Event: Yet Another Decade Coming - It's 2010

My older colleagues says when you turn 21, you will start to grow old very quickly. In the blink of an eye, you will become 25. Then in another blink, 30. Thereafter, it takes only half a blink to reach 40. Scary.

Next year, I am turning 21. Shit, next year comes in 30 minutes.

No matter, this time of the year generally means new year resolution, for me at least.

Let's take a look back at what I blogged as my 2009 new year resolution.

My resolutions for 2009:

1) Try not to be so desensitised that i dont even give a damn about my closer friends

2) Try to spend less and save more for my university

3) Try to catch up on my Chinese and English language as well as some basic computing stuff

4) Maintain my weight around the range of 52kg to 55kg

5) Gain so much muscles that i will look hot in tight-fitting clothes

6) Down pes in August

7) Beat up at least 50% of the guys in my i-want-to-beat-you-up-cause-i-dont-like-your-face list by the time i ORD

8) Train my eye-rolling skills until my powers suppass Storm's

Looking point by point, it seems that I didn't even fulfil half of my resolution. For number 5, I think I look quite hot already, but I guess there's always room for improvement. Lol, just joking. For number 7, I am really disappointment that I didn't beat up a single person, but oh well, some things happened and I didn't feel like beating up anyone, though most of them did continue to raise my blood pressure throughout the year. As for number 8, I think my eyes are too small, so oh well. No count.

Joking resolution aside, I didn't save much, my bad. Will try again this year.

I did try to pick up my Chinese again, but it's not enough. I'm still trying to start Chinese blogging again, will see how. As for computing knowledge, it's really hard to start. But now that I have plenty of time, I should really start borrowing some books to read.

I didn't manage to keep my weight around that range, but I must say that I don't really care that much anymore. A light person has his advantages.

Okay, I did not down pes, cause I kind of have a less-than-willing specialist to look at me as a weakling who needs to down pes. My fault, for not being a natural liar and deceive my way through to statuses and down pes. I shall repent.

Ok so the only resolution that I managed to keep was number 1. I did try to, and manage to contact many of my friends. It's really hard to start calling them but I'm glad I did during my block leave. It's true that I was still out of touch with most of my friends until August cause army made me so busy. But well at least I did try. And actually, I did fulfil another resolution which I didn't write down - that is, to complete a full marathon.

The larger part of looking back at this year goes to thinking back of the army. So I shall leave that to the next blog post.

For now my resolutions are as follows:

1) Get a good paying job and really start saving up for university

2) Have a good start to university life, cast off my loner self and make lots of friends in university

3) Remember everyone's birthday, for once, cause this coming year, most of my friends are turning 21

4) Work out consistently and get IPPT silver by end of March

5) Complete Sundown Marathon 2010 and StanChart Singapore Marathon 2010 with a timing of less than 5 hours

6) Restart my skills allocation program, to learn either cooking, instruments, wushu, Japanese, roller blading, computing, photoshop etc.

7) Start a Chinese blog, food blog and maintain them

8) Drink way less Starbucks

Well, that's it for now.

The year we turn 21, we become adults. That's a traditional way of thinking, but I think most people still appeal to it. My closest friends, we're becoming an adult soon. Many great things in our lives are just starting. We have come a long way, we have matured. This will be a great year. The year to adulthood.

Happy New Year~

Event: Christmas Celebration

I can't say I really celebrate Christmas. But I vaguely remember that there were lots of little gatherings at Danny's House on Christmas yearly, though I rarely attend. This year I was there and we had steamboat again. It's good to sit around with your friends and have a good home dinner together. Its really hilarious when Yinning tries to stop people from polluting her food source too. Luckily nobody cut her off from dinner this year.

I baked a chocolate honey cake this year with some chocolate honey sauce. I won't say it's a success but hey, my friends havn't complained that they're having diarrhoea yet. It's a good first attempt. I'm trying to make baking one of my skills. Till the next time then.

gosh my camera phone totally sucks, its so grainy

chatty chatty after dinner~

i did cut off the top layered which is obviously burnt, but the rest of the cake was still not so bad

Brain Storm: The Water That Reflects My Body, Mind And Soul (The Beginning)

2 years ago, I was excited about entering the army. Finally, I am going to become rock solid fit and the army will force me to eat healthily. My friend used to say that he will just pretend that it's just some extended chalet and try to enjoy all the outdoors. I guess we never thought deeply enough, and we didn't know the army enough. I really cannot recall being worried at all, though I did make preparations just in case I couldn't sleep on the first day of enlistment. (I barely slept the day before on purpose, so that I would be so tired that I will fall asleep on the first day easily)

The Story... 2 days before I enlisted, I sms-ed my friend who enlisted already, and I did the same 1 day before I enlisted to 2 other friends. They both sounded alright. No big deal. But we all didn't know the first few days was just the relaxing administrative days. When I went to the interchange, I saw Tsun Wang and that really put me at ease. But I began to tense up as we boarded the ferry and went up the steps towards the back of the auditorium. Many people said they felt detached from civilian-ness when they gave their pink IC to the army. Being truly innocent and oblivious, I didn't. Even when we met the CSM and he spoke in such military style to us, I still thought that everything's gonna be fine. When we responded to him, we were zealous, we were loud. I felt that I was so into it (like Yayyyy! Army!! lol). The sadness sank in starting from the time CO spoke to me in the cookhouse, telling me to eat more. When it's time for the parents to leave, I really felt tears in my eyes. Mum pat on my head and told me to take care. I told her "不用担心, 我会照顾自己"

"Don't worry, I'll be alright, I can take care of myself."

So it begins. BMT wasn't the toughest thing I went through, despite me being only a LCP. Though it was intense, it probably wasn't as tough as it was supposed to be cause the garang spirit was still strong. I remember having the ADF in my platoon, along with a certain white horse.

Here's a few things that's imprinted deeply in my mind.

1) I happened to meet Guan Wen when I was collecting my kit, I still had my hair while his was gone. I remember we were discussing on "How we were told to wear our socks". That's the army for you.
2) I remember all the recruits mass called our parents on the first day, cause we were forced to. I hanged up promptly. At that time I still did not miss home that much.
3) I remember dragging my duffel bag to the 3rd floor and feeling tired. Wonder how the rest bring up to their 4th level bunk and 5th level bunk.
4) I remember asking my section commander if I can wear my knee support as if to do so was a crime. I was so afraid that he will scream "NO!" Instead he just said "Sure, make sure you don't get injuries from the army, it's not worth it" and my eyes just went O_o
5) Quite a few of my personal equipment were wrong size. I was totally freaked out cause I thought it was my fault when I keyed my data into the system. Turned out my platoon kept saying that he will make sure that our equipment were perfect.
6) On the first day, (even after many days from then), there were lots of sniffing at night. Lol, guys have emotions too.
7) My platoon sergeant confess that he "sniffs" everyday during his BMT. We were all so shocked, yet impressed, cause he's such a mature looking guy but he has his soft sides too. He loves his mother so much.
8) During the first few days, I called Yinning to wish her happy birthday. I was already on the verge of tears, then she passed the phone to Ching Yee. I was totally like "omg just stop this" and after a few sentence I told her I have to hang up.
9) My first impression of the ADF was good. He seems nice. Then it turned hellish. We hated him, but you've got to give it to him for making us so fit. I was the first person to do 100 push ups, given by him!
10) After a while, flutter kicks were common, push ups were alright, 100 counts of 4 of jumping jacks are nothing.
11) I remember shivering like hell during our one and only swimming lesson cause it was at night.
12) During the last few nights before the end of the confinement week, I felt numb about missing home already.
13) BMT was the time I realised guys can be really so darn vain.
14) I remember doing Own Time Own Training with Tsun Wang, forcing him to train hard so that he can pass.
15) I always like to sit next to or opposite Tsun Wang at first, cause having somebody to talk to takes my mind off my civilian world outside.
16) I remember crawling through mud and water like it was natural. I didn't squirm, didn't scream, didn't complain. It was there, and I just know I have to go through it. Though I was so glad that we only had to do the combat aggression thing once.
17) I remember my OC telling us how the army fights and how we're all here to be trained to kill. My OC is a funny person. He always say "J-T-B ah, just too bad" "I don't kid you, you're here to learn to kill. If you don't kill your enemy, he will kill you"
18) OC gave us 5AX (5 advance exercise) as punishment for being late during field camp. It consisted of diamond push up, alternate leg thrust, jumping jacks, flutter kicks and can't remember what's the last one.
19) During field camp, I swear half the time I don't know where I am walking towards at night.
20) I remember how 3SG Au hao lian about having the camouflage scarf and we can't have it.
21) The basic close combat course was utterly stupid. And I was able to tell who had martial arts background just by looking.
22) I remember lots of guys baby crawling to the staircase outside after lights out to cut our nails after being punished earlier. The whole ninja thing after lights out was fun though its because we were never caught before
23) I like the days when training wasn't so harsh and we could sleep later. Daryl and I were always the last to brush our teeth. Sometimes he would sit on my bed and we would talk. That's the best time of the day.
24) I remember shouting at Daryl (well the whole bunk was shouting at him) for over using his powder. It was so hard to sweep it.
25) My birthday happened to be 2 days before POP and to date I don't know how my bunk found out. They totally kiwi-ed my butt in the day and camo-ed me at night. Weng Kin taped up my mouth like 6 times. I had to bathe after that and kept asking Daryl who was still brushing his teeth to help me check if there's any camo left.
26) Sports day was fun and I saw lots of friends in other companies. It rained and my bunk mates threatened to wipe my face with mud. Lol.
27) Chris once commented that I'm very poor thing cause I bring my PSP in every week but I always don't get to play it. It's always in the hands of my bunk mates.
28) I remember how one of the NSPS tried to teach us VP. Thinking back, he was such a noob.
29) I remember how we shouted and singed so loudly during POP. It was the best day.
30) There were lots of bodyguards on POP day sia...

BMT was a good time of my army life. It was harsh but fun and bonding as well. I really wanted life to be even harsher after BMT. (No I'm not a maniac.) I will never forget the MO who stubbornly refused to let me go to command school. Many times were good, like having the BIC as the finale of the field camp, the route marches, the times we spent in bunk challenging each other for the stripping of our rifles etc etc. I grew stronger, and I learnt to tolerate people, communal living, and being treated like some low class species. It was the grand opening of the 2 years. And the Section 3 I so loved paved the way.

Event: First Proper Work Experience

It says "Temp Despatch" and I was told that I'm supposed to deliver stuff to nearby offices. The first thing I was taught when I came into the office was how to frank letters (you know, the ink prints on a official letter which says how many cents). Then I was taught how to recognise different company letters and deliver them to the different departments. Lastly I was taught how to send the franked letters at the post office. Nothing about despatch. I wanted this job cause I prefer to be able to walk around. In the end, I only delivered one item during my 7 days of work. But still, I like my job. Its pretty easy, I have quite a bit of free time as long as I work fast. Even though, as the week pass, I had more ad hoc admin stuff to do, such as moving the furniture around, counting the number of fans and paintings in the office etc.

I must say that the people in the office are really nice, especially the aunties who are contract workers. I love to talk to them as time pass faster. Another reason is because they always say how I look too young to be 20 years old. That always make me very happy. :) "I look young.. like, first time people say that to me"

I like the free drinks dispenser in the lounge. I always drink to my heart's content everyday. I think I have milo poisoning by now. The job scope is also not bad, though it'll get boring after a while.

It's a great first proper work experience overall.

Event: Back With My Alma Mater

Friday night, I stepped into the familiar grounds that I spent 4 years of my life in. A bunch of people whom I do not know at all said hi to me. They called me by my name.

I came back, they saw me. They asked me to give a little talk. Willing or unwilling, I know not, but they asked.

I stepped into the building. A giant wall sized photo is printed on the front of the office. That's me on it, upper left hand corner, smiling.

I went into the room. They stared. I introduced myself, they seemed to know me already.

As I speak, we went through many photos. That's me, overall in charge of so many things.

As I share, memories came back. I was the demon, the extremist, the bad guy who committed so many crimes.

As I finished, they clapped. Gullible. To them there stood a man, old, but most experienced of them all.

Last month, I went back too, I was asked, why am I not part of the alumni? I'm high profile they say, I am expected to be in it.

My alma mater, 4 years of my life. On 31st December 2005, a great man left the school.

I AM LEGEND.

...

...

...

just joking.

Lol.

They say that I am a legend. Its partially true. True because I am so notorious for my almost-demonic actions as a disciplinarian. Only partially true as I am getting older, and they still have yet to build a statue for me. So it is only sooner or later that I am forgotten.

I am starting to regret agreeing to give a speech, and not preparing a script. Cause all I said was crap. I am old and have forgotten all that leadership bullcrap. But still, even if the talk for myself, it was good. Lots of memories which I have kept in the storeroom of my brain came back. I guess I'll just take it that the talk was for myself.

It was good to see many people, though I am really upset that so few of my cute beloved juniors went back. It's once a year after all. Many thanks to Hui Shan as well, who painstakely spent time to entertain an old man from 11.30pm to 12.30am so that I would miss my last bus. It was a noble sacrifice for her. I had a great chat with the kids. Really, I kept telling myself to not treat them as such anymore but that day, I was enlightened on why I still do so. Being around their childishness really, really makes me feel old though.

It's good going back. Until next year then. That is, if they haven't forgotten an old man like me.

Ramblings: Once A Bitch, Always A Bitch

I don't like people to patronise me. That much is true. However, I would also like a bit of respect as a human being, even if you do not want to treat me like a senior that I am.

I am back as a friend, to see my beloved cute little juniors whom I missed so much over the course of my army life. I really hate to have people interrupt me and give me the look that I so detest. I mean, I know you dislike me, you also know that I dislike you. I don't cross your path, and I would expect you to do the same. If you have any disagreement or violent objections to my friendly discussions with my friends, it would be ideal to say when I am not around. Its like, I am the one who went through army, not you, bitch.

Then again, when you're born a bitch, you stay one. It's not as bad as last time though, that much I admit. At least you improved, as a human being. A little grateful, I am.

P.S. A bitch is a female dog. Says Longman Dictionary.

Now buzz off.

Tech Speak: Put On Your Goggles From Google

Google Goggles allows you to search things by taking photos. The explanation below will speak for itself. The guy's way monotonous though.

This is Android only. Way to go, Android!

Ramblings: I Am Going Crazy!! (over the lack of some stuff)

I need these things soon. I'm starting to feel breathless. Gosh.

1) New Handphone - HTC Dream ($600)

I just need a decent phone with a keyboard. HTC Touch Pro 2 will do nicely too but its way too expensive. And M1 don't sell Dream anymore. Screw M1.

2) New Earpiece - Sennheiser CX300 Precision II or Altec Lansing Backbeat Titanium ($130)

Ok, my new G2000 pants tainted my Sonic Gear Ear Pump blackish. Its unsighted and I could use a new ear piece with better sound quality.

3) New Bag - Backpack or Sling bag or laptop bag ($40 - $100)

Actually any type which looks decent will do. I hate dragging my Adidas duffel bag or my army sect comd bag everywhere I go.

4) Fix my PSP ($100)

The analog control is spoiled. It automatically goes upper left, which is freaking annoying.

5) Stationary - Pencil Case, Fanciful pens, short Pilot G2 and G3, ruler, stapler etc. ($20)

Like, I lost my pencil case, er, at home. Need to restock everything.

6) Register for Adidas Sundown Marathon 2010 ($70)

I'm afraid that there won't have anymore places if I keep dragging...

7) New MP3 Player ($200)

My Zen Stone Plus is pissing me off. I don't need a Ipod Touch. Though a Crowell S9 or Ipod Nano or Zen Xi-fi 2 will do nicely...

8) Scholarship

Stop sending me the information letters... Just give me the scholarship and save trees.

Things That I've Wanted For A Long Time And I Keep Seeing Them On Sale

1) Capsule Speakers 2nd Gen XMI Minimax II ($70)

Minimax I was ultra good. Can't begin to imagine 2nd gen. But then again, I don't need this.

2) Uniquo Jeans ($50)

For the first time I actually liked a pair of skinny jeans. But I have quite a number of jeans now...

3) Nintendo iDS ($350)

Wanted to get a large screen iDS and support original games. But the console is expensive and so are the games...

4) Some toiletries

I happen to use quite expensive toiletries and some new products are available plus sales yada yada, but my current batch still got quite a bit...

5) New Computer - Core i7 with GT275 Graphics ($2000)

Not a gamer, yet. So don't really need such a good computer.

6) NAS, Xbox 360/PS3 ($500, $400, $600)

Well, its not a must to have a home server but still...

7) Subscription to a few stuff - Hardwaremag, Hardwarezone ($200, $100)

I can just go to starbucks to read. But shit, I don't go to starbucks anymore...

8) DSLR Canon 7D/500D ($2500)

Ok this is really expensive... But I saw all the photos my friends are taking, and it's a hell lot of difference between a DSLR and a compact camera.

So actually apart from the scholarship, all I need is MONEY. But I'm going for a holiday soon. And I want to be able to spend as much as possible there. So I got to bear with it. Guess I can get my bag there. Actually I've been looking through online trade/sale Singapore webs. I don't need first hand stuff, especially for things like mp3 player/handphones/bags which will sooner or later become like shit anyways...

Damn.

Brain Storm: Why I Love Running

I drafted this a few months ago

"My buddy said its good to keep fit, but not good to be over fit. Yeah, he's referring to me. He thinks liking running and being about to run 10km with ease, is over fitness.

Running makes me feel alive, much like Henry from Time Traveler's Wife. It makes me feel satisfied, knowing that I have surpassed myself, that I have become stronger and faster. Even if I did not improve, I can at least tell myself that I have maintained, or that at least I can run faster than those fagg*ts who pant at 1km point. I always feel disappointed when I start feeling tired or give up at small millages such as 3 or 4km point. Running is a way of keeping myself in check, a way of knowing that I am still healthy. I do "sports" a lot. I don't enjoy it, but I go to gym often, I swim whenever I can, I run a lot. I do it to keep fit, to look good, to feel good. I run the most, cause its easy and Punggol is a nice place to run.

It's not a hobby, but I still love running."

As posted, I did the full marathon a few days ago. I've not fully recovered yet, and will probably still take a few days more before I can work out again. My buddy tweeted about over fitness for people who actually runs 42.125km. Yeah just say it in my face, you bitch. There's this thing known as the # or @ function.

I'll keep running. And one day, when you struggle to pass 2.4, and I don't, when you become fat and I don't, when you become weak and I don't, we'll all know why.

:)

Tech Speak: Extension Extends Chrome

Chrome Beta has something new. Well not really new but I just found out. Extensions works much like how Firefox's extensions do, but they do give a cleaner feel. Scripts are downloaded and installed into your Chrome browser. There are 3 types of scripts, one that affects the content of the web itself (Content Action), one that gives a button at your toolbar allowing you do some actions (Browser Actions) and one that detects what kind of web you're browsing and allows you do some action by showing an icon in the address bar (Page Action).

Read more at http://chrome.blogspot.com and http://www.google.com/support/chrome/bin/answer.py?answer=154007&topic=25692&hl=en_US

Try it if you don't mind using Chrome Beta.

Allow me to share some of the extensions I've used.

1) Google Translate - detects a foreign language in the page you're reading and allows you to translate the content

2) xMarks Bookmarks Synchroniser - an extension from xMarks that allows you to synchronise your bookmarks between computers and between browsers

3) Google Wave Notifier - notifies you when there's a new Wave

4) Chromed Bird - access your twitter just by clicking. its just a pop up and you can close it just by clicking on the icon again. Shows the number of tweets you want and allows you to tweet and even instantly shorten your link. Sweet.

5) Facebook Notification - Something like Chromed Bird, quite buggy though. Not recommended

6) Google Mail Checker - shows how many unread mails and opens your Gmail when you click on it

7) Flash Block - blocks any flash content on a webpage

8) Docs/PDF/Powerpoint Viewer by Google - haven't tried it yet

9) RSS Subscription Extension - detects a webpage that allows RSS subscription and shows an icon in the address bar. Click to subscribe

10) Beautify Facebook - adds transparency and shadows to your facebook interface

11) Shareaholic - allows you to share any link to quite a few sharing websites such as twitter and facebook

12) Google Calender Checker by Google - tells you when is your next appointment

13) Cooliris - lets you browse supported web photos and computer photos in 3D, also has other content provided

Cooliris showing my facebook album

Tech Speak: New Plug

This is ingenious. Don't you think?

Original article here: http://www.iconeye.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3864:rca-student-radically-improves-the-uk-plug

Event: Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2009

It's 3.30am and I struggle to wake up. Frankly I was quite excited. I mean, this is the first time I'm running a full marathon, though I was alone. I started the race late, cause I was queuing for toilet. -_- Like lame right, but we all should know how it feels like to have the urge to use the loo when we're running. In the end I was 15mins late, it is really regrettable that I didn't witness the flagging off cause it sounded like everyone was darn high. Nonetheless I started running, with the pace of Chi Weng's 10km run. Shame, I know, but its 42.195km, so I knew I had to conserve my strength.

The first 10km was good. I've never felt so relaxed, though I completed my first 6km in like 40mins? I was so pissed off though at the group of guys who kept chanting "left, left, left right left". Ok seriously, I know you guys haven't ORD yet, but many people around you had and we're sick and tired of it. I just felt like yelling at them. Too bad I really didn't want to increase any speed any further, though eventually I did, to escape from this agonizing group of people. I ran alongside many people. Some overtook me, I overtook some. Everyone seems to be minding their own business, unlike the runs we had in camp. Everyone's running their own race, no one's trying too hard, but they all give off the same determined feeling.

After 12km, we went into East Coast Park, really, no other places feel as good to run. Amazing was the fact that the fastest runner were already on their way back when I entered East Coast. I was at my 12km at 1hr 30mins and they were already at their 35km. The fastest runner took 2hours 12mins. After 15km, I decided to walk 2 mins for every drink station, my knees had started aching, I really thought I wouldn't be able to complete, since it was like, 27km more to go. Then I realised that every time I walked, my knee recovered and I was able to press on. At first I really didn't want to walk, cause everyone is like running. But it was my race, I had to do it my way to make sure I will succeed. By the time I reached 18km, I felt tired. I missed the banana station. You had no idea how miserable I was, feeling hungry. But I pressed on. Many people were cheering. I remember that was this ang moh who was stationed at the start of East Coast first. He had this huge sign board, with some encouragement written and he was ringing a bell. I overheard from some people that he's here every year. This and many cute girls shouting funny encouragement really spurred me on.

At 22km, I finally reached the Power Gel station. I practically gobbled it up. Small, but better than nothing. I kept telling myself, if I was running a half marathon, it would have ended already. It was during this time when I started asking myself why am I torturing myself like that. But nonetheless I kept going, especially when I saw this Temasek JC guy who's an officer, whom I kinda dislike, running at the 16km mark. He's running towards the round about, I ran past the round about already. So in my mind I was saying "hah! officer so what, so damn slow, ocs teach you to be pussy issit". Lol. I saw Kelvin at 26km I think, the timing was about 3hrs 15mins. My ankles and soles were hurting too by then. At 30km, I saw Benjamin Tee and I rested for a while there. Time was 3 hours 45mins.

Beyond 30km, it was really a struggling time. My legs kept cramping up, my knees were heavy, my soles ache with every step. I started feeling a little breathless, which is bad considering I was running so slowly. On my way out of East Coast though, I saw that ang moh again. He had a board saying "this is no walking zone" and he was flashing the board to a lady who was walking and following her. But the lady after a few seconds showed him the middle finger. Everyone around laughed. Lol. He gasped and walked back. At 32km I saw Sarah and Wei Qin, who told me not to stop, but I was cramping up, so I had no choice. I also saw a kind lady who was giving out pocari sweat drinks. I really wanted to take but decided not to, after all many others need it more than me. At about 35km, my timing was already like 4hrs 30mins. I had been walking, jogging a little, and more walking. Stretching at the side of the road don't work anymore. It was pain, tons of pain. Finally I reached 38km where Hong You, Sok Loon and Zu Yao were. It was 5hrs. I just told myself, 4km in 30mins, I don't think I can make it, but I'll try.

At 39km, I saw Yong Wen and Wai Kit resting. I walked with them for quite a while before running again. Many people were trying to chiong by then. Finally, I reached 41km. On my way to the finishing line, I saw Alpha 2IC, and his hairy chest. That made me run all the way in. One point though, everyone slowed down, almost forming one line when entering the finishing line. Cause everyone wants their photo taken by the official photographer of the marathon. Lol.

I remember being at Nicoll highway, when it seems like there was no end.

I remember seeing sarah on my way to 10km mark but it was too dark to be sure.

I remember the white adidas singlet guy who ran ahead of me but I eventually caught up and overtook him and left him in the dust.

I remember a guy in tights and shades, a guy with big thighs, a lady with the encouragement bib written "Look alive", an old man with a bib saying that he aims to finish his 5th marathon under 5hrs 30mins, a guy in full red adidas gear, a guy running barefooted, all these people ran alongside me.

I remember the ang moh.

I remember the group of malay ladies who cheered loudly, telling us to finish it in 45mins at the 36km mark and I just thought "siao". But I'm still very grateful.

I remember the lady who gave out the pocari sweat.

I remember asking for 2 bananas at the banana station.

I remember not drinking any 100 plus at all cause I thought its carbonated until the 20th drink station.

I remember a female supporter asking us to remember each other's number then correcting herself saying bib number not handphone number.

I remember the emcee at East Coast Park cheering us on and gave many people high fives.

I remember the 45yr old lady running a marathon for the first time.

I remember a malay old lady who said she's running for DRAMA.

I remember thinking to myself, shit, how can I run slower than Chi Weng's speed.

I remember having the feeling that nobody here is even thinking of taking shortcuts or cheating, unlike certain some people I know in army.

I am a finisher of 42.195km. Many people showed me their spirit. That was my inspiration. Thank you all.

Event: Work

Today was the last day of my work as an exhibition helper. It opened my eyes to a few things, though this wasn't the first time I worked. The last time I worked as flyer distributor, door to door that kind. It was hard but it was only for a day. This time I worked for 4 days, 8am to 6pm. It was tiring. Furthermore I was standing the whole day for the first day and walking around for the next few days. When I say that I really meant that the only time that I sat down was during lunch for half an hour. That means that I walked around for 9.5hours a day.

I realised that I really hated working.

Firstly I just ORD. I was just released from some time trap which seals up all my time on work days in some hell hole in Mandai. I totally do not want to go to work, which makes me wake up at 6.30, which is 45mins later than when I'm in camp, and end work at 6pm, reach home by 7.30 and after eating and all, it's almost 9. Being tired, I just go to bed, that's worse than camp, or maybe it's just because I'm still not used to it, despite being a combatant.

Secondly, I cannot exercise as and when I want. I refuse to wake up early to run in the dark, and by the time I reach home, I have to take dinner and won't be able to work out until 9 plus, which by then is too late. I can't stand not exercising for 4 days straight. It makes me feel weakened.

Thirdly, I hate to put hair wax on my hair everyday. You think it's a small issue but it really damages my hair. If I do not put at least a little, my hair makes me look like a savage and ugly. The second part really disgusts me.

Goodness, can I stay as a teenager?

Shit, I already am not a teenager.

By the way, my colleagues at work says I look way younger than I actually am. That really makes my day.

Too bad I didn't get to try this, would really want to see how it works

so elaborate for some media booth...

er, aladin's gonna bang on the door for copyrights issue soon

i think they originally already look very scary, this figurines make it worse

i saw the trailer for this cartoon, i rather watch Xiaolin Showdown anytime

i looked at this for 10 hours except for lunch for 1 whole day, standing!

Ramblings: Weakening Root Of My Life - Chinese

I've always considered my roots to be that of a Chinese. Chinese blood flows through me and I think that a Chinese needs to speak good Chinese and write Chinese well. I used to be proud that my Chinese is actually at quite a high level compared to my peers (though there are some setbacks which proved me wrong). But alas, these devilish 2 years of army has changed all that. My demonic platoon mates in Signal has influenced me to speak more English and listened to nothing but English music. (I'm actually quite jealous of Kay Siong and See Kiat for not being the slightest bit influenced and somemore Kay Siong's Chinese is thousand times more powerful than mine)

Thus it has come to this. I was at work, conducting surveys for some people. Along came this China guy who asked me if I could speak Chinese. I happily said yes. So I tried to translate the questions to him.

Ok just say that while translating, I actually felt sad that my Chinese standards have dropped so much. That bad.

难到我没有可耻之心了吗?

Transferring Chinese songs to my mp3 player again...

Event: It's Free Starbucks, But You Gotta Pay

Today, Starbucks was having Christmas Open House and anyone could have any drink on the house. 5 to 7pm. Sounds good? But they're also collecting any contributions to the Salvation Army. I would love to have a warm mug of green tea latte free (especially since the Espresso card doesn't cover it), but I am swearing off any caffeine until my upcoming marathon is over. Thus I wasn't in the mood to contribute anything since well, I don't really want to drink in the first place. And I think that it would just plain suck if you queue up for like, 30mins to an hour for a free drink, then you walk away without giving any contribution. And I think that happened for quite a few outlets.

I would support Starbucks and its causes next time, when I get my pay that is.

By the way, I need to look for ways to increase viewership like seriously.

Food: Vegetarian@E Hub

My friend recommended this small stall/shop called Yummy Green at E Hub (Downtown East) which sells purely vegetarian food. It's mainly japanese themed and I had the tonkatsu cha udon. Nice!

Tech Speak: Chromium OS

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/download-google-chrome-os-and-run-on-a-real-computer/

Most of you should have heard that Google Chrome OS has been announced. Nothing's confirmed yet, and I have yet to use it too. But I saw some screen shots, and it's quite pretty.

This link contains a guide to boot your PC using Chromium OS, which is still a relatively young project. It seems that the main issue that Chromium may not like your network adapter. Ooh, a new OS with an attitude. I like.

I'll try it soon, then I'll update here.

Ramblings: I ish goot in moi ang moh

chui noe ur engrish makes moi sick? it ish nt impressive at all. if i hv 2 read engrish rike dis, i will faintz wan.

Pardon, I had to refer to some forum to write like that. Not born with such a talent. Gosh, the headache it gives me.

Event: Gym Is In Session

I went to Safra Yishun's Energy One gym on friday with a friend. Yeah it was paid per entry, $5 plus, silly I know, but I just wanted to try it once. Apparently there's quite a number of facilities there.

Upon entering, the lady gave us 2 towels and a key. Actually I thought we looked like complete newbies cause I didn't even know how to tell her that I wanted "per entry" at first. After paying, I went inside, totally not knowing where is the locker and what to do etc. But well we did figure it out. There were a bunch of lockers outside the toilet so we wanted to change into our gear before locking things up. After walking back and forth the one and only toilet which says "for EnergyOne members only", we decided that it's the only toilet and we have to go in either way. Inside, we realised that yeah that was really THE toilet. There were larger lockers which I supposed were meant to put our baggage and the lockers outside were meant for things like water bottles. The shower cubicles and steam room was inside the toilet in another room as well.

For the gym, I did my regular sets, mainly with the dumbbells. There were quite a bit of dumbbells available, ranging from 1kg to 10 kg in intervals of 1kg, as well as 12,14kg dumbbells etc. However I must say that the space for the dumbbells and in between the machines were pretty small. The dumbbells section was like half the size of Sengkang Gym's. Overall, I wasn't impressed with the gym.

Then we decided to head for the pool. For me, I really only wanted to try out the jacuzzi. Surprisingly, there was a warm water jacuzzi right outside the exit of the gym. I really enjoyed it, the temperature is just right, though the jets were a little low for my liking. Too bad, Tsun Wang says its too hot (what nonsense, hot is good), and it has a weird smell. So after a while we went to the normal pool's jacuzzi. The jets were strong, the pool's scenery was good. Unfortunately I was all out of strength by then and couldn't swim no more.

The last part was the steam room. I really thought I will be able to take it, but I was so wrong. The heat wasn't that bad, but breathing in all the steam was intolerable. I threw in the white flag after 5 mins. There was this weird old guy talking to us inside. He asked us where we came from, what were we doing then (like, just ORDed yada yada). So I told him, I was from a SIR unit. And guess what he said?

"真的吗?你不像是个会吃苦的人"

roughly translated to "really? you don't look like someone who can take a tough life"

I went "HUH!?".

Sidetrack, but hello? My unit is not just any SIR unit. I bet you my life was hell and I pulled through just fine. And I didn't eat snakes most of the time, if you know what I mean.

Frankly the steam room was great, though I guess the enjoyment of a steam room has to be cultivated. Anyways then we went out and into the showers. The showers were warm too! There's free soap provided as well.

Overall, Yishun Safra felt a little CMI (cannot-make-it) in terms of appearance but its facilities were decent. Good things I experienced were the warm jacuzzi and the warm shower. Many people may say that it's not worth the money. I guess I won't go there regularly, but a nice treat to jacuzzi once in a while should be good.

Take note though, you only get to use these facilities if you pay for the gym. If you go to the pool only (which is free for Safra members), you only get to use the pool and the cold pool jacuzzi.

Tech Speak: Image Swirl

Google just came out with a beta image search function called the Google Image Swirl. It has a pretty interesting interface. Looks like cool stuff from Google again.

Note: Demo only apparently, not everything can be searched. So far I've tried the Esplanade, lightning, rain (it actually showed a series of Korean or is it Jap artiste Rain's photos as well), and Starcraft II

Sights And Sounds: It's The Flooding Time Of The Year

It's raining. It's been wet. It's Singapore's so called Autumn season. It's irritating.

It's making me wet. Literally.

The bus stop is totally wet...

Look at the water gushing out from the drain

It looks like darkness is consuming the sky...

Brain Storm: Those Words Which Inspire Me

I was ransacking my drawers when I found my Student's Handbook. (like eww, student's handbook? you think you're only 13?) It's kind of like binder and there's a few pages of inspiring stories and the likes. There's this poem thing-y which I really kind of like. I moved it to the back of the handbook so that everyday when I pick it up, it'll remind me not to give up. Kind of cliche but well...

Here goes.

If You Think >>>

If you think you are beaten, you are.

If you think you dare not, you don't!

If you like to win, but think you can't,

It's almost a cinch you won't.

If you think you'll lost, you're lost;

For out in the world we find

Success begins with a fellow's will;

It's all in the state of mind.

If you think you are outclassed, you are,

You've got to think high to rise,
You've got to be sure of yourself before

You can ever win a prize.

Life's battles don't always go

To the stronger and faster man,

But sooner or later the man who wins

Is the man who thinks he can.

Tech Speak: Mother Of All WiMo Phones - HD2

HTC HD2 (otherwise known as HTC Leo if I'm not mistaken), will be the new queen of all Windows Mobile phone. Sporting a massive 4.3inch screen, HD2 will be as big as the screen of your PSP. Not only that, HD2 will be sporting the renowned speed demon Qualcomm Snapdragon chip of 1GHz. Below is a video from www.pocketnow.com . Be wow-ed.

Food: Kuishinbo Dinner

When it comes to buffet, nothing beats Kuishinbo. For my ORD celebration with my gang, we decided to give it a good one. Man, in order to eat as much as I can, I even starved myself for 12 hours. I tried to book the table for Saturday on Friday but it was already fully booked, so we had to change it to Sunday.

If you read reviews from www.hungrygowhere.com , you'll realise that most people don't praise it so much. If anything, it's the hokkaido crabs that's worth it. Personally I think there's much more to Kuishinbo than just those, though those are definitely the best. I love the deep fried stuff and sashimi as well. The green tea ice cream taste very much like Starbucks' green tea frap so that'll give me a quick fix on my green tea crave. There's not much of a variety there but hey, everything's decently good, with an amount of above average delicacies around too. If the crabs and these food aren't good enough reasons, then at least Kuishinbo adds some life into dining by having a periodical special and announcing it with their cute "bom bom, 123, we are Kuishinbo~" music. When everyone hears that, they sprint to the counter, to queue up for a special treat that's not usually served. This time we got cheese lobster and iced strawberry with ice cream inside.

Gosh, can't wait to go again. But its a 50 bucks damage to my wallet everytime...

first time i see them serve dorayaki!

that's my favorite soft shell crab

too bad they don't serve mushroom kaminabe today, but I tried beef kaminabe for the first time. didn't try the chicken one though.

Ramblings: Nothing Done

Holy shit. 1 year and 10 months have passed. Then 2 days. Yet not much has been done. I keep yapping at myself to get certain things done, keep telling myself to try certain stuff, but the inner laziness never got down to do them.

I wanted to train more intensively for the marathon by running 10km everyday and more on weekends.

I wanted to pick up japanese from Shaun and Joshua.

I wanted to revise and pick up guitar again from Chi Weng.

I wanted to have more tuition by the time I ORD.

I wanted to start roller blading again.

I wanted to get my resume done up and proper.

I wanted to take out all my wisdom teeth.

I wanted to tidy up my computer content as well as bookmarks.

I wanted to get that Final Fantasy 7 Advent Children jigsaw done.

I wanted to switch back to my original music genre before ORD.

I wanted to revamp my blog to increase view counts.

I wanted to re-do my Google Contacts list so that I can synchronise with my handphone when I get it.

I wanted to watch a lot a lot of movies.

I wanted to pack all my army stuff properly and reorganise my table.

The feeling of laziness plagues me as I have just ORD-ed. You know that feeling? I need to push start my life. Like, soon.

Brain Storm: The Water That Reflects My Body, Mind And Soul (Prologue)

I wonder what my bunk mates are doing now. Have all the people from the other bunk moved over? Are they intending to stay well over the lights out timing again? Are they chattering at my bed area like we always have for so many nights?

After 1 year and 10 months, it has finally ended. Few words can describe this moment. Yet there can never be enough said to understand it. I have ORD-ed. But my friends, they carry on. It might have ended for me, but not so for them. This is a utmost weird feeling. Weird, because I am supposed to be joyous, but I'm not. Weird, because there's a place I want to be, yet I don't want to be. I must say that I am happy. But all of us November ORD signallers, I trust, will say that we aren't as happy as what we want to be, not as happy as what our friends will feel when they ORD. I dare not say ORD is overrated, but I just am not as happy as what everyone say they will.

As I leave the camp, many thoughts fill my mind. I have left a huge part of my life behind. And the greatest impact is to know that they will continue the story, with or without us. When Shang Long and I shouted "ORD LO!!!" at the entrance of 1SIR, it was loud, it was solid, it was happy, but it was hollow. After we left the camp, I felt that I have left something back there. I muttered, "shit i think i left my *** in bunk, wait let me check." Then it was followed by a minute of frantic searching of all our personal belongings. After confirming that we had our stuff, we heaved a sigh of relief. But we both know that the most personal things that we left back there, was the bunk life, were our friends, but we can't go back and retrieve that.

I don't think a single blog post can contain all my reflections and my thoughts. Too many things happened, too many people made an impact in my life. The river had been unrelenting. Now, the water has stopped, the rain has cleared. I shall look into the still water, and retrace back my learning experience.

After giving our hugs to our friends, I quickly told Shang Long to leave the bunk, to head for the civilian world, before I stop and stay, before I do something really embarrassing. I never knew I would have wanted a moment to last a little longer, but I did. I had hope that it will last a while longer, even if it's just a little while longer...

Brain Storm: And Then Freedom...

It's only 8 days from now.

8 days later, I will wake up to find that Chi Weng is no longer beside me, and never will.

8 days later, the first thing I see when I sit up after waking up won't be See Kiat's tiny eyes.

8 days later, I won't have to tolerate noisy nights thanks to Ian anymore.

8 days later, I will be able to walk like a normal human from point to point.

8 days later, I won't have to give a f*** about rank and the likes.

8 days later, nobody will force me to do exercises but myself.

8 days later, I will have to pay for my every meal.

8 days later, I will be able to go for Starbucks every morning.

8 days later, I will no longer hear the lively and cheerful chatter in my bunk.

8 days later, I will no longer have anyone to bitch to, to bitch with.

8 days later, I can blast all my own personal music without having to care about others' taste.

8 days later, I will have internet access everyday.

8 days later, I will have no more beds to prostitute around.

8 days later, my food won't go missing and I won't be robbed of them.

8 days later, I will not have my usual toys (aka Chi Weng, Chee Yong etc) anymore.

8 days later, I will not feel obliged to mop my bunk floor all the time.

8 days later, I do not have to tolerate any weirdness and problematic attitude.

8 days later, I will not have to look at I-just-want-to-beat-them-up faces anymore.

8 days later, I will say goodbye to all my friends who have suffered with me, through thick and thin in these 2 years.

8 days later, I will step out of Mandai Hill Camp, look back, point my middle finger, and never look back again.

8 days later, I will only have memories to keep me company for a long time.

8 days later, I will only have tears to hold back when these times seem precious, if even a little.

8 days later, I will lose everything that I have at that time.

8 days later, I will regain back everything I have lost 2 years ago.

8 days later, I take back my time, my freedom and my pride.

8 days later, I ORD.

Brain Storm: We Are Mortals

A long time ago, I talked about dying with Chi Weng. He was sharing some of his experiences and feelings. We talked about how mortal we really are, where we would go to after we die. Many people say that we only have one life, live it well. We've also heard that we plan our lives and we determine how we live. Yet, these words are such a mockery, because life is so fragile. There's this guy in my company. He just passed away. Motorcycle accident. He's gone now. I just booked out yesterday and within 12 hours, someone told that he has passed away. I didn't know him well but he didn't deserve to die. Nobody does. He wasn't informed. No one told him he was going to.

If you look around you, think about your surroundings, you can truly feel how mortal we are. It's like when we are crossing the road, someone didn't see you and didn't brake in time. It hits and you're gone, it wasn't your fault, but still, you're gone. It's like when you jaywalk across the road, you slipped and fell, the car hits you, it's nobody's fault, but still you're gone. How can we not appreciate every minute?

天有不测风云,人有旦夕祸福.

It means the skies have unpredictable weather, just as humans have unpredictable accidents.

Frankly, many accidents can be avoided. The above examples plainly means you are suay. But after realising how mortal one is, won't you put in more effort to live?

Slice Of Life: Walking In Orchard On A Beautiful Monday Morning

2 weeks ago, I went for a movie (The Surrogates, nice btw) with my pals. That's cool, but here's the catch, it was on a Monday. Now, that's hot.

In the same week, I went shopping for Portable Media Player (PMP) with Tsun Wang. Likewise, it was on a weekday, a Wednesday.

Last week, I went karaoke-ing with my platoon mates on a Monday. That Tuesday I went Yum Cha Buffet with my pals, then a movie (500 Days Of Summer).

Yesterday (a Monday), I went for an evening 5km run. Moments ago, I went to the gym.

These are all signs of something coming. Something big. Something call ORD.

Ramblings: ORD A Woe

Lately, I've seen a couple of people writing down their thoughts on ORD. Be afraid, for their posts are largely about how ORD is a saddening thing. No, they do not have the guts to write that they don't want to ORD, cause it's a widely accepted fact that every single mother's son wants to ORD. But it's still a fact that they are depressed, in some ways, that ORD is coming. Some are worried about the change in way of life, most are more concerned with the tight friendships forged in these 2 years. They're thinking that "life had sucked but with you great pals around, see you guys all day makes my day though people call me f***ing gay shit, but I'll still hate to not live around you anymore". Something like that.

Actually, I think it is true for most people, stay in personnels I mean, to feel some sadness. Whether it's due to uncertainties or depression due to not having bedside f*** buddies anymore, I think it's valid, though some people do express it albeit too aggressively and emotionally. I can't say I won't feel overwhelming sadness or that I won't be too emotional, but the thing is... There's still 20 days, and they wrote those stuff when there's still 30 plus days. A bit more endurance and patience shouldn't hurt, you know?

ORD posting is up and coming...

Ramblings: 101 Things I Dislike About Communal Living

1) Having to tolerate smokers (i absolutely hate the act of smoking and whoever does it)

2) People singing, especially when they have their earpiece on and becomes oblivious to everything around them

3) People who have absolutely low EQ

4) People with retarded smiles/faces/expressions or whatever you call those things

5) Thieves

6) Sharing toilets with people who have no sense of hygiene

7) People who walk around with less than enough clothes that causes eye sores

8) People who spill stuff or dirty the table and don't clean up after themselves

9) People not contributing to the area cleanliness

10) Liars, especially big, fat, utterly ridiculous liars who think their tall tales are actually even a tiny bit believable

11) People whom think they are likable

12) Egoistic people who think they are always right and want things done their way

13) People using phones late into the night, talking loudly, disturbing my precious sleep

14) People playing games late into the night

15) How easily my stuff gets dusty as the fan is switched on almost every single minute

16) How cram the table is due to sharing

17) Being unable to do my own decorations around the entire area

18) Not able to blast my favourite music

19) People slamming the door all the time (so barbaric)

20) People not closing the door after themselves (uncivilised)

21) People who borrow stuff from me without asking

22) People who don't return things after borrowing

23) Absolutely disgraceful mandarin speaking

24) People who vent their anger on me (ok, I'm guilty of this too)

25) Annoying sh*ts who repeat every sentence I say

26) Greedy pigs who ask for food from me all the time

27) People doing distracting things which diverts my attention from whatever I'm doing (imagine a couple next door banging, gosh)

28) Cold water for showering (for my community at least)

29) People who spit on the floor. Totally gross

30) Lack of privacy in whatever I do

31) People flocking to my room/bed without invitation

32) People sleeping on my bed when I'm not around

33) People sharing my lock password

34) Not being able to be as messy as I would like to be

*To Be Continued