Event: Engin Camp 2010

Last week was Engin Camp 2010. It was a blast to say the least. I was still worried the day before if I could get "high". It's been 4.5 years since I was high. Frankly I wasn't very high when I was in JC orientation, which makes me even more worried. Being a 21 year old old man, I can't really imagine myself getting high. But I was quite wrong. I wouldn't say I was very enthusiastic. In fact my whole group was rather unenthusiastic. We were always sleepy, we rather stone than play games, we choose not to go for supper unlike all other OGs. But I like it. Nobody was fake. Nobody overdrove their enthusiasm to "plastic" levels (which I really really cannot stand). Everyone just had fun when it was fun, everyone just stayed low when we were supposed to feel tired like every human being does. I liked all my seniors as well. Nobody was spastic (like how some other groups were), and no male seniors was over engrossed with disturbing little girls in my group. It's really sick to see how desperate some guys are.

Anyway, here's some concise description of what we did and what embarrassing stuff happened. On the first day, there was ice breaking games as usual. I was particularly fond of the game "la mian ah la mian". At first it seemed like a gay game. But as the game speeds up and everyone warms up to each other, it was really fun. The MRT game which seemed gay at first was quite fun as well. Lol. Then we had dirty games. My group wasn't very spontaneous actually but we were fine. We were a little forthcoming at least. After the dirty games we went to our rooms for the rest of the camp at Raffles Hall which was newly renovated. The meals came from Engin Canteen, which frankly was quite disappointing but better than Mandai Hill food anyday. Every night we had SP (secret pal) night which we are blindfolded and brought to a place to meet our secret pal of the opposite gender for a chatting session. The seniors would crowd around and eavesdrop and make us feed each other pockey sticks. We also had mass dance sessions now and then.

On the second day, there was pool games which I was initially totally not looking forward to. Cause it was raining. And... I'm freaking scared of cold. The game went on anyway with my consistent rambling of being scared of the cold. But to my surprise it turned out that the games were super fun. There was this one game which we had to let the girls sit on our shoulders in the deep pool and they would play captain's ball. Apparently I looked like (and am) the lightest PERSON in the OG and I look like a twig that can snap into 2 anytime. So the girl was worried and everyone else kept showing their concern as well. At the start, she fell forward and her legs was pushing my ear studs against my head and pulling the studs downwards. Ouch, bad choice. After the game my shoulders were really red and everyone just kept teasing me. After the pool games we went for dinner and at night it was SP night and then mystery night which we had to solve a murder case by going to 7 rooms to look for clues. It was kind of like a courage test thing. Okay I must admit, I was scared. My partner (who is female) was more courageous than me. It was so embarrassing. But just imagine walking in a completely dark room, examining scary photos with a UV light stick and then a plastic head suddenly drops from the middle, you'll be scared right? Lol. Nevermind...

The third day we went to Sentosa where we played a lot of exciting games again. One of the games we were supposed to piggy back a girl and run from the beach, into the sea where they erected poles and marshmallows-on-sticks and the girl is supposed to eat the marshmallows without using her hands. Now that's difficult since the waves will cause imbalance. I was embarrassed once again when the lightest girl insisted on piggy backing me. Luckily it was only for one round and I insisted on carrying her for the remaining game. I fell the first time into the sea, though other guys did fall as well. Apparently older guys love to dunk each other in the sea, we had so much fun dunking all the famous people into the sea. I think the director of Engin Camp probably got dunked more than 20 times. That was night was SP revelation night where we had dinner with our SP. My SP was extremely sweet looking though too bad she's attached. Everyone out there told me to snatch. Like, what's wrong with society these days. Geez. That night we went for supper for the first time. There I saw someone who reminded me of my 1SIR days, which isn't really a pleasant thing. 

The camp ended off with a City Food Hunt which we were supposed to look for food in the city while searching for some checkpoints. It was quite lame cause the clues we were given were so retarded. For example the picture clue pointing to The Cathay was a Pokka bottle with Hello Kitty on it (cause Pokka and Hello Kitty = Jap stuff, and Hello Kitty = Cat-thay). We played games on the train with everyone staring at us and we also did a flash mob at The Central dancing "That's Very Hot" shown below. Then lastly there was the finale night.

The camp was really quite good. This is the first time somebody said I do not look very thin. It's also the first time I met civilised people who actually asked me for my reasons to pierce my ear rather than assuming that I am the typical ah beng which many of my close friends do. This is a great start to school though I do feel a little lethargic.  

throw him into the sea!

Royal House OG Kings

Event: Passion Run

Passion Run took place in East Coast Park on 22nd May. It was the worst race ever, in many many different ways. First when I got the event singlet, I got a shock. It was not nice to say the least. Take a look below. At least the finisher tee was a tad nicer (but dark grey and bright yellow?? wrong combo). Unfortunately it's a muscle tee, the kind which is stretchable and should only be worn by people who has bulging muscles. When I reached the event area, it looked pretty okay. The baggage deposit area was quite empty and I just casually chose another row to deposit my waist bag. Then I saw Wilson. So we chatted for a while and to my dismay when I walked over to join the second wave, I realised that the starting point was no where to be found. It seems like you have to queue very close to the starting point and they only allow a number of people to pass through. So I had to wait at the "seemingly start point" for the last wave, which was retarded. They should have let more people pass. The run itself wasn't extremely bad. The distance markers were very small, the drink stations were short handed. The worst thing was that there wasn't many volunteers who were equipped with the pain relief spray. Throughout the whole run, I only saw 2 medics. Hello the race length is 25km not 2km. How can you only have 2 medics? There was many U turns in the route and other than the fact that the roads were not closed and we had to share with the cyclist and other runners, the route wasn't so bad. 

The worst came after I finished the race. I decided to walk around before heading to get my bag. It took me a while to find the deposit station cause the place was really dark and they didn't bother with putting many lights. There were long queues everywhere at the station and I didn't understand how it work. It was supposed to be A to F but I saw 2 long queues at the right hand side of the booth only. When I approached one of the student volunteers, she told me to "join the queue". Later another student came to ask if our baggage number was E. After checking it seems that mine was but the first girl didn't check any of that. Then the second girl was saying how there's a shorter queue but did not explain to every individual about it but I overheard it was only for a range of numbers. Then she just shouted for people to follow her. If I hadn't overheard it, I would have followed and join the wrong queue. The queues were badly organised. Many people were cutting queue and believe me I felt like slapping that girl behind me who cut my queue later on. It was obvious that only E had a lot of people. I waited for an hour before it was my turn. I wanted to sms my friends, I wanted to wipe myself dry, wanted to change into slippers, but my phone, my towel and my slippers were all in my bag. When it was my turn, the students just kept shouting NEXT NUMBER!? and whoever shouted will get their attention. The bags were all placed randomly on the racks obviously because they had to ask the runners what's the colour and brand of their bag. Allow me to openly declare that TK students are nuts when it comes to common sense. Where's the organisation? Where's the procedure? Every queue should have a few students allocated to them, not the students running around like that. Let's say it was a class CIP, don't tell me the class chairman or the student councillors (if any) were all stupid? And the organisers didn't even bother to check. If a bunch of kids can't handle the job then you guys have to step in right?

And when I was searching for the shuttle bus, I realised that there was no signs for it. So I just followed a big bunch of runners. It turned out that they were all lost and the area was so dark that I stubbed my toe. And last I checked, even if we made it to the correct place for the shuttle bus, we would have to walked a few km. The organisers are really really retarded. You try running 25km and then climb over barricades and overhead bridges. 

No more Passion Run next year. Below was my complaint in their Facebook group and it won't be surprising to know that none of their admins mann the group. Got to send a complain letter to them.

The baggage deposit was really bad. The students were just running around with zero organisation and order. It was not distributed evenly, resulting in E having a way longer queue. The volunteers did not do a proper crowd control and after trying to spilt E into 2 rows, the rows ended up messy and some people managed to cut queue easily. If the students cannot do a good job, it is necessary for some of the organisers to teach them how it should be done. They just kept shouting "next number!" and they just helped to search for the person who shouted their number even if they are not next in line. I waited one full hour before I got my bag.

There was also no signs to the returning shuttle bus. Some runners ended up lost or giving up on looking for it. The area was not well lit and it wasn't easy to make our way around the booths etc and since our phones are in our bags (which takes forever to collect), it was hard for some runners to contact their friends who did not finish together. 

Lastly it seems that the organisers do not care about this Facebook group. They do not answer the questions asked (not even delayed answers). When I emailed them about an error they made with my registration, it took them 2 full weeks AND a reminder email before they replied me.

you're not going to make me wear this

this is their freebie. energy gel by shotz. i gave it a shot, and it tasted like shit. (okay it didn't taste like shit, it tasted like cough syrup)

Event: Weight Gain

I make a big hoo hah everytime. I just gained one kg.

Victory is on its way. Before you know it, I'll be 55kg again. Oops, I didn't mean to say out my desired weight (thereby implying that I am way below 55kg). Girls, and maybe some guys, please don't take offence.

Event: Happy Birthday

Ok so like its been a month and its about time I actually post something about my 21st birthday. I think I might have forgotten what I wanted to say here already...

Being 21 is overrated. I didn't feel any difference on the day I turned 21. Okay maybe except a tinge of sadness cause compared to everyone else turning 21 this year, I have an awfully few number of well wishes. But oh well its okay, that's because I didn't put my birth date on Facebook. In any case, the birthday song that my girlfriends sang for me at 10am in the morning through phone was the best. They said they love me so much. HUR HUR. Too bad, it was Liyue and Yinning, LOL.

21st celebration is pain in the ass. It's like, everyone's doing it! What's the big deal? But if you don't do it, you'll be the odd one out, for the bad reason. So anyway it took me a long time to consider whether or not to hold a celebration bash thingy. First, its troublesome. It's expensive. The host have to entertain the guest, resulting in less quality time since you have to invite quite a number of people. Oh and you have to be careful when you're inviting people. You can't invite one big gang and leave a few people whom you don't like out, or there will be questioning. And boy, do I have to wonder this very strongly, some people don't understand how birthday parties are for the people who are turning 21 in question and thus they have every right to choose who they want to invite. Though I can choose to just ignore or "hide notifications" like in Facebook, it still can get quite annoying and upsetting. Oh and for some "groups" of friends, I just had to totally not invite cause its too much of a hassle to leave out people whom I am not too close with. Last but not least, you get blamed if you hold the bash in a place without aircon and without enough seats or food for your guest. Extremely troublesome, period.

But having it had its good sides too. I can totally imagine myself having a good time (though I also can imagine myself having a bad time). I havn't met a lot of my friends for a long time and it was a good way to meet them again. It was also a good way for some groups of my friends to treat it as a gathering. This bash also reminded me of what good friends I have. 

Where else do you get friends whom you can force to prepare your food?

Where else do you get friends whom you can force to help bring the food to the venue?

Where else do you get friends who help to get the present that you want?

Where else do you get friends who went to cut their hair just because you told them that you don't want to see their ugly crops of hair at your birthday bash (okay except Kay Siong, at least Shaun styled his hair properly)?

Where else do you get friends who cab from another ulu part of Singapore so that they can reach my party in time?

Where else do you get friends who helps you QC all the food until he gets a stomach ache?

Where else do you get friends who helps you start the fire, failed to do so, and get blamed (by me)?

Where else do you get friends who forces you to sing so as to make it memorable for you?

Where else do you get friends who tries to get your darling to kiss you during the photoshoot (but still fail)?

Where else do you get friends who drives to and fro different places which need them and your birthday bash?

Where else do you get friends who wore red because you told them to? (actually i was very surprised by how many people actually really turned up in red, but i was also unsurprised about who did not come in red)

Where else do you get a bunch of guys who are totally nuts about arts, and still came up with a perfect, memorable, sweet 21st birthday gift which will (probably) never rot?

Thanks, all (especially to the 3 boys who did so much, boys because they're all younger than me). It was memorable.

thanks to all those who contribution and the collector Danny for my ULTIMATE GIFT the Zune HD 32GB

thanks Joshua for the gift, nicely wrapped somemore

thanks Wilson, its a really nice gift!

thanks Shang Long and Shaun Yap! i know you're trying to make me pick up the good habit again. i will!

i pestered, and i hinted, and my army friends got me these earpiece. really nice, strong bass, extremely powerful tweeters. thanks guys.

the best gift. all my friends are told to write their well wishes for me on a slip of paper then the 3 boys helped me fold them into stars and the smart boys chose to put them into the most fitting container of them all, my favourite Starbucks! thanks Danny Leonard Edwin and everyone!

Event: Happy 21st Birthday!

So like, more and more of my friends are turning 21. I think I have a one way love-hate relationship with 21st birthdays. I love them cause I like seeing my friends fall into the eternal darkness of old age with me, since I have already reached the dreaded adulthood myself. I also hate them since they burn a big hole in my pocket. But oh well, nonetheless I enjoy meeting old friends at 21st birthday parties. I'm surprised how everyone changed, yet everyone still remained the same. It's a wonder of life. 

happy 21st to Angeline! hope you stay pretty and always be the 开心果 everywhere you go!

Guide: How To Prepare For A Race

On 14th March, I went for the second race in my life. North East Run, as the name suggest, was organised by the North East Community Development Council (CDC) and was held at Pasir Ris Park in the morning. I participated in the 16km race and clocked 1 hour 31mins. It's not half bad, but not good either. Oh well. I took this race way too lightly, and paid for the consequences. A race, no matter the distance, needs ample preparation in order for one to run to the fullest of his potential, as well as with as much as comfort as possible. So here I put a guide, done by myself. This should be taken only as a non medical advice by a amateur-marathoner-wannabe.

Before the race,
1) Training - depending on the distance, you may need to start training one to three months in advance (based on a 4 times per week training schedule). always start with small distances. make sure you train for a certain distance a few times first before increasing the distance you run. for eg. run 2km 2 or 3 times before you increase to 4km. then run 4km a few times before increasing to 6km. do not try to double your training. instead, have a proper and realistic increment value, such as 1km or 2km. personally my increment is 2km and my starting pace is 5.5mins per km. if the distance is not very long, you may consider only training up till half of the total distance for the race you are participating. for races such as a full marathon, do consider training more.

Event: Platoon Dinner @ City Link Mall

Yesterday I met my platoon for dinner. It's been a long time since we came together as a platoon (well not everyone was there but...). The feelings' kind of different too. It's hard to describe. It's weird. Anyhow we had dinner at Niwa Sushi in City Link Mall. At first it appeared to be cheap, and the food seems pretty good. But it appears that there wasn't much quantity in the first place. Sadly Ben bought the last pack of bento and for some reason they refuse to cook anymore rice so the most value for money menu is out. I got the seaweed soup udon and a couple of sushi. Frankly the taste is only so-so.

Then we went to Starbucks as usual. There was this guy who was wearing exercise attire, a RJ PE tee and some spilt shorts. Now, we don't see that everyday at City Hall and he was sweating. Weirdo. We also saw someone with a LJ face with a bunch of flower in his hands. My friend was commenting about him. Sounds bad, but it was quite funny nonetheless. Shaun Lim ordered my favourite Green Tea Latte but iced. I tried it and frankly it was quite good too, though the taste isn't that full bodied. Shaun and Kay Siong spent a good amount of time trying to decide what ridiculous present to get for me. And I am so glad they didn't go into New Urban Male to get it. I'll rather not get any present at all. Geez.

Niwa Sushi - City Link Mall
Ambience - 1.5/5
Salmon Sushi and Beancurd Sushi - 2.5/5
Seaweed Soup Udon - 2/5


Starbucks - City Link Mall
Ambience - 3/5
Green Tea Latte (Iced) - 4/5

TechieEat: Ding Tai Feng

On 26 Feb my gang and I finally went for our reunion dinner. We met at Ding Tai Feng at Junction 8 since Danny only ends at 7 odd at somewhere near Serangoon. Anyway the fried rice was good. Nothing beats a good meal with your closest friends. NOTHING. :) 

Ding Tai Feng - Junction 8
Ambience - 3/5
Egg Fried Rice With Chicken Floss - 4/5

Event: My Trip To NUS

I call it the quarter-life crisis. It is the most difficult choice I have yet to make. NUS? Or NTU? Which is the university meant for me? Although I asked my friends out for a dinner, I didn't expect it to be in NUS itself. The tour to Prince George's Park Residence (PGPR) was a bonus which I hadn't planned in advance either.

So there I was, taking a bus into NUS. It's odd. I was like a child going into the known, unknown. I had been there before, I walked around the place a couple of times. The place itself is really no big deal. But I felt excitement. Knowing that I am to become a student here soon, knowing that all these people around me are going to be my school mates soon, it made my heart beat faster. Okay, maybe it was because I sprinted 50m to catch the bus after drinking 3 tall size tea. And I was quite disappointed with the influx of nerdy looking people near the entrance.

We went to the NUS Graduate Club for dinner. After waiting like eons for Yinning to fetch me at Central Library (so much so that I spotted Limin running and spoke to her for a while), we took the shuttle bus to the Guild House and met Liyue there. The new business school is really quite new and cool. The food there was not bad. Above all, the price was decent, if you're a club member that is. The ambience there was really good. We sat outside in the open. Though there was live performance inside, the feeling outside was better. The bar inside looks gorgeous as well. No doubt I will go there to try someday.

After chatting at the restaurant, we headed back to PGPR. They brought me to see the study room, sofa room etc first. Then I went into their rooms. I saw the blueprint of the rooms before and I thought it looked really small. So I was surprised to know that it exceeded my expectations. One more point to NUS. They also brought me around to their guy friends' rooms. Incidentally, all the guys' rooms look way more spacious than my gal friends. I reckon its because it's way more tidy. Tsk, girls.

The table was bigger than the one I had back when I studied in the Sengkang Community Hub's study room. It had space for me to put another 23inch monitor. There's space for a fridge as well. I was pleased to know that there's enough space for me to do my sit ups and push ups. I'll be looking forward to it. Thanks, girls for the trip!

Bad lighting, but fear not for my camera has manual settings!

Fish and Chips

Hawaiian Pizza

Grilled Beef, medium well

This is the club's chillax area, heard there's special programmes on Fridays, got to check it out!

NUS Graduate Club - The Guild House

Ambience - 4.5/5

Food - 3/5

Event: Mardi Gras And Pancake Day

http://food.theatlantic.com/abroad/your-mardi-gras-my-pancake-day.php

When I was in Xinmin, I read that Mardi Gras was a gay parade event in some Europe country. When I entered Temasek, I was surprised to find that we hold our own Mardi Gras once every two years. I soon found out that Temasek's Mardi Gras is an art festival where many arts-based events are held on that day. My wushu team mates participated in the opening ceremony when I was in J2 as well. Though I regret that I did not fully indulge in that day's event, I must say it was fun while it lasted. Naturally we ended off with our mass dance at the mustering square (we always end off everything with that). The atmosphere was great, everyone was feeling high.

Another event that was held in Temasek was Pancake Day. It was just a day where instead of normal Civics period, each civics group were allowed to join games organised by the council. Each game involved pancakes in some way, hence the name. I remember Edwin represented 15/06 to do the balancing-pancake-on-head-and-turn-many-rounds-to-get-dizzy game (I remembered correctly I hope?). I then went to join 23/06 in their games cause they needed more people (hey I was from 23 before alright? so its not betrayal).

Where else but Temasek Junior College have such fun and exciting events held throughout the year?
(we also have Go Green Day, annual stay-overnight-in-school day etc...) Geez I miss my JC life.

Event: Chinese New Year

And here it comes again, yet another Chinese New Year Day. Year in, year out, this supposedly festive season never fails to prove to me how much I've grown since I was young (or rather, how much I've aged).

Mayhaps it's because I havn't seen my relatives for almost a year now, this year's CNY really showed me how I have approached adulthood and might as well considered a 21st year old adult already (though there's still some time left). This year, I didn't show much of a childish whims to my elders and more so, I spoke to them about serious issues. I was discussing about army life with some of my cousins and uncles. I was discussing about some of my younger cousins' rebellious stages in life with my uncle. I spoke to my cousin-in-law about Facebook and its undesirable effects. I shared some stuff about time management with my older cousins. Strangely, I felt that I had these things in mind all along. Was it a subtle change in my mindset? Was it due to the fact that I havn't seen my relatives for ages? Or did I just boom and grow up in an instant?

Maturity is a strange thing indeed. I also spoke to 2 of my closest cousins, both only a couple of years apart from me, about how we grew up. It was a intriguing thought. Who knew that we grew out of our bratty selves back from when we were 10 and so on, except when we spoke about it ourselves?

Perhaps you will find new-found maturity, if you stopped to think about it? I truly hope my family members will stop to think, even if a while. It's time to grow up, even if you don't want to. Harsh reality, yes. But it'll be easier if you mature. Take heed.

(that said, it was a really enjoyable time to have met up with my relatives again. these are the people whom i share blood ties with, and I can imagine how so, and why I enjoyed the time spent with them. it's in the blood, they say.)

Event: Taiwan Trip 2010

Congratulations to myself for having my first overseas vacation! (army ones doesn't count)

This is the first time I went overseas and its really cool that I had my closest friends with me. I never imagined that I would be late for something that excited me so much but still I was late :p While on the train towards Changi Airport, I was so excited that my heart kept thumping hard. It was nice to see everyone at the airport and knowing that we're going to spend the next 9 days together in Taiwan playing our hearts out.

Edwin da terrorist wearing bomber shirt!

Bye bye Singapore, Taiwan here we come!

Day 1
We landed, abit not smoothly but still, and felt the cool winds of Taiwan. While indoors, it was still fine, I kind of erm, didn't bring any jacket on my hand held bag and insisted that I wanted to "taste true Taiwan on my skin at least once without any jacket". But when we touched down, Danny insisted that I take his spare jacket and so I did. We went to do the youth thingy and then walked out. The reaction was "OH MY GOD ITS SO COLD IS ORGASMIC"! Ok we didn't say that but it was something like that. Thank goodness for the jacket. But alas the hero and heroine of the day was still Yinning and moi, as we were both wearing short pants. Everyone was staring at us as if we were stark naked outside. We took a bus to Taipei Train Station

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

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.

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!

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.

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.