A GUARDS Platoon Commander

A New Beginning!

2005-12-26T03:26:00.000+08:00

I
have started a new blog... It'll be nothing related to work, just random thoughts, opinions and feelings about stuff that happens around me. It won't be angsty or peusdo-intellectual, just plain boring Vanilla, but Madagascar Vanilla none the less =)

The Last Post

2005-12-12T19:44:00.000+08:00

A
lright, so i guess this is it, This will be the last post on this blog. No more 3 Guards PC anymore, As of TODAY 12 Dec 2005, COLIN CHU has posted out of 3 Guards.

...Tml Morning, i'll do PT with the Man 1 last time, It'll be very early say 5.15am...

Last weekend was a perfect finish to my PC tour. The 3 PCs from Charlie Company, who took command on 17th Dec to a bunch of Fresh Faced BMT Recruits, Training them over the last 1 year into elite Guardsmen. All 3 of us going for a short getaway in Bintan, laughing and joking over the stupid things that happened in our tour, looking forward into the future. Over lots of Good food, abit of Sun-tanning, some fun in the surf, Massage and Spa, friendly girls and just Chilling under the moon with the monsoon coming in.

Basically, the PCs came up with a very 'evil' Plan, Tml Morning, i'll do PT with the Man 1 last time, It'll be very early say 5.15am, I'll give them one good surprise, I mean it'll probably be the last time i'll ever pump them right? hahahaha. , Basically, whenever a PC leaves, he will bring the Company for one very 'Intense' workout. So.... Heh heh heh, I think my boys will remember me tml for 1 very famous exercise that i'll teach them, called the amazing jumping jacks. Mua hahahaha, Sadistic right? :P

Strangely, I'm not feeling too sad about leaving now. I don't know why, i guess i've been looking forward to moving on, but i still kinda dazed that it's happening already. I'm thinking of what to tell the guys tml, what kind of words of encouragement to say, or use? I don't know, deep down, i just want to say a prayer for all of them. Bless them and ask for the Lord's protection to be upon them for the last 1 year. I want all of them to go back to their Parents in the same complete and hopefully healthy state when they first came to me. Yeah... I pray that tml, God will keep the morning clear and pleasent. I want to share with them the simple beauty of watching the sun rise over your own land. I want to tell them that their NSF time is worthwhile if they CHOOSE to make it worthwhile. I want to tell them to plan for their future, I want to tell them to watch over each other.

Hmm... Actually, i think i did it someway or another when i did the Turn Ops speech which will be read this Thursday. I really poured my thoughts into the speech, Hopefully Brigade Commander can read it convincingly hahaha.

Anyways, I think i still owe my whole platoon a treat to Marina South, yupz, guess pay came already so i'll treat everyone lah. Although...it's my Farewell right? so how come i'm the one treating others huh??? :P

Enough crapping, I guess this is it. To all of you who read my blog regularly, I'm sorry i can't carry on where i'm going next. I'm still thinking if i'll have a blog that's non-military in nature, but that's still in the Thinking process.

For now, I'll probably just upload pics from my PC days whenever i get them to this blog.

Well, So Long! and Thank you!

(Comes to Attention, Salutes, and Exits to the Right)

Captain Chu?

2005-12-09T01:30:00.000+08:00

I
am now officially a Captain. Just like that over an email. Basically, when i went over to my new work place, my Boss was like, "Hey, how come you haven't gotten your Captain rank? and i explaine to her the whole story about having to wait 2.5 years. And she said, "Cannot be, how come your upperstudy, same situation as you got his within 1 year, but you don't?" So anyways, she made some calls, and viola, this afternoon just before i left my work, she called me into her office and congratulated me. I will be promoted to Captain wef from 1st Nov!! so basically, i'm already a Captain and they will be back dating my pay ;) mua hahahaha :) hopefully i'll get some extra Moolah!

Ok, i didn't even pursue it that much, cos i really felt that if it's meant to be, it's meant to be, just let God take care and Hahahaha, I guess I'm just ThankFul that God actually let the system work its way. So, just leave it in God's hand, if he thinks you're due from Promotion, he'll just give it to you.

...Rule #1 for me is....don't get dragged into the politics...

I got a lil tour of the various departments, very nice to see all the people that i will be working with. Alot have wished me well, and look like pleasent people. Although i've already started feeling a sense of Office Politics. Rule #1 for me is....don't get dragged into the politics, as much as possible. I realize that politics exists in every organization. The main thing is to ensure that Politics do not take away our professionalism. Mindef is one huge maze with offices all over the place, it'll take a while for me to get to know everywhere. But Hey~ i'm meeting people i know all the time!.

Like i met Eugene! yes! Yee Whye, your friend Eugene, he was waiting for his Fiance.
I met the Ex Bravo OC, he still calls me Chu Chu.... piangz
I met my Old friend from Cadet days, he is here on Attachment during his vacation break.

So fun, yah, i think it'll be quite fun. Only problem is... It's REALLY an OFFICE, like, OFFICE i mean...i guess this is the first time i'll really be like working in an OFFICE OFFICE enviroment. with Flouresent tube lights and cubicles and stuff. yucks, i hate that decor, so stale.... but Thank God, i sit next to the Window so i get to have a view ;)

Oh~ i'm going to Bintan now... this Sat, Sun, i know it's like out of the blue, but that's after Bangkok was a no go, than Malaysia was kinda boring, than...the PCs really really badly needed to get out of Singapore for a break, so there you go! Bintan, for a quick getaway, i just hope there are things to do there.

Just before i leave 3 Guards, i get a nice surprise... one of the Men has went on AWOL, what a buggeration, i mean.... Arghhhh i still don't understand why we let him out in the first place. So now we are doing the Awol charges again for him. I mean, doesn't he ever ever learn? SO close to being incorrigble (sic)

Farewell

2005-12-07T07:59:00.000+08:00

Y
esterday, i met up with my CO, had a pretty good chat with him and said good bye. He wished me well and Thank me. It's closure to me, so now my CO has officially noted that i'm gone.

...Yesterday i also went to my new work place. Yes, it's a Mindef...

Yesterday i also went to my new work place. Yes, it's a Mindef, it's alot furthur than Bedok Camp :(. It's like a totally different enviroment and culture, i'll talk about that another time, cos THAT will be a long long post by itself.

I'm not going to be reflective now, it'll mean a Post that's probably going to take like a few hours and hmm, it's 8am and i've to rush to work soon. Yes, i'm really not quite used to working till 6 plus pm and knocking off. There's so much things to do literally when i take over. I think there's going to be alot of starting from ground Zero since my upper study really is a Project officer that has been tasked to do the 2ic role. He has held the fort, carried the bag of $%$# and now he is realdy to pass it on. (To ME! haha) ok, no, he is really good, he is handling it over to me properly and i appreciate it. but with it comes a host of problems that are outstanding and when asked why no one has done anything. Shrugs shoulders.

In any case, i doubt my life will be as interesting as my tour in 3 Guards, thus, probably, the blog won't be that interesting either. Anywaya, I've decided to stop posting as of this Friday.... so i guess it's best that i'll just shut my mouth and hands. As i said a while, it's about time to close this blog. I mean... it's abt a GUards Platoon Commander right? No point talking abt the times i'm up at HQ around.

2 more days to Friday!

Going over to my New place

2005-12-06T00:29:00.000+08:00

Y
es, I guess the time is drawing near, I'm posting out officially this Friday. I'm supposed to be on Leave this Friday, but they posted me, so now i'm suppose to report to my new work place on Friday. A bit Sianz, cos now my Bangkok trip like won't happen leh :( Worst, Jensen got an interview on Friday morning....... how to fly liek that?

...Tml i'm going to meet my CO for a final, good bye interview...

Guess its back to Square one again, worst case scenerio is to head up to Malaysia for a short visit. Just book a hotel and stay for a night or so, although frankly, there's really nothing much to do in KL right? hai.... sianz.

Anyways, Tml i'm going to meet my CO for a final, good bye interview. He'll like to see the speech and stuff and I also like to have a talk with him. Basically, I guess i like to Thank him for believing in me and giving me the chance to learn. I'll also let him know how i felt during my tour and The problems i faced. I guess i'll also let him know how i feel abt my next appointment.

After meeting my CO in the morning, i'll head over to Gombak to understudy from my upperstudy. I'm surprised that there is no terms of references and stuff at all, So i've no idea what exactly my stuff are supposed to do in black and white. Like !!!!??? like that how? Everyone will be playing Tai Chi and no work will get done right? Gosh, i really pray that God will put in on the right footing as i go in and take over the dept. Really need the Wisdom in dealing with all the people in my department.

The results for the 21km are out. hahaha, so my exact time is 2h 07 mins, hmm... quite happy, According to the stats, i'm in the top 18% of runners! It's quite a cool stats page, cos it tells you your pace, and your position relative to other people and stuff. Yah, so i guess i'll sign up for a Stand Chart Account now so that i can register for next year's Marathon for free hahaha ;) cheepskate right?

The Stand Chart 21km!

2005-12-04T19:35:00.000+08:00

I
just completed the Stand Chart 21km today. The feel good feeling is still buzzing, there's really nothing like a natural high. It's like non-Artificial, all natural, honest to goodness kinda high. LOL, ok, in the process you kinda like have to go through a battle of wills to keep yourself going.

generally, i think the run was pretty well organized, just a couple of sore points with the baggage handing. it was just messy. People were like waiting for almost 1hour to get their bags which is pure madness. But still I see no reason to shout at the Volunteers. Some people are just Darn Impatient and IMHO downright insensitive. They were showing their temper and raising their voices at the Volunteers getting the bags. The poor Vlounteers are like Secondary School kids, all so young. I mean, give them a break lah? It's not their fault that the whole bag place is so chaotic, and they are there TRYING to serve you, like, it's already not easy trying to rummage through thousand of bags to find one, more so with people yelling from the front. I guess that was why alot of volunteers were just seaching at the back and not wanting to come to the counters (We must have looked like a pretty angry mob) and the only defence they have against us were some tables. I really wanted to shout to them, "Hey kids, Steady! take your time and stay focus, Don't stress! We appreciate what you're doing!" Like give them some form of encouragemen lah...

...The feel good feeling is still buzzing, there's really nothing like a natural high...

Anyways, Thank God My Bag didn't get lost in the mess though hahahhaa, My server was pretty efficient =)

The run wise, I'm surprised i actually had managed to get the timing i got, it's the first time i'm running 21km and the longest i've ever ran was prob 14-15km. So yeah~ very very happy with myself! :) Like when i crossed the finish line i was like dancing my way through! I love the ideas of having food alone the way, like when i was almost dying at the 19km point, they started distributing Banana's at the 20km point, The best Banana in the world man as i ate one. It was like Have Fresh Energizer batteries in your body! Started to run again all the way to the finish point. Best part was crossing Anderson Bridge, like you knew you were there already. Actually, i kinda new i was there when i hit the 15km point and was still going quite strong, could still talk to my Ex-OCS mates about live and the future. I guess the pace was good lah.

Ok, On to a more serious topic, The Gals were cool, I saw the Conrad girls again in their lilac tops. Standard is still there, they were actually running the 21km! and they were pretty strong runners! looking pretty good too. But really, this race, i didn't notice much at all, compared to AHM. It was mostly thinking if i could finish the 21km without dying haha. But yah, Conrad Girls, hard to miss lah, especially when they were running in a team. And i saw a Conrad BOy too! hahaha, quite fuunny seeing him in purple though :P Hiak hiak hiak. Ah well.

Anywyas, i guess this is a good end to the year, this is one of my 2005's goals and i'm proud that i accomplished it. So next year, my goal is to run the full Marathon or at least die trying :) Long Distance Running is really the most basic form of Mind over Body. Sometimes, when you are really struggling, Look towards the goal and perserve.

I remembered someone telling me before that the Christian Life is a Marathon and not a 100m Dash. Yeah! I physically understand what paul said about running the race. Lord, As i keep running towards home, I want to go the distance and not fall out. Teach me to perserve nd Give thanks in all circumstances! :)

Race Day - 1

2005-12-03T22:38:00.000+08:00

t
ml's the 21km run. Woot, i can't believe i've been eating that much. Just read some thing somewhere that you should not eat too much on the EVE of a big run so you can empty your gut and travel light. Kaos, now than say. I've already eaten like 2 plates of pasta for dinner!!! how? i better take a good dump tml morning before i head out.

Ok, shorty post, cos i've got to sleep soon

Tunes that gets stuck in your head

2005-12-01T23:35:00.000+08:00

You know that tunes, that just get's stuck in your head and keeps replaying over and over again. That Chicken little Sounds track... It's in my head now. I know it's so Beng, but hack, its catchy and it's playing non-stop in my head. the last time this happened was that chipmunky song. Don't know what's its name.. But yes, Thanks Chicken Little Na nanana. nananananana. Nana nananana, nananananana. hahaha :P

Doggie updates! Oreo has started obedience training, so he is learning to heal and stop now. So far, i think he has at least learn to heal and stop and no longer afriad of walking around the neighbourhood. The best thing is, he knows how to keep to the left of me and not cut across my path. As for Oreo...hai~ he still resist steping out of the street. Mum still has to cradle him like a baby everyime we go out. hahaha.

...Tml! Course Briefing! woot...

Tml! Course Briefing! woot! i hope it's going to be interesting. basically, i'm scheduled to go on Course for the whole month of January. worst thing is it's all the way at Pasir Laba Camp. So yeah, from Jan 3 to Feb, i'll be travelling like up and down, and the worst thing is, course starts at 8am!!!

The weekends coming, i guess i'm kinda looking fwd to it. Oh yes, Sun 21km somemore hahaha. I'm just going to tell myself, If 6000 over people are RUnning TWICE the distance i'm running, there's no good reason not being able to complete it right? Anyways, i'm giving myself 2hrs, 20 mins to complete it. it's a slow pace i know, but everyone at his own pace right? anyways, my objective is to complete, and not fall out ;) yeah~!

Movie Night- Harry Porter

2005-11-30T03:17:00.000+08:00

J
ust got back from watching a midnight show- Harry Porter. the Coy just got back from 2 days of OUtfield training, so everyone was in need of a some relaxation, Guess, some of us choose to pay $7 just to sleep in a cinema ;)

But anyways, review for the show is not bad, Like i think it was worth my $7 bucks. I still have a host of other movies that are in my watch list... hmm

Chicken Little
Narnia
Some Artsy flick whose name i forgot. (i'm as clueless as the normal guy on the street on arts)

The Traffice Police in Singapore are fast and brutal. I parked my car on the side of a road while i went to deliver the photos to the printers. Bling, i come back, $70 fine on my windscreen for parking across solid line. $%#%# liao, Anyways, i'm sick of getting fines. I've a really good resolution for next year and that is not to get a SINGLE fine. I know, not easy, but that's going to be my resolution. I mean every month, i donate almost a $100 to the Singapore Govt.

...Just feeling kinda not here not there, lost in the midst of something...

Workwise, i've packed my rooms, I've gotten my Clearence forms. I'm getting ready to move i guess. I know my next Unit wants me in urgently, apparently there is lots to Handover and the sooner i go, the happier everyone will be. What's most worrisome for me is that they are thinking of taking me out of my Course in Jan if i am not able to take over in time. sigh~ pls... .don't do this to me, let me go for my course... pls pls pls.

On the other hand, i also want to leave my Battalion on a happy note. I don't know how my S1 came up with a Dec 12 date. I mean... no one was in the loop, my OC didn't know, I didn't know... I mean, its all like "Oh yah, you'll post out on the 12th...
Sigh~...

Just feeling kinda not here not there, lost in the midst of something, like the new has came, but the old is still around. I know that's how all the old PCs in my Coy are feeling. What's the next path? IMHO, it's not healthy. No good for the new officers too because we are still around and they can't have a clean and proper handover, like the men and commanders don't know how to really approach. The new officers also don't really feel like they actually taken over, or assumed command. It's like being told your duty is a PC but yet someone else is doing you job, you're just by standing.

I'm a slow dancer huh

2005-11-28T20:53:00.000+08:00

OK, I'm sure you're bound to have taken one those survey stuff that your friends send to you, so anyways, i just did one about the kind of date you are... So apparently i'm a Slow dancer... Whatever that means.

and I should stay away from a girl with personality like a Battle Axe!!!! HAHAH :P I don't have to be a slow Dancer to know that..

The Slow Dancer
Deliberate Gentle Love Dreamer (DGLDm)

Steady, reliable, and cradling her tenderly. Take a deep breath, and let it out real easy...you are The Slow Dancer.

Your focus is love, not sex, and for your age, you have average experience. But you're a great, thoughtful guy, and your love life improves every year. There's also a powerful elimination process working in your favor: most Playboy types get stuck raising unwanted kids before you even begin settling down. The women left over will be hot and yours. Your ideal woman is someone intimate, intelligent, and very supportive.

Your exact opposite:
The Hornivore

Random Brutal Sex Master

While you're not exactly the life of the party, you do thrive in small groups of smart people. Your circle of friends is extra tight and it's HIGHLY likely they're just like you. You appreciate symmetry in relationships.

ALWAYS AVOID: The Battleaxe

CONSIDER: The Maid of Honor or The Sonnet

Just pure mindless surveys. Me going to run abit tml! :) Think it'll be the last run before the 21km on Sun.

I've got my Braces off

2005-11-27T20:15:00.000+08:00

I
got my braces out! :)

Birthday Meals are full

2005-11-25T23:46:00.000+08:00

T
oday, i ran =) I think it's almost 11km. My Timing was pretty bad actually. but hack, at least i clocked some millage. Was pretty free today since the Servers were down, so i basically just sat in office, helping Chee Yong with the Photos.

Yah, My Battalion is doing a small project, every solider will get a little picture of them in action during important phases of their NS life. Pretty Interesting, you'll have pictures of their BMT phase, Their Guardsmen conversion phase, and now their Turn Ops Phase. I think it'll be quite nice, looking at the Templates, yupz, Chee yong is a rather amazing piece of talent. Apparently he designs t-shirts and sells them to shops at Far East Plaza.

...nothing like a good Buffet meal for an ARmy guy...

Last Monday was OC's Birthday, and we all kinda 'forgot' but we can't let him know right...so we actually celebrated for him today by treating him to a meal at Merchant Court Hotel. hahaha, yupz, nothing like a good Buffet meal for an ARmy guy. So anyways, In anticipation for a heavy meal, Mind said to the body... i think you better run today. So yeah, i think my body is back in equilibrium :)

Tml, i've got a host of stuff on my hands, First, BB, than Dental, than Dog Training at 3pm than Church! My Gosh... I really hope i can make it to all of them! I've been tasked to do the Turning Ops Speech, Hopefully, it'll be good enough. It's kinda important an event where all parents are invited, the only thing is how many of my men will want to get their parents to come.

I bet next week, most of them will be really tired out because of the training for ATEC. They will start going for battle courses, after Battle Courses starting from next week, time to start getting jiggy with things again boys ;)

My upper study has already started throwing me with stuff to prepare me for taking over. basically, i've a whole ton of GOM (General Orders of Mindef) Circulars and Directives to read. Frankly, i'm really thinking of printing all of it out, cos i hate to read stuff from the screen. things get blurry after like 4 lines.

BDO duty the last time?

2005-11-23T23:32:00.000+08:00

You know it's nearing the full cycle. The feeling just came as i was mentoring the whole bunch of new Officers who are taking over the whole batch. All so new, but bursting with energy. Haha, remembered having the same feeling not too long ago. You know that excitement and wanting to know everything, and how so many things feels big and beyond you. It just didn't feel like that long ago where i was like them learning about doing BDO duties.

It's good to know how much you have learnt over the 1 year, being able to return the favour and sound all experienced and stuff in front of your juniors. one of them asked about Running to East Coast Park and i remembered I also asked the same questions when i just joined too!

Anyways, It seems i'm really going to be posting to a new place. The date i've got is Dec 12, hopefully, somehow it seems I might have upsetted some people at AOMC, they say i kao bei too much about my posting. My gosh... If some people could just do their work properly and give clear direct answers...

I'll be going over to the do some HR work, it's like a holding place before another post becomes available. but the good thing is i'm going for course in Jan! :) hahaha, alright, i'm feeling all excited about the move, although i might live to regret ever saying this cos i do quite like my current job quite a lot. especially the people here. but i guess we all need to move on at some time too right?

hmmm... Hmmm... Lalalala

Here's to days gone by

2005-11-23T00:31:00.000+08:00

C
had went back to Japan this morning. Managed to meet up one more time before he left, we Went to Raffles Hotel! and had Singapore Sling at the Long Bar... Hahaha, i never went there before but all i can say is this....it's EXPENSIVE. like one Singapore Sling cost like $19!!! it's madness. but i like the concept of throwing peanut shells on the floor its gives the whole place a very casual feel. still... I'm quite broke this week i think hahaha. But it's alright.

I got to go Japan now especially since Chad's there. Just wondering when would be a good time.

Anyways, It's back to Routine life in the Batallion, the new officers have Come! (woo hoo!!!) So now, it's training the new officers, once they've taken over comfortably.... i think it's time for us to take a step back and let the new officers run the show ;) Wow...almost feels like 1 year back when we came and were all new and fresh hahaha.

Tml, I'm going to be the BDO, understudying me would be all the New officers. I was telling them, the best way to learn is to kena extras, you'll learn the fastest this way. It's painful, but very powerful i think.

Some stuff on my Mind... guess i'll need to start running again to clarify my mind. hopefully tml morning will have some time before i takeover as DO.

Chad's in town

2005-11-20T06:09:00.000+08:00

M
y long time friend from Toronto just popped into town today. Chad, the Flipino Chinese, Raised in Jamaica, Citizenship in Canada, and now working in Japan. Always great to meet up with Chad, He's so much to share (esp abt all the girls he meets....very interesting)

Ok, now i so want to go to Japan to Teach English, apparently they provide you free lodging and meals and all you need to do is teach English as an Auxillary Instructor. So he got tons of free tim on his hands and he is just busy trying to fill up those times by meeting with lots of different girls. OK, that's Chad for you.

...Ok, now i so want to go to Japan to Teach English...

Anyways, Picked him and his 2 friends, dropped them off at the Marina Mandarin (They're rich Japanese eh) and than went for supper than Chad and I head down to some club to check the scene in Singapore, some club called Momo that my friend jio me too go. Ok, pretty nice beats i guess, lots of RnB music, which... i don't know guess i'm getting too old for the scene already :P

But yeah, after going to a club after so long, i realized that everyone is just checking each other out. The girls ARE looking at the guys. I mean, Ok, they try to do it without you knowing, but definately noticed glances. Like... i never really noticed it, but this time, the sense is there. But No, i don't even thinking of picking up girls in such places. Although it has to be quite easy. There was this girl who i guess was a bit high and she fell on me, but i managed to support her and she didn't let go off my hand, just keep holding onto it. Worst... Her Male Companion was just beside her. I just let go of it cos i didn't want her Male companion to feel anything cos he looked quite drunk himself.

The joke was he tried to support her but slumped onto the tabletop himself...

Pretty happening place i guess. left at 4am. Eardrums still rining of Hip hop.

Anyways, after the club, we went over to Geylang to have breakfast at the Soya Bean place. I think Chad is pretty impressed that even at 5am in the morning ppl are stil around eating and going on with life. Yes, Singaporean's are a nocturnal bunch i guess, at least a number of us are. ;)

I didn't go to svc again. This time because of the LDC camp. Ended up setting up a campfire for the boys together with the rest of the officers. Thinking about it, i'm thinking if i should go for Sunday's Service. Only problem now is it's almost 7am and i've yet to sleep...Madness right? still up blogging, but for some reason, i'm feeling just that tad fresh after taking my shower (was stinking of smoke after Momo's)

It's my Off day!

2005-11-13T20:39:00.000+08:00

I
'm super pleased today. ok, 1 its my off day. Managed to get back home by 12, haad a bit of lunch and than went to sleep. Can you believe it? my Off day and i went to sleep. what a waste. But anyways, woke up at 6pm, and than..... Hmmm, it's not raining, won't it be nice for a run? anyways, i'm pleased... i still managed to clock 10km... not bad, not bad, i though after slacking in the office for so long after Bali, my Belly is starting to show liao, Thank God I've got a chance to do some positive action abt it :P

...Can you believe it? my Off day and i went to sleep...

Ok, i've postponed by Bangkok trip to after Dec's Stand Chart run.. so i can eat guilt free when i'm there. hahaha. But now here comes the bummer, Bangkok kena the Stupid Bird Flu thing also!! argh.... How how? should go or not? Worst, $$$ is getting abit low liao :P

Oh~ i've yet to post any Bali pics yet. Unfortunately, My camera is in Office, so i haven't uploaded any pics yet. will do so when i get back the next time round which will be... Next Wed! ;)

I'm really sorry i can't talk much about what i'm doing currently. But it'll be ending Next week, than it'll be back to normal, i'll get to have my regular schedule back in place. and get to blog somewhat more regularly i think.

Good Will Hunting

2005-11-10T20:59:00.000+08:00

...I've been working shifts for the last 2 days...

I
ts always kinda sucky when you just come back from vacation and face work again. I've been working shifts for the last 2 days, pretty tiring. So, today's my off day! but really, it didn't feel like off at all. Basically went back to camp to handle an AWOL case. Wah liao.... sucks manz. I even had to go down the guys house all the way in Bukit Batok Panjang and ferry him back to camp.

The worst thing is , I haven't been running, after coming back from Bali, i haven't had the chance to run even once! and on my sole Off day, it rains..... Die lah, like that how am i going to keep in shape for the Stand Chart Run?.... Argh!!! The more i think about it, the more i can't stand it, i think i'll wake up super early tommorrow morning and run a few rounds around my estate before heading back to work. If people can wake up at 5.30am to run, so can I!

Today's a lil' reunion for my PhotoSociety. group. haha Basically Fiona is giving us a treat!!! since she's now working, like... ermm...so am i, but i haven't treated yet too hahaha :P

I'm back from Bali

2005-11-08T00:27:00.000+08:00

Yes, I'm Back, I arrived at 6pm, I was in camp at 10pm.
Let me think.... yes, I haven't even slept on my own bed since coming back home. Sigh~ We're getting ready for another round of busy period. Therefore, there's alot of stuff to prepare, basically having lots of late nights in the last 2 days.

So how was Bali....?

It was ok, yeah, i'll say it was ok. I think the place is nice, but it's really too touristy. Maybe if i went there with a lot more money and willing to spend it left right centre i'll have a better experience. I'm not sure, i guess my expectation of Bali is some kind of Spa like resort. Well....quite far from the truth actually. I stayed in a decent place but nothing luxurious. So...no pampering hahah

But, the beach is really nice. I tried surfing! I can now stand hahahaha. pretty sut right ;) too bad, i was too cheap to buy the photos hahaha.

I went Water Rafting, Alright, i think i can afford a much faster ride. there were like only 2 high moments along the whole 12km course.

I also went on some Sight Seeing at this volcano and this temple which was a total tourist rip off. Let me explain...before you even reach the temple, 800m before, you have too pay for a pass to go up the mountain. As you reach the site of the temple, you have to buy a Sarong before you can enter from the vendors outside the temple. Before you can even STEP into the temple, you have to pay for a Guide (Bargainable). Than even after you get into the temple you have to pay for some kind of temple donation (You are forced too by your guide, Than after you finish, you have to tip your guide (Your guide will remind you) "Sir, a tip for me?"....Than as you step out, the Sarong sellers will ask you to return their Sarongs!!!! Piangz right?

Basically, Bali is a place where you must bargain, everyone wants to take you for a ride and charge you an exorbitant price. That's the lifestyle in that place. It really gets quite tiring when you have to bargain for every single thing. I've learnt my lesson. I just ask them how much, and than keep shaking my head till they hit a price which i think is low enuff, than i'll hammer it even lower. Than i'll walk off. If they call me, than i'll consider. Your starting pirce must be 1/4 of whatever they first quote.

Ok, foodwise, pretty excellent variety, Quality is pretty good too considering the price. $4 sing, gets you a complete steak meal with fruit juice too. Very nice! :), Oh~ and i went for Message and Spa too. Spa was super Ex lah (USD $50) but ah well, you get to enjoy for a while so not too bad. i'll try and post some pics of the Spa in the next Post.

Some Bad points. You can't trust their Money Changers, they all try to cheat you of your money, Like seriously, all try to cheat you. The only ones that i can trust are the Goverment ones at Central Kuta. It's next to the recent Bomb site actually. Talking abt that, yes... the Bomb was in the middle of the most happening Street. But you know, Bali is pretty resilent, alot of people still around, Life goes on as per usual. It's quite amazing, Bali is still far from being a Ghost town.

OKies, i need to stop, take a shower and go to sleep. I'll only be able to blog next on Thurs Morning where i can get some time off i think ;)

At the Airport

2005-11-02T18:20:00.000+08:00

Y
ippie! I'm at the airport now, blogging from one of those free terminals. Changi Airport is really one of the best airports in the world man. Actually my flight got delayed by an hour, so... extra time, just go and explore the transit area in more detail since I normally don't spend time here. It's superb man, other than free internet, I've got free Phone calls, There's also a Pharmacy, lots of cafes, (I've already had 2 cups of Bailey's Irish Cream from the Duty Free counter hiak hiak hiak)... Sounds like i'm promoting the airport like that right?

...Actually my flight got delayed by an hour...

We still haven't booked accommodations yet. It's a free for all. Our plane is expected to arrive Bali at 9pm.

maybe, now is a good time to start writting some numbers down so we can call when we arrive at Bali. I haven't even changed any currency yet. Even my Tour agent thinks we are a bit mad hahaha.

Okies, i think i'll sign off liao!

flying!!!

2005-11-02T15:52:00.000+08:00

O
K! I'm flying. Will only be back Sun Evening ;)

I'm flying off tonight!

2005-11-02T01:57:00.000+08:00

I
still haven't packed my stuff , wait, I haven't even picked up the air tickets! This is going to be one wacky trip, i'm sure.

Anyways, There seems to be lots of good accommodation still available on the island, just a matter of finding them and talking to them directly.

ok...>Some things of stuff i like to do in Bali, hmmm going to cost abit

-Try Surfing $
-River Rafting $$$
-chilling out at the beach at night $
-Seafood $ (heard its cheap)
-Shopping $ (ok, have to save some for Bangkok rite?)
-SEe the Volcano $
-Dive! $$$

Total.... hmm $$$$$$$$$$$ (11x$)=a bit Ex huh
Only be back on Sun Afternoon, Hopefully there's enuff time for us to do all the stuff.

Today, Oreo and Ritz's Previous owners drop by to see them. Hahaha, they have grown so much from the last time. Both went mad with joy, impressed, they actually still remember them ;)

Was suppose to go swimming in the afternoon today, but Me took a nap, Me didn't go swimming in the end. hahaha, but yes, that's why i'm still so freaking awake at 2.15pm.

Lalalalalala. Lalalalalala. Oh~ too all those who are still mugging for your exams. God Bless! Pls, try to study smart and not just hard. Stay focus, don't go to A place to study with your BF, but end up cuddle cuddle, talk talk, listen to MP3 together, books still open in front of you for 1hr ;P

(Yes, my Observation at the East Coast park Macdonald during my night Cycling trip)

I'm once again the DO, 2 more days to Bali

2005-10-31T23:43:00.000+08:00

Ok, i Shouldn't complain so much. But yesh, on a halloween night, i'm stuck here in the Ops room doing DO duty. I'm wasn't suppose to be on Duty today but this Sun, However Since i'll be in Bali that day, I did a little switch-e-roo with someone who really wanted to enjoy and revel at Zouk in full Halloween regalia. Seems like something big is going on at Zouk tonight.

So basically, I Went for a course this Afternoon than, drop by the travel agency to pay for the air tickets. Yes! I'm finally going. But the best thing is, i'm going there with no proper accomodation yet. Hahahaha...some misunderstanding between me and the agent, so she didn't go ahead to book my accomodation. and now its too late for her to book since we are flying in like 2 days time and they are not working tml somemore.... so I'm now trying to find for good accomodation in Bali that can take us in at least when we arrive at 9pm on Wednesday hahaha. Worse come to worst, i'm prepared to tie a hammock and sleep on the beach or something. LOL

Ok, we want to be cheap, but also not SOOOO cheap that we are suffering, so i'm surfing the net now to find the best possible deals. argh! So stressful, but its good stress hahaha, at least i'm stressing over something that is part of the fun of travelling, Frankly, it'll be quite cool to just go sleep on the beach for the first night or something. Just pray it doesn't start raining half way.

Tml night, Night cycling.
Wed, Work
Wed Evening, Fly
So... i guess the only time possible to pack is Tml Morning. =)

Anyways, Yesterday, Pastor brought us to this park near the Expo (Where our Church is moving too) and we have a new running route! It just goes in circles around the lil' pond. I mean, i jog there from home once in a while, make 1 round around the pound and head back. But this running route just goes round and round and round the pond! So...we're suppose to collectively try and hit 7000 rounds. Excellent, Do i look like a Lab mice to you? Hahaha. But it was good fun to see everbody work out, Like what Pastor said...At the end of the day, It's not the 7000 rounds that matter, its the fellowship of the family. So true, God really has been blessing our church many folds over. Even the Pond which we circle around.. contain Koi's that are almost 1m in length! and they still look beautiful, even in the brackish water.

2 more days to Bali!

Oh~ I ate some excellent curry noodles in Chinatown today. It's at Hong lim Complex. VERY VERY NICE! especially the Curry. Hahaha, i finished the whole Bowl! all the Curry gravy included hahaha. Must pay back the price tml, but sianz, Calf still feeling abit heavy....ok, these are just excuses from my lazy Body, I must Discipline it to listen to ME!!!

Calf Muscle Cramp :P

2005-10-30T10:54:00.000+08:00

A
lright, I ran this morning ;) only 10km, but almost dying hahaha. I guess it was cos my pace was quite fast. cos now... both my calf muscles are feeling abit sore. That little Tendon at the back of the heel. Achilles thingy...also a bit pain. Sigh~ but otherwise, it's good. I'm glad i can still clock 10km. It's only 1 month away before i do the same distance twice! :P

Oh~, I'm going to Bali next week! :) FINALLY! some kind of break, my flight is suppose to leave on Wed Evening, and return on Sun afternoon. So...it's like a 4 days of Vacation. The best thing is...i get to use this Credit thingy from the SAF called Flex Dollars. Every year, we are given $500 credits to spend on vacation, insurance and some other stuff....so...yupz! a free vacation! :). But have to issue my tickets on Monday. So far, only 3 people going, hopefully can jio jio more. Than after the week of holiday it will be madness again for the next 2 weeks. Just nice, my Sis will also be starting her A levels. I guess everyone will be a bit Busy.

...I ran this morning ;) only 10km, but almost dying hahaha...

Later, there's suppose to be a prayer walk/run in the afternoon at the EXPO...i wonder if i can still run hahahha.

Update on Oreo and Ritz, they are starting to make PEE MARKINGS!!! I know it's a normal thing for dogs. But it sucks cos now we have to go all over the place to clean up their Pee, Have to start training them not to do such things. I mean, they still go to their Pee tray and stuff, but sometimes they make squirts at the gates too....naughty naughty.

TGIF

2005-10-29T03:36:00.000+08:00

I
ts finally Friday, but yes,....it's already like Sat 3am, i've just got back from the airport from picking up some of my guys who just got back from their overseas training. Before that we all had dinner at Swesen's cos it was Mr Veron's Birthday ;)Super tired liao + Tml still have BB at 7am. better sleep soon.

...I still don't know When i'm leaving? or to Where...

I'm quite bummed, Everyone recieved their promotion today. I was suppose to receive mine too, but due to some admin reason, I didn't get the promotion. it'll be delayed for a while. So they're helping me check it out now. Ah well... sigh~

I still don't know When i'm leaving? or to Where exactly..It's strange, i guess that's the downside of being in a system that has alot of turnovers and rotations. You're not sure if someone is actually remembering you or watching out for you admist the whole slush that needs to get posted around. And you can voice out, but in the end, you just have to hope and pray that someone at HR is doing their job and actually ensuring that you get posted to the right place promptly....

I want to go to McRitchie to Run. But my right feet is giving me some problems recently. There's a pain in my heel and I've been advice to take a break...Shucks, i still wish to train up for Stand Chart man. Abt 1 month away only...Hmm, looks like i'll be part of the 21 thousand people running. Can't believe so many people are running this year hahahaha. Hopefully it won't get too crowded, i only hope MRT will start earlier that day. There's approximate 6000 people running the full and prob abt 8000 running the half, so.... yeah, can you imagine, 14,000 people at the start line?? It'll be quite a sight! ;)

Pls pls pls don't Rain hahahaha, but hack, even if it does rain, just run lah.

It's a Long Day

2005-10-27T01:12:00.000+08:00

OK,

Basically, My boss called me up yesterday afternoon.

"Eh, Colin, you at home? Can you come down and help me, there's alot of work to do"
"Sir, I can't believe you're doing this!! I'm suppose to be on leave..."

But anyways, I went back in the end to help my OC cos i know he won't call unless it was really urgent. So yeah, I've been busy with work ever since. It's hmm...almost 1am now? and yeah, i've just finished a huge portion of stuff. Going to take a small breather. Tml, there's still alot more to work on. But ah~ at least I've some breathing space now.

I'm wonder how Oreo is doing. He was a bit sick when I left. Was having a Fever and was Drooling quite abit... Hmm, Hopefully my Sis is doing ok feeding Him with the Medicine, YOu're suppose to stick the tablet into the back of their Throat and make sure they swallow it that kind. Quite Gross at first haha.

Ah well, I guess i'll only be able to go back home on Friday night now.

I'm Bumming Around

2005-10-24T19:03:00.000+08:00

T
he most difficult decision today... to go or not to go backpacking. Backpacking normally means abit of planning, a more roughing out holiday, but you get to meet more people, see more stuff and probably have a lil adventure or something. The Other alternative is to just pay for a package tour or a Free and Easy one, and just go and relax, do your own thing. Problem with this is you don't get much done and get waste vast amount of time thinking what to do... But it's a Leisure Option right? You're suppose to have time.

Today was spent doing research on itinaries. So... I've got some options now

1) Just go on a package tour to Bangkok, All inclusive, 4days 3 nights
2) Go on a package tour but have a little Add-On, LIke Go diving in Kao Tao
3) Have a pure Diving Holiday, Near Krabi at this place called Hin Daeng, LOB abt $1k, 6days
4) Have a pure backpacking trip, Hit Bangkok, Cambodia (Ang Kor Wat), (Maybe Vietnam Phenom Pheh, and than back to Bangkok. Maybe a short 2 days in Pattaya before heading home. Total Damage... abt $1.2k inclusive of air fare. Only Problem is if I can get a holiday that is THAT long.

So now... how??? The Pure Dive Trip looks very tempting, but abit Ex just for 6 days. However, it can be done during the Hari Raya, Deepavali week. Sianz....but won't have $$$ to go to Amritsar liao if that's the case. Than again...Amritsar also not confirmed.

...Today, was the most SLACK day i've had for a long while i think....

OK.... So maybe i need some principal consideration to narrow down the choices...
Budget, Time and Space and maybe Friends interested in going. Ok, i guess I'll ask the rest of the Guy's tonight what is their budget and than who will be interested in going during the Last week of Nov.

Today, was the most SLACK day i've had for a long while i think. I appreciate it. I realized i'm a lazy creature, although I do have alot of things i like to do, I'm perfectly capable of lazing in bed for long portions of the day :P Terrible.

So... Moi will make a planned Timetable for tommorrow and STICK TO IT! so that i can actually get something done instead of letting time fly by. I've already got a list of things to do, now just need to plan the schedule.

I'm just doing some last min Blogging before i head to Plaza Sing to meet up with the rest of the Officers from my camp who are about to ORD.. Gosh, i can't believe time flies so fast. Yikes, supposed to meet them at 8pm, now almsot 7.30pm liao!!!

Hmm... Gentle note to self, Tml Morning is a running day, better work that into the schedule ;)

I did it!!

2005-10-23T13:38:00.000+08:00

I
'm pretty pleased with myself this morning. I actually managed to pull myself out of bed, put on my running attire and shoes and go for a run. It rained somemore in the morning, superbly tempting to just snuggle under my quilt... But no. Just the thought of last night's meal, ok, bo bian, have to do something...hahaha So Push myself out of bed and go for a run just after the rain stopped. Ain't easy manz.

Sounds so simple right? Wake up and go for a morning run....Tell you it's like the hardest thing to do :P maybe not as hard as Brunei though.

Anyways, I had a "get back to shape" Run, wasn't far or fast, just ran from my home to Bedok Resevoir, run 1 round than back home. I think total distance is about 8km. But i didn't run the whole 8km, cos there was some Wakeboarding Competition happening at the Resevoir, so after my 1 round, i stopped, and started watch the competition. heh...Ok lah, there were also lots of "Tanned Wakeboarding Babes" all around the venue also :P. But yeah, I stayed to watch the competition a bit (not the girls competition, don't worry), Than started walking back when it started to drizzle again.

Okies, so came back home, just nice the sun started to come out again, and since it's Sunday...Oreo and Ritz Bath day.. so yupz, since i was sweaty and dirty might as well do it than right? So Hahaha....started Bathing both the Dogs. Oreo is better behaved nowadays, but he still hates the Blower. He was barking like mad and trying to bite at it, Apparently he had a bad experience with it during the last bath when he hit his head against it. But anyways, the Ordeal is over, Both dogs are smelling nice and clean with a Mango Orange scent (The shampoo got flavour one) hahah.

I'm feeling so free, Don't have to be back to camp tonight or tml. I'm really wondering what i can do with all the time. Here are some of the stuff on my Agenda,

-Revise my CFA
-Sent the Car for Servicing
-Plan for a Trip to Bangkok, & Diving

Now.. there's a possible chance i might go for Amirtsar, just a last min jio jio from my friend. but the dates r pretty tight. sigh~

Than again, Nov and Dec seems quite packed with Church stuff and BB. how siah?

So many places to Go, so little time :P, the Complaint now is different from School days where, There's so Many places to Go but no $$$ hahaha :)

Good Food Report!

2005-10-22T23:03:00.000+08:00

W
ent for BB parade early this morning. It was right after their exams so i guess their mood weren't really there. But It was nice seeing all them playing soccer together having fun. Makes the waking up at 7am on Saturday more worthwhile.

Today also went to Pick up the Rest of the Gin Gang from the Airport. They had a very fruitful time there according to J.D. Some of the BB boy's went too to welcome them back. Quite touched to see them so concerned for their leaders. But heh, missed svc to pick them up... not quite good. :P

...you pay according to how much you feel you ate. How cool is that?...

Oh~ here comes the Good food Report. There's an Northen Indian restaurant called Lakshamina or something. It serves Vegeterian food. but It's sooooo Good! It's buffet style and you pay what you think it's worth. Like there's not set price or anything. It's something like a Charity thingy, so you pay according to how much you feel you ate. How cool is that? All the waiters there are volunteers. It's located on the 2nd floor of Excelsior Hotel. Very interesting place...definately worth going back.

The reaons why i went there was cos my dear friend Shin shin called me, asked if i wanted to go for a little dinner, some Close friends of ours would actually be going too. So i stupidly said yeah sure, Sounds nice. Than.... i remembered, the last time Shin did this, I went to her house party totally not prepared to know that it was her brithday. it felt like around this time of the year.... so i asked her straight,

"Shin, It's your Birthday right?"
"No... No lah, just come"
"ok. Eh, you sure it's not your birthday?"
"nope, really just a dinner"
"Alright, see you than"

Here comes the killer, IT IS HER BIRTHDAY!!!!! I called another friend just before going to dinner and ask, "Eh it's not a birthday thingy right?" "It is ah! today's her birthday.", "Manz! she did it to me again"

Hahaha, anyways, i guess it ended nicely, we had a little cake to celebrate and stuff so all was quite nice.

Oh~ there's an excellent pic of Oreo and Ritz that my Sis took today.

Very nicely taken right? I mean don't they look like the most beautiful Dogs in the world? Like compared to other Breeds, i think Shelties are just Graceful, very "Suai" ....Gosh, this is not favourtism, it's outright biasness hahaha.
And if you notice clearly, Oreo is missing his Right Canine Teeth! The reason.... They are both Teething now. so Yupz, their Baby teeth are all coming out. =)

Still feeling very bloated now so i can't sleep yet. I think I will go for a run tml, just to work off abit of what I ate tonight and also to get back on track with my running schedule... Gosh, I can feel that lazy feeling already hahahaha :P

Time of your Life

2005-10-21T20:50:00.000+08:00

Y
awnzzzz... Wow, I slept from 9am to 4pm.

Heh... Very Pleased but hungry when i woke up. Unfortunately, a Stray Cat apparently pushed down the whole Corningware of Fried Rice my Aunty Zeny had cooked for lunch, so basically no lunch. In the end, I ended up cooking Ramen for myself. LOL...My first meal back home is Ramen, the Irony. But heh! it was still pretty tasty.

Here are some nicer pics of Brunei. I didn't bring the Camera out for the training portion, (Too bulky and it was raining all the time) so all the pics look pretty happy and like on Chalet like that, but that's the far from the truth. Most times, I was cold, wet and Dirty.

That's us Boarding the Ferry that will bring us into the Brunei Jungle.

That's Me and my Platoon Sargent and the rest of the guys from Platoon 8!

Me and my Commanders (Before Going out for the Exercise....that's why all looking so happy haha)

Anyways,the worst is over. Yes, Brunei is Over. Phew, Thank God everyone in the Company is safe. ALthough some did get Foot Rot (Pretty bad) They all looking much better after a day of rest.

...Espirt De Corp This is the hardest thing to nurture, But i think we did it....

I think Brunei did alot of Character Building in all my man. It was tough training, but there is ALOT of sense of accomplishment when you actually finish it. I will always remember the night on top of Mt Biang where i slept next to my OC and in between moments of counciousness, I can feel both of us shivering at regular intervals.

I will remember Carrying the 84mm up Biang for a short stretch...ALMOST DIED~

I will remember walking in the night, Leading the 84mm Team through all the various obstacles.

I will remember Sitting by the Fire and chatting tiil 11pm during the Navigation Exercise.

I will remember, always having to turn back to give the guy behind you a hand up the slippery surface of the last Objective.

In a Nutshell, it was a Memorable experience. We got the Best Company Award, which i felt was very special to the man because Charlie Coy hasn't won anything so far.

To be honest, Our men are not the fittest in the Battalion, they are not the most Garang. The reason why we did so well under such tough condition was cos of 1 thing....Spirit. Espirt De Corp This is the hardest thing to nurture, But i think we did it. I can feel it in the whole Company, More clearly now than ever. There is that sense of Mutual Respect across all levels. I can feel the Man respect their Commanders, and the Commanders their officers. There is no way to hide, Everyone form the Last man to OC went through the same tough shit. All slept in the cold, All Pressed on, All succeeded together. I think that's what makes a Great Company.

Anyways, I'm glad it's over. I'm on Off now till Wed, so now planning what i can do to occupy the time hahah. + Next week there's 2 Public Holidays!! Better start clearing some leave. =) Been thinking of going to Travel somewhere. But where leh??? Thinking of either Diving or Going to Bangkok, or maybe BOth?? ;) Maybe go Dive in Thailand than go bangkok...ah~

During the RnR, We were talking abt how nice lives Pilot's have and stuff. But the best Comment came from Edwin lah. When he was talking how Pilots can Impress girls

Girl: So what do you do for a living?
Pilot say : "I fly the skies"

But People like us can only say
Guardsmen : "The Mud on my face is soil, Our Soil"
LOL....Piangz, which girl likes to kiss soil??? HAhaha

I'm reading a book called "Dog Listener", it teaches you how to observe Signs Dogs are doing to read their Language so it can be better behaved and stuff. Dog's are still Pack animals who live best with a clearly defined social Structure thus you need to show them who is the Leader of their lives. It doesn't mean being Loud and Aggresive on your Dogs, but it means doing stuff so that your Dog know's who is the Boss, Like Ignoring your Dogs, when they bark and jump at you ext. And Only responding to them when you call for them ... stuff like that. So... Oreo and Ritz are going through that now. So far the Family has started without me and I need to Follow the Training Philosophy hahaha. So far, i'm happy to say that they haven't been jumping up so aggresively ;) Still well behaved. haha

Home Sweet Home

2005-10-21T09:34:00.000+08:00

H
ey! I'm back, Early Morning Flight. Still groggy.

Oreo and Ritz still remembers ME!!! awwww, and they are bigger with a thicker coat of fur.

My Sis had her braces out.

Sleep....

More abt my Brunei Training latter

2hrs to Brunei

2005-10-07T21:37:00.000+08:00

T
his will be my last post before i head to the airport for Brunei. My bags ain't packed yet, my Library books still outstanding, but no fear, within this 2 hour will settle everything! Colin! what in the world are you thinking?? still blogging at this hour? :P

But yeah, To everyone out there! I'll be gone from the 7th to the 21st Oct! If you SMS or call me but don't get a reply, you know why. (Cos I don't have access to a Satellite Phone hahahaha)

...Colin what in the world are you thinking still blogging at this hour?...

I've got a new Hair Cut. It is REALLY REALLY SHORT. Almost like BMT recruit style, but I prefer to call it the Brad Pitt Buzz Cut look alike HAHAHAHA! :P Whatever the case, It's cool as in Literally Cooler.

Oh~~~ I got my Platinum Credit Card today too! Hiak hiak hiak. It just arrived in the mail. so, my Very first Visa Card! so nice ;) Feels all grown up already :P I haven't read through the Terms and Conditions, but i know my Annual Fees have been waived for the first 2 years. Must see what kind of discounts they are offer for Food, maybe some good Restaurants... Than will go and wack the food after i come back from Brunei again. ;) Ok good, that will be my Inspiration and Motivation hahaha. Wait... Yah ok, I did pack my running shoes in the check in luggage.

Met up with Gin Hin today to say Happy Birthday (His BD is Tml!). We went to have Mee Sua at Bedok, Excellent man. Its one of my comfort food in Singapore hahaha, and have been wanting to eat them for a while liao, So Great, I leave Singapore with Good, Old style Singaporean Food in my Belly. I'm glad i managed to see him before i leave cos he'll be going to East Timor before i get back. Looking Good, I think we both will have a very enjoyable time away from Singapore. =)

Alrighty, almost 10pm liaao... Better start Packing.

Hmmm, I wonder whether Oreo and Ritz will remember me when i come back, They almost didn't regconize me when i came back from the barber hahahaha.

The Lord is my Shepard

2005-10-07T02:07:00.000+08:00

I
am 1 day away from Leaving for Brunei. So i get to be on Leave these few days, but there's tons of stuff to do. i.e. Cut my Hair, Go to Dentist, Reutrn my Library Books, Pack my Bags, Get a Hair Dryer (for my boots lah). Send out Birthday Cards ext ext. Looks like Tml's going to be a Bz Bz day for me.

Today generally just Nua at home after coming back from Camp in the Morning, I just showered and slept and slept hahaha. Guess that's why i'm still awake at 2am. Anyways, it is a good time to work on my BB Lesson Schedules for next year. I'm realized that bit by bit i'm more drawn into the World of BB. Things like Badgework and campcraft and Requirements and LDC become more understandable to me.

As i Head to Brunei, I'm just reminded that indeed the Lord is my Shepard, even in the Jungle, I can trust in him. It's almost a feeling of Deja Vu where i was there just 1 year ago. Sometimes, the Jungle can be the most peaceful place in the world, but it can also be terrible, especially when it rains. I look forward to having a good time when i'm out there with my Guys. In the Jungle, everything gets dark by 5pm, so you just set a campfire and huddle round, cook, chit chat and basically sleep early. Can be quite fun acutally ;) Probably a good time for reflection, I'll bring my Water Proofed Bible along, whether I'll read it is prob a different matter altogether though.

Brunei here we go again.....

Corpse Bride

2005-10-04T01:37:00.000+08:00

J
ust got back from Cineleisure watching Corpse Bride with my Fellow PCs, It's Darkish with a bit of humour and Love. Very wierd Combination, For Tim Burton Fans, i guess you get what you want. For those who ain't very Savvy with Tim Burton's Works...it'll be like what my Friend said, " WTF????"

The Movie wasn't the highlight, it was the laughter and conversations we had in the Car that really really made my Day. We talked about going to Bangkok in November, About Work, about being attached vs Being Single, About Life after our PC tours, basically everything under the sun. Hahaha, we all Communicate on the same wavelength somemore, lots of joy and laughter. These are the moments which sometimes just tells me that signing on as a Regular isn't that bad a choice after all. You get to do Daft things like trying to catch a 11.15pm Movie at Orchard with only 20mins to spare. hahahaha ;P

...signing on as a Regular isn't that bad a choice after all...

I ran quite alot today, From Camp to Bedok Reservoir, 2 rounds around + a slow jog back home. Good Good, preparation for Wednesday's Feast at Shangri La. Now the only problem is getting someone to replace me for DO duty on Wednesday. hai~

Yupz, This Wednesday, All the Officers and PS will be going to Shangri La Hotel, to Eat at "The Line"... for our pre Brunei Feast. It's this Buffet that cost like $65+++ so... Yeah, It should be good. I've already made reservations. Hmmm...Never been to that place. Sounds so Atas, but hai~ once in a while get to experience the feeling of eating like High Class people also not too bad right?

OCS Reunion

2005-10-02T23:43:00.000+08:00

T
oday marks the 1 year after having commission as an Officer. Basically, all the Guys from My Platoon had a mini Get together this evening. To Celebrate and talk about our lives. All the NSFs are clearing their Leave, Making plans to go study overseas, or locally,Some preparing to work. The Regulars preparing to go to their new postings. ME....preparing to go Brunei...

...1 year, of Officership. So much Experiences and Moments...

1 year, of Officership. So much Experiences and Moments. Just talking to all them sharing their hilarious moments, There's enuff to go round the whole night, Non-stop laughter. Basically, I think as an officer you get more than your fair share of Experiences...Be in Fuunny, Sad, or Bitter Sweat. Like Breaking up with GFs who complain about not having enuff time with you. the causalty rate in the last 1 year.... 3 breakups in our Platoon. The Time spent with the Man, The stupid things that happen in our camps. The highlight was Someone's Man had his testicles Twisted during a Route March after only 16k. He thought it was a stomachache until next day cannot tahan go hospital for a scan than discovered the problem. Had to go for Operation to Un-Twist it. That really took the cake. =)

We had Marche, Than when to a LAN shop, than some of them went to watch soccer, Liverpool vs Chealse. Hmmm... I hope I'll be able to keep up with Freinds like these man. Oh~~~ One of my Canadian Friend is coming down from Japan to visit me from 19-22 Nov!! :) Woot

On Oreo and Ritz (4 months old!)

2005-10-02T10:44:00.000+08:00

T
oday i woke up early, Thanks to the Red Wine last night, I slept early and so so soundly. It was Great! Haven't had such nice sleep for a while.

Anyways, Woke up early, and decided to bring Oreo and Ritz for a jog since we're going to bath them today, might as well work out a bit of sweat before bathing right? So...Put the leash on Oreo and brought him out. Oreo was amazing, he was keeping up with my pace all the way. Like I just brought him for a small round around the neighbour hood, No problem, kept up with me all the way. Even the up hill portion, also can overtake me. Wah liao (Pai seh Man) But other than the ocassional Dogs that barked at him. Oreo's an excellent Jogging Companion.

...Oreo's an excellent Jogging Companion...

Now comes to Rtiz, Totally different story, After putting him on the leash, and joggin out to like the main Road, He started to draw back once the first neighbour's dogs started barking, Didn't want to go any furthur, tried asking him to come, also Solidly refused....So in the end i ended up carrying him bits and pieces. The Bugger, only started running when i gave up carrying him and turned back. He would only run when we head back towards the direction of the house. Tried to trick him by running up towards the house, than U-Turn, straight away will sit down and refuse to go on. Smart Bugger this Ritz... Hai~

Than, Comes the bathing part. Oreo hates to bath, so basically i got all wet with him struggling and throwing water all over me. You know Dog's got this Shake the whole body Move where water starts to spray everywhere. Ah~....Oreo is the expert in that move man....

Ritz, well, typical Manja kids, Enjoys, the water, the Body scrub, the towel dry, the fussing over his fur. He'll just sit quietly, let you do everything you need to do with him. They're still growing!

So here's Oreo

And Ritz

Handsome right? Hai~ I'm so blessed manz

Ok, but thanks to my Dog's I didn't get to do a proper run at McRitchie... I wonder when i can start bringing my Dogs there to run... Hmmm, Who know's Oreo might become my pacer next time hahah.

Tired

2005-10-01T21:21:00.000+08:00

S
hack out. Super tired after coming back from Tekong and Conducting Range, and Celebrating My Sis's Birthday....Zzzz

Once again, my Sis became chef of the day! Yupz, on her birthday somemore. Children's day too!

The dinner table with Wine, Tomatos, Salad, Jacket Potatos and Ribs

Sweated Tomatos with Basil Leaf drenched in Olive Oil and Vinegrette *YUM!!!)

BBQ Ribs as Main Course

Nice Talk

2005-09-29T00:07:00.000+08:00

T
oday had to settle some more insurance thingy for the Car. Apparently the other party is claiming damge from ME! He is claiming that I hit into his Van...So things are getting messy. Basically he is lying through his teeth and Oh well, looks like we are preparing to fight it out in Court. Hai~ So i went to the accident site to take pictures to add to my Report. So sianz, Why are there such people in the world? Anyways, I know even through this, God wants me to keep my heart soft and open for him, So I'm not going to get mad or angry, even though inside of me feels very Unfair.

Today more or less wasn't that much, so I went out cycling in the evening since I wasn't really in the mood for a jog. Met up with J.D. Half way and yeah, just nice, my Chain broke so Went to some bike shop. Guess what, Saw the Colonel who interviewed me yesterday there. Hahahahah. What a coincidence. I know he likes to ride bikes too, but didn't expect him to be at that particular bike shop at the same time.

...So I'm not going to get mad or angry, even though inside of me feels very Unfair...

Oh~ which reminds me that I need to talk to my Boss to see if he is comfortable to release me after Brunei. Maybe Give me 1 week to settle my Admin stuff and fully handover the Platoon. I would like to go over to my G2 side to understudy the outgoing guy, appearently there's alot of things i need to get to speed when i get there and he is leaving soon. Don't want to be lost in transition

Anyways, I thank God for Brothers! Just so nice J.D. also xian, and I'm also xian, so meet up and cycle and grab dinner and coffee. Than cycle back. Nothing much, but cool, Feeling better liao. Maybe I'll run tommorrow Morning, THe last time i Ran....hmmm, was prob Sun hahahaha :P Better start training up for 21km!

BTW, I realized why people say Dog's are a Men's Best Friend, Whenever I come home weather i'm feeling happy or sad, Oreo and Ritz are always happy to see me. Even if its 2am and they are sleeping that kind. ALWAYZ happy, and somehow, I cheer up too when i play with them and start fussing over them. Dog's can sense when you love them, and they will love you back like Unconditionally. =)

Tml, Nothing much, just preparing the last min Paper works for CSB, than... i'll be gone to Tekong all the way till Sat. Hmmm, I hope i'll be able to make it for SVC.

CWO, Interviews and Fellowship of the PCs

2005-09-27T23:33:00.000+08:00

J
ust Had my CWO training on Monday. We were suppose to do this Combat Skills Badge thingy, which included a river crossing and Range, but Becuase someone forgot to indent ammo, we weren't able to fire. So we just did the River Crossing thing like over and over again. Ah well. Wet Boots, Wet Socks Wet Underwear Feeling again. But I think Timing Wise, we're pretty ok, did the crossing in 29min, but that's in Local waters, without the Current, so back to Brunei will have to try again.

...Maybe its True, Guardsmen are just different...

I went for another interview with another possible Boss. Gosh, There's so much things in Army that i do not know yet. In his words...Truely I'm such a Greenhorn! But Hey! I've only been in the freaking army for 1 year, training 1st year soldiers, of coz i haven't had the chance to go for Exercises and overseas exposure. Sigh` you think i won't like to go? SAF doesn't give me the chance mah. OFE, I volunteer go also didn't get to go :P

Tonight, Went out with my Fellow PCs of Charlie Coy. We have developed such a close bond with each other, I mean All the PCs in 3Guards who went through GCC together are really really close. We will stand up for each other and Do things together, this is something i'll definately miss when i leave this place. We can Talk and chat about everything under the sun and laugh about it. Our Ups, and Downs. Sometimes, like Relief Therapy just to Kao Bei about all the unhappiness in our lives. Hahaha, like Girls, but hack man, We're confident enough in our manhood to know that when a Brother is down, We are always there to support him in whatever way necessary.

I know my new place won't be that close, Sounds like a place with more Politics and stuff. but well at least i hope that I'll be able to keep in touch with the Guards Family, hopefuully they'll be willing to take me back as an OC for my OC tour. I don't understand why some people don't want to go back to their Formation and do their OC tour??? Maybe its True, Guardsmen are just different.

I've completed SOL 1 Woot!

2005-09-25T12:01:00.000+08:00

W
oot, I've completed my SOL 1 (It's Discipleship lessons by the Church lah)

Anyways, God is Great man, Last night, I found out that I had to go to to SOL this this morning and I was like.... Shucks, Like that how to run?? Must wake up earlier liao... Worst, I had Red Wine that night.

...God, My life is not mine, but yours alone...

So yeah, In the end decided to wake up earlier, Run than go SOL. Well, it never happened. I woke up like 8.45 (15 min b4 Class starts)... Shucks! how? than look around...Eh, how come so dark? Ah hahaha! It's Raining!!! excellent, No need to think, just go SOL first without feeling so Bad. Best! Managed to reach there just 10min late and the class haven't really started somemore. =)

I've been a Christian for a while now, alot of these lessons, i've kinda like covered before. I mean... I went through Sunday School, Bible Study Groups, In Church, In School (Anglican High mah), In Canada also had my Bible study group. So... Yeah, some topics are really quite basic.

But I guessed God knew that i needed Today's lesson. We talked about Overcoming Obstacles. Sounds Easy, Not so... Especially when you're the one facing it in your face, (You see SOC wall from far doesn't look too high right? But when you run towards it to try and clear, The Wall like gets higher and higher as you come closer to it that kinda feeling...). For those not in ARMY, SOC= Standard Obstacle Course. The Wall is the First obstacle you face and you're suppose to run towards and jump up and clear it.

The word came from Deut 8, Just reminded me That even when things don't happen your way, God is Faithful. When we Genuinely can Sacrifice our Isaac's upon the altar and say "God, My life is not mine, but yours alone...so take it and use it for thine purpose", The Lord will Bless ;)...

Okies, Going to play with my Dogs now, Their Fur is growing, so that beautiful Mane on Shelties are coming up. My Dogs look SO Handsome man. But hai~, their ears keep sticking up now, Must keep Bending them give them that tipped look. But I think Ritz's Ears...gone case liao. Stick up permantly liao haha.

Boys Brigade, James Tan, Cell grp and Dempsy

2005-09-25T00:44:00.000+08:00

I
t's going to be a more personal blog today. I think today is such a typical Sat for me. Nothing much Army Related, but just how i spend my weekends ;)

Morning, 7am wake up, Head to Jurong for BB
Come back home, play with the dogs
Do some Training with them
Bring the Dogs to James Tan (The vet)
Went to Svc
Cell Group
Than special for today. went to Dempsy Road for Wine
ahaha so nice

...today is such a typical Sat for me...

So that's my day in a nutshell.

Anyways.... During the Wine Session with J.D and Gin Hin and the rest, we were just talking about possible Honeymoon Destinations (Thanks to J.D. lah)

So here's a summary

Vancouver (Nice Weather and Mountains, Well developed)
Czech Republic (Romantic City, Cost, Exotic place, But a bit must rough out)
New Zealand, South Islands (Beautiful Nature, Expensive and might get boring)
Turkey (Exotic place, Interesting food and culture, Must Rough out at times
Greece (Very beautiful,Price and Airfare!)

Oh~ for the last Post....I apologize for the French, Apparently Some of you were smart enuff to use some Google Translation or something to decode what i was trying to say...

For those who did, I Salute you.... got potential hahahaha

Oh~ Today, went to Dempsy Road for some Red wine. (Actually I just got back)It's a really really nice chio chio place. (Great for Dates) hahahaha. But today went with a group of Couples lah, Both were nice, Didn't make me feel out of place at all.

Which Reminds me. Alcohol converst to Fat. I NEED TO RUN.

Can't keep giving myself excuses man. Although I'm still abit sick, I think drinking all that water has helped me enuff so I'm going to Run tommorrow! Yupz yupz! Even if its a short one, better than nothing....

Oh~!!! Oreo has started running on a leash already!!!! Hahaha, maybe i'll start by bringing him on a short jog around my estate! hahaha =)

Its in French!

2005-09-23T21:46:00.000+08:00

I'm going to do something special here, I'm going to Blog in French! So only Me can understand. (of Coz if you know French....than don't say lah)

Il est été un jour moche, je suis bogue en difficulté de with flu. J'ai ai bu 6 x 1.5L=9L de l'eau aujourd'hui et ma gorge juge toujours que drôle et moi tousse partout. Autre que la grippe, quelque chose a été sur mon esprit récemment trop.... ainsi je ne suis pas vraiment focalisé au travail. Comme aujourd'hui, décidé pour prendre le déjeuner plus long dans la ville avec Bryan. Nous tous les deux avons entraîné une réduction à l'endroit de Raffles pour fournir quelques formes d'assurance et avons pris le déjeuner dans la ville. La chose étonnante est, nous tous les deux étions dans le vêtement fonctionnant ainsi il était marche assez drôle autour du tout ceux habillés dans les costumes et le pantalon

Yes, that's my life today...

"Dieu, me prennent dans votre jardin, et régénèrent mon âme,
I longtemps pour que votre présence me couvre de nouveau.
Laissez-moi toujours être fidèle en période du bonheur et de la douleur
I longtemps pour voir votre visage de nouveau"

Bang Bang...announcement time

2005-09-21T23:44:00.000+08:00

D
ental Appointment today, so my Front teeth is hurting again. Uncle Jonathan was very kind, He said, "No pain, No Gain"....diaoz. But yes! I'm going to see him every 3 weeks now since it's nearing the final stages. Finger's Crossed, my Braces will be out by Christmas!!! WOoooot!

..."Its only the end when the Fat Lady Sing"...

Today was Platoon Cohesion day, so basically, after lunch the whole platoon went down to Jurong Swimming Complex with all the slides and stuff to "hang out" and have cohesion, wasn't that bad, quite fun actually. I realized that i will miss so many of them when i'm gone. I've kinda reached the stage where My men know that i'm leaving soon so we really start talking as friends to friends now. It's not that good a thing, but it's a nice feeling for me anyways. I've decided that before I leave, I'll write each and everyone a personal farewell letter to encourage them and hopefully inspire them to give their best not only in Army, but also in Life. Heh, dreaming only, they willing to keep my letter i'll be happy already hahahaha.

I've recieved a call from the Boss of my Next posting and I'll be meeting him tommorrow for him to get to know me better and in a sense gauge if I'll be a fit with the new appointment. It's a sign that things are moving along, I'm going to be in Transition once again...Going to say Bye bye soon. I really wonder when I'll be able to be in a Command Appointment again and have Men Under me. I bet I won't be used to not having a whole List of Sargents to call and help me get things done :P hahahaha.

So anyways, here comes the sad part, I'm thinking of closing this blog..

Cos the Blog suppose to be a collection of memories of my Guards PC tour and it's coming to the end so in a sense, i feel this Blog should also end with similar grace. Ah~ Sad huh? Worst, It's highly unlikely that i'll blog about my next posting...But i'll try to keep this online somewhere for personal reference.

Anyways, It's not yet the end.

"Its only the end when the Fat Lady Sings"------- Maj Fahmi

Oh~ I'll be away in Brunei from Oct 8 to 25th, Don't expect anything updates from the Jungle (unless they have upgraded the connectivity there hahaha)

And yes, I'll still be RUNNING in Brunei (Will bring my running shoes), So all you peeps in Singapore have no Excuse at all. :P

Buena Vista Social Club

2005-09-20T00:52:00.000+08:00

T
oday went to watch the Buena Vista Social Club. Very Very nice, especially seeing all the old old legends on stage playing and singing. Like the 87 year old Singer who could still dance slowly without has walking stick. Wah... Impressed man! Really shows you what a Jest for Life can do to you. Music can really bring joy to the soul ;)

BTW, so stupid, I went to Esplanade to meet my Friends, WHo knows, it was at Victoria Theatre, Piangz, had to run over and they all had to go in already because the 2nd bell had already rang. Thank God, I'm used to Running, so i basically ran over, No sweat. Just in time for the show to start and I really didn't sweat! I knew all those running had to pay off in someway... hahaha

Surprisingly, My platoon doesn't seem to mind so much about the rest going to DB, not sure if it's a good sign or bad, but.... Yeah, most still managed to remain pretty ok. I'm going to take it as a good sign.

So yeah, Tml, i'll probably head down to the Dentention Centre to visit them. From What i heard, by the 2nd Day, most people will seriously regreat whatever things they had committed.

Brain dead liao... Going to sleep.

Met shin shin by accident After the show while having Post Show Makan. Hahaha, we always seem to bump in the wierdest of times.

Another Week begins

2005-09-18T23:43:00.000+08:00

T
oday is Mid Autumn Festival, Where Chinese people come to celebrate the end of Harvest on a night where the Moon is at its brightest. They "Appreciate" the moon and its beauty and the fact that the work is done for the year and your prepare for the winter months.

For Me, Today just jolts me to think how fast the year has passed through. Although there's no 'real' Autumn here in Singapore. I'm reminded of the times in Canada where you get to fill the nip of northern winds, The Changing of Colours, the shorter days, Mist start coming out from your mouth as you speak.

The changing of the seasons really show how the year can just pass through. It brings Variety, and you can't help realizing that time really waits for no one.

...Today just jolts me to think how fast the year has passed through...

So...How's my Harvest this year? Looking back through my Blog, I think it's been a pretty fruitful year thus far, I've learnt alot (not in terms of Academic). I learnt about lessons in Life, The Joy and Burdan of being a Leader, The importance of looking into detail. How to deal with people at different levels. I'm also learning more about myself along the way, I realized i'm not a confrontational person, I talk too much haha (blog too much too maybe?), I'm Last min at times(not good).

All in all, Not too bad... heh =), Yes, I can kick up my legs, drink tea and eat moon cakes HAHAHAH :P

Oh~ i think it'll be a better week ahead. After Last week... Yah, definately will be much better. Ah~ I started the week with a 10km run tonight. Woot! Clap clap clap. but yeah... I need to get new running shorts. I keep getting abrasions from the current Army issued one. something must be wrong somewhere....otherwise, maybe it's my thighs too big, rub against each other....Hahaha :P

BTW, Oreo is abit sick, He has been dripping muscus, and has Vomitted twice today. Hai~ if he continues, i'll bring him to the Vet. Ritz, ah~ still as Dizty as ever, slow abit, but looking at his mother, i think he'll grow up to be a very beautiful Dog, Actually, both Oreo and Ritz will look beautiful man. Hahaha, can't wait! but they are going through their "naughty" stage now...so yah, always rip newspaper, fight alot and also don't listen to me at times. Naughty Naughty. Thank God we are starting Behaviour classes soon. And oh~ we are thinking of expending their play area to include the Garden and the Living Room... but no rush, got to make sure their Potty training is dead accurate first before letting them run haha :P

Oh~ CFA trainings begins

A painful Defining Moment

2005-09-18T00:20:00.000+08:00

I
don't really feel like talking about it, But I'll write it in for posterity Sake. Last Friday definately was one of those Defining Moments in my Tour as a PC, it Ranks up there with Yusri... In terms of Hurt and Pain, it's nothing I've felt before.

4 Men from my Own Platoon was sent to Detention Barracks (Army Prision) for Stealing.

Basically, Someone Reported that his Handphone was stolen while he was sleeping. So during the Day while the Men were downstairs training, The commanders went up to the Coy Company Common Areas to do a search for possible hiding place and they did found the phone hidden in one of the Uniforms in the drying area. I told them to leave the Phone there, Planted surveillance to watch if anyone touched the phone. True enough, they did spotted One of my man touching the phone. We quickly cornered the Guy, Interograted him till he admited and also mentioned all the names of all involved.

That's a brief summary of what happened.

I thought it was easy, but it was not.

During the Morning, I interogated them like Criminals, I threaten them, I Dug out everything. Between me and my PS, we both played Good Cop, Bad Cop till All of them even confessed that He was the one who has been stealing things from the Platoon awhile back ago and had sold the stolen Goods to Beach Road. I got all their statements, All admitting to Stealing, and even harbouring intentions to sell the phone for money.

After their Confession, My OC was asking me to recommend a Sentence, One that would be sufficiently harsh to Justify the Wrong, the other to ensure that we do not break them down too much. From here, it started Getting Difficult... I knew that deep down in my heart, All of them had to go DB, Yet another part of me was like how Can?? These men I know are Good, they are not your kind of Criminals. How can i Send them to Prision?? But Finally, My PS and I felt that The right thing was to send them to DB...even though they were good soldiers, They had to learn that Stealing is Stealing.

The Hardest part was being in my OC's office as Each Soldier Marched in to take his Sentence and Orders. They were all very brave, ready to accept their punishment. But you could see tears in their eyes as the sentence was read to them. Thank God I managed to control myself... But After All of their sentence had been read, I could not take it and i broke down. (My PS too, so Phew, I was not the only one) It was a terrible terrible feeling, So so painful. My own boys are being sent to DB, one after another, All of them precious and beautiful, Good hearts even in their playful ways, All being sent to DB because of doing something silly. I felt Like a Dad knowing that 4 of his own son's had wronged the Law and being a judge he has no choice but the ensure the justice system is served.

I wearing 2 different hats, one on Hand, I'm required me to ensure justice is served fairly, on the other, my heart cries out for mercy for I know deep down in my heart these men are not evil in nature, because these were my very own platoon.

...I persecuted them, I recommended their punishment, I concurred with the final sentence. Yet I also cried with them because they were my own Men...

I persecuted them, I recommended their punishment, I concurred with the final sentence. Yet I also cried with them because they were my own Men. 3 of them have been with me since Dec 17th 04. I saw them cut their hair, saw them grow, Saw them get their Berets, Sweated, trained, disciplined them. I remember how some of them would tell me their stories at the Smoking Corner. I saw them through their conflicts. Yet now, I also see them sent to Jail....with my Reccomendation.

I guess God might have felt similiar when he knew the price that had to be paid for Men's Crime. His own creation, Condemn by the Law that governs them... A God of Justice, A God of Love and mercy, Both at the Same time...

I don't know what to tell the rest of the Platoon when they come back on Sunday night...How to tell them?? I just ask for Wisdom to manage the Platoon now, and to prepare for the day when these guys come back to the Platoon, to Ensure acceptence and a fresh start. Thank God my OC promised to be around when i talk to my platoon.

Some more Mundane stuff.... The Driver that Hit my Car, has denied Responsibility, Apparently he Changed the story claiming that he was Stationary and that My vehicle hit his Van while i was making a turn. #$%^&, His Reverse Lights were clearly on and he has the cheek to Lie through his teeth. If I ever see him again, I'll ask him if he can sleep peacefully knowing that he sold his intergrity just to save some insurance cost. He can lie to me, and everyone else. but he Can't lie to his Allah...So I'll ask him how can sleep every night knowing that he'll have to answer to his Allah one day. No number of Haj will help him man...

I mean, if you did something wrong, just own up to the fact and let the Insurance company do the repayment. What pisses me off more is that I actually even tried to be nice by finding a workshop that would do the repair works at a cheaper price and offering them a chance to settle without Insurance. I feel like my kindness has just be spitted back in my face....ARgh!

What a slow day

2005-09-14T01:03:00.000+08:00

T
oday is Tuesday blues, The whole Company is suffering from it. Its just that feeling after coming back to work from a long vacation kinda feeling. Thank God today was a pretty light day and things got abit better towards the evening. Especially the Vertical Training session.

Lots of people are falling sick, Down with Fever, Down with Sore Eyes, Down with Flu, Down with Back problems.... Tsk tsk, disappointing, But i think its the season bah.

Anyways, I'm feeling better :)

My Claims not settled yet, but Hopefully This will be done by the end of the week. It's in God's Hands.

I've going to interview each and every one of my Men and follow up on their Goal Setting, (again by this week because of OC) at least once more before I hand over the Platoon to Joseph.

There's this hesistation in giving my Platoon to someone else. I worry if the Sect Comds will be able to work with him, Will the Men be able to work with him? Will my PS be able to work with him? It'll definately be a change in Leadership style, i just hope Both sides will be willing to adapt to each other.

Tum Dee Tum Dee Tum! Tml, I'll be running 8km, with my Webbing on... Should be interesting, i'm not sure if i can sustain a 8km run, but I'll try. The timing to meet is 8km in 80mins... .So that's like 1h 20min to walk 8km.... About 10 mins per 1km. Still thinking if I should run hahaha :P

It finally works

2005-09-13T00:31:00.000+08:00

T
he dang page finally loads.

I wanted to write so much abt today. but now, i think i just want to sleep....

Lets see....

My Car got hit by a van, basically spent alot of the afternoon trying to find out the best way to fix the claim. I've so really lousy insurance cover that somehow doesn't cover for the 1st 2000 dollars just cos i'm below 26....

My friend's Mum starts wondering the streets with sucidal thoughts after discovering she has breast cancer.

The most wierd Conversation i've had in a longest time abt People, life and the Forces of this world.

The really dark and gloomy weather over Singapore.

Is Prozac a prescribed drug here?

I need to sleep

I need to Run

I need to learn to love humanity again.

I need God's Presence to shoulder me for a while.

CFA...and apologies

2005-09-12T06:23:00.000+08:00

I
6.20am. I just did something terrible, wait, i just "didn't do" Something that's why i'm feeling terrible.

I was supposed to pick up Jade from the airport Last night at 9pm. She just returned from Auckland, But after the run, i felt tired, so i went to sleep at 3pm. Set an alarm for 7pm (just nice for dinner) and Yes, slept through the night. Only woke up at 4.45am this morning. 5 missed calls, 2 from Jade + 1 not so friendly SMS.

Worst, I promised her that i'll be there so she won't have to call her regular cab driver.... How? Have to find ways to make amends man. The reason why i volunteered to pick her up was because she wanted to pass some Mooncakes she bought from HK for my family!!!! I feel like taking the mooncake box and putting my face into it man. :P

Later, will give her a call bah, if she's willing to listen to me, I'll discuss with her the best way to make amends. I pray she'll forgive me, Hai~ maybe a Chocolate fondue treat might work... Need ideas !!!

I've registered from my CFA Level II at 5.23am, Sept 12 2005. So... yes, i'm continuing my Financial Education even though i'm in the Army, My brains are feeling the effects of atrophy and i need to arrest this trend hahaha. Ok.... So June 4th 2006, Colin Chu will attempt CFA Level II! But the Prepartation starts now! Got to take out all my Finance, Econs and Accountancy Text books and start doing revision. Will come out with a study schedule, basically, I want to finish revision by this year, So i'll have about 6 months to study the new materials. =) I bet I don't even quite remember how to use my Finacial Calculator HAHAHAH.

I'm excited, for the first time in my Life, I'm making Plans for what I'll be doing next year. I've went through the BB'06 work plan, I've Signed up for my CFA, I'll be doing 144 Planning in Dec. The only thing that's not yet set is my Next Posting. What an Irony, My job and It's the only thing that i'm not able to control...Nvm, I've already put that in God's Hands, Now.... "just grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change". I Pray that it'll be interesting, Challenging and yet give me sufficient control over my time so i can do other things in my life.

Being in the Army is a job, it's not the ONLY thing in your life.

---- Colonel from the SAF

Army Half Marathon, Touchpoints, Retreat.

2005-09-11T13:39:00.000+08:00

I
ts been a while since I last blogged isit? I actually got Msged to update my blog :P hahaha.

Anyways, There hasn't been alot of "happening" things lately. Let me just list down some of the key moments i actually still remember

...I unashamedly declare that girls who run generally look good. I mean, they LOOK GOOD...

AHM,
Williams 144,
and erhm... Doggy update. ok, here goes

Sept 11, The date that lives on in Infirmy, 2 towers crashed.

Today, had AHM, but i didn't run a the 21km cos they wanted the battalion to run together (Impossible IMHO)... Anyways, the run went pretty well, Organization was a bit stupid, like the finishing point cut between the holding area and the Startpoint, so people were having difficulty walking over to the Startpoint as the earlier Details were all coming back. There wasn't enuff water points in the beginning. But Ah~ There were lots of nice looking girls. I unashamedly declare that girls who run generally look good. I mean, they LOOK GOOD. So yah, basically, my pace was more of less determined by how fast a nice looking girl was running. HAHAHAHHA :P, Ok, whenever you see a girl running at a faster pace, you generally want to keep up too, Call it man's pride or what lah ok... but you at least want to keep up or not let them overtake you by too far, so.... overall, you actually have a pretty good workout because you're constantly trying to keep pace with the girl in front. hahahaha =)

And, here's my theory why female runners look good, When girls run, they require discipline, focus, endurance and confidence. All very attractive qualities. The Results of running i.e. Lean built, healthy skin tone, tone muscles are all extra bonus. Thus... you get some really really "feel good" hormones when you see a girl run. Oh~ it helps too that they all wear very nice running attire, that "flaunt" their "cough" assets. Oh~ there was this girls Team from Conrad hotel, Lilac coloured top, pony tailed hair, with the word Conrad printed on their shorts. and running at a decent pace, basically paced them for like 2km, than decided enuff "inspiration",time to increase the pace again. hahaha.

...I think today i made a Touchpoint in one of my Men's Life...

Ok, enuff abt Running. After the event, one Joker in my Platoon Called me. "Sir, I think I lost my Wallet or left it in camp... I've no money to go home."

!!!!!!!

Wah paing, I was almost going onto the highway. But suddenly, it dawned on me that he must have been desparate that's why he caleld me! not his friends, but me, so decided to make this a touchpoint for him. Basically, Ke-Blakang Pusang, drove back to Padang to find him, than drove him back to camp to see if he left his wallet in bunk, if it was not that, i was going to bring him to the police station to make his statement, than give him money to sent him home. THANK GOD, he found his wallet in his bunk, so from camp, i sent him to the nearest MRT Station and he went on his way. I hope he'll be Grateful man. No lah, I'm sure he's Thankful.

Ok, This is getting to be a long one again. (Must be talk too much about Female runners lah)

Went for my 144 Retreat on Friday night, i think the 2nd session on Sat was very relevent, it looked forward, it gave guidance, it renewed hearts. So basically, it seems that William's 144 will be working more closely with Debra's side now. For what reason...I'm not exactly sure. So.... Anyways, the whole Gin gang also did BB planning for 06, Excellent, now i'm going to be even more involved in BB, really need to pray that my Next appointment in Army will give me time to contribute more to this outreach.

BB isn't a 1 year PC appointment, It's a long 4 years one where you get to see the boy's grow, from young blur blur toot looking boys into Young Man willing to take up responsibility and Leadership, Walking together with God. SO i just pray that God will have in his divine plan, an appointment where i can also contribute full heartedly into this BB ministry.

Oh~ my Mum just signed up our Pups for Obedience School! Hahahahah =) So... It'll be starting next month, the only problem now is I'll be in Brunei, so... looking around for someone to bring the other dog there. My sis can't handle 2 dogs by herself man...and she already "chop" Ritz, She doesn't want Oreo.... This is not Favourtism, it's outright biasness. Hahahaha

The Highs and Lows

2005-09-07T23:07:00.000+08:00

I
ts been really busy that's why I haven't blogged. Basically, only slept like...hmmm 2 hours over Monday and Tues because of an overnight "sandcastle" exercise. Basically building structures using Sandbags. This is my 3rd time handling Sandbags, and there's a Skill involved, No joke. There are certain ways to place the Sandbags such that the structure is stable.

Let me draw out a lesson from building Sandbags, If you want something Strong and Solid, You must start from the base and Each and Every Individual Brick Counts! Just 1 missplaced Brick can cause a whole structure to tilt. In Life, Our Lives are remembered by the Small little Bits of things that we do, The accumulation of all thse leads to the overall picture of our Legacy.

Why talk until Legacy such things huh? Maybe cos I'm nearing the end of my Tour and I'm wondering if I'll leave a good Legacy behind haha. Personally, I think my Most Important Step is to ensure a Smooth and Succesful Handover to the Next PC. The Legacy will be fulfilled only after this Mono ends i guess. Than I'll see if my Man will remember me when they see me in town and still be willing to stop me and Say "HI Sir!" hahahah.

...I know this is unbelievable, but I learnt all this from my Dog Training Guide...

After Coming back from that exercise, I basically felt so tired and just slept, but I had the strangest dream that's so vivid. I dreamt that Suntec crashed, followed by Raffles Place...!!! I was Running towards the place, There were taxi's around! all trying to pick up passengers running away! I was running into some underground Carpark, suddenly woke up, whole body sweating. Just nice 5.30am, just in time to wake up hai~
Anyone knows dreams? Can interprate? Why happen to me ah? so dark dream somemore...... How come can't dream of something more pleasent huh? Like say, running with my Dogs in a Park? or walking Hand in Hand with my Loved one? or Eating Good Food with my Cousins? or Going Cycling? Hahaha, I must be dreaming

Anyways, This is going to be a longer blog, just feel the mood has come siah.

My Platoon is Fit man especially Sect 1 and Sect 2.Fit, I'm not boasting, this is just my sense of Pride in them Cos today, I conducted Vertical Training for the whole company to prepare them for their Brunei Trip. It was suppose to be a very boring Walk up and down the Stairs around the Battalion thingy. Like, even I also feel Bored to conduct such training.

Anyways, I decided to Spice things up a little by introducting a little competitive element and practice positive re-enforcement. So, it became a section level race around the Batallion with Checkpoints along the way, Lots of Good Prizes like "4hr Early Bookout, Nights Off and Canteen Break" All Very good Motivators. And Guess What. The Man Delivered, They ran their hearts out, They encouraged their last man. The gave their all. Best thing is, I believed they enjoyed the training.

I know this is unbelievable, but I learnt all this from my Dog Training Guide.

HAHAHAHA.... Hey, but the points are so relevant.

-Make Training Fun,
-Reward them for positive Behaviour, Re-enforce positive action with Treats!
-Don't make Training a Punishment session, but a time to get rewards!
-Your Dog will look foward to the next Session.! :)

And Yes, My Platoon.... Got the 1st and 2nd Prizes hahaha, they really Ran non-stop! Up and down the stairs. But, than again, some cases of sour Grapes between the other Platoons who felt that they must have cheated somehow.

Oh well, I told them, When you can't reach the grapes, you'll say the grapes are sour. I pointed out to them that such things will always happen in life, Even in the Olympics, Once you're the winner, ppl will say you take drugs. It'll never cease to stop, So even though we may win the Competition, We must also win in terms of Character, be a Real Winner. A real Winner is someone who can admit lost graciously. Hopefully, it made some sense to the Man. They were pretty sore that the other sections acccused them of playing cheat when they really ran their hearts out.

Update, Oreo is now 3.8Kg! and Ritz 2.8. They' grown like 0.6kg over the last 1 week. Fast Right? and Oreo is starting to learn HEEL!! hahaha woopee! so it means we can start bringing them out for walks and stuff.Though Ritz almost strangled himself, His collar got stuck in some S hook while he was trying to Sneak out of his Playpen and his Cries woke up everyone, Dad Went down and released him... .Poor Boy, must have had a shock, but guess what! even OREO was CRYING loudly for help for his brother too. I'm touched, this is brotherhood man... wait, Doggyhood.

I think i can start compiling a List of life lessons that you can learn from your Dogs sometime soon. I Realized I'm very good at Crapping at such things man HAHAHA :P

It's THRUSDAY!!! 1 More day to FRIDAY!!! and triple Cheers cos it's "PAY DAY on Friday too! CHA CHING!"

Stealing distasteful!

2005-09-04T23:48:00.000+08:00

I
t seems someone has been very naughty. Today, my Platoon reported to me that alot of their stuff were lost over the weekend bookout. Basically, when they came back, they realized things like Goretex Jackets, Boots, Jack Knifes were lost prob stolen. Apparently the Window Panes were removed. This is sick. If the Culprit is ever found, i'll make sure I'll throw him to DB for every thing stolen, down to the Torchlight filters. 1 Count for everyone, all to Run subsequently...

...I want to move on in my Career and start my next journey, and on the Other, I also feel so attached to my Platoon...

There's no space for Theives, definately not within my Platoon. Hmm....maybe we need to impose Syriah Law on my Platoon, and punish the culprit by chopping off their hands. But he'll prob be downgraded from Army than huh.

But than again, all the lost items are also my Man's own responsibility, so it's their own fault for not locking it within their cupboards i guess. Got to see what my OC has to saw anyways.

Today, my Section Commanders said something that touched me. They asked if I was going to Brunei with them and I said that there was a possibility that i might not... In any case, I'll make sure I'll properly handover the platoon to the incoming PC before I leave, get him up to speed on all the SOPs, the little quirks abt the Platoon. But they said,"No Sir, It won't be the same, Can we write Petition letter? get you to stay."

I don't know whether to be happy or sad man.... On one Hand, I want to move on in my Career and start my next journey, and on the Other, I also feel so attached to my Platoon. I've learnt alot in the last 1 year and I'm ready for a change, but again,I've built up a Strong, United Platoon with a Cohesive team of Commanders who can gel well with the man. It's a Good team and I'm real proud of them. They are probably the fittest Platoon in the Coy currently too =) All passed their 10km timing hahaha.

btw a lesson in life, the Men will see the Commanders, if they see them united and in high spirits, it's infectious and they will also be in high spirits, In turn the Commanders will look up to the PC, if he is in high spirits, they will also be in high spirits. In all things, Stay Positive as it'll affect the people around you.

Colin Chu Says " Give off Good Karma! If not Today, When? From Coffin ah?"

Oh, lame joke from my sis again

Confucious says "Man who jump down cliff, jump to Conclusion!" HAHAHAHAHA

A list of Thoughts

2005-09-02T22:52:00.000+08:00

S
ome really random thoughts in my head.Don't take Anything Below too seriously.

Why does the brain remember certain things SO vividly and certain things just in passing?

Why do Nice guys end up last?

Why do Humans have Freedom of will?

What is wrong with the weather these few days?

How will people sustain a Car with Patrol prices at almost $2~

Have I done enough to make my Men better people in life?

Should I continue with my CFA exams?

Why do puppies chase their tails?

When will I be Posting out?

Can I got to East Timor??

How to lose more weight? hahahah

Why am i tired?

What is the best way to End one's life? (Tranquilizer + an OD of General Anasthetic)

Strange.....

What Irony

2005-09-01T21:10:00.000+08:00

W
hat an Irony, I just contracted Red eye's a few days ago, and now i'm going to watch a movie named "Red Eye" with my fellow PCs. LOL....Joke man, joke.

Anyways, the first choice plan was to watch 3 good Men, but it's not released till tommorrow...and we have a 10km run tml, so some ppl not too keen on watching a Midnighter. Oh well... makes sense bah.

Btw, I just discovered this amazing software called Google Earth. It gives your satallite Imagery anywhere in the world. In some parts, you can even make out the cars. I could actually see my House! and my Camp in the photo. Could even count the number of tonners parked in the Parade square too. I could also see my University, and the apartment i lived in when i was in Toronto. wow, pretty amazing man.

On Pugil Stick and Trekking Bukit Timah Hill

2005-08-31T22:53:00.000+08:00

I
t's been a long long and tiring day, I can almost drop on my bed and sleep (which i will in a moment)

Today i had 2 experiences, Pugil Stick fighting and Walking Bukit Timah in Full Battle Order.

We got introduced to Pugil Stick Fighthing, for those who never tried it before. It's Intense and Tiring, I can't believe how Tiring it can get, but it really is. 2 mins in the Ring is no Mean Feat. My Respect for Boxers just went up a couple of notches are today's experience man. After 1 min, I was like doing things on instinct, my mind not working liao. OK.... I guess another Factor was i was fighting with Jensen lah. (Muscle Man, Dragon Boater....)
My Knees were almost crumbling after the bout man hahahaha.

Afternoon, Bukit Timah, Trekking with Full Battle Order to prepare us for Brunei. It was a pretty nice trail, Till the last part. The Stairs like never ending one man. Aptly named...Stairway to heaven. I manage to survive lah, But the Medic was collapsing, don't blame him 1 bit cos he was carrying the Stretcher and Manpack and stuff. Pretty Shack one leh.

oh~ I cut my hair today, Today's Trekking proved to me that i Can't wear a helmet for long periods with a thick bush of hair. You'll just boil under the heat.

ah~ Bad news too, My leave to go to East Timor got Rejected :(

Sore Eyes

2005-08-29T22:53:00.000+08:00

C
an't type much. I'm having Sore Eys....There's some Outbreak in my camp, Not sure if i got it from the 2 guys who reported Sick today, I wasn't the DO, but did Sick Parade for them...#$%^#

Anyways, eyes feeling better now after the drops, at least not so red. Hai~, this Sat weekend burnt again. Last Min, Training Schedule change 3600 degrees... So this Sat is Range

I'm now in charge of Vertical Marathon Training =) Woot. Up and Down the whole camp. IMHO, walking up stairs is worst than walking up hill man. All part of preparation for Lancer.

Weekend flies

2005-08-28T21:32:00.000+08:00

I
am a real pig at times. Today was invited to Yee Whye's house for lunch. So Went there after service. Firstly, i was late by like 1 hour, Than i arrived at eat and eat and eat, (Yee whye's a great cook btw), Tuna Pasta with Wine. Oh~ the wine is worth a special mention. It's a Red wine mixed with Sprite and a dash of Lemon. It's pretty excellent, something like Sangria, that Mexican Drink. Than, after than I was feeling tired, so i slept on his Couch. Than I left for home. terrible friend right?

...Next Month better not knock into anymore cars hahaha...

Thank God it wasn't his Housewarming. But eh~ it's a show of how comfortable I am with him. Btw, his place is like the perfect place man. It's along Purvis Street, so lots of Great food at his door steps. It's just across the national Library for him to do work. It's near the City. It's Perfect, Perfect. but the Rent's pretty high i guess, at least for my Salary Range, i think its High. For his (NUS Researcher)....still ok hahaha :P

Hmm, I need to ask for Approval to take special leave in Oct to go to East Timor...Hopefully It'll be approved. Heard that's some Scheme for Govt Workers who go on such NGO trips....like their leave won't be fully consumed or something. hai~
Anyways, need to start saving up for that trip liao! Next Month better not knock into anymore cars hahaha. That stupid Knock cost me $300 + a Thank you Card + a bottle of wine hahaha ;), and if you want to see the owner of the Car, you can look at this month's Issue of Health Talk, she's on the Front page eating a Carrot =) HAHA

MESS AGM

2005-08-26T23:11:00.000+08:00

T
he most interesting thing that happened today was the Mess AGM. Hmm, so how does a Military Organization conducts its AGM? Very intersting to find out. It's 1 AGM where people get Arrowed. If i may, it's a Shooting Gallery out there during the election of new appointments. The Padding, the priming of 'chosen' candidates. My gosh, you couldn't get more obvious lah. But Hack, it's one big fun anyways. And at the end, we followed off with a good Dinner at where else. Mess of coz lah.

So...How does the Election go? well, the Vice will go

"So...Any Nominations?"
People will start hurling out names..
Than " Ok, I've got a SMS, Reccomending So and So! I think he is a very good choice, work with cook house, will be very good as Food and Beverage IC"
So candidate 1 is Transport, Candidate 2 is also Transport...Ah~ but SO and So....He works with COOOK HOUSE..... VERY GOOD for FnB."

...it's a Shooting Gallery out there...

Wah hahaha
Anyways, it really doesn't matter that much lah huh. At the end, whoever goes up there will Stand and Deliver. Why? Because they just will lah, Got to make things happen mah.

Oh~ More pics of Oreos and Ritz right? Ok ok, We've gone a bit Ga ga over them. Really...They are taking up such a huge part of our lives, But it's great, i've never seen my family spend so much time together. I just hope this won't fade away, So, we r going to take the pups to be Groomed and have their Furs trimmed. Only problem is....How to handle them in the car hahaha. Don't want to have another Pee pee and Poo Poo session again. how siah? And worst, they can't mix around with other dogs till their vacination is completed....Sigh~

some pics of them from their younger days ;)

That's Oreo!

and Ritz

and a pic of both of them!

Grown to

Adorable right?

hahaha....Now Ritz is getting fatter man. Hai~ who ask him to sleep so much after eating, Think we need to buy a collar soon for both of them to start getting them used to wearing one.

Tml! Spook Show! yupz, i'm bring a Friend along. I pray that It'll run smoothly and that the Show will be able to captures the hearts of the audience! Woot. Got to sleep now

Neutral

2005-08-25T23:08:00.000+08:00

T
oday is one of those days where you think you're working, but not really sure if you are. Basically went to become Neutral for some unit's Range. Very nice people and stuff so it was a pretty pleasent experience. ONly problem was going there, we hitch hiked the Despatch Bus and had to follow it to Commando Camp before heading towards PLC, wah piang, Really an East to West Tour in Morning Rush Hour. Not Pleasent

Tml, we're going to have a 9km run at East Coast park woot. I think I'm safety, but i'll try to see if I can run to make up for Tonights lack of Exercise. Yeah~ Kinda late by the time i finished my Range. Oh well.....

Oh~ Today is my Room Mates Birthday!! Happy 22 Birthday Jensen. Ok, going out supper with him after this post. He may look all muscular and Fit, but inside he is as bad a Glutton as anybody man. SO today! being a Birthday an all, we'll binge abit lah ok? Nvm, Tml work it off! hahaha.

As for updates on Oreo and Ritz, Not much leh, Wasn't around them much today, but Ritz is getting Fat. i can start to see a lil belly forming hahah. And we weighted them today Oreo's 3kg and Ritz is 2. And Oh~ Oreo is starting to Bark! he barks whenever i come home heh =)

Its been 2 years!

2005-08-24T20:42:00.000+08:00

O
k, Yesterday was officially the 2 year mark i've been in service. Yupz, 2 years already, Can't imagine huh? the uniform i'm wearing is 2 years old, The faded look is 2 years of sweat, dust, blood and tears man. Woot! Looking back, I think there certainly has been a change in me. Whether we like it or not, the Army will change you, it's only a matter what kind of person you want to change into...So yeah~ personal choice lah. Guess that's why you see so many different responses from ppl about the Army.

Tml, Will be out feeding Moozies in the Live Firing Area. Last Min got asked to be Neutral for some Range. Ah~~ Well, hopefully no cat 1 can already. hahaha. but i guess it'll be another long long day/night for me. Live firing normally ends like midnight that kinda ... hai~

OH~ we brought the pups to the Vet today! Dr James Tan, he has Huge hands hahaha, but firm and gentle. you see the way he holds the dogs, straight away obey him. He advice us, don't be too gentle on your dogs. Must be Firm but Fair....Guess what, sounds like the way I Treat my Men. Hahahahaha ;P Anyways, Oreo and Ritz got their first Vaccination, so... they'll be under confinement for 1 whole month from other dogs. and Ritz nicely Poo Poo in my Car! Thank God for Leather Seats, still easy to clean. Haha

Flu-ish

2005-08-22T22:10:00.000+08:00

I
'm a bit flu-ish, just nose a bit blocked, with a bit of a headache today. But in the end i still decided to go run and try and sweat it out. I blame this fully on my Roomate Jensen. Who in turn got it from OC.

...I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure...

Today i did a run around my area, wanted to do a 10km run, but it started raining quite heavily so.... took the esay way out and turned back home after 1 round hahaha. (ok, i pet the pups had a factor too). But Today's run was pretty good. I started slowly thinking i was going to run for 10km, and my pace just naturally picked up after 10 mins or so. There was just a comfortable feeling as each feet landed on the ground. Your Body is like Poety in Motion, God really designed us well and when we utilize it's full potential, there just a very good feeling. Like A Porshce or any well tuned car that's put through its paces going through 6th gear and not just stuck at gear 1. It may be working hard, but it is fulfiling its function, it's doing what its suppose to excel at. Nothing compares man. Same as the Human Body right? I guess today, i understand better why in "Chariots of Fire, The lead Eric Liddell said "I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure. "

Ok lah, i'm not going to break any mile under 4 min record or what but at least, i'm think i feel his pleasure when i run ;)

Anyways, The dogs love sweat, they do...it's yucky, but they were licking me all over. So, does anyone know if sweat is harmful to dogs? Anyways, My Ritz is afriad of thunder, he'll scramper into one corner or to my mum's lap whenever it goes Boom! but that boy is just super Mancha man, he'll come to you, put his head on your lap, than turn around expose his belly and request for Belly rubs hahahaha. than if you tickle him in the correct spot, his hind leg will start tapping to some kind of tune. He sleeps with his legs wide open pointing up...exposing his genitals, superb obscene man, than when you close his legs down he'll prop it up again asking for belly rubs hahaha.

Oh~ i've got a pic of their parents, they came down today to visit their babies and here's a lil shot of them.

Ain't they the most adorable family? The owners actually burnt us a CD of photos and videos of every moment since the pups were born, till the time they open their eyes till they started walking!!! ah !!! you got to see it man, definately will fall in love with Oreo and Ritz.

Ok, going a bit over the top now over the pups, got alot of things to do, Bring for Vaccination, Get it Registered, Mirco-Chipped, get it on Tick Prevention, start training it on a Lesh, Get wire mesh to protact it from getting stuck under my gate hai....so many things!!!! So exciting hahaha.

Puppies

2005-08-21T22:30:00.000+08:00

O
k, basically this weekend was mostly a family affair, very good one actually haha. Ok, we got a dog, no wait, 2 dogs!!!! ARGH!??? what is happening right? So here's the story.

...we got a dog, no wait, 2 dogs...

We were pretty bummed abt not getting Kiddo, but well, we just said that it's all God's will. So oh~ Guess what? Sat Morning, I found a small listing of someone who wanted to give away their Shetland Pups! Hmmm, i dropped them an email and asked if we could come and see. Basically, this Sun morn, WHole family went down and saw the lil ones. Basically 2 brothers of an unwanted pregnency. The parents were both Shetlands too. THe owner really didn't want to breed, it just happened so they were looking for someone who would be willing to buy the pups. Anyways, We only wanted to take 1, but my mum felt that 1 would be rather lonely so in the end we ended up taking 2. My gosh.... 2 2 2 you know!!!

Well, anyways....I proudly present the 2 new addition to my family

Ritz, because he is Sable Coloured with lots of brown

and

Oreo because he is Tri Coloured with lots of Black

Currently Oreo is the more outgoing kid willing to explore and stuff, while Ritz is really really shy and timid, but equally playful, especially when both gang up to do silly things. I really hope that we can bring them up well. Only problem now is....Have to Make Auntie Zeny Feel more comfortable with the dogs. I'm sure they will be afriad of her because AUntie Zeny very fierce at them hahaha.

Argh, can't think of anything else now except puppies hahaha.... puppy madness.

What a week

2005-08-19T19:41:00.000+08:00

I
t just flew by, I finished my Platoon Prof Test, I almost adopted a Dog and I am still on stand by.

Gosh, Platoon Prof test was just 1.5 days of intensity, it's kinda like a milestone of a Platoon, to test all that we have taught them so far. I think my Platoon did reasonably well, i'm quite happy with them. I'm even happier too that we've managed to point out areas that we need to improve upon. But overall, considering the fact that they are working with New Sargents, who ain't very experienced themselves i must say that my Man took alot of initiative on their own.

Sadly, i didn't get to really experience any real defining moment, but i'm sure my 1st 2 man did, both fell into some kind of well during the night movement it was like almost 2metre deep, Thank God for their rifle slings so we managed to pull them out. Yeah and nobody got hurt. I was the 3rd guy! phew, could have imagined if i had went down...

Anyways, my Family was going to adopt a dog. we had seen the puppy already, we had the connection, we loved it, we were going to pick it up today!!! FRI!!! we even went down for a 2nd look on Tues, but ALAS, it was not too be, Kiddo was taken on Thursday night. The foster mum had thought we didn't want to take it anymore because AUnty Zeny was a bit hesistant. My gosh, my heart aches, my sis heart aches too. It was sooooo close, we were even thinking of names for her. Guess it was just not to be, Regardless whether she was to be Mystique, Hazel, Belle, Lady, Magic, Keisha, Kiddo, she didn't come back to our home. The most Manja looking face, the adorable ears and puppy look. well, Kiddo, i hope you'll be a blessing to the couple that took you in. And i pray that you'll be showered with lots of love and care and that you won't ever ever be abandoned or mistreated. All the best kiddo!

Oh~ I'm relieved of my DO duty tml yippie!

Just before going back to camp

2005-08-14T23:13:00.000+08:00

I
t's that time of hour again, that last precious moments before I head back to camp. Sigh~

Next week, Tues to Wed, Platoon Prof Test. Than This Sat I'll be on DO duty, so...basically, only get to go out on Sun night. Oh....wait, Maybe Friday night possible, but I'll have to come back ON Sat Morning anyways.

Today was Mummy Dearest Birthday! Once again, Sister's Cheese Cake must win the day.

Today also went Dog Hunting, Basically Mum wanted to own a dog =) hahaha, So we went down to SPCA, Animal Farms and Also Pet shops. Very interesting day, learnt alot about the Pet scene in Singapore. Basically, i've concluded that Animal Lovers are generally nice people, but not the Pet Farm owners, only see the $$$ side of things .

We haven't gotten a dog yet, though we've kinda set eyes of the lovelest Black Labarador. ah~~~~ Sooo soooo soo Manja looking. Her Fur smelt so good somemore, just like a lil baby. sleep alot, look at you with sleepy eyes hahahaha. ah~ hopefully we'll agree on taking this puppy lah.

Lame Joke and Moving On

2005-08-14T00:17:00.000+08:00

L
ame joke warning.

My sis asked me "2 Countries, one with 25 Battleships and 10 Aircraft, The other with 10 Battleships and 25 Aircraft fought, who won?"

Me, "Huh? Don't know..."
Sis, "Ok, give up?"
Me, "yeah"
Sis," Me lah! you give up what"
Me, "..........Lame"
Sis, "Hahaha, my Econ's teacher told me one" <===Piangz! RJC Econ's teacher somemore

Anyways, Today, Gin Hin annouced to us that he will be leaving youth Ministry...effectively, he won't be taking us anymore after next year, so there goes my cell ldr, my friend and councillor. I've mixed feelings, sadden but also happy that he has found the answer to his questions, and he is ready to move on. The Cell is left in Good hands =) But, i guess his Wisdom and sensitivity will always be missed.

...you never realize how precious all those moments are until they become memories...

Oh~ UTbound was very enjoyable. Always nice to meet up with old Friends. ah~ I miss the student times, talking abt the problems, the snow, the lousy feeling of walking across Queen's Park in the winter. Hai~ you never realize how precious all those moments are until they become memories. Like now, i realized how much i enjoyed stepping out of the buildings, letting the cold air hit my nose and fill my lungs, and breating out a mist of air. Feeling the pinch of winter across my face, Walking carefully along the frozen paths. Seeing the squirrels run around me waiting for food. I miss Winter, I miss Uni days, Ah` whatever, i bet when i go back to study, i'll miss my Army days too.

On that note, I'll miss my Pl, I'll miss talking crap with my fellow officers, I'll miss Brunei, I'll miss looking at the Stars in Taiwan, I'll miss watching the sunrise, I'll miss the pure fulfilment of 1 hot drink when you're soaking wet. I'll miss the stupid mistakes i did that earned me stupid Punishments, I'll miss my Men and the funny moments, the naughty moments, the Deserve to be Hang Moments, The Everyone wet, tired, but happy to be in a tonner moments, The Scary Moments, The moments when we Hiong all the way, The moments when someone gets attached, The moments when someone loses his GF, the moments when the whole platoon takes a piss in one straight line anywhere in the bushes, Yeah, i'll miss all of that"

Now i understand why God says "In ALL Circumstances, Give Thanks", Cos... Every Memory is what makes us US, we are a collection of our personal experiences, be it good or Bad. His-story is about My life, my experiences, my Story.

Why am i feeling so Nostalgic??

Ah~ yes, I think cos i want to go back to furthur study, but it's a luxury. Now, main piority is to support my Sis through her uni! Gosh, today also realized that Tution fees have went up so much. Now it's about 15k per Year. When i was there, it was only 10-12k. So anyways, Me and Mum have promised to work together to support my sis! Basically, i think its only fair that my sis get to experience what I've been so blessed to experience. Not Cheap....but we all have to make sacrifices some way or another right?

Stand by, Stand by, Shoot!

2005-08-13T00:12:00.000+08:00

A
h, we went through a mobilization exercise today, Basically a practice on what needs to be done when you get activated for duty, Like reporting back to camp and stuff. Nothing much, quite fun actually. It's kinda nice to be able to see the whole Battalion suit-up for battle, Like after all the months of training, The boy's are slowly becoming more like soldiers.

Next week, could be a possible defining moment for me. It's my Platoon Proficiency test. Basically, ME the Platoon Commander will be under alot of stress and stuff, It's really a test of MY Platoon and how battle ready it is to operate. Yupz, I'm excited, Looking at my Platoon's Morale so far.... looks quite good. I think the 2 week break did them well. But i'm afriad that their stamina might have dropped because i really really doubt that any of them exercised during their break hahaha.

No time to Make them go for a run today, I also didn't run, jialat. I can feel my feet aching to start hitting the road and feeling the sweat. I realized the my Feet goes into some kind of Automation after the 10km mark. The Leg's just can't slow down, it just carries on and on and on. Oh~ My new shoes are supposed to have Arrived! Woot!!! I hope to have them by Monday, I got a pretty good deal oh~ $130 for a pair that would normally cost $220 =) ahaha!!!

Tml don't have to go to camp, but i'm helping out in my UofT bound Orientation. Basically, going to talk to Students who are heading to My University for the first time!! Explain to them how's it like there, assure their parents that things will be ok. And also give them tips and hints. But MAIN Objective ==> Meet up with Old friends!!! hahaha

Hopefully, it'll finish before 5pm so i can make my way to church. We'll be having Service in Marine Parade for the next 2 weeks (yippie!!!! Happies only) So much nearer my house.

It must be late, my thoughts are just flying all over the place, bet this blog didn't make any sense of link .

Oh~ bed news, next week onwards, I'll be confined in Camp during the weekdays...sob sob, Orders from OC for turning up later than all the rest in today's Mob exercise even though I live the nearest. oh well..., Time to bring more comfort stuff to bunk hahaha.

Making noises abt Cars

2005-08-12T00:17:00.000+08:00

I
realized that Singaporeans are very particular over their cars. Soooooo bloody precious man, Anything happen to it, everybody starts to jump.

Ok, So one of my friend accidently 'kiss' the bumper of the car in front of him. There's a little scratch. Nothing serious, only superficial. Guess what, They got the whole bumper changed, Light cover also Change, Re fix the Bumper. Like?? huh??? A Scratch ain't going to kill the car right? Is the Wind Coefficeint going to increase alot with a scratch? A Car is a Car lah, even with a scartch mah. I can live with that. And It's a FREAKING 'BUMPER' It's meant to absorb bumps! shocks and stuff right?? This ain't the first incident i've experienced btw. It seems, People here get VERY VERY upset when things happen to their cars.

I guess, it's because Cars are just too darn expensive here, they become Trophies on the Road. Cars are no longer a utility thing only, They become some kind of Status Symbol. Thus, it has to be kept in pristine Condition at all times, ready to be scrutinized by the rest of the world....

...My Car is not a symbol of my wealth you know...

Someone asked me, "You must be very Rich right?"
ME, "Huh? Why you say so?"
"You drive CAMARY LEH!"
Me, "Ehmm...oh~ So Camry=Rich lah?"

I really don't understand.... My Car is not a symbol of my wealth you know, it's just a measure of how much Liabilities i'm willing to Carry over my head. Think about it... Unless you can pay for your bloody Car in Full (Or use a Credit Card like my Friend, to chalk up Frequent Flier points)....You're not really 'owning' a Car, you're merely Renting it for 10 years in the Singapore.

Oh~ in case you're wondering why i'm making such a big fuss over people who get upset over cars when i just grumbled abt my silly Nokia phone. FYI, i've Personally super glued back the number pad to the phone. It works, but doesn't have the click clickty touch. But, Hack lah, works can already.

Rally Driving around SIngapore

2005-08-10T22:58:00.000+08:00

T
oday is suppose to Army Family Day. Everyone's invited to bring their families to Marina South to see the Military Displays and stuff. Well, For the officers and PS in our Battalion, we did something a lil more interesting. We had a round the coast Rally hahaha. Basically, we gathered in Jurong, abt 10 cars or so. Than we started driving from point to point to Recce the various ports in Singapore. Ah~ funny right? Conclusion, 3 Guards officers are fast drivers hahahahaha.

Currently, I'm inspired to work for the UN one day. I want to go to the Hotspots of the world, to lend my hand in the darkest hour. I don't know, Maybe God has a plan for me so that my Army experience will come in Handy one day? I'm just blogging it down so that down the road, when i look back. Things will make sense~ That everything had a purpose somewhere, even though i do not know what that is now. AH~

Than again, maybe it's my desire to Travel, to See the world, to make an impact, to be different, to learn to appreciate God's grace and providence in those moments. Madness right? Ah~ But somone once said

"There must be a certain joy in being Mad, that none but Madman know."

...I'm inspired to work for the UN one day...

Anyways, back to the Mundane of Mundance. I'm want to tell the whole world that NOKIA quality is going DOWN!!!! YES! ITS GOING DOWN! Let me Show you the email i typed after a number pad came off my phone because it was not properly glued to the phone!......

I've been a Nokia phone user for many years now. I recently changed to
a Nokia 6170 in March This year.

However today, I was shocked when the Right Function Key came off the
phone. The phone is barely 6 months old and The keys are falling off? It
seems the 6170 number pads are merely glued on and each key pad will
fall off when the glue wears off.

I've kept my phone in very good condition I'm very happy with it other than fact that
the key came off. I believed that this was a one-off problem and went to Nokia
to get it fixed.

However, when i went to the Nokia Service Centre I was told that they
would only replace the keys for $40 even though the phone is still under
warrenty as they say it's cosmetic. I am Shocked!

This is DEFINATELY not the built standard or service i'm expecting from
NOKIA. Are you keys going to keep falling off less than a year after
purchase? This is not even wear and tear, this is purely unsatisfactory
QC.

I'm not demanding to change to a new phone model, I only ask that Nokia
will rectify this problem by at least repairing the keypad without
charging me.

Thank you for your kindest attention and I look forward to your reply.

Colin Chu

And their very "professional reply" within 2 hours

Dear Mr. Chu,

Thank you for emailing Nokia Careline.

With regard to your enquiry, please be assured that Nokia is
continually looking at ways of improving to provide you with better products and
services. I assure you that each of our customers is valued and we do
not treat your concerns lightly. Your comments and feedback has been
forwarded to the relevant department.

Having said that, please be informed that the Careline will stand by
the assessment of the Authorised Service Centre (ASC). As you can
appreciate, we are unable to physically assess your mobile phone. The ASC will
provide yourself with assistance on this matter. However, as far as the
cosmetics of the mobile phone is concerned, we regret to say that this
is not covered within the Limited Warranty.

We do apologise for the inconvenience caused.

For further assistance, please contact the Nokia Singapore Helpdesk
between the hours of 08:30 - 00:00.
The helpdesk is operational seven days a week, 365 days a year.

You can contact our Customer Service Executives on:

Singapore Careline number : 6822 8888

Please help us improve our services by simply clicking on the following
link: http://asknokia.survey.nokia-asia.com/index.jsp?th_id=2-HTBL1

Thank you for your continuing support.

Kind regards

Siva Nishan
Nokia Careline

Sigh~.... Mundane right? Talk about Limited Warrenty. Dang Made in China Stuff... :P

Oh~ Tml's going to be another busy busy day. Going for Range again! But this time, the Range should be more intersting! It's 4 Directional Shoot, so you're shooting Left, Right and Front! not just down the range. Hahaha, looking fwd to that!

I ran 12 km today!

2005-08-09T03:01:00.000+08:00

Y
es, i'm super pleased with myself. It's the Endorphins generated after my run i'm sure. ANyways, yes, i ran 12km today. Well, almost 12, cos we did run along the beach that cut through the running path. Anyways, Only thought i could run 10km since i've been out of action for a while, but surprise surprise i still felt i could go on and went on to 12km. HAHAHAHA. Pats stomach and notice that it's smaller ;) LOL

Today was suppose to go to play Peurto Rico at friend's high rise office so we can get to see the fireworks. But in the end, it was like "I think maybe i can't bring all of you in :P Hai~ so in the end we went to a nice wine bar off dempsy and basically player there. THe Boss was really nice, even watched us play for a while and ask questions. So nice right? So free advert on my blog. I've added the winebar's name and oeprating hours!

Good stuff, I think i've initiated another soul into the world of Peruto Rico. It
such a clean and enjoyable board game. Only problem is finding the right place to play and having the time .

Tml~ National Day! Will probaby go catch Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Still thinking if i want to go down and see the firework.

9

I've got burnt! and weekend is over so fast...

2005-08-07T23:04:00.000+08:00

...I regret to inform that I did not run this weekend...

I
got back from setting up a platoon Operating Base. It wasn't that bad. Well, i mean you're actually setting up at BASE in the field. so you actually make a kitchen, a Dining Area, Accomodation Area and stuff, Quite comfortable actually. We even set up field toilets to shit. (We actually have to Burn shit to clear the potty hahaha. Put Petrol and burn and stir...yah, no kidding, Smells quite terrble actually, especially when you first bring the shit bin out, but once the petrol gets poured in, helps abit.)

I realized When i put on my Uniform, i am empowered to sleep anywhere, anytime. even if the floor is not like super clean, no problem. I will just lie down, prop my head on something, close my eyes, hug my rifle, Sleep! no worries. If the ground is a bit wet, just put ground sheet and carry on sleeping. This must be the hallmark of a soldier.

I regret to inform that I did not run this weekend (guilty look)... instead, i went to eat CHile Crab hahaha. Not just Crab, but the whole spread somemore, Sting Ray, Sotong, Sambal Kang Kong + bread to dip the chile crab gravy. Nutz man. Now, i must must must Run tml. Oh~ it's the Chile Crab at Old Airport Road. Very Good Gravy for dipping, and the Crab's really Fresh too. yum yum.... Ah~

Oh worst, Sat Night after Cell, went to eat Durain somemore. My gosh! I'm on a foodie spree man. People go for Retail Therapy, I'm going on some eating Therapy. But i'm not even feeling down or anything you know.... How come ah? sigh~ Blame Singapore for having too much good food :P Geez!!!! Singaporeans you are BLESSED UNDERSTAND? BLESSED BEYOND YOUR WILDEST IMAGINATION!!!!!

Ah~~~ my Running Mate Ran today somemore, Guilt x2 :P

Next Week, Got Holiday! hahah National Day! but it's only 1 day, oh well! better than nothing. Lalalalala, I know a place where you can catch an excellent view of the fireworks, only problem is you need to pay to get in there argh!~ OK, for those who want to know, it's at the top of Suntect Tower 2 but i think it's $10/person or something =), There's another nice place too. It's at Marina Square at the newly renovated Food Court!, it faces the City Skyline ;) but i think.... might be a bit crowded.

That's what comes with being in Photographic Society for 4 years of Sec Sch life... you instintively remember the places to get good shots =)

Negotiation 101

2005-08-03T23:34:00.000+08:00

W
e learnt basic Negotiation today. It's was pretty interesting learning all the little quirks that we can use when Negotiation with other people. I think the negotiation here is more Military inclined. Firm, Friendly and Fair. I'm not really sure how effective these negotiation style will work outside of the Military Context. For one....you don't really bring a secruity force to the negotiation table do you? Hmmm... Maybe if you're like an underworld boss

Yeah... I think the most effective negotiation. You cock your weapon, Put it down, pointing towards the other person than say

"I think we should do it this way, Don't you think it's a good idea? to STAY ALIVE?"
HAHAHAHAHA

Ok, enuff crapping. Tml, I'll be out for 3 days till Sat Night. Basically going to be diggin alot of Sandbags ahhhhh... Haven't packed yet!

Commander Training

2005-08-03T00:12:00.000+08:00

F
or the next week or so, while my man are happily clearing their leave, I'm back in Camp learning something new. I can't say what it is, but it's interesting and hopefully i'll be able to use what i've learnt some day. At least, i think it's very meaningful

Strangely, I've been thinking about what i want I might be doing a year from now. Like my Tour is ending soon and I'll be posting to my next appointment. I don't know for sure what it is. But I'm excited and Hopefully it'll be a position which will be interesting and an opportunity to learn. It's just bubbles in the air now. splat splat, burst!

But yeah, I do have my long term goals, the question now is what's the mid-term goals and objectives. What am i doing in my life that will get me there? Honestly, i haven't thought too much abt it. I don't want to end up going through the daily grind of life not knowing where exactly i'm heading or for what.

We played alot of PSP at work today, basically everyone's competiting with each other in this game called Ridge Racer (some car racing thing) LOL

Jap Buffet at Suntec

2005-08-01T22:55:00.000+08:00

O
k, I've been missing Japanese Food for sometime now... just last week, i was thinking about this lil'place called Sushi on Bloor which served Cheap and Good Japanese Food. I used to go there like every week. Every waitress knew me and my housemates because we were their regulars for like 3 years!

Anyways, There isn't such thing as Cheap and Good Jap Food in Singapore....So yeah, Today i satisfied my Jap Craving hahaha. It wasn't Cheap! but it was GOOD! Thanks to Jade for introducing the Jap Buffet. Hahaha, She's really has the time to go and find all these nice places to eat. It's really good! Especially their Beef Sukiyaki soup! Excellent man! Free flow, Sashimi, Tepanyaki, Snow Crabs!

Now i think i've a small belly showing, but it's all good. Tml will be out training all day, so hopefully can sweat out some of the Rich stuff i ate today (Baked Lobster with Cheese anyone?)

Terrible

2005-07-31T21:07:00.000+08:00

I
feel terrible! I just dented my Neighbour's Daugther's new car.... argh!!!!
It's a small dent on the front panel. the one above the wheel. When i rang the doorbell to tell her about it. she came running out and when she heard the news started to tear! Her car was like 3 months old... God i feel Terrible....

Thank you Lord

2005-07-31T13:51:00.000+08:00

I
just got back from a Run at MacRitche Reserviour. My Mum and Dad wanted to go somewhere nice for a walk and i wanted to run so we headed down. It's a really nice spot and lots of Singaporeans Go there for to Run, exercise and just enjoy nature. Anyways, I did a 5km run along a Lornie Trail and as i ran, i saw lots of other fellow runners of all ages. some as young as 5-6 years old running with their dad and mum, Some couples, some with Dogs, some aunties, but the one that struck me most was this Old man.

...Sometimes, we just have to make that extra effort to wake up early, climb that hill and feel the beauty of another day...

He must have been at least 50+, With White hair, wrinkles and sagging cheeks. But he was in running attire and he was Running (slowly, but running). He obviously was straining, His Hand holding his waist, his breath panting. But he was carrying on, Never quitting. Wow....He passed the people walking, went up hill, No problem. kept going.

I just felt sooo blessed to be a good shape and health, to have my youth. To be able to run without having aches and pains, this is God's Blessing for youths man! =) If an Old man can keep running inspite of his age, What more I can do at mine! Yeah~ Feel so inspired and ThankFul! Ok! next week, I'll go back to MacRitche and go for the 11km trail!

Btw, There are some really nice places that you get to see when you're in the SAF, Places which you never realized existed in Singapore. Below is a shot of Sunrise I took from one of the hills in an SAF training Ground. Nice right? haha, my guy's were preparing for living firing.

Sometimes, we just have to make that extra effort to wake up early, climb that hill and feel the beauty of another day. Unfortunately for some, the SAF forces you to do that whether they like it or not. Well, at least i chose to like it ;)

Flags and Dinners

2005-07-30T22:19:00.000+08:00

I
am stuffed. Basically, my family had a little Dinner somewhere in town. Basically a nice restaurant that was having some Christmas madness in the middle of July, yupz, so we had Traditional Christmas dinner with Carols playing and stuff. It was pretty fun and of coz the food was good. But yes, basically, i'm Stuffed *like turkey stuffed!" and worst, i'm feeling sleepy with all the wine... argh!!! cannot sleep yet, i don't want to wake up with a tummy tml :P

Just a lil observation abt National Day Flags, Our Country's 40th National Day is like 1 week from now, but viola viola, look at the number of Homes that have put out the national Flag, Not alot at all. So, either Singaporeans are just not too happy with the Nation today, or just a lack of empathy towards the whole thing. Maybe, it's the start of the next Generation of Singaporeans that have not "experienced" the growing pains of the SIngapore Story so to speak. Which is it? i Don't know many, but definately there's alot less flags out this year than previous years.

Anyways, I'm just back from 2 days of Live Firing, It wasn't that bad, except it has proven to me time and again that in the Army, it's inevitable that we Wait to Rush, and than Rush to wait. Basically, my Man rushed to draw ammo, than sat at the start line for 40 mins, before moving to the next start line, wait for 15 min, than rushed to FUP and finished the assault in 10min. Is this due to poor planning? No...it's not, it's due to Kaisuism and being too eager. I see my Men, all sitting in the sun, helmets on, starting to sweat just sitting down. I feel like i'm playing warcraft and the live of my Army is dropping (Green live drop to Yellow) like that. Hahahaha.
Well, i finally got back to camp at 7.45am on Sat Morn, after finish Live Firing at like 2am. 1 x Power Shack out but at least the whole thing is over. Yeah! and oh~ i've got a nice Sun Burn as souviner hahaha.

a lil bit of happiness goes a long long way

2005-07-27T22:52:00.000+08:00

J
ust read something interesting. 74% of guy's can make a judgement whether he likes a girl after talking to her for 15 mins, but only 67% of girls can make a judgement about a guy only after 65 Mins! Conclusion, Either Guy's are alot more decisive, or Girls are just very forgiving Haha. THis brings me back to the time i was interviewing people. After shorting listing 6 candidates from liek 120 applicants. We scheduled for their interviews. Each with an 1h time slot. During the Interview, i was like " ok, no questions" within 30 mins or so, but my colleque (a lady) had to keep going on till like 1 hour, And better still not enuff, some candidates 1h 15 min. piangz!

Anyways, Tml, I move out for Battalion Firing. Going to be under the sun, feeding mosquitos, and seeing the other side kick out dust. Than Friday, we'll be doing Coy Live Firing, where i'll have to actually particpate! Sweat, get dirty. And yes, we'll be the last Company doing it....so i'll estimated time back in camp will be early Sat Morning say....3am? Yeah, when everyone else in the world would be like drunk in Muhd Sultan or something.

Ah~ i've got good news to report! i Ran today! Yupz, although i had to rush out off bed and to work.I basically didn't know that we had a life Run at 8am this morning. So yupz, at 7.15am, get a call i'm in camp by 7.55am. Not bad right? but yah...only problem was i only slept at like 3am the night before :P

Chemical Defence and a lil more

2005-07-27T01:24:00.000+08:00

I
t rained pretty heavily this morning. I know, cos i drove all the way to work in the rain. ANd Rain = Jam. Ah~ ok, I've came up with a theory from my lil habit of looking at people's faces when they drive. i reckon that you can judge a person's statisfaction in life (Life meaning Job, Family, Friends, Life life you know?) by how they look when they drive to work. I'm serious! The way you look when you drive to work in the morning definately tells alot about your overall outlook of life.

Anyways, Today we did Chemical Defence. Went into the Smoke Trainer. Basically its a room, air sealed. And you release tear gas inside to experience the sensation of an agent. In this case... Tear Gas. It's pretty neat actually, the Gas doesn't kill you, it just reacts with all the wet tissues in your body like your mucus lining, your lips, eye's and throat ext. So... yeah~ it's a good test for you to see if your mask works. Anyways, I've added some pic's of my guy's going through the course

and yah, below is me in a silly shot....with Gas Mask and Beret

Ok, Sweetest, Today also went to watch a Movie, The Island. IMHO, it's a screw your mind movie. I admit, my brain doesn't like to work when it's at rest. ok lah, i think the Female lead was good looking. but the kissing scene at the end....My gosh, just cut that part out lah. I almost thought it was the cue to leave the cinema :P

Short Entry

2005-07-26T00:46:00.000+08:00

D
id nothing much today honestly. Just played with my Men in the Chemical Defence Grub. Very cool and cute. they look like little piglets all with their gast mask on hahaha. And when they put powder on their faces! like foundation makeup or something. Anyways, Tml, will be entering the smoke Chamber!

Short entry, me going to sleep. Tml, i'll share some theory abt ppl's faces when the drive to work. Came up by yours truely

Another Weekend has gone by

2005-07-24T23:15:00.000+08:00

S
o it seems time flies. Sigh~ How come the weekend just seem to go so fast? Sunday just flew by. I woke up, went to Bible class, came back, rush to work to do my GCC Summex, went back home, showered, slept, woke up eat dinner, went out shop shop, blah. Day over :(

Supposed to go cycling with Weicong, but his ferry was kinda late, so... ended up not cycling. hahaha, anyways, i prob would prefer to sleep. Singapore was kinda like rainny, foggy...Best environment to nap hahahaha.

Tml, Smoke Chamber Training. Yupz! we'll learn how to wear our gas mask and stuff so that we can operate even when there's smoke, tear gas that's thrown at us. :)

Soccer, BBQ

2005-07-24T00:49:00.000+08:00

Y
es, last night had some late night supper but because i had to wake up early today. I more or less went straight to bed. result==> today woke up with a tummy. Arghh, not a good start. Anywyas, Went for BB at Yishun as they had a soccer tourment there. It was quite good fun really. All the excitment of a regular league. What makes it even more exciting is the fact that it's our own boy's playing. Well, my Coy didn't win the final, but they got 2nd in their group, so relatively pleased with them. They won their last match too so i guess it was nice to end on a good note.

Oh~ and after the match, we played more soocer, where your's truely due to year's of not playing promptly sprianed my left foot doing some deft dribble. Yah~ dumd lah, but now..i've a lil swell on my left and it hurts when i walk. I'm trying to walk normally, so nobody will notice. but I hope it'll recover soon. I need to jog again! or at least start. I've haven't ran at all for the last 1 week!!!!!

And yes, i think i'm going to buy a new pair of running shoes, my old one has lost all it's bounce already. Wait... did i say that before sometime ago?

Went for a BBQ after CHurch today. It was organized by the Primers. Pretty nice bunch. ok... actually i didn't really talk to them much. Mostly focused on the food ahahahaha, The food wasn't too bad! ;)So... Tml, Go back to Camp in the afternoon, for a bit of GCC, than hopefully, i'll be able to go out for a lil' cycle. Heh!

2am

2005-07-22T02:08:00.000+08:00

I
ts 2am, I've just came back from work.
Well, not really Work, but a meeting. Basically had our AAR. IT dragged, and dragged and dragged. Oh my Gosh...i can't believe that we took 5 freaking hours to go through Alpha Company's points. We started at 4pm, break for dinner at 9pm. Like COA's speech compared to this was like peanuts man.

Anyways, just some food for though considering the meeting only ended at 1am plus...
I would say that the meeting was a very expensive one in terms of tax payer's money. Why? OK letse. We were in there for almost 9hours. Take that multiply by the number of people in the room multiply by the average hourly wage. I bet it must be over at $1000 of salary, There you go. Yupz! Tax payer's just paid over $1000 for us to have this meeting. Well, i'm not saying it's money wasted because we DID manage to tie down somethings, but frankly, i think we could acheive alot more in like 10% of the time.

Oh~ i've collected my new Number 3 Uniform, it's basically the staff Uniform, hahaha, had it tailored so it fits real nice =) Super Happy hahaha. my First every tailored pants and shirt ;)

Ok, Tommorrow is going to be another madness day. will be rushing to Pasir Laba for Recce in the afternoon, and in the morning go Tekong, and at night have to give a briefing. Woot! TGIF!

Coy Fieldcamp, Enuff abt Army

2005-07-21T00:01:00.000+08:00

I
'm Back from Coy training. It was supposed to be mission based, solid, no sleep for 2 days. We moved out at night, supposed to be back this afternoon. But, surprise surprise. My CO cut the training and we all headed back last night. Definately a Moral Boost for all the Men. And tml, my Coy Guy's are going for their Heritage Tour thing so it'll be a double bonus. They get to wear Civi Clothes, walk around town and smoke all they want.

For Commanders like me, we're staying in camp to do our After Action Review (AAR). A must after every exercise to learn from our mistakes and improve the overall standards of our next training. Strangly, I've kept the minutes from the LAST outfield training (i was the secretary for tha meeting) and...i think there were some points in the last minutes that were already mentioned but not yet resolved or exeecuted. So... What does this mean? Good intention, Good Planning, but unable to excute = no results. My personal Grip... My man and commanders still don't have their proper vest size. QM don't have stock, or at least, the whole SAF don't have enuff stock

...I need a massage...

Lesson in Life, It doesn't matter how wonderfully excellent the plan is if it is not executed properly. <==Sounds super logical right? till the point of stupidity rite? (Hey! Newton's 1st law also that super simple but hold alot of truths ok!)...So 3G army how? Beautiful ideas and thrust, Execution by the rank and file will be Key. That Poster will 1 man wired from head to toe with the latest Technology...He prob is the only 1 in the SAF so far...hahahaha. Soldier of ONE!

Why am i so sian abt something so small? simple....when you wear it and walk, it's ok... but when you start digging a hole wearing that thing....it's madness, that mad thing restricts your movement like mad and alot of my men were suffering like mad when they started their shellscrapes. All going Mad, Cursing at me. Madness. Yes, Mad Magazine out and we are on the front page.

Someone once asked why this blog doesn't talk much abt my personal life, all Army and military. Thinking abt it, yes, although alot my time is in army, I've also have my own sans army life, my sans Army problems, my sans Army feelings. But i guess they're just more private. Right now, i'm feeling abit sianz over somethings...it's sans army, but i'm just don't think i want to type it.

I need a massage, my back is aching...stupid Load Bearing Vest my Foot. All the ##$n weight on your shoulders only.

Harry Porter and BDO

2005-07-17T14:57:00.000+08:00

I
ts another Sunday and yes, i'm being the BDO again. But this time, the Ops Rooms has gotten a comp with internet connection so it doesn't feel so bad. At least i get to do my own stuff like blog eh? :)

Today, My BOS brought his notebook so we got some TVB serials to entertain us as we go about our weekend duty. Best thing is he is Malay, but he is addicted to TVB serials hahaha. He is sooooo good that he can understand mandarin now. I removed the subtitles and he can still understand the serial!!! amazing right? Even better, he can understand the Cantonese Version also. If that ain't talent, i don't know what is man. Hahaha, i'm always surprised and impressed by the talents that people actually have, but don't openly show it.

I've got another good reason to be here. Tommorrow, i'm moving out for a 3 days exercise, so there's abit of preparations to do, so i'm doing some of it now. I've looked through the missions that we are doing. I think it's really Fast and Furious. Basically i'm not expecting any sleep once i put my Camo Cream on, till I return from back to camp. so... that's like 48hours of no sleep. Yah~ actually, they didn't even plan for us to have sleep time. It's going to be back to back mission with no Admin break. So...like real war liao :P

And Yesh~ Harry Porter's out! but i'm very hesistant to start reading it. Argh...dilemma, should i start or not? My sis has already finished it. She picked it up at 7am, she finished by 8pm the same day. and she managed to squeezed in 5 episodes of Lost world in the same day. She's freaky.

Theft and Death

2005-07-16T01:19:00.000+08:00

T
hey charged a person in my Battalion today for stealing Handphones. He was handcuffed and brought to Dentention Barracks. I don't understand, we are all one family. How much is a Handphone? Is it worth selling your integrity for? i don't know, guess for some ppl integrity's not worth more than $300 bucks.

...pray that you'll put me in a place where i'll get to learn and be challenged...

And yes, the SAF has another 2 deaths. So now, once again, The SAF will be under the public Scrutiny. The guys who died were doing rappelling from a Heli. I did that before and there's a REAL lot of safety Checks before we go Heli-borne so i really don't know how such an incident will happen. It's really quite safe. Really!...oh well. Maybe we at Guards do things differently from Commandos...

Got a Call from Maj Elaine, but I was conducting Range so couldn't talk to her... Something to do with my next posting i think. Oh well.... Please God, I pray that you'll put me in a place where i'll get to learn and be challenged. ....

Marksman and the NKF

2005-07-16T00:40:00.000+08:00

Y
es, i haven't blogged for the longest time, well not really, a couple of days at most, Due to having Range. What's Range? basically, it's going to a Rifle Range and practice shooting. So my Coy was at range for the last 2 days, Prior to that i was the conducting and just spent many sleepless nights preparing all the admin work. It's madness, and i still suck at conducting training... Somehow i always seem to have left out something here or there. Or some silly thing would crop up and than i'll be fighting fire. Like before i moved out. Guess what, We realized that there was no Keys for the Safety Vehicle???! like what???? Than, even better, went to the vehicle office and ask them for it. They lost it too!!! so in the end they started finding all over the shop for it. So... Range got Delayed. Anyways, i'm super tired this week, so far i think i've been sleeping a max of 4hrs each night since last Sat. Even the pimples are starting to pop out hahahahaha :P
But 1 piece of good news... I've qualified to become a Marksman! woot! yupz, i scored above 80% of hits for my test so lalalalala. But, oh~ my Right ear is still somewhat deaf :P. Thanks to not putting my Ear Plugs tightly.

NKF CEO resigns, I'm also thinking of drawing out my NKF donations, It's sick... what in world is part of the $1 i contribute being used to support the lifestyle of one really Rich Person. Than again, He did bring ALOT of money for the needy, What's wrong with taking a little cut from it right? Personally, i think We all are Human's too and we want to be rewarded for our work. Anyways, i'm still keeping my monthly donations to NKF lah. They haven't even deducted $1 yet, what's there to cancel right? hahaha

Traffic Appeal Letter

2005-07-10T16:54:00.000+08:00

I
recieved the Traffic Summon finally. This summon is pure bad timing man so I'm going to appeal it Since i think i do have a reason. Anyways, the parking warrant also said that's the only thing i should do to explain myself... hai~

I've copied my Appeal letter here. Hopefully it'll bring some laughter to the officer at the other end and make his or her day :P hahahaha

10th July 2005

Traffic Police Department
Singapore Police Force
10 Ubi Avenue 3
Singapore 408865

Attn : Head of Investigation and Violation Reports Branch

Dear Sir/ Madam,

Re : Appeal to Traffic Offence Report XXXX XXXX XXXX issued 7th July 2005

I, SXXXXXXXX Colin Chu Jian Wen, was driving my Mum, Grace Wong Sook Yin’s Car SCK XXXXH on the 26th of June at the time of the offence.

I admit that I had parked illegally but I seek your understanding to the circumstances surrounding the offence.

Please allow me to explain the situation.

I was having a bad case of indigestion on my way back from town. While I was driving home, I started having a very urgent call of nature. It was very acute, thus I quickly turned into Eastwood Shopping Centre where I knew there was a decently clean toilet at the back of the building. In my urgency, I parked my car directly on the side of Eastwood Road which was behind the shopping centre. I rushed into the toilet to relieve myself.

I was gone for not more than 10-15 minutes. When I came out, I saw that my car had just been booked and the CISCO officer had just turned the corner. I ran to him to explain the situation, showing him where the toilet was and why I had parked directly in front of it. He was empathetic, but said he could not take back the summon after it had been issued. He advised me to wait for the offence letter to come and then write an appeal and mention his Officer number 2XXXX whereby he would be able to give his statement. I thanked him and then proceeded to head back home.

I knew that it was an illegal place to park and I would never have parked there, but I really could not hold back the call of nature any much longer and thus parked at the least inconvenient place possible. I also tried my best to keep my business short. Thus, I hope you will be able to grant me a waiver in light of the fact that this is my first offence and the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the offence.

Your kindest review and a favourable response would be very much appreciated.

Yours truly

Colin Chu Jian Wen

......

Anyways, the fine is $70, Thank God for the Mid Year Bonus, at least have some extra cash to tide me if this appeal doesn't come through :P
Oh yes...I've received my Mid Year Bonus. It's a pleasent thing ;)

Shorter & Sweeter

2005-07-10T16:48:00.000+08:00

I
f you noticed, i'm making shorter entries. Some people have commented that my entries are too long. Hey~ it's just my brain goes on overdrive once i start typing. Ok, i'm a bit long winded also. So Now, this is my attempt to make my blog more readable. (Yes! There are actually people who regularly read my blog appearently..) Anyways,I'm only going to focus on 1 topic per post. almost like that lil' Summary Exercise at the end of English Comprehension where they ask you to summarize the whole paper in 120 words :P hahahaha

NKF

2005-07-10T16:33:00.000+08:00

W
oo... it's been a while since the last entry. Been Busy preparing for next week's Range :P

Oh~ i've signed up to Support NKF. ok, i never expected to do it, but they are Sooooo good at marketing. like fantastic. First, they come to my camp and offer EVERYONE a free health Screening. Superbly professional. Blood test, Urine Test, Weight Test, Fats Test ext ext. Than after you go through all the test. They actually sit down and explain to you what the results means and give you health advice. Than here comes the killer part, at the last station, the best Sales lady will make her pitch to ask you to donate, telling you how so many people out there would benifit if you could help them abit. It's a killer combo, because after receiving such excellent service, you just feel ah....ok lah ok lah. !!!! Even some of my man with Financial Problems, signed up to donate $10/month to them! alot donated like $3-6. I'm down right impressed. Ok...I also signed up to donate in the end. :P

I'm not sure if it's a strange concindence that the whole NKF team were female. And the ones at the last stations were all blessed with Beautiful faces and puppy eyes. Might just be an imagination.Hiak hiak hiak.

Today work felt like going back to Uni

2005-07-07T01:58:00.000+08:00

We basically, had a little discussion on the Speech yesterday. Lots of interaction about the Army in general. Some choice bits.

When i mentioned to my OC that the Army's Safety Culture is so strong. When we go for a simple run, we sat up marshals, waterpoints, Medics, Evac Routes, Safety rovers, Comms ext. Compare this to Secondary Sch's where they probably don't even count strength before they start a run. We Really have Safety within our culture. Words from the wise one... " Yah, but that's because the Army TAKES guys AWAY from the parents, Where else Parents are the ones that SEND their Sons to school!" Hmmm... Hahahahaha, i thought that was a pretty smart reply. But its True, The SAF has upon its shoulders the responsibility to return the Son's of Singapore back to their homes, either better or at least in the same shape as when they come in.

...had a little discussion on the Speech yesterday...

Another classic quote came out. Heard it mentioned before in OCS, but was very happy to hear it again today,

"When you walk to the edge of light, and the next step is in darkness, You must believe either 1 of 2 things. 1, That you'll land on Solid Ground or 2.... that you're learn to fly."

I know my OC can't have came up with this lah, but it's sounds slick eh? Very nice!

Today, another round of Gourmet Feasting.....sigh~ i need to run for 40 mins to burn off whatever i've ate today. and worst news, my Jogging Partner got a bad Sprain today... will be out of action for a while :P

Tml~ i'm going to do a bit of Urban Ops planning, Should be quite a learning experience. Good, tml, i'll run and I think i'm going to get a pair of shoes this weekend if possible. My old shoes....can't make it anymore.

Heard that my Buddy got mentioned in some Gay Site as looking very 'cute' hahahaha. Got to check this out. Some more his Call sign is "HE MAN" wah liao.... Can you imagine?? Gay guy asking him "Hello He MAN~~~" yucks yucks.

Laughes....i got an ipod Shuffle! woot!

2005-07-05T22:44:00.000+08:00

I
t can't be that bad a day when you get something new right? So yeah, today i've gotten my ipod shuffle, basically a gift from my Insurance agent. Guess tells you how much my insurance agent is earning from my premiums in the long run right? ah well, He is good though, so if you guys need some insurance, can recommend him. Can get free gift ah hahaha :P

Today was the Army Conference thing, Sadly alot of things mentioned i've kinda heard before. but what's interesting is the How and Why part of why SAF is transforming. I guess it gave me a better idea of the kind of work to expect in the coming years. Hmm, it's always nice to be on the edge of change in my opinion. I rather be in the driver's seat and see where i'm going than be at the back seeing the world fly by. Even if it means crashing, I like to see the super nova just before i die that kind :P

ok, talking abt insurance. I've got a lil recommendation to all you out there who have been approached. I know alot of you will as you begin your career. my 2 cents is, if it's a real friend, sure listen them out but make sure you don't buy simply because you pai seh or friend friend that kind. Cos IMHO, most agents don't know nuts between Financial Planning and Insurance selling.

...Financial planning doesn't consist merely of filling up some form that calculates your monthly expenses and churning out some numbers ...

Let me tell you, Financial planning doesn't consist merely of filling up some form that calculates your monthly expenses and churning out some numbers of how much you need to put away per month. Any Sec Sch Kid can prob do it, esp those who does Accoutning and learn Present Value of Money. Look....a Financial planner not only has insurance plans up their sleaves. Insurance are but 1 of many kinds of financial instruments that can be employed to meet your financial needs. Don't be conned man. 1 insurance plan ain't going to settle all your financial problems. They are merely part of the basket of solutions a planner needs to come out with. So.... what does this mean, it means that if you want to be a financial planner, you better be familiar with all the various kinds of instruments available in the market. So keep learning!!

Opps, rambled on....

okies, tml, i'll be eating lots again, so i'm going to have to Run again tml morning... this time, i think i'll go for distance again.

On Braces, Chinese Serials and Coughs

2005-07-04T23:45:00.000+08:00

F
inally got meet up with my Dentist today. Apparently the last time i saw him was in May. at the rate i keep this up, i'll be having my braces on for 4 years according to him. This July is officially the 2 year mark since i've been having braces, but there's still work to be done. Anyways, I'm still have to use the Bands (*ARGh) and worst, now he has put even more bands on the front 6 teeth, Basically, my gums are going through alot of stress. I could barely eat dinner, every bite hurts.... :(
The good news is....hmmm, well there isn't.

As i was just grouchy after dinner i just pai pattern on the couch and watch the current 7pm chinese serial, what Tong Xin Yuan. It's soooooooooooooooooooo lame. I mean, Superbly lame. It's been a while since i last watched a local chinese serial, but i think i didn't miss much. The roles are all basically so shallow. They are either extremely good, or extremely bad. Like chess pieces you know! There's no complexity to their character. It's like you watch 1 episode and you know oh~ so this is going to be the playboy, the rich and nasty Husband, the loving wife, the backstabbing wife, The kindly matriach, the ever wise Patriach, the Scheming Son and Daughter in law. Hai~.... I actually followed the whole episode to the end. Irony. The drawing power of the Chinese Serials. I rather watch Discovery of something man.

...Basically, my gums are going through alot of stress. I could barely eat dinner, every bite hurts...

On the other hand, I also watched Wife Swapped and Desperate Housewives tonight,I think the only rather meaningful show was wife Swapped. you Realize how important the role a Wife places in your family. Probably the best form of marriage therapy a married couple can go through. I love the part where they get reunite with their wives and each wife talks abt their expeirence with the other's husband and family. It reveals alot about the Husband and the blind spots in a marriage. Pretty nice actually. Contrast this to Desperate Houswives, Tsk tsk, just glamourize infidelity, Its Thanks to such shows that Societal Morals have constantly sunk to new lows man. I mean...Hello???? Would you like Just jump in bed with the contractor who's building your house just in a spite of jealously? That's desperate housewives for you.

MY Dad's cough been getting worst, Today he has blood in his phelgm, he's seen the Doc like twice already so he doesn't want to see them again and has switched to the chinese option now. Drinking Herbal tea and chinese medicine. I pray for my dad, That he will recover soon. I've realized that both my Dad and Mum are really growing older. They are starting to get little pains here and there you know? like feet gets tired after a while, Immune system's a lil weaker. And Me... I guess i'm starting to see myself starting to care for them more. Like fetch them from work, do the Groceries and stuff. Inside of me, I wish they weren't like that, so i could have time to do my own stuff, but I can't complain, I know they been doing exactly the same thing for me since i was born, i guess.... The tables are starting to turn eh? There's life for you.

On Chalets, Parking Fines and Batman

2005-07-04T01:20:00.000+08:00

S
ometimes, after so much planning, the event just comes and passes by so quickly, it makes all the effort put into making it a success worthless. Anyways, Chalet over, i think most of the guy's enjoyed themselves alot on the first night. by the 2nd day, most of them started leaving as they were really tired. In the end, only 3 guys were left on Sat Night and they mostly just sat and chit chat. Lesson learnt, Chalet make it 1 day, good enuff. Anyways, i just hope they all had a good time. Too bad the old Section Comd couldn't make it.

Anyways, i'm a bit pissed, The guys sat in my car and now my leather seat at the back has a bad scratch. across it. Basically, there's a small tear now....ouch ouch ouch. From now on, no more rides for the man..... so painful. Talking abt another painful thing. I received a parking fine again, for $70 ah.... So dumb, i had an urgent call of nature, so i quickly pull over the side of a shopping centre and rush to the toilet, come out kena. Anyways i'm going to try to appeal this out. It's terrible to own a car in Singapore, it really is. I rather take a taxi anytime. Anyways, i've promised myself that i'll only get a car after i get married or what. The cost of a car is just ridiculous in Singapore, even though its suppose to be "cheap" now. No no, they don't have an idea what cheap is.

...Anyways, Chalet over, i think most of the guy's enjoyed themselves alot on the first night...

Btw, Batman Begins....Good =) worth the 9 bucks hahaha. apparently its like 100x better than war of the worlds.

Oh~ i've been chosen to tbe one of the "brothers" for my friend's wedding hahaha. Never did it before, but it seems my role is impt in the "picking up" of the bride session and some admin stuff. Hopefully, i won't have to do 1000 push ups in a suit or something ;) Anyways, the happy moment is next year in March!! =)

yawn, it's 1.47am...time to sleep! even though i'm off tml, lots of things to settle ;)

I found a new jogging route

2005-06-30T22:20:00.000+08:00

T
oday,my mind was just cluttered, don't know why. There's nothing much to do today somemore, actually mostly quite mindless stuff. The Guy's booked out like right after lunch (happy only)

...my Camp barber commented "Sir, i think you put on some weight huh?" argh.....

Tml, going for Chalet and wild wild wet. Finger's crossed, i'll win the PS2!!! PS2!! PS2!! hahaha. So really, nothing muched today.

Probably the reason why i badly felt i wanted to run, in the end, i'm glad to say that i not only ran, i explored new routes! hahaha, i found a very nice bath along this canal that links my camp all the way to bedok Reserviour.

feeling sleepy, Zzzzz, so 40day Fast suppose to start tml. Good stuff, hopefully can lose weight hahaha... my Camp barber commented "Sir, i think you put on some weight huh?" argh.....

Initial D nite

2005-06-30T01:46:00.000+08:00

S
o I've watched Initial D the movie, FInally. Ok, it's not bad, funny funny light hearted kinda movie. Love the Father Son Relationship. Anthony Wong...Salutes man! As for Jay, i think his role don't require much acting siah~ hahaha. Anyways, Nice stuff, maybe i'll start chasing the Anime series. But one thing super sad is the GF part.....hai~ what a waste. Okies, enuff, think its a spoiler for those who haven't watch it.

...Throughout the day, Random "AWESOME" thoughts just form in my head. And i tell myself i should blog this down...it's classic...

I've a problem, Throughout the day, Random "AWESOME" thoughts just form in my head. And i tell myself i should blog this down...it's classic. But whenever i get back home to start blogging, i totally forget all these moments of brilliance. I need to get a small notebook or something to start penning down these awesome thoughts.

Suddenly, one of these thoughts come into my head... Remember i said that imported stuff in East Timor are ridiculously expensive thus result in the high cost to go over, well...what if i buy stuff here, and sell it there, use the profits and help the poor! i mean...only the people with money will be able to afford stuff in US$ rite? So...The price is now artificially inflated, you need to have arbitragers like me to bring the price to it's market value, meanwhile, i'll profit till the that equilibruim is met! hahahahahaha =) (ok, need to start thinking of something that's light in weight, easily trasnportable, Essential to modern living and not available locally in East Timor) So far, Batteries sounds good, only problem is abit heavy...need to think of better suggestions. =)

oh~ my man are going to get 2 weeks of Leave in Aug!!! while I'll be having Commanders Training hahahaha. Meanwhile i'm glad to say my Platoon's Morale is high, everyones looking forward to the Chalet and long break. Report sick rate is still high, Hopefully the Viral infection will die down. Today we had another casualty with High fever again, our poor Coy medic is once again activated to bring the guy to hospital...

There's a very nice piece on Celine's Blog entry. It's a "Tribute to nice girls" and one for nice Guys. I wanted to copy it, but decided nah~ i'll just link you to it. so here you go!

A Tribute to Nice gals followed by nice guys

Its Over!

2005-06-28T23:34:00.000+08:00

Y
ippie! Platoon Live Firing went pretty smoothly, Thank God that all my Men are safe and hopefully better from the experience. A pity that alot of man are down with Fever and weren't able to attend. I believe there's a Viral Infection spreading around my Platoon as there's been 4 cases from my Platoon alone who had High fever the past week.

Today was the first real exercise where i was mainly an exercise troop, no planning involved, just going through the practice. There's a big difference when you can just focus on doing your job without having to worry if the Ration Tonner has pushed off?, What's the Ceasefire time, The evac route, can the Busese can find their way in, What time will they finish, If the RAIs have any shortfall. Ah~ the bliss of being an exercise troop ;)

Basically today was spent mostly cleaning up our weapons and preparing for LRI, nothing much for the man, Mainly a worry for our CQ, he looks like he just fought countless battles and a couple of major wars. hahahaha....Anyways, Tml will be spent doing some Section and Platoon Movement around camp. Nothing much, mainly for the benifit of my Section Commanders. Only problem is 2 of them are on course and 1 of them is on Status. How to train like that? I guess, in ATEC, we also seldom fight with full strength, so better start training without full strength now also right? Bleah.

I need to save $1800 for my Mission Trip to East Timor in End Oct. Its Ridiculously expensive, but it seems that everything there is in US$ and prices are grossly inflated for all things imported. Would be very interesting to write a paper regarding the Economy of this newly independent nation.

I'm going to Run 40 mins tml morning! Kam-Ba-TE!

Things to do by this week....

Visit the Tailors
Visit Yusri (Refer to earlier Post)
Prepare Items for the Chalet
Update Lesson Missed and Report Sick Log
Get back in shape (on Going)...hahaha

Work Work

2005-06-26T02:43:00.000+08:00

H
ad another soul to soul chat with one of my Man who hasn't been performing as well as before, Wants to give up being a 2ic, basically, he's just doesn't have the heart to do it. And when i asked him why? he just say don't know, don't want to be a Guardsman and stuff. In the End, we had a deal, He is going to improve his attitude and performance and I'll give him more autonomy and freedom. Sometimes, I just wonder if the Man will ever get into their head that once you're in, there's not much of a way out. Just do your job, don't slack because once you slack, others will have to pull your weight for you. It's just a drag.

Spent the whole afternoon trying to tally the Inventory in the bunks and Pl office for the whole coy. Lead by OC, 3IC and Moi~ we moved furnitures here and there so that they tally with the stated inventory in each room. yah~ we were like working on 10% of energy, at every floor, we'll just lie down and rest for like 5 mins before carrying on. In the end, Realized that LRI won't be able to check the bunks because we'll be outfield!!!! basically, afternoon wasted hahahaha.... Can't take it, went home, slept

Once again, Overslept and missed service...tsk tsk, bad bad. Would go for the Sun's service, but i'll be back in camp to continue the Stock taking. Argh!!! Backend can be such a chore....

Guards Day....War Cry, Mascot Champs!

2005-06-24T23:59:00.000+08:00

V
ictory is always sweet. yupz! For all my guys who Did the War Cry! I'm proud of all of them hahaha. They totally blew the competition away! hahahaha =) Anyways, everything went on pretty well, Even though we were like so close to calling for contingency plan when the Weather started coming in.

...The button has been pressed!!!! OC button, not SAF but still=no weekend...

But the Madness ain't over yet, there's still Pl Live Firing, LRI... So this weekend, i'll be back in my Coy doing inventory stocktaking, and also getting ready for Pl Live Firing. Yupz, OC said, this weekend all come back. (The button has been pressed!!!! OC button, not SAF but still=no weekend)

Oh~ we had the Army Forum today. Basically, chit chatting about the future and stuff with a General. Pretty Funny at times, rather Abstract, to the point that i think some people have problem grabbling with the issue. Esp regarding Values and Identity, alot of people bring with them personal Pressumpositions into their arguements and points of View, thus it's hard to have very constructive interaction without first appreciating these Pressumpositions.

Only wished they would talk more abt career planning thing, CGO mentioned something about having to take charge of your own career Path. intersting to note is that most people have no clue what are the possible options, paths ahead of them. Seriously, alot of times, its all hear say, So some people like think they will have a chance to disrupt and study, come back, do OC tour and become Major. yah....rite.

There's an AIESEC Dinner tml, only problem is i'm not sure if i can go cos Sun i still need to be back at work. at least I know there will be food ard! ;)

Fast and Furious

2005-06-23T22:54:00.000+08:00

M
y work started the moment my car pulled into the carpark. Straight away, i could see the War Cry team start walking for training.

My Sgts are very on the ball, but we will have to see how long this remains. Hopefully, they remain this way, It feels great working with a bunch of equally motivated people.

...We managed to squeeze a Recce of the Pl Live Firing today, it was in the words of my S3 "Fast and Furious"... ...

Talking abt this... I ran Today!!!! hahaha, and my Friend didn't. So we are equals now. But yah, it's a nice form of motivation when you have know you have company doing something that needs a bit of kick starting (i.e. Running early in the morning)
Thanks to running in the rain this morn, i've a slight abrasion on my grion area :(, tml will prob take a rest. maybe go cycle or swim.

We managed to squeeze a Recce of the Pl Live Firing today, it was in the words of my S3 "Fast and Furious"... We squeezed in during the lunch window where there was a little ceasefire. The moment our Jeep left the boundary of the Live-firing area, they commenced live firing! so, yeah~ the fastest recce i've ever had. all done and wrapped up in 1hour.

Back to office, settle some Admin Issues and decoration for the Guards Day. Oh~ they brought in Helium air for the Balloons! My Whole Company had lots of fun inflating them.... Very very hilarious time. Maybe We all should fall in the whole platoon with 1 ballon of Helium, at the count of 3, We all inhale and recite the Guards Creed of something. 1 platoon worth of Donald Ducks ;), We Record it, and we will be Remembered! Yes! for posterity! for Ever! I just demostrated to my Platoon and i had a couple on guys on the floor laughing till they teared. It was hilarious. Thank God for Humour even in the busiest (sic) of times. So.... Maybe if there's a bit of Helium left tml?? ;) hiak hiak hiak,

G day -1, The pieces are in place.

Head over Heals messy

2005-06-22T23:08:00.000+08:00

I
ts strange how you can do so many things simultenously. My Battalion is in Hyper drive mode now. We are doing LRI, Guards Day, PL Live Firing, Normal day to day training all at the same time. Its incredible, i would like to say we are doing it well... but i'm not sure. It's like everything is all over the place, but i'm sure small little things are getting done all over the place, I guess all the pieces will eventually fall into place

...Come what, Come may
Time and the Hour runs through the roughest days...

"Come what, Come may
Time and the Hour runs through the roughest days"--Macbeth

Finally the War Cry is getting better and better, the parts are in place, the show can go on, but we are saving the best for the day itself. Where the flag and mascot designs will all come in. Talking abt which, Today, spent alot of money buying materials for the Mascot. Hopefully will get compenstated, otherwise both me and Jensen will be poorer this month! hahaha.

Oh~ I didn't run today, sigh~ I'm starting too feel lethargic when i don't run. So maybe it's a good thing. Encourages me to Run

Tml! System Rehearsal for the Guards Day! Everything will go smoothly, only problem now is i'm not sure if i'll be around to see my guys in action as I have to go for Recce for Platoon Live Firing on Monday. Which means! I'll miss enrollment for my BB. ah....

I need the weekend to rest. but looks like i'll be coming back this Sat again for RT as alot of my guys haven't passed their SOC yet. this time, it'll be purely obstacle training. God, I pray for good weather this Sat! and Friday too! ;

and so the cookie crumbles

2005-06-21T23:53:00.000+08:00

S
o it seems i've actually have some regular people looking at my blog, one of them being my CO. How in the world he gets time to read it or even bother to read it? i've not idea, especially so when we have Meetings up till 6....the next morning. Maybe there was Tongkat Ali in the coffee ;)

My Section Commanders have arrived! They are starting to settle into the platoon, getting to know their man and stuff. So far, they look pretty united and on the ball, That's first impressions anyways. Hopefully they will quickly earn the trust and respect of the Men. 2 of my commanders haven't gotten their Guard's Tab and Beret, they need to get it soon as all the Man already have theirs, won't look very nice to have seaweed on the sandy beach. (Huh??? what am i saying right? simply, Guards and Infantry wear different colour Berets, one is Khaki sand, the other Dark Green...ah~!)

...Maybe there was Tongkat Ali in the coffee ...

Running to work again tommorrow! Maybe, i'll run 1 round around my neighbourhood first to clock some milage before heading to camp.... but my left feet has been experiencing some twitching sensation ever since Jensen Rolled over my Feet for Close Combat lesson! ah ah ah!! <==Cries from me!

This few days wi'll be like superbly busy as put on the finishing touches to the Guards Day. Ah!!! I hope the Man are enjoying this period of time of Lull, i really hope so.

Still thinking of changing my MG Gunner, My PS feels that he doesn't have the combat endurance. YEah~ he isn't the biggest sized guy, but that's why i want him to be my MG gunner! because its not the size that matters, but the heart! Only Problem, both He and My Assistance have stubborn personalities....hai~ must make any switch ASAP, a Quick and Clean one.

3 days to Guards Day!