16:40 - 50mins more!

Time for baby to knock off work: 17:30 . 50mins more. about time for me to go pick her up liao. then get ready for camping. Feeling: pretty crappy. such a time to fall ill. haiz. but got this long week to recuperate. Will report back on Thursday. all thanks to Hari Raya and Deepavali, an off and a battalion off-in-lieu. could have been happy holidays but got bank drought. what to do. stay home an mediate lor.

23:40 - Camping

Haiz. am still not feeling well. still green. took some medicine and effects is taking its toll. got the crappy feel and may drift off while writing. anyway, tomorrow will camp over at the beach with baby. just the two of us. it was rather in-prompt. anyway, will not talk too much now. talk tomorrow. go zzz...

Hours spent on preparations: about 3hrs . spend a lot of time looking for the portable bbq station that baby and I bought while still working in NTUC. still could not find it. has some sentimental value to it. but will have to purchase a new one somewhere for tomorrow. haiz, waste more money.

19:44 - Jack Russel woofing

One of Kenny's gang of dogs singing. woofing. he recently bought a Maltese for his fiance. Cute little bugger. I meant Kenny.



Click here to view Jack Russel woofing.

Dogs Kenny own/once own: more than 5 if I am not wrong. And all pretty hyperactive companion dogs. I seriously wonder how he copes with them. he probably acts like one of them. if you can't win em, join em. just kidding there.

08:50 - 39more mins to church

Number of times been clearing my nose and throat ever since I got up: 16 (well at least it is coming out). Minutes more to church: 39more mins . feeling?: better already. ok. I better go get ready for church.

00:46 - Sick (me) and irritating people

Ready to sleep soon. actually would not have been at home but clubbing somewhere in MS tonight if not for my very sick throat and nose. the way the thick green stuff was forming in my nose, it was probably at the rate of every 3secs. do not feel really active now. even though had a little swim earlier at the resort. probably because of those irritating people I have been seeing the past few days that fueled the germs. Irritating people 1- anime guy reading anime comics and blasting stupid Jap techno from Nokia phone on very crowded bus. irritated passengers would have killed him if there was no law. Irritating people 2- because of anime guy, uncle decide to play with non polyring tones from old Nokia phone. song? mission impossible. irritated passengers felt the same way. Irritating people 3- stupid kids in swimming pool blocking lanes of swimmers. the way those kids were moving in the water, I am sure those swimmers must have given them a feet or a hand. Irritating people 4- unstable people who stare and go kinky in public swimming pools. one look and you will know that they should not have belonged in the pool. he looked as though he could have done hurt to someone. families and other swimmers were dodging him big time. he was jumping up and down in the water. seriously, I do not see any one else with him to look after him. he was alone! and he actually tried to follow baby. like jaws. had I not swam up fast enough.. I just feel for the safety of users in the pool. should not something be done? probably I would write in to forum.

Minutes to zzz: 3mins 23secs . activities for tomorrow: church! town! plus a spot of movie . that is if I feel better. Is falling sick part of growing up? haiz.

23:54 - Amazing!

Before I go about talking about my day and all, something amazing just happened. not magically. not physically. well, last week's church sermon was about God's word. and baby wanted to write it down. but she left her notes at home, so she asked if I could remember. and I said no. so she continued with what she was doing. and I picked up Rick Warren's The purpose driven life (a little effort of mine to know God better..) and continued with where I left off. The way I read the book was recommended by the pastor author- a chapter a day. but because of my outfield training earlier in the week, I could not bring the book out. and so lagged a few chapters.

so here comes the part. the chapter I picked up was answering baby's question. what do you do with God's word? the answer was just there right in my face. quoted from the book, There are five ways to do this: You can receive it, read it, research it, remember it, and reflect on it. and the following page, Receiving, reading, researching, remembering, and reflecting on the Word are all useless if we fail to put them into practice. that was what the sermon covered. what a coincidence! this must be a message from God to me. and I will follow. I wonder what tomorrow's sermon will be about. will definitely be listening to his word closely.

Hours to church service: roughly 10hours . Feeling now: amazed and lifted. are you not?

14:03 - Tekong project

For the Tekong 2 bunch, yesterday was the last day. and so we left the Island. probably not coming back again. probably never going to see our hardwork again. for the past 2 weeks, I really learnt and aquired plentiful knowledge and skills. probably enough for me to build my own house if I have too. It was an experience I would not have wanted to pass. where would you ever have a chance to learn about, drainage? electric cabling systems? modular structuring? or even hands-on equipment and tools of the construction world. that is unless you work as a construction worker, an engineer or a technician (which I am not- I am a pure marketer).

The airconditioned bunks and mess will not be the only things I would miss (I would lie to you if I were to say 'I do not miss the bunk and mess'). but all the fun I had there with Jeffery, Fa-ge and the rest. I would miss the learning too. I would not mind going back there. serious.

Number of days spent there: 7 (only?). Number of times I swam there: 0. to think I even brought my trunks and googles there. Number of mosquitos killed yesterday: 5. gave them a chance. it was my last day so I did not make it their last day as well. only killed those we attacked the face. After words: hard work there but is worth the sweat. every drop of it.

13:15 - First day after 23

My first day after 23. feeling old. but happy. no more restrictions to big-time clubs liao. can proudly shove my ID into the bouncers hands now. them people would never believe that I am 23. anyway, took this opportunity to catch up with friends. last night with Tlc, Eugene, Darren (fa-ge) and Wei Qiang. the day before with Kenny and Xuifeng and his puppy maltese. and very early this week with Vin, Janvion and Kenny. all 3 with baby with me of cos. Anyway, baby actually got for me Bossa Nova! Haha. I did not see that coming. she hates jazz. she also got me a really slick frame as well. really gets me to the right age. until then I did not know I got such mini eyes. I must have been so disillusioned all my life. hmm. anyway, thank you baby for the lovely presents. thank you friends as well. I am so blessed with all of you.

So tallying the total wishes so far: about 13 . well, not bad for someone who do not go around bragging when his birthday is. Plans today: clubbing perhaps?

12:20 - Fashion show

Went to Levi's Lady's style fall 2oo5 Fashion Show at Raffles with baby. this is my first for fashion shows. pretty neat. great marketing. after the show, many flocked to the store, all wanting to inspire envy. too bad they did not have the stock with them. poor logisitics. If you are like me (the fashion virgin), below is what it is like. for veterans, please ignore short video clip. or link to baby's princess page to see more pictures. all of this taken with my N7200.



Click here to view. please do mute the volume. the background music plus noise is crazy.

Hours left before I have to get up for Tekong: 6hrs . Hours left before I will leave Tekong: 18hrs . Minutes left before my body system shut down to zzz: 20mins, 6secs . And happy birthday myself! make that 4 well-wishes liao.

11:40 - Thursday

It has definitely been a very long tuesday and wednesday for me. joining the guys at Gudong for training and bridging. it was intense sweating, lack of sleep (less than 5hrs = lack of sleep) and all of us discovered a hidden liking for maggie 3mins noodles. combat ration tasted like combat ration. so everyone bundled together to cook and became merry. I am really glad to be back in civilisation. in the army, it is not unusual that the air is fresher when in civilised places than the jungle. Oh did I mention HC shat on the rig itself? he told me he could not take it and so he dropped his bomblets into the reservior. and he even cleaned his behind with the water. yucks. anyway, tomorrow will head back to Tekong Island. and also tomorrow is not only Friday (book out day!) but my birthday! happy birthday to myself! not young already orh.

Minutes more to birthday: 20mins . Wishes received so far: from Alvin, Kenny and baby (huh.. only got 3?) . Presents? : from Alvin, WC, and Jianyi, Kenny and Xui Feng and of cos, my baby . Number of times I could have drove my raft commander mad by nearly grounding during ramp setting: 2 . Number of times I took to pilot rig to couple: 3 (Eugene and Jonathan close to getting frenzy) . Hey. I did not even have a refresher course lor. not bad record already ok. at least I managed to delaunch as pilot (except for the left left left, right right right part) . at least I did not crash or break a crane. touch wood.

06:18 - Brother back!

Leaving house soon. have to report to Tekong. later tonight will attend fashion show. baby got the invites (so why not). and my brother is back from Vietnam! he brings back more mystery about his stay in South East Asia. My mom thinks he is possessed and wants to bring him to see a medium. I am not sure about that. she says it is all the pigs figurines in his room. hmm.. anyway, so now my brother is back, equals he use computer more, equals I blog less. one big haiz.

(Verse for the week)
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Am late now. must fly. hours to get to Ferry terminal: 1hr . Days left in Tekong: 2 (today included) . Chances of blogging now when brother is back: at least half gone. that is the going rate. haiz. Days left to see Tlc and rest: 1D .

08:42 - Sunday morning

Sunday morning rain is falling
Steal some covers share some skin
Clouds are shrouding us in moments unforgettable
You twist to fit the mold that I am in
But things just get so crazy living life gets hard to do
And I would gladly hit the road get up and go if I knew
That someday it would lead me back to you.....

what a sunday song (maroon 5 - sunday morning). anyway, will be heading down to church like now. also for the new member course. hope to hear what God has to say to me. and also hope to learn more about him and his words. last night's meet up with the guys was fine. only that I pushed back the timing so that good o Jianyi got more time. but na. he was still at home at 12. so we asked him to u-turn and head home. a little too mean but it would have been a fruitless trip to come down and see us all wasted. anyway, what is wrong with Jalan Kayu? I don't even mind going to there lor why should he mind? regardless, thanks for the birthday present guys!

Minutes more to church service: 30 mins . Vcd left: 2 . How was BeCool: Horrible . Got to go now. do not want to be too late for service.

18:07 - Jing Ying's birthday pictures

After a frustrating day in town, here I am back at home. will be meeting up with Alvin, wc, JianYi and Kenny about 3 hours more. so will post up this few pictures which the birthday girl herself sent me after like a month after her big day. well, at least it came.


Jing Ying's 21st birthday. I did not have a wonderful time there. It was not surprising. but well, at least I got to catch up with Shamil. some history into that I shall not elaborate.


The pretty (baby) and the glum face (me lah). If only I pulled off a better and more natural smile. It would have looked really nice. her party was pretty happening. big and lots of cousins and friends. she could have nearly divided herelf into 5 x JY so she could equally talked to everyone.

Vcd's to complete by Sunday: 3 . they did not have the show I wanted. Japanese horror movie called spiral or something. so purely on impulse we got 3.

00:26

Am I really that bad? haiz. I cannot think straight liao. I'll probably go sleep now...

Feeling: still as bad and pathetic as before . did some reflecting. Resolution to save. but action speaks louder than words. time will tell. and so will God.

23:31 - Reply to Baby's Materialistic post

What she is saying I understand. she is right. I need to save. that is what I am doing now. indeed it is too late. but what to do. I regret. we share different views. Probably I should think less about what to make, rather think about what to get. no additional meaning in that. just saying my mind. I just want to say this, what I am yesterday will not mean what I will be tomorrow. give me time after NS. and I will say this, you will never regret being with me.

How I am feeling at this moment: the lowest (how low can one get?).

21:35 - Bricks and more bricks

I am seeing bricks everyday. But that is about to change. due to some situation, our stay there will be short lived. haiz. and to think that I was blending in perfectly. so much so for bring in my trunks and googles. I did not even get to dip my legs into the nice big pool there.

Anyway, took a shot with Jeffery's mobile. and it turned out to be low resolution (explains the size). haiz again. and yes. that is one of the walls I, Jeffery and KH constructed. simple looking but not simple.



Number of mosquitos killed so far: 30 (all thanks to mosquito fogging) . Number of times Jeffery sang while working: countless . Days left to work in Tekong: 2 . Feelings to that: lousy. but what to do. get ready to move out ba.

00:06 - Brick walls

Oh. did I mention what I did in Tekong? Erecting brick walls. for now that is. it is really not that easy as it sounds. you have to consider the measurements, formula for the mixture of cement, and a whole deal of patience. I wonder how the third little pig (in three little pigs) built a house in such short time. hmm? I'll probably go build something by the beach one day. like what I told baby.

Bricks I used so far: At least 23 (it is not those small orange-brown bricks ok. it is those really big and rough ones). If there was a position for my role, it would have been: structural skeleton military construction engineer. Ha!

00:01 - Island Tekong

All thanks to Jeffery, my nights out became a nights off. which means tonight I can sleep on my all-cosy homely bed and snuggle up my bolster. not that the island resort of Tekong cannot provide but nothing beats seeing my baby in person and being with her.

So here I am, posted to Island Tekong for 2 weeks of training. learning construction. something like those structures built in the SAF humanitarian aid mission in Indonesia and Thailand. such a good exposure and learning avenue. why not man. by far, the only bad things about the place has got to be the darn mosquitos. that is all. Kami-kaze trained and only work for blood. the blood suckers. the battlion load of them. however, unlike poor Eugene, TLC and the rest who have to put up with ridiculous training schedules (such as 3hours sleep time a day), we get like as much as 10hours, with airconditioned bunks, television, console (with metal slug x!!), loads of peanuts, help-yourself meals and the world's biggest mess. this is paradise. We could all sign-on here and get chubby. Na. kidding.

Mosquitos killed so far: 13 and rising (I only kill when provoked) . Days left on the island: 7 . Number of times the console hanged when I was playing metal slug X: 5 . Number of times I completed the game: 0 . I give up! Feeling of being on Tekong: the best ever . especially when it reminds me of my old Basic training days.

21:43 - No ice-skating? Sentosa lor.

Did not really get to ice-skate as planned. The Japanese drama (Pride) had driven all the wannabies to the ice-ring in Jurong, so we amazing-raced down to Kallang, only to discover that the whole entire Leisure dome was knocked down... anyway, whoa-la, the Sentosa pics. long overdue.


Sentosa beach stretch. warm, fuzzy and pretty.


The first time I literally breaststroked in the sea. and discovered my passion for beach volleyball. ho-ha!


Me and 3 half naked dudes. Tlc, Sam and Joel.


The perverts of our company. all flocked to girl watch bikini-babes.


Eugene. The guy who did not join us for the supposed ice-skating for girls. for girls man!

Chances of being back on another island besides tekong: very high . How this weekend went: slow and low . How the coming weekend will go: better than this weekend .

I am all set for the new week!

15:05 - Not enough

After reflecting, I know I do not know the Lord enough. so here is what I need to do to improve that: 1 - Learn more about him. do not just use the bible for reference for the daily bread. read it as it is. 2 - highlight verses. helps in remembering and finding important verses/ quotes. 3 - pay more attention to church sermons. 5secs of closed eyes does not rest the eyes at all. 4 - talk more to him. anytime, anywhere in any situations.

Well. that is it for now.

01:05 - Accomplishments

Got to brag before I go for my daily body maintenance (which is sleep actually. not gym) in est. 360secs.


More ga-rang (gutsy) notice board for the specs. D-I-Yed by me. With this, all platoon 1 specs can be blessed for good timing for Standard Obstacle Course and IPPT. as well as...


I added a little something to Eugene's cupboard. Would have done more had I more resources (of FHM) and time.

Est hours before booking in at Changi Ferry Terminal: 29hrs . Amount of days will spend at Tekong: 10D . Feeling of not going to Gudong for deployment and combat ration meals: Thrilled. Tekong will be air-con bunks and NTUC foodfair ration.

12:14 - Truly amazing

It is amazing. to have lost something yet to have a voice inside your head that tells you not to give up and continue searching. And when you search, you actually find what you are looking for. My story: I dropped my brown textile handphone cover for my 7100 around a bend when an iguana surprised baby, who in turn knocked into me and landed the cover onto the ground. I did not notice. then at the centre, I realised it was gone. baby told me to retrace our footsteps, but I thought I left it on the bus. I was on the edge of giving up. but then there was a voice in my head. "walk to the bend, continue no further from there"

I nearly choked when I found it at the bend. Not that the cover is expensive or significant but rather, the lesson and learning behind it. Not to give up. just like my IPPT 2.4km timing. I gave up at the last 400m thinking I made the timing for Gold and slowed down. Bad call. I reached the line at 4secs short of Gold. Complacency got the better of me. Should have pushed on. One more thing I also learnt: communicate with God. It worked for me.

After effects of not getting IPPT Gold: None. completely recovered. and learnt morale of story.

01:02

It is saturday now. hurray! will go ice-skate with baby and my close camp buddies in about 12hrs from now. this, plus the thought of staying civilian until monday morning indeed works smiles for me. that is despite baby's rattling at me the whole of just now. she's fast asleep now. my time is up for me to go knock off from work today. need to body maintenance. zzz.

Before I knock off, this week I did an italian job. and nearly got busted by the vigilant "W.B.M-STER". totally freaked out. will never do it again. too risky. Oh. and chances of encounting a ghost at the wet gap when alone with medic: pretty high I must say. But lowered the chance of encountering one: by playing with rover and risk puncturing tyres. that did not happen, and well, at least I know how to start one. with help of Wong that is. good o medic.

11:05 - Friday!

Friday! Friday! it may seem like 432,000secs (5 days x 24hrs x 60min x 60secs) but the week felt like forever. finally am out of camp and waiting to bathe in hot water. too many things happening so I'll shortcut it to cut long stories short. Me eyes closing in approximately 3600secs.

No of times I made ZF climb the low rope: 7 . The sense of achievement and happiness when he made it: enormous . What it reminded me of: that I once had a phobia of it as well . Feeling of being Duty spec this week: important . Feeling of being important this week: tiring . The amount of hours I slept this week in the process of feeling important: less than 30hrs . Seriously, if there was a term for my Ds duty this week, it got to be "human logistics resource management coordinator and controller supervisor. Anyway, I've burnt my chances of getting a Gold for my IPPT test. By 4secs!!! by not running 4secs faster, I am regretting and will mediate this week and the following.

21:55

Will write one more time before I book into camp. Is watching the korean drama (Stairway to heaven) that baby is into and I seriously do not know why the show is so interesting. the plot is rather simple but the romance is highly complex. and they keep playing back the theme song over and over again just like a jukebox with only a song in its playlist. Will continue watching to find out the reason why people watch them. then book in. and sleep.

Hours to book in: 2 . Est days to book out again: 2 . Willingness to spend time with baby even if it means being with her for 4 hours: Very willing .

20:53

No of times I ran around like mad dog today: 4 . No of times I barked at the orderly: 2 . Calaries burnt today because of behavior like mad dog: more than yesterday . Preparation for IPPT window: insufficient . Amount of hope tomorrow will be a better day: high

One year soldier!

I am now a one year soldier! one more year to go before my "civilianship". one more year before my shelter breaks. and responsibilities in life come rushing in. as well as freedom. I can smell freedom...

I want to study

I want to study again. It has been in my mind since the last day of my tertiary studies. I had to part with it for army. Not that that is bad. but I have the urge that I want to be in campus.. Oh the campus air. textbooks in hand, walking past benches filled with groups discussing about work, girl/guy watching, gossiping and all. I want to talk strategies, market penetration, product life cycle, ansoff. I want to talk marketing. Haiz. I wish I could study now.

better think of how I am going to achieve that after serving the nation.

Ball recovery ops

Sam landed a soccerball up a coconut tree on the Sentosa event. so here's the cohesive and co-ordinated ball recovery ops by the specs of 'A'. At best.



click here to view the short video

What world are we living in?

What world are we living in? people killing people. like the now Bali bombings. what are they thinking about? Japanese and australian tourist? they are killing their own tourist industry. killing their economy. simple minded thinking and reckless ways. and now we also have nature against us. we are now facing onslaught of disasters after disasters, outbreaks after outbreaks.

the sign of the end of times?

Home blogger down

Ok. now my home blogger is down as well. everything is so left. This is so jinxed.

Half heck bicycle

It was a perfect night. we cycled to Pasir Ris park side by side. where Fishermen village was. had a lovely dinner under the moon and millions of stars with the sound of gentle waves crashing on the shores. we reminisce our first time here, on our first date. and talked about everything under the skies... and baby decided we cycle to the resort for her favourite California Lemonade.

and that was when we discovered that her 10 year old bicycle's rear tyre was flat. it looked like melted cheese hanging on the rim. but not wanting to disappoint her, we switched bicycles and cycled on. her bicycle made sounds as it moved. sort of like fart sounds. those long and draggy kind. and the worst thing was the flat tyre was creating an enormous amount on friction that made cycling on a challenge. there was a constant need for momentum to bring the bicycle faster. I had to shift my body back and forth, in a rapid jerking motion. only then i could gather more speed to overcome the slopes in the park. I had to admit. it looked really stupid. a farting bicycle with a jerking cyclist! we had people staring. and by the time we reached Downtown resort, i was breaking out in sweat. lots of them. after we had the lemonade, we started the final (painful) journey back home... which I made it! Heck. trust me. you will never want to ride on a half heck bicycle. well unless you actually found what I just said cool. by all means man. let the air go.


Recharging on lemonade... the only reason why the return trip was possible.