short work week

short and tough week back at unit. start to learn to play table tennis a.k.a ping pong. haha. its fun! better than playing soccer or basketball.. too competitive among my company ppl. but it seems like only my platoon will play. maybe represent support coy in ping pong competition next time if any? haha...

had chinese new year celebration in camp. was really a noisy one. they had lion n dragon dance performances ah.. eh.. don't really appreciate it coz i don't know what they are dancing about. but never mind. applause for them! *clap clap clap* also had lao yu sheng. can see every one just playing with their food. haha.. and its the only time you can play with your food. singing competition was erm..... shall not comment hehe..! =D

dear came to my place yesterday. took the violin from me. and taught me how to play properly even though she is still a beginner too! correct dear? don't know why, my dad n her gang up to call me stupid for joining SWO! no offence to SWO ppl. peace peace! LOL.. then sent her home. so my family is hosting dinner last night. somehow news spread around very fast in my house and everyone is like looking forward to meet her. haha.. next time ba..

can't wait to see her again!

Auf Wiedersehen!

Long Weekend

coming to the end of my long weekend. will be going back to camp tonight. NOOOOOO!!! what to do.. *suck thumb lo. LOL..!

Chinese New Year was as usual BORING! i don't know why i celebrate it. haha! because i am chinese? =) Adult gossip about while young kids glued to the XBox (jus wondering if they had super glued their eyes onto the tv!).

but this year a little different la, because spent time with my dear. Without you, i think i rather sleep in camp! With you, i wish to see you as often i can. 1 and a half years more, endure through k? haha.. caught 2 movies, go sentosa to see flowers. too bad no lillies for you dear.

"Like a lily among thorns is my darling among the maidens"

Song of Songs 2:2

Norbit was hillarious! kudos to eddie murphy. he is so talented, within 1 movie can act so many characters. recommended for people looking for a good laugh at the cinema. Well well.. i don't want to write much. Sleepy.... heehee! =) Argghh... out for meeting later.. sianz..

Auf Wiedersehen

*suck thumb - it is an army term use to mean stop complaining and just do whatever its being told.

Journey, Our Journey

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trust, always hopes, always perseveres.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Let this be a guide on our journey dear. =)

Auf Wiedersehen!

Engineers!

yeah! completed the engineer course. had a simple graduation ceremony to receive the cert. then return back to my unit lo, so reluctant to go back. haha.. coz course too slack already then everyone start to be lazy. haha... get to know a few new bunk mates in camp. didn't really talk to them much. hopefully it will be more enjoyable with them around?

before leaving the engineer institute, said good bye to my BMT friend, gave the same expression like during POP parade. haha. its really coincidental that we attend the course together. well, two of us are really praying the whole gang will meet up sometime soon.

for the record, first time complete reading a book in 2 weeks. normally takes a few months to read finish la. opps! hehe. so went to borders to get another book to read. helps to kill time in camp when got nothing to do.

Auf Wiedersehen!

unauthorised entry

*edited entry*

well.. going to book in later tonight. last week of course liao. so sad, coz life is going to be tough when i go back to my unit. and of course, again part with my BMT buddy who in the same course as me. both of us hope to see the rest of the guys again...

Auf Wiedersehen!

food for thought

the young generation, standard battle order for going out on consists of mp3 players, camera phones and all expensive gadget stuff making themselve look like a walking christmas tree in addition of a stinking attitude of disrespect, inconsideration for everyone else and lack the sense of urgency, no sense of priority. doing things at the wrong time, at the wrong place.

the old generation, our forefathers of the nation (cheezy!), out on the streets selling packets of tissue paper, sweets just to make ends meet for themselve in an ever increase cost of living society because of don't know what reason maybe their children unable to support them? as in their children have to feed their WANTS instead of NEEDS in life.

where do you stand?

Auf Wiedersehen!

it was a blast!!!

this week's course program was quite exciting with 2 live range. we set off quite a number of demo charges espcially on thursday, i set a firing circuit and set it off. perch on top of hill to view all the different demo charges going off. come to realise, i am quite a dangerous person now! haha.. oh well.. provided that i have access to the materials to do demolition works. eh... not those kind with cranes and bulldozers la. i have to be brief on this part coz most of the thing is secret la.. i post it liao.. later u all know how to do it how? hehe..

tuesday was nights off.. so instead of going home coz its too far and time constraint, together with a few friends head down to orchard to R & R. went to Kino, saw a few books to buy but didn't buy coz i still have 1 yet to read finish. slow la me! haha.. then go supermarket buy bags of junk tibits.. well.. tibits are junk food in the first place rite? haha! so can munch in bunk. not forgeting to get my herbal tea.. wee..! doesn't help much though..

last night, went to alumni band. was super late la, coz booked out around 7.30pm mah, so reach there almost 9. played for awhile only. concert is propsed on the 23rd June. don't know if able to play anot, coz might be in sydney with SWO. shall see... got a message that SWO was requested to do a commercial recording, don't know the details yet, so tomorrow go back SWO and find out lo since i long time never go back there.

Auf Wiedersehen!

saturated brain

first week of course and my brain is fully saturated with info. its been at least 9 months that i really pick up a book and start writing notes and study! haha..! but its a fun experience la.. seriously, my vocation is hazardous, but if follow safety rules its fun. but don't play around with me, otherwise i will huff and a puff and blow your house down! haha!

IGNITED!!!

cool thing is, my bunkmate from BMT is also in the same course... haha! even though we get posted to different unit. catch up with him during free time which is after dinner la, coz the whole day is either lecture or practical.

gonna miss band practice again, coz got to book in early tomorrow. haiz.. when can i touch my french horn. i think i should start saving up to buy one. hmm... set? set? set? we shall see.

recently been finding passport or ic size photograph of myself around the room. all taken at different age. haha.. i going to collect all and display it properly. haha. shall take a picture of it and post it up next time. cam battery flat la, nv charge. hehe..

and finally, today hand over the web development of candle of the soul to a professional web designer that came aboard to help us. relief some duties... phew! so do expect new design coming up in few weeks time ba!

Looking for new books to read, any recommendations?

Seen the Gotheborg at Vivocity before? here is my take on it. enjoy!

Auf Wiedersehn!

family

can really tell that my grandma wants to see me. hearing her tone over the phone with lots of anticipation and hope that i will drop in her place for dinner. haiz... but national service really takes up a lot of time. i think i should find time, eh no, i SHOULD drop in for dinner. heart pain.

my stupid brother is giving attitude problems to my parents. is it really a case of a spoiled brat? i mean he is the only other son at home while i am stuck in camp. every week bound to give problems.. grr..! waiting for that opportunity to really smack n wake him up.

just pray for everyone at home...

next week shall start to attend band practice. don't know if can make it for the sydney trip. but juz want to practice my horn. lost touch for very long time.

okay, unit life is quite okay. is like advance BMT. lots of running.. 5km for a start and will keep on increasing. haha! the fun part so far, was really whole battalion jumping into the swimming pool for photo taking after winning the swim meet under the rain. brr...!

so what i am trying to say so far? don't know.. lots of thoughts running through my mind.

Auf Wiedersehen!

Happy New Year!!!

2006 has gone into the history books. Quite an eventful year for me, firstly was graduation from Ngee Ann Poly then came along 6 months worth of slacking time then 4 months into army life.

In that 6 months on the music side, accomplished Mahler Sym. 1 with SWO, performing as a pianist with a primary sch choir at SYF, finally passed Grade 8 piano and achieve gold medal at NBC with alumni band. leaving my grade 8 theory an open question coz i haven't get my results yet. Gee.. but i now i am missed playing my horn. argh! messed up!

Well.. on work side, gained alot of experience and really an eye opener to the working society. there is so much to see and so much more yet to be seen!

family... well, never take them for granted

think the biggest challenge of all was BMT. was a real tough time but sure is a memorable one, never expect i survived it despite being injured. will never forget the 24km route marches, and the PC's stories or experience.

the year ahead. lots and real lots of unknow challenge. will i pull through? we shall see..!

ok ok.. trigger happy with my camera.. first one is the latest addition to my SgRiver Series, a few more coming still post processing while the latter 2 was just pure fooling around with my camera at countdown '07.

Auf Wiedersehn!

Quotes

some quotes i have collated over the past 4 months

• "Never hold Grudges"
• "You must make allowances for each other's fault and forgive the person that offends you"
• "Will I use my enery and emotions for retaliation or for resolution?"
• "Forgivenes is letting go fo the past"
• "Trust has to do with future behaviour"
• "Pride builds wall between people; Humility builds bridges"
• "Humility is the oil that soothes and smoothes relationships"
• "Live in harmony with each other. Don't try to act important, but enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all" Romans 12:16
• "Remember what Crist taught and let his words enrich your lives and make you wise." Colossians 3:16a (LB)
• "Worry is focused thinking on something negative"
• "Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practic is like a wise man who built his house on the rock" Matthew 7:24
• "We know that these troubles produces patience. And patience produce character." Romans 5:3-4(NCV)
• "Your circumstance are temporary, but your character will last forever"
• "The secret of endurance is to remember that your pain is temporary but your reward will be eternal"
• "Our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever" 2 Corinthians 4:17 (NTL)

Auf Wiedersehen!

more outfield?

guess i was a little harsh in my last post. after all.. its for a charitable cause.

got my posting yesterday. somewhat disappointed. didn't make it into band! Whhhhyyyy... all thanks to someone screwed things up. that was what been told to me. kinda expected that to happen la. Eddie broke the bad news to me before i actually checked out the posting. haiz.. guess afterall, i belong to the jungle? haha! nah! passion for music still stays strong no matter what happens in the many many months to come. can i appeal?

how long to ORD? many many months to go..... 630+++ days. shit!

NS life has just GOT more interesting!

"Every dog has its day" when will it be mine? =)

Auf Wiedersehen!

Organization Disater!!!

Quote of the day: "Assumption is the mother of all evil"

Got very irritated and annoyed this morning, those who are involve in the charity project is assuming things like no father mother business. grr... Now i really don't see the point of having meeting minutes taken. Aren't meeting minutes are taken to serve a purpose? its use to keep track of progress n task yea? Can't believe out there, there are idiots who keep asking for updates and making assumptions when everything is simply spelled out black n white in the minutes. and who are these people? people of managerial positions. gosh!

People, please drill the above quote hard into your brains, its a quote from my 2IC. If you are to assume things in whatever things you do, you are bound to see doom k..! so stop assuming things and take the initiative to get all the fact right!

Second Quote of the day: "You think, I thought, Who confirm?"

Argh.. nvm. as quote from the Bible: "Live in harmony with each other. Don't try to act important, but enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't thnk you know it all!" Romans 12:16

Auf Wiedersehen!

POP lo...!

yeah! finally passed out of BMT course. future is quite uncertain at this moment while i waiting to get posted to another unit.

the past 3 months maybe tough trainng, but is a fun experience. route marches, field camp blah blah blah.. can't say much. top secret! haha!basically, the remaining weeks in BMT was filled with another 3 days outfield.. more interesting this time round. learn to repel down with a harness made of rope, tied by ourselves.

oh yah, ever seen a puppy did a 12km route march? 24km was tough but again, it was fun! sang lots of crappy songs along the way.. without those, i think none of us can survive that distance.

Gee... gonna miss my bunk, bed and pillow. never thought i could live with a just a bed and a metal locker for 3 months.

Went for band audition, did pretty well. Now praying hard that i will get in!!!

Yesterday was the Passing out Parade. A bit like mini NDP la.. Stress, coz standing in the front row, have to get all the drills perfect. but hey, i am in the drill squad! no sweat. hehe.. lots of mixed feelings when everything was over. took lots of photos together with the section & platoon la. have yet to recieve it. shall post it up another day. later will be section outing! going out to eat and talk c***.

So that's all about BMT! Good bye Pulau Tekong!

Auf Wiedersehen!

2 more weeks to go..

back from 7 days field camp. i must say this is really an outdoor adventure. sleeping in the wild with wild boars within close proximity and you have to be on alert for them. first few days was wet and muddy, with water flowing through the tent. haha... for that moment, you feel like you are in a swimming pool. except that its brown mud. haha!

hidding away from the rain with your buddy for a few hours is fun. 2 men, cramp in a small tent, and all we can do is to talk, share and learn about each life experience. what better way to know your buddy.

treakking up and down hill with section mates was fun, navigating from point to point. easy job. but its a total different story at night. well, you will learn to treasure any light source that is available at night coz you practically can't see anything at all.

while moving off to a different campsite, route march over tekong reservoir, i must say, its the most beautiful sight i have ever seen in Singapore (well.. not really in Singapore!). another beautiful sight was during the last night of field camp, looking up at the sky filled with stars. where can u get such a beauitful sight in mainland?

well well.... 2 more weeks to go.. 12 km, 16km, 24 km route march then then... POP! pass out! Weeeeeee.....

Auf Wiedersehen!

Convince, Confuse and Con

7 Weeks on... and i really learn and realize a lot on human behaviour. What does it takes to be a good commander? my opinion is a good commander is the first man to rise and the last man to fall. Ever heard this phrase "the captain goes down with the ship"? the higher your status in society, the lesser personal time you will have. because most of the time you spend is on someone you lead.

A Commander must be someone that is able to give clear instructions and stand firm on orders. He must be able to make sure everyone execute things at the right place and right time. But how you draw the line between informing and annoying people? Sad to say, i have come across officers to be who whines at just being a In-Charge. How would the officer be able to lead in the future?

Anyway, took my Grade 8 Theory Exam today. I think there is a slim chance of passing the paper because in the first place, i don't know what i am writing. haha.. Oh well... Pray for the Best! I will just go ahead with my diploma no matter what the results is because its not a pre-requsite.

Learnt this over the week. "If I can't convince you, I will confuse you. If I can't convince and confuse you, I will con you!" Pretty cool eh... The 3 C's.

Till then...

Auf Wiedersehen!

Half way thru

Yes! mid way thru BMT. next 6 weeks will be an uphill battle. field camp coming soon.... everything is going well so far, that includes my leg. Well, jus need to do lots of stretching exercise. and physio therapy sort of helps.. 4 rounds of rehab gym before a final review then discharged!

YES YES! Broke the Zero fighter! (a.k.a can't do chin ups). I am up to 2 now reps.. 4 more reps to go before can pass.. MIND OVER MATTERS! but then, my biceps will be getting bigger. Eeeewwww.. lolz..

if u notice, tag board has change a new provider. the old one is giving problems. and the last thing i want is to have problems around my blog. hehehe.. basically, i am just too lazy n tired to solve any problems.

So many thoughts running through my mind. haiz.. I must get it sorted out before it sorts me out! U think, i thought, who confirm? Baahh..

Want to share this with u guys---> Click here Admire the beautiful works overseas bridal shoot of this Singaporean photographer. Droool...

Till then..

Auf Wiedersehen!

5 Weeks flew by... Mind over matters

ok ok.. my birthday was last week rite? haha! celebrated my birthday in camp la. Birthday song n paper card from the commanders. old le... grr... officially an adult. great responsiblities and challenges ahead.

so by now, i have started on my BMT phase of training. lots of technical stuffs to learn and remember.

for the 2nd time round, was on medical status the past 3 days. so have to sit out of training because of leg injury. Eh.. this time round was asked to go see the medical officer by my platoon commander. me being stubborn la.. didn't recover the first time round yet continue my training. so was limping round and always the slowest guy around. oh anyway, had to go for physio therapy. i think it was good. learn how to stretch myself properly. i must learn how to walk properly! recovering recovering... but the tekong cough still there la. damn irritating, coz a lot of people got it. so during lecture, people will keep on coughing when there is lesson! grr..

events occurred the past week has made me realise what it takes to be a good leader. besides having good orgainzational n management skills. another important skill needed is interpersonal skill. perfectionist. is it important in life? just can't tolerate a leader that pick on tiny little mistakes anything, anywhere and anytime.

have lots of questions in my mind left unanswered..

oh oh...! i passed my piano practical!! news kinda old la. hehe..! planning to take my diploma next. perhaps diploma in instrumental teaching.

Mind over Matters! Till then..

Auf Wiedersehen!

3 weeks flew by

Hey Guys! I have gone missing for 3 weeks. Well, was suppose to update last weekend, but to shag out to do anything. Confinement weeks is over. Training.. tough but fun. But have been missing out training for the past few days due to knee n lower back injury.

So this is my 2nd book out from camp, and its a LONG weekend! wee..! haha.. got to nurse my injury. Endure 7 days of pain before i decide to see the medical officer. Ya, this post is written on a THURSDAY! haha.

think i am gonna freak my parents out later. haha!

Shall not say much here. Till then.. LEOPARD COY!

Auf Wiedersehen!

here we go..! next chapter

well... less than 24 hours of civilian life. hehe. enlisting tomorrow morning 8a.m. been busy shopping for all my army stuffs or rather my survivial kit in army. hope my bunkmates are friendly forces. pray. platoon sergents are nice. pray hard. BMT slack all the way. pray super hard. everything wonderful. pray super duper hard n sincerely. hehe. see you guys in 2 weeks time.

anyway, just want to a big thanks to friends that came to my super advance b-day party. cake smashing was really "fun". haha! i smell of cream and cake all the way home. and also thanks to my family n relatives also la. but friends really make my day. it didn't start off well... but ended wonderful!

as for the charity project. got to put on hold. shit. lots of things not done. argh! oh never mind. whole week in army mood/mode liao. buying n packing n enjoying the remaining freedom. haha!

all the horn ppl! check out the Engelbert Schmid link k! love the horn n the mouthpiece there. well at least watch the video on their horn production. cool! jus a word of caution, the video is in deutsch. envy Phil Meyers (Principal horn for New York Philharmonic orchestral) for owning 3 of this horn. Grr.. in fact the whole section uses this horn lo. haha. wonderful tonal production from the horn.

i think its a challenge for me from now on. juggle army, charity work, band, music theory exam, family! where the latter 5 are done on weekends? let's see how things go. Just pray to God for strength n energy to pull through. if i could survive BMT, i think the remainding army life should be pretty much okay for me?

okay, jus in case anything. just tag. if urgent or important, jus call or sms me lo. i am still connected to this world n not isolated on a tiny island.

as promised. unprocessed fireworks from NDP. sorry took quite a long time to get it. still got quite a few more. but for now. 2 shots k?

that's all for now! k k... see ya later!

Auf Wiedersehen!