time. Sigh.
Help anyone?
Saturday, June 11, 2005
Oreo Cheese Cake
I made my very first Oreo Cheese Cake today. Yippee. My home group was my guinea pig for the day and well, hopefully no one gets diarrhoea. Mixed reviews, some saying it was okay, some said it was good: I think they were trying to be positive. I thought it was okay, though lavishly rich on the ingredients. Got to run tomorrow to get those fats burned up.
I finally have the entire range of L'Oreal pure zone series. Skincare purpose.
And I've overspent even though we have yet to reach the halfway point of this month.
Argh. GREAT SINGAPORE SALE. ARGH!
I finally have the entire range of L'Oreal pure zone series. Skincare purpose.
And I've overspent even though we have yet to reach the halfway point of this month.
Argh. GREAT SINGAPORE SALE. ARGH!
Tuesday, June 7, 2005
Of Shopping and Cute Guys
Retail therapy, a term I prefer to use, is a great way to reduce stress and increase your level of happiness and satisfaction in our mundane lives. Think of it this way - we spend half our lives working in the pursuit of money, so shouldn't we spend the other half then spending it? That's a little extreme but pardon me for being too consumeristic.
Apart from the all-too-simplistic view that "shopping" is a complete waste of time and money, I view it as a means of driving the economy. The local government talks too much about imports and exports in our context; simply looking at the impact of American consumers on the world economy would justify the need to take the women (and men) that throng the streets of Orchard or any other shopping belt seriously.
And so, after all that babbling, I therefore am exonerated of being accused of wasting time and money shopping last Sunday. And everybody says, "Fine." Dissenters, kindly refrain from proceeding beyond this point.
We went to Centrepoint on Sunday for shopping - I had in mind what I wanted to buy; my sis didn't have a clue and so did the rest of the family who were just all too ready to get away from the clutches of the claustrophobic four walls of our tiny little home. Centrepoint was boring - like duh and Heeren was the place to go so I dragged my sister along with me to Fourskin, and goodness me, not Foreskin, my uncle's shop. Before we popped over though, Gloria hinted to at something.
"The last time I had drank something like that was the time mom bought it for us."
Fine. $5 for cup of ice mocha and we sat there discussing about the decor and how I would decorate my study, plus other stuff. Only the two of us know.
We spent a huge load of time at Fourskin and thankfully, met Uncle John there. I spent some time choosing between 3 T-shirt designs and eventually got down to one themed Art, Love and War. Most of the time though was spent trying to choose SOMETHING for that FUSSYPOT sis of mine, who's OPINIONLESS. Whilst she was in the changing room trying on stuff I was throwing at her, I continued browsing in the "female" side which earned me a few stares from female counterparts who walked past. FINALLY, AFTER WHAT SEEMED LIKE AN ETERNITY, voila. Two singlets (tops, whatever, I don't know what to call them), one, a feminine pink and another, white with a purple design. Super girl I suppose so Amy, please ensure you force her into wearing them. (FYI, I PAID FOR THEM, WITH MY MONEY.) It was a steal, I had a 50% off my T-shirt and two nice complimentary, recyclable bags, red and black with a great design. $12.95 was a sure bargain and Gloria's were $19.90, buy one get one free. It's just great to have connections.
To round up the day, we spent some time going back to 37 degrees to contemplate whether I should get a few T-shirts with a really cute design, of a sketched surfer dude. There was when the fun began.
Here was the conversation.
While searching for the t-shirt that i wanted
Me: Pssst. Cute guy. Next to you.
G: Where? (upon seeing him, almost falling over due to wobbly legs) Oh my gosh, he's so cute!
Me: I told you so. Pretty boy.
G: He's got Julian Hee's eyes. He's SO cute.
Me: Too bad he's got a girlfriend.
G: I want him - (takes a look at the competition) why is his girlfriend so ugly?(Editor's footnote: she was decent, but the type who was really flirty and vain) He should take me (pauses for a while and realises she can't match up) sighs.
Me: I got to admit, he's cute. You want to browse some more and stay a little longer right?
G: (Speechless, her eyes fixed onto the object of her desire)
Me: Let's go. (drags her along)
G: (Relunctant) He's so cute. i wish i had him.
Me: Oh well, perhaps he's cute but his character sucks. (Consoling tone)
G: (Feeling better) Perhaps. But I would just marry him.
Me: I think I'd marry someone who looks like him, has Ivan Teo's character, and even his family - they're all nice people.
G: Swoons at the thought.
Me: Wait, that sounds SO wrong.
yada yada yada.
In the car, with the family.
Me: We met a cute guy just now. Gloria was just swooning over him.
G: He was so cute! He had Julian Hee's eyes.
Me: Gloria was just swooning over him.
G: Kor, why didn't you have a camera phone, I could have taken a picture of him.
Mom: Aiyoh.
It was indeed an utter show of any "girl" that was left in my sister, which was really entertaining none the least. And thus I conclude a very happy ending to a very happy day of shopping. Perhaps, it'd be an incentive to make her shop more in the future. Amy, GO FOR IT.
Apart from the all-too-simplistic view that "shopping" is a complete waste of time and money, I view it as a means of driving the economy. The local government talks too much about imports and exports in our context; simply looking at the impact of American consumers on the world economy would justify the need to take the women (and men) that throng the streets of Orchard or any other shopping belt seriously.
And so, after all that babbling, I therefore am exonerated of being accused of wasting time and money shopping last Sunday. And everybody says, "Fine." Dissenters, kindly refrain from proceeding beyond this point.
We went to Centrepoint on Sunday for shopping - I had in mind what I wanted to buy; my sis didn't have a clue and so did the rest of the family who were just all too ready to get away from the clutches of the claustrophobic four walls of our tiny little home. Centrepoint was boring - like duh and Heeren was the place to go so I dragged my sister along with me to Fourskin, and goodness me, not Foreskin, my uncle's shop. Before we popped over though, Gloria hinted to at something.
"The last time I had drank something like that was the time mom bought it for us."
Fine. $5 for cup of ice mocha and we sat there discussing about the decor and how I would decorate my study, plus other stuff. Only the two of us know.
We spent a huge load of time at Fourskin and thankfully, met Uncle John there. I spent some time choosing between 3 T-shirt designs and eventually got down to one themed Art, Love and War. Most of the time though was spent trying to choose SOMETHING for that FUSSYPOT sis of mine, who's OPINIONLESS. Whilst she was in the changing room trying on stuff I was throwing at her, I continued browsing in the "female" side which earned me a few stares from female counterparts who walked past. FINALLY, AFTER WHAT SEEMED LIKE AN ETERNITY, voila. Two singlets (tops, whatever, I don't know what to call them), one, a feminine pink and another, white with a purple design. Super girl I suppose so Amy, please ensure you force her into wearing them. (FYI, I PAID FOR THEM, WITH MY MONEY.) It was a steal, I had a 50% off my T-shirt and two nice complimentary, recyclable bags, red and black with a great design. $12.95 was a sure bargain and Gloria's were $19.90, buy one get one free. It's just great to have connections.
To round up the day, we spent some time going back to 37 degrees to contemplate whether I should get a few T-shirts with a really cute design, of a sketched surfer dude. There was when the fun began.
Here was the conversation.
While searching for the t-shirt that i wanted
Me: Pssst. Cute guy. Next to you.
G: Where? (upon seeing him, almost falling over due to wobbly legs) Oh my gosh, he's so cute!
Me: I told you so. Pretty boy.
G: He's got Julian Hee's eyes. He's SO cute.
Me: Too bad he's got a girlfriend.
G: I want him - (takes a look at the competition) why is his girlfriend so ugly?(Editor's footnote: she was decent, but the type who was really flirty and vain) He should take me (pauses for a while and realises she can't match up) sighs.
Me: I got to admit, he's cute. You want to browse some more and stay a little longer right?
G: (Speechless, her eyes fixed onto the object of her desire)
Me: Let's go. (drags her along)
G: (Relunctant) He's so cute. i wish i had him.
Me: Oh well, perhaps he's cute but his character sucks. (Consoling tone)
G: (Feeling better) Perhaps. But I would just marry him.
Me: I think I'd marry someone who looks like him, has Ivan Teo's character, and even his family - they're all nice people.
G: Swoons at the thought.
Me: Wait, that sounds SO wrong.
yada yada yada.
In the car, with the family.
Me: We met a cute guy just now. Gloria was just swooning over him.
G: He was so cute! He had Julian Hee's eyes.
Me: Gloria was just swooning over him.
G: Kor, why didn't you have a camera phone, I could have taken a picture of him.
Mom: Aiyoh.
It was indeed an utter show of any "girl" that was left in my sister, which was really entertaining none the least. And thus I conclude a very happy ending to a very happy day of shopping. Perhaps, it'd be an incentive to make her shop more in the future. Amy, GO FOR IT.
Sunday, June 5, 2005
Hi, High Me
Came back this morning from Fire Piquet duties back at camp, which burned my entire Saturday. I still have not managed to reason out the rationale behind the need for it, but all I have deduced so far is that it is a blatant show of disregard for the efficiency of our Civil Defence Force.
Being cooped up in the WOS room can be likened to a day in DB. Anyway, I spent the day finishing off my second Harry Potter book in a week and now I'm speaking and thinking a la JK Rowling style and obssessed with anything to do with muggles and spells.
I'm not too sure if it's me, or my sister, or the delightful prospects of going shopping BUT I know I'm high. High high high. Sha la la la la. In church just now, Jerome said I looked weird - weird because I looked cool which I have never been. Hello...I'm cool. I'm not a geek, and I'M NOT A CHAO MUGGER. I HAVE A LIFE. Goodness! what have I done to incur the wrath of these muggles around me except to get better grades than most people. Ego Ego Ego. Teeheehee. By the way, I like my new t-shirt. It's cool. cool cool cool & CHEAP at $18.90.
Life in the army is slack at the moment, except for the occassional parade rehearsal. Sigh. I've been exercising recently, hoping to get that 6 pac abs. Life isn't fair when you've got fat genes.
I'm being harrassed by my sister, who's irritating the s*** out of me. Sucker. She's mentally unsound. One moment, she's PMSing and one moment, she's irritating me. I had fun using curry to draw her facial expressions on my plate during lunch while I was eating prata. hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha.
Gloria stop irritating me. GO DO YOUR HOMEWORK. FINISH YOUR TYS. I DID MINE LIKE 10 TIMES OVER. I AM NOT A MUGGER.
haha. I just stabbed myself in the foot. Gloria, get off my back.
ARgh. I'm being crushed...
Being cooped up in the WOS room can be likened to a day in DB. Anyway, I spent the day finishing off my second Harry Potter book in a week and now I'm speaking and thinking a la JK Rowling style and obssessed with anything to do with muggles and spells.
I'm not too sure if it's me, or my sister, or the delightful prospects of going shopping BUT I know I'm high. High high high. Sha la la la la. In church just now, Jerome said I looked weird - weird because I looked cool which I have never been. Hello...I'm cool. I'm not a geek, and I'M NOT A CHAO MUGGER. I HAVE A LIFE. Goodness! what have I done to incur the wrath of these muggles around me except to get better grades than most people. Ego Ego Ego. Teeheehee. By the way, I like my new t-shirt. It's cool. cool cool cool & CHEAP at $18.90.
Life in the army is slack at the moment, except for the occassional parade rehearsal. Sigh. I've been exercising recently, hoping to get that 6 pac abs. Life isn't fair when you've got fat genes.
I'm being harrassed by my sister, who's irritating the s*** out of me. Sucker. She's mentally unsound. One moment, she's PMSing and one moment, she's irritating me. I had fun using curry to draw her facial expressions on my plate during lunch while I was eating prata. hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha.
Gloria stop irritating me. GO DO YOUR HOMEWORK. FINISH YOUR TYS. I DID MINE LIKE 10 TIMES OVER. I AM NOT A MUGGER.
haha. I just stabbed myself in the foot. Gloria, get off my back.
ARgh. I'm being crushed...
Thursday, June 2, 2005
Ms Lui's Wedding and other sweet things
Alright. This is rather late considering that the wedding was held last Saturday, 28th May. I must have fainted from hyperglycemia due to an overdose of sweetness. So, the remaining days were spent recovering from it back at camp, where life isn't so sweet; hence the delay.
Needless to say, Ms Lui was gorgeous; all brides are, though some are more gorgeous than others - Ms Lui was drop-dead gorgeous. No, I do NOT harbour a crush on her but delight in her beauty and brains, and who can blame this RJ alumni for possessing such qualities? Unfortunately, we weren't invited to her wedding dinner. Oh well, we ARE only her EX students.
One thing significant about the whole event though was that it brought SO3E back together for a reunion! I was elated to see all my classmates one more time, the girls especially, for suaning and bitching purposes. Ha! Then there's my beloved ZW and Ben, the two individuals who have made life so interesting with our usual bitching, snapping and complaining-to-each-other sessions. Ah, reminiscing the good ol' days. We did quite a bit of catching up at Starbucks@Orchard,housed in the same building with one of my most favourite label, Zara. I wouldn't really have to worry much about my future since everyone is going to do something different.
We have a Enming, our future doctor, for free MCs and consultations; Zhong Wei, as our dispenser; Zhao Yang and Alina, our future litigators and should the need arise, defence lawyers; Esther, the next empress of the food industry complimented by Chee Keong as gourment critic and food bio-engineer; Sharon, the teacher whom we'll get for free tuition for our kids; Singyong and Boon Seer, the entrepreneurs and perhaps for loans or investment tips, yours truly. The rest were either not present or have yet to make a decision on their future course of study. As much as networking is concerned, I am convinced that I am fully connected in all industries. I look forward to our next scheduled BBQ. Whoppee!
From the sweet things, we move on to the bitter, or should I say salty things in life. I should not whine for fear of being labelled ____ about NS life but nonethless, the sons of Singapore do perspire quite a bit under the hot, scorching, blazing, tormenting, bright, radiant sun, just to present our defence minister, the president and foreign dignitaries with a beautiful show of regimental colours. Oh the sacrifice that we soldiers have to make - we get a package deal of back aches, cramps and NOTICEABLE tan lines on our biceps and best of all, forehead.
This mind-numbing process lasts for a solid two and half hours during which all sorts of things might happen. For one, there's always the occassional drama of hearing a rifle hit the ground accompanied by a loud thud, and a cry for "Medic!" If one is lucky enough, one might witness all the action and yours truly was fortunate enough to have such an opportunity.
Call me sadistic but there is a certain sense of pleasure in watching men fall from grace. For one, it adds drama to the dull and solemn atmosphere of the proceedings and wakes you up from the hum-drum of a scorching afternoon. Also, it arouses the Medic in me, which I constantly have to fight in order to resist the temptation of running to the aid of the unconscious individual, who lies motionless a few metres ahead of me. And who can forget a medics duty of administering Intravenous Infusion? Oh a medic's life for me.
To round everything off, I would have to say that within a short span of half a year, I've experienced quite a bit. Birth (of a cousin), death (of my grandma), traumatic transitions (NS) and many more things that are emotionally taxing. Life is just so wonderful. But for now, I'm still hoping for my abs to emerge. Fare thee well readers.
Needless to say, Ms Lui was gorgeous; all brides are, though some are more gorgeous than others - Ms Lui was drop-dead gorgeous. No, I do NOT harbour a crush on her but delight in her beauty and brains, and who can blame this RJ alumni for possessing such qualities? Unfortunately, we weren't invited to her wedding dinner. Oh well, we ARE only her EX students.
One thing significant about the whole event though was that it brought SO3E back together for a reunion! I was elated to see all my classmates one more time, the girls especially, for suaning and bitching purposes. Ha! Then there's my beloved ZW and Ben, the two individuals who have made life so interesting with our usual bitching, snapping and complaining-to-each-other sessions. Ah, reminiscing the good ol' days. We did quite a bit of catching up at Starbucks@Orchard,housed in the same building with one of my most favourite label, Zara. I wouldn't really have to worry much about my future since everyone is going to do something different.
We have a Enming, our future doctor, for free MCs and consultations; Zhong Wei, as our dispenser; Zhao Yang and Alina, our future litigators and should the need arise, defence lawyers; Esther, the next empress of the food industry complimented by Chee Keong as gourment critic and food bio-engineer; Sharon, the teacher whom we'll get for free tuition for our kids; Singyong and Boon Seer, the entrepreneurs and perhaps for loans or investment tips, yours truly. The rest were either not present or have yet to make a decision on their future course of study. As much as networking is concerned, I am convinced that I am fully connected in all industries. I look forward to our next scheduled BBQ. Whoppee!
From the sweet things, we move on to the bitter, or should I say salty things in life. I should not whine for fear of being labelled ____ about NS life but nonethless, the sons of Singapore do perspire quite a bit under the hot, scorching, blazing, tormenting, bright, radiant sun, just to present our defence minister, the president and foreign dignitaries with a beautiful show of regimental colours. Oh the sacrifice that we soldiers have to make - we get a package deal of back aches, cramps and NOTICEABLE tan lines on our biceps and best of all, forehead.
This mind-numbing process lasts for a solid two and half hours during which all sorts of things might happen. For one, there's always the occassional drama of hearing a rifle hit the ground accompanied by a loud thud, and a cry for "Medic!" If one is lucky enough, one might witness all the action and yours truly was fortunate enough to have such an opportunity.
Call me sadistic but there is a certain sense of pleasure in watching men fall from grace. For one, it adds drama to the dull and solemn atmosphere of the proceedings and wakes you up from the hum-drum of a scorching afternoon. Also, it arouses the Medic in me, which I constantly have to fight in order to resist the temptation of running to the aid of the unconscious individual, who lies motionless a few metres ahead of me. And who can forget a medics duty of administering Intravenous Infusion? Oh a medic's life for me.
To round everything off, I would have to say that within a short span of half a year, I've experienced quite a bit. Birth (of a cousin), death (of my grandma), traumatic transitions (NS) and many more things that are emotionally taxing. Life is just so wonderful. But for now, I'm still hoping for my abs to emerge. Fare thee well readers.
Monday, May 23, 2005
Your Birthdate: October 31 |
Your birthday suggests that you are a good organizer and manager, an energetic and dependable worker; attributes often showing success in the business world. Serious and sincere, you have the patience and determination necessary to accomplish a great deal. Your approach can be original, but often rigid and stubborn. Sensitivity may be present, but feeling are likely to be repressed. You are good with detail and insist on accuracy, but at times scatter energies. You're a practical thinker, but not without imagination. You love travel and don't like to live alone. You should probably marry early, for responsibility is necessary for your stability. |
Saturday, May 21, 2005
Just another entry.
Hey look! What's that?! Look, it's the floor! Looks like liquid. Looks wet.
It's SWEAT!
I have just returned from one of my fat-burning runs, to start off my long awaited long weekend. I can't help the fact that cellulite has been accumulating in this particularly small frame of mine, especially at my abdominal region. I'm fat and perhaps the islands that I long for will remain submerged under the sea of cellulite. Argh. Genes can be such a terrible disease.
I think I will be stuck at home for the next few days, given the fact that there's hardly anyone to go out with, plus the thought of spending copious amounts of money on entertainment just breaks my heart. Army doesn't pay well you know. In place though will be Theme Hospital to entertain me with it's bizarre diseases - bloated heads, long tongues, invisibility etc. Running a hospital perhaps would give me some experience before I get posted out as a medic (like it would actually help, whatever!).
And finally, after a protracted period of time, ie 9 weeks, I'm finally graduating from my medic course and on my way to becoming a full-fledged medic. It's time for a dose of Deja-vu, as mixed emotions come flooding in, nostalgia and the feeling of finally emerging as a man, metamorphosised from a chao recruit/trainee. A trainee, by the way, is ranked at the very end of the caste (rank) system of this organisation.
I've had a busy week going through the combat phase of my course. Putting back on my SBO, helmet and rifle isn't really a morale booster, especially when everything just stinks of sweat, sweat, and dried up sweat. How gross can that be. Outfield isn't my cup of tea either - the smell of grass irks me and the sun only does it job when I'm lying down next to my pool getting a tan; other than that, it's just plain irritating.
I did my last IV yesterday and fulfilled the criteria of completing 10 successful IVs. Frankly, I've grown to love puncturing someone else's skin, pushing a needle (the size and diameter of a yakult straw) in and watching out for backflow (a sign that I've hit a vein). That said, I don't exclude the fun and excitement of lending an arm. Watching the need pierce through your skin, feeling the catheter being pushed into your vein, now that's a feeling that, to some extent, makes you "high". Talk about sadistic pleasure eh. Anyway, if anyone is willing to try, I'm always happy to showcase my skills - I've missed only once so far on my otherwise unblemished record (winks).
Meanwhile, I shall await the day I graduate from the School of Military Medicine and stay there as temporary support staff until I get posted to my unit on America's Independence day. Slack slack slack (well hopefully). Finally, maybe some time to get those abs I've always dreamed of.
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Life goes on
Life goes on as it is, day by day, hour by hour, second by second.
The end of my course is nearing and 9 weeks as a trainee in the School of Military Medicine has whizzed past in a blink of an eye. I didn't really expect it to be over so soon given the fact that 9 weeks doesn't really sound as if it's a short period of time. Sounds cliche? Indeed. Yet it is a vicious cycle, of dread in the beginning, of non-chalence in the middle and of deja-vu when the end seems near. How many times have we expressed such similar thoughts? Primary 6? Secondary 4? J2? Oh the sense of nostalgia that's creeping over me!
The course isn't over yet though; I do look forward to and expect a physically demanding week which will conclude the course. This week was interesting - I experienced chemical defence training, including the wearing of gas masks, donning of MOP suits and a short stint at Seletar camp where I faced the onslaught of tear gas. "We make grown men cry" was the name of the operation and indeed, it was self-fulfilling.
However, before my dear readers jump to the conclusion that it was an endurance test conducted in a smoke-filled room where invisibility is absolutely zero, a la Fear Factor style, let me clear the air (pun intended) of any misunderstanding. Firstly, the tear gas was produced by placing a CS pallet onto a hot place which combusted to produce the gas itself. Second, the smoke was minimal and there was absolutely no visibility problems.
To sum it up, the experience wasn't as daunting as I imagined it to be but nonetheless, one which I can boast about and an added story to be told to my future grandchildren. Tear gas, I must admit, irritates the hell out of you as it burns your skins and stings your eyes. These were the effects that I suffered as I boldly took off my mask, recited my name, rank and IC number, before heading towards the door to the external environment, where the free good fresh air never smelled so good.
Onto the next subject. I now have a new cousin! My aunt just gave birth to a boy and he isn't very adorable at the moment. Frankly, newborns are not cute and if anyone has seen a newborn literally, it would be akin to taking out a scene from the movie SPECIES, inclusive of the slime and grossology displayed. Not to mention, my aunt is in the process of figuring out how to shape up after her pregnancy. I almost burst out laughing when I observed that she had expanded to about twice her size, resembling a fat snowman or snowoman for that matter. Anyhow, the dynamic duo certainly made for a visual spectacle. (I AM SO EVIL). Oh, before I forget to mention, I was reading one of those pregnancy books stashed at a corner and saw tons of breast and a series of pictures with a horrifying little creature emerging from what is known as the vagina. I can't imagine anything of such massive proportions emerging from any cavity found in my body that leads to the external environment. Ouch.
Oh well, I shall see what response this entry will elicit.
Sunday, May 1, 2005
A long weekend...
I haven't had the opportunity of fetching my younger brother home ever since he was in kindergarden; Today, this "honour" supposedly came knocking on my door early in the morning at nine plus, while I was still enjoying the joys of slumberland. The reason? My sister was too lazy to drag her cellulite-laden posterior out of the house. Enough said. Relunctantly, I dragged myself out of bed, fearing the very worst may happen to that over-grown child (who's gradually turning into a gigantic ball of blubber), grappling with the possibility that he may become one of those candidates featured in the local show, MISSING.
Wow, I seem be a great brother eh? Perhaps. Link me up with one of the evil step-sisters in Cinderella one of these days - I'm positively sure that I'll fit in with them perfectly. But frankly, I don't suppose I have much of a relationship with that other homosapien born slightly less than a decade after me; the ride home was devoid of any conversation as there was hardly anything in common to talk about, and an impending sense that any word that came out from me would be either a snide remark, or a rude attempt to keep that little creature (pardon my contradiction, I admit, 'little' isn't really the correct word to describe him). I eventually reasoned with myself that if we profess to love God, we should love our brothers, because God is love plus the fact that I should return the favour(s) which Dad had sacrificed his time to send me to various places, especially for my interviews. I must be the world's most evil brother. Oh bother.
One must have thought through what one might do during this long weekend - I was no exception. Unfortunately, my plans were scuppered by the state, in what I deem is a conspiracy to thwart any of my hedonistic attempts to relax and recreate, with an added call of duty, scheduling me for fire piquet (which most in that stupid organisation pronounce as picket). Stupid people (rolls eyes). So there you have it, a possibility productive individual sent back to camp to sleep and wait all day, perhaps for divine intervention, that a fire may break out in a part of the building. Frankly, I would be invigorated, grateful, joyful, estatic etc. etc. to see each and every one of the military's camps going up in flames, incinerated and reduced to a big pile of ashes. OH WAIT, I shall publicly retract this statement of mine lest I become AN ENEMY OF THE STATE and sent to the ISD under the ISA, for being a threat to the military establishment.
In my very honest opinion, I believe that there's no need for a fire piquet, unless the state is tacitly pushing forth the notion that our Fire Department is as efficient as it's very own military establishment. Not forgetting, forcing 4 individuals to stand guard 24hrs doing nothing but wait is a complete waste of time, and a clear sign of the demerits of labour markets that are manipulated by the visible hands of the government. I could be taking a course, mugging for a CFA, or perhaps facilitating the flow of income in the economy whilst on a shopping spree, or even better, work at McDonalds as a productive individual and earn SO much more than the measly few cents that the lightning God bestows on hapless young men awaiting the day of freedom and liberty.
Oh well, I am a bitch and I am pissed that my long weekend vanished into thin air witht the arrival of the guard duty schedule. I resign myself to the state and loyally commit to ensuring that I'll fight every fire that arise in any part of the military camp that is supposedly, my home. And yes, let us all stand at attention during the reading of the RO, and going through silly rituals that exonerate the names of those on top, and listening to safety quotes by the COA.
Bullshit.
Wow, I seem be a great brother eh? Perhaps. Link me up with one of the evil step-sisters in Cinderella one of these days - I'm positively sure that I'll fit in with them perfectly. But frankly, I don't suppose I have much of a relationship with that other homosapien born slightly less than a decade after me; the ride home was devoid of any conversation as there was hardly anything in common to talk about, and an impending sense that any word that came out from me would be either a snide remark, or a rude attempt to keep that little creature (pardon my contradiction, I admit, 'little' isn't really the correct word to describe him). I eventually reasoned with myself that if we profess to love God, we should love our brothers, because God is love plus the fact that I should return the favour(s) which Dad had sacrificed his time to send me to various places, especially for my interviews. I must be the world's most evil brother. Oh bother.
One must have thought through what one might do during this long weekend - I was no exception. Unfortunately, my plans were scuppered by the state, in what I deem is a conspiracy to thwart any of my hedonistic attempts to relax and recreate, with an added call of duty, scheduling me for fire piquet (which most in that stupid organisation pronounce as picket). Stupid people (rolls eyes). So there you have it, a possibility productive individual sent back to camp to sleep and wait all day, perhaps for divine intervention, that a fire may break out in a part of the building. Frankly, I would be invigorated, grateful, joyful, estatic etc. etc. to see each and every one of the military's camps going up in flames, incinerated and reduced to a big pile of ashes. OH WAIT, I shall publicly retract this statement of mine lest I become AN ENEMY OF THE STATE and sent to the ISD under the ISA, for being a threat to the military establishment.
In my very honest opinion, I believe that there's no need for a fire piquet, unless the state is tacitly pushing forth the notion that our Fire Department is as efficient as it's very own military establishment. Not forgetting, forcing 4 individuals to stand guard 24hrs doing nothing but wait is a complete waste of time, and a clear sign of the demerits of labour markets that are manipulated by the visible hands of the government. I could be taking a course, mugging for a CFA, or perhaps facilitating the flow of income in the economy whilst on a shopping spree, or even better, work at McDonalds as a productive individual and earn SO much more than the measly few cents that the lightning God bestows on hapless young men awaiting the day of freedom and liberty.
Oh well, I am a bitch and I am pissed that my long weekend vanished into thin air witht the arrival of the guard duty schedule. I resign myself to the state and loyally commit to ensuring that I'll fight every fire that arise in any part of the military camp that is supposedly, my home. And yes, let us all stand at attention during the reading of the RO, and going through silly rituals that exonerate the names of those on top, and listening to safety quotes by the COA.
Bullshit.
Saturday, April 16, 2005
Weeee
I'm sitting in front of my computer typing out a blog entry because I currently have a mask on my face, for toning my skin. The instructions state that I should refrain from moving and sit in a relaxed position so expressing myself without the need to move a face muscle is the perfect way of achieving that. Ah, the metrosexual in me has once again been awoken, invigorated by the latest issue of URBAN and the accidental stumbling upon of the treasure chest of skincare products in my mom's bathroom, which I believe she fails to use, or, finds it to heartbreaking to do so due to their rocket prices. Thus, i shall start the ball rolling - why waste it? So, here I come with my skincare regiment of cleansing, exfoliating, toning and later moisturising.
Anyway, should I fail to update my blog, it would mean that my diary is being filled with an additional entry and it's filling up pretty fast. I'm now attending a home group on Fridays, which has reignited my passion for the Lord and finally I have a place where I know I can grow in the Lord and be ministered to every week. It's amazing when the Lord suddenly puts this question into your heart, "Do you really love me?" which sends you scrambling deep down inside your soul for an answer. My faith was on the verge of collapsing and suddenly I realised how hypocritical I was, playing Christian all the while. There's now a passion for the Lord and hopefully, I will be able to run to the altar and catch the fire.
I shall go shopping tomorrow. Wee
Happy happy me.
Anyway, should I fail to update my blog, it would mean that my diary is being filled with an additional entry and it's filling up pretty fast. I'm now attending a home group on Fridays, which has reignited my passion for the Lord and finally I have a place where I know I can grow in the Lord and be ministered to every week. It's amazing when the Lord suddenly puts this question into your heart, "Do you really love me?" which sends you scrambling deep down inside your soul for an answer. My faith was on the verge of collapsing and suddenly I realised how hypocritical I was, playing Christian all the while. There's now a passion for the Lord and hopefully, I will be able to run to the altar and catch the fire.
I shall go shopping tomorrow. Wee
Happy happy me.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)