Blueberry Soda

botanic garden outing yesterday. its been a long time since i went there, i can last remember going there for band performance during those days in shuqun. performing at the symphony stage. but didn't really walk around the garden much last time.

so yah, its quite hard to get there by train. a little research on the web to find the bus service from the nearest mrt station. i do have a little complain about the search engine used on their website. oh well.. i am now an engineer not a IT programmer so yah, such things leave it to professionals to improve on it. hehe!

the garden.. hmm.. not much flowers to see. basically are different types of green plants. haha! its just been beautified by the landscape artist. part of our journey was tracking through familiar grounds. the dense rainforest. only animal seen was a squirrel. no wild boars around! i also don't wish to see any. haha!

caught SCO performance on symphony stage. eh.. my first time view a proper chinese orchestra performance. eh.. they are good. well.. of course they are good. they are professionals la. not a big fan of it but i really appreciate their performance. nice nice. they actually played Slavonic Dances No. 8. hehe.. sounds quite unique, its like east meets west?

NYDC for dinner, ooohhh... one of the best meal so far. yummy!

Sunday's could not have been better without you dear. I love you! =)

for the rest - sorry if i have been too mushy eh? =)

Auf Wiedersehen!

River Crossing, Route March

my first taste of actual river crossing this week. head over to a river gap somewhere beside raffles country club. Weather wasn't good that morning coz it poured heavily so everywhere will be water logged and muddy not forgetting to mention also, the water was freezing cold! Brr..... At first quite fun when entered the water in clean fatigue then in FBO attire. Get into the water then drag myself across and skid along the water. haha! wee... did it twice la, but do more i think its going to get boring.

i thought 24km was going to be my last. then came 28km. it was actually RT la. for those who didn't walk with the battalion. coz i was on course then. so we walk around camp for 32 rounds la. till my feet sore and still sore now. haha!

was out with suky yesterday. went to catch mr bean's holiday. wasn't a fantastic movie, more of like something to relax yourself and laugh out loud la. then was at ns40 exhibition. saw my BMT friend Stanley, one of the exhibitors over there representing his unit on homeland defence. nice catching up with him. last saw him was at ETI. didn't really interest me, coz they display things i see day in day out. haha!

dinner served was fish n co. eh... fish n chips a little to oily for my taste. hehe.. but was still better then changing appetite lo. okay. off to enjoy my long weekend. Gracias..!

Auf Wiedersehen!

iced kiwi soda

sorry for the lack of post the past 2 weeks. alot of activities in camp especially for my platoon. last week we track through the central catchment area from upper pierce reservior all the way to mandai in the MIDDLE of the night. quite scary in the first place as we entered the jungle but as soon our eyes adjusted to the darkness i think was ok la. during the day it rained so by the time we walk, everywhere in the jungle was muddy and wet.

River crossing! OMG.. all our boots got soak in water 4 times throughout the 13 hours mission lo. very scared get foot rot. yah, walked in FBO. fell quite a number of times in the night. haiz.. a bit low morale then.. praying for it to end soon. i mean SOON! FBO weigh at minimum 20kgs on my shoulder. track uphill downhill. till we track side by side an expressway la, so happy, thought finishing soon, that was around 6am ah.. but no la! exercise cut at around 1pm. once exercise cut, return to training shed, sat down without realising i still have FBO on.. haha..! only when OC tell me, then i realise it. well.. they always say, shag cannot think.

out with dear on saturday, went to changing appetite to eat lo. omg.. lousy food over there except for the fries and iced kiwi soda. haha! yes dear, u had iced pineapple soda. never going to eat there again. cartel was a wiser choice. beautiful sunday, eh... not very good le. oh well... every band has its up's and down's, good days and bad..

was at shuqun on saturday also. gave them some support for SYF. this year's judging quite strict so lots of bands dropped medal. heard them, can get silver la, and they did! congrats.

past few days was field camp. again but for the last time got to dig my sleeping area! grr.. built obstacles on monday night then we hor-lan (a.k.a lost our way) super shag that i can't walk in a straight path lo. damn... then next day, damn angry with those armoured vehicles. run over the obstacles then got to walk back to repair it. grr... wed night got "attack" by "enemies". haha... lots of funny things happen. but can't post here. very happy coz field camp cut short by one day, otherwise i will still be in camp by now.

quite tired now. well.... more updates next time!

Auf Wiedersehen!

Ubin Series

spent the morning editing a few snapshots of ubin taken on good friday. Would really love to go back there to capture the charms of that island again. Meanwhile enjoy....

Auf Wiedersehen!

Slack week

a slack week is really hard to come by in camp. 2 days basically do nothing much expect for playing ping pong and i am getting good at it. well, still not that good to always win la. haha! after booking out, together with my friends went to geylang to have a good meal. the fried beef kway teow hor fun. Ohhh... very soft tender beef. haha! and also have beancurd la. damn nice la! ok, then come the part i don't really enjoy most. 3 of them want to wonder into the sleazy lanes of geylang. well.. its the only way back to home for me, so i no choice follow lo. its damn sleazy lo! never i think going there. Eeeee....!

Good friday was spent with dear at pulau ubin. took quite a number of photos. but all not with me now. fell off the bike twice. a few deep cuts. haha! COCONUTS! had many many of them. haha! on the way back, got splash by the waves many many times. went to changi beach to relax while dear ate her ice cream. ok, there was this cute dog we saw, keeps turning 360 degrees every few steps. so when we walk behind that dog for like 100m, it make 12 turns lo. don't what's wrong with that dog. paranoid maybe? haha. dinner at tampines and went back home. sleep sleep sleep!

okay. post edited from here. went out to suntec city with dear to get her wallet. yah, then bum into my aunt and her friend which i can't remember how i address her last time. long time never see her also. hehe.. then we walk from city hall all the way to plaza singapura la. pass by Singapore Arts Museum. haha. decided to go in and take a look since we have lots of time. i think the collection there are modern arts. especially those pieces done by Indonesian and Filipino artist tells the story about how their life in their respective countries. eh... don't know how to describe la. free must go and take a look. it was raining outside, so both of us were freezing inside there. Carl's jr for dinner. huge burger...! nearly wanted to order the double size but after second thoughts, order the normal size. Scared cannot finish ah.

so we had to look for some theory books. went to music plaza... no stock. walked to music essential also no stock. haha.. but music essential suddenly found a dog inside. cute! its the boss's dog. but he not around. thank god! manage to get the books at tampinese music plaza outlet la.

Auf Wiedersehen!

On leave!

Yes, its monday and i am at home! muahahaha...

last week, quite terrible. because bad news a plenty. first my friday off got cancelled which means i couldn't go to the airport to pick dear up. well.. in return i get 2 days leave. Good things do happen. then about field camp, was told each section is going to attach to a rifle coy. gee..! so i will be going on field camp 9-11 april. as short as possible please..!

nearly passed IPPT. quite happy la, the best result since i enlisted. hehe..

Saturday was well.. almost picture perfect. went to watch phantom of the opera. wonderful show, now i know what is the storyline like. one of the best musical i watch so far la. but i still can't tolerate latecomers... urgh! always blocking my view of the stage. like those pirated VCDs were you see people walking left and right of the screen.

Campfire is over. Finally...! No more such things. No MORE!!! bad stuffs put behind me and i will move on. thanks for being beside me dear, i couldn't have imagine what will happen if i am there alone despite you having a terrible headache.

SWO on sunday. stayed for the whole practice. my horn was missing. someone took it away. i going to catch you man! haha... took another horn first lo... well. can't blame them la, i always not there. planning to repair another horn there (why me again!) coz i prefer that horn le. i don't know why la, all horns are the same, but when played it feels different. must find a compatible partner one. hahaha!

Auf Wiedersehen!

Appreciation n Blessings

i always want to thank God for his continual blessings. Just reached home not long ago. Initially wanted to take a train but gut feeling was to take a cab. and guess what? it poured heavily half way through the journey.

this week was more or less an easy week to pass. there wasn't much opportunity to do PT because of live firing again. Well.. didn't mange to get my marksmanship but glad that i pass the test. there is an anniversary celebration in camp, never get to know what's going on because continuously doing fatigue work. haha.. price to pay for being an organiser. oh well, everyone got to play their part.

went back for alumni band last night. it was one of those rare friday nights that i am free. they played the same song again. because never practice, always get scolded. not me of course! haha. i wish i will join them for the concert but most probably still stuck in brunei.

finally get to go for dental therapy today. did only general check up. but bad thing happen. black out during consultation and blood pressure drop again. begin to wonder if this is a health problem. most slightly will consider go for a body checkup. must consult my parents first. haiz.. stress... but docs and nurses there were very good. constantly attending to me to make sure i was alright. i just can't put a value to the number of thanks i want to say.

rest of the night was spent with dearest. attendent TPJC alumni band concert. and roaming around tampines. i always feel blessed to be with her. seeing her only once a week, makes me appreciate all the minutes and second we are together. can't wait to see her again!

Auf Wiedersehen!

Oreo Cheese Cake!

finally home for the night. feels like 2 weeks confinement in camp. arrgh!

ok ok. Live firing was quite fun coz i keep on place the charges in a way so can make the hole in the ground bigger..! haha! itchy hand i know. but not as bad as my friend try to blow stones up! haha! was attack by mosquitoes immediately i arrive there, they are the so called commando mosquitoes, and give no mercy to us. to counter them, we just burn mosquito coil put insect repellent.

IPPT n SOC. ah... don't want to talk about it. did 2nd guard duty for the month. thanks to people who particpated in the CoC (change of command) parade. now got to keep on cover their duties.


yesterday, totally screwed up! uh..! so angry with myself.

out with dear today. visited the asian civilisation musem. dinner at secret recipe. their main course is really CMI la.. Spag meatballs taste like stones from the ground, rock solid and dry. dear ordered pan grill fish, portion was so.... PATHETIC! oh... but the cheese cake! wee! damn good. i think next time go there just for cheese cake and drinks to chill out la. just forget about the main course.

Auf Wiedersehen!

Pit Stop!

i owe this entry to my dear. sorry for not posting it last week. so 2 in 1 can? haha!

eh.. last weekend went to watch Letters from Iwo Jima. highly recommended! I think its based on a true story la. A bit bloody in my opinion. then headed down to clarke quay. a lot of changes down there. but always didn't have a chance to go and take a peek. the place has been revamp to become a tourist attraction lo. so a lot of middle to high end restaurant. stroll down singapore river and end up at esplanade.

teach my dear grade 5 theory the next day, before sending her to band practice while i at home practicing my piano. I have a new goal. to complete my grade 8 theory and also do my diploma la. study study study. and with the no sleeping during office hours, i think i will have enough time to do revisions.

today, its a pit stop back home. heading back to camp later because of live firing. when duty calls, you just have to response to it. a tough week ahead because lots of important activties packed together. how am i going to survive! haha... well.. God bless..! oh yah, NTU is so huge, companied dear to the open house. haha, i think i will get lost if i were to explore there by foot. oh well... i prefer SMU! hehe..!

while typing this, dear is on her way home. west to east. just can't wait to see her again. I MISS YOU!! argh!!! ok ok, going have my long awaited dinner with my family.

Auf Wiedersehen!

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!