Significant COC Parade

The biggest event for the whole ICT was the Change in Command Parade scheduled at 5pm this evening. I was one of the many selected to be part of the main contingent. There would be a full day rehearsal before the actual event. We went for an early breakfast at 6 am, when the sun had not rise. I drew out my rifle from the armskote for the arms drill. Missed my "wife" very much to rendezvous with. Hehe.

I changed into my parade uniform and brought my wife to the parade square. The army uniform has changed over the period of time. Now, we have our vocation batch on our collar, formation batch on the right shoulder and singapore batch on our left chest. Most guys wont like to put on the uniform. However, a sense of pride develops in me whenever I dawn the beryl green colours.

For hours, we rehearsed many times to get things right. My legs still aching from yesterday's running test, were feeling the effects of long hours of standing. The consolation was a cooling weather to hover over the parade square. The hard work paid off eventually, as the incoming commander praised us for giving him a warm welcome. He will be leading us for the next 3 years. Although it has been a long day, compliments from the commander was the most encouraging for many.

Reporting to Serve My Nation

7 months have passed since my In Camp Training(ICT) in early Jan this year. Memorable memories have surfaced each time the battalion gathers for a training. Every callup has its specific objectives to be met. Accomplishing those would make everyone feel fulfilling. As the saying goes, "Unity is Strength". Companionship is something which motivates me to achieve more than necessary.

With this strong belief, I reported to Yishun Camp at 7am. The in-processing progressed smoothly and there were missing personnel who failed to report for duty. The first day was catered for admin matters. That meant lots of waiting due to the big group. The battalion has roughly 400 personnels. It's pleasant to see the common faces of my army buddies. We make it a point to attend each ICT without fail, so that we share the good n tough times together. I forgot to mention that I am a signaller by vocation. So, communication via radio or line is my bread n butter. Of course, if the equipment fails, there is always smsing thru the mobile. Haha.

Was briefed on the training programme for the next 3 days and our key objectives. We went to our assigned bunks to unpack our stuff. My army buddies picked me as the bunk IC, whom they felt was most suitable. My first task was to ensure everyone has a pillow case, bedsheet and blanket. In the evening, everyone was allowed to book out. But, I chose to stay behind with two friends. The time n cost to travel defeated the purpose of going home to sleep in my own comfy bed. We did a slight catching up and everyone had an early rest.

Last day in office before NS

I reached office earlier than usual, knowing that today is the last day for me to clear my work before I serve my National Service liability for the entire next week. I am prepared to stay late to clear it by hook or by crook. My friends describe me as a nice guy who always think of others. I could foresee my colleague being stressed up in my absence. I cant bear to see others suffer for my doings. My CFO had an adhoc assignment for me to rush for him and I attended to it immediately. Speaking about work efficiency, he told me to relax next time I am given an assignment. Haha.

Went for lunch with colleagues and we popped by this bakery shop selling muffins. Very interesting stuff that they sold. Took some snapshots of their creative products. I got their namecard just in case. Bought some muffins of different flavours to try. I like their black pepper chicken pie very much. It makes me feel awake at work, with its strong pepper content.

Not knowing that its time to knock off, all my colleagues left the office on the dot. I was left all alone to slave. Hmm. But, the quiet environment made me more focused and worked better at optimal level. When everything was done, it's 11 pm. At least I managed to achieve my objective set out. Smsed my colleague that I have settled most of the things and she was shocked by my work commitment. Exhausted but fulfilling after a long day. Hope everything is fine when I am away.

Breaking Up is always a hard thing to swallow

Yesterday, the results for Jun 06 ACCA exams were released. The moment I waited for has arrived. My result was not surprising, as I failed to meet the standard required. It proved to be a good learning point. I realised that I had taken for granted on achieving results with minimal effort. Coping with work and part time studies is not an easy task for everyone. From this point in time, I am inspired to work harder to ensure success. Probably signing up for revision class might help, as I never rely on that previously. My new mobile acquisition scheduled for october has to be delayed to provide funds for another attempt. Hehe.

Sad things casted aside. I arranged with a fren to watch "The Breakup" together. Note that she is still single, so I can ask her along. Haha. I wont bother asking someone attached to know more about breaking up. It may make their lives worse. It was the first time I went to Bishan Junction 8 to see a show and bought nachos from Golden Village. Not too bad, compared to Eng Wah's nachos. But, Cathay should improve on their quality, especially the cheese. The ticket usher forgot to update the display panel to alert the audience to enter the theatre. We highlighted to them that the show is starting in 2 mins time. Haha.

The show was filled with laughter and sad moments. Maybe, u can catch it to know where the funny parts are. :P Well, the saddest part was to learn that the house shared by the couple had a buyer. That made them think through why they had fought with each other all the while. The lady wanted to make a last reconcilition attempt, by inviting the guy to join her for a concert. Fate was cruel to her. The guy didnt turned up and she broke down into tears. I could feel her emotions, as I went through that phase in life before. She had sacrificed alot for the relationship, but the other person was not appreciative. A good ending was their friendship was intact a few years after they broke up.

Had coffee at Cafe Cartel following the end of the show. We shared more things of our life and the friendship is developing well. I would advise her to stay cheerful and take things easy.

Can your ex be that super hot??

An appointment was set for tuesday to see this movie. But, I brought it forward to avoid clashing with an office meeting, which might result in disappointment. Why I pick this movie? Not because of wendy's review. Haha. I wanted to check out how the guy will be punished for saying that he wanted a breakup. He and I have something in common, such as the frustrations he faced in the relationship and he never know that the relationship with a possessive female could be a nightmare. Life is ambiguous sometimes. U never know that the person who u love is always beside you until you have a bad encounter. A touching sight near the end of the show, where the couples were rightfully matched. There are plenty of funny conversations during the show, which can make ur laughter lasts. I can recommend this movie, but there are other good ones screening now too. It's your choice. After the 1 n 1/2 hr show, I requested my fren to join me for coffee at TCC. They have a huge variety of coffee to choose, much better than Coffee Bean. Did I catch the waitress wink at me? Maybe its my illusion. I gave her a smile in return. We chatted several issues and got to know each other better. Before we know it, they were closing for the day. I accompanied her on the train to talk with her further, up till her alighting station. Thereon, I had my MP3 to end the night on a high note.

Casual Meet with Army Mates

My Army Buddy, Thing, smsed me if I was free to meet him for some catching up. He drove to fetch me up in the late morning and we went to pick up another fren, Yong, together. We went up to Yong's house, as he was still preparing. Said hi to his mum and discovered their resembiance. We decided to go Taka for Dim Sum, despite dressing in shorts, sandals and tees.

Settled down at Crystal Jade 小龙包 restaurant. We ordered a feast. A main course for everyone and shared about 5 dishes of dim sum. My Wanton soup noodles have 6 big Wantons. Never took so many at one go.
Felt like avoiding Wantons for a month after this meal.

After our sumptous feast, I asked the guys to accompany me to shop for presents for my colleagues. Well, it didnt take long before I set my eyes on the ideal gifts. Bought a Pooh bear touch light and Tigger MP3 speakers. One of them likes Pooh, the other likes listening to music. Planning to present to them next tuesday during our dinner.

We headed to West Coast Recreation Center for some pool and billard sessions. Havent been playing and I hitted more white balls than coloured ones in the holes. Haha. It was a cheap game, as we paid ten bucks for about 3 hours of games.

TGIF - 金龙船 n KTV

A public holiday in the middle of the week made this week a short one. I thought why waste a friday evening and go home after work? Paul was available on friday for a meal. Jason and Rebec were roped in as well. We met up at Marina Square Billy Bombers to decide where to have our dinner. I was given the choice to decide, and I picked this Kam Boat Dim Sum Kitchen from the list of dining places available on the directory.

Just as we were searching for the place in the big mall, call of nature came and I got to head to the Gents to negotiate a deal. Negotiation was smoother than I expected. Hehe. The restaurant was located where we came from initially. The management should do a better job to provide direction signs, since they have expanded. We had the deluxe meal as shown in the pamphlet, plus some dim sum. The manager was tactful to replace my tea with warm water, having heard that I am not having a good tummy. Felt like calling her "Mum". Haha. Plenty of jokes and sharing topics about our own experiences, as we tucked in the dishes served. Midway, the fireworks were displayed but we didnt catch much of it.

After dinner, singing at Kbox continued. I had to go for another round of negotiation before I could settle down to start singing. As requested, I sang more than previous sessions. My voice is more suitable for english songs. Song after song we sang and crazed, until 3 am in the morning. It was my first to hang out till this time. Felt tired but fulfiling.

Happy 41st Birthday to My Nation

It's the annual 9th of August that all Singaporeans are proud of. 41 years ago, Singapore announced its independence. Every year on this day, I stay home to wait for the NDP parade to be screened on tv in the evening. For the record books, this year was an exception.

Pat was willing to catch the movie "Fast & Furious 2" with me. Haha. It was not easy to ask her out by the way. Her schedule was packed by her NIE training. I went to causeway point earlier to collect the tickets in advance. The theatre has shifted its location and I was unaware of that. Got to depend on the direction signs. She arrived just in time to enter the theatre. The show kicked off with very loud music. Many intense driving scenes and drivers performing drifts. I can only admire, as I cant perform those in real driving. But, I do play videogames and do those stunts.

After that, Pat suggested to go clementi Kbox for a singing session. She wanted to practise her vocal for a singing competition. It was a good opportunity to train my vocal too. I never sang so many songs in a 3 hr session before. She wanted me to try singing without stressing my throat. It's a hard technique to master though. Had a great time spent with Pat and I hope she felt the same way as well.

Promotion Treat

The ladies in the office planned the dinner tonight. Two weeks ago, they wanted to go Swensen. But, I had an appointment to see a movie back then. Today, I was free to accompany them. The location to go was Lemon Grass Thai Restaurant at Heeren. Thai food wass a good choice for a change of food. Kim and I arrived earlier, as we knocked off at an earlier time. The dishes were pre-selected using the website and Kim took out a list to read out to the waitress. Haha. The titbits was a good appetitzer. We finished a whole basket before the rest joined us.

The dishes were served one after another and the thai waitresses were providing good services. As we were feasting, Cat was unlucky to have a stomach upset. I am her lucky star, as I got the medicine to cure it. It's my habit to carry some medicine with me. She felt better after consuming one tablet. Shortly after, we headed to Swensen to have Earth-quake ice cream for dessert. Our manager footed all the bills. Congrats to her promotion as our senior manager.

The Sound of Ticking

The thought of waking up late to prepare for work was getting on my nerves. I am a systematic person, always planning my schedule to provide for contingencies. Went inside a hardware shop, which sells clocks. Browsed through their clocks display, and one caught my attention. It has Doraemon on it and my favourite colour is sky blue. There is a light function to use for dark areas. It should serve my purpose. I tink its a good buy for $8.

I showed mummy what a cute thing I have. She asked if it is for someone. Chinese folks believe that we cant 送钟 (equivalent of sending u for the last ride). I guessed her age is catching up on her and she overlooked that before asking. I set the alarm to wake me up after a short nap in the noon. The sound was irritating, but it works great!!!

Use Ur Mind, But Think Less

A relaxation place with Paul, Jason n Eriko. We, guys are accustomed to dining and KTV as part of our programme. It's very nice of a lady to suggest the place, The Mind Cafe. A big thank you. 2 new friends were introduced by Eriko, Jimmy and Bonnie, to add on to our expanding friends network. Heard that Bonnie made an effort to come, despite carrying a foot injury. Hope she has a speedy recovery. We had a Mind Sixer Package at $48/- for 6 person for 2 hours of boardgames ,6 drinks of OUR CHOICE , 2 snacks and 1 tidbits of OUR CHOICE.

After dinner, it's game time. They have a huge collection of games to cater to our needs, in exchange for a small fee. We kicked things off with "Taboo". A party word game to lead other players to say the word on ur card. However, there are another 5 words which is the player's taboo. The 2nd game we tried was "You Are An Idiot". The person who picked this card is supposed to act stupid, even if he knows the answer. How about "Jenga" to test our stability?
Last but not least, we took the board game "The Game of Life". A game which makes players go through every part and parcel of life. That's the end of our board gaming.

It was 11.15pm. Time for us to foot the bill, as our gaming hours are due to lapse. We went back home, as the ladies have to be home early. Pat was online and I mentioned about this cafe we went to. She went to another one named "The Settlers". We can try this another time.

Who is desperate?

RTO to resume my normal work after the seminar ended yesterday. Table was piled with incoming mails during my absence. Mailbox was filled with work related emails. Life gets more interesting, when you have to work at a faster pace.

The tax assistant from EY gave me a ring. to thanked me for my prompt reply for their queries. I mentioned that I would clear it as part of my job. Back to my accounts closing, I managed to do some data entry for last min submitted accounts. Cat was getting stressed up for late submission of accounts. Pity her, but I always try to help her if possible.

It's lunchtime and the weather turned bad all of a sudden. We ordered takeaways to be delivered to us. The delivery man was drenched, making us feel the guilt. We must finish the food for his sake. After a filling lunch, everyone discussed the topic of who is suitable for me in the office??? Haha. I sat there listening, as the ladies provided me with a list of candidates for my consideration. Are they anxious to see me getting hitched? Singlehood has its own merits, but I wont write off seeking a partner. One even asked my manager if she would accept my courtship. The proposal to me was I wont have to strive so much, as she is older than me. A nice try. Jokes aside and we got back to our desks for the serious matters.

Counselling to Write Better

Today marked the end of a 2 day course organised by British Council. Would it improve the quality of my letters and emails in future? I did received a handful of pointers to make my purpose of writing clear and concise. To attend such courses, you must be prepared to accept criticism of ur submissions. There was hardly any instances to get away with a perfect answer. A certificate was given by the speaker to each individual who completed the course. I had my copy, but the name printed was wrong. What went wrong is a puzzle unsolved. The amendment was done swiftly and I got the proper one. Overall, it was worth the sacrifice of office hours to enrich myself. I believe I will be more efficient in drafting letters from now on. A tip to anyone is to write using plain english than bombastic english. The vocabulary can be impressive, but the purpose of the letter may not be obvious.