A lot has happened since my last entry. It has been a hectic schedule in camp for the past 2 weeks, was appointed Leader Section Commander, went through 2 exercises (Gypsy 1 and 2) and 2 field camps (skipped one due to shin injury).
Next week, tomorrow to be exact, will be going through Exercise Wanderer and Exercise Grand Slam. Will be back in Singapore on Thursday, hopefully.
The 2 exercises mentioned are the finale of my Basic Section Leader Course training, thereafter, it will be another 3 weeks more to the end of my course. I'm really looking forward to it.
Chinese New Year is just around the corner and likewise I'm looking forward to it too. Definitely going down to Chinatown at my next book-out.
To friends applying to local universities, admissions to NUS and NTU open next week (1 - 21 February 2007). Good luck!
January 28, 2007
January 07, 2007
AC's 21st Birthday Celebration / TB030 Meetup
Together with the TB030 people, namely, Sharon, Michell, 'Boss', James and Yao Sheng, we attended AC's 21st birthday celebration over at his place. After our last meet-up 8 months ago, it was nice meeting everyone again. We reminisced about our polytechnic life and we guys shared our life in camp serving national service.
After 3 weeks of gruesome training in SISPEC, I'm trying to take things in stride after realizing self-denial is not going to help. I just hope the next 7 weeks will be a breeze.
After 3 weeks of gruesome training in SISPEC, I'm trying to take things in stride after realizing self-denial is not going to help. I just hope the next 7 weeks will be a breeze.
January 02, 2007
A New Year - Reflections and Resolutions
The beginning of a new year is often a time of reflection, for us to pause our hectic schedule and take stock of our actions over the past year, and form new resolutions for self-improvement.
I have never cultivate the habit of penning down my reflections but I shall attempt to do so starting from this new year onwards. This shall be my first resolution.
Academically, I have achieved what I aspired for, completing my tertiary education, getting good grades and a university placement to further my studies.
Enlistment for National Service is a step out of adolescence for me. I learn to appreciate every little single thing that I never pay attention to. Training is tough, especially now in School of Infantry Specialists, but the thought of loved ones and encouragement from buddies I made at Basic Military Training kept me going.
The last part of my reflection is something I hope I would never have to pen down or for it to happen. My miniature schnauzer of 13 years old, Rory, passed away on 1st December 2006. It happened when I was in camp and I didn't have the chance to be there with him. The house seems a little quiet and lifeless now without him around.
I will always remember the good memories I had with Rory.
Moving ahead, I intend to keep my resolutions for this year sweet and simple. Here goes,
I have never cultivate the habit of penning down my reflections but I shall attempt to do so starting from this new year onwards. This shall be my first resolution.
Academically, I have achieved what I aspired for, completing my tertiary education, getting good grades and a university placement to further my studies.
Enlistment for National Service is a step out of adolescence for me. I learn to appreciate every little single thing that I never pay attention to. Training is tough, especially now in School of Infantry Specialists, but the thought of loved ones and encouragement from buddies I made at Basic Military Training kept me going.
The last part of my reflection is something I hope I would never have to pen down or for it to happen. My miniature schnauzer of 13 years old, Rory, passed away on 1st December 2006. It happened when I was in camp and I didn't have the chance to be there with him. The house seems a little quiet and lifeless now without him around.
I will always remember the good memories I had with Rory.
Moving ahead, I intend to keep my resolutions for this year sweet and simple. Here goes,
- To be more organised
- To be more optimistic about National Service and try to enjoy it
- To be thrifty
- To spend more quality time with my family
December 25, 2006
Whatever happened to Christmas?
This year's Christmas doesn't seem like the Christmas I used to long for. As I listen to Aimee Mann's Christmas album - One More Drifter in the Snow, I can't help but wonder, whatever happened to Christmas?
Celebrated my 21st birthday together with my family. Nothing extravagant, I always prefer a low-key celebration anyway. A shout out to my friends for the birthday greetings, appreciate it. :)
Together with Ling and Ron, we had an oriental Christmas celebration, counting down to Christmas while having our supper at a Chinese dim sum restaurant. ha, memorable indeed. If I remember clearly, I celebrated Christmas with Ivan at Swenson's in Orchard last year. What's next?
Now for me to whine about the Army. We were made to sign a declaration stating that we are not blog about our army life in SISPEC. To prevent bad publicity, perhaps? They have taken 2 years of my life and now my freedom of speech. sigh.
Signing off from here, booking-in later at 2230 hrs.
Celebrated my 21st birthday together with my family. Nothing extravagant, I always prefer a low-key celebration anyway. A shout out to my friends for the birthday greetings, appreciate it. :)
Together with Ling and Ron, we had an oriental Christmas celebration, counting down to Christmas while having our supper at a Chinese dim sum restaurant. ha, memorable indeed. If I remember clearly, I celebrated Christmas with Ivan at Swenson's in Orchard last year. What's next?
Now for me to whine about the Army. We were made to sign a declaration stating that we are not blog about our army life in SISPEC. To prevent bad publicity, perhaps? They have taken 2 years of my life and now my freedom of speech. sigh.
Signing off from here, booking-in later at 2230 hrs.
December 16, 2006
I'll take a quiet life, a handshake of carbon monoxide.
Posting is out and contrary to what most people think, I am not exactly elated about my posting to School of Infantry Specialists (SISPEC) as a specialist trainee. I only have myself to blame for succumbing to pressure during the Express of Interest briefing.
Express of Interest briefing is a sharing session by the company officer-in-charge on the benefits of being a commander (read: propaganda) and saying no would put you at risk of a rifleman posting. No one wants to be a rifleman.
Next week I will be booking in to Pasir Laba Camp at Boon Lay to commence on my 10-week Basic Section Leader Course (BSLC). Thereafter completion, I'll earn my Corporal rank and another round of posting leading to my 3 chevrons as 3rd Sergeant.
10-week of saturdays book-out. oh well.
Took some time from my block leave to meet up with my ex-lecturer for lunch and catch up with ex-colleagues. Everyone thought 3 months passed pretty fast.
Before signing off, photo from recent outing.
Express of Interest briefing is a sharing session by the company officer-in-charge on the benefits of being a commander (read: propaganda) and saying no would put you at risk of a rifleman posting. No one wants to be a rifleman.
Next week I will be booking in to Pasir Laba Camp at Boon Lay to commence on my 10-week Basic Section Leader Course (BSLC). Thereafter completion, I'll earn my Corporal rank and another round of posting leading to my 3 chevrons as 3rd Sergeant.
10-week of saturdays book-out. oh well.
Took some time from my block leave to meet up with my ex-lecturer for lunch and catch up with ex-colleagues. Everyone thought 3 months passed pretty fast.
Before signing off, photo from recent outing.
I want my hair back!
December 13, 2006
Basic Military Training: Graduated!
After a seemingly long 13 weeks of basic military training, I finally graduated from Basic Military Training Centre last week. I looked forward to this day but not the days that lie ahead after graduation. 3 months of close bonding and training side by side no matter how tough it is, and alas, we will be going separate ways to our new units.
I find myself spending more than usual in the army. I succumbed under peers' pressure and splurged on a Sony PSP. The amount of comfort food I brought in every book-in would have lasted me for a month before army.
From a NAPFA failure to a pass in IPPT, amazing what army training can do to you.
Left to right: Louis, me, Wei Hong
My best buddy - Louis
I find myself spending more than usual in the army. I succumbed under peers' pressure and splurged on a Sony PSP. The amount of comfort food I brought in every book-in would have lasted me for a month before army.
From a NAPFA failure to a pass in IPPT, amazing what army training can do to you.
November 05, 2006
9th week of Basic Military Training
It seems like yesterday when I was enlisted for national service at Pulau Tekong's Basic Military Training Centre. I apologise for the lack of updates as having enlisted, I realised how weekend is so short and hardly had the opportunity to settle down peacefully to pen down my thoughts.
The first two weeks had been a trying period, adopting to people who spout vulgarities like their mother tongue, the regimental lifestyle, and the thoughts of loved ones and home comfort.
I am glad field camp is finally over. 7 days of outfield training without shower and proper food makes me appreciate every little comfort I am enjoying in Pulau Tekong.
4 more weeks to my graduation parade. Till then.
The first two weeks had been a trying period, adopting to people who spout vulgarities like their mother tongue, the regimental lifestyle, and the thoughts of loved ones and home comfort.
I am glad field camp is finally over. 7 days of outfield training without shower and proper food makes me appreciate every little comfort I am enjoying in Pulau Tekong.
4 more weeks to my graduation parade. Till then.
September 08, 2006
It's goodbye again, Prime Minister's Office.
I still recall vividly my last day at the Commission last year during my extended internship. It's goodbye again this week.
Had an early farewell lunch last week at Jack's Place as my supervisor is involved in the International Monetary Fund meeting the following week. I am touched by the gifts given by colleagues, Swiss Balmain watch, polo tee and red packet.
I had wonderful experience at the Commission, friendly colleagues, interesting work and great exposure. I felt a bit sentimental on the last day. It's such a great organisation.
The end of one journey, the beginning of another. I will be enlisted for national service this Saturday at Basic Military Training (BMT) School 1. My family will be accompanying me, I hope no emotional scene there. Will be finding Ivan on the first night to chit chat if time permits.
I would probably give an update on recruit's life in BMT after my first book out two weeks later (23 September 2006). Till then. :)
Had an early farewell lunch last week at Jack's Place as my supervisor is involved in the International Monetary Fund meeting the following week. I am touched by the gifts given by colleagues, Swiss Balmain watch, polo tee and red packet.
I had wonderful experience at the Commission, friendly colleagues, interesting work and great exposure. I felt a bit sentimental on the last day. It's such a great organisation.
Taken at my cubicle
My humble cubicle =)
The end of one journey, the beginning of another. I will be enlisted for national service this Saturday at Basic Military Training (BMT) School 1. My family will be accompanying me, I hope no emotional scene there. Will be finding Ivan on the first night to chit chat if time permits.
I would probably give an update on recruit's life in BMT after my first book out two weeks later (23 September 2006). Till then. :)
September 04, 2006
Comex 2006
Comex 2006 was held from 31 August - 3 September 2006 at Singapore Expo. Though it was described as 'IT and Consumer Technology Exhibition", it's plainly an air-conditioned IT pasar malam . Not that I care, just a random thought.
Post-mortem of my 3 days visit to Comex 2006,
Last week was supposed to be my last week, yet I decided to extend at my supervisor's prompting. Will share more at my next post.
Post-mortem of my 3 days visit to Comex 2006,
- Palm TX Handheld (Free 2GB SD Card, Leather case)
- 1GB SanDisk Memory Stick Pro Duo
- 1GB Creative Zen Nano Plus
- 1 Year subscription to HardwareZone Magazine with freebies
Last week was supposed to be my last week, yet I decided to extend at my supervisor's prompting. Will share more at my next post.
August 28, 2006
Bangkok Trip 2006
To visit Bangkok has always been in my to-do list before national service. Well, it did materialise afterall.
Stayed in Novotel Siam Square, a modern hotel situated right in the heart of the shopping district of Bangkok in Siam Square. It was convenient to travel with someone who speaks basic Thai. It came in handly when ordering from menu, transport and most importantly, bargaining!
One of the trip's highlights was pubbing at The Dome, located at the 67th floor of The State Tower. The pub extends to the edge of the floor, with sofa around the rotunda and surrounded by unbroken band of glass windows, giving unobstructed views of Bangkok's skyline. It's a fascinating sight to behold! It's pure bliss warming up to a glass of bitter chocolate martini in the strong wind.
The rest of the trip are visits to the usual places of interest, Platinum Shopping Mall, Mah Boon Krong (MBK), The Central, World Trade Centre, Siam Square and Suan-Lum Night Bazzar. From the places I visited, you can know it's a shopping trip. :)
Visit to Bangkok is never complete without a massage. Had a foot massage at Suan-Lum Night Bazaar after all the shopping and finally a Thai massage at Siam Massage on my last day.
Stayed in Novotel Siam Square, a modern hotel situated right in the heart of the shopping district of Bangkok in Siam Square. It was convenient to travel with someone who speaks basic Thai. It came in handly when ordering from menu, transport and most importantly, bargaining!
One of the trip's highlights was pubbing at The Dome, located at the 67th floor of The State Tower. The pub extends to the edge of the floor, with sofa around the rotunda and surrounded by unbroken band of glass windows, giving unobstructed views of Bangkok's skyline. It's a fascinating sight to behold! It's pure bliss warming up to a glass of bitter chocolate martini in the strong wind.
The rest of the trip are visits to the usual places of interest, Platinum Shopping Mall, Mah Boon Krong (MBK), The Central, World Trade Centre, Siam Square and Suan-Lum Night Bazzar. From the places I visited, you can know it's a shopping trip. :)
Visit to Bangkok is never complete without a massage. Had a foot massage at Suan-Lum Night Bazaar after all the shopping and finally a Thai massage at Siam Massage on my last day.
Platinum Shopping Centre
Suan Lum Night Bazaar
Tom Yum Fried Rice at The Central
Lunch at The Central
Visit to Four-Faced Buddha
Chill out at The Dome
Cosy environment at The Dome
August 06, 2006
Catching up and a short update...
Lately, I have been working on a paper on the impacts of new regulations governing Institutions of Public Character. It's been so much fun researching and liaising with various entities, a break from the usual stuff I do.
For the next coming weeks, I intend to have lunches with friends I have not been in contact with. A little catching up before my national service enlistment.
HSBC's recent promotion is just brilliant. Charge $30 to HSBC credit cards and you get to purchase pizza, golden village ticket, etc at just $1.
Leaving Singapore for a short holiday later. A little disappointed that I would miss catching the National Day Parade live on television. Have to settle for the encore, I guess. Till then.
For the next coming weeks, I intend to have lunches with friends I have not been in contact with. A little catching up before my national service enlistment.
HSBC's recent promotion is just brilliant. Charge $30 to HSBC credit cards and you get to purchase pizza, golden village ticket, etc at just $1.
Leaving Singapore for a short holiday later. A little disappointed that I would miss catching the National Day Parade live on television. Have to settle for the encore, I guess. Till then.
July 07, 2006
A post-graduation update.
Haven't been feeling well lately, persistent cough and phlegm-filled lungs. Took a x-ray the day before and on my fourth course of antibiotic.
Last week, upgraded my soundcard from Audigy 2 to X-Fi XtremeMusic. I must admit, my pair of Creative Cambridge speakers have never sounded so pleasantly clear before. The review by Tom's Hardware is a fine read, albeit technical jargonize.
I know this is long overdue, but here's the photo collage I did for graduation ceremony. Enjoy.
Last week, upgraded my soundcard from Audigy 2 to X-Fi XtremeMusic. I must admit, my pair of Creative Cambridge speakers have never sounded so pleasantly clear before. The review by Tom's Hardware is a fine read, albeit technical jargonize.
I know this is long overdue, but here's the photo collage I did for graduation ceremony. Enjoy.
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