two of the most intelligent and attractive people I admire.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Non Mihi Solum
Valentine's day passed sometime ago. I was at city hall. Had a dinner there and went to chijmes. Took a brisk walk.
My mum's birthday just passed. I took her , my dad and my uncle to a seafood restaurant in AngMokio and celebrate her birthday with a sumptious meal. I am supposed to be sleeping or preparing to go to school right now. But I had fallen asleep at the wrong time in the night, hence I am quite awake now.
Interestingly that I should like an Ajcian. I had plenty of friends while I was in the army, had plenty of time to know some of them better. The girls of course. But strangely I took no fancy to any of them. SOon to be a year since I met her.
Maybe I have high expectations. Maybe it is just fate. Of course to like someone, you need to like the looks and the character. And of course both need to be compatible in many other ways. Complementary.
I am quite happy to find out that for physiology, only the topics taught in this sem will be tested. WHich means my load is reduced. Hopefully I can push all my grades up to an A before the final pros. If not, it will be quite tedious for me trying to slough it out towards the end.
I need to remember to return veron's bike. Interestingly, last last new year, me, veron and Lijuan followed a whole group of uncles and aunties to a temple in the wee hours of the morning to wish for blessings. On new year's day itself. To note, I realised we had made a wish each, and none was fulfilled.
This year, I prayed to the single most powerful entity in the universe. Myself. Think my wishes are going to be granted this time. Either that I think at least by next year April. SMug.
This forthcoming hols, I might be spending a few hours poring through buddhist scriptures. I find them most interesting. Just as I did with the bible a few years ago.
Let me give an account of the innumerous rules I have broken or times I screwed up or times I screwed others up. Beginning in BMT. Life was peaceful, and I was pretty much an exemplary soldier. That was until I got sick of the place. Made plenty of scholarship applications. So many chances to book out( and since I was quite a fav with the superiors, I had little difficulty getting out of tekong), I started to extend my bookout time with Medical certs. Usually I don't fell like getting back to camp on mondays.
Then sometimes after scholarship interviews, I would wander about in orchard or get a friend I just know from the interview to go to the movies. Then scramble back to camp at the last minute. I can recall with reminiscence my ST interview where I had gone into the room, not really caring much. And the question came, which part of our company would you like to work in? I looked around and saw an aircraft model, so I replied aeronautical studies is something I am interested in. Wrong answer and she said there is a seperate interview for that. Byebye. nevermind, I earned myself another chance to book out.
I told them at the next interview I wanted to build a flying car. Impressive huh? Out I go. Same attitude for my DSTA interview. I am not a fan of the government nor the army. JUst the money actually. Sat down and was quite intrigue by the sweet looking interviewer in front of me, almost salivated and words were slurped as I tried to answer their questions.
One day, when I had too much time on hand, I went to another room at night. There I took out the shoelaces of the boots of this sabo-king 2( the biggest time sabo king was in my room.) , and left him on his own . I still remain amused when the next day he woke up and rushed down to revely(morning call) frantically looking for his shoelaces.
Once I forgot to return a part of my rifle. Not exactly an important part. Just the bayonet. No one checked me as I was in charge of the armskot(armoury) and the last to leave.
Once I littered during a field camp. It was in the evening and I thought I saw shadows of wild boars approaching. There were claims that the wild boars would attack whole platoons so I told my friend what I saw. He screamed and alerted the whole camp, we were in the jungle then. Everyone panicked and the officers came over. I sneaked away quietly once I realised the shadows were that of puppies and wild dogs.
When I was assigned to being a medic, a post I had somehow managed to request( you just need to talk the right things to the right people), things got better.
I created a fake camp pass when mine was stunned by the sergeants. Fooled the guards. I photocopied an original from my friend and slotted it into a colored cardholder, with a solid transitlink card behind. It looks real I assure you.
ANother time I was lazy to get past the guards, because I was a visitor then, and the rules require I change my identity card for a pass. I was too lazy. So I saw a door beside the guardroom which leads into the camp, that door was used by the guards while changing duties. So I happily entered through it. On several occasions I had left through it as well, not bothering to leave by the main gate as the distance is longer.
I like the days of being a TSS. Some temporary personnel, made some real great friends there.
WHen I was at my unit, once an exercise was shortened. Most probably everyone else couldnt stand being out in the jungle for more than 3 days. So it was cut from 5 to 3 days. I did not return to medical centre and happily stayed at home. COuld be a case of away without official leave.
Of course that was the initial stages where my responsibilities were not great. Gradually I became( as my boss use to say) the pillar of the medical centre. I could perform quite a lot of the procedures with much proficiency, as well as handling the clerical work. And being combat fit, they could always send me out there to the battlefield!
I did an excellent job of moonlighting. Someone pointed out that I might be earning more than the regulars around( those that work full time in the army). Of course I might be. But I was also covering up for my Medical officer who was moonlighting as well. He had asked me not to say anything about it then.
Of course, I did plenty of good work also. Always seems to be there when trouble arose. Convinced a raving recruit not to commit suicide and I put out a fire. And do not forget the flood. There were times when I snuck out of camp for my tuition but nothing seems to happen on those nights. How I miss the army at times.
If anything, I wonder why do people make such a big issue out of the guy who skipped army and returned back to singapore after many years. Melvin tan is his name isn't it? I think it is a horrible mentality if Singaporeans wanted him to be severely punished because they are vindictive. Because they felt they had suffered in the army and hence everyone else should. It is not hence the incident I am against but more of the mindset of people. A lot of arguments are based on the guys wasting two and half years in the army while their female counterparts begin tertiary education and a smooth transition into their careers.
The time in army is yours and it is up to you to decide whether it is productive or not. The act of escaping is wrong I admit. However I dont think much of those accusatory tones either. Some crying for prolonged jail sentences and the rebuke of his citizenship, all because some bunch of us 'made no good' out their NS life.
It is the braying that disconcerts me. and of course that incident is long over. Nowadays they like to talk about Tammy right? Interesting lives those poly people have. I don't like to judge an incident. No right or wrong because for something that has happened, to comment is useless. Perhaps damage control and support is what is really needed when things go wrong. If she abandons her wayward life style, all the best, but the stigma most probably will be around for some time. we are just too conservative and stick in the mud currently to endorse her behaviour.
Society is evolving and morals are changing. NEw regulations are introduced to this societal game every generation. Ideas from the west and east and many other places. To look at it from a scientific point of view, she did what was pleasurable and the act was construed from mutual agreement and a certain set of rules governing her relationship with her boyfriend. nothing wrong. Just bad luck. You can never be too careful of a backstabber nowadays.
Sleepy. Shall end.
My mum's birthday just passed. I took her , my dad and my uncle to a seafood restaurant in AngMokio and celebrate her birthday with a sumptious meal. I am supposed to be sleeping or preparing to go to school right now. But I had fallen asleep at the wrong time in the night, hence I am quite awake now.
Interestingly that I should like an Ajcian. I had plenty of friends while I was in the army, had plenty of time to know some of them better. The girls of course. But strangely I took no fancy to any of them. SOon to be a year since I met her.
Maybe I have high expectations. Maybe it is just fate. Of course to like someone, you need to like the looks and the character. And of course both need to be compatible in many other ways. Complementary.
I am quite happy to find out that for physiology, only the topics taught in this sem will be tested. WHich means my load is reduced. Hopefully I can push all my grades up to an A before the final pros. If not, it will be quite tedious for me trying to slough it out towards the end.
I need to remember to return veron's bike. Interestingly, last last new year, me, veron and Lijuan followed a whole group of uncles and aunties to a temple in the wee hours of the morning to wish for blessings. On new year's day itself. To note, I realised we had made a wish each, and none was fulfilled.
This year, I prayed to the single most powerful entity in the universe. Myself. Think my wishes are going to be granted this time. Either that I think at least by next year April. SMug.
This forthcoming hols, I might be spending a few hours poring through buddhist scriptures. I find them most interesting. Just as I did with the bible a few years ago.
Let me give an account of the innumerous rules I have broken or times I screwed up or times I screwed others up. Beginning in BMT. Life was peaceful, and I was pretty much an exemplary soldier. That was until I got sick of the place. Made plenty of scholarship applications. So many chances to book out( and since I was quite a fav with the superiors, I had little difficulty getting out of tekong), I started to extend my bookout time with Medical certs. Usually I don't fell like getting back to camp on mondays.
Then sometimes after scholarship interviews, I would wander about in orchard or get a friend I just know from the interview to go to the movies. Then scramble back to camp at the last minute. I can recall with reminiscence my ST interview where I had gone into the room, not really caring much. And the question came, which part of our company would you like to work in? I looked around and saw an aircraft model, so I replied aeronautical studies is something I am interested in. Wrong answer and she said there is a seperate interview for that. Byebye. nevermind, I earned myself another chance to book out.
I told them at the next interview I wanted to build a flying car. Impressive huh? Out I go. Same attitude for my DSTA interview. I am not a fan of the government nor the army. JUst the money actually. Sat down and was quite intrigue by the sweet looking interviewer in front of me, almost salivated and words were slurped as I tried to answer their questions.
One day, when I had too much time on hand, I went to another room at night. There I took out the shoelaces of the boots of this sabo-king 2( the biggest time sabo king was in my room.) , and left him on his own . I still remain amused when the next day he woke up and rushed down to revely(morning call) frantically looking for his shoelaces.
Once I forgot to return a part of my rifle. Not exactly an important part. Just the bayonet. No one checked me as I was in charge of the armskot(armoury) and the last to leave.
Once I littered during a field camp. It was in the evening and I thought I saw shadows of wild boars approaching. There were claims that the wild boars would attack whole platoons so I told my friend what I saw. He screamed and alerted the whole camp, we were in the jungle then. Everyone panicked and the officers came over. I sneaked away quietly once I realised the shadows were that of puppies and wild dogs.
When I was assigned to being a medic, a post I had somehow managed to request( you just need to talk the right things to the right people), things got better.
I created a fake camp pass when mine was stunned by the sergeants. Fooled the guards. I photocopied an original from my friend and slotted it into a colored cardholder, with a solid transitlink card behind. It looks real I assure you.
ANother time I was lazy to get past the guards, because I was a visitor then, and the rules require I change my identity card for a pass. I was too lazy. So I saw a door beside the guardroom which leads into the camp, that door was used by the guards while changing duties. So I happily entered through it. On several occasions I had left through it as well, not bothering to leave by the main gate as the distance is longer.
I like the days of being a TSS. Some temporary personnel, made some real great friends there.
WHen I was at my unit, once an exercise was shortened. Most probably everyone else couldnt stand being out in the jungle for more than 3 days. So it was cut from 5 to 3 days. I did not return to medical centre and happily stayed at home. COuld be a case of away without official leave.
Of course that was the initial stages where my responsibilities were not great. Gradually I became( as my boss use to say) the pillar of the medical centre. I could perform quite a lot of the procedures with much proficiency, as well as handling the clerical work. And being combat fit, they could always send me out there to the battlefield!
I did an excellent job of moonlighting. Someone pointed out that I might be earning more than the regulars around( those that work full time in the army). Of course I might be. But I was also covering up for my Medical officer who was moonlighting as well. He had asked me not to say anything about it then.
Of course, I did plenty of good work also. Always seems to be there when trouble arose. Convinced a raving recruit not to commit suicide and I put out a fire. And do not forget the flood. There were times when I snuck out of camp for my tuition but nothing seems to happen on those nights. How I miss the army at times.
If anything, I wonder why do people make such a big issue out of the guy who skipped army and returned back to singapore after many years. Melvin tan is his name isn't it? I think it is a horrible mentality if Singaporeans wanted him to be severely punished because they are vindictive. Because they felt they had suffered in the army and hence everyone else should. It is not hence the incident I am against but more of the mindset of people. A lot of arguments are based on the guys wasting two and half years in the army while their female counterparts begin tertiary education and a smooth transition into their careers.
The time in army is yours and it is up to you to decide whether it is productive or not. The act of escaping is wrong I admit. However I dont think much of those accusatory tones either. Some crying for prolonged jail sentences and the rebuke of his citizenship, all because some bunch of us 'made no good' out their NS life.
It is the braying that disconcerts me. and of course that incident is long over. Nowadays they like to talk about Tammy right? Interesting lives those poly people have. I don't like to judge an incident. No right or wrong because for something that has happened, to comment is useless. Perhaps damage control and support is what is really needed when things go wrong. If she abandons her wayward life style, all the best, but the stigma most probably will be around for some time. we are just too conservative and stick in the mud currently to endorse her behaviour.
Society is evolving and morals are changing. NEw regulations are introduced to this societal game every generation. Ideas from the west and east and many other places. To look at it from a scientific point of view, she did what was pleasurable and the act was construed from mutual agreement and a certain set of rules governing her relationship with her boyfriend. nothing wrong. Just bad luck. You can never be too careful of a backstabber nowadays.
Sleepy. Shall end.
Friday, February 24, 2006
After exams.. after exams....
Come 8th of March, where I regain my freedom as a functional member of society, there will be plenty of things to settle.
So I shall note them down while I still remember. BEcause at the end of the CA, most likely I will throw everything to the clouds and make merry while it lasts.
I have to plan for the beginning of a few tuitions including one at Blk299B and Weiting and Co. Here I am, always in demand, at least when I choose to 'sell myself', and getting a hefty commission taken by the tuition agency. The start is always quite horrible, trying to get to know the students all over again and losing half of your first month's fees to the agency.. especially if it is close to $200...
Then that same weekend would be my inter varsity Judo competition. An individual win is hard while the team effort should easily pay off. But nevertheless I still see myself in it with rather high chances. After which will be preparation for the next election. I made no concealment of my intention to stay on with the committee and to take over at the helm in the position of the chairman. Hope my commitment and hard work pay off.
Of course, the school owes me money. At least in terms of a bursary.. So I need to hound them into crediting the sum into my POSB account. Talk about the army have low efficiency. This is really deja vu....... I think my account with the school must be the wealthiest considering input from so many sources, including the bank, the scholarship, and the foundation. Got them to cancel all my loans with the bank already.
Of course, the examinations are not done for this academic year. There is the Medicine 1st Professional Examination. Sounds really cool. So I need to produce wonderful results for this, since I have already started revision. With 4 weeks of preparation, there is no excuse to not doing well. I am smiling to myself as I type this. Boy, am I conceited.
I am racking my brains for the things that need to be done. Of course, I gotta ask the government for my bonuses. Can't really figure out which categories I am eligible for. Whatever, I will just ask around and get it settle sooner than later. Then there is the meeting for the combined martial arts display performance this August. There is the ODAC camp in which the theme I suggested was adopted. Then there is Biomedical Quiz for the Junior Colleges.
Not bad. I got to apply for a hostel or hall room as well. Think if I get it right this time, next semester would be quite interesting. Kent ridge is out although ELvin is there, know too many people like Carol ( she is not even staying) and Xiaoyun. Raffles is out also. Though it would be nice to have Gideon around, but Sherilyn and Carrie are there. Not to say that they are horrible people to be with. They are actually quite nice, just that I dont wish to see familiar faces. King Edward is out coz of the enormous amount of Medicine students there. I will end up being bored.
I like to be a new environment, especiallly in school. Where no one knows me. No expectations to live up to. People having first know me will constantly be amazed and entertained by me and my talents. ANOTHer egoistic self belief. I am always so full of crap. Anyway a few inter hall rugby or basketball games might be fun, as well as some plays or whatever activities. Just no choir for me. or Cheerleading. I am a man.
Ok, right now I have got to hit the books again. Mentioned performance just now, so I need to say that Elvin's play remains the most entertaining I have watched this year and have I mentioned this before? That Elvin's role was largely hilarious and captivating? Think he stole the show. Well, you cannot deny I have definitely got an eye for beauty or classic. WHatever. Though Carol did admit shock when I said it was quite a good performance. Then she coyly admitted that she has seen worse... before adding that there was last year's performance.
So I shall note them down while I still remember. BEcause at the end of the CA, most likely I will throw everything to the clouds and make merry while it lasts.
I have to plan for the beginning of a few tuitions including one at Blk299B and Weiting and Co. Here I am, always in demand, at least when I choose to 'sell myself', and getting a hefty commission taken by the tuition agency. The start is always quite horrible, trying to get to know the students all over again and losing half of your first month's fees to the agency.. especially if it is close to $200...
Then that same weekend would be my inter varsity Judo competition. An individual win is hard while the team effort should easily pay off. But nevertheless I still see myself in it with rather high chances. After which will be preparation for the next election. I made no concealment of my intention to stay on with the committee and to take over at the helm in the position of the chairman. Hope my commitment and hard work pay off.
Of course, the school owes me money. At least in terms of a bursary.. So I need to hound them into crediting the sum into my POSB account. Talk about the army have low efficiency. This is really deja vu....... I think my account with the school must be the wealthiest considering input from so many sources, including the bank, the scholarship, and the foundation. Got them to cancel all my loans with the bank already.
Of course, the examinations are not done for this academic year. There is the Medicine 1st Professional Examination. Sounds really cool. So I need to produce wonderful results for this, since I have already started revision. With 4 weeks of preparation, there is no excuse to not doing well. I am smiling to myself as I type this. Boy, am I conceited.
I am racking my brains for the things that need to be done. Of course, I gotta ask the government for my bonuses. Can't really figure out which categories I am eligible for. Whatever, I will just ask around and get it settle sooner than later. Then there is the meeting for the combined martial arts display performance this August. There is the ODAC camp in which the theme I suggested was adopted. Then there is Biomedical Quiz for the Junior Colleges.
Not bad. I got to apply for a hostel or hall room as well. Think if I get it right this time, next semester would be quite interesting. Kent ridge is out although ELvin is there, know too many people like Carol ( she is not even staying) and Xiaoyun. Raffles is out also. Though it would be nice to have Gideon around, but Sherilyn and Carrie are there. Not to say that they are horrible people to be with. They are actually quite nice, just that I dont wish to see familiar faces. King Edward is out coz of the enormous amount of Medicine students there. I will end up being bored.
I like to be a new environment, especiallly in school. Where no one knows me. No expectations to live up to. People having first know me will constantly be amazed and entertained by me and my talents. ANOTHer egoistic self belief. I am always so full of crap. Anyway a few inter hall rugby or basketball games might be fun, as well as some plays or whatever activities. Just no choir for me. or Cheerleading. I am a man.
Ok, right now I have got to hit the books again. Mentioned performance just now, so I need to say that Elvin's play remains the most entertaining I have watched this year and have I mentioned this before? That Elvin's role was largely hilarious and captivating? Think he stole the show. Well, you cannot deny I have definitely got an eye for beauty or classic. WHatever. Though Carol did admit shock when I said it was quite a good performance. Then she coyly admitted that she has seen worse... before adding that there was last year's performance.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Chelsea Vs Barca 1-2...(put your finger on your lip)
It was definitely a match filled with action. By two of the most superior teams in the world. YEt both were not playing to their full potential. I must admit that Petr Cech is really world class, just look at the number of reactional saves he made. And Drogba just disappoints again, missing point blank chances. Good imitation of CIsse.
There were pLenty of reaction, mostly jubilation, following Barca's win. Of course some immature comments abound and rightly so if it involves Barca being the best team in the world. I had a nice chat with Yichao on that.And duly convinced him. Despite so, it is just a waste of time pointing the obvious to the immune, so no way am I going to get drawn in any discussions at least until after my exams. Notice how no players or coaches claim a team to be the best in the world? Any one who plays a sport knows that you either win or lose and that remains the only fact in life. Because being the best means the certainty of winning before any one and any team. People do not understand the motivation and effort required when preparing and competing in a game. And to be the best does not mean having Ronaldinho in your team. People just look at results. So it can easily be Real Zaragoza if they defeat Barca this weekend.
Abit of Karma working here, when Del horno was sent off by Messi's oscar winning performance. Another spaniard with the REds, Reina was similarly red carded, when he rose his hand against Robben. And Robben was involved yesterday. Uncanny. It certainly had me sqiurming in my sofa. Yet when Terry forced the own goal out of Motta, I exploded with a cheer that woke up half my neighborhood.
With the red card, the game seemed appeared to have its decisive twist. Surely not even Mourinho and his depleted side could overcome this kind of adversity, but their stunning ability to defy the odds raised it's head again as Thiago Motta managed to divert Frank Lampard's free-kick towards goal and the game that so needed a goal had just that. It was John Terry's presence alongside Motta that inspired his mistake and the Chelsea skipper then came to the fore like never before. He has long been described as inspirational, but this was a performance that confirmed he can now be placed among the world's best centrebacks.
The ability to come on stronger in the face of overwhelming adversity is what captivated me, and I was first entranced during the same game last year. Then there were plenty of epic clashes including the likes of Real Madrid, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Liverpool. BUt the blues captured my imagination and there was no turning back from then. I like them not for their perfect record in the premiership, nor for their wins over Barca or Bayern or the likes. I like their swagger and their resilience. This overflowing confidence and hunger for success, hunger to win the most coveted titles in football world.
If anyone has been in an arena and realises he has to push himself physically and mentally to the max in order to challenge the opponent in front of him, then he knows how it feels like to be out there facing Barca. Anyone who understands the sport and is a sportsman will not declare his team best, for fear of exposing his own folly. No one said Liverpool or Porto are the best.
And of course I feel there is nothing to jeer about even if Chelsea is knocked out this time, so what? Try again next year! There will always be wins and losses in a competition and to believe that losing is the end of the world is silly. To judge the team on results is normal and what most people do, to look at the performance is also common, but who ever can feel and appreciates the desire and motivation of the players is truly a connoiseur of the game. I am not even confident they will retain the english title next year with Liverpool and Man U looking ready to mount a comeback.
Credit to the Barca team that came back strongly after going a goal down. Incredible attack against incredible defence. Such mouth water attacking flair, for once made me terribly uncomfortable and regrettably that Chelsea is facing them. If they do win the tie, I hope they go on and clinch the Cup with the BIG EARS.
Mourinho added this flourish to his press conference. 'I am so proud of my players, so proud of our supporters and we will go to Barcelona with real belief. We will not go there to look at a beautiful city and say what a nice time we are going to have. We will go there confident, as always.'
So any one else to predict the final score?
I dare you.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Jose and his amazing technicolor overcoat
Blue is the colour, football is the game
We're all together, and winning is our aim
So cheer us on through the sun and rain
'cause Chelsea, Chelsea is our name.
I close my eyes, and stand there grinning.
We can't stop winning, you'll be grinning too.
When I first came, I was delighted.
Could have managed United, but any team would do.
I wore my coat, the world is merry.
I have got John Terry, and Drogba too.
I switch them round, they all are hating.
But I like rotating, any team will do.
A corner kick is just enough
a little flick from Damien Duff
The ball flies right into the net
and We are 1-0 up.
May I return, to the beginning....
so easy winning when your team is blue!
We can go on! I am in heaven playing whatever 11
Any team will do....
We're all together, and winning is our aim
So cheer us on through the sun and rain
'cause Chelsea, Chelsea is our name.
I close my eyes, and stand there grinning.
We can't stop winning, you'll be grinning too.
When I first came, I was delighted.
Could have managed United, but any team would do.
I wore my coat, the world is merry.
I have got John Terry, and Drogba too.
I switch them round, they all are hating.
But I like rotating, any team will do.
A corner kick is just enough
a little flick from Damien Duff
The ball flies right into the net
and We are 1-0 up.
May I return, to the beginning....
so easy winning when your team is blue!
We can go on! I am in heaven playing whatever 11
Any team will do....
The return
The competition is back on in March. Thankfully postponed to a week later, after my exams have ended. Any title hopes? I should think so.
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