LiFe Is PrEcIOuS...VaLUe THoSe ArOuNd U...

Blogging..

2009-09-24T23:48:00.001+08:00

I am too lazy to blog lately....

But I do upload photos on my facebk!

enjoying myself in Arizona!

for those who have been visiting my blog, thanks!

take care!

Outstation...

2009-08-10T22:52:00.001+08:00

Dear friends, I will be flying off to USA (Arizona) coming Friday 14 Aug at 8.15am for student exchange program...

will return on 27 Dec 12am. The time there is 15 hrs behind s'pore time..

If you all need anything, just email me or msn me!!

take care!!!

Last week at Greenridge...

2009-07-20T13:36:00.003+08:00

Friday will be my last day at Greenridge Secondary, after a short attachment of 3 weeks there. I am enjoying myself so far in the school, with the teachers and students. Today I had the chance to conduct a Maths class alone as my mentor was sick! It was my second time doing hands on teaching in the school and I found it slightly more challenging than giving private home tuition. Instead of grabbing the attention of 1 student, now you need to get the attention and engage the whole class of students.

One class that I exceptionally bonded well with is 2T1. They are so friendly and lively to me. And I like the cohesiveness and togetherness of the class which bonded them together. I try to see them whenever I am free, but sometimes my laziness sets in and I will stay in the staff room. Some of them ask me out for Harry Potter, some ask me out for badminton, some ask me to be their teacher, but i turned them down. There is a need for a line drawn between the teacher, though I gave some of them my hp no and msn.

wed to fri will be busy day for me, as I will present my findings of the project that is assigned to me to the principal and vice principal coming wed. Thurs I going to give a motivational talk to the sec 4 NT kids, and Friday sharing of school experience with the principal and vice principal. After the attachment program will come to an end...

Busy days ahead!!!

2009-07-10T21:27:00.002+08:00

It has been 1 week since my attachment to Greenridge Secondary School at Bt Panjang. My first impression of the school from what I gathered from my friend was not really good. However, I felt otherwise! The school has received awards for character development in providing a holistic education of the children. It is also the Centre of Excellence for Innovation and the Arts!

I had projects to work on, meetings to attend, classes to observe, students to interact with, mentors to learn from, and new friends to take comfort in!! haha...

I had to work on the Nurturing(N) Talents(T) program which helps the lower secondary NT students. I had to review the outcomes of the success of the program, interview students and present my findings to the P/VP and suggest improvements to the program. Also, I had to prepare a motivational talk for the NT students!

Meetings I attended include HOD meetings, and meetings where key personnel of the school share their own parts. For example, the DM shared his thoughts on discipline while the OM shared his thoughts on operations of the school.

I had the chance to observe express, NA and NT classes where different classes had differnt challenges to be dealt with. Although the NT pupils are a bit more rowdy, they appear to be the friendliest batch I have seen so far. They will not hesitate to call me whenever they see me, be it in school or outside school.

The project that I am working on involves teachers who teach maths. Hence I was observing maths classes instead of Chemistry classes. Which ever the case, it is the learning experience that counts!

Together this year, there are 3 others like me who are attached to the school. We meet each other for meals and share our thoughts on a daily basis.

I may be tired, but I got the satisfaction! Things will be over soon!

Singapore Badminton Open 2009

2009-06-17T20:25:00.004+08:00

This is taken at the last day (finals) when all the matches were finished...

This is taken during day 4 (quarter finals) - doubles match

This is an overview of the courts on day 4 (quarter finals)

It was the first time I watched badminton live at Singapore Indoor Stadium. An event that made me fill the passion for badminton. Day 1 to Day 6 (9 june to 14 June) badminton players from all over the world congregated at the indoor stadium where they showcased their agility, skill, precision in the bid to claim the title of 'Aviva Singapore Badminton Open xxx Champion 2009'...

I was there on day 4 (quarter finals) and day 6 (finals). Of course they were disappointments. Some of the favourites Lee Chong Wei, Peter Gade didnt get through the preliminary

It was a nail-biting match befitting of a Super Series Men’s Singles final. The enthusiastic crowd in the Singapore Indoor Stadium was behind both players as screams of Thai player Boonsak Ponsana’s name were echoed by shouts of Chinese player Bao Chunlai’s.

The two players lunged for every drop shot and leapt in the air for every smash and kept the audience glued to their seats in the last match of the day. Ponsana, who won the title here in 2007, took a while to get into the game and even though it was close, Bao took the first set. In the second set, Ponsana appeared to have picked up an injury after a long rally but he managed to stay collected to play some clever shots and after picking up some points from a few errors off Bao’s racquet, Ponsana took the second set. In the third set, Ponsana took the early lead but Bao hung on and chased after every point to give himself six match points. The Thai managed to save one of the six but was unable to catch up as Bao wrapped up the match with a smash right into Ponsana’s body to claim his first Aviva Open Singapore title (21-19 16-21 21-15).

The Chinese champion of the Aviva Open Singapore 2009 said after the match, “I think I played well today but Boonsak was in very good form especially towards the end of the second set where he really managed to control the tempo of the game. I’m also very happy with my overall performance and especially in the third set where I had to play catch up as I was trailing by quite a few points.”

In the Women’s Singles final, it was between world number two Zhou Mi of Hong Kong and former world number one Xie Xingfang, who is now currently ranked ninth. The first two sets of the match were very close and the finalists each picked up a set. In the third set, Zhou, who now plays Hong Kong after previously playing for China, lived up to her number one seed position to claim the set, match and Aviva Open Singapore 2009 title. This was a particularly significant win for the player from Hong Kong as this is her first title win this year while she continues to stage her comeback. She also proved that even at 30 years old, she was able to take on the young up and coming players to reach the peak and bring home the coveted Super Series title (21-19 18-21 21-10).

Zhou said after her win, “I am very happy to win in Singapore and I’m very thankful for the support I get from the fans here.” She also added, “It’s been almost three years after my comeback and I really treasure what I have now. I’m not sure how long I can continue with my badminton career but I really hope the fans will continue to support me and I hope I will be remembered as a player who gave spectators joy and happiness.”

The biggest upset of the day came in the Men’s Doubles final between the world number one pair from Indonesia Markis Kido and Hendra Setiawan and the unseeded English players Anthony Clark and Nathan Robertson. The audience support was behind the Olympic gold medalists from Indonesia but the unfavoured Englishmen were unfazed as they won the match in just two sets (21-12 21-11).

The Women’s Doubles title went to the fifth-seeded Chinese pair of Zhao Tingting and Zhang Yawen who beat the Indonesian players Nitya Krishinda Maheswari and Greysia Polii convincingly (21-14, 21-13).

Chinese player Zhang then returned to the court with mixed doubles partner Xie Zhongbo as sixth seeds against compatriots, fifth seeds Zheng Bo and Ma Jin. Zhang was unable to score two titles as she and Xie lost out to Zheng and Ma in a three set battle of the Chinese players (19-21 21-19 21-11).

The Aviva Open Singapore 2009 has attracted a crowd of close to 35,000 to catch some of the very best shuttlers in the world in action.

I will definately want to catch the action live again once more the next year!!!

everything gg to be over soon...

2009-06-10T16:19:00.003+08:00

finally, the book fair is over last sunday! I reached home on Mondays 2am after fetching my colleague home who stay at woodlands...sales was quite good for the entire book fair, duration of 10 days, total over $50,000....I tink i have lost weight, even my student's mum said i lost weight....so time to eat during the fair, and sometimes during sch we skip lunch while doing the experiemetns....

book fair, together with tuition and sch work is driving me crazy....totally no time to rest and go out at all....sch is ending next wed with a practical test...yay!!!

here are some pics that i took during lab...

Separation of a mixture of organic compounds using column chromatography.

Synthesis or inorganic compound using reflux

finally...a break!!!

2009-06-02T17:19:00.000+08:00

finally I took a day off from the book fair! sleep like more than 10 hours today....so refreshing now.....haha...book fair ends coming sun and I know sunday is going to be a super long and tiring day, closing the stall and bringing back all the stuff to the office....

then, aviva badminton singapore open is starting next tuesday...hope i wish i can attend everyday from the qualifying round to the finals...nevertheless, i am making plans to go on tues/fri/sun....this is the first time i am going to catch the action live at the singapore indoor stadium, with the fre tickets i got through lucky draw!!!!

wed/thurs going sch for chem practical sessions as usual, but will end in 2 weeks time....yay!!!

busy busy...

2009-05-29T09:00:00.004+08:00

The past few days has been quite tiring and hectic for me…working on mon/tues busying preparing for the book fair, giving tuition after work…wed/thurs lab, lab report to be handed in after lab...

Today is the start of the world book fair at suntec city level 4, and I have to report for work after 11am. It will end on 7 June. So my next 2 weekends will be spent at Suntec!! Come visit me at booth #4E02, and I will give you discounts!!

I have not been running for quite some time already for 2 weeks; hope my stamina wun drop that much….

Today is also the day of exam result release! Wish me luck…

We made history!

2009-05-26T08:53:00.002+08:00

In the lead up to the Aviva Open Singapore 2009, title sponsor Aviva organised a record attempt for World’s Largest Badminton Rally: Number of Participants. The objective was to involve the community in the Aviva Open Singapore – instead of being mere spectators at the tournament, members of the public could also participate in an event to showcase their own speed, agility and precision, and be a part of history.

Over 600 people of all ages turned up with their racquets at Raffles City on 23 May 2009 for the attempt. One by one, they each took a shot at keeping the shuttlecock in the air.

The rally was kick started at 10:30 am and the record was eventually set at 2:55pm with an amazing total of 96 different people each hitting a shot in one continuous rally.

My participation in the record making attempt would not have been possible if my boss didn't allow me a few hours off as I was involved in the children exhibition at suntec lelvel 3 from friday to sat! thanks again!

I also got a few goodie bad and a shirt..and I won 2 season tickets to watch the aviva badminton open at indoor stadium live for the first time!!!! =)

I'm back to work...

2009-05-20T18:38:00.002+08:00

I'm back to work with my previous employer...company is dealing with children's magazines (young scientists and highlights) and games...other than doing book fairs in schools or suntec, i also do delivery to popular and schools. In office, I usually pack books or answer phone calls....sometimes if i work late or if there is something i need to attend to the next morning, I will get to drive the company van home!!!

I just resumed work on Monday, but I'm not working on wed/thurs as I got lab in sch till mid june....so mon and tues I went pioneer primary to set up a stall for children to subscribe the young scientists mag!! response was ok, with over 60 subscribers. I was there before 9, as the recess started from 9am, all the way to 10.30am and last one at 3pm...children was as usual, naughty and playful!!!!

Some of them made friends with me and became my temp cashier during their recess!!! some of them brought food and drinks for me and I awarded them with one old issue of the young scientists!! some of them will chat with me after school!!!! so it was quite fun actually...

one thing I dun like but I am usued to is them calling me 'uncle'...they see guy, they call uncle, they see girl, they call auntie....there is no 'ge ge' and 'jie jie' in their minds at all!!! never mind, they are still young while I'm old already!!!

I am part of the Aviva World’s Largest Badminton Rally at Raffles City this 23 May 2009!!!!

2009-05-16T18:57:00.002+08:00

I just returned from playing badminton at jurong east sport complex...

actually I went down to qualify myself for the historic event next sat on 23rd may, where 1000 pple will play badminton at the same time to set a guinness world record!!!!

I was tested on the following 3 stations:

1) SPEED TEST

How it works

If you’ve got lightning fast reflexes, you’ll definitely be able to speed through your first test. Queue at Marker 1 and run zig-zag to Markers 2, 3, 4, and 5, touching each marker as you go. Complete the Speed Test within 8 seconds or less and you’re guaranteed to progress to the second test!

this station was a breeze for me, like shuttle run...

2) AGILITY TEST

How it works

Now is the time to show your great footwork and physical dexterity. Being nimble on your feet is helpful, as you’ll have to hold a rally of 10 shots with two instructors. Keep your eye on the shuttle, make no drops, and you’re through to the next test!

I was asked to stop after 5 rallies, save my energy!!!!

PRECISION TEST

How it works

Accuracy is the name of the game. Here, you’ll have 3 chances to return a serve from the Doubles Serve Line. To win a place in the rally and make history, you must land at least one shot in the Aviva Precision Zone.

I didnt do well, all my shots went out...luckily, the officals were kind enough to let me warm up and try several times....

After the selction, I got in!!!! I played with a few JC youngsters till 5 plus and went for KFC ebfore reaching home!!!

first day of special term lab...

2009-05-13T23:05:00.003+08:00

Today mark the start of my module before going to SEP...CM 3291 - a module which is primarily based on lab work, and assessment is based on lab reports, viva (oral exam), practical skill test and quiz...really looking forward to finishing it and I will be done with year 2, moving on to year 3!!! time really flies!!!!

Today also was my worst lab day ever...i almost blew up the fumehood!! just kidding!! while I was pouring some chemicals into a hot mixture, the mixture suddenly blew up like a volcano! Luckily, the hot chemicals was thrown upwards and I was protected partly by my lab coat and the fumehood cover. Some hot chemicals caught my neck but there was nothing serious..haha...the teaching assistant who helped me got rashes on his hands...in the end, the whole fume hood was splashed with some sort of dirty green mixture which can only be washed away by acetone...and my white lab coat became 101 dalmantions!! with lots of brown spots!!!

I had to redo the whole expt but luckily caught up with everyone who was 30 mins ahead of me and still had the chance to go off early...

I'm back!!!

2009-05-12T09:40:00.002+08:00

After close to half a year of disappearance, I'm back to blogging....

suddenly in the mood to blog bcos one of my fren is now doing "work and travel" in US as she is uploading her daily updates and photos on her blog...I guess this might be a good way for me to update all of you while I'm away in the US for SEP coming august....

Hopefully by then, the swine flu situation would have been under controlled and I can travel with a piece of mind...I was pretty amazed how the WHO and various health ministries work together in the current outbreak of the swine flu and how they managed to contain it unlike SARS. At first I was expecting a far more serious outspread of the virus which will hurt the financial market but it didn't!!! There goes my chance of investment again....haha....

Time really flies and I will be in Year 3 coming august....another 2 years in NUS, 1 year in NIE, and I am really to go out to the workforce...am I ready? I dun think so....anw I look forward to the MOE attachment to secondary school coming July....

Meanwhile from now till 20 june, I will be occupied with special term (lab work) every wed / thurs for 6 weeks...so my mon/tue/fri are free untill I really find a job....I wanted to work for my previous company which I worked for the previous June vacation but now still waiting for my boss's response...I told her abt it few weeks back and she is ok with it.....

life still goes on though...it has been some time since I played badminton, my friends are all so busy and free only on weekends...but weekends I teaching tuition, so not free!!!

And the weather these few days has not been welcoming in the sense that it keeps raining, and I have to postpone my cycling trips to Macritchie reservoir and Mandai...

yesterday, helped a friend asembled new computer in which the parts were brought from sim lim...computers nowadays are very cheap, and competition is very intense, driving the prices down...a basic computer without printer and monitor costs not more than $600, and a good one costs slightly more than $700 only.....

still considering whether I should get a bigger capacity thumb drive or external hdd during the coming PC show at suntec in mid June....

happy new year everyone!!!

2009-01-25T12:51:00.002+08:00

Time really flies as January is coming to an end...7 more months to SEP!!! really looking forward to the exchange program...study cum holidaying - wonder what's the feeling like...anybody want to get anything from the states can sms/msn me....i will definitely get it done!!!

Going to school is getting more boring, with four 8am morning lectures...though its early, and have to join in the squeeze on the bus, starting off a day with lessons is not a bad idea...i wun wan to have lessons in the late afternoon where I usually feel so tired and sleepy....so far I'm coping well, still have time for badminton games, outings and stuff b4 lab starts the week after chinese new year...

Other than looking forward to SEP, I also looking forward to my 3 weeks attachment to secondary school as a MOE teaching awardee...I heard from others that it will be fun as you can do and learn lots of things. think i will 'join' their badminton trainings...lolx....going for the attachment also means I will miss ICT this time as it clashes...I still waiting the reply from MINDEF whether my deferment request is successful or not..

today's new year eve and I am totally not excited at all....i see how other family gather together to celebrate this joyous occasion, to share and relate to one another. I'm missing my dad this time round...he has been away from home quite some time and we have not been hearing from him since he left...wonder how he is coping now...

I just want a simple life, a family, a group of close friends, a companion to walk me through the journey of life. everything just do your best and leave things to fate k =) jiayou to myself!!!

tips for couples....

2008-12-13T10:28:00.002+08:00

I found this very meaningful so i decided to post it on my blog...

In a good relationship, there must be compromises made now and then to keep it going...not forgetting there must be absolute trust, care and concern for each other all the time...it may be a simple good morning, a simple good nite, or even a simple phone call that is enough to make the day of the other party....

Whenever you are with the special one, how we wish that time would just freeze and we could be together forever. Time is never enough sadly to say, and time really flies....remember to cherish every moment with your significant other, and express what you want to say be it terms of actions or words. He/She will greatly appreciate your thoughts and efforts...

Never criticize or speak ill or your partner. People make mistakes. We are allowed to make mistakes. Love him/her for who he/she is, and be happy that you can be together...no doubt in a relationship, there will be quarrels and times when each other feel uncomfortable, take a step back, and see what went wrong, try to give in to each other and love them for who they are...

There can never be a perfect relationship, but together a couple can build and forge a their future together hand in hand. Never expect too much from each other, sometimes just lowering your expectations can do wonders. Remember no one is perfect...be realistic with each other....

Always talk things out and dun assume anything about each other, especially when it comes to feelings. Be sensitive to each other and keep your commitments, dun make empty promises. If your partners starts to feel that he/she is not important enough to you, you may lose him/her...

Lastly, remember all the special dates and occasions and make it a point to commemorate the day with each other...

But the actions we take while in a rage will haunt us forever. Good Life starts only when you stop wanting a better One. Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

TRUST

A telephone operator told me that one day she received a phone call. She answered, 'Public Utilities Board.' There was silence. She repeated, 'PUB.' There was still no answer. When she was going to cut off the line, she Heard a lady's voice, 'Oh, so this is PUB. Sorry, I got the number from my husband's pocket but I do not know whose number it is.'

Without mutual trust, just imagine what will happen to the couple if the telephone operator answered with just 'hello' instead of 'PUB'.

TRUST is a very important factor for all relationships. When trust is broken, it is the end of the relationship. Lack of trust leads to suspicion, suspicion generates anger, anger causes enmity and enmity may result in separation.

NO POINTING FINGERS

A man asked his father-in-law, 'Many people praised you for a successful marriage. Could you please share with me your secret?'

The father-in-law answered in a smile, 'Never criticize your wife for her shortcomings or when she does something wrong. Always bear in mind that because of her shortcomings and weaknesses, she could not find a better husband than you.'

We all look forward to being loved and respected. Many people are afraid of losing face. Generally, when a person makes a mistake, he would look around to find a scapegoat to point the finger at. This is the start of a war. We should always remember that when we point one finger at a person, the other four fingers are pointing at ourselves.

If we forgive the others, others will ignore our mistake too.

CREATING PERFECT RELATIONSHIPS?

A person visited the government matchmaker for marriage, SDU, and requested 'I am looking for a spouse. Please help me to find a suitable one.' The SDU officer said, 'Your requirements, please.' 'Oh, good looking, polite, humorous , sporty, knowledgeable, good in singing and dancing. Willing to accompany me the whole day at home during my leisure hour, if I don't go out. Telling me interesting stories when I need companion for conversation and be silent when I want to rest.' The officer listened carefully and replied, 'I understand you need television.'

There is a saying that a perfect match can only be found between a blind wife and a deaf husband, because the blind wife cannot see the faults of the husband and the deaf husband cannot hear the nagging of the wife.

Many couples are blind and deaf at the courting stage and dream of perpetual perfect relationship. Unfortunately, when the excitement of love wears off, they wake up a nd discover that marriage is not a bed of roses. The nightmare begins.

NO OVERPOWERING

Many relationships fail because one party tries to overpower another, or demands too much. People in love tend to think that love will conquer all and their spouses will change the bad habits after marriage. Actually, this is not the case. There is a Chinese saying which carries the meaning that 'It is easier to reshape a mountain or a river than a person's character.'

It is not easy to change. Thus, having high expectation on changing the spouse character will cause disappointment and unpleasantness.

It would be less painful to change ourselves and lower our expectations. .

RIGHT SPEECH

There is a Chinese saying which carries the meaning that 'A speech will either prosper or ruin a nation.' Many relationships break off because of wrong speech. When a couple is too close with each other, we always forget mutual respect and courtesy. We may say anything without considering if it would hurt the other party.

A friend and her millionaire husband visited their construction site. A worker who wore a helmet saw her and shouted, 'Hi, Emily! Remember me? We used to date in the secondary school.' On the way home, her millionaire husband teased her, 'Luckily you married me. Otherwise you will be the wife of a construction worker.' She answered,'You should appreciate that you married me. Otherwise, he will be the millionaire and not you.'

Frequently exchanging these remarks plants the seed for a bad relationship. It's like a broken egg - cannot be reversed.

PERSONAL PERCEPTION

Different people have different perception. One man's meat could be another man's poison. A couple bought a donkey from the market. On the way home, a boy commented, 'Very stupid. Why neither of them ride on the donkey? 'Upon hearing that, the husband let the wife ride on the donkey. He walked besides them. Later, an old man saw it and commented, 'The husband is the head of family. How can the wife ride on the donkey while the husband is on foot?' Hearing this, the wife quickly got down and let the husband ride on the donkey.

Further on the way home, they met an old Lady. She commented, 'How can the man ride on the donkey but let the wife walk. He is no gentleman.'

The husband thus quickly asked the wife to join him on the donkey. Then, they met a young man. He commented, 'Poor donkey, how can you hold up the weight of two persons. They are cruel to you.' Hearing that, the husband and wife immediately climbed down from the donkey and carried it on their shoulders.

It seems to be the only choice left. Later, on a narrow bridge, the donkey was frightened and struggled. They lost their balance and fell into the river.

You can never have everyone praise you, nor will everyone condemn you. Never in the past, not at present, and never will be in the future.

Thus, do not be too bothered by others words if our conscience is clear..

BE PATIENT

This is a true story which happened in the States. A man came out of his home to admire his new truck. To his puzzlement, his three-year-old son was happily hammering dents into the shiny paint of the truck. The man ran to his son, knocked him away, hammered the little boy's hands into pulp as punishment. When the father calmed down, he rushed his son to the hospital.

Although the doctor tried desperately to save the crushed bones, he finally had to amputate the fingers from both the boy's hands. When the boy woke up from the surgery & saw his bandaged stubs, he innocently said, 'Daddy, I'm sorry about your truck.' Then he asked, 'but when are my fingers going to grow back?' The father went home & committed suicide.

Think about this story the next time someone steps on your feet or u wish to take revenge. Think first before u lose your patience with someone u love. Trucks can be repaired.. Broken bones & hurt feelings often can't. Too often we fail to recognize the difference between the person and the performance. We forget that forgiveness is greater than revenge.

Thought....

2008-12-02T13:40:00.001+08:00

There was
a blind girl who hated herself because she was blind. She
hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend. He was always
there for her. She told her boyfriend, 'If I could only see
the world, I will marry you.'

One day,
someone donated a pair of eyes to her. When the bandages
came off, she was able to see everything, including her
boyfriend.

He asked
her,'Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?' The
girl looked at her boyfriend and saw that he was blind. The
sight of his closed eyelids shocked her. She hadn't expected
that. The thought of looking at them the rest of her life
led her to refuse to marry him.

Her
boyfriend left in tears and days later wrote a note to her
saying: 'Take good care of your eyes, my dear, for before
they were yours, they were mine.'

This is
how the human brain often works when our status changes.
Only a very few remember what life was like before, and who
was always by their side in the most painful situations.

Life Is a
Gift

Today
before you say an unkind word - Think of someone who can't
speak.

Before
you complain about the taste of your food - Think of someone
who has nothing to eat.

Before
you complain about your husband or wife - Think of someone
who's crying out to GOD for a companion.

Today
before you complain about life - Think of someone who went
too early to heaven.

Before
whining about the distance you drive Think of someone who
walks the same distance with their feet.

And when
you are tired and complain about your job - Think of the
unemployed, the disabled, and those who wish they had your
job.

And when
depressing thoughts seem to get you down - Put a smile on
your face and think: you're alive and still
around.

recovered!

2008-11-09T17:23:00.003+08:00

just recovered from sickness....those who know me well enuf will know that when I am sick, I am really sick and it will take days or weeks to recover....

It started with runny nose on tues nitz...den it got worse on wed when I had use lots of tissue paper...den when I thought everything was ok, fever came during the weekends which I had to spent most of my time on bed and of course, studying for my 2 tests!

after fever subsided, cough followed....now i can say I recovered liao although not fully....really want o go out for a jog...feel so stiff and restless now....

and i cant wait for holidays to come in less than 1 month time!!! my last paper on 1 dec...den after that my OG might have plans to go to Bintan for activities like cable ski!!! the last time i did cable ski was in primary 4 i guess, when i went to Thailand and cable skied on phucket island....

den my application for SEP is going smoothly, only after exams den need to get some important documents like bank statement, recommendation letter etc...i will leave all this after exams bcos my dateline is next year Feb!!! cant wait to get into the plane and fly to America now....holidays!!!

perhaps i might consider working there in Arizona, who knows? haha...maybe learn how to cook also and time the chance to go gym (i have been saying this but no results).....anw SEP will make me a more independent guy...and things might get a twist when i return....i will miss everyone of you...especially tu zi!!!

guess i will meeting up my 'long lost' primary school fren coming dec also...Terence's birthday also coming!!! so many exciting things to look forward to !!!!

take care everyone!!!

channel 8 7pm show song...

2008-10-25T15:08:00.003+08:00

卸妆

你送的唇膏搁一边
颜色再美也很凄绝
一种冷落的明艳
转过了头我依然看得见
那个我们努力妆扮的昨天
如今只剩下扮过的诺言
我想爱情的脸已经变得疲倦
再难以情牵

在改变
只不过苦苦喘咽
爱多美我们都曾体验
但那后要接受残缺

在改变
只不过算了吧就完结
感情也可以像烟圈
多缠绵不过刹那都迷烟
所有的抱歉不过对我欺骗
期间你深陷已不能再解决
回不到从前
没有了直觉

催眠术

我以为已经不在乎
不想在谁人心里追逐
看不清的位置
用付出换取无助
原来我还能被折服
再为一个人冒险中毒
等你的爱解除
对爱情恐惧的残酷
也可能再失误
再从头辛苦
人生总有赢有输
对自己过度保护
对幸福又有多大帮助

给我你最爱的催眠术
我不想要一个人来去自如
让我痴让我睡让我醉
看不见不希罕多馀的清楚
你斿下得催眠术
让我选择你把我紧紧束缚
你醒时还执迷不悟
坚持沉睡迷途

It didnt turn out well for me...

2008-09-25T16:44:00.002+08:00

today's pre-SEP interview didnt turn out well for me....its call pre-SEP interview as the my first choice university is Mcgill which happens to be ranked top 15th in the world! There are only 5 vacancies and there are over 10 pple contesting for it....

Interview wad conducted in a grp....Everyone was given a chance to speak up on why u chose Mcgill, how you will sell NUS, why choose you and not others....As i was the last one to spoke, and time was limited, I didnt get to voice out what I really wanted to say...There were 2 key interviewer, and one of them just asked me :' so if there is only 1 place, why shld be choose you'? then i went like because I am independent,....even before I could say what I want to say, I was interrupted by the lady interviewer who said that everyone is independent blah blah blah.....that really threw me off...

then I said that I could be a good ambassador bcos i knew the policies and courses in NUS well like the S/U, faculty, UE req and the lady interviewer went all these policies the partner uni also has rite? I went blank. My idea was that being an ambassador, you must have sound knowledge of the thing in NUS rite? but she interpreted it wrongly....

after everyone spoke, there were general qns like, what are the weather hazards you need to take note there, the mode of transport and the key attraction of Montreal....I was really reluctant to answer...anw I already knew from the start that getting my first choice is really tough...

My real selling point is that I achieved National youth achievement award which is a national base award and i think that this alone could heightened my chance but I did not speak of it during the interview...besides, I lead leadership roles during CCAs and NS...but i didnt get the chance to say it...

Anyway, for group interview, don't speak the last...be the first feel to speak...otherwise you will be short-changed and under-privileged compared to others....

the next interview is one to one in 2 weeks time and I am confident that I will perform during that one....

BOY SLAPS MOM ON DR. PHIL

2008-09-06T15:35:00.001+08:00

The best games ever...

2008-09-05T09:01:00.002+08:00

Athens 2004....Beijing 2008...london 2012...

i can't wait for the next Olympics to commence in 4 years time! I would say that this year I had a really good time watching the Olympics, especially great athletes like Micheal Phelps (swimmer), Usain Bolt (sprinter) breaking and smashing their own personal record. I really feel proud of them! Of course there are also great people like Lin Dan (badminton), shawn johnson (Gymnastics) and many others....

SEP!!!!

2008-09-05T08:44:00.004+08:00

Admittedly, this semester the modules I taking, in particular organic chemistry is very heavy. There are lots of understanding to do and reagents of course that you have to remember at your fingertips. Besides, my labs are 10-5pm every week compared to last year which was just 3 hrs. And this time round there are 2 lab reports!!! Last week I was struggling very hard to do the lab report without any references and it was driving me insane. At the very last hour I was stressed up as I found something wrong with the report.

Anyway, my attitude towards studies has changed. Before I enter university, my aim was to get first class honours which I believe it was something everybody wants to achieve. Along the way, I realize that you have to put in a lot of effort to maintain that CAP 4.5 in order to get a first class. Also that would mean that I will have less personal time with family, frenz, etc....I want to get a good honours (second upper) and yet enjoy my university life as a student before stepping out into the workforce. How could I enrich my life in uni? Thus i decided to embark on SEP which I am currently planning and doing all the admin work now. I will be going either us/uk/hk/australia/new zealand...going to spend my weekend looking at the modules these uni offer. Hopfully can clear some of my lvl 4000 chem modules so that I can focus on FYP....

The good thing about going overseas is that modules taken there are graded on pass/fail basis and it doesn't affect the CAP score. And I would never possibly have the finances to go to US/UK for holidays now and embarking on SEP will give me a chance to experience life as as student overseas, immersing in their culture etc...

The bad thing is that I will be away for months and I will miss everybody here. Money is not too much of a concern for me as MOE is subsiding it...haha

Life as an exchange student will definitely be exciting!

link about personality...

2008-08-22T18:09:00.000+08:00

http://memoriter.net/flash/test.html

Life just goes on....

2008-08-19T20:59:00.004+08:00

School as already started and climbing its way into week 3. Things are not as smooth flowing as it is compared to the days as a freshie. Learning has to be more independent on my part now as I am into year 2 as a chemistry major. There used to be tutorials every alternate week but not now anymore. The good thing is that the time can be used to do other stuff. The bad thing is that I learn through tutorials. What am I going to do???

And the content is definitely much harder especially for organic chemistry. Sometimes I wonder do I really want to study that hard? Or should I just put in my best? Graduating with a good honours only mean that u will get a good head start in your career. Ultimately, it is your performance and attitude towards work that will path your way for a promotion, up the corporate ladder.

And I have totally given up my hope of being in the NUS badminton team. My passion was there but I am just not that good to be part of the IVP team I guess. so badminton will remain as a recreational game for me.

As everyday pass, I wish that time would run slower or even stop but it doesn't happen in real life. We have to manage and plan our time wisely for work will expand to fill the time resulting in procrastination.

Occasionally, I ask myself how can I be a better person? How can I get the most out of my life in university? A special missing element is so near yet so far. It is all about me whether or not to take the first step to approach it but am I really worthy of it? Will I be happy? Will others be happy? Should I interfere with nature?

猜不透 by 丁当

2008-08-05T20:54:00.003+08:00

Very nice song....i can listen to it for the whole day also can...currently favorite song!!!

猜不透
你最近时好时坏的沉默
我也不想去追问太多
让试探为彼此的心上了锁

猜不透
相处会比分开还寂寞
两个人都只是得过且过
无法感受每次触摸是真的是热的

如果忽远忽近的洒脱
是你要的自由
那我宁愿回到一个人生活

如果忽冷忽热的温柔
是你的借口
那我宁愿对你从没认真过

Milestone of my life....03/08/2008

2008-08-05T20:49:00.004+08:00

My days...

2008-07-28T20:40:00.005+08:00

My days as a freshie is coming to an end. In fact, I can already declare myself as a senior when my last paper ended on 6 may 2008. I must really confess that time really flies. And I don't want to enter the workforce so soon. I still want to enjoy my uni life with my fren for working is worse than studying.

My days as a part-time worker is coming to en end on 8 Aug. Initially, I plan to work till end of this month but my boss asked me to stay on to help out for another week. She has already went to Hong Kong for book fair last Monday and will return end of this month. When she returns, she promises to treat us to some sort of buffet, maybe tim sum. Talking about food, she is very generous. She is willing to indulge in food of all kinds, without even thinking much of her expenses.

My days as a NS men is coming to en end in another 9 years time. But i know that times flies and all the agony and suffering will be over soon. 3 cheers for civilian life!!! No matter how tough NS turned out to be, it has made me a more matured and disciplined person, bearing in mind the things i have went through in Armour.

tired days ahead...

2008-07-12T16:44:00.000+08:00

Hi guys…it has been some times since I last blogged as I was busy with my work, preparing stuffs for the Hong Kong book fair. Last week the main focuses were the packing of books for the book fair and delivery of the young scientists. Packing of books was not as easy as I always thought. Besides accounting for the title and qty of the book, proper labeling must be done on 3 sides of the card box. So lots of time were used up. Together we had around 83 cartons of boxes, to be shipped to Hong Kong.

Everything was done by 9pm when the delivery truck came to bring the books which are loaded onto 3 pallets by us to the warehouse in Ubi. Den we followed to the warehouse as some of our older version of the young scientist are already over there. Unfortunately, 1 pallet broke and we had to transfer the stuff into another new one. By the time we finished, it was around 11am. Then we head to kovan for Punggol Nasi Lemak. Food there was okay, portion was small, food was also expensive (1 plate would costs $5 or so). My boss fetched me home after that and it was past midnight at that time. I still had a late night supper which was actually intended to be my dinner (chicken curry)!

Also, I just recovered from a flu last week but I still went to work as things had to be done. Manpower was limited but life has to go on..haha…been so tired and busy lately that I lost the motivation to run!!! I going to run later!!!

Next week going to be another hectic week as the next issue of the young scientists has arrived yesterday which means that we have to start packing the books again. All together there are 70 schools which I will be tasked to deliver the magazines, in first week of August…

And time really flies; it is less than a month when school resumes…and I will get to see my frenz again!!! Hope thing are fine for everybody..cheers!

ICT aftermath...

2008-06-20T22:40:00.002+08:00

I had an enjoyable time during ICT, chatting with my frenz who been thru NS with me...some of them I knew right from the start of NS, from BMTC, some through sispec, some through School of Armour, and some through my unit 40 SAR back then...

Since this was my first ICT, the pace was ok, quite slack as I didnt went outfield...had several canteen breaks until I sian also...like the olden days, waiting time was inevitable, some days my program ended as early as 3pm and I got really nothing to do after that!!!!

Days in camp were boring, and dull comparing days spent outside as a civilian...It's undeniable that the best part was to get to meet and see everyone but still the thought of being trapped in camp was the real 'demoraliser'....the ICT ended with a mobilization exercise at Pasir Ris camp!!! We actually book out on Friday afternoon after a walk the ground at Pasir Ris camp and got mobilised on Sat itself...sian...somewhere end of july might have another mobilisation...the code for my unit is silent panther and bold passage...

Days outside camp is spent working..my reponsibilites include delivery of magazines, purchase of stationery (requires driving to the shop at Victoria St), keeping track and reorganizing the warehouse inventory, admin work, etc...its like a multi task job...its tiring at times, but I learnt lots of things, especially during the book fair and how tp maintain a good warehouse inventory lists etc....

Its less than 2 months before school resumes in mid August..time really flies right...

world book fair...

2008-06-05T23:14:00.002+08:00

right now I am about 2 weeks into the job, helping out at the World book fair @ suntec...its coming to an end soon this sunday, but I think I would only help out for half a day bcos the following Monday I need to report to camp by 7.30am for ICT (in camp training) or reservist. ICT will end on sat evening I suppose, then after that it will be back to work for me again before term starts in August.....

I am getting increasingly tired these days working at the book fair, with no shifts but only a short break during meal time. Sometimes, I'm so busy that I forgot the time and missed lunch/dinner...A typical day starts when I picked up one of my colleague at jurong east at around 10.15am, den maybe picking up my boss and/or her maid at the office(bt merah) or at her house (normantan park) before going to suntec. The fair begins at 11am where sales are slow when the crowd is quiet and better usually around late afternoon. Sales was quite good the first few days, but decreasing as we go along. Like yesterday or today, sales hit over $3000, excluding the sales using nets/visa...

I am in charge of the games where children come along with their parents, and there I am explaining how to play the game, what game(s) are suitable for them, the special promotion and stuff. Our main attraction is the Young scientists and highlights magazine, targeted at primary school kids. Occasionally, I get challenged to the games by kids and I would always promise them that if they were to win me, they will get a free ice-cream or free mac meal for some....but I have never lost...haha...

And sometimes I will be out making deliveries to popular, buying lunch/dinner for everyone...so excuse me if u are coming to give me a surprise...haha....at the end of the day, usually will reach home before 10.45am or earlier if we 'close shop' earlier if there is no crowd...and i usually drive faster on the way home to reach earlier...

part time job...

2008-05-23T22:56:00.004+08:00

2 days into the job and I am getting used to the culture in the office....pace is ok, everything is going fine and I'm settling down well...yesterday was my first day...den the boss asked me to drive the company van to queensway to do some colour photocopying and poster printing for the upcoming book fair on 30 May - 8 June...also bargained my way thru to save costs...the van that I drove (which the boss use to drive home) there is one of the slowest among the 3 i guess...bcos the pickup is very slow..think i cycle faster also...lol...by the time I returned to office, time was ard 2.15pm den i scrambled to the canteen nearby to buy lunch and ate in the office....first day nothing much, since everything is new...just walk here and there in the office, asking around who needs help loh...

anyway, when one of the guys go off end of this month, I going to take over him and the van which he is driving home now...haha..think the boss will apply the season parking for me and I can drive home the vehicle...no more transport woes....hoping for that day to come.....

this morning, first thing I did was to fetch my boss to work...i didnt drove the vehicle home..its another colleague who is a foreigner did it bcos my boss wants him to familarise with the vehicle and way home as during the fair, those who know how to drive (only me and him) will ferry pple home...but he didnt feel well this morning so I took over him loh...den today also learnt a lot of things like how to packing of stuff/labelling for the book fair....

during the period of the fair, my boss wun be ard as she got something to attend to in america... out of 2 who knows how to drive, one of them is a foreigner...so if stocks run out, I will need to return to office to replenish them....den everyday have to fetch and send those who live near me to suntec also...the fair start at 10am and end at 10pm..so i have to leave home ard 8am to fetch pple and will reach home probably near midnitz by the time i send them home...

Found a part time job loh!!!!

2008-05-14T22:17:00.004+08:00

I found a part time job that could last me through the holidays loh!!! It wasn't really difficult as I mass emailed the employers who were looking for part-timers compared to the other time where I had several interviews before I got a job..

This job is pretty simple, starting next thurs...Its a company dealing with children's magazine at Bt merah:
http://www.englishcorner.sg/
http://www.youngscientists.sg/

So when people place an order, we will pack the magazines accordingly (the gals there will do the job mostly) and do the delivery (guys bcos the mag are quite heavy), and majority of the orders are from primary school, maybe a few from popular...working days is mon to fri 9am to 6.30pm...

There is also a book fair coming up end of this month, which I am expected to help out selling the mag or helping to replenish the stock...will last 10 days from 30 may to 10 June, 10am-10pm at suntec...can come visit me and surprise me if u want..haha...

The boss is a very nice person, who throughout the interview, was like more of a fren than an employer...she was telling me how his son went thru the aerospace interview at NTU, without any prep, being asked qns like what is the difference btw aerospace and aeronautical, what you want to do after graduation (even the interviewers dun know as it is a new course and the first batch has not graduate)..den now his son left to study medicine overseas...also talked about what I am going to be in the future (teacher), how I got thru the MOE interview, what benefits I have as an award holder...etc....it lasted ard an hour i think...more of like getting to know you more...

meanwhile still working at my uncle's place (near sim lim square) doing delivery coming friday and next tue/wed...get to drive van, lorry...lorry easier to park but van easier to drive bcos the biting point is easier to grasp...but driving both is fun! and time flies....

Tag please!!!!

2008-05-12T09:35:00.005+08:00

hey..I just created a tag board....so if u are feeling great about my blog...haha....leave a tag k...so that I know your existence...

Its finally holidays now after another round of exams...3 months long..with a 1 week reservist coming in 3 weeks time...school will start in early aug...and I have started to find a job...most prob admin job....recently helping out my uncle (1 day or 2) doing delivery...not a very tough job but u have to how the place well in order not to get lost......and time flies when you are driving...and the day ends in a blink of the eye...

Meanwhile, I am still exercising regularly...badminton at least once a week, jogging at least twice a week, push ups, crunches at least twice a week....and waiting for the weights (I intend to buy dumbbells to train) to replenish...I waited like 3 months liao for the online store to restock their goods...its really cheap and I believe it is the lowest in Singapore...they sell all sorts of nutrition products/supplements, weights, yoga stuff etc....can check it out... http://www.nutritionpark.com/healthfitness/index.np

After holidays when school start, I will miss my freshie days...going to year 2 in uni liao...3 more years to go plus 1 more year in NIE b4 I step out as a teacher...by the time I will be old liao (26?)...time really flies la...

And all my cousins have grown up...some going to secondary school in 2 years time...

this is the youngest one...just 3 months old....so cute!!!..always kicking and smiling away...

And her brother...going to 2 years old next week...

And her naughty elder sister...who likes to beat me up on my butt and call pple by their name...

Drawing Personality Test

2008-04-27T09:43:00.004+08:00

The results of your analysis say:

You tend to pursue many different activities simultaneously. When misfortune does happen, it doesn't actually dishearten you all that much.
You are a direct and forthright person. You like to get to the core of the issue right away, with few signs of hesitation.
You are creative, mentally active and industrious.
You have a sunny, cheerful disposition

What do your drawings say about your personality?

Find out here.

Hand paintings....

2008-04-25T14:47:00.003+08:00

All these are painted on the hand by an artist!!!

Looking forward to holidays...

2008-04-17T10:21:00.002+08:00

It's been more than a month since my last post....really got no motivation to blog these days...exams coming in 2 weeks time and I am busy preparing for it...maybe after exams when i have time i will sit down in front of the comp, and blog the entire day!!

After exams on 6 may, i will have a long break before sch resumes again in Aug...most prob i will relax, and enjoy myself first, before finding a temp job...and I want to meet my frenz out there!!!
k..tt's all I have for now....take care everyone!

is this blog still alive?

2008-03-15T17:39:00.005+08:00

i'm recently busy mainly with school work, and the pace of life which is going so fast....just another 1 month plus exams will be coming...first paper on 26 april, last paper on 6 may...den after exams i will find a job which will last me through the long break till early august..its gonna be a long 3 months break....

besides, my reservist callup (ICT) will be happening 9 june ending on 14 june...quite sianx when i first heard abt it..but on the bright side i only need to fulfill 10 times of this...initially i tot i won't be having any ICT because of school..just take it as a camp to see my 'long lost' camp mates ba...

From august i will no longer be a freshie anymore...got to take care of new juniors....means i'm 1 year closer to graduation and entering the workforce...the economy doesn't seem to have a good outlook these few years...with fears of recession and terrorism lingering around the minds of the pple...hopefully when i enter the workforce, everything will turn out smooth and good....

I also lost the interest to blog...admire my fren who can blog everyday abt everything..haha....

here's the lyrics of one song that captivates my heart..lyrics are so meaningful...

here's the link:
link 1
link 2

All this precious moment
With you by my side
Must be a gift from heaven
That’s holding me all night.

I don’t know how I found you
I am thankful that I have
That I have a love so true
To hold to keep to share.

@ In my heart
I can no longer hold inside
All of the love I used to hide
I’ll always be with you until the very end.

# In this world
There is no place I’ve never been
You are my life my soul my girl
And through the all
I know you come to see
That you are the one till the end

All my friends around me
Say you’ll be gone too soon
Baby I’m gona make them see
We’ll find out way back home

My perfect soulmate...

2008-02-16T16:09:00.002+08:00

Valentine's day and my birthday just passed by swiftly....it was a day of romance; a day of celebration; a day of reminiscing the fond memories I had; a day of feeling special; a day of mixed feelings....

And guess what...this year 22 liao...so fast....end of this year I would not be a 'freshie' anymore...just another few years and I will be out in the workforce, molding the future generation of singapore as an educator...there's also an attachment coming up next year....

I want to be happier this year, enjoying the company of my friends, slacking with them. I'm really happy this year bcos more pple wish me happy birthday...my phone was practically flooded with well wishes on 14 feb...thanks everyone, especially my SOW OG...

Life is so simple yet so complicated...and its troubling at times...so many things to make u exhausted...so little time to deal the things u want to do...i want to keep fit by running at least 2 times a week and play badminton once a week if time allows...and I wish for a 'perfect' soulmate who can keep me happy, without worries, is 'she' the one that I'm looking for???

Happy new year everyone.....

2008-02-03T16:48:00.000+08:00

Soon i going to turn 22....old liao....just took IPPT last saturday and got a silver...I took it at Maju camp where the conduct of IPPT is electronic even for 2.4km...tip for those taking IPPT....dun just train for your 2.4, train your static as well!! bcos I was near to exhaustion after attempting the static station....den 2.4 was done at 4.30pm when the sun was so hot....

And I still waiting the results for the Inter fac badminton trials....coming mon and tues 2 more trials will be conducted for those who did not turn up previously, before the tram gets finalise on tues...so on tues if my msn nick changes for 'the better' means I am in the team liao...come cheer for me from 18 feb to 23 feb..a week of fight!

I also signed up for Science Orientation Camp as a senior this time, hopefully can know more friends and enjoy myself....still got interview to clear next week though....

Time really flies...mid term is coming and I am going to be in year 2 soon....

This sem i really slack...never go to lots of lect bcos slacking at home listening to webcast...this way i save lots time; travelling time and lect time as I usually play the webcast at a faster rate....

Nothing fascinating for New year resolutions this year. Just hope that I can get to know more friends, get CAP 5!!???!!!, maintain my stamina etc.....

Busy lately...

2008-01-16T13:01:00.000+08:00

School is coming to the end of week 1, and my timetable stretches till 6pm almost everyday....meanwhile IPPT is coming on 26 jan, interfaculty badminton is coming on 18 Feb....besides my studies, I been training for my 2.4 and badminton....not forgetting i taking 3 tuition assignments...perhaps i might break down soon...who knows? And i also taking 6 modules this semeester...haha....

so far everything is fine...when tutorial and labs sessions starts den i will see whether i can cope...if not i will drop one tuition assignment...wish me luck!

Things that I have been doing this vacation....

2007-12-26T08:54:00.000+08:00

Lots of u must have been wondering why am I always so busy? Why am I so preoccupied with a daily packed schedule and it is so difficult for some to meet me...well u must book me in advance, best is 1 week in advance...otherwise it will be difficult when my schedule is fixed..haha

I have been giving tuition, secondary and JC level 3 times a week...i can't do without it as it is my only source of income....i dun get any money from my parents now...i am a independent guy....i must pay for my own insurance, hp, transport, pocket money etc....

Another thing is that I am training hard for my IPPT coming 26 Jan, I try to run 3 times 1 week and the days in between i play badminton bcos intra faculty badminton games is coming in Feb...hope to get the top 3 positions....

I also finished reading a book written by Adam Khoo...a self-made millionaire at the age of 26...title of book is master ur destiny...some time later i will blog abt this book...its abt goal setting, changing ur habits, values and beliefs, etc....

NUS Sports Camp....

2007-12-13T12:57:00.000+08:00

just went for a sports camp organised by the NUS FOS science club...if not for the rain for the few days, the games or sports we played could have been more enjoyable...dun organise such a camp during the monsoon season...

Day 1

Suppose to meet at 7.30am at east coast, but most came strolling in at 9am...den we gathered at 10am for some briefing followed by tent pitching...soon after heavy rain came...while the rain subsided, my group was the only one playing captain's ball in the rain...afternoon we did dragon boating at Kallang...it was so cold that all of us shiver if we stop paddling....den we had a mini race among 4 teams and came in second...with another guy in my team, we were the pacers and sat in the front as we did dragon boating before....we didn't get to play cage soccer indoor and proceeded to play touch rubgy behind indoor stadium...

It was a blessing in disguise as we had the chance to go back school for BBQ and spent a night there as our tents were all flooded...though my bag was placed inside trash bag, the water somehow managed to get in...and my bag was much more heavier! bcos my clothes were all wet!
when I took out my jacket and towel, water was dripping down from it..I grabbed hold of about 6 chairs and aired my clothes... imagine how wet it was..

We had a shower den BBQ followed by F&B...basically everyone is assigned a food...i was assigned 'cream'...I was blindfolded and introduced to another 'cream' from another group who was my secret pal...thereafter we spent the night in LT25....

Day 2

we had to take own transport back to east coast for wind surfing...quite interesting but once I got up the platform, I fell into the water....no good wind for the day to sail...Lunch was exactly the same for both days, rice with veggie with meat and it sucks but still better than Tekong food...

Den I roller bladed for the first time..fell twice on my butt but it didn't hurt bcos my hands were fast enough to break fall....one of the girls in my team had bruises on her face as she fell head first while trying to help another girl who fell....

Evening time we boarded a ship from marine pier to sister's island...small island with no electricity but luckily got water to shower....all the 'cream' from all groups came together and we got to know our sp...the guys did the field cooking for the girls and we played eco challenge where we were given clues and we had to go round the island to look for matrices....only till the end my sp discovered that I was actually her sp..lol...the game ended at 2am and we sleep under a shelter adjacent to the beach till 9 plus the next day...

Day 3

Telematch was canceled and we had a prize presentation and the 'cream' was the best group for the ECO challenge!!! there were actually monkeys in the island...and the bigger ones would chase after the smaller ones for food if we throw it at them....back on the island, I could clearly see all the big ships cruising by and the waves were blocked because the island had lagoons...sentosa is actually a lagoon also...i dunno how it works but the big waves just dun get to go past the rocks....den it was home sweet home!!!

Alleviate the world hunger

2007-11-21T08:14:00.000+08:00

For each word u get right, 10 grains of rice will be donated to the UN to help world hunger...help the poor!

http://www.freerice.com/index.php

America's got talent...

2007-11-06T12:11:00.000+08:00

If u have missed the Show, u can't miss this 'RAPPING GRANNY' who can rap at the age of 73!

Can rap very well and dance...haha

One of the top contestants who might win the competition to win a million dollars!

LSM 1301 - General Biology

2007-11-04T16:10:00.000+08:00

This is definitely one of the modules in NUS for people who have no 'A' level background....one lecture per week, only 5 lab sessions, one museum visit which took me less than 15 mins to find the assignment answer and the best part....MCQ final year exams!

The lab sessions are the most interesting bit of this module. Got to see fluorescent fishes, see wild mushrooms, cultivate yeast, make wine using bacteria fermentation, see live moving bacteria cells, and the best part was actually to conduct gel electrophoresis which even the A levels bio students didn't get to do!

Using the concept of relative charges and sizes, the particles will migrate to various electrodes when current flows through it. You get to prepare the agar, set up the apparatus and use a micro-pipette to suck up the sample and place it inside the 'wells'. We were given an unknown sample and various dyes and told to identify the unknown. just see the migration and colour pattern and you will known the answer...fun right...

Of course, dun take this module if you detest biology or sciences as there are many terminologies to remember. Advantage if you are a science student though. Topics covered range from DNA to ecology to evolution. Almost all aspects of biology....

Exams coming!!!

2007-10-28T17:18:00.000+08:00

Its high time since I last blogged....really nothing to blog abt the mundane routine school life in Faculty of Science, the same old pple I see everyday, the same old dreaded lab report I have to submit weekly, the same old timetable everyweek and time doesn't seem to be slowing down at all!!!

It almost coming to the end of the year, time for a new year resolution though...haiz...i always wanted to train myself to be more fit but didn't really take the effort to do that....btw I still have to clear my IPPT by my birthday next year which is less than 4?! months away...

After the exams, I will train hard, take the test and hopefully get a silver to get the renumeration of $200...haha....

Getting stressed up...

2007-10-06T15:47:00.000+08:00

Time is flying like nobody's business everyday and final year exams are round the corner...
Soon, Sem 1 and year 1 will be over...And just another few years down the round, I will embark on my teaching career....i'm not longer a teen anymore, have to take greater responsibility of myself and those ard me who cared for me...

I see my friends all stressed up as they cram up their revision till the very last, hear stories of them crying at night, losing sleep, sleeping late abt 3-4am. It's just the first year and sem1. Isn't it suppose to be the most relax sem? I really can't imagine what will become of them and me in time to come....

Now only got 2 chem core mod, next sem will have 3 mod. Not forgetting the lab reports which are extremely time-consuming....haiz....

Night cyclin

2007-09-24T15:14:00.000+08:00

So fun....me going again next year....first time i was awake throughout the night...we started at east coast at 10pm with a map leading to the indoor stadium then to lau pau sat, the esplanade and SMU. There we made a u-turn to Tanjong Katong Food centre and last stop was back to the cycling kiosk at east coast, reaching around 5am. We were the second group to arrive!

First photo we took before setting off. Me covered in the background. The guy in red on the left is our OG senior, guy on the right is the safety biker attached to us...

At each station we had to play games before getting the progress chart signed and receiving the map for the next station.

First station at indoor stadium, we had to decorate ourselves with the crops provided and take photos. Look at me in the pink dress!

The bridge at indoor stadium....

Second station at esplanade, we had were given a few alphabets D, I, O etc to find something starting with it and take pics. We took overhead bridge as O, drain as D, Indian signpost as I and flower as F.

One of the photos. F for flower....

Next up is lau pau sat. had to find the stall with the no and take pic.

Pic taken at stall no. 46

After taking the pic of the stalls, we settled down for satay and desert.

The followers.....

And the leaders....

Pic taken before going off to SMU...

At SMU, we have to take a pic with our feet off the ground....quite simple bcos did it many times during SOW...

The PerSia JumP!!!

Me reading the map as I don't know how to get to the next station, Tanjong Katong food centre from SMU...

Next station at the katong food centre, my team members were blindfolded. Each of them had a chance to sample and guess the food: Beancurd, snake water, jackfruit and pamelo...we guessed it all correctly....

Me feeding Xiao Ji with beancurd....

The time then was about 4.30am...all tired and drained out....slowly, we made our way back and redeemed our breakfast at mac before going home...

Army Open House 2007

2007-09-07T10:45:00.000+08:00

This was one of the best army open house I have ever been to. I had the chance of firing a SAR 21 using live rounds, hitch a ride on the BV, tried out the standard obstacle course, see my army seniors, see urban warriors in action etc...

In order to get the tickets that are on first come first come basis for the military rides, me and my gf stomped the army open house as early as 10.30am. Luckily, we managed to get the tickets although it was like around 5 or 6pm but it was worthwhile. For those who have not experienced army life, the ride will be an exhilarating one for you. I saw my csm and a few familiar faces at the booth which consists of the armour family.

After getting the tickets, we went round to see the static display den went to the cyberlab to play a round of 'counter-strike'. We also got a taste of the cookhouse food at a discounted price of $3.50. In army, every lunch meal costs around $7 is I am not wrong. Lunch was a simple fare, consisting of fired rice with fried chicken drumstick and 2 pieces of fish cake. Though simple, it tastes good but we didn't get to taste such 'good' food during army days.

Right after lunch, we went to the parade square to catch the urban ops show. Before the show, we were entertained by a talented group of people from the SAF music and drama company. There was also a performance by the cheer leading team from NTU. Must have went through failures and tough training to be able to throw and balance the gals. The band from Swiss Cottage came in after that before the main performance started.

This is how the plot goes: Everything was beautiful and peaceful like a normal day when people in the community come out to play and engage in their own activities. Then came a gang of bad guys who held the innocent people captive as hostage, disrupting their daily activities. The Urban warriors were called in to rescue the people and restore peace. The primus and Apache helicopter provide stong artillery support from far while the Superpuma came in from the distant with troops who assailed down to the ground. After that, the guards came in with the light strike vehicle, the armour came in with the Ultra M113 to provide fire support while the urban warriors prepare to take down the villains. Slowly, the warriors enter the building where the people were held hostage, with the aid of various devices and the UAV, they captured and killed all the villains and gained victory. What an interesting show....Felicia Chin arrived shortly after that and peoplee swamped to where she was and surrounded her with camera flashes.

SOC was the next place we went to where i tried out all the obstacles easily without any weight before we went live firing @ the safti 100m range. 5 rounds were given and to earn a marksmen badge, just hit the target 5 times. It was easy; even children got it.

Rain came after that and we went for a heritage tour before getting on the BV military ride. We were allowed to stand and stick our heads out of the hatches for the ride in a small part of Area A. Nothing fascinating except for the smoke and light generated from the tripflare.

The intriguing one was the tonner ride in the night where we witnessed how the massive Howitzer cleared the mine field as it had rotating sharp blades to trigger off any mines in the ground. The Primus came in to fire blanks to simulate the firing of the enemy location from far. Also witness the Bionix 40/50 and Tank live firing! It was so deafening that the whole 5 tonner shoke when the tank fires. The military intelligence people also came up to the tonner and show us that the enemy is coming in using a device he wore on his left hand....

This was the best part...feeling tired and satisfied, we went home with lots of memories, actions and of course...souvenirs.....haha

Sport Climbing Certification Level 1....

2007-08-25T18:18:00.000+08:00

Just came back from the level 1 course held in NUS rock wall gym....the gym i would say is quite small but it is built with various types of rock wall and bouldering walls from elementary level.

We were taught how to check the equipments for damage/safety, how to tie the knots required for belaying, basic climbing tips etc...I kind of enjoyed myself...one trick to last longer is to utilise your legs for climbing rather than use your arms. It's much more easier to lift yourself up using your legs. My fingers were numb and arms exhausted after a few climbs bcos I used to much of arm power...

Dunno whether if I frequent the gym, I would get stronger or not...I will try it out and go like maybe once a week or so. Its open on weekdays evening but only Tuesday and Friday are allocated to recreational climbings. Other days dedicated to competitive climbers or climbers from other schools having courses here or rock climbing as a CCA....

So for those who are interested, you can sign up for the course through this website http://www.nusclimb.com/

Thereafter, you an join me for rock climbing or boldering.... :) course fee is $45 including membership for the gym which costs $20...after you complete the course, you will receive a certification which is recognised in SE Asia, that means you can rock climb or boulder anywhere in SE asia by flashing the cert in the form of a card....

Now my arms are aching but I feel shiok....

CCA - To take or not to take....

2007-08-18T21:52:00.000+08:00

It is not a must to be involved in a CCA in university lest those who are staying in hostel. Right now, I am still wondering whether I should go for the badminton selection this Thurs as I heard from the seniors that pursuing a sports CCA is time-consuming. Come to think of it, what CCA doesn't really need you to commit? It boils down to the amount of time and effort that you are willing to give....

Besides, I am going to take up a Level 1 basic climbing course next sat. It costs $45 including membership fee for lifetime usage of the rock wall gym. Hopefully, I will be able to strengthen and build up my upper body to gain more mass. I just couldn't gain more weight through eating more carbohydrates as I am practically adding more rice and eating more race every meal and I don't see any improvement. Probably, heading to gym is one way but perhaps rock climbing would be more enjoyable.

I also considered signing up for the 2 star kaya award as I had 1 star award in my Sec school years. But the course fee of $65 held me back. Canoeing as a CCA is fun but the activities are held at Kallang..just too inconvenient for me....

The guitar club is also recruiting people but I felt that was too boring for me....If I were to take up a CCA, it would most likely be sports....

Think i will just go for the trial this coming Thurs and see how it goes....

Science Orientation Week! Part III

2007-08-12T15:02:00.000+08:00

SOW has finally come to an end...i can finally have a good rest since I have been staying over almost everyday and my energy has drained out after RAG day yesterday with all the shouting and cheering...

I was supper high after talent night on Friday when the lights of LT32 was out and my OG, down with only like 8 person including the seniors danced, jumped and shouted our way to the stage as pop songs were played...It was the first time I was so enthus, as I jumped with my OG mates. I was so tired that I have to catch my breath after every song. And the poor gal who is standing beside me had to bear with me as I accidentally stepped her right floor twice or thrice....haha..sorry la..i was so high that time! After the whole thing end about 12am, I went back to LT23 to play badminton with one of my OG mate. We made each other run front back left back and KO at 2.30am...den i showered and wait for rest of my OG to come back and slept at 4am.

Next day woke up at 8.30am, went home den came back to school at 1.30pm to board the shuttle bus to padang for RAG.

Sad to say Science didn't win the chancellor shield... :( but we won several awards like best costume etc....RAG was really exciting with various performances by different faculties and the halls. Biz was the overall champion and the defending champion as well...The bad thing was the heat from the sun...why can't they make the event in the morning or start later in the evening?

Anyway, I enjoyed myself through out the SOW...the friends I made, the moments I had...I never experienced so much out of camp before...thanks everyone!!!

Science Orientation Week! Part II

2007-08-09T14:58:00.000+08:00

After taking a short break on the weekend, all of us returned for FIC held at UCC in the morning. I didn't attend as I had to be present for the MOE teaching award presentation held at Suntec. I saw my JC Chem teacher, Ms Liau whom I invited and other 3 JJC teachers who taught chemistry. The new Principal from Keming Primary also approached me and asked my number.

After the ceremony, we meet at Lavender at about 6pm for OG outing.....everybody was in their casuals for the first time and looked very different and good...we ate steamboat at a restaurant next to Golden mile complex and played pool after that. That was Monday....

Tuesday was flag day @ orchard for my OG...had to wake up so early and reach Orchard MRT station at 7am....a tired day struggling to make my can full but only managed to get it less than half filled...so paiseh...me and my partner was so tired in the afternoon that we sat down and sang songs to self-entertain ourself. Our first location was cuppage near centrepoint, which didn't really invite any donations in the morning. Shortly after lunch at long john in PS, me and my partner went to Park mall as we were told that there will be some 'grand' affair that. We went there hoping that there will be a large crowd but it didn't happen. It was so quiet there. Then we went to cineleisure and the security chased us away which led us to Wheelock place.

After flag day, only a handful of us returned to NUS to sleep over...we had some singing or more precisely shouting in the LT before we went to 'feng seng' near West coast park at 2am. We walked like 30 mins, one end of NUS to the other...den on the way back showered at Eusoff Hall before sleeping at 4am.

Woke up at 6am the next day for Sentosa. Supposed to be at Harbourfront at 7am but reached at around 8am...After the whole OG arrived at about 9am, we took Sentosa express...very fast and smooth ride...from the station we took the yellow line to Tanjong beach...had lots of fun there..cheering in the water, play inter-OG beach games, among other things....everybody was dunked except for one of the senior, Dennis who is too heavy for us. Everything ended at 1pm before we head back to school to do close bidding...

The next activity was to meet up with our Secret Pal(SP) to have dinner tgt before going to great world city to watch Rush hour 3. My SP was absent thus I had to pair up with another girl....i was so tired that I fell asleep during the movie bcos last night only slept for 2 hours....
almost about to collapse any moment after the movies....

That's all for now...

Science Orientation Week!

2007-08-05T20:23:00.000+08:00

I must admit that this is one of the best camps I have ever had and the cool thing is that it's not over yet! Part one started on 1 aug and ended on 4 aug. Part 2 is 6 aug which is tmr and will end on rag day on 11 aug.

I can't wait to see my OG again with their laughter and buster. New friendships were made and bettered through the short, fast but intriguing four days that passed in the tweak of the eye.

Day 1

Reporting time was 9am but people came strolling in at all sorts of time and the event only started by a welcome speech by the SOW director, shannalyn at around 10.30am. Ice Breaker was the usual event to start off the camp. We sat in a circle and said our names and major one by one. Unfortunately I was the last freshie. So, I had to repeat everybody's name and major!

There were cheers of course, most made out of humor mixed which a tinges of languages and dialects along with dramatic moves...haha...

I guess the highlight of Day 1 was Project SP (Secret Pal) at night. My group was blind folded and we had to walk quite a lot before we actually reach the destination. My SP's group actually walked with their eyes open to the place! so unfair....me and my SP click as we talked about issues ranging from our schools, hobbies to where we stay, birthday etc....8 aug - sentosa day will be the day when I see my SP and we danced the mass dance together, watch movie tgt, eat dinner tgt, etc....every night before I sleep, I wrote cards to my SP (dun get the wrong idea, everybody does that! :p)

Group games actually kept me awake along the way till we slept at about 2.30am.

Day 2

woke up at 7.30am. mass dance in the morning...the dance song was a remix of indian, chinese pop etc...very fun!!!

then we had amazing race (shi zi ru kou) around the west side of Singapore. First destination was Henderson but my group went to Bt Merah...luckily quite near....like the chinese version of shi zi ru kou (cross road), we were given the first food den must link the last word tothe next and so now. Every destination we have to eat 3 food. After eating the food we have to play games before we are given the next one. The first game - each guy girl pair has to bite a small piece of bittergourd smeared with mustard using their lips, mouth, teeth and walked in a S-shape. Basically the poor guy will bite the thing while the girl just touch it with her lips loh...

Second destination was ABC food centre. the game was to find anything that corresponds to any letter of your name. Eg: Low Yizong can be liquid/litter etc...

Third destination was tiong bahru food centre. game was to find 5 combs, one and five cents coins, one strand of white hair, 2 umbrellas etc...we were told to return as we were running out of time....

AT night, we had amazing race around NUS. I was appointed the leader for I was got the topo or map reading skills. We ran, climb, brisk walk to various location. We were given pics of clue we had to find in NUS. First one was a clock at George Prince Park Bus terminal. We took a shuttle bus there from FOS. Den we ran to the Biz Fac to look for a pot of plant after waiting for a shuttle bus for quite some time. Den we ran to central library to look for the book drop before going to FOE to look fro some weird structure near mac. Time was up den but we had lots of fun. I was so energized at the end of the event and got 3 cheers from my OG...

Day 3

Library talk in morning with cors bidding near noon...bidding so stress....got outbidded for SP1201 freshman seminar by 100 over points...never mind, i will try again in sem 2...

Highlight was family night (fright night). Before that, we watched an Asian horror movie to spice things up. My group was splitted into groups of 3: one guy with 2 girls. the ghosts were dressed in white which good make-ups and they had good acting skills. the girls who were with me are more 'brave; not those whose scream will deafen you...I played with the ghosts, kick their chair etc....slept at 4am for we had to wait for the entire cohort to finish..

Day 4

Did House cheers followed by mass dance den a short war games where we had 10 people from each house to snatch/steal things from other house. Those of involved form a tight circle to prevent intruders from stealing things. We used water bomb, brute force etc....den my group went to mega bites to have a sumptuous meal before heading home....

Really can't wait for sentosa day....be prepared ti get dunked and hyped up to dunk others too!!!

All the best...

2007-07-30T14:07:00.000+08:00

It was a day of remembrance when I left on 26 July 2007.

It was a sad moment as I bid my colleagues farewell and wished them all the best; it was a happy occasion as all the 'sufferings' have come to an end; it was a wonderful experience working there, learning lots of things about property management; it was also an experience exchanging blows with my boss for my leave entitlement, salary and many others.

I had expected this day and was totally prepared for it in case my boss holds back my salary and demand me to do this and that. Previously, I had confronted her a few times to get my salary for June. Instead, she turned the table around saying that she wanted to deduct my no pay leave for the months she hasn't done so. According to the Employment act, your employer does not has the right to deduct your pay for overpayment if he/she hasn't done so for the month when u collect your pay. However, your employer may file a civil suit against you.

Fair enough, I let her recover her overpayment of the days which she paid me while I was on No pay leave. Pursuant to this, she also want want to deduct the overpayment of CPF contribution. I told her the right way to do so is to write in to CPF Board but she insists otherwise. She didn't even pay me CPF in April loh, so she will be fined if she tries to claim back the CPF. In the end, she paid me CPF for April in cash. If I go and complain against her, she will be punished too.

Of course there are several other matters which I confronted her but I shall not dwell on it any further. If you are interested to know can come to me personally. Not clear about the employment act also can look for me....

MOE Induction 2007

2007-07-21T21:35:00.000+08:00

The world is really small. Just on Thursday when I attended the induction program, I made new friends, some of whom saw me before during my army days. I told them I have never seen them before while they told me they have seen me lots of time in the camp, especially in the vehicle shed maintaining my M113....

The Induction program was quite boring, and I tried to sleep through the event with my eyes wide open..the event started with a dreaded ice breaker where we have to dress up a person using magazines and newspapers. My group was extremely quiet to begin with but lots of crazy ideas came in. We made paper hats, folded hearts, 'decorated' the person with newspaper, who in the end looked like a chef as we also made a club with the words 'On government service' which was actually printed on the envelopes provided.

After the breaker, we were briefed about the education system and the latest development in the educational scene followed by a tea break then another talked by the associate dean of NIE on the course overview which we will spend one year there. She talked about people breaking bond, leaving the service etc...it was quite disheartening to hear that...

Following that was a sharing session by the principal of Northlight School. Her talk was very interesting and I was so tempted to join the school as a teacher if not for my lack of experience. She also shared about how she came to become the head of the school, the ways students are taught there, the life there etc. Every student was given a card and when the teacher notices a positive behaviour, he/she will award one chop to the student. Every four chops will entitle the student to exchange for a token to play pool in the recreation room and every eight chops can be exchanged for 3 tokens. That's why the students rush to school every morning before the assembly starts at 8am...Students live as far as Bukit Panjang where they have to take a bus to the LRT, then LRT to CCK MRT, CCK MRT to Paya Lebar MRT, then finally a bus to the school in Dunman. The Principal also played the school song which was in fact the best one which I had ever heard before. I was so mesmerized by the lyrics and the accompany music..

Right after lunch we broke up to our respective teaching groups namely science, maths, english, literature and so on. Another boring session about the science curriculum in Singapore ie. H1, H2 H3 subjects offered at JC. What's the point of telling us all this when the policy will change in time to come?

I want to teach in Northlight!!!

It's going to be over on 26 July...

2007-07-07T22:08:00.000+08:00

I can't wait for this day to come....I had enough of adhering to the system that you deemed to be working perfectly for the past 40 years....

What's the point of persuading me to stay when I have made up my mind? What's the point of promoting me from a small Admin assistant to Admin officer when I want to leave? If you really appreciate my effort, recognise my contribution, you should have done so earlier on. Perhaps I might consider staying for another year. But that's gonna be a tough decision to make.

Anyway, I think the company is heading no where....some of the better, hardworking staff like throwing in their resignation letters, people in this field have blacklisted the company, Council members have been complaining about the high staff turnover and that the quality has deteriorated. On the average, one person quits every one or two weeks in a small company of about 20 staffs. See how screw-up the company is?

If you had taken care of your staff, given them their due salary on time, this would not have happen...Every month before getting our hard earned salary, we have to submit our report, attendance, leave report, stationery report etc. If we don't submit, no salary. What the heck is this? And why is some of our CPF delayed?

Slowly, one by one will leave for the greener pastures out there....I would like to thank all the wonderful staff there who made my time spent there more interesting and for guiding me along. And working there has made me more knowledgeable in the field of property management....

Thanks for the opportunity to serve....

2007-06-17T16:40:00.000+08:00

It's almost time I get ready for the next phase of life;

It's almost time I bid everybody farewell;

It's almost time I leave for good.

In just a matters of weeks, I will be tendering my resignation as a Admin Assistant from Hoe Tan Co (Pte) Ltd. It's a small company dealing with various things like managing properties, rental of apartments, enbloc sale, provision of security guard services, among other things.

No doubt I have learnt lots of things from different people, given the chance to work both at site and head office. More responsibilities have also come along as time passes. Even the ordering of computers and supplies like ink cartridges are controlled by me.

Now, everybody is coming up to me and asking me questions, requesting for me to help them. I wanted to help but I am tied. I AM NOT A ROBOT NOR AM I YOUR SLAVE OR SERVANT. STOP ORDERING ME AROUND!!!

So what if you are more senior than me? Please respect me and my privacy...

Now that I am back from site, the Council members want me back there. People in the head office is grabbing me every moment, and I have no time to settle down. I am sick of working there. Sick of the 'hopeless' people there who holds the position of a manager/officer but asked me the same questions over and over again. How can u don't know? You are manager/officer you know? I only a small admin assistant, a small fry in the company. Why can't your just remember the procedures, the rules, the regulations?

So please wake up from your dreams and clear your brains!!!

Nevertheless, thanks for the opportunity to serve in your company. It has been an enlightening experience to be part of your team and I have benefited tremendously from it. I have become a more organised and knowledgeable person, and thanks for those who are always there to help me out....

A men's true emotions...

2007-06-05T14:53:00.000+08:00

Recently, I read a post from my friend's blog which strongly relates to me. Here's the link:-

http://formedwithclay-byhishands.blogspot.com/2007_05_01_archive.html

In the post, he talked about how fragile men is, how he is being judged, how he is being perceived...

It is true that men got lots of things to talk; lots of inner emotions to pour out - but there must be someone or that special one who can make him feel secure and wanted...

A men can be brave and calm upfront, but you never know the problems that are plaguing him...
His family problems, his relationship problems, his friendship, his work, his daily interactions with people are some of the things that contribute to the problems...

I find it rather difficult to really reveal my inner true self to my loved ones...
I find it hard to open my mouth to voice out my opinions....
I find it pointless to tell others about my problem...

I know it is unhealthy to keep these problems to myself...I want to speak out but I am trapped....

PC Show 2007

2007-06-01T08:46:00.000+08:00

This year's PC show event I believe will set a record-high of no. of people visiting the show and a record-high amount of sales volume made...

For those who are keen on setting up wireless network, buying a printer/scanner, signing up/upgrading your broadband plans, buying a projector/tv etc, the show is specially made for u..
You can choose over a wide range of dealers and companies to compare the competitive prices and features each gadget offers....

The human traffic was almost unbearable when I went yesterday. So be mentally prepared for those who are going this weekend to get special deals...The path was not wide enough to accomodate the massive human crowd which swamped the entire exibition halls on level 6...Movement was snaillike, from the start you set your foot in the lift or on the escalator.

Eventually, I brought a 1Gb Imation swivel pro 2 thumbdrive at $23...actually could have brought it for a price of $21 but the thought of squeezing through the crowd and the long quene took the better of me...

Look forward to comex 2007 in sep and sitex 2007 in dec...

Just another long day.....

2007-05-21T18:57:00.000+08:00

Today was just like another other days; waking up in the morning, keeping myself busy with stuff, having no time to read the newspapers, and lastly putting myself back to sleep at night. It was all routine stuff but I don't get bored though. It was just another ordinary day...

I woke up from my slumber unwillingly this morning around 7.45am when my phone alarm went off. Feeling tired, I went back to sleep and got up at 8.30am. There, I picked myself up and began my journey of the day.

First, I went to NUS to collect my X-ray film and medical report done in April for my medical checkup at 'Shenton Medical' in International Plaza (Requirement for MOE teaching award clearance).

After the medical checkup was done, I went to a friend's house in Bedok to take a look at his ailing comp. I dunno wad actually happened to the comp and I couldn't isolate the problem. The computer would suddenly be cut off from the main power now and then. I formatted the comp and hope everything is fine now...

My days may sound mundane to some of you but it is full of experiences for me..I even went into a shop selling stationery in International plaza and asked for a quotation for A4 paper for my company....am I working to hard???

Life is so miserable???

2007-05-16T23:26:00.000+08:00

Sometimes I wonder why I was born into this world, full of problems and misery which make my life seem so unimportant and undeserving...

Life is so unfair, so imperfect, so unpredictable yet so meaningful???

Yesterday after I watched the channel 8 serial 'mars and venus', I laid on my bed, unable to sleep, tossing here and there. My eyes were wide open, my mind was absolutely clear at that precise moment. I was wondering why life is full of ups and down? Is it a test? Why am I one of the few billions/zillions in this world to be treated as 'guinea pigs'?

But that was not really the issue. I can't imagine what life would be like if I lose my love ones? Would I collapse and commit suicide? No! I can't, I have to shoulder the responsibility of a brother and continue to care for one another. My Mum have pinned high hopes on me. I can't let her down. My gf will be yearning for my presence. I can't let her go....

What is happening to me? I really don't know...I'm lost...I'm desperate....I cried....

Live life to the fullest...

2007-05-05T23:22:00.001+08:00

I just been to the wake of one of my company mate back in Keat Hong Camp. He wasn’t really close to me and I never really had conversation with him except for a few short exchanges during ‘duties’. So I don’t really know what kind of guy he is.

When I received a msg a few days back, telling me that he is dead. His wake is at…..I was shocked. One thing came to my mind. ACCIDENT – MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT. True enough, his death was caused by it.

I heard from his army buddy that he was involved in an accident while he was working for Macdonald delivery at around 4am. What really happened is pending. The bike has been send to traffic police for investigation and the police is appealing to the public for witnesses. The accident took place around 3 weeks ago and he had been in the hospital for 10 plus days. There wasn’t any serious external injury but he suffered from liver/lung etc damages and his immune system was weak. He had a series of virus attack which the doctors managed to cure at first but his weak immune system can’t do much for him. The virus took the better of him, and there he goes, leaving the world, his family, his relatives and dear friends.

MOTORISTS BEWARE!!! The road adjacent to King albert park leading to Clementi, near to the slip road from Bt timah Road. The lanes causes confusion and there is an unsual divider betweens the lanes. TAKE NOTE!!!

I took a last glance of him, wearing a suit with a tie, with some stitches visible from his charred lips, hair combed and styled. At that instant, I felt a sense of trepidation. A sense of loss, a sense of guilt. Life is so precious. And it was just merely less than half a year from ORD and this happened. Not to mention I had other friends who died from car/motorbike related accident.

I guilty because for I drive recklessly at times, for the sake of rushing for time, for the sake of thrill. I was neglecting my love ones – The hope they have for me, the importance of me in their lives. I didn’t think of it when I was driving. I decided not to drive recklessly anymore – cutting lanes without due care etc….

Dear friends, LIFE IS PRECIOUS. U never know what will happen to u at the very next moment. Treasure those around u. Forgive those who had disputes with. Give a touch of love to those around u.

To my dearest dear dear, I know that I am wrong and upsetted u many times. Please forgive me for my selfish and undeserving act/actions. I will treasure u always…

30th May 2007

2007-04-29T21:11:00.001+08:00

I can’t wait for this day to come….

I am been waiting in loneliness and solitude for close to 3 weeks….

It will be the day:-

I enjoy the companionship of someone….

I enjoy the presence of someone…

I treasure the time and moment of someone…

I reveal my true self…

I reveal my feelings…

Mixed feelings....

2007-04-25T19:03:00.000+08:00

Recently, I have mixed feelings over an interview I had for the MOE teaching award as I am still anxiously waiting for their reply to me. I don’t know how I fared for the interview which determines my suitably for the award. And I suppose the letter will come in somewhere this week since they say they will get back to me at end of the month.

So I presume that I will only receive 1 of the 2 kinds of letter available – either a small one or a big one.

The small one I believe will have a letter saying: “Thank you for your interest in the MOE…..we regret to inform you that…”. This would certainly not be the one that I will be getting. *fingers crossed*

The big one I believe will have a letter too but saying:” We are glad to inform you that you have been offered the MOE….attached herewith is a list of important dates a candidate should know and take note…”. This would be the one that I am praying hard and hope I will get my hands on it.

Every time these days my father comes home with the mails fresh from the mail box, I would take a quick glance whether there are any letters addressed to me, particularly the letter from MOE. I am so eager to learn about whether I am selected for the award which will affect my studies in NUS.

Thinking about the interview, I was sure that I could have did it better with more preparation as I assumed that the interview would be an easy one but I was wrong. Regardless of the result of the interview, it is an experience for me to be interviewed by a panel of 3 person.

Wish me good luck….

Totally defeated....

2007-04-24T19:46:00.000+08:00

I was totally caught off-guard by some kind of illness which left me tumbling and struggling for the past few days...

Everything was fine on Sat before I slept. On sat I remembered I was without water the entire afternoon and I was very thirsty. Den it all started with a headache on Sun morning. It went on to become high fever of 39.2 when I see the doctor on Monday. I was feeling terrible all over. Never felt so weak for long time already.

Doctor said it may be due to some sort of virus attack. Things didn't really get better and I went to see another doctor on Wednesday when he told me my illness will take 5 - 7 days to recover.

More than 1 week has past..and my appetite is slowly regaining its conscious...and it's time to eat a lot again!!!

Late night supper...

2007-04-14T17:52:00.001+08:00

Yesterday was the second time I had supper way past midnight. First time went to Jalan kayu for roti prata. This time went to Joo Chiat for wanton mee after my badminton game at AES from 8pm to 10pm.

I want to comment that the prata at Jalan Kayu is quite oily and it didn't really trigger my taste buds. The mee at joo chiat is worth eating. Not that it tastes fascinating but the mee is handmade and it tastes different from those I ate before. I going to be a part-time food critic already...

I had 2 bowls of mee while my friends look at my in amazed that I won't get fat even though I eat so much. They really envy me.

On the way back, I was introduced to the term 'cornering'. My friend, zhi wei, who was the driver did a high speed u-turn at about 40km/h. He had his right hand gripping onto something over his head, left hand poised, gripped tightly onto the steering wheel, mind focused and all of a sudden with a incredible clockwise motion of his single lift hand, sent the car skidding while making a u-turn.

He was able to attain that feat because he had his car suspension lowered so that the CG is low, among other modifications. Don't ever try with your car as it will turn turtle.

I look forward to the next late night supper session!!

MOE Teaching Award Interview

2007-04-12T23:26:00.000+08:00

It was an interview that I expected; an interview that I took great pains to prepare for; an interview that I strongly regard....

I had a one week stint working as relief teacher in Woodgrove Primary just few months back. I felt that teaching was a career that was challenging as the students themselves had different background to begin with. Furthermore, they had varying attention span and learning abilities. It was a job that is fulfilling and meaningful; I enjoyed the moments interacting with the kids, the moment teaching them. It was sometime I never ever felt before. The kids even missed me when I left them.

The kids may be mischievous and haughty but they are all so willing to learn. My colleagues are also very friendly and helpful, including the principal and vice-principals. My short but valuable time spent in school triggered my thought of considering teaching as a long term career.

Besides applying for the MOE, I also applied to RSAF, PUB, S'pore Power etc. It took me al least 1 month to finalise the draft for the essay which entails about values and beliefs. I even had my friends to vet it. I applied through PSC and they referred me to MOE for consideration.

Last Thursday, I was invited for an interview. My preparation include extracting information from the website, newspaper articles and career books.

On the day of the interview, I reached there 45 mins earlier. I didn't want to go in first and subject myself to the atmosphere that was stressful and tension-gripping. I took a stroll along the corridor, stood by the window panel and stared into the horizon.

It was only about 11.10am that I finally went to register myself. My schedule time was 11.30pm and the interval was 15 mins. I was so nervous then. My heart was pounding hard, against my body, a feeling that I hate and didn't felt before. I tried to calm myself by looking around, but it didn't help much. I took a quick glance at my notes the last time, closed my eyes, took a deep breath in a bid to ease down.

Time flew and it was 11.30am. Anytime now would be my turn..I watched the clock tick as the seconds by seconds passed by. Then, a familiar chime sounded. It signaled for the next candidate to enter the room. It was me.

I picked up my bag, sling to to my right shoulder and proceeded to the entrance of the interview room. I knocked the door, entered the room and saw a panel of 3 interviewers - 2 sec sch principals and 1 human resource personnel. I greeted them and took a seat.

The first question (Why do you want to teach?) was a spot-on which I answered without much hesitation. You must be really careful in what u say as they will use what u say to question u. For example, if you say that u like teaching, they will ask u why u say that and provide examples.

They also asked questions like:-

What would u change if u are given the chance to go back to your sch?
How would u tackle the high-end students?
How would teaching an express student differs from a NA or NT student?
Why didn't u do relief in sec sch?
U said you are passionate about teaching and u have not been in other jobs before, how sure are you?

I tried to answer all the questions prosed confidently but I feel that I could have done better with more practice and preparation. My mistake was taking things for granted; believing that the interview was a simple one. The results will be out by end of this month.

If u don't see me posting any blog on this issue means I flunked the interview.

Ex-4A Knights BBQ Gathering...

2007-03-31T18:11:00.000+08:00

It was such a disappointment that only a few friends stayed till the very end, way past midnight. The expected attendance was 20 but only about 15 turned up. Out of these few, 11 proved to be loyal and supportive friends. They are mark, chien wen, wei jie, yong kang, ye wei, alvin, qing zhong, michelle, siew ping, regina and myself. There was a obvious distinct separation between my ex classmates.

The event was organised by yk; a bbq cum gathering at West coast park bbq pit 3. At first, I was considering whether I should go as I had tuition commitment on Friday. Nonetheless, hearing that the gathering was meant for ex-sec class mates and it has been some time since I saw and hear from them, I postponed my tuition class to the following week.

For me, it was a day of excitement in the very beginning but disappointment towards the end. Is this the kind of friendship we get after knowing each other for more than 4/5 years, some even more than that. It was really through this event that true friendship came to light.

Given the chance and time to meet again, only the loyal few will be invited. To the organiser, it was truly a waste of time and money. From the effort spent to plan the event, effort to contact everyone, effort to buy food, effort to book the place to effort spent to make then event a fulfilling one.

Dun worry about those who were absent, treasure the true friendship that we built upon….

Roti Prata @ Jalan Kayu

2007-03-26T22:32:00.000+08:00

I was expecting something delicious, something mouthwatering, something gratifying....

We, Zw and yk went all the way from our homes in the west to somewhere that is stranger to us; North-eastern part to be precise. It was about 9.20pm when yk msg me and ask me whether I wanted to go out for supper or take a tour since he was renting a car. Then, he came to fetch me at ard 9.50pm before we went over to link up with zw who had his own, modified Honda city sedan.

The route we took was BKE, SLE and TPE. Parking space there is really limited as we found ourselves parking the cars in the private properties nearby.

Then, we walked to the nearby shop to have our 'starter' - Beancurd jelly. Not bad, very fresh. Shortly after, we went to a shop as advertised. I ordered 2 plain prata, yk ordered 1, zw ordered one cheese prata. Ordering was done at the counter together with the payment. It didn't took much time before our order came in. Food there was below expectation - the prata was not crispy at all but the curry compensated for it.

Soon, the rain came pouring in as we sat there chatting past midnight. The rain ceased after some time and we went to another shop to satisfy our curiousity and appetite. I ordered the similiar things, yk one cheese one plain, zw one mushroom. Over here, the curry is inferior but the prata tastes slightly better and the food has more value. Zw also ordered one milo dinosaur which is basically a cup of milo saturated with lots of milo powder.

We left the place about 1.15am. This time I took the wheel and choose not to use the expressway. There were lots of red lights along the way and it was apparent that zw was getting frustrated. At one point when we hit the expressway, zw suddenly blasted his way through me. I followed suit but with a slower acceleration as the car I am driving has a low pick-up speed compared to zw's car which he has spent thousands over dollars modifying it. The speed we were travelling at was hovering between 80km/h to 110km/h.

By the time I reached home, it was already close to 2am. Feeling full of vigour and energetic perhaps because I was 'racing' my way home....wondering when will be my next time...

Scholarship Application...

2007-03-19T23:12:00.000+08:00

It has been quite a while since I wrote essays. The latest one I drafted was for scholarship application. This is the question that is requested from us:-

"What are some of the values and beliefs you hold strongly to? Please provide examples of how you have demonstrated these in your actions.

You should use the essay to discuss your attributes and experiences that may not be evident through your academic, CCA and school records. Your essay should not exceed 500 words."

It took me almost a month to come up with this essay - from gathering info, brainstorming, researching and all the way to peer editing, drafting etc....And this is my final product:-

Values and beliefs govern and shape one’s behaviour and character. Whenever we encounter an obstacle in life, we can fall back on our set of values and beliefs to guide us through. Thus, a firm set of values and beliefs is essential to help us differentiate what is right and what is wrong. Apart from that, I feel that a person should possess good values and beliefs in order to be successful since decisions are made based on one’s set of beliefs and values.

One of the values and beliefs that I strongly hold to is responsibility. Responsibility means being accountable for your actions, words and the outcome of an event or process. For instance, as a leader in the Army, I am responsible to ensure that high training standards are adhered to as the defence and security of the nation lie in our hands. Hence, I trained my men hard and enforced standards on them. In addition, I am responsible for their safety and well-being. Therefore, a responsible person will be able to resist the temptation to take the easy way out and ensures that objectives and standards are met.

Another value and belief that I strongly believe in is respect. We should not discriminate or ostracise anybody. It is especially crucial for Singaporeans to respect and understand one another in a vulnerable multi-racial society where differences abound. Having mutual respect is tantamount to being sensitive to the needs of others by respecting and considering the thoughts and ideas of others. For example, during the course of completing the Project work in Junior College, my team members had differing views on various issues. What I did as a team leader was to give everyone a chance to voice their thoughts as every single contribution and effort counts. Thus, respecting and acknowledging each other’s worth encourage communications and foster relationship between different people.

Honesty is another value and belief that I strongly regard. By being honest, you earn the reputation and trust from people around you. As a class treasurer, I was responsible for managing the class fund. As a habit, I always record down the transactions that I make, from collecting funds to buying of notes. This ensured transparency and discouraged dishonesty. The trust gained can be evident after some time when my friends perceive me as a honest individual. Hence, honesty earns you reputation from people that you are trustworthy, reliable and responsible.

Hence, it is evident that values and beliefs play a significant role as it provides the moral bearing or direction in every aspect of life. It also portrays the kind of personality and character you have. I feel that responsibility, respect and honesty are essential minimums that everyone should possess in order to be successful.

About Myself

2007-03-16T23:06:00.000+08:00

I am a student waiting for matriculation in August 2007. I have been offered a place in Faculty of Science, NUS. I chose to study science because I have a burning passion for it. I will be doing a major in chemistry which is my favourite and strongest subject. My interest for science can be evident from my participation in various events like the Singapore Chemistry Olympiad, the Singapore Physics Olympiad, Science Focus organised by NUS, my college’s Science fair and many others. Through these events, I gained invaluable exposure, experiences, insight and knowledge.

In the course of my studies in NUS, I hope to discover where my passion lies in the field of science and graduate with at least a ‘Second upper class’ honours in science. I would also like to be involved in various Student Exchange Programmes organised by NUS to enrich my learning experiences and cultural knowledge.

In the near future, I see myself in a position where I command and work closely with my team members to achieve certain tasks and goals together. I would also like to pursue a post graduate Masters degree in Science to further broaden my knowledge and horizon in a globalised economy.

I completed National Service on 7 Nov 2006, passing out from Armour Training Institute as an Armoured Infantry Section Leader. Under my care were a section of men and an Armoured vehicle which needed constant maintenance. More often than not, I worked for long hours, deprived of sleep with my body full of stench caused by my perspiration. However, I had a positive experience leading my men by being a role model and caring for them. Besides, I contributed to my unit, 40 SAR, achieving an unprecedented high score for ATEC. Going through the tough training under harsh and stressful conditions in National Service had made me stronger physically, emotionally and mentally.

I am able to multi-task and adapt myself quickly to the environment that I am in, usually under stressful conditions. Therefore, I am able to meet tight datelines to produce work punctually. However, the quality and standard of my work is not undermined. In addition, I am a meticulous person who is adept at observing and analyzing.

I tend to expect my friends or colleagues to perform at the same speed and level of efficiency that I always apply to the work I handle. However, I learnt to appreciate that people are different, and they will have their own styles and preferences. Hence, I accommodated to their style of work and try not to impose my preferences on them.

Some of the values that I strongly believe in are respect, responsibility, loyalty, honesty, humility and compassion. In my opinion, I feel that these values have a profound impact on all aspects of our life as it affects our behaviour, character, personality and the way we do things.

My hobbies include swimming, cycling, playing badminton, playing the guitar, surfing the Internet and troubleshooting computer hardware problems. In my leisure time, I took up a Life skills development online course which revolves around the subject of creativity, describing the types of creative thinkers, how to be creative, among other things. In addition, I am contemplating to learn another language during my free time.

No doubt I have encountered setbacks in my life. In the midst of failure, I pick myself up, persevere and learn from my mistakes. In this way, I will be able to achieve success in whatever things I do by overcoming the challenges ahead with a positive attitude.

Uncertainty...

2007-02-26T20:17:00.000+08:00

Life is full of colour and vibrancy, but poverty and diseases still plague the world.
Life is full of happiness and blissfulness, but sadness and sorrow are still felt.
Life is full of challenges and obstacles, but no one dares to raise to the occasion.
As I embark on the journey of life, I wonder whom I would share my eternity with.

Settling Well in my job...

2007-02-20T09:11:00.000+08:00

I'm glad that I am settling well in my job as a admin assistant after working for slightly more than 1 month in a company that specialises in property management and consultant, legal advisory services.

When I first started work, I thought that my work was no more than typing simple letters, filing papers etc. Nowadays, I work closely with the property managers or property officers and assist them in their routine works, basically helping them with their never-ending paper work, preparing their files for morning briefing, making phone calls. Once, my manager even brought me to the site for me to get an idea of what their job scope is.

Working in such a company made me a better person in terms of admin work, organisation and had more knowledge of the limitations in living in a Condo. I even applied some of the things I learnt from work like having a 'In' tray, outstanding file etc...

My lady boss had a honours degree studying law and had established the company for close to 35 years. Heard that she is a multi-millionaire as she deals with stocks and properties. She even has connections with the PM, MM and other big shots and her husband was once a major shareholder of a private bank.

My colleagues are very friendly and warm to me, offering their help whenever I'm in trouble. I even got one of my NS bunk mates, Terence who is working with me.

This job provides some flexibility in the sense that if u have some commitments on certain days, u can go off earlier but u must compensate by working longer on other days. For my tuition classes, I go off half an hour earlier on Mon, Wed and Thu and compensate on Sat where I worked till 2 plus instead of 1pm.

New year has past in a breeze and it's working time tmr....

At the Crossroads once again...

2007-02-20T08:38:00.000+08:00

Blame it on my indecisiveness or peer influence if you want to ask why I'm in a dilemma over which course to study in University. Faculty of Science or School of Engineering? I was so afraid that I would make the wrong choice, end up in a wrong course and get into a career which I have no interest in.

When the idea of changing courses struck me 2 weeks ago, it left me in a state of confusion and I could not sleep well on some days. I consulted a few who are currently studying in University.

One who studies Electrical Engineering in NTU says that the prospect is great especially if u specialise in wafer technology. I even access the NTU e-portal to view what the Electrical Engineering students are studying - The course contents Eg: Analogue electronics, digital electronics etc. The point of prospect is again supported by my gf, who showed me the materials she got from a recent career fair. It clearly shows that Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Chemical Engineering are favourites among the companies and they have great prospects and a bright future.

The other friend of mine who is studying Science in NUS says that what she studies very theoretical and the prospect varies depending on what u specialise in. Nevertheless, I still find my passion lying in Chemistry.

After due consideration, I felt that it was better for me to fall back on what I was offered initially and put my heart and soul in it.

Found a job!

2007-01-22T23:34:00.000+08:00

After searching for jobs for vain these days, I finally found one that is suitable for me - admin assistant in a real estate, property management company. The company is located in the management office in Townhouse apartment, off Cavenagh Road. Essentially, the company manages some of the condos in Singapore; complaints, repairs & renovation, utility bills, maintainence fees etc are managed by this company.

Before that, I went for interview @ recruit express for any job pertaining to admin/data-entry/clerk. They found me a telesales job selling credit cards but I was not interested. Of course there were other offers which require me to work till 5.30pm or 6pm or even a full sat which I can't commit as I have tuition classes/swimming lessons.

Having my much-coveted license, I even went to the expense of getting the job of a delivery driver. I was offered one place in a company dealing with frozen food but rejected it as OTs on sat are compulsory. Some company requires drivers with experience though. After some futile interviews, I dropped the subject of being a delivery driver. One company offered me the job which requires me to multi-task - answer calls, take order, type letters, deliver goods. I was very interested but they took one week to consider my application and it came after I got my job as an admin assistant.

On the newspaper, some advertised part-time/full-time admin needed. To my surprise, it was actually the post of financial advisor(insurance) that they want. I said I will consider in the future but not now as it requires me to go for training and certification.

Back to the point of my job as an admin assistant, the job spans from Monday to Friday 9 - 5.30 and Sat 9-1. However, one every Mon, Wed and Thus I left at 5pm for tuition classes and I will make up on Sat, meaning I will work till 2.30pm. Quite a boring job but time passes quickly and the people there are friendly and takes good care of me. Salary is $1200 including CPF. An hour is about $6.80.

Anybody looking a job can call recruit express. Its fast but you get only $5 or $6 an hour. Good Luck!

Job Searching...

2007-01-16T08:21:00.000+08:00

I have been searching for jobs these days, going to interview, rejecting invitations, among other things. I felt that it was time to step down as a swimming instructor and find myself a proper job which spans from Monday to Friday 8-5 or Monday to Friday 9-5 and Sat 9-1. Largely was due to the unpredictable weather which caused many of my swim lessons to be cancelled or postponed. Another reason was because most of my clients find it hard to adjust to my tight schedule as their child was schooling. Hence, from almost 20 clients, I am now left with less than 10. I have also given some to my other fellow coaches, who will be taking over some of my clients.

Nevertheless, I will still be teaching swimming on a small scale, on sat or sun morning when I have the energy or free time to do. Most of my time will be spent on the new job, which I hope to find and start by tmr. Meanwhile, I was looking for admin/receptionist/customer service/delivery jobs.

Yesterday, I went for an interview at Mandai Estate. The employer there was looking for someone who can multi-task. One who can handle calls, type letters, do invoice, deliver goods, stock take and many others. I was very interested in the job as there were many aspects involved which means it will not be boring. I am still waiting for the employer to call me back. Hopefully, I can get it.

Otherwise, I will down for interview today again. Wish me luck!!!

My first day in school...

2007-01-08T17:54:00.000+08:00

3 Jan 2007 was my first day in school as a relief teacher in Woodgrove Primary School which is in Woodlands. I came to know about the vacancy for relief teaching through a tuition agency. There was an interview before a general staff meeting was held on the Friday before term starts.

Intially the school offered me the position of being a primary 3 form teacher, teaching English, Maths, Science, PE and art. I was really caught unprepared then as I always had the perception that I would settle down as a relief subject teacher teaching science or maths, not to the extent of teaching so many subjects and being a form teacher!

I believe that the school is engaging me more like a full-time relief teacher as there was a lack of teachers in the school. Besides that, I will also have other duties to do like being involved in the life science workshop, decorating the science noticeboard and be involved in a CCA when the main teacher is not around.

Due to my various commitments giving swimming lesson and tuition in the afternoon and evening, I told the school that it will be impossible me to change my schedule to accommodate to the school's needs if I were given a class in the afternoon. Hence, I did only one day of relief in the afternoon and till today I had done another 3 days of relief in the morning. Tomorrow will be my last day as relief teacher unless the school has another teacher on leave for me to take over on an ad-hoc basics.

It has been some time...

2006-12-30T22:42:00.000+08:00

It has been some time since I felt so exhilarated and intoxicated with incessant happiness at that instant moment I received that particular paper...

29 Dec 2006 - The day that will leave a significant imprint in my memories as I finally passed my class 3 driving test and obtained my much coveted license. It was a wish come true; a wish that I have been anticipating it for the past 6 months. I was so excited and joyous when I received the assessment checklist from the hands of the examiner, showing that I passed the test with 6 demerit points, 34 points short from my first driving test on 5 Dec.

First driving test results

Second driving test results

Recalling the night before the test, I did a revision of the proper driving procedures and look through my mistakes. I even went for extra lessons before the test to regain my confidence and better my driving skills.

On the day of the test, I woke up feeling very nervous. Hence, I tuned in to symphony 92.4, listened to classical music as I did a final revision of my mistakes. I met my instructor at the petrol kiosk beside BBDC at 8am where he handed me his car insurance and wished me good luck. Thereafter, I proceeded to the second storey but found myself to be too early. Feeling nervous, I took a breather outside BBDC facing the circuit as I tuned in to 92.4. I was scanning the layout of the circuit, observing the traffic signals, road signs, danger area etc. At about 8.15am, I went up to submit my PDL, IC, the car insurance and the test receipt before everybody taking the test at 8.25am were gathered inside the room for a briefing by one of the examiner.

Your fate of getting which instructor and test route depends on the outcome of the balloting process. On the board are the names of all examiners and test routes assigned to them. So, the first person will be assigned to the first examiner and so on. Basically, they placed the test receipts of each candidate in a box. Any examiner will randomly pick the first receipt. Next, the person who was picked will pick the next one and so on. I was so close (just one name away) to getting back the same examiner! What a close shave!

My examiner this time round gave me a fierce look. When he entered the room, he raised his voice and said 'Low Yizong, come!' I was quite shock though. However this examiner was helpful in the sense that I will point to the direction he wants me to go but he is impatient. Most of the time he was rushing me but I ignored him. I would rather get 2 demerits from 'delay in moving off' than getting 8 demerits or even more from causing obstruction from others. I got my other 4 demerits from turning wheel while stationary and wide turning.

Whichever the case, yesterday was the time that I drove with extra caution, care and consideration for other road users. I felt that it was the best effort that I have given; one of the best driving experiences I have ever had. Every time I approach a traffic junction, bend, pedestrian crossing or stop-line, I will make sure I assess the traffic conditions around me and check the mirrors and blind spot for safety as I don't want my negligence or carelessness from me. A simple motorcyclist who just zoom pass you when u are turning could foil your plan.

The other time, I committed 2 immediate failures (mistakes that are grave, failing on the spot) namely failure to stop before stop-line and failure to give way to pedestrian. Contributing to my bad score was mistakes like rolling off stop, not confirming safety, not slowing down when approaching road hazards and the list goes on. The accumulation of these small mistakes costs me 40 demerit points. When I went home my brother teased me, my mum asked me why score was so bad while my aunts were shocked at my result.

But this is not the case this time round. My instructor said that my score was beautiful (meaning excellent) and my relatives were proud of my score. My hard work really paid off. For those out there learning to drive or have gotten your license, I urge you all to observe proper road safety. For those taking the test, I wish you all the best. Just drive confidently and cautiously, observing the traffic rules.

C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S

2006-12-24T21:44:00.000+08:00

C-arolers sining
H-opeful children
R-inging bells
I-incredible people
S-haring presents
T-ree decorating
M-eaningful messages
A-awsome lights
S-now falling

Genting trip...home sweet home...

2006-12-24T21:01:00.000+08:00

Finally, the last installment of my Genting trip experience. Nothing much happened on this day; a day usually for us to spend all our money away. For me, I just went windows shopping at Sungei Wang and BB plaza with a friend, and we had the thought of getting our hair cut since it is relatively cheap here. A typical hair cut there costs about $20, including getting your hair washed and dyed in some saloons. I did consider dying my hair, but feel that it was inappropriate as I might be going for interviews.

There was a saloon 'Kimarie academy' just opposite to the hotel having a promotion of hair cut + wash + dye for just $15! It is really a great bargain but what put us off was the thought of having your hair done up by 'trainees' of the academy. After some searching for reasonable hair cut prices in the shopping malls, I and my friend settled down for a cut at 'kimarie' (not the acedemy that I was talking about earlier). If I am not wrong the hair cut + wash + style costs less than $15.

First we were ushered to our seats which were next to each other, given a cup of water and asked by the hair stylist what kind of style we prefer. Nothing could be more comfortable when they massage our head in the midst of applying different kinds of shampoo/conditioner etc. It was more like a visit to the massage parlor though. The entire process of constant massaging took almost 20 minutes before they washed the shampoo off our hair, drying it and started on cutting/trimming the hair.

In the end, it was my friend who looked like he had a visit to the saloon. I was no different from the time I entered the saloon. Just lost a few strands of hair, a wonderful massage. No bad actually for $15. When I was back in Singapore, i cut my hair again.

We left Malaysia for Singapore at 2.30pm, with me penniless and a packet of chicken rice (my lunch) in my hands on the journey home.

Indoor roller coaster @ Times square

Breakfast @ Federal hotel

The state of my hotel room when I first entered

Hotel lobby waiting for everybody to gather

That's my chicken rice on the table!

My KL-Genting-Sunway trip...Day 3

2006-12-18T11:25:00.000+08:00

So much for the Genting trip - rain and rain. And it happened again on our sunway lagoon trip. The pictures below were taken on our journey to Genting...We were dressed in our respective beach wear, clad in our broad shorts, anticipating the water slides there, not expecting the rain to come again to dampen our mood...

There wasn't really many exciting and thrilling rides at sunway, except for a few spiral water slides which will bore u after an hour or so in the park..The slides takes involve 2 person seating on a float which will send you flying. The person seating in front will get more thrill as he will be the first to experience the bumpiness or gets water splash along the way...

An ancient structure sitting at the entrance of the mall before Sunway

The entrance signboard

The indoor roller coaster

A bird's eye view of Sunway

The water slides which I mentioned about...

A tiger held in captive..

Indoor display of 'crystals'

The prominent feature of Sunway...

Indoor Jurassic park???

There was also this similiar wave pool and lazy pool like Singapore which is definitely larger in scale but didn't fascinate me much. When it was raining, all of us went to a small pool where we played 'monkey'. We threw googles all over the pool, catching the attention of many on-lookers till the rain was over. But the weather didn't turn for the better, hence we left about 1 plus, spending only at most 3 hours in the park...

For dinner, I went 'nandos' again..the food and ambience is so nice there. Then we went to KL tower and the famous petronas tower. Our mood of transport was through their railway system which is much more complicated than ours.

Look at the number of stops and interchange..

The small station platform...

After we alighted from the train, we walked quite a distance before we reached petronas tower. However, KL tower was just beside the train station, so it was very convenient.

KL tower in the day

Close-up view of KL tower at night

The Zouk in KL which we passed by on the way to petronas

New hope...

2006-12-11T17:16:00.000+08:00

After my swim class this morning, I came to realise that I had a miss call from a rather familiar number. Is it someone calling to enquire about swimming lessons? Or is it someone calling to enquire about tuition classes? Or is it someone...The list goes on and on. It also seems that the number belongs to my former driving instructor. Why did he call me? Is it because he managed to find a earlier re-rest date for me? I was really hoping to hear good news from him.

On my way back, my phone rang. The same familiar no. "Hey, Ricky here. Your test day is on 29 Dec 8.25am." I heard it as Apr 29 at first as the word 12 seems to sound like 4 in chinese. I was caught with a little surprise. It was to my surprise how he managed to get a test date so fast. I had been logging in everyday at every moment when I am at home hoping for anybody to cancel his appointment so that I can acquire that particular slot. But he did it in just one log in! Today at noon time! Is it because that particular time has lots of people cancelling their test dates? Or Ricky has some connections with someone? Or is just his pure luck? The reason remains unknown.

Anyway, I was delighted to get another chance at my driving test, earlier than I expected certainly. At least, i don't need to renew my PDL which expires on 6 Jan provided I make it the second time round. Bless me with a kind examiner....

I was so paranoid when I failed the first time. And I even called up different instructors to find out whether they can get me a fast test day. Everyone said I have to follow the quene which stretches till late March except for Wicky. He promised that he could get it for me within a month. And he did it. No doubts.

Now I am just hoping to better my skills before the test and hopefully get a good examiner. This will be my final go..the last one..the best one...

Just my Luck...

2006-12-06T06:28:00.000+08:00

It's all over - My much anticipated driving license.

I waited so long for this day, 5 dec, almost half a year when I began my enrolment in BBDC on 3 Dec. Since then I was so excited and obsessed with learning driver, with a private instructor who drives a mitsubishi lancer. Gradually, under his guidance, I honed my driving skills and was confident that I could make it the first time.

However, that didn't happen. Everything was gone in a moment's folly. 2 immdiate failures and 40 demerit points. What a bad result. It was just my luck that I got a bad tester, my instructor who tried to console me after the test. My instructor was also confident that I could pass. The tester, who I thought to be friendly when I first saw him, was actually full of sarcasm.

Even before he entered the car, he deflected the top left mirror which normally aids me on my view towards my left. Deflecting it would mean that the area on the left hand side of the car is narrowed. My instructor said it was a unprecedented move by the tester. I am not sure what his intentions are though.

His action made me drive very slowing through the entire circuit, starting with s-course, slope, vertical parking, directional change and lastly parallel parking. I was extremely meticulous as I was afraid of mounting the left kerb without the help of the small mirror. Everything was fine except that I was apparently nervous.

The tester explained to me that I have to step on the accelerater when reversing or during the narrow courses but my instructor didn't teach me before. Is he too strict? That was the small issue as I didn't get points deducted from that.

I lost points from rolling backwards twice on the slope, failure to confirm safety (which I did), failure to stop at white-line (didn't see) and caused one vehicle to slow down or take evasive action. Circuit was pretty alright as compared to driving outside the public road. The tester said I drove too slow, change lane abruptly (my instructor didn't correct me), didn't slow down when approaching road hazards (I didn't realise) and didn't check mirror (I did check). I felt as though he was aiming his arrows at me, another innocent being, and he told me this "You first time right? Never mind, slowly learn from your mistakes. Come again another time".

I was composing myself, not to retaliate verbally, as I knew it was already the end of the test. My plans of driving today to fetch my gf has been dashed. Hope to get my retest soon of I am able to book a slot which someone has cancelled in the month of dec...

My KL-Genting-Sunway trip...Day 2..cont'd

2006-12-04T17:18:00.000+08:00

For dinner, we patronised 'Nandos'. In my opinion, the food there taste better than swensen, cafe cartel etc...they manage to cook the chicken in such a way that I don't have that greasy feeling when I am eating. Too bad this fine restaurant is not available in Singapore, otherwise I will surely patronise it. The restaurant has its own unique chilli sauces in 4 different flavours - Garlic, flaming hot, hot, and the last one I forgot already. Anyway, the chilli sauce tastes great. You can even purchase them and add variety to your meal...

All of us occupying a remote small room which was vacant at that time

Fried rice with 1/4 chicken and chips..

Chicken Kebab with salad, peri chips and old style chips...

After the meal, we went to 'chinatown', within walking distance from the hotel. Imitations of brands like nike, addidas, converse are available there. A billabong broad short which costs $60 over in Singapore can be brought for $15 or lesser. Of course the vendors there are under the watchful eyes of the police. Almost all the vendors there carry a walkie talkie which they used to inform one another of any police intrusions or interceptions. Taiwan also has something like that in 'Shi lin ye shi'. Whenever police encounters is expected, a codeword known to them will be aired over the walkie talkie. In a flash, the place will be in a chaos as the vendors run away to hide with their goods. But the things there are worth a look or buy...

That's all for day 2...preparing for sunway tmr...

My KL-Genting-Sunway trip...Day 2..to be cont'd

2006-11-30T10:37:00.000+08:00

Day 2: 12 Nov (Genting)

The day before we went Genting, we approached one of the hotel staff to facilitate our booking of a transport that could ferry the total 13 of ours there. After much deliberation, we settled for a van which costs about $250 for the 2 way journey if I am not wrong. The staff promised that the van could accommodate 13 people but we said we may split into 2 groups: One following the van, the other taking a taxi. So he said why don't about 9-11 people take the van and the others take a cab. We said ok and paid in advance the night before.

On the morning itself, I had a wonderful meal of breakfast in the hotel. The usual nasi lemak, juices, fruits, porridge, bread, sausages, eggs.

After that, we waited for the van to arrive at 10am. When the van driver came, he said that the van can only take a maximum of 12 person. That wasn't what we agreed on. Feeling frustrated, we contacted the manager to speak to the driver. He even called up the staff who promised that the van can carry 13 people. Now we have 12 person as one of us wanted to visit his friend in KL. Does that mean that the extra one has to take a cab himself?

The whole commotion took about half an hour before the van driver was called off. A hotel lobby staff approached us and told us that he can get for us a 12 person transport at a cheaper price of $200. Shortly about 20 mins, the transport came and we finally were on our way to genting. The journey took about 1 hour, through the newly-built road which is less steep. The admission fee was $23 for unlimited rides on both the indoor and outdoor rides.

We took some photos before we went for the rides...

We started on a gentle ride called the 'cyclone'. It seems easy but I screamed the hell out of myself during the ride. The slope was so steep and we were moving very fast. Indeed, it was a warm-up for us.

The next ride was called 'The space rocket', whereby you are brought up to a tremendous height and in a flash you will be under the force of gravity, descending vertically downwards rapidly. I chickened out during this ride as it was really towering compared to the one in Taiwan. Instead, I formed a group of three with patrick and Weiren to be the outcast and took the ferry wheel. haha. The ferry wheel took us for 3 rounds, ourselves bracing the shivering cold wind.

Eddie, Suran and Jian Wei in position for the ride.

Up they go....

Free-falling!!!

After a taste of the space rocket, everybody was on high spirits, then we went on to the 'corkscrew roller coaster'. The ride wasn't as scary as I expected and it was the most thrilling ride I ever taken before; the only ride in Malaysia with 2 loops.

Next up, we went to the 'superman'. It costs Rm10 for 5 rides which didn't appeal very much for me and some others. Each cycle takes on 4 person, lying down like a superman as you fly around.

Everyone was tired after the 'superman'. I was still active and energetic, burning with passion to go for the indoor rides but no one had the fuel to keep on going with me. Feeling hungry, we went for lunch at KFC as the rain came in!!! What a waste of time and money coming here.

All the outdoor rides were closed due to the rain but we managed to hitch a ride on the spinner which left me spinning after that. So we left at 4pm heading towards the hotel.

For dinner, we had it at nandos which serves an appetizing spread of fries, chicken, together with different flavours of chilli sauce.

My KL-Genting-Sunway trip...Day 1

2006-11-23T17:23:00.000+08:00

Day 1: 11 Nov (Departure)

It was a day I really look forward to after my ORD - a memorable fun trip with the specs in Braves 40 SAR. I woke up later than usual around 5.30am as I usually wake up at 5am to distribute newspaper. My father fetch me to golden mile complex in his prime mover, supposed to reach there by 6.20am as instructed but other than me and Ouyang, everyone came after that. Some even took their own sweet time having breakfast at beach road, opposite the complex and came strolling in at 6.50am. Everyone was ready at about 7.10am when the last guy came after 7am.

We choice grassland express as it is more comfortable, generous in the leg room/space provided. Heard from other people that if u are willing to pay more, some grassland buses come equipped with personal computer screens. I haven really experience one before, although my bus trips to genting and thailand were with grassland.

The journey took quite a while, with one stop at the usual yong peng. Arrived at Federal Hotel in KL around 12 plus, 4 star hotel. We waited about half an hour before the receptionist issued us keys as the hotel was almost fully booked. They had to spend some time clearing some of the rooms before we could occupy it.

I waited impatiently for my room to be cleared before I went up. To my disgust, when I entered the room, these are what I observed: used towel & bed sheet, no pillow, messy room. They responded aptly and cleared the room while we went around the vicinity of the hotel.

The first shopping centre we visited was Times Square, a prominent blue skyscraper with an indoor roller coaster. The shopping centers in Malaysia compared to Singapore is a bit different in the sense that our first floor is their 'G' or ground floor. And the ceiling of every floor is higher.
I brought 3 shirts in a boutique called 'Romp'. 2 trendy shirt that I normally wear and 1 that comes with a zip. Cost me a total of $60 - value buy. If it's in Singapore, it can easily costs up to $90.

Then we had dinner at Mr Tepannyaki in Bukit Bintan Plaza. Night time was free and easy where I revisited 'romp' to buy the 3 shirts. I wanted to buy the first time but time was tied and i don't want to be late. Slept early at 10pm to get adequate rest for genting the next day.

Patrick, Jian Wei & Suran

"We are starving, where is our food"?

Not again...

2006-11-21T19:58:00.000+08:00

Monsoon season...
Rainy days...
Thunderstorm...
Intimidating dark clouds...

Having either one of the above means bad weather, equivalent to my swim classes being cancelled. Here I am, free to blog because my class today at 7.30pm has been canceled due to the bad weather. So, more time to blog, surf web, rest as I recline in my computer seat.

I hate the monsoon season when the weather is so unpredictable. You may be perspiring one moment and without you knowing, you are drenched in the rain. However, I notice that the rain goes away in about half an hour time. Meaning if it rains at 10am, the weather should brighten up around 10.30am.

By the way, where are the people who went KL with me carrying a camera but haven load the pics? I'm waiting for your pics so that I can start blogging on the KL trip. Probably all of u guys are busy working. Never mind, I will do a draft first then later add in the illustrations.

Hope u guys are coping well...

2006-11-21T07:32:00.000+08:00

It has been a while since ORD and I have found myself a full-time job as a fulltime freelance swimming coach, home-based tutor and newspaper deliveryman. Sounds weird right? How can I cope with 3 different jobs?

The main thing that I am doing is teaching swimming to people of all ages, smallest being 2.5 years old, oldest being 50 years old. Classes are held all over Singapore, with my classes concentrating mostly in the West, the rest in Central, a few in Hougang, one in Tampines.

Location wise, some are private condos, some are public swimming pools. I prefer condos as the environment is more tranquil, scenic thus more conducive more learning. Public swimming pools are often crowded during this holiday school season. Anyway, those interested to teach swimming can contact me or visit swimpal.blospot.com for more details. Salary about $20 to $45 per hour.

I wake up at 5am every morning with my mother to distribute newspaper (straits times, zao bao, basa melayu, tamil papers, the new paper, my paper) in my neighbourhood. I perceive it as a form of exercise or simple 5BX for me. I have been doing it for almost a month. Quite tiring at first as u have to wake up very early. Salary is about $250 per month. I decided to give it all to my mom to pay telephone bills, water bills, electricity bills etc

Initially, u will be a bit slow but once u get the kick or it, for example which storey has lifts, which corridor can't lead to another, u will be faster. With my mom, we took about 40 mins to distribute 7 blocks worth of papers. My little brother will tag along on Sat to ease our burden, load as the straits times on sat is extremely thick, bulky. Moreover, some people only want papers to be delivered at weekends. So these explains the extra quantity of papers on weekends. Sunday papers are generally alright as there are lighter so my little brother would have to wake up from his slumber. Sometimes he just too lazy to wake up.

Speaking about tuition, I teach primary english maths science and upper sec chem physics and lower sec maths. My swim classes are in the morning, afternoon, some in evenings. so on evenings that I'm free I give tuition. So far I have been teaching mostly sciences in sec level. Salary about $15 to $25 per hour.

So this is how I am been keeping myself busy even in weekends while my peacock is busy preparing for her exams. But there are lots of free time in between classes to rest, so it shouldn't be much of a problem to me....

Back from vacation...

2006-11-17T12:45:00.000+08:00

Hi guys! I just came back on Tuesday night a few days ago from my KL-Genting-Sunway trip. I was so busy these days. When i get the photos from my friends then I will blog about my malaysia trip. Keep in touch...

Rev It Up!

2006-11-10T14:28:00.000+08:00

The biennial Singapore Motor show is back from 10-19 November 2006 to once again dazzle the crowds with an exciting display of automobile launches, concept cars and adrenaline- pumping stunt performances!

I really want to the show but I have no time. Come to think of it, I was the first time I was so fascinated about cars ever since I started learning driving. Cars of all models, makes, capacities, colours, design make me drool all over..here's my dream car: The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX

Cool design, turbo-charged engine, nice spoiler, more fuel efficient, lower emission, excellent cooling system, less air drag. As I mentioned, it my dream car. Its too expensive for me to own one.

Owning a Subaru is also fine. But the design I feel is not as cool as the evo.
Below are some of the more budget cars that I like also:

Mitsubishi Lancer

Toyota Vios

The Chery looks cute but its performance is underrated. People also say that its not that durable.

There was a article in the straits times regarding the modification of budget cars like the Honda jazz. More people are seeing this more like a lifestyle, hobby in the meantime up the performance of their cars.

There are lots of modifications available, from the adding of a simple spoiler to changing the exhaust. Some simple add-ons take the form of spray-ons or stickers which are pasted inside the vehicle. These things play a part in adding to the aesthetic value of the car - more attractive, vibrant.

However there are limitations to that. One can't modify the engine capacity, fit crash bar, install decorative lamps as directed by LTA.

A breakthrough in computing experience...

2006-11-08T09:09:00.000+08:00

Introducing Windows Vista...innovations in organizing and finding information, security, and reliability. It is more user friendly, easer to use, better graphics (3d windows), better security, better backup options, better performance (boosting system memory)...Question is...Will it be stable? Shall I wait a few years before switching to windows vista?

How to make a Wind chime from your unwanted hard disk...

2006-11-08T09:02:00.000+08:00

Interesting site for those who is bored at home. Why not spend some time making something useful out? Especially for those who are excited about making crafts or want to explore your hard disk!!!

http://halogen.note.amherst.edu/~wing/wingie/tech/hdchime/hdchime.php

Developing a razor-sharp memory...

2006-11-05T10:37:00.000+08:00

I came across this intriguing article when I an article published in the Straits Times caught my attention. It was talking about tips to improve your memory work, by fully utilising the powers of your brain. Our brain is like a mini 'super-computer' - It can store numourous information which depends on how u manipulate it. If you do not exploit it, your memory will atropy with time. Like how your muscles work, your memory works best when u use it extensively.

The brain consists of 3 types of memory - sensory menory, short-term memory and long-term memory.

Sensory memory is closely linked to our involuntary needs. For example, the need to ea t when u are hungry, the need to drink when u are thirsty. The body will respond and send a stimuli to your brain, thus reminding you to perform those tasks.

Short term memory is like ram in your computer. Once there's no power, everything is erased. For the average human being, new information can be remembered up to a period of 24 hours. However, by the 24th hour, you would have forgotten 80% of the material fact, unless you transfer it to long-term memory.

Having understand the different types of memory, now it's time to know how to store information effectively. Some of the ways include creating creative sentences. For instance, use the technique to recall the rainbow colours. R,O,Y,G,B,I,V. This can be recalled with a sentence. Rainbow of yours goes bowling in valley. It is much easier tor recall a sentence rather than 7 words.

Another way is to use your visual imagination. List down the things u are going to do. Imagine yourself doing it. Example, you want to photocopy papers, buy breakfast, send computer for repair. imagine yourself waking up very early in the morning and banging on the doors of the photocopy shop. When it opens, you rush in to get your photocopying done, realising that you haven eat breakfast as you are hungry. Then, you went to buy your breakfast went home to surf the net, realising your computer is down. That's how u make your brain active....

Stop wasting time..

2006-11-04T15:57:00.000+08:00

TIME is nature's greatest "force". Unlike the wind, it cannot be felt. Unlike the sun, it cannot be seen. Yet, of all nature's forces, time has the most profound effect on us.

Time remains constant, but our perception of it changes. When we focus on it, it slows down. When we turn our backs on it, it speeds up. This makes us think it is something tangible.

We arrange it, divide it up and give some to our friends. Sometimes we feel it is precious, at other times we waste it.

We give it the power to heal when we say, "Time heals all wounds". It can also kill, as when we live stressful lives because we "never have enough time". On a day-to-day basis, nothing is defined and redefined in our minds as much as time.

Herein lies our power. Because things are as we perceive them, we can choose to see time as a manageable commodity and live our lives according to that assumption. This is one of the secrets of successful people - they work at shaping those things that others think are uncontrollable.

Efficient vs effective
In discussing time management, some people argue that we need to use time more efficiently. Others claim: "Let's not worry so much about efficiency, let's be more effective!"

Efficiency means doing things right. Effectiveness means doing the right things.

Working efficiently is doing things with the least amount of wasted effort. Efficiency gets you from point A to point B via a straight line, while inefficiency makes you go round in circles.

Effectiveness means doing the things that yield results.

Many people, when learning about time management, ask the question: "Which should I work on first, efficiency or effectiveness?"

In theory and practice, the best answer is to improve your effectiveness first. It is much better to aim your sights at the result than to worry about the process. Too often, people get bogged down in the means and lose sight of the end.

Eliminating time wasters
Time wasters come from the people around you as well as from within yourself. Some time wasters are unavoidable, but can be reduced.

Identify the most frequent sources of time wasters in your day. Check yours against the list below. Many researchers find the same handful at the top of their lists, which indicates that these are problems common to most people:

Scheduling less important work before more important work;
Starting a job before thinking it through;
Leaving jobs before they are completed;
Doing things that can be delegated to another person;
Doing things that can be delegated to modern equipment;
Doing things that actually are not a part of your real job;
Keeping too many, too complicated or overlapping records;
Handling too wide a variety of duties;
Failing to build barriers against interruptions;
Allowing conferences and discussions to wander;
Conducting unnecessary meetings and making needless visits and/or phone calls;
Chasing trivial data after the main facts are in; and
Socialising at great length between tasks.

Setting priorities
When setting your priorities, there are two famous laws to remember.

The first is Parkinson's Law. It states that work tends to expand to fill the time allotted for its completion. Parkinson's Law makes setting priorities twice as important. If you do not know what your priorities are, your other work will expand to fill in the extra time. It will take longer for you to accomplish less.

The second law of note is Pareto's Principle, which, in this situation, states that 80 per cent of your results comes from 20 per cent of your efforts. Another way to look at it is that 80 per cent of your business comes from 20 per cent of your clients.

Using a "to do" list
A list of "things to do" for each day and week is a valuable aid to managing your time.

A "to do" list organises your thinking and planning onto one form in the least amount of time with the maximum amount of efficiency. Such a list is especially helpful if it coincides with the record-keeping you already do for your company.

Your "to do" list should define a specific amount of time (if possible) for each activity. This will keep work from "expanding".

Your activities should be listed in order of priority. Work on tasks with high priorities first. In listing the activities, it is helpful to spell out the result as well as the process. Stating when, where and what you are going to do increases your chances of doing it successfully.

As the day goes by, check off completed activities and make any notes that seem relevant. In the evening, make out a new "to do" list for the next day and include any activities you could not complete the day before. Always save your "to do" lists for future reference and evaluation.

After a short time, you will find yourself handling a greater volume of work without increasing your stress. You will simply become more efficient.

Article contributed by Dr Tony Alessandra, a professional keynote speaker, an author and the co-founder of MentorU.com, an online e-learning company that provides training, coaching and mentoring. Website: www.alessandra.com

How to get noticed at work (for the right reasons)

2006-11-04T15:49:00.000+08:00

Have you ever wondered why the boss notices other colleagues, but forgets that you exist, even though all of you work equally hard and produce similar results? If you thought that letting your accomplishments speak for themselves would be enough, it's time to throw modesty aside and do a little "self publicity" to get the recognition you deserve.

You can't remain the silent and invisible worker if you want to stand out in the crowded corporate landscape. Here are some ways to raise your visibility at work (without resorting to looking like a clown):

Conduct a self-assessment
Before you start promoting yourself, take an honest look at your own abilities by doing a SWOT analysis. Identify your own strengths and weaknesses and work on the skills you're lacking before your supervisor points them out to you. You could also enlist the help of a mentor who can advise you and see things from a different perspective.

Put a face to your name
People need to know who you are, what you're doing and how you're contributing to the organisation. Be physically present at meetings and discussions so that key decision makers can put a face to the work you've done. Get over your fear of speaking up in front of top management.

Assert yourself
Don't just sit in a corner and gripe to your colleagues after a meeting has ended. Review the meeting agenda and prepare to voice your opinions (with valid reasons) with the rest. However, don't talk for the sake of talking, people know rubbish when they hear it.

Make your achievements known
You produce good work, but your boss may have forgotten that. Remind him about what you've been doing with regular e-mail or verbal reports that include details about the targets achieved and future projects you're busy with. Again, make sure you have a real reason to correspond with your boss.

Take up the challenge
Volunteer for ad hoc projects if no one else puts up their hands. This is a good chance for you to demonstrate your leadership ability and even new sets of skills others never knew about.

Be a social butterfly
Don't think of office functions as a waste of time. Make the effort to know people from other departments or get to know casual acquaintances better. You can develop camaraderie with colleagues and make new contacts in this social setting.

Establish the right body language
If you blend in with your surroundings or don't act according to your seniority, it's time to polish your image. Your body language should communicate confidence and authority. The clothes you wear should be suitable to, or slightly above your rank.

Sail through your appraisal

2006-11-04T15:47:00.000+08:00

WHILE it is generally accepted by both employees and employers that performance appraisals are necessary and valuable, they are often still a big source of stress and anxiety for employees and managers alike.

The stress of an upcoming performance appraisal may be worsened by an employee's own perceptions.

A critical mistake many employees make is to imagine the appraisal process as an adversarial one, in terms of "me versus management".

Another mistake is to consider it as a single event - "Judgment Day".

This kind of thinking misrepresents what the appraisal is really about and leads employees to adopt a defensive stance, which may have a negative impact on the review.

Employees and employers both play a part in shifting the focus of performance appraisals so that they are no longer a source of anxiety.

Appraisals should be thought of as an open communication between management and staff, enabling them to work together to develop the performance of the individual employee and that of their team.

In fact, performance appraisals should be considered a crucial part of an ongoing feedback and evaluation process, to allow employees to adjust their work behaviour accordingly.

Prepare in advance
The first step towards a more positive outlook is preparation.

To be effective, proactive and committed members of an organisation, employees should review their work regularly and consistently.

An important aspect of this is to be aware of job descriptions, responsibilities and performance expectations. These are the best indicators of how an employee's performance will be measured, so it is a good idea for employees to show they have a thorough knowledge and understanding of these.

This helps employees demonstrate how they have fulfilled, and even surpassed, work performance criteria.

If you find that your job description does not accurately reflect the day-to-day reality of your job, a performance appraisal is the best time to raise this. Your manager should be told of the need to rework your job description so that it matches the true nature of your position.

Employees who dedicate some time to preparing for their review will be able to show evidence of problem-solving abilities, communication and technical skills, and general achievements.

It is also a good idea to identify and reflect upon your future aspirations, and set clear short-term and long-term work goals.

By keeping these principles in mind, you will be able to conceive your performance appraisal as an opportunity - enabling you to showcase your efforts in ways that may not normally be afforded to you.

Discuss actively
Employees should remember their role in promoting positive, open dialogue with their manager.

Although management and human resource personnel are primarily responsible for creating an atmosphere conducive to open and honest communication, employees, too, should actively and assertively engage in discussion.

During a performance appraisal, you should try to accept and objectively respond to constructive criticism. You should also seek clarification when you are uncertain about your manager's reasoning.

You can also benefit from identifying some concrete initiatives to enhance performance in the organisation, as these will be much appreciated by the management.

Do not hesitate to identify anything that is stopping you from achieving your full potential, and be ready to ask for additional support if your work demands it.

Performance appraisals are an organisational responsibility. The key to minimising the stress that goes with them is to view appraisals as a stepping-stone on the path towards your long-term career development and success.

Article by Christina Lee, director of consulting services at DBM Singapore, a global human capital management firm that provides transition services to private and public companies, not-for-profits and governments.

Now is the time

2006-11-03T15:51:00.000+08:00

Procrastination
Ever since I can remember, my mother was fond of saying: "Don't put off for tomorrow what you can do today."

Procrastination is like a virus. It creeps up on you slowly, drains you of energy and is difficult to get rid of if your resistance is low.

Procrastination is a close relative of incompetence and a first cousin to inefficiency, which is why their marriage is taboo. These suggestions will help you conquer the "virus":

Give yourself deadlines
In moderation, pressure motivates. Extreme pressure debilitates. Set appointments, make commitments, write out your goals and develop the determination to succeed.

Do not duck difficult problems
You will face both difficult and easy tasks every day. Tackle the difficult ones first so that you can look forward to the easy ones.

If you work on the easy ones first, you might expand the time that they take to avoid the difficult ones waiting for you.

Many people put off difficult or large tasks because they appear too huge to tackle in a reasonable time frame. They feel that if they start and complete the "large" task at one sitting, it will prevent them from accomplishing any of the other tasks they have to do on that day.

The answer to this problem is to break all large or difficult tasks into their smaller sub-parts. Then, you can do each of the sub-parts of the larger project over a series of days, if appropriate.

Do not let perfectionism paralyse you
This is a problem that many sales staff have when writing proposals. They sit with pad and pen in hand, waiting for the "right" words to come out. What they are doing is avoiding the process of writing. Just get started. You can always go back later and polish the points you are unhappy with.

Because humans are so susceptible to procrastination, you must work at building up your immunity to it. Effective action is the best medicine.

Handling paperwork
Try to answer any correspondence immediately. Record your correspondence and leave the rest to your secretary, if you have one.

Even for other forms of mail that you receive, try to act immediately on whatever you can.

If you receive a magazine, peruse it and clip out articles you intend to read. Try categorising your reading material into three groups: articles you must read soon, articles you should read and articles that would be nice to read. Clipping the article makes it more accessible.

Naturally, there will be more than mail accumulating on your desk. Adopt a policy of picking up paperwork only once. This means you should not look at something and put it back down where you found it. It is much wiser to take some form of action on the item. Decide what to do with it and move it along to the next step toward completion.

Telephone calls
The telephone is, of course, one of life's greatest time savers. It saves time over writing letters, making trips and meeting people. It can also be a great time waster.

To avoid spending more time than necessary in calling people back, follow these suggestions:
Determine the best time of day for you to return calls;
Prepare information in advance when you call back. You can pull files and gather documents that you need to answer questions. This is obviously a time saver for you;
Curtail the length of your calls, when and where appropriate; and
Be organised. List the questions or topics you wish to discuss and have them in front of you.

Relaxation and stress reduction
In your goal-oriented workday, you often deny yourself much needed periods of relaxation. Like a high-powered sports car, you can be very impressive at high speeds, but sacrifice distance, efficiency and physical integrity in the process.

Your body and mind are designed to work well if they are not overtaxed. Frequent periods of relaxation and stress reduction are important to the longevity of body and mind.

A coffee or lunch break should be used as a time to relax - and get your mind off the job - so that you are more effective when you return to work.

Change your bad habits
Managing your time efficiently and effectively will require some changes in your behaviour and thinking. These changes require practice.

Giant strides, when looked at closely, are made up of many small steps. In "overhauling" your management of time, you, too, need to take small steps.

Start doing those things that will make you a better manager of your time. After you have improved in one area, choose another and so on.

How about taking a moment, right now, to list the ideas you would like to implement? Circle or highlight the items of most immediate value to you in these articles. Then put them on tomorrow's "to do" list for action.

11 days to go...

2006-10-27T12:59:00.000+08:00

I can't wait to rejoice in the fact that there is only 11 more days to my ORD. I have been hoping, anticipating this day so long ago since my enlistment. Finally! No more extras duty, no more corporal punishment, no more resentment from men, no more instructions from superiors, no more outfield, no more unhygenic habits, no need to wake up so early, no need to do some many things i hate to do...haha...so happy...

Funny videos from Youtube..

2006-10-23T10:33:00.000+08:00

Presenting works from NTU...

Presenting works from NUS...

A way to show your love in School...

Two person for the job of one...

Lastly, one of the recent videos I watched by Hard Guy..