What??? Don't tell me it's Dec 31st already!
Hoho. Another annual pre new year post from me, again!
31 Dec 2004: Changed blog template. My blog was just over one month old.
31 Dec 2005: Stupidly asked my dad to drive to Marina Bay to watch the fireworks live, only to get caught along the ECP near Fort Road exit at exactly 12am. In the end only saw a bit of fireworks from behind the trees. Changed blog template again.
31 Dec 2006: At home, watched cable tv broadcast of countdown celebrations around the world. Was in Taipei just days earlier.
31 Dec 2007: Did guard duty the night before, got a whole day off today becos I'm taking part in some command inauguration parade, played dota public in the afternoon, did some last minute shopping for clothes before year end sales end...
Ugh. Seems like my end of year activities are getting more boring year after year!
Anyway, a recap of what I've done the past year:
1) Passed my driving test in October!!! (yet I've got no car to drive...)
2) Enlisted for NS, drew a meagre monthly salary, and going to ord in 10.5 months time!
3) Got posted to the air force after bmt, not a bad place to be in, despite all that I've encountered in unit so far... (lucky my camp is not tucked away in an ulu corner of the island, rather, it is located opposite a neighbourhood centre!)
4) Gone on an overseas trip with my unit - to Brunei in august, even though there was no allowance. Fortunately I didn't end up in the forested areas, instead I spent most of the days there in a camp that faced the sea.
5) Ate a super early X'mas dinner.
6) Got the hang of playing dota (finally, after playing for nearly half a year)
7) Caught on with watching anime
And the list goes on...
Next year, I shall:
...
...
Hm... haven't been thinking thoroughly of what I want to accomplish next year. Not a good sign eh?
For now, my friends and I are just planning a post ord trip to japan. Perhaps I'll start getting myself a part time job upon completion of my service?
I still remember this lame joke that I think was self created a year or two ago:
What's your new year resolution?
Answer: With technology improving nowadays, there's full high definition 1080! No longer just 1024x768.
Oh well, it's goodbye 2007 and hello 2008 in just 1 hour!
Happy New Year!!!
Saturday, 29 December 2007
The X'mas post that came late
Lol... It's way past X'mas and Boxing Day. Now it's time to look forward to 2008.
On X'mas eve I had the usual Jacks place dinner with my family at CS. This year I reserved a table for 5.30pm (it was superrrr early!) cos we thought there might be a long queue for the dinner if we went later. After dinner we went on a tour around Changi coastal road to watch planes fly... There was a full moon that night, and surprise, the budget terminal was beautifully decorated in blue and purple LED lights...
During X'mas eve last year, I was still enjoying myself in Kaohsiung. The X'mas eve dinner was pathetic though, cos after a long day of sightseeing, my dad and I went to some coffeeshop opposite our hotel to takeaway steamed dishes. Two days later, Taiwan experienced an earthquake which caused quite a lot of havoc to internet connections all over the world. Woah, just thinking about it gives me the creeps.
It seemed like the few days before X'mas was particularly eventful. First on the Saturday night a man was punched dead at a coffee shop just opposite my camp. On X'mas eve some biker was knocked down by a car along changi coastal road. And a couple of people attempted to jump onto the tracks at a few mrt stations. what a bad omen!~
On X'mas night we tried to combat the book in blues by staying up a little to chit chat. Some of my platoon mates had already enlisted by X'mas last year, so they talked about how the X'mas eve lunch served in BMT was sumptuous with turkey meat.
Well then, a belated merry x'mas to all!Tuesday, 25 December 2007
Sunday, 23 December 2007
3x3x3, and 2x2x2
Ah I've been too engrossed with watching yakitate japan for the haji holidays and solving my 3x3x3 rubiks cube while I was on guard yesterday that I forgot to blog!
Shall put up a good post tomorrow perhaps, after I'm back from my battery bowling competition for xmas eve.
Oh, and I just acquired a 2x2x2 cube from toys r us today. doesn't seem any easier than the original one. i'm looking for solutions on the net.
Ah I've been too engrossed with watching yakitate japan for the haji holidays and solving my 3x3x3 rubiks cube while I was on guard yesterday that I forgot to blog!
Shall put up a good post tomorrow perhaps, after I'm back from my battery bowling competition for xmas eve.
Oh, and I just acquired a 2x2x2 cube from toys r us today. doesn't seem any easier than the original one. i'm looking for solutions on the net.
Sunday, 16 December 2007
Yet another shortened week ahead!
Aha! Just endure for 3 days!
The weekend has been filled with gatherings with sec sch friends and JC classmates. Guys have been talking about how life in their unit sucks, or how good it is to stay out... Whereas girls will be engaging in convos related to uni school work, otherwise they'll be talking about what anime to watch etc...
Christmas is coming soon. Yes, the end of year is almost here too.
Which means, just 11 more months to go...
Aha! Just endure for 3 days!
The weekend has been filled with gatherings with sec sch friends and JC classmates. Guys have been talking about how life in their unit sucks, or how good it is to stay out... Whereas girls will be engaging in convos related to uni school work, otherwise they'll be talking about what anime to watch etc...
Christmas is coming soon. Yes, the end of year is almost here too.
Which means, just 11 more months to go...
Sunday, 9 December 2007
A rather fruitful weekend
This weekend seems really short! But I guess it's because I was out the whole Saturday.
The morning was spent watching Enchanted with Qingwei and Zhenyi, who just came back from Thailand for his leave.
This weekend seems really short! But I guess it's because I was out the whole Saturday.
The morning was spent watching Enchanted with Qingwei and Zhenyi, who just came back from Thailand for his leave.
The evening was the main highlight of the day: TPS reunion dinner. The last event in TPS before it gets rebuilt. I guess the best way to describe it is in pictures, but I haven't got many of them though...
The view from the concourse with the school's motto ever prominent. (the banner in Chinese wasn't a feature last time though.)
The eco pond...
The straight corridor which looks rather cramped, together with special names for special rooms on yellow signboards.
Finally, home of tps 6.1 class of 2000. classroom 04-05. (in our time we never got the chance to decorate the exterior of our classroom of course.)
Coming up this week - a short work week! (thanks to my leave on Friday!)
The view from the concourse with the school's motto ever prominent. (the banner in Chinese wasn't a feature last time though.)
The eco pond...
The straight corridor which looks rather cramped, together with special names for special rooms on yellow signboards.
Finally, home of tps 6.1 class of 2000. classroom 04-05. (in our time we never got the chance to decorate the exterior of our classroom of course.)After the reunion dinner was over almost everyone from my class who turned up decided that we should go somewhere to chat more before we went our separate ways again. (in fact I haven't met a majority my pri sch classmates for almost 5 years now...) So we decided on having coffee at The Coffee Bean just opposite the school, at Century Square. The guys talk about NS (how many times have i mentioned this before?) while the girls about uni. Ah well...
Now that I realise my pri sch classmates have still been meeting up occasionally during the past few years, I kind of regret to not keep in contact with many of them all these years. However, this reunion dinner has brought all of us together again. (with our two favourite form teachers as well.)
Now that I realise my pri sch classmates have still been meeting up occasionally during the past few years, I kind of regret to not keep in contact with many of them all these years. However, this reunion dinner has brought all of us together again. (with our two favourite form teachers as well.)
Coming up this week - a short work week! (thanks to my leave on Friday!)
Sunday, 2 December 2007
Saturday, 1 December 2007
Changi airport T3 open house
I had made it a point to have a look at the newly completed (hm, perhaps it isn't 100% completed yet...) Terminal 3, after all the hype about the roofs with natural lighting, the viewing gallery with a nice view of the runway, the green concept with eco features at appropriate places around the transit areas, blah blah...
Sad to say I found the whole building not as warm and cosy as what Terminal 2 feels like to me. Too much white lighting from the sun, and the check-in areas have fluorescent lighting, makes the whole atmosphere look (and feel) cold. Together with the metallic louvers that control the amount of light that passes through the ceiling, and glass panels here and there to separate restricted areas from public areas, the whole design just highlights the urban cityscape of sg. Like that chinese phrase, 钢土水泥, if I hadn't got it wrong.
Just some pics from my little adventure there:
I had made it a point to have a look at the newly completed (hm, perhaps it isn't 100% completed yet...) Terminal 3, after all the hype about the roofs with natural lighting, the viewing gallery with a nice view of the runway, the green concept with eco features at appropriate places around the transit areas, blah blah...
Sad to say I found the whole building not as warm and cosy as what Terminal 2 feels like to me. Too much white lighting from the sun, and the check-in areas have fluorescent lighting, makes the whole atmosphere look (and feel) cold. Together with the metallic louvers that control the amount of light that passes through the ceiling, and glass panels here and there to separate restricted areas from public areas, the whole design just highlights the urban cityscape of sg. Like that chinese phrase, 钢土水泥, if I hadn't got it wrong.
Just some pics from my little adventure there:
The view from the viewing gallery, is... not very fantastic. Just like what you get at T2... why can't they do away with the sunshades?
Look at the ceiling, all metallic rectangular panels! All white lighting! Where's the warm yellow glow that you can find in T2?
The gigantic waiting area that serves up to 4 groups of passengers on 4 flights! wonder whether people will end up walking thru the wrong aerobridge and boarding the wrong plane.
The long corridor along the entire check-in area. Might take a toll on your legs to walk from one end to another!
When one's creative juices flow...
A friend commented recently that I suddenly had a flood of posts for my blog.
Hm, rarely do I get so much inspiration for blog entries, especially those that aren't mundane which talk about my unit, or my daily routine. (it sucks to have a routine lifestyle eh?)
It's time to get engines started again, before I return to that familiar place called Chong pang.
And I'm sure the book-in blues will settle in too.
A friend commented recently that I suddenly had a flood of posts for my blog.
Hm, rarely do I get so much inspiration for blog entries, especially those that aren't mundane which talk about my unit, or my daily routine. (it sucks to have a routine lifestyle eh?)
It's time to get engines started again, before I return to that familiar place called Chong pang.
And I'm sure the book-in blues will settle in too.
Friday, 30 November 2007
It's ending...
So, that's about the end of my block leave...
X'mas wish list
'tis the season to be jolly, but with no $$$, how can I afford to buy whatever I like?
Like the new cool Sony Cybershot T2 which I saw at sitex today with qingwei.
Or a new basic phone to replace the one I'm currently using, which can't vibrate when it's on silent mode...
Or a couple of recently published novels...
Ah, no wonder people say money makes the world go round.
So, that's about the end of my block leave...
X'mas wish list
'tis the season to be jolly, but with no $$$, how can I afford to buy whatever I like?
Like the new cool Sony Cybershot T2 which I saw at sitex today with qingwei.
Or a new basic phone to replace the one I'm currently using, which can't vibrate when it's on silent mode...
Or a couple of recently published novels...
Ah, no wonder people say money makes the world go round.
Wednesday, 28 November 2007
The adventures of Lucky (aka the 'clever idiot')
What are you doing in my territory! Grrr...
Hmm, lemme snooze on master's bed while he's not looking...
master says: Aha! caught in the act eh!
Me with my furry companions... (the one on the extreme left is a fake though, trying to pass off as a doggie as well, how silly!)
What are you doing in my territory! Grrr...
Hmm, lemme snooze on master's bed while he's not looking...
master says: Aha! caught in the act eh!
Me with my furry companions... (the one on the extreme left is a fake though, trying to pass off as a doggie as well, how silly!)
X'mas gift wrapping idea (2007 version)
Christmas comes only once a year!
DUH!
But so will innovative gift wrapping ideas from yours truly!
And, from the guy who brought you a creative gift wrapping idea for x'mas in 2005 (the purpose is to let your friend have a hard time figuring out what's behind the wrapper), here's another creative gift wrapping idea! (don't worry, this time your friend won't need to crack his/her brains to guess what's the present, just rip open the wrapping paper!)
The present, resting on a piece of wrapping paper... (cute eh?)
Christmas comes only once a year!
But so will innovative gift wrapping ideas from yours truly!
And, from the guy who brought you a creative gift wrapping idea for x'mas in 2005 (the purpose is to let your friend have a hard time figuring out what's behind the wrapper), here's another creative gift wrapping idea! (don't worry, this time your friend won't need to crack his/her brains to guess what's the present, just rip open the wrapping paper!)
The present, resting on a piece of wrapping paper... (cute eh?)
Fold the edges together and make them meet, to form a dumpling-like structure...
Use any excess wrapping paper to form a star, ribbon, moon (or whatever you can think of!) and attach it to the tip of the present... ta-da!
The lucky recipient of this present? My godsis.
The lucky recipient of this present? My godsis.
I seldom am creative. But this is one of the times where I'll 灵机一动, and come up with such stuff.
Stay tuned for the next installment of creative gift wrapping ideas, in 2008 perhaps!
Stay tuned for the next installment of creative gift wrapping ideas, in 2008 perhaps!
What have I been doing???
Dear me... block leave is ending this Sunday, and I haven't really accomplished what I set out to do this block leave. Among the 10 'to-dos' that I've listed way before November came, I think I only managed to complete one of them!
Seems like Command & Conquer 3 has been occupying most of my one and a half week holiday... (remember, a weekend gone thanks to the ship)
Ahhh, time to start putting the remaining leave days to good use!
Dear me... block leave is ending this Sunday, and I haven't really accomplished what I set out to do this block leave. Among the 10 'to-dos' that I've listed way before November came, I think I only managed to complete one of them!
Seems like Command & Conquer 3 has been occupying most of my one and a half week holiday... (remember, a weekend gone thanks to the ship)
Ahhh, time to start putting the remaining leave days to good use!
Tuesday, 27 November 2007
Sci-fi novels & how fiction can be related to reality
Recently I've been reading a couple of short novels, nearly all are science related. Authors these days seem to base their stories a lot on environmental problems and phenomena like global warming, tsunami, blah blah.
First was Michael Crichton's 'State of Fear'. About how a group of activists want to create a tsunami to exaggerate the world's global warming problem and melting ice caps (all these seem too familiar to a geog student), when these aren't really affecting the world compared to other problems (poverty perhaps?)
And when you read about all the references the author makes to some publications, you wonder really if the world's suffering from global warming or we're just paranoid!
Then I read Sidney Sheldon's 'Are you afraid of the dark'. Also about some scientist trying to control the world with his weather control device. The author claims that according to sources, two of the biggest countries in the world have such things, just that they never put them to use.Maybe they will when world war 3 arrives. (if there's one)
Sometimes, novels keep your imagination flowing. And you wonder how close to reality fiction can sometimes be...
Recently I've been reading a couple of short novels, nearly all are science related. Authors these days seem to base their stories a lot on environmental problems and phenomena like global warming, tsunami, blah blah.
First was Michael Crichton's 'State of Fear'. About how a group of activists want to create a tsunami to exaggerate the world's global warming problem and melting ice caps (all these seem too familiar to a geog student), when these aren't really affecting the world compared to other problems (poverty perhaps?)
And when you read about all the references the author makes to some publications, you wonder really if the world's suffering from global warming or we're just paranoid!
Then I read Sidney Sheldon's 'Are you afraid of the dark'. Also about some scientist trying to control the world with his weather control device. The author claims that according to sources, two of the biggest countries in the world have such things, just that they never put them to use.
Sometimes, novels keep your imagination flowing. And you wonder how close to reality fiction can sometimes be...
Monday, 26 November 2007
Survivor: RSS Resolution
The story about a sergeant and a lance corporal who spent their weekend on a navy ship that never set sail...
With no PSP, no Nintendo DS, just an MP3 player and two books to kill their boredom for the two days when they could jolly well be spending it at home with their family or go out with their friends... (especially when it was their block leave)
They were there just to guard some stuff, which could probably have been easily done by the naval crew on duty...
Yet, they were arrowed to do just that... with no ample notice beforehand.
They explored parts of the ship, yet during breakfast they had to rummage through boxes of rations that were already left open, only to find overnight nightsnacks, which they had to be content with...
When it started to turn dark, they ventured to the flight deck, to catch a glimpse of the beautiful sunset, and to chat with the crew on duty...
Or they would be cooped up in theirair conditioned bunk, snoozing away to make time pass faster...
At least, they didn't die of boredom...
Nor did they die of starvation and thirst from not being able to find food and water...
At least, they had the crew to talk to when they felt they were lonely...
And fortunately, they met a few good people who offered help along the way...
Otherwise...
The story about a sergeant and a lance corporal who spent their weekend on a navy ship that never set sail...
With no PSP, no Nintendo DS, just an MP3 player and two books to kill their boredom for the two days when they could jolly well be spending it at home with their family or go out with their friends... (especially when it was their block leave)
They were there just to guard some stuff, which could probably have been easily done by the naval crew on duty...
Yet, they were arrowed to do just that... with no ample notice beforehand.
They explored parts of the ship, yet during breakfast they had to rummage through boxes of rations that were already left open, only to find overnight nightsnacks, which they had to be content with...
When it started to turn dark, they ventured to the flight deck, to catch a glimpse of the beautiful sunset, and to chat with the crew on duty...
Or they would be cooped up in their
At least, they didn't die of boredom...
Nor did they die of starvation and thirst from not being able to find food and water...
At least, they had the crew to talk to when they felt they were lonely...
And fortunately, they met a few good people who offered help along the way...
Otherwise...
Tuesday, 20 November 2007
Now they need me, now they don't, and now they need me...
I wonder if it's the management's problem...
But anyway, just when I thought my block leave would be a continuous 2 weeks for me to enjoy, I'll be back in unit this weekend!
They better not make my block leave an even greater rollercoaster ride for me. I hate not having mental preparations for something.
hai...
I wonder if it's the management's problem...
But anyway, just when I thought my block leave would be a continuous 2 weeks for me to enjoy, I'll be back in unit this weekend!
They better not make my block leave an even greater rollercoaster ride for me. I hate not having mental preparations for something.
hai...
Monday, 19 November 2007
About TV premieres...
Doesn't it sound misleading whenever you watch Ch 5 and they introduce movies which are 'TV premieres', only to realise that it's at least a few years old and you watched it on cable TV or even rented/bought the vcd/dvd and watched it ages ago? lol...
Haven't really planned how to spend my block leave away. My initial guess would be whole day dota-ing or C&C until I meet up with my unit friends (who else is on block leave now as well? haha) for badminton in the coming week or visit my godbro since his A's are coming to an end already.
13 days left, better put them to good use!
Doesn't it sound misleading whenever you watch Ch 5 and they introduce movies which are 'TV premieres', only to realise that it's at least a few years old and you watched it on cable TV or even rented/bought the vcd/dvd and watched it ages ago? lol...
Haven't really planned how to spend my block leave away. My initial guess would be whole day dota-ing or C&C until I meet up with my unit friends (who else is on block leave now as well? haha) for badminton in the coming week or visit my godbro since his A's are coming to an end already.
13 days left, better put them to good use!
Suntan, anyone? heehee...
Sunday, 11 November 2007
Ah, possibly my first achievement of the year...
It might have cost a lot going through all the lessons before I managed to get my class 3 driving licence, but the feeling of holding that holographic piece of plastic in my hand: simply priceless.
It's back to Chong pang tonight, and off to Tuas tomorrow night. Grrr...
It might have cost a lot going through all the lessons before I managed to get my class 3 driving licence, but the feeling of holding that holographic piece of plastic in my hand: simply priceless.
It's back to Chong pang tonight, and off to Tuas tomorrow night. Grrr...
Saturday, 10 November 2007
Wednesday, 7 November 2007
Sunday, 4 November 2007
Freer than usual
Now that I needn't care about driving lessons anymore, my Friday nights and Sunday mornings are vacant, and I can afford to wake up later in the mornings.
A possibly short week ahead with Deepavali on Thursday and maybe an off in lieu on Friday.
Finally, I needn't suffer in silence and bear with the problems of my graphics card on my desktop, cos I finally changed it. Think it's a problem with the hardware, otherwise the problem won't keep cropping up even after reinstalling the software. So, it's solved!
Now that I needn't care about driving lessons anymore, my Friday nights and Sunday mornings are vacant, and I can afford to wake up later in the mornings.
A possibly short week ahead with Deepavali on Thursday and maybe an off in lieu on Friday.
Finally, I needn't suffer in silence and bear with the problems of my graphics card on my desktop, cos I finally changed it. Think it's a problem with the hardware, otherwise the problem won't keep cropping up even after reinstalling the software. So, it's solved!
Tuesday, 30 October 2007
My last day at SSDC...
Car 34. Test route 5. I was the last guy to pick the ping pong balls from the box for the balloting of test route & tester.
Too bad I didn't take down the registration plate number of the car, or else can buy 4D. If I won, I could defray the cost of applying for my QDL. Lol...
Some photos I took today while waiting 45 mins at the TP counter to apply for my QDL:
Car 34. Test route 5. I was the last guy to pick the ping pong balls from the box for the balloting of test route & tester.
Too bad I didn't take down the registration plate number of the car, or else can buy 4D. If I won, I could defray the cost of applying for my QDL. Lol...
Some photos I took today while waiting 45 mins at the TP counter to apply for my QDL:
Cars parked in neat rows after a lesson...
The 10.15am group of test cars going through their circuit courses...
Perhaps the testers aren't so impatient cos the circuit is all theirs for the taking?
The familiar steering wheel... (this was taken a long time ago)
And lastly, the 4-pointer assessment checklist... ;D
It's sad to say bye to the driving centre which I've always been to for the past 9 months, and I'd wished to tell my instructors I passed....
I can't imagine how troublesome it'll be if I didn't pass today. Got to spend more for revision lessons, book another test date, apply leave, etc etc...
So it's really a huge relief man!
Oh well, gotta book in soon...
Easily clocked!
Finally, I can heave a sigh of relief!
During the test, what I heard was:
"So you know what's your car number? Come, we go downstairs now."
"Start your engine, and we can move off... come, start moving..."
"Eh... quick, overtake, overtake that car! Ah, not so close!"
"Er, no need to form up on the extreme right lane, just follow behind that taxi, although actually you should follow rules la... cos there got so many cars don't wait..."
"Come, follow up..." (and sighs when I slow down to let another test car cut into my lane)
"Ok, come, stop before the pedestrian crossing, handbrake, neutral, and follow me (to the tester's office)"
Hoho... a very impatient tester who's trying to keep to schedule, and a rather nervous me. In fact, I could feel my left leg trembling when I was depressing the clutch. Fortunately I managed to calm down before I got onto the road. What's more, he didn't test me on E-brake cos the circuit was simply too crowded!
Perhaps he acted impatient to pressure me, make me 'gabra', but I didn't.
The tester motioned me to one of the small cubicles with a small desk and two chairs, and started to scribble on the result slip- cancelled the immediate failures, wrote 4 on the number of demerit points box, circled and ticked the 'passed', cancelled away the failed, before scrawling his signature.
"Ok, 4 points, you passed. Go classroom 5 to watch the video."
No congrats, no nothing, but what the heck, I passed!
And that was how I got my class 3 driving licence...
Before I left the driving centre, the counter staff wished me congrats. I was among the 3 of the 9 who passed for the 9,15am test slot.
(test sequence: vertical park, directional change, waited too long to parallel park, slope, s course, crank course, parallel park, test route 5)
Finally, I can heave a sigh of relief!
During the test, what I heard was:
"So you know what's your car number? Come, we go downstairs now."
"Start your engine, and we can move off... come, start moving..."
"Eh... quick, overtake, overtake that car! Ah, not so close!"
"Er, no need to form up on the extreme right lane, just follow behind that taxi, although actually you should follow rules la... cos there got so many cars don't wait..."
"Come, follow up..." (and sighs when I slow down to let another test car cut into my lane)
"Ok, come, stop before the pedestrian crossing, handbrake, neutral, and follow me (to the tester's office)"
Hoho... a very impatient tester who's trying to keep to schedule, and a rather nervous me. In fact, I could feel my left leg trembling when I was depressing the clutch. Fortunately I managed to calm down before I got onto the road. What's more, he didn't test me on E-brake cos the circuit was simply too crowded!
Perhaps he acted impatient to pressure me, make me 'gabra', but I didn't.
The tester motioned me to one of the small cubicles with a small desk and two chairs, and started to scribble on the result slip- cancelled the immediate failures, wrote 4 on the number of demerit points box, circled and ticked the 'passed', cancelled away the failed, before scrawling his signature.
"Ok, 4 points, you passed. Go classroom 5 to watch the video."
No congrats, no nothing, but what the heck, I passed!
And that was how I got my class 3 driving licence...
Before I left the driving centre, the counter staff wished me congrats. I was among the 3 of the 9 who passed for the 9,15am test slot.
(test sequence: vertical park, directional change, waited too long to parallel park, slope, s course, crank course, parallel park, test route 5)
Sunday, 28 October 2007
Problem solved...
Finally, my problematic DVD rewriter has been replaced! KT, we can resume our weekly DotA sessions without much interruptions as long as my graphics card don't crash halfway thru the game... lol.
All's on track, except my toe....
Today's final driving lesson prior to my test went without a hitch until the end, when I accidentally turned into the leftmost lane in the circuit after doing a right turn. Fortunately my biggest toe, which was struck by a falling Campbell soup can last night and turned blue black, didn't cause much pain while I was pressing the brake and accelerator cos I used the middle portion of my foot for that.
What's left now is to keep calm and confident on the big day itself!
The short underground KPE
Finally got a first hand view of the newest expressway, which looks like the downtown part of CTE. Seriously, the 3km first phase looked very short, it took less than 2 mins to get from ECP to PIE.
The long winding entrance to the KPE from ECP...
Imagine staring at two long rows of white walls for >10km in future... boring eh?
Sunday, 21 October 2007
Hopefully, a smooth week ahead...
My father thought he could catch a glimpse of the plane from the viewing mall in T2, only to be disappointed. Then, we found out that T3 is still not accessible. It wasn't till when we were getting home that I spotted the gigantic bird parked near the budget terminal:
This week, there's nothing much in store for me apart from a monthly CO parade and an outing for my Battery @ Sentosa, after the hectic past 2 weeks. Ah, finally a time to unwind and relax.
Forced to clear half a day off on Friday (which was really not worth it) so that we could rest after the mentally and physically taxing FU Prof Test. However, half the off day was spent at home sleeping (which I could have done in camp anyway...) which made it an even more wasted half day off.
Yet another milestone in aviation history
Finally, after months of waiting, our very own A380 landed in S'pore on Wednesday evening, just as I was eating sambal fried rice with two other friends at the coffee shop opposite our camp during nights out. Was watching the Ch 8 news showing the plane making its way into the airport after landing. Shortly after that it rained so heavily in Yishun, but apparently it didn't in Changi. At least the rain didn't spoil the celebrations.
Ventured to the airport this afternoon, and realised that T3 is still not for public access yet. Wonder when they're going to have some 'open house' sort of thingy like they did for the Budget Terminal a few weeks before they opened it.
This coming Thursday, history will be made...
My father thought he could catch a glimpse of the plane from the viewing mall in T2, only to be disappointed. Then, we found out that T3 is still not accessible. It wasn't till when we were getting home that I spotted the gigantic bird parked near the budget terminal:
The final stages of my driving lessons
In one and a half weeks time, I hope to be able to say goodbye to this familiar steering wheel and dashboard which has seen me through the past 9 months of my training...
However, the thing is, I've got no dole to get my own set of wheels anyway even after I pass my test, lol!
Bye blog, and see ya in 4-5 days time! ;)
Saturday, 20 October 2007
Shagged out!
Firing unit proficiency test is a tiring affair, but we all enjoyed it for the fun... Zzzzz...
For my seniors who enlisted at the start of last year, they're now starting to scream triumphantly: 'ORD loh!'
That's not for me to say yet though, cos I've still got 55.5 weeks to go...
For now, all I can think is: 'FUPT over loh!'
Firing unit proficiency test is a tiring affair, but we all enjoyed it for the fun... Zzzzz...
For my seniors who enlisted at the start of last year, they're now starting to scream triumphantly: 'ORD loh!'
That's not for me to say yet though, cos I've still got 55.5 weeks to go...
For now, all I can think is: 'FUPT over loh!'
Saturday, 13 October 2007
不能说的秘密
Finally, after buying the VCD for more than half a month, I finally found the time to enjoy the 1.5 hour long movie in the comfort of my home this afternoon. It's a story with an idea so abstract, a plot so complex and unbelieveable, but in the end, when everything unfolded, the whole picture was a simple one. It was worth it buying the VCD, because maybe a year later I'll pick it up and watch it again.
Which makes me wonder... what would you do if you could travel back and forth in time?
Driving in the dark
Yesterday I had my first night driving lesson. Nearly missed a turn back to the driving centre cos the roads were so dimly lit, but I could cruise through the circuit courses without much problem. The instructor was someone I've never met before, I only realised that he's quite lao-jiao after the lesson.
Then there was this idiot who honked at me for trying to filter into his lane despite me signalling for some time, checking my blind spot to see he wasn't advancing so quickly, and gliding into the lane smoothly in front of him. The instructor had to raise his hand to apologise, but the driver honked again! Could've cost me 8 points in a test, thanks to that guy's impatience! :@
30/10/07: make it or break it
After a nerve wrecking week trying to get a suitable date for my driving test, I finally could set my mind in peace, partly thanks to my mum as well.
Middle of the morning, not much traffic, no high key events going on in unit, managed to apply leave...
天时，地理，人和, I'm just keeping my fingers crossed...
30 October - the day I'll get my licence and not worry about it for the rest of my life!!!
Finally, after buying the VCD for more than half a month, I finally found the time to enjoy the 1.5 hour long movie in the comfort of my home this afternoon. It's a story with an idea so abstract, a plot so complex and unbelieveable, but in the end, when everything unfolded, the whole picture was a simple one. It was worth it buying the VCD, because maybe a year later I'll pick it up and watch it again.
Which makes me wonder... what would you do if you could travel back and forth in time?
Driving in the dark
Yesterday I had my first night driving lesson. Nearly missed a turn back to the driving centre cos the roads were so dimly lit, but I could cruise through the circuit courses without much problem. The instructor was someone I've never met before, I only realised that he's quite lao-jiao after the lesson.
Then there was this idiot who honked at me for trying to filter into his lane despite me signalling for some time, checking my blind spot to see he wasn't advancing so quickly, and gliding into the lane smoothly in front of him. The instructor had to raise his hand to apologise, but the driver honked again! Could've cost me 8 points in a test, thanks to that guy's impatience! :@
30/10/07: make it or break it
After a nerve wrecking week trying to get a suitable date for my driving test, I finally could set my mind in peace, partly thanks to my mum as well.
Middle of the morning, not much traffic, no high key events going on in unit, managed to apply leave...
天时，地理，人和, I'm just keeping my fingers crossed...
30 October - the day I'll get my licence and not worry about it for the rest of my life!!!
Sunday, 7 October 2007
The 6th sense...
Ah I expected the week to go from good to bad to worse. Felt dragon's breath again just before book out.
If my 6th sense is accurate, I predict a giant storm brewing in the weeks to come.
The weekend was rather peaceful, but as usual I was trying to accomplish as much as possible in 48 hours. After not touching the steering wheel for another month (again), my parking skills got rusty but the instructor was still satisfied with my performance. What's more, I managed to push forward my practical test date, so I could possibly get my licence by mid November! :D
Tried a couple of DotA AI games, and I still suck at it. My comp's making me getting frustrated too, cos the game will return to the desktop whenever some internet adverts try to pop up midway through my game. Geez...
Tomorrow's the 'eagerly anticipated' (yeah right...) rooftop cum manpack! Good luck to me and the rest of my platoon man... And for that I'll have to return back much earlier today. Hai...
My flu's been up and down recently. Towards the end of the week only my throat felt dry, compared to last week when I was sneezing away, then today my nose is like a leaking tap! Oh man... :(
Ah I expected the week to go from good to bad to worse. Felt dragon's breath again just before book out.
If my 6th sense is accurate, I predict a giant storm brewing in the weeks to come.
The weekend was rather peaceful, but as usual I was trying to accomplish as much as possible in 48 hours. After not touching the steering wheel for another month (again), my parking skills got rusty but the instructor was still satisfied with my performance. What's more, I managed to push forward my practical test date, so I could possibly get my licence by mid November! :D
Tried a couple of DotA AI games, and I still suck at it. My comp's making me getting frustrated too, cos the game will return to the desktop whenever some internet adverts try to pop up midway through my game. Geez...
Tomorrow's the 'eagerly anticipated' (yeah right...) rooftop cum manpack! Good luck to me and the rest of my platoon man... And for that I'll have to return back much earlier today. Hai...
My flu's been up and down recently. Towards the end of the week only my throat felt dry, compared to last week when I was sneezing away, then today my nose is like a leaking tap! Oh man... :(
Sunday, 30 September 2007
Craze over facebook
I think facebook can really be addictive! No wonder the Sunday Times reported today that many companies are banning access to the website on their internal computer systems as their employees have been spending too much time networking with people they know (and don't really know)...
Well, there goes my 14 hour-weekend. I'm seriously looking forward to the next weekend, cos there's my monthly driving lesson. I'm not too keen on what comes after that though: manpack+rooftop. Yikes! :(
Till next Friday then!
I think facebook can really be addictive! No wonder the Sunday Times reported today that many companies are banning access to the website on their internal computer systems as their employees have been spending too much time networking with people they know (and don't really know)...
Well, there goes my 14 hour-weekend. I'm seriously looking forward to the next weekend, cos there's my monthly driving lesson. I'm not too keen on what comes after that though: manpack+rooftop. Yikes! :(
Till next Friday then!
In and Out
The past week has been a rather hectic one. Been shuffling between home and camp on Tuesday night and Saturday morning.
I thought I'd never have a chance to personally see Yunxuan off at the airport before she left for London on Tuesday night, but my PC decided to let us off for a nights out when it was usually on Wednesday nights. Had my dinner with KT and Wesley at the zhu cha stall just opposite camp, then a trip back home to bathe before rushing off to the airport at 9pm.
Mingjie, Yantong and Elizabeth were also around to send yx off, so we took a couple of photos. By 9.40pm I was on my way back to camp after saying a final farewell to yx.
Perhaps it was fate that gave me this last chance to say goodbye face to face?
I was scheduled for Saturday guard duty, so I spent Friday night at home before booking in again on early Saturday morning, at a price: I had to wake up as early as 4.30am.
Fortunately the next unit that took over was punctual, so I could be on my way home by 9am this morning. It's a pity though that my weekend has been cut short by so much, but it doesn't really matter cos I've got nothing much to do for this weekend anyway.
Oh, and last Tuesday was mid-autumn festival... right. Managed to grab a small quarter of a mooncake while I was home just for the sake of tradition. Anyway, even if I hadn't managed to eat a mooncake at home, Wesley did buy a couple of snow skin ones from a neighbourhood bakery just for the occasion, and I ate two mini ones after I returned to bunk. Even the platoon commander of platoon 1 which went out for exercise asked for mooncakes to be delivered to the deployment sites!
Just some ways to brighten up a festival that has to be celebrated outfield and in bunk. ;) someone suggested we could've bought lanterns and have a party at the unit carpark. lol...
The past week has been a rather hectic one. Been shuffling between home and camp on Tuesday night and Saturday morning.
I thought I'd never have a chance to personally see Yunxuan off at the airport before she left for London on Tuesday night, but my PC decided to let us off for a nights out when it was usually on Wednesday nights. Had my dinner with KT and Wesley at the zhu cha stall just opposite camp, then a trip back home to bathe before rushing off to the airport at 9pm.
Mingjie, Yantong and Elizabeth were also around to send yx off, so we took a couple of photos. By 9.40pm I was on my way back to camp after saying a final farewell to yx.
Perhaps it was fate that gave me this last chance to say goodbye face to face?
I was scheduled for Saturday guard duty, so I spent Friday night at home before booking in again on early Saturday morning, at a price: I had to wake up as early as 4.30am.
Fortunately the next unit that took over was punctual, so I could be on my way home by 9am this morning. It's a pity though that my weekend has been cut short by so much, but it doesn't really matter cos I've got nothing much to do for this weekend anyway.
Oh, and last Tuesday was mid-autumn festival... right. Managed to grab a small quarter of a mooncake while I was home just for the sake of tradition. Anyway, even if I hadn't managed to eat a mooncake at home, Wesley did buy a couple of snow skin ones from a neighbourhood bakery just for the occasion, and I ate two mini ones after I returned to bunk. Even the platoon commander of platoon 1 which went out for exercise asked for mooncakes to be delivered to the deployment sites!
Just some ways to brighten up a festival that has to be celebrated outfield and in bunk. ;) someone suggested we could've bought lanterns and have a party at the unit carpark. lol...
Sunday, 23 September 2007
My very own Routine Orders
Remember that I said I'll introduce what's my typical weekend like today in my blog post last week? Here it is!
Every unit has a daily routine order, I think I have one for myself during the weekend too! It goes like this:
Saturday
0900 Reveille
1000 Lucky's walk around the block
1030 Breakfast
1100 Pokemon (it's been like this for years now)
1200-1500 Free time (either go out with friends, or learn driving)
1600-1800 Afternoon nap
1900-2000 Run some errands
2000 Dinner
2100 TV time (EPL, Formula 1 qualifying...)
2200-0000 Computer time (MSN, blogging, web surfing, 1 v 1 DotA with KT, etc...)
0100 Lights out!
Sunday
1000 Reveille
1030 Breakfast
1100 Pack my CV bag to bring back to camp
1200-1400 Listen to 933FM for the weekly Top 20 songs
1500-1700 Afternoon nap
1900 Dinner
2000-2100 TV time (EPL)
2130 Prep to go back to camp
2230 Book in
Boring eh?
Remember that I said I'll introduce what's my typical weekend like today in my blog post last week? Here it is!
Every unit has a daily routine order, I think I have one for myself during the weekend too! It goes like this:
Saturday
0900 Reveille
1000 Lucky's walk around the block
1030 Breakfast
1100 Pokemon (it's been like this for years now)
1200-1500 Free time (either go out with friends, or learn driving)
1600-1800 Afternoon nap
1900-2000 Run some errands
2000 Dinner
2100 TV time (EPL, Formula 1 qualifying...)
2200-0000 Computer time (MSN, blogging, web surfing, 1 v 1 DotA with KT, etc...)
0100 Lights out!
Sunday
1000 Reveille
1030 Breakfast
1100 Pack my CV bag to bring back to camp
1200-1400 Listen to 933FM for the weekly Top 20 songs
1500-1700 Afternoon nap
1900 Dinner
2000-2100 TV time (EPL)
2130 Prep to go back to camp
2230 Book in
Boring eh?
Saturday, 22 September 2007
Bidding farewell...
For the past few days I've been sending a few people wishes for a safe trip overseas.
Manyan left for UK last night, fortunately I had the time to give her a farewell call on Thursday night. It's been quite a while since we last met and chatted.
Last night was the end of exercise ceremony for the kiwis who've been with us for the past 2 weeks. I think they've thoroughly enjoyed themselves with the free flow of Tigers and Heinekens. They were still partying even after I left at 11.30pm!
Today I met Yunxuan and wished her all the best in UK as well, cos she'll be gone come Tuesday night.
With so many people going overseas, I wished I could go overseas soon as well. It's rather unlikely though with so many commitments for now.
Indeed, 天下无不散之宴席, but it's hard to say goodbye...
Partying with the kiwis
Everyone was in a good mood last night, including our dear PC and CWO. I guess they were on a high after a few cans of beer.
I just simply can't stand the taste of beer, it's just ridiculously bitter! It reminds me of a really bitter bottle of Perrier.
The kiwis performed their Maori tribal dance, the Hakka, to contribute to the performances for the night, while we performed a 2-man puppet show which made all the kiwis laugh like mad. After they performed their Hakka we were thinking: 'oh man, we'll just be throwing our faces away with our performance compared to their aggressive Hakka', but at least in the end they appreciated it. Especially those in my det, cos I was the main character in the puppet show. I'm just interested to know how I looked like when performing, cos someone did take photos...
My det 2IC bought a torchlight and a bottle of prickly heat powder for each kiwi in our det, cos he thought they weren't issued their own torchlights and they found prickly heat powder soothing for our outrageously warm afternoons outfield.
In return the kiwis gave us 2 of their admin shirts (complete with their PT shorts!) together with a small NZ flag and fern-shaped badges. Never mind the fact that they wore the shirts before, the meaning behind the presents were special. I got them to autograph the shirts so that at least they'd have some sentimental value, and I doubt I'll wear them, probably will just hang it in my wardrobe and bring it out every now and then to remind me of the good days we spent together.
Since they gave such nice presents, I thought I ought to return something more and bought some collar badges for them to keep. The torch and the powder seems a little cheapskate eh...
Think I've got to start working on those messages to write to the kiwis. Tomorrow night's the last time I'll be able to see them before they return to their homeland on the C130 - a 21 hour long trip my goodness!
Two Bowls of Soup
yx and I dined at The Soup Spoon today, I'm surprised that I could fill my stomach for $9 with a pretty good meal!
For the past few days I've been sending a few people wishes for a safe trip overseas.
Manyan left for UK last night, fortunately I had the time to give her a farewell call on Thursday night. It's been quite a while since we last met and chatted.
Last night was the end of exercise ceremony for the kiwis who've been with us for the past 2 weeks. I think they've thoroughly enjoyed themselves with the free flow of Tigers and Heinekens. They were still partying even after I left at 11.30pm!
Today I met Yunxuan and wished her all the best in UK as well, cos she'll be gone come Tuesday night.
With so many people going overseas, I wished I could go overseas soon as well. It's rather unlikely though with so many commitments for now.
Indeed, 天下无不散之宴席, but it's hard to say goodbye...
Partying with the kiwis
Everyone was in a good mood last night, including our dear PC and CWO. I guess they were on a high after a few cans of beer.
I just simply can't stand the taste of beer, it's just ridiculously bitter! It reminds me of a really bitter bottle of Perrier.
The kiwis performed their Maori tribal dance, the Hakka, to contribute to the performances for the night, while we performed a 2-man puppet show which made all the kiwis laugh like mad. After they performed their Hakka we were thinking: 'oh man, we'll just be throwing our faces away with our performance compared to their aggressive Hakka', but at least in the end they appreciated it. Especially those in my det, cos I was the main character in the puppet show. I'm just interested to know how I looked like when performing, cos someone did take photos...
My det 2IC bought a torchlight and a bottle of prickly heat powder for each kiwi in our det, cos he thought they weren't issued their own torchlights and they found prickly heat powder soothing for our outrageously warm afternoons outfield.
In return the kiwis gave us 2 of their admin shirts (complete with their PT shorts!) together with a small NZ flag and fern-shaped badges. Never mind the fact that they wore the shirts before, the meaning behind the presents were special. I got them to autograph the shirts so that at least they'd have some sentimental value, and I doubt I'll wear them, probably will just hang it in my wardrobe and bring it out every now and then to remind me of the good days we spent together.
Since they gave such nice presents, I thought I ought to return something more and bought some collar badges for them to keep. The torch and the powder seems a little cheapskate eh...
Think I've got to start working on those messages to write to the kiwis. Tomorrow night's the last time I'll be able to see them before they return to their homeland on the C130 - a 21 hour long trip my goodness!
Two Bowls of Soup
yx and I dined at The Soup Spoon today, I'm surprised that I could fill my stomach for $9 with a pretty good meal!
Presenting to you the meatless minestrone in the foreground and the whatever-mushroom soup in the background!
The bitterness of life... and beer
yx was telling me how she didn't like alcohol as well for its taste... Then I realised why people get so emotional after drinking beer - cos it reminds them of how bitter life is when they taste bitter beer!!!
Tribute to Jose Mourinho...
A sudden departure by the guy who claimed that he's The Special One was really shocking. That'll really dampen the Chelsea spirit from now on...
One less iconic character to look out for in EPL. What a waste, especially when he contributed so many quotable quotes, brought Chelsea to EPL glory etc...
You'll be missed, Jose.
Sunday, 16 September 2007
Then, Now and Later...
Exactly one year ago, I was busy mugging for prelims. http://geoffthepretender.blogspot.com/2006_09_01_archive.html
Today, I'm serving NS.
One year from now, I'd just be slightly less than 2 mths away from ORD.
Oh wow, time really flies like many others say.
For now, I'll be returning to my 'cosy' bunk in 3 hours time.
Next week: perhaps an insight to how my typical weekend is like? The word typical suggests a routine lifestyle. My life's so boring ever since I enlisted. A simple comparison between my recent blog entries and those that I wrote one year ago will tell. Lol...
Exactly one year ago, I was busy mugging for prelims. http://geoffthepretender.blogspot.com/2006_09_01_archive.html
Today, I'm serving NS.
One year from now, I'd just be slightly less than 2 mths away from ORD.
Oh wow, time really flies like many others say.
For now, I'll be returning to my 'cosy' bunk in 3 hours time.
Next week: perhaps an insight to how my typical weekend is like? The word typical suggests a routine lifestyle. My life's so boring ever since I enlisted. A simple comparison between my recent blog entries and those that I wrote one year ago will tell. Lol...
No Reservations
The funniest part of the outing: Qingwei never realised 'No Reservations' was the title of the movie when he received the sms from xyu: 'hey, want to watch a movie? no reservations, 9pm' He thought she's trying to say there's no need to book the seats...
Yet another outing with the usual gang on Friday night. Although this time there were just 4 of us: Qingwei, Xiuyu, Menghwee and me. It was also on Friday night that Menghwee finally realised we were in the same camp, only in different units. And I've seen him a couple of times in the cookhouse ever since he was posted to Chongpang in July.
I think this was the first time I watched a movie till 11pm. The whole shopping centre was deserted but the lights were still on.
The funniest part of the outing: Qingwei never realised 'No Reservations' was the title of the movie when he received the sms from xyu: 'hey, want to watch a movie? no reservations, 9pm' He thought she's trying to say there's no need to book the seats...
Little ginger cat
Yesterday I spotted this cute cat at a carpark near Beach Road. Think it was trying to look for its kittens cos it was meowing rather pitifully:
It must be shy of the camera. Couldn't get it to look at me.
Sometimes cats are just as cute as dogs...
Walking with the kiwis
This week I'll be out in the field again with the kiwis.
Something really silly happened last Tuesday morning though: we thought they were going to do their morning exercise at 5am when they said: 'see you all at the fitness corner at five to six'
They actually meant that they'll be starting their morning exercise at five minutes to 6am, ie 5.55am, rather than doing exercise from 5 to 6am. And we suaku idiots started running around the camp at 5.15am and woke up at 4.30am! Lol... I figured out what they meant only when we were all wondering why they were still sleeping when it's 5.30am while we were the only ones awake and running around.
Saturday, 8 September 2007
A smooth journey
Fortunately I'm still in sync with the training car despite not touching it for over a month.
It was a pleasant surprise to spot my dad's taxi travelling alongside my car while I was approaching a junction that led to AMK Ave 5. I was instructed to turn right, and with little distance between my car and the junction, I had to quickly cut into the path of my dad's taxi. I doubt he spotted me in the car, cos he just wheezed by without even taking a look into my car. Wonder if he was thinking: 'Aiyah, this driving trainee so lousy, anyhow cut into people's lane!'
Photo taking by a big shot
Yesterday while my parents were viewing the static displays at my unit I took a photo of them standing in front of one of the systems mounted on a tank. Just after I took the photo a man standing next to me offered to help me with his gentlemanly voice: 'Would you like to take a photo with your parents?'
When I turned to my right, I almost got a shock of my life. The man was actually the Comd DAG! Later after I posed for a shot with my parents he introduced himself and said something about making Family Day a yearly affair cos parents/girlfriends can get to see what their sons/boyfriends do everyday. Hm, not a bad idea I'd say.
Eighteen Chefs
At last in a long while I managed to meet up with Qingwei and the usual gang, thanks to the half day yesterday. We had dinner at some little restaurant called Eighteen Chefs, wonder why the 18. Didn't spot 18 staff members there, much less 18 chefs wearing the distinctive chef's hat!
Usual topic of discussion among guys (qw, willy, ks & me): NS. And about the champion who was caught in Orchard Cine with his weapon.
The two girls (xyu and fatima) will be ranting about how hectic uni life can be and how they can't catch up with the lectures...
Didn't take any photos of the yummy food we ate, or of the painting on the wall that depicted a kitchen with a conveyor belt that's churning out baked rice. A pity maybe...
Considering the price for the quality of the food, it's just alright. And it's nice to catch up with what your friends are doing sometimes, otherwise life will be downright boring...
Fortunately I'm still in sync with the training car despite not touching it for over a month.
It was a pleasant surprise to spot my dad's taxi travelling alongside my car while I was approaching a junction that led to AMK Ave 5. I was instructed to turn right, and with little distance between my car and the junction, I had to quickly cut into the path of my dad's taxi. I doubt he spotted me in the car, cos he just wheezed by without even taking a look into my car. Wonder if he was thinking: 'Aiyah, this driving trainee so lousy, anyhow cut into people's lane!'
Photo taking by a big shot
Yesterday while my parents were viewing the static displays at my unit I took a photo of them standing in front of one of the systems mounted on a tank. Just after I took the photo a man standing next to me offered to help me with his gentlemanly voice: 'Would you like to take a photo with your parents?'
When I turned to my right, I almost got a shock of my life. The man was actually the Comd DAG! Later after I posed for a shot with my parents he introduced himself and said something about making Family Day a yearly affair cos parents/girlfriends can get to see what their sons/boyfriends do everyday. Hm, not a bad idea I'd say.
Eighteen Chefs
At last in a long while I managed to meet up with Qingwei and the usual gang, thanks to the half day yesterday. We had dinner at some little restaurant called Eighteen Chefs, wonder why the 18. Didn't spot 18 staff members there, much less 18 chefs wearing the distinctive chef's hat!
Usual topic of discussion among guys (qw, willy, ks & me): NS. And about the champion who was caught in Orchard Cine with his weapon.
The two girls (xyu and fatima) will be ranting about how hectic uni life can be and how they can't catch up with the lectures...
Didn't take any photos of the yummy food we ate, or of the painting on the wall that depicted a kitchen with a conveyor belt that's churning out baked rice. A pity maybe...
Considering the price for the quality of the food, it's just alright. And it's nice to catch up with what your friends are doing sometimes, otherwise life will be downright boring...
Friday, 7 September 2007
Back on the road!
The bus-like Chinook being admired at by many young children...
The netting-like 'seats' on the Chinook - reminds me of those in the C130!
I also got a glimpse of the bird's eye view from the control tower - another once in a lifetime experience, especially if you don't intend to work as an air traffic controller at Changi in future.
Wow it's been over a month since I last touched the steering wheel. Gotta brush up on my driving skills again, hope they didn't turn rusty after my overseas stint. Wished I could learn to drive a land rover, but my job scope doesn't require me to do so... what a pity.
Family Day
It'd be nice if family day was more often. At least my parents could see what I've been doing for the past 5 months. Also had a first hand look at some helicopters at SBAB, which was celebrating their 25th anniversary. It's not everyday that you get to see them, so it was a special experience.
The bus-like Chinook being admired at by many young children... The netting-like 'seats' on the Chinook - reminds me of those in the C130!I also got a glimpse of the bird's eye view from the control tower - another once in a lifetime experience, especially if you don't intend to work as an air traffic controller at Changi in future.Thursday, 6 September 2007
The day after I returned...
Early in the morning a wave of dragon's breath hit the platoon. Once again I found myself with my head barely 5cm away from the ground and a barrage of words passed in and out of my ears.
Although I've just been promoted, there's no joy in it other than the little bit of extra allowance that I'll receive every month. I'll still have to just accept whatever comes my way everyday.
Can't believe so much happened in such a short week. Wonder what else will I encounter if tomorrow isn't Family Day man.
Ah, shall enjoy the weekend while it lasts. The calm before the storm.
Early in the morning a wave of dragon's breath hit the platoon. Once again I found myself with my head barely 5cm away from the ground and a barrage of words passed in and out of my ears.
Although I've just been promoted, there's no joy in it other than the little bit of extra allowance that I'll receive every month. I'll still have to just accept whatever comes my way everyday.
Can't believe so much happened in such a short week. Wonder what else will I encounter if tomorrow isn't Family Day man.
Ah, shall enjoy the weekend while it lasts. The calm before the storm.
Tuesday, 4 September 2007
Time Flies...
And there goes my one and a half days of off. Now I'm left with none!
It's back to the same old rhythm...
It's the school holidays now, and while I was walking past another house in my block I heard laughter coming from a group of boys in one of the bedrooms facing the corridor. Reminds me of the great times I used to have during school holidays with Qingwei, Zhenyi, Jinlai, Ruofan, Xiuyu - who were always pestering to play computer games and PS2 at my house whenever we met.
Yet another 'those were the days' moment.
And there goes my one and a half days of off. Now I'm left with none!
It's back to the same old rhythm...
It's the school holidays now, and while I was walking past another house in my block I heard laughter coming from a group of boys in one of the bedrooms facing the corridor. Reminds me of the great times I used to have during school holidays with Qingwei, Zhenyi, Jinlai, Ruofan, Xiuyu - who were always pestering to play computer games and PS2 at my house whenever we met.
Yet another 'those were the days' moment.
Monday, 3 September 2007
Days Off
Really feeling very sian this morning. Book in blues are back.
Fortunately I get to clear whatever remaining off days I have on hand today and tomorrow so I can have some rest before going back to camp. But that means I've got no off to claim till the end of the month when I have my weekend guard.
Anyway, quite a lot of things happened during my 2 week absence in unit. My bunk was shifted up to the 6th floor, tucked in a secluded corner of the unit block. Thanks to my bunk mates I'm sleeping on the bed closest to the door. And if I'd remembered correctly it isn't good fengshui to have your bed facing directly at the door. Geez...
I just hope things will brighten up in the days to come. Otherwise it'll be hard to pull myself away from 'dreamland': the relaxed daily routine I enjoyed while in Brunei.
Really feeling very sian this morning. Book in blues are back.
Fortunately I get to clear whatever remaining off days I have on hand today and tomorrow so I can have some rest before going back to camp. But that means I've got no off to claim till the end of the month when I have my weekend guard.
Anyway, quite a lot of things happened during my 2 week absence in unit. My bunk was shifted up to the 6th floor, tucked in a secluded corner of the unit block. Thanks to my bunk mates I'm sleeping on the bed closest to the door. And if I'd remembered correctly it isn't good fengshui to have your bed facing directly at the door. Geez...
I just hope things will brighten up in the days to come. Otherwise it'll be hard to pull myself away from 'dreamland': the relaxed daily routine I enjoyed while in Brunei.
Sunday, 2 September 2007
Friday, 31 August 2007
Back from the abode of peace...
It's the experience that counts.
The wonderful sunset (instead of the lunar eclipse), the noisy rides in the C130, the thunderflash and smoke grenade I threw, the spectacular sight of flares being shot into the air in the middle of the night to simulate an attack, the hot midday and freakingly cold night when I was outfield...
The boat ride around their gigantic water village, cheap LAN games at Gadong district, the only McDonald's in Brunei, the one and only 'The Mall' where we spent out nights out everytime...
These memories I'll never forget.
Yet another chapter in my life as a NSF.
It's the experience that counts.
The wonderful sunset (instead of the lunar eclipse), the noisy rides in the C130, the thunderflash and smoke grenade I threw, the spectacular sight of flares being shot into the air in the middle of the night to simulate an attack, the hot midday and freakingly cold night when I was outfield...
The boat ride around their gigantic water village, cheap LAN games at Gadong district, the only McDonald's in Brunei, the one and only 'The Mall' where we spent out nights out everytime...
These memories I'll never forget.
Yet another chapter in my life as a NSF.
Saturday, 18 August 2007
Off to foreign land...
In two days time I'll be off to Brunei for two weeks.
It'll definitely be a new experience, especially when I'm not going there in a Boeing.
Recently I've jumped on the DotA bandwagon, so during every nights out I'll be playing it with my friends at the LAN shop within walking distance from camp and return with some snacks from Macs or the zhu cha stall just across the road.
Perhaps I started playing Dota much much later than everyone else, but with every game I learn some new strategy. It's not too late to learn something new after all!
Today while I was walking around Vivo with yx we came across this sign in Toys R Us:
In two days time I'll be off to Brunei for two weeks.
It'll definitely be a new experience, especially when I'm not going there in a Boeing.
Recently I've jumped on the DotA bandwagon, so during every nights out I'll be playing it with my friends at the LAN shop within walking distance from camp and return with some snacks from Macs or the zhu cha stall just across the road.
Perhaps I started playing Dota much much later than everyone else, but with every game I learn some new strategy. It's not too late to learn something new after all!
Today while I was walking around Vivo with yx we came across this sign in Toys R Us:
I know Noah has one, but me? Lol.
Friday, 10 August 2007
Dunked!
Ah... if I'd 'siam'-ed faster...
And knew that my commanders were targeting me since I was among the lightest among my coursemates.
But anyway, it wasn't too bad having myself soaked in the Tanjong Beach lagoon in Sentosa this afternoon. I'm quite surprised that someone who's of smaller build than me could lift me using fireman carry at least 50 metres from where I stood to the lagoon.
I got a tan on my hands too after hanging around the beach for 3 hours. My coursemates and I 'deployed' our beach mats at a corner of the lagoon, then sat down to enjoy the scenery and watch a few groups of school students playing soccer, volleyball, frisbee... Ah reminds me of the class outings I had in JC and secondary school to Sentosa.
No chance to watch the NDP parade live yesterday, but I did see the Chinook carrying the national flag take off.
Ah... if I'd 'siam'-ed faster...
And knew that my commanders were targeting me since I was among the lightest among my coursemates.
But anyway, it wasn't too bad having myself soaked in the Tanjong Beach lagoon in Sentosa this afternoon. I'm quite surprised that someone who's of smaller build than me could lift me using fireman carry at least 50 metres from where I stood to the lagoon.
I got a tan on my hands too after hanging around the beach for 3 hours. My coursemates and I 'deployed' our beach mats at a corner of the lagoon, then sat down to enjoy the scenery and watch a few groups of school students playing soccer, volleyball, frisbee... Ah reminds me of the class outings I had in JC and secondary school to Sentosa.
No chance to watch the NDP parade live yesterday, but I did see the Chinook carrying the national flag take off.
Saturday, 4 August 2007
A short but ruined week coming up...
Yeah. Just 3 working days to endure next week. However...
1) I'm so lucky to have guard duty on National Day. My very first one too since enlistment. What a way to commemorate the nation's 42nd birthday... Right.
And I thought I could probably go watch the flypast somewhere close to Marina Bay. Now that plan's all gone to waste. Instead I can only watch it on tv in the guardroom or see the helis returning to base after they've done their stuff while I prowl.
2) Think I'll get the next day off for doing duty on a holiday? Think again. There's some formation celebration at Sentosa the day after that! But at least, I still can clear that off day on another day. That'll be my very first off day that I earned!
3) I'll be expecting night training to prepare for all the 'fun' events during the overseas exercise in Brunei in 3 wks time.
4) The prospect of a possible recall on Saturday.
Oh well, come what may... I kind of got used to it after 7 months of NS...
Yeah. Just 3 working days to endure next week. However...
1) I'm so lucky to have guard duty on National Day. My very first one too since enlistment. What a way to commemorate the nation's 42nd birthday... Right.
And I thought I could probably go watch the flypast somewhere close to Marina Bay. Now that plan's all gone to waste. Instead I can only watch it on tv in the guardroom or see the helis returning to base after they've done their stuff while I prowl.
2) Think I'll get the next day off for doing duty on a holiday? Think again. There's some formation celebration at Sentosa the day after that! But at least, I still can clear that off day on another day. That'll be my very first off day that I earned!
3) I'll be expecting night training to prepare for all the 'fun' events during the overseas exercise in Brunei in 3 wks time.
4) The prospect of a possible recall on Saturday.
Oh well, come what may... I kind of got used to it after 7 months of NS...
Seeing everyone 7 days a week...
Yesterday my PC organised a platoon outing to some Thai seafood restaurant just opposite camp. For $15 per person, I think the food was just of a reasonable standard, it was just like the dishes you can order from the zhu cha store at a kopitiam.
This afternoon I was out at Paradiz Centre playing Dota and Counterstrike with a couple of coursemates. Decided that I should at least make an effort to turn up cos I didn't join them for the Kbox session last Saturday. So... that means I'll be seeing them for the whole week!
Yesterday my PC organised a platoon outing to some Thai seafood restaurant just opposite camp. For $15 per person, I think the food was just of a reasonable standard, it was just like the dishes you can order from the zhu cha store at a kopitiam.
This afternoon I was out at Paradiz Centre playing Dota and Counterstrike with a couple of coursemates. Decided that I should at least make an effort to turn up cos I didn't join them for the Kbox session last Saturday. So... that means I'll be seeing them for the whole week!
Sunday, 29 July 2007
Saturday, 28 July 2007
Every week is just a reflection of last week...
Brought the final Harry Potter book into camp to read last Sunday, and I managed to read 400 pages in 5 days. Shows how much free time I actually have on a usual day from 8-5 - probably wasted if I just sit down and stare at the blank wall of the lecture room, and eventually fall asleep, only to be awaken by some commander who will make a surprise visit into the room.
Seriously, I think I ought to make full use of the free time I have in my NS days by reading. Otherwise my brain will just be rotting away in the next 16 months. For now I'm keeping myself preoccupied with HP book 5 and 6, cos I realised I forgot nearly everything that's happened in the two Harry Potter books published up to 4 years ago.
The elusive gold...
Didn't expect my name to appear in the nominal roll for yesterday's IPPT, but it just did. After all, the news was that only those who just passed or failed had to take the test, but I did clock a silver award some time during my course. Anyway, I told myself just to do my best to see if I can maintain a silver or even better, attempt for gold.
Luck seemed to be on my side yesterday for the 4 static stations. I managed to scrape through SBJ with 234cm, do 10 pull ups (I've never done as many pull ups without assistance before), and run 10 sec flat for shuttle run. The sit ups, as usual, was a sure 5 points as long as I did 40 of them.
All that's left for me to attain a gold (and $200) was to run faster than 9 min 45 sec for 2.4km. My last record was nearly 10 and a half minutes, so I thought it would be a rather steep hill to climb just to shave 45 secs from my best 2.4km timing to date.
In the end, the gold seemed so near yet so far: I set a new record, but my luck ran out too. 9 min 57 secs. Perhaps if I just exerted a little more... oh well, I shall just take it one step at a time and train up for the 9 min 45 sec target.
Avoiding road hazards
Today's driving lesson was a rather bumpy ride. Did alright in the circuit courses, but when out on the roads the instructor who has a waist pouch that contains sweets and medicated oil was commenting that I do see road hazards yet didn't bother/want to/feel it's not necessary to take action against them. Perhaps my concentration just wasn't there today.
The instructor passed my lesson in the end, so that leaves me with the last subject content of my driving course: a mock practical test just like the real one.
So, Saturday's coming to an end. Another 23 hours to booking in.
Brought the final Harry Potter book into camp to read last Sunday, and I managed to read 400 pages in 5 days. Shows how much free time I actually have on a usual day from 8-5 - probably wasted if I just sit down and stare at the blank wall of the lecture room, and eventually fall asleep, only to be awaken by some commander who will make a surprise visit into the room.
Seriously, I think I ought to make full use of the free time I have in my NS days by reading. Otherwise my brain will just be rotting away in the next 16 months. For now I'm keeping myself preoccupied with HP book 5 and 6, cos I realised I forgot nearly everything that's happened in the two Harry Potter books published up to 4 years ago.
The elusive gold...
Didn't expect my name to appear in the nominal roll for yesterday's IPPT, but it just did. After all, the news was that only those who just passed or failed had to take the test, but I did clock a silver award some time during my course. Anyway, I told myself just to do my best to see if I can maintain a silver or even better, attempt for gold.
Luck seemed to be on my side yesterday for the 4 static stations. I managed to scrape through SBJ with 234cm, do 10 pull ups (I've never done as many pull ups without assistance before), and run 10 sec flat for shuttle run. The sit ups, as usual, was a sure 5 points as long as I did 40 of them.
All that's left for me to attain a gold (and $200) was to run faster than 9 min 45 sec for 2.4km. My last record was nearly 10 and a half minutes, so I thought it would be a rather steep hill to climb just to shave 45 secs from my best 2.4km timing to date.
In the end, the gold seemed so near yet so far: I set a new record, but my luck ran out too. 9 min 57 secs. Perhaps if I just exerted a little more... oh well, I shall just take it one step at a time and train up for the 9 min 45 sec target.
Avoiding road hazards
Today's driving lesson was a rather bumpy ride. Did alright in the circuit courses, but when out on the roads the instructor who has a waist pouch that contains sweets and medicated oil was commenting that I do see road hazards yet didn't bother/want to/feel it's not necessary to take action against them. Perhaps my concentration just wasn't there today.
The instructor passed my lesson in the end, so that leaves me with the last subject content of my driving course: a mock practical test just like the real one.
So, Saturday's coming to an end. Another 23 hours to booking in.
Saturday, 21 July 2007
Final Driving Theory
Phew, I passed. After encountering some tricky questions. I was the last to leave the room, just like when I took my Basic Theory 7 months ago. As usual, I'm the sort who will check answers again until every second of the 50 minutes for the test are up.
Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix
I forgot most of the story after all the 5th book was released at least 3 years ago. The movie was still alright although I'm sure if you compare it with the book many things have been omitted. But at least the movie seemed complete enough on its own to cover the gist of the book. I wouldn't have mind if the movie could be slightly longer though.
The Deathly Hallows
Collected my book from the magazine store which my mum frequents at 9am. The moment I reached home I flipped to the last chapter - apparently an epilogue titled 'Nineteen Years Later'. Scanned the pages for Harry's name, so that means he didn't die. And by inference, Voldemort is one of the two characters to die in the book. I guessed the other would be Snape, and I seem to be right.
It won't be possible for me to complete 600 pages this weekend, after all I'm having a driving lesson first thing tomorrow morning. Perhaps I'll bring the book in to bunk to read.
NDP rehearsal
Never have I come so close to watching F 16s, Apaches and Chinooks fly so near to me (at most 5 metres away) despite the fact that my bunk's close to an airbase. The feeling was simply spectacular. Seems like the Merlion Park is a good place to deck out this National Day if you didn't manage to get tixs for the parade...
In the coming months...
With the activity forecast for the next half of the year more or less confirmed, the upcoming months are going to be hectic. At least I'm starting to view book ins with a positive atitude. Without it I doubt I'll be able to last every week in camp.
Phew, I passed. After encountering some tricky questions. I was the last to leave the room, just like when I took my Basic Theory 7 months ago. As usual, I'm the sort who will check answers again until every second of the 50 minutes for the test are up.
Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix
I forgot most of the story after all the 5th book was released at least 3 years ago. The movie was still alright although I'm sure if you compare it with the book many things have been omitted. But at least the movie seemed complete enough on its own to cover the gist of the book. I wouldn't have mind if the movie could be slightly longer though.
The Deathly Hallows
Collected my book from the magazine store which my mum frequents at 9am. The moment I reached home I flipped to the last chapter - apparently an epilogue titled 'Nineteen Years Later'. Scanned the pages for Harry's name, so that means he didn't die. And by inference, Voldemort is one of the two characters to die in the book. I guessed the other would be Snape, and I seem to be right.
It won't be possible for me to complete 600 pages this weekend, after all I'm having a driving lesson first thing tomorrow morning. Perhaps I'll bring the book in to bunk to read.
NDP rehearsal
Never have I come so close to watching F 16s, Apaches and Chinooks fly so near to me (at most 5 metres away) despite the fact that my bunk's close to an airbase. The feeling was simply spectacular. Seems like the Merlion Park is a good place to deck out this National Day if you didn't manage to get tixs for the parade...
In the coming months...
With the activity forecast for the next half of the year more or less confirmed, the upcoming months are going to be hectic. At least I'm starting to view book ins with a positive atitude. Without it I doubt I'll be able to last every week in camp.
Sunday, 15 July 2007
Nights Out
Finally, after almost 15 weeks of waiting, we got our first nights out on Wednesday. In a short span of 4 hours, we managed to play a couple of Counterstrike games, ate Chong Pang nasi lemak and went to shop for some snacks at the Shop & Save outlet just across the road before walking back into camp at about 8.15pm. That's almost 2 hrs before the time given for us to book in, but I was trying my luck to return to bunk and bathe before making a trip to the lounge to watch Deal or No Deal. Alas, by the time I finished what was necessary, I entered the lounge just in time to watch the contestant reject the last offer of $6300. In the end, he went home with just $750.
Somehow, 4 hours can be a very long time if you spend it wisely. I've got coursemates who managed to go to Bishan to meet up with their friend, have dinner and then come back to camp on time. Or a commander who managed to go to Orchard to shop at Kino and Borders for some books before making his way back by 9.
Unit anniversary
Friday was one of the slackest days so far ever since I joined my unit. Although it was a belated unit anniversary celebration, we had a soccer tournament in the morning. My team were thrashed badly by the other team that the battery entered for the tournament (consisting mainly of our commanders).
It was a half day off in the afternoon, followed by the dinner at the Chevrons. The food was alright, the entertainment up to expectations - a few programmes by MDC, and dances by some female dance group. That's also the time when people tried sabo-ing their peers to go on stage and be the 'poles' for the dancers.
The dinner ended just after 10pm, and it was an hour long MRT ride back home from Jurong East. I didn't go home empty handed though, I won a Lin Junjie 'Cao Cao' CD after taking part in one of the games hosted by the MDC compere. I know the album's not new but I don't have it anyway, so at least it's useful.
Finally, after almost 15 weeks of waiting, we got our first nights out on Wednesday. In a short span of 4 hours, we managed to play a couple of Counterstrike games, ate Chong Pang nasi lemak and went to shop for some snacks at the Shop & Save outlet just across the road before walking back into camp at about 8.15pm. That's almost 2 hrs before the time given for us to book in, but I was trying my luck to return to bunk and bathe before making a trip to the lounge to watch Deal or No Deal. Alas, by the time I finished what was necessary, I entered the lounge just in time to watch the contestant reject the last offer of $6300. In the end, he went home with just $750.
Somehow, 4 hours can be a very long time if you spend it wisely. I've got coursemates who managed to go to Bishan to meet up with their friend, have dinner and then come back to camp on time. Or a commander who managed to go to Orchard to shop at Kino and Borders for some books before making his way back by 9.
Unit anniversary
Friday was one of the slackest days so far ever since I joined my unit. Although it was a belated unit anniversary celebration, we had a soccer tournament in the morning. My team were thrashed badly by the other team that the battery entered for the tournament (consisting mainly of our commanders).
It was a half day off in the afternoon, followed by the dinner at the Chevrons. The food was alright, the entertainment up to expectations - a few programmes by MDC, and dances by some female dance group. That's also the time when people tried sabo-ing their peers to go on stage and be the 'poles' for the dancers.
The dinner ended just after 10pm, and it was an hour long MRT ride back home from Jurong East. I didn't go home empty handed though, I won a Lin Junjie 'Cao Cao' CD after taking part in one of the games hosted by the MDC compere. I know the album's not new but I don't have it anyway, so at least it's useful.
Saturday, 14 July 2007
Creaky Knees
Recently some of my friends have complained about kneecaps that make weird noises when they bend their knees. I've also been experiencing somewhat the same feeling they described. We all wonder if that's the after effects of manpack... Hm.
30 points
Today's driving lesson was taken by the 'newest kid on the block' again. Was supposed to be a mock practical test where I'm not supposed to accumulate more than 30 demerit points or immediate failure mistake.
Started off with a warm up of 2 rounds around the circuit, followed by the various courses and parking. The S course and crank course were easily managed as usual. After that it was on to the road to do 2 test routes: one for the mock test, the other as practice.
In the end, I accumulated 30 points, most of them for not checking the blind spot with the correct technique and for not checking mirrors.
And so, my next lesson will yet be another mock test.
Recently some of my friends have complained about kneecaps that make weird noises when they bend their knees. I've also been experiencing somewhat the same feeling they described. We all wonder if that's the after effects of manpack... Hm.
30 points
Today's driving lesson was taken by the 'newest kid on the block' again. Was supposed to be a mock practical test where I'm not supposed to accumulate more than 30 demerit points or immediate failure mistake.
Started off with a warm up of 2 rounds around the circuit, followed by the various courses and parking. The S course and crank course were easily managed as usual. After that it was on to the road to do 2 test routes: one for the mock test, the other as practice.
In the end, I accumulated 30 points, most of them for not checking the blind spot with the correct technique and for not checking mirrors.
And so, my next lesson will yet be another mock test.
Saturday, 7 July 2007
Transformers
It's been slightly over a week since the movie started screening in theatres. Yet it was almost full house at GV TM and Century Cineplex.
The movie wasn't as bad as how 8 days and life! movie critics rated it. I think the most interesting part was looking at how the machines transformed into robots so quickly! That's the whole idea about Transformers anyway.
Makes me wonder why I wasn't really too interested in the cartoon series nearly a decade ago.
Coming up next on the list of movies to watch: Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix.
In two weeks time.
It's been slightly over a week since the movie started screening in theatres. Yet it was almost full house at GV TM and Century Cineplex.
The movie wasn't as bad as how 8 days and life! movie critics rated it. I think the most interesting part was looking at how the machines transformed into robots so quickly! That's the whole idea about Transformers anyway.
Makes me wonder why I wasn't really too interested in the cartoon series nearly a decade ago.
Coming up next on the list of movies to watch: Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix.
In two weeks time.
Sunday, 1 July 2007
All good things must come to an end...
Especially block leave!
Hm... sounds familiar. Did I say this before? *-)
I need to catch the momentum of booking-in or else I'll be suffering from book-in blues again. I wonder if the new batch of trainees coming in tomorrow will get as hard a time as us during our 11 weeks.
It's deja vu again... 5 days, 5 nights.
Especially block leave!
Hm... sounds familiar. Did I say this before? *-)
I need to catch the momentum of booking-in or else I'll be suffering from book-in blues again. I wonder if the new batch of trainees coming in tomorrow will get as hard a time as us during our 11 weeks.
It's deja vu again... 5 days, 5 nights.
Saturday, 30 June 2007
Snoozing on the move...
Today's driving lesson was finally taken by the guy whom I've not seen for more than a month. Was supposed to continue learning parallel parking, but the circuit was so crowded that we decided to do other circuit courses first in the end. 10 mins later the "parking spaces" started to free up, so I was able to continue practising my parking.
On my first try, I mixed up the procedure for reversing into the parking lot. Instead of returning the steering wheel such that the car was 45 degrees with respect to the corner of the lot, my wheel was still pointing to the left while I reversed. Struck the kerb, and the instructor shook his head. Never mind, I tried again at another parking lot.
After a few attempts to get my parking right, the instructor started to get me familiarised with the test routes for the practical test. Before I made it out of the circuit, there was this loud 'BANG!' when the instructor tapped on the dashboard. For a moment, it didn't register in my mind that I was supposed to do an emergency stop. One second later, my foot was trying hard to press on the brakes but the pressure wasn't enough. It took at least two seconds for the car to stop and there wasn't this 'Screech!' from the tyres. 'Not enough brake ah!'
A short drive out on the road and a couple of minutes later I finished test route one. That was probably the easiest and shortest of all the test routes. Back at the driving centre, it was more practice on circuit courses. Followed by test route 2.
I reckoned that while driving my second test route the instructor fell asleep. I could hear him starting to snore silently and his head started to tilt slightly forward. Couldn't see if he closed his eyes cos he was wearing sunglasses as usual. Lol. Tried to wake him up a bit by braking late when approaching a red light junction. Heh. Then on the way back to the driving centre, he forgot to give me the instruction to turn back into the circuit (He'd told me not to question the tester about directions during the test, it would be given naturally) so I purposely drove past the entrance. After a left turn into a street, he told me to make a U-turn and drive back into the circuit. That's when I confirmed that he took 40 winks while I was driving.
So, I've come to the end of stage 3. Even before I've taken my final theory and not even booked my practical test date yet. My PDL is expiring soon too, it cost me $1+ a lesson. Learning driving is really not that cheap when you do the sums.
Had a wonderful afternoon nap lasting almost 3 hours today. I think block leave has slowly turned me into a pig. But starting Monday the hustle and bustle of unit life will return...
Today's driving lesson was finally taken by the guy whom I've not seen for more than a month. Was supposed to continue learning parallel parking, but the circuit was so crowded that we decided to do other circuit courses first in the end. 10 mins later the "parking spaces" started to free up, so I was able to continue practising my parking.
On my first try, I mixed up the procedure for reversing into the parking lot. Instead of returning the steering wheel such that the car was 45 degrees with respect to the corner of the lot, my wheel was still pointing to the left while I reversed. Struck the kerb, and the instructor shook his head. Never mind, I tried again at another parking lot.
After a few attempts to get my parking right, the instructor started to get me familiarised with the test routes for the practical test. Before I made it out of the circuit, there was this loud 'BANG!' when the instructor tapped on the dashboard. For a moment, it didn't register in my mind that I was supposed to do an emergency stop. One second later, my foot was trying hard to press on the brakes but the pressure wasn't enough. It took at least two seconds for the car to stop and there wasn't this 'Screech!' from the tyres. 'Not enough brake ah!'
A short drive out on the road and a couple of minutes later I finished test route one. That was probably the easiest and shortest of all the test routes. Back at the driving centre, it was more practice on circuit courses. Followed by test route 2.
I reckoned that while driving my second test route the instructor fell asleep. I could hear him starting to snore silently and his head started to tilt slightly forward. Couldn't see if he closed his eyes cos he was wearing sunglasses as usual. Lol. Tried to wake him up a bit by braking late when approaching a red light junction. Heh. Then on the way back to the driving centre, he forgot to give me the instruction to turn back into the circuit (He'd told me not to question the tester about directions during the test, it would be given naturally) so I purposely drove past the entrance. After a left turn into a street, he told me to make a U-turn and drive back into the circuit. That's when I confirmed that he took 40 winks while I was driving.
So, I've come to the end of stage 3. Even before I've taken my final theory and not even booked my practical test date yet. My PDL is expiring soon too, it cost me $1+ a lesson. Learning driving is really not that cheap when you do the sums.
Had a wonderful afternoon nap lasting almost 3 hours today. I think block leave has slowly turned me into a pig. But starting Monday the hustle and bustle of unit life will return...
Wednesday, 27 June 2007
Talk about road courtesy...
Recently that familiar advert on TV has finally reappeared! Remember that little bouncy yellow ball with the traffic police helmet trying to encourage motorists to signal early and what not?
On my last driving lesson, I witnessed at least two cars not signalling before they turned into petrol stations.
Today, during a lesson on lane changing in heavy traffic, cars just zoomed past me even though I had been signalling to change lane for at least 10 seconds. No wonder the instructor also couldn't stand those motorists. He said something like: L-plate drivers are bound to be bullied by other road users. Bigger sized vehicles like lorries and vans always think they rule the roads.
I've almost learnt everything I need to drive. I just require more practice on parallel parking, and all that's left is revision on the test routes.
Countdown: less than 24 hours before I have to book in... :(
Recently that familiar advert on TV has finally reappeared! Remember that little bouncy yellow ball with the traffic police helmet trying to encourage motorists to signal early and what not?
On my last driving lesson, I witnessed at least two cars not signalling before they turned into petrol stations.
Today, during a lesson on lane changing in heavy traffic, cars just zoomed past me even though I had been signalling to change lane for at least 10 seconds. No wonder the instructor also couldn't stand those motorists. He said something like: L-plate drivers are bound to be bullied by other road users. Bigger sized vehicles like lorries and vans always think they rule the roads.
I've almost learnt everything I need to drive. I just require more practice on parallel parking, and all that's left is revision on the test routes.
Countdown: less than 24 hours before I have to book in... :(
Tuesday, 26 June 2007
Interrupted.
Just as I thought I could have a good solid 1 1/2 weeks of block leave, an sms came yesterday requesting me to go back on Thursday night for some technical handling test. Sheesh.
Anyway these few days have been well spent. I've either been at the driving centre, meeting up with friends, doing window shopping, or simply lying on bed at home taking 40 winks. ;)
I believe I've gained a little weight too, it's time to hit the chin up bar at home again...
Just as I thought I could have a good solid 1 1/2 weeks of block leave, an sms came yesterday requesting me to go back on Thursday night for some technical handling test. Sheesh.
Anyway these few days have been well spent. I've either been at the driving centre, meeting up with friends, doing window shopping, or simply lying on bed at home taking 40 winks. ;)
I believe I've gained a little weight too, it's time to hit the chin up bar at home again...
Sunday, 24 June 2007
Sit back & relax...
The first half of block leave has been occupied by a driving lesson, an outing to the cinema to watch Fantastic 4 with qw and jl, and a class gathering at hanlong's house last night.
As usual, when guys are together, the only thing they can talk about is ns. Cos our lives are occupied by it 24/7. Ok, perhaps without the weekends.
I remember a coursemate saying : 'oh shucks, we're seeing each other every day for the whole week' when we organised a birthday party for yet another coursemate at ECP at the start of this month. This shows how little is the personal time you actually have to yourself on book outs if you lead a particularly active social life!
Well, at least while almost all my friends have to dread booking in tonight anytime before 2359, or worry about the new vocation they will be posted to tomorrow, my mind can still be at ease knowing that I'll have my comfy bed to sleep on tonight... and at least for the next 6 days.
The first half of block leave has been occupied by a driving lesson, an outing to the cinema to watch Fantastic 4 with qw and jl, and a class gathering at hanlong's house last night.
As usual, when guys are together, the only thing they can talk about is ns. Cos our lives are occupied by it 24/7. Ok, perhaps without the weekends.
I remember a coursemate saying : 'oh shucks, we're seeing each other every day for the whole week' when we organised a birthday party for yet another coursemate at ECP at the start of this month. This shows how little is the personal time you actually have to yourself on book outs if you lead a particularly active social life!
Well, at least while almost all my friends have to dread booking in tonight anytime before 2359, or worry about the new vocation they will be posted to tomorrow, my mind can still be at ease knowing that I'll have my comfy bed to sleep on tonight... and at least for the next 6 days.
Thursday, 21 June 2007
Saturday, 16 June 2007
Not as promised...
End of course ceremony was short and sweet. Got our certs, but still couldn't use the lifts or visit the lounge cos by right, our course ended on the next day.
We thought we needn't march after we passed out. But we were wrong!
Well, at least now more privileges are opened to us. We had our first canteen break on Friday morning and I used it to buy hashbrowns and chicken nuggets.
Passed my final theory of driving trial test today. My actual final theory test won't be till one month later. Only then can I book my practical test. By the looks of it, I won't get my driving licence till the end of this year, at the earliest.
Block leave is coming soon, I shall use it wisely.
For now, I still have to book in on Sunday night.
End of course ceremony was short and sweet. Got our certs, but still couldn't use the lifts or visit the lounge cos by right, our course ended on the next day.
We thought we needn't march after we passed out. But we were wrong!
Well, at least now more privileges are opened to us. We had our first canteen break on Friday morning and I used it to buy hashbrowns and chicken nuggets.
Passed my final theory of driving trial test today. My actual final theory test won't be till one month later. Only then can I book my practical test. By the looks of it, I won't get my driving licence till the end of this year, at the earliest.
Block leave is coming soon, I shall use it wisely.
For now, I still have to book in on Sunday night.
Saturday, 9 June 2007
Start of the end
Finally, the 11th week is arriving.
Thursday was seriously Blazing Heat. Was certainly baked under the hot sun with no clouds to cover it. The only consolation was the few waves of breeze in the late afternoon before we did our finale manpack.
Anyway, it's all done! (and all the suffering for the 2 days and 2 nights seem like an illusion now) I barely had 3 hours of sleep from Tuesday night to Thursday. What I gained were cuts, bruises, creaking knees, tanned hands...
Summex done!
Finally, the 11th week is arriving.
Thursday was seriously Blazing Heat. Was certainly baked under the hot sun with no clouds to cover it. The only consolation was the few waves of breeze in the late afternoon before we did our finale manpack.
Anyway, it's all done! (and all the suffering for the 2 days and 2 nights seem like an illusion now) I barely had 3 hours of sleep from Tuesday night to Thursday. What I gained were cuts, bruises, creaking knees, tanned hands...
Summex done!
Sunday, 3 June 2007
Thursday, 31 May 2007
Sunday, 27 May 2007
Friday, 25 May 2007
For the past 2 days...
Life as a trainee has changed. A 180 degree transformation.
Some quotes throughout the 2 days:
"Gentlemen, pain is nothing..."
"Gentlemen, how long you all need to change to PT kit?"
"10 mins..."
"10 mins too much already. I give you all 5 mins, starting from... NOW!"
(everyone rushes back to bunk)
"Gentlemen, need me to set up GS table for you all to hold discussion IS IT?"
(all the discussion among us course mates about where to put what immediately stopped)
Is 'shiong' training the best welfare? I'll know the answer in 3 weeks time I guess.
Here's a section of the lyrics of 童话 which my friend modified to reflect what we've done:
你哭著对我说 manpack会轻是骗人的
我不可能做你的manpack
也许你不会懂 从你做manpack以后
我的背后 骨头都红了
For now, it's another precious weekend to enjoy!
Thanks to today being Family Day, I get to book out half an hour earlier.
14 more days of training to endure!
Life as a trainee has changed. A 180 degree transformation.
Some quotes throughout the 2 days:
"Gentlemen, pain is nothing..."
"Gentlemen, how long you all need to change to PT kit?"
"10 mins..."
"10 mins too much already. I give you all 5 mins, starting from... NOW!"
(everyone rushes back to bunk)
"Gentlemen, need me to set up GS table for you all to hold discussion IS IT?"
(all the discussion among us course mates about where to put what immediately stopped)
Is 'shiong' training the best welfare? I'll know the answer in 3 weeks time I guess.
Here's a section of the lyrics of 童话 which my friend modified to reflect what we've done:
你哭著对我说 manpack会轻是骗人的
我不可能做你的manpack
也许你不会懂 从你做manpack以后
我的背后 骨头都红了
For now, it's another precious weekend to enjoy!
Thanks to today being Family Day, I get to book out half an hour earlier.
14 more days of training to endure!
Sunday, 20 May 2007
FA Cup Final
And Chelsea has done it: FA Cup 2007 champions. :) Thanks Man U! :PI actually forgot about the match and was watching past episodes of 幸福双人床 that my mum recorded for me over the week when yx messaged me to ask why I'm not tuning in to 'the football match that everyone was watching'. That was when I realised that the FA cup final was yesterday night. Fortunately there's extra time to be played cos I only realised it then.
Friday, 18 May 2007
Common pet phrases you hear in camp...
"Eh I/C, why liddat ah? Har? Why?"
"Never mind, whole lot knock it down!"
“你可以包吗？“
"All for one, one for all!"
Oh well...
Anyway, after 4 mths in NS, I finally passed an actual IPPT test! (I passed the last trial test too, but that's only a trial after all...) And there's a chance to get a nights out cos my course achieved 25% silver!
4 more weeks to endure. The past few days have been quite an achievement for me. Back to back deployments, manpack, IPPT...
Today a grp of OCTs came to my camp. Too bad I couldn't spot my friend who got posted to AFS...
"Eh I/C, why liddat ah? Har? Why?"
"Never mind, whole lot knock it down!"
“你可以包吗？“
"All for one, one for all!"
Oh well...
Anyway, after 4 mths in NS, I finally passed an actual IPPT test! (I passed the last trial test too, but that's only a trial after all...) And there's a chance to get a nights out cos my course achieved 25% silver!
4 more weeks to endure. The past few days have been quite an achievement for me. Back to back deployments, manpack, IPPT...
Today a grp of OCTs came to my camp. Too bad I couldn't spot my friend who got posted to AFS...
Sunday, 13 May 2007
10pm
As 10 pm approaches, the only thing to look forward to is this coming Friday.
5 days and 5 nights to endure.
This weekend and the past few weekdays has been miserable all thanks to suspected gastric flu. Sheesh. May I recover asap.
5 days and 5 nights to endure.
This weekend and the past few weekdays has been miserable all thanks to suspected gastric flu. Sheesh. May I recover asap.
10pm
As 10 pm approaches, the only thing to look forward to is this coming Friday.
5 days and 5 nights to endure.
This weekend and the past few weekdays has been miserable all thanks to suspected gastric flu. Sheesh. May I recover asap.
5 days and 5 nights to endure.
This weekend and the past few weekdays has been miserable all thanks to suspected gastric flu. Sheesh. May I recover asap.
Saturday, 12 May 2007
F1 is coming to S'pore!
http://www.formula1.com/news/6063.html
Woohoo! Just one year and a few more months to our first F1 night race!
Haven't been feeling too well for the past 3 days cos I had gastric pain. Think I either ate too much or too quickly on Tuesday.
Today's pull up+push up regime just before bookout was simply physically draining. My hands felt weak for at least an hour after walking out of camp, and I fell asleep on my way home.
Woohoo! Just one year and a few more months to our first F1 night race!
Haven't been feeling too well for the past 3 days cos I had gastric pain. Think I either ate too much or too quickly on Tuesday.
Today's pull up+push up regime just before bookout was simply physically draining. My hands felt weak for at least an hour after walking out of camp, and I fell asleep on my way home.
Saturday, 5 May 2007
Donut Factory
3 hours of waiting with yx. Spent $11. Bought a dozen donuts. Am I nuts?
I decided to take a look at what's so special about donut factory after hearing a few of my bunk mates wasting their post-BMT break waiting to buy donuts and after reading xyu's blog. Curiosity didn't kill the cat, but it sure wasted a lot of my book out time!
At the end of the day, it was worth the wait, and it was practical to buy at least a dozen to make up for the time queuing up even before the shop started business. I think the main cause of the long waiting time is the shop's policy of making only fresh donuts. That explains the 3 hour wait despite the fact that only 20 customers were in front of me from the time I joined the queue.
Anyway, during today's driving lesson I finally got the technique of directional change. Stalled the car on two occasions when I lifted my foot just slightly above the half-clutch position. Also witnessed one private testee taking the driving test and mounting the kerb while executing the directional change. I guess that constitutes an immediate failure? To make matters worse, that guy had to do corrective action after mounting the kerb. More points lost.
Won't be touching the steering wheel and pedals for the next month. I have a feeling my course will be enough to tire me out during my precious weekends. I'm looking forward to the end of my course which is 42 days from now. That's when I'll no longer be labelled a trainee, get over with the strenuous training, gain a rank and get slightly more allowance!
3 hours of waiting with yx. Spent $11. Bought a dozen donuts. Am I nuts?
I decided to take a look at what's so special about donut factory after hearing a few of my bunk mates wasting their post-BMT break waiting to buy donuts and after reading xyu's blog. Curiosity didn't kill the cat, but it sure wasted a lot of my book out time!
At the end of the day, it was worth the wait, and it was practical to buy at least a dozen to make up for the time queuing up even before the shop started business. I think the main cause of the long waiting time is the shop's policy of making only fresh donuts. That explains the 3 hour wait despite the fact that only 20 customers were in front of me from the time I joined the queue.
Anyway, during today's driving lesson I finally got the technique of directional change. Stalled the car on two occasions when I lifted my foot just slightly above the half-clutch position. Also witnessed one private testee taking the driving test and mounting the kerb while executing the directional change. I guess that constitutes an immediate failure? To make matters worse, that guy had to do corrective action after mounting the kerb. More points lost.
Won't be touching the steering wheel and pedals for the next month. I have a feeling my course will be enough to tire me out during my precious weekends. I'm looking forward to the end of my course which is 42 days from now. That's when I'll no longer be labelled a trainee, get over with the strenuous training, gain a rank and get slightly more allowance!
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