NDP Preview 2006

Yesterday, I witnessed the NDP preview with my gf at the national stadium. It has been something since I got the chance to catch ndp live at the national stadium. Before we could even get our feet inside the arena we had a long quene to join, leaving us in perspiration. The time then was around 5.40pm. By the time we got a seat in the stadium, it was already past 6pm.

We missed most of the pre-parade segments but luckily we still managed to catch the falling red lions commandos displaying their sky diving skills. As they descend, they will leave a red trail of smoke. This has always been the norm for all national day parades. The MCs and motivators were high in spirits as they encouraged the public to join in the fun by making kallang waves, waving the national flag and stuffs.

Next up is the parade segment which I enjoy - The marching, the drills and everything down to the commands given by the parade commander. As usual, there were 4 contingents consisting of the commandos, navy, air force and police together with the state flags and regimental colours.
Then came the arrival of speaker of parliment, inspection, gun salute.

Following closely with fine sychronisation are the aerial displays of fighter planes/helicopters which caught the attention of everyone in the stadium.

Up next were various performances put up by people of different ethic groups and ages. Lastly, the parade ended with the national pledge and a spectular display of fireworks....

Below are some pictures taken from the official NDP website

The parade regimental sergeant major handing over the parade to the parade commmander

Flags of different nations with fireworks in the backdrop

Flypast of the national flag during the national anthem

The View in front of the members of parliament

The combined school choir

The commandos contingent marching in side by side with the colours

The Fun of Driving...

Currently I am into my third lesson of my driving phase...I'm enjoying every single moment of it when I am in the driver compartment, be it holding the gear, steering wheel, depressing and releasing the pedals, shifting the gear.

I was delighted when I had the chance to drive on the public road today morning. I drove at least 5 rounds in the Bt Batok area for 2 hours. There were lots of traffic conditions and situations every round I made. Keep changing gears, speed and direction. Whenever I tried to hit above 45km/h, my instructor would tell me to slow down and drive below 40km/h as today was my first time on road. Think next lesson he will allow me to drive above 40km/h. The engine stalled once when I released the clutch too fast at the start. Then everything seems fine and smooth except for some occasional slight jerk when changing from gear 1 to 2.

Besides, today I had a new instructor as the last one had difficulty accomodating to my time slots. My last instructor refered me to his brother who is also in the same workfield as him. I prefer the new one as he is more flexible and less naggy. But both of them are veteran driving instructors with tons of experience and they have no lack of students.

My practical test will most probably be in late Nov or early Dec. Hope to pass at my first attempt otherwise I might need to renew my PDL and rebook a test date which can stretch as far as February.

Each hour of the driving lesson costs $24 and if you are practising your circuit, it will be an additional $22 per hour. If each instructor teaches from around 8am to 8pm, minus off say 2 hours for their lunch and dinner, they will earn $240 per day which makes it $7200 a month! After paying for their car instalements, carpark fee, car patrol, I think they will make at least $6000 a month even for someone who doesn't have a proper qualifications...

So for those who have retired, u can consider teaching driving in your late years...

Totally burned out...

For those who frequent my blog, u would have realised that the rate that I have been blogging has dropped. This shows not only my decline in interest in blogging but also the time I have during weekends. Speaking of that, my weekend is getting more precious nowadays as I have more things to cope with and commit to.

Recently, I was quite reluctant to sell my Saturday COS duty to a friend. I can't help to savage my weekend as Saturday was usually the day I meet up wif my gf. So next time I will request my superior to plan my weekend duty on a Sunday if there is one.

A few hours ago, I was at Sim Lim Square sourcing for cheap computer parts to help one of my aunt's friends to build a new comp. There goes my Sunday afternoon and evening...

Come next week, I will start my driving lessons. Feeling so excited. I'm really impatient to get a license. With it, I can borrow a car from my uncle and ferry my relatives to IMM almost every week and perhaps explore the whole Singapore!

I also spent my weekend watching soccer. Sad to see France scoring that goal which dashed Brazil's dream. Anyway, France was all out against Brazil last night. I watched the whole match from 3 to 5am, hoping Brazil would find some way through but luck wasn't on their side. If France carries on maintaining her standards and being more consistent, who knows France may emerge the champions this time? I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Back in camp, I am drained when there is outfield and atec is coming, meaning more busy days ahead, can't clear leave. I don't want to ORD with uncleared leave. Blame my luck on going to 40 sar...140 days to ORD..