What did I do? Beats me. At the end of Chemistry Practical, Dr Chan returned me back my card which I had personally written for him (together with 23 of my classmates) to give during Farewell Assembly. He never said anything and promptly went back to the preparation room.
What on earth did I write that ticks him off? I thought I wrote my heartfelt gratitude...really confused. Did I write anything wrong? I am going back to school tomorrow.
After going through much bureacracy and red tape, my father finally managed to coerce the officers in charge to amend my erroneous date that is much earlier, thankfully. I really hope to receive the enlistment letter, this time in joy and not in anger. I wonder who else is enlisting at the same day as me.
Had an experience of army life a year back. Went for the Camp Sapphire. Amazingly, two gungho girls also signed up as well. Most were from Nanyang poly---"prodded" by their teachers to have an "experience" of their lifetime. Was supposed to have another guy from RJ. In the end, I was the sole RJ "kia" that volunteered for this kinda stuffs.
Contrary to what people think, army life has become more humane. (at least that is the impression that the organisers want us to leave). Horror tales from our fathers probably arose because we were trained by Israeli commanders of the past, who had a very tough army regimen. For those aspiring to be cooks, I am sorry to burst your bubbles. Nowadays, army food is catered. Surprisingly, army food turned out to be
at times more filling and better tasting than my mother's food. Note: Clerks are still not obselete...Also, sergeants cannot punish people at will. They personally told us that even when meting out punishment, it had to be fair and not unreasonably out of whim. My senior ever told me once that the most no. of pumpings they can give out is 20, though I am not sure how true is that.
Finally, after sleeping three days in the army bunkers, we got to try firing live rounds on Day 4! Turned out to be a tad of a disappointment, since we were only given 3 rounds (yes three only) to fire at some targets 25 m away. Even with earplugs, it was quite deafening. I was wondering why my rifle could not shoot at first and was initially worried. Turned out that I did not pull the trigger hard enough. The recoil followed soon after.
Learnt some new stuffs about our Kevlar helmets. The army commander told us that if fired close range, the Kevlar would not be of much use. Though the bullet may not penetrate, its extremely high momentum is enough to cause a serious concussion to the victim. :S
Cannot really remember much, since it all happened a year ago.
How does one make the two live peacefully? The Viper does not like the Tiger to intrude into her space; the Tiger does not like to be riled by the snake.
Though both oppose each other bitterly, they fail to realise that they are actually their own worst enemy. One can find the mirror image of all the loathsome characteristics in the other. The peace is finally disrupted after a few months of cold war. Obscenities, abuses, beatings were heard across the rooms. The Viper will taunt the tiger to be physically violent, the tiger likewise will tempt the other to call the police.
I had to be nonchalant as long as possible. My presence ensured that no one goes overboard. In war, everyone emerges as losers. Both will always suffer. Now the Viper and the Tiger have to consult a GP for their injuries.
I refused to take sides. Why must one put his hand near a viper's fangs? And the Viper need not test the mettle and the ferocity of the Tiger. For now, the tempest is gone. Peace ensues between my mother and I, though it may not last long when both return.
That's right, (points above) is the cost of the Bio practical you are sitting tomorrow, inclusive of GST. (that is assuming that each paper costs the same). Imagine hundreds of thousands of students sitting for the A levels; the syndicate must be laughing all the way to the bank. Regardless, Yahweh, be my strength every morning.
Let not the sun set until I have successfully completed this practical. I want to improve from my dismal marks of the past.
After looking through my bio histo cd, I reflected on today's events. Realised it is quite futile to get angry; must learn to calm myself down. But I really, really do hope and pray that I can enter camp during January. I need to finish my resolutions by the end of this year. Am glad that the Desert Rose likes the furry mouse(heard from my many sources). Many times better than that useless rose, which is probably decomposing as compost somewhere on this earth. Hope she isn't asthmatic, as it would complicate matters.
I am not sure whether there would be space on 6th January 2005 for me. Might end up getting enlisted at the end of January instead.
Just received an ominous NS letter. It stated that the subject has not passed the required standard for NAPFA, hence he has to go in at a very early date of 10th December. It ended with a pleasant note for the subject's parents to view his enlistment.
Naturally, I went livid. This is too much. First the PE department had shortchanged me, now they passed the responsibility of amending my results back to me, when they should have done so.
Took two NAPFA tests this year. The first one I had obtained silver; the 2nd I was supposed to receive my gold. Somehow, the teachers mistook my 2.4 km time for someone else's. That gold was downgraded to "bronze", which according to the eyes of NS, it is deemed unfit. This is not the end of the stick. I thought that even if I had not complained or made changes, they should be sensible enough to send my better initial result of silver to NS. Apparently, the impossible things happen. They send the lousier results.
Now I HAD to settle this mess myself. By the way, the person who happily exchanged my 2.4 km run for his lousy time (which harmed me and downgraded my gold); do not gloat yet. Though you may appear to get scot free (i.e, by getting a much "better" time), I curse you to suffer an additional 6 weeks of pain. You almost made me do an additional 6 weeks for nothing, you @#$%*NG guy. I pray that this mishap is cleared up. If not, may this curse come true.
Decided to change my pilgrimage to the North. Almost wanted to call Ken Toh to accompany me to the block, since Raymond complained of a headache (courtesy of playing LAN at the dark blue room). Finished my Maths paper at last. Had dinner with Ginway and Eddie, before going to Tampines Mall to buy a Hallmark card for the
Desert Rose.Recalled that 2 years ago, I had a crush on my senior. My younger sis affectionately called her
"Fishball". A wordplay in Chinese, though the "fish" part is inaccurate. I scoured the whole City Hall area to buy a cute little small card, where I would write my regards and then laminate it. That time, I went alone. With the afternoon sun beating down my neck, I walked from C.H.I.J.M.E.S to unknown buildings, searching every storey for a nice gift shop...Had to come early to school tomorrow, to place the gift in the locker. I hope that Chemistry Paper will be manageable, because I had absolutely no time for it; I am studying for Bio Prac now. Sadly, I do not dare to put my name down on her card;"Roderick" shall suffice.
Woke up at around 7 a.m to look through my Physics MCQ for about 1 hour, then fell into a deep sleep for around 3 hours. Raymond called to ask me to shop for a present for the Desert Rose,
since it is their birthday tomorrow. Had a hasty lunch from my mother before paying my share to Roderick, who had patiently waited for my arrival at Orchard MRT.
Both of us walked from Orchard to Paradiz, exercising our underused legs. I'm getting quite nauseous of the blue UV light at McMaster and the horrible cigarette smell in the toilet. Had a stomachache and found the ground toilet devoid of resources. Went hurriedly up to the 2nd toilet, which was slightly cleaner and better. Played five games in all. For the first time, my side ended in victory for the last game. (though it was quite humiliating to lose to a group of prepubescent guys before that).
In our euphoria, I had cleanly forgotten about the present which was left at the shop. Even though I had placed the gift in front of our screen, I guess that the poor lighting there made it inconspicuous.
Only realised my folly when we had reached Kembangan. Travelled all the way back to the same old place. Thankfully, the shop was still open and my gift was safe and sound. By then, it was already 11 p.m. Along the way, Raymond suggested a crazy idea: Lets go to the Desert Rose's house and give the present in front of her door. He began asking his classmates for the addresses.
Had many plans when we were walking to and from MacMasters. One was the once-in a lifetime scenario above. Another was that Raymond would come to my house and wrap a present, before going to her house and finally studying at the airport.
Time ticked by, as I pondered at the train station. The Northward bound train will bring me to her doorstep; the South train will bring us home. Missed both trains while contemplating, with the gift in hand. Many thoughts came through my mind; Raymond was anxiously waiting for my response.
Taking the Northward bound train is akin to burning a bridge. There will be no return trip by MRT home. At best, we will manage to find her place by midnight. By then, hungry taxis will be prowling the streets waiting to impose their midnight surcharge.
<p>Though Raymond reassured me that his parents will pay, I feel bad for making his parents pay for the extra charges; this matter doesn't even concern them.
At the end of the day, why would I make my friend and parents suffer, just to give a present to the
Desert Rose? There might be a probability that the gift itself would receive contempt from the beholder; all these at the cost of money, tears and sweat.For the first time since the rose incident, I refused to go the extra mile just for the sake of friendship with the
Desert Rose; why should I tire my closer friend Raymond just for the sake of illusionary, "might have-or might not have" relationship with her? Thought back and felt it was silly to succumb to others' opinions and give the rose.This time, I felt the inner peace in me, not to do anything rash tonight. Planning to go to school tomorrow and ask her classmates to write their regards to her. The gift will be properly wrapped by then. This will probably be the last gift I can ever present, if she still regards me as her friend....
Go read about yesterday's Today on the frontpage. Some NS men actually think that promiscuity is alright, as long as you do it before marriage. The point is not whether you do before marriage or not...-.-', its whether you will spread something to your wife, dimwit. Can vision Singapore will become plagued with AIDS in 50 years time if nothing is done to stop the changing face of LUST.
Shouldn't sound so patronising. After all, "all guys are bastards". I just hope that I will stay far away from these corruptible influences during NS..pls. My father used to say NS make or break a person's charaacter.I am just as human as these guys. :S
Afterthought: What's the joy of receiving Christmas gifts on Christmas if you have opened up all of the gifts before the day?
"If the Adversary reminds you of your past, remind him of his future"
"If you are promised a million bucks in your bank by the age of 25, will you go and steal at 18?"
"...there is no one righteous, not even one;..."
Played 1 game of DoTA before going for my class outing. I thought that I was being punctual until Dingjie called me. Was supposed to be at Newton MRT 1/2 hour earlier. :S. Had a nice and comfortable lunch at Black Canyon. I initially wanted to complain for making me wait for 40 min, but gave up after feasting on its succulent chicken meat.
Went to Youwei's house to relax and rest our filled tummies. After about 100+dart throws, I finally managed to hit ONE bulleye.
Arrived just on time to receive my progress report and NAPFA result slips. I am not really contended with my silver; as they had cheated me of my gold. Nonetheless, it is relatively much better than a bronze +2 months of extra NS.Sat through a long farewell assembly at the hall. John's speech was inspirational and funny, though I felt that it could be shorter; otherwise it was a flawless speech. Had an evening meal of KFC at the netball court while watching Friends. Used to think that Friends was incomprehensible to me. Now I find that it is quite hilarious =).
Had one last glimpse at the
Desert Rose and Hotseat before going off to Paradiz once again for DoTA. Must tell myself to not feel sleepy when studying during the next day.
Apparently, my younger sis thought that the class video from 3H represents RJ. Now she thinks that RJ is a chic, cool and hip place for her further studies. -.-' She is in love with RJC and even ask me to buy her a set of RJ uniforms for fun (which I vehemently refuse).
One thing that never fails to fascinate me is the issue of dieting in many girls. Why do they need to slim down? (I said this because my younger sis attempted to slim down as well, which miserably failed. She reverted back to her habit of eating Mcdonalds and junkies). Alvin Tan probably knows what I am going to say next, but I will repeat it nonetheless.
Personally, I feel that no matter how much the physical appearance is altered, the inner person is roughly the same. Which means that your character will ultimately decide how you interact with others, not those few inches/cm/mm of fats. And not all guys want to look for 36-24-36 figures. Look at it in this way: After 50 years, I am sure that whatever remnants of 6-pack, bulging biceps, nice figure, signs of youths would have gradually disappeared--we will all be old. Though I must say that if a guy really dumps you because you are fat, then that jerk is not worth your time.
Was thinking back about my friends' advice. They all ask me to give up on the Desert Rose. There are many beautiful girls out there. I do not know, because it is not her looks that mattered; honestly speaking if it was based on looks alone, I would have switched my focus by now...
Spent my time aimlessly at home doing the various "A" level practice papers. Must say that most RJC papers are really a joke. There is a need to acclimatise to the standard difference. Used one day of the week to study till night on Tuesday. Taught my little sis the basics in Chemistry and Geography in preparation for her final year exams.
Looked forward to the Farewell Assembly tomorrow. Not only it stretches my legs and allows me to breathe fresh air, I can also have another glimpse of the Desert Rose. Ivan offered me another alternative to spend my afternoon on that day: Back to Paradiz. I predicted that I would reject his offer, since I am quite tired of Paradiz and I had class outing on that same period. Must start revising Bio pracs soon.
Overslept today and missed the revision lectures. :(. My father finally realised the cause of my computer problems. His analysis was that my computer , which after frequent uses, will break down. Hence, he told me to patiently wait for the computer to warm up by turning it on for around 10 min. True enough, the "1782 system disk error" disappeared once the computer was heated by the current.
Played DoTA for the last time before the A levels yesterday. Wasted $12 bucks just to boost other people's egos. Online play was slightly much better. The last battle I had was myself against 4 other opponents, although later my opponents were reduced to 2 players. "Fought valiantly...", putting it in Eddie Cai's words. Needless to say, my base was overrun, but at least I fought till the last; all my other teammates left. (initially it was meant to be 5 v5, then 5v4, 5v3, 5v2, 4v2, 4v1 and so on)
Felt sleepy today. Slept three times in the day, for God-knows-what reasons. Maybe it is good that my mother has locked all my games and DVDs. My inertia must be overcome soon.
As the morning sun rose for a final time over the J1's and J2's standing together, I sang the National Anthem with pride for the last time in Mount Sinai. Today was quite an interesting day:
Learnt some morse codes from Dingjie today, who picked it up when he was thoroughly bored during his prelims. Who knows, one day it might prove useful.
As usual, I made my daily rounds to the pigeon holes, clearing rubbish from my class letter rack which nobody has bothered since time immemorial. Was pleasantly surprised. (considering after I had received my atrocious Maths S results). Meanwhile, I am attempting to pick up another valuable skill---graphonomy. "The pen is mightier than the sword", so declares Raymond to Eddie. Though a picture may paint a thousand words, a person's handwriting reveals several traits about her/him.
Bonus: Here's a little puzzle to tickle the mind (to those that are really bored),
Decided to adopt one of my friend's MSN nick as it reflects what I have been thinking about for the past few hours. My practical skills need to improve. Lack of confidence, trust in my self effort had let me down. Hotseat's blog aptly sums it up: "Life is like a casino and everyone expected to win", though I do not agree that part about life. Life is not dictated by luck and neither is it by self. Ever heard of "I am the captain and master of my ship"? Trust me, after some time you will have unnerving questions like "Why am I doing this?", "What's all this struggle about?" etc etc. Though bathing keeps the body clean, nothing physical can clear the dirt of the inner man. We all crave for food, but how many actually bother to fill up the spiritual void?
Hotseat is quite beautiful intellectually. Her blog is a good way to improve my vocabulary. Note: The Desert Rose is not one of the XX friends that I mention in my previous post, in case readers jump to conclusions. Anyway, more on this. Last time, the two of them kindly invited me to City Harvest. Will they be receptive if I invite them to the Rock? (before we go our separate ways after A levels....)
Of all the days when I feel a need to pen down my thoughts, Blogspot refuses to allow me entry. The zenith of my angry creativity was denied. Ironically, when there was nothing to post, it worked fine.
Played badminton (again) at LT 2.5 with Dingjie, A.O, Ivan, Alvin Tan and Vanessa---one of the many ways we would spend our time. A.O and Yongen remained in their positions comfortably for a very long time. It seems that there is a complete reversal in my attitude towards free time. Last year, we relished the chance of free time to escape from Chinese. Yesterday, I begged time to move faster--2 hrs was wastefuly spent.
Assaulted with the return of many papers. Numbed but thankful that my Physics and Chemistry barely scrapped through the grades. Wonder why two of my XX friends have been ignoring me...shan't mention names, since they are my friends. Maybe aloofness has set in during that one year, haiz. Distance is directly proportional to the period of separation. Hope they still treat me as a friend.
We shall have the last LAN session before the A levels, on Saturday at the usual place. A clash of the titans....
For the past few days, I have been to Paradiz so many times that even the shop owners recognise us by now. Tried the map called DoTA (meaning Defense of the Ancients). Despite it being a custom Warcraft map, it actually almost rivals the normal warcraft in terms of strategy. Ambushes have to be planned, counters for what heroes and so on. Since we were newbies, expectedly, we lost to a better team. But I believe we should have improved at every game, deadlier at every combat. (that is, provided that we work as one team and not bickle).
Played badminton with Eddie, Zhengxian, Ginway and Raymond. Am still reeling from the side effects of an untrained unfit body. Sitting down activates my damaged nerves; my right wrist can't wipe my mouth properly without feeling numb.
Felt that what I have been doing so far is like trying to forget about Prelims, akin to using anaesthetic to relieve pain; the symptoms may be gone, but the root is still there. Must start to hit the books after next week.
After chem S, Ivan and I went to the same old place. It was unusually quiet, with the whole shop to ourselves. Played online and was in the same team as Ivan; we were thrashed in DOTA. Later Ginway and Eddie came along. After our sore defeat, the both of us went over to Ginway's side and continued with Serious Sam. Sam is similar to Duke Nukem.
Went to Suntec to watch Resident Evil. Despite what the Life! section made out of it, it deserves more than a pathetic 2 stars given (Dingjie, you can go download after 3 weeks). Milla Jovovich is
HOT...go watch. Went online to search more about the movie and the heroine as well :). Hardcore gamers may be disappointed, since the characters in the movie are not from the game itself. Nevertheless, it was enjoyable.