Our Daily Bread...?

Baby we can make it all right...

2008-09-15T17:36:00.003+08:00

I just love this song.

Hello Brissy!

2008-02-03T21:11:00.000+08:00

Wow, I’m still beside myself. Hard to believe that not too long ago I was only dreaming of studying Medicine. Now here I am at St. Lucia, Brisbane, embarking on this great journey of becoming a doctor – “realising my dreams” as my best friend would put it.

Just days ago I was running around preparing for my departure. Buying stuff, saying my goodbyes… and packing. Oh, how I hate doing it. Not only does it signal your imminent departure, but there’s also the underlying fear that you’ll forget something. So it’s quite surprising that I seem to have remembered to pack everything. Maybe I just don’t know yet… We’ll see.

The night before flying I slept a measly 3-4 hours as I used that time to pack, thinking that I could catch up en-route. A dull throbbing headache was nagging me for some shut-eye. However, I never regretted staying up that night, neither will I ever forget it, for my dear little sister came to chat and kept me company until I finished. That was one of the very few bonding sessions I remember having with her… I miss her already.

By the time I got to T3 the next morning I could hardly stand up straight. I was so sure I was going to fall ill but thank goodness I didn’t. My farewell party consisted of Mum, Dad (who was actually supposed to go to work), Sally and Jasmine. I was 16kg over my weight limit and didn’t have the energy to reason with the ground staff. Luckily he was kind too, for he told my to “just remove 6kg, then can already”. The solution – I removed 2 hardcover books and a stack of writing pads, and hand-carried them.

Flight SQ 245 departed from gate 16A slightly behind schedule and soon after I was drifting in-and-out of consciousness. The flight time is slightly longer than what I’m used to (Melbourne), but I’m not complaining. Not sure why, but I remember the name of the leading stewardess that was in charge of class Y – Diane Green. Maybe it’s because her name matched so aptly the colour of her kebaya, heh.

I was pleasantly surprised at Brisbane airport, as immigration and customs personnel were all very pleasant towards me, and I literally whisked through without being searched. The complimentary pick-up service was there waiting for me – a stout, middle-aged man who too, was warm towards me.

When we reached King’s, it was in total darkness, but my driver was kind enough to help me look around. Just as we were about to give up, a figure walked towards us from the main road. His name is Austin, a 2nd year engineering student at UQ and fellow Kingsman. The sight of him made me wonder, are Queenslanders all that tall and well-built? You see, Austin is nearly 2 heads taller than me, has large, defined, muscular arms and a healthy tan. He must probably be a rower or a gym rat… He relieved the driver of his burden and helped me to my room. I still couldn’t unpack as I didn’t have my room key.

The next few days were spent organising my things, paying fees and all that. I managed to meet up with Marcus and Matt. My neighbour’s Antony, from Sydney. Really pleasant but typically rowdy and playful.

So far so good; it’s still within my threshold.

See, I TOLD you...

2007-12-02T19:45:00.000+08:00

2007-09-20T12:52:00.000+08:00

1. Does anyone know your password? Yes, my siblings

2. What was the last thing you ordered at McDonalds? Med Coke Light, no ice

3. Are you an emotional person? Yes.

4. Do you like your name? I love it!

5. Do you believe in love at firstsight? Yes I do, but convincing the other party is a totally different story...

6. Ever felt jealous of your friend? Err, yea.

7. What was the last thing you did? Chatted with Mom.

8. Who's next to you? Mom

9. Who was the last person you ate with? ATGC

10. What song are you listening to right now? I'm not listening to anything

11. How's the weather right now? Sunny

12. Last song you sang?

13. Lost a friendship over something stupid?* uh im not sure about this.

14. Last thing you ate?* mcdonald's.

15. Faked being sick to miss school?* yeah in secondary school lol.

16. Are you too shy to ask anyone out?* yah.

17. What is the first thing you noticeabout the opposite sex?* er face?

18. Did you go anywhere today?* sentosa!

Long, long ago...

2007-09-08T12:49:00.000+08:00

What the Hell have you been up to?!

Oh crap! I realise I've not posted for ages!! And there isn't a valid excuse even... Bleagh. I'd be lying through my teeth if I say nothing much has happened since my last post. I'd better mention bits here and there before I get forgotten. Sincerest apologies peeps, and do excuse me as I try with to recall and summarise the multitude of events that have occured since WAY back in May:

Top on my list was getting my dreaded thesis done; that was the main reason for my hiatus. Am proud to say that with the careful (and grateful) guidance of my Assoc. Prof, I managed to get it completed... with 2 weeks to spare! Submitted in punctually as required, and sat through the Oral Defense examination. Thankfully, all the bloody effort paid off, with Yours Truly getting a H1 (1st Class Honours, can?) for the year.

Had a few days free before returning Home... Caught up with my mates and even went on a road trip along the coast to Port Fairy with darling Melly! Funkihey took me clubbing, my 1st time, where the remixes "One Night Only" and "Umbrella" would thereafter have special meaning attached.

Packed up and jetsetted Home!

Days later, I had my admissions interview with the University of Queensland, via TELEPHONE. Honestly, I thought I sucked and was therefore not expecting any reply. Obviously they thought differently, cos 2 days later Julia emailed me the official offer documents and her congratulations!

Then there was the Bangkok trip, which is another tale in itself, not very different from my previous trip (see the post) there. Thanx Teerasit!

Days after returning from BKK, I followed my Dad on a company trip to Hong Kong. Now, when a company as large and established as the 4th largest law firm in Singapore decides to treat its staff, it doesn't hold back (much) but goes all out. Picture this: Economy tickets (OK so they're not J Class... Heck, they're FREE!) on CX, a room at the luxurious Sheraton HK, free meals and even a retro-themed D & D for EVERY employee, including coffee-ladies, couriers and casual staff.

I took the opportunity to catch up with my 2 HK friends while I was there, Betsy and Bobo. We were coursemates way back in Trinity College, and in Dec 2000 I promised them that I would visit one day. Sure took a while, but I kept my promise! Hehe...

Back in Singapore, I caught up with friends including my Army mates, thanks to a little help from ever-reliable Mr Kang. Oh yes, I also finally met up with ATGC! -grins-

Graduation! Mom, Dad and I returned to Melbourne for the ceremony. Dad was in Melbourne for only about 30 hours! I was like, if you're not free, it's OK. I understand. But he was so adamant (and proud),spending $1K+ just to see his son collect his certificate. I'm grateful for you being there, Dad, and glad that I did you proud. Hey, SOMEONE had to inherit your brains after all, rite??

The things that got me pissed were he only brought a hand-carry case, so did not help to bring back any of my stuff; He took the liberty to bring back with him my important documents without informing me, before I had the chance to make certified copies there. Grrr! I'd much rather he gave me the $1K than to waste it on a plane ticket for just a 1-day visit...

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

04/11/2007

Mood: Lousy

Anyway, you get the idea. It's now November and there's no way I can possibly re-relate everything to you all. So I'm just gonna say this: Whatever happened, happened. Some ups, some downs, but I won't touch on them. Hell, who even cares? Not like any of you really bother or are even remotely interested, so I should stop bragging and upplaying everything.

I'm feeling lousy because...I don't know. Well actually I do know but have trouble putting it in order. Besides, I don't think I can or want to say why, just that I feel like a loser, and that I can't do anything about it given my circumstances. Gawd, I'm pathetic. Haiz, everytime I try and up myself or find reason to feel good the world does one better and drags me down. Sometimes I wonder why I even bother. Why did I even try?

Useless Trivia

2007-08-18T22:06:00.000+08:00

Did you know:

Debra Winger was the voice of E.T.
Pearls melt in vinegar.
Thirty-Five percent of the people who use personal ads for dating are already married.
The 3 most valuable brand names on earth: MARLBORO, COCA-COLA, and BUDWEISER, in that order.
It's possible to lead a cow upstairs... but not downstairs.
Humans are the only primates that don't have pigment in the palms oftheir hands.
The only 15 letter word that can be spelled without repeating a letter is uncopyrightable.

A few things you might not know about me...

2007-04-07T21:53:00.000+08:00

Gosh I am such a sucker for these Qn-Ans thingys (instead of doing work!)... Well here's another 55:

1. What is your middle name?
Marc Ethan Jean-Philippe

2. How big is your bed?
Single

3. What are you listening to right now?
My iTunes library, current track: Fly Away by F.I.R.

4. What are the last 4 digits in your cellphone number?
7970

5. What was the last thing you ate?
Pumpkin & broccoli

6. Last person you hugged?
Melanie, wishing me all the best for GAMSAT

7. How is the weather right now?
Cool-cold

8. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone?
My brother

9. The first thing you notice about the opposite sex?
Everything on the face

10. Hair color?
medium brown

15. Eye color?
medum brown

16. Do you wear contacts?
No

17. Favorite holiday?
Year-end hols, cos it's a triple-combo for me: Xmas, bday, New Year

18. Favorite Season?
Autumn

19. have you ever cried over a boy/girl?
Yea

20. Last Movie you Watched?
Stranger Than Fiction

21. What books are you reading?
Medical Science research papers...

22. Favorite Movie?
I don't think I have one, but 10 Things I hate About You, The 5th Element and Gattaca come close

23. Favorite college football Team?
Don't have one.

24. What were you doing before filling this out?
Drinking

25. Do you still watch cartoons on Saturday mornings?
Nah...

26. Are you hiding something from someone?
I'm hiding A LOT of things from a lot of people.

27. Are you over 18?
yes

28. What is the wallpaper on your cellphone?
A picture of Bukit Batok Quarry, taken in December 2006

29. Did you get enough sleep last night?
Surprisingly, yes!

30. FIRST THING YOU THOUGHT ABOUT THIS MORNING?
"Gotta go to the market"

31. What do you have handy at your bedside?
Mobile, alarm clock, magazine, dry oil.

32. Grilled or fried?
Grilled!

33. What makes you unique?
Everything about me, don't you guys think?

34. Are you afraid of the dark?
No

35. Favourite hangout?
I wish I could say my lab @ RMH...

36. 3 things you can't live without?
My laptop, mobile & friends

37. First thing you will buy given 1000 dollars?
Hmm that's not much... An air ticket?

38. Favourite song?
Hmm, come to think of it, I don't have one!

39. What are you afraid of?
Extreme failure

40. Are you agiver or taker?
Both, @ different times.

41. What are your nicknames?
Jerry, JMJ, Mr J, angmoh, Magam, Plumbium

42. What is your dad's middle name(s)?
Doesn't have one...

43. What's your mother's middle name(s)?
Bernadette Teresa

44. Stuck on a deserted island & can bring only 1 thing?
A boat/ship

45. Favourite t.v. commercial?
It changes la... But I like the Prudential Singapore one, LOL! U noe why? Go see it!

46. Who's your cell phone provider?
M1

47. 1st thing you'll save in s fire?
The important stuff, including those close to my heart

48. Favorite color?
Green!

49. What are the things you always bring with you?
My laptop and my work...

50. What did you wanna be when you were a kid?
A doctor, pilot, flight steward, teacher, actor/performer, model, circus performer

51. What do you usually do when the clock reads 7am?
Brush teeth...

52. The colour of your bedsheet?
SAF white... Shh!

53. Who do you wanna meet?
One's Alar... and the other is Alas...

54. What do you think about before U go to bed?
What I wanna do after I return home...

55. Who are you thinking about now?
Parents, Georgi & the girls, all my frens esp Q, A, M, D, D, and the 2 pple I wanna meet...

What the??

2007-03-31T23:35:00.000+08:00

Meme...

2007-03-31T21:59:00.000+08:00

HOW MANY KEYS ARE ON YOUR KEYCHAIN?
5 - The disgustingly huge CS one, 2 letterbox keys, 2 for my other apartment

WHAT CURSE WORD DO YOU USE THE MOST?
Excuse me, I don't swear ok...

WHAT TIME IS YOUR ALARM CLOCK SET FOR?
1/3/5 - 8.15 am to get to seminars, 2/4 - 6.50, to get to my lab

DO YOU WEAR FLIPFLOPS EVEN WHEN IT’S COLD OUTSIDE?
Unfortunately due to PC2 laboratory protocols, covered footwear is a must :(

WHERE DO YOU BUY YOUR GROCERIES FROM?
Queen Victoria Market! Saturday midday.

WOULD YOU RATHER TAKE THE PICTURE OR BE IN THE PICTURE?
What do you think??

WHAT WAS THE LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED
Stranger Than Fiction, with Rico

YOU WON THE LOTTERY, WHAT ARE THE FIRST THINGS YOU WOULD BUY?
Depends how much lah! But yea, I got a list already...

HAS ANYONE EVER CALLED YOU LAZY?
Used to, but not anymore.

DID YOU EVER TAKE MEDICATION TO HELP YOU FALL ASLEEP FASTER?
Yea, just yesterday... Oh I better stock up again!

DO YOU PREFER REGULAR MILK OR CHOCOLATE MILK?
PhysiCal milk, it's the best!

ANYONE TOLD YOU A SECRET THIS WEEK?
Yea, a friend of mine, about his 1st time... IN FULL DETAIL!

WHAT DID YOU HAVE FOR DINNER?
Chicken & pumpkin

DO YOU WEAR HOODIES OFTEN?
Don't even have one!

CAN YOU WHISTLE?
Yea...

HAVE YOU EVER PARTICIPATED IN A PROTEST?
Shh!!

THE LAST RESTAURANT YOU ATE AT?
Stalactites - Greek restaurant

WHAT DID YOU DO YESTERDAY / WHERE WERE YOU?
Was in Uni in the morning, lab in the arvo and out for dinner in Melb CBD with frens

DID YOU WATCH CARTOONS AS A CHILD?
Yea quite a few, used to love X-Men especially

HOW MANY SIBLINGS DO YOU HAVE?
2 - But I'm not like them...

ARE YOU SHY AROUND THE OPPOSITE SEX?
Err, ask them la... Basically I'm shy in front of PEOPLE

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST REGRET?
Not studying hard enough to get into Medicine and not putting in enough effort in lotsa things

WHEN WAS THE TIME YOU LAUGHED SO HARD YOUR SIDES HURT?
When Rico sent me that email... but also last time when I showed the RK House clip to my mom - we both lost it!

WHAT MOVIE DO YOU KNOW EVERY LINE TO?
Gattaca, The 5th Element

DO YOU OWN ANY BAND TEES?
Well I still have my SJIMB polo tees...

HOW MANY CHAIRS ARE AT YOUR DINING ROOM TABLE?
2

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SALAD DRESSING?
Salt & pepper, a lemon wedge... If I'm feeling up for it, balsamic vinegar

DO YOU READ FOR FUN?
Not much though, only a few books

CAN YOU SPEAK ANY LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH?
English in many accents, Mandarin, Malay, Indonesian, Japanese

DO YOU DO YOUR OWN DISHES?
SOMEONE'S gota do them rite?

WHAT COLOUR IS YOUR ROOM PAINTED?
White.

HAVE YOU EVER CRIED IN PUBLIC?
Not in a long time.

ARE YOU USING A DESKTOP OR LAPTOP?
Laptop... It's one of my essentials

WHICH DO YOU MAKE: WISHES OR PLANS?
Plans (and wishes)

ARE YOU ALWAYS TRYING TO LEARN NEW THINGS?
Go ask those who know me... Man, what's next on the list ah...

ARE YOU CURRENTLY WANTING ANY PIERCINGS OR TATTOOS?
Nope

DO YOU BELIEVE THAT THE GUY SHOULD PAY ON A FIRST DATE?
Not really...

WHO WAS YOUR FAVOURITE TEACHER?
Ms Tracey in pri sch, Ms Subra in sec sch

HAVE YOU EVER DATED SOMEONE OUT OF YOUR RACE?
Never dated, but anyone I date will practically be out of my race! LOL!!

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE NOW?
Cool autumn weather - Cold nights, 20 deg days

WOULD YOU EVER DATE SOMEONE COVERED IN TATTOOS?
Not covered in tattoos la, 1or 2 is ok

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE CLASS BACK IN WHERE YOU USED TO STUDY?
Probably A6??

WHAT PERSONALITY TRAITS ARE A MUST-HAVE IN THE OPPOSITE SEX?
Understanding

HAVE YOU BEEN ATTRACTED TO SOMEONE PHYSICALLY UNATTRACTIVE?
Very rare occasions... As one of my frens said, I have very high standards...

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU SLEPT ON THE FLOOR?
2 weeks ago? I was so dead tired and literally collapsed at the foot of my desk!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ALCOHOLIC DRINK?
I'm not really fussy, more of a liqueur person, but recently started appreciating wines.

DOES YOUR CLOSEST STARBUCKS HAVE A DRIVE-THRU?
No la. Lygon St is one you'd WANT to walk through

DO YOU LIKE YOUR LIVING ARRANGEMENT?
I guess so... Though I miss you peeps back home heaps!!

HOW MANY HOURS OF SLEEP DO YOU NEED TO FUNCTION?
Minimum, 7

DO YOU EAT BREAKFAST DAILY?
Yup, just like clockwork...

WHAT WAS THE LAST THING THAT SCARED YOU?
Walking through UniMelb's south carpark at 9 pm... Shudders to think someone got stabbed there some time back

ARE YOUR DAYS FULL AND FAST-PACED?
Not say fast-paced but damn full-on!

DID YOU EVER GET IN TROUBLE FOR TALKING IN CLASS?
Hurhur, I built my reputation around that...

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FRUIT?
Literally ANY FRUIT except bananas

WHAT ARE YOU WATCHING RIGHT NOW?
Not much time to watch stuff nowadays, but Heroes prolly.

DO YOU BELIEVE IN LIFE ON OTHER PLANETS?
You never know...

WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON TO PISS YOU OFF?
Errm, all I will say is that she's Indonesian

DOES YOUR CRUSH HAVE A BOYFRIEND/GIRLFRIEND?
Yes

DO YOU GET ALONG BETTER WITH THE SAME OR OPPOSITE SEX?
I reckon both actually...

WHAT DID YOU DRESS UP AS FOR YOUR FIRST HALLOWEEN?
I was working on experiments lor, couldn't even celebrate.

WHERE DO YOU WORK?
VTIS laboratory, Royal Melbourne Hospital

DO YOU LIKE MUSTARD?
Wholegrain ones!

WHAT DO YOU TELL YOURSELF WHEN TIMES GET HARD?
They/he/she has can do it, so what makes you the exception?

WOULD YOU EVER SKYDIVE?
I'm going sometime within the next 2 weeks!

DO YOU SLEEP ON YOUR SIDE, TUMMY, OR BACK?
Back

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF ANGELINA JOLIE BEING PREGNANT?
What will it take to make her look crappy? Not even pregnancy can do it man...

DO YOU ENJOY GIVING HUGS?
Yes, if only there were enough pple to receive them!

WOULD YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF TO BE FASHIONABLE?
Conservatively...

DO YOU OWN A DIGITAL CAMERA?
Yea, my trusty ol' Canon

WHAT CELEBRITIES HAVE YOU BEEN COMPARED TO?
I have been compared to the Flying Dutchman, Christopher Reeves...

DOES IT ANNOY YOU WHEN SOMEONE SAYS THEY’LL CALL YOU BUT THEY NEVER DO?
I've reached the stage where I can't be bothered already...

ARE YOU A VEGETARAN?
No, but I tried to be... Rite George? So poser yea... I just love all the mock meats, LOL!

ARE YOU A JEALOUS PERSON?
Yes, It's wat kept me going and got me to where I am now.

WHAT’S YOUR OPINION ON SEX WITHOUT EMOTIONAL COMMITMENT?
It'll be a bit shallow don't you think?

IF YOU WERE BORN AS THE OPPOSITE SEX, WHAT WOULD YOUR NAME HAVE BEEN?
How would I know? Go ask my parents to check the obituaries for a nice female name instead lah! (That's actually how I got mine, noe...)

LOL.GET 5 PEOPLE TO DO THIS MEME!
Michelle, Daniel, Quinn, Danni, Johan

The Answer

2007-03-29T18:56:00.000+08:00

A song by the talented Corrinne May, sung to the tune of "The Planets: Jupiter" :

The Answer

I believe you are the answer,
To every tear I've cried.
I believe that you are with me,
My rising and my light.

Give me strength when I am weary,
Give me hope when I can’t see.
Through the crosses I must carry,
Lord, bind my heart to thee.

That when all my days are over,
And all my chores are done.
I may see your risen glory,
Forever where you are.

Give me strength when I am weary,
Give me hope when I can’t see.
Thru the crosses I must carry,
Lord, bind my heart to thee.

That when all my days are over,
And all my chores are done.
I may see your risen glory,
Forever where you are.

VTIS 158640

2007-03-07T23:32:00.000+08:00

“I’m terribly disappointed with you, J…” said L with a stern look across her face. “What did I do?” I cried in self-defence. “We thought you’d be rare and exotic… but it turns out you’re just as boring as the rest of us,” she replied as she thrusted the HLA class I serology report in front of me.

Just 7 days ago, after months of procrastination, I finally requested to be bled in order for my HLA loci to be fully profiled. You see, I’m attached to a diagnostic lab based at the Royal Melbourne Hospital that does “Tissue Typing”, which actually is genotyping a person’s HLA system through either serology or DNA sequencing.

For the non-Biomedical Science inclined, to be bled means to have 10mℓ (more in my case) of blood drawn from the blood vessel, much like what happens when you go for a health screening. HLA, or Human Leukocyte Antigen, is a component of the immune system and refers to a number of genes that code for cell surface molecules (check Wikipedia). Serology is the use of special antibody solutions to characterise a sample, commonly blood.

After blood is drawn, its DNA is extracted and the patient is put on a national registry, along with their allelic information. The lab staff often use their own DNA as controls in routine runs. Months ago they mentioned that I could be typed if I wanted to, since I was considered a staff member.

It was the 28th of February, and P brought me down to the RMH triage. I wasn’t feeling fantastic that day, as I didn’t have a good sleep the night before. Still I thought nothing of it. I was so wrong. The instance the nurse pierced my arm, I had a queasy yet familiar feeling. I was fully aware and understood what was happening to me – my peripheral blood pressure suddenly dipped. As I remember from 2nd year Physiology, it’s just an inconvenient sympathetic response that overcompensates for sudden physiological changes. Now, I’ve had blood taken from me 4 other times, and this only occurred once before, but that was because it was being drawn from the back of my hand. Yes, the back of my palm (!!), from the middle blood vessel, the one in between the middle and ring fingers.

I felt my head getting increasingly heavier and my vision became blurry. After P got his 20 cc of blood, we headed back up to the lab. He could see I wasn’t fine and asked if I wanted to sit down. I shrugged it off and tried to walk until the point where I was too woosey to even stand upright. P sat me down on the floor and gave me a moment. When we finally reached the lab, we were greeted by M and J, who chuckled and said it’s not unusual, at least I didn’t faint.

A little while later, I headed to the washroom to freshen up and was shocked to see my face so pale! I looked almost like a corpse with dull, yellow skin!

Well, that’s all over. And the results (half) are out. S explained to me the significance of the report data, the various frequencies and demographics. Apparently my class I alleles are not extremely common, but have been sighted before on several occasions. S said they were quite “typical” Caucasian alleles, which makes up the bulk majority of ethnicity of the samples that get analysed by the lab.

Quite interesting really, if you ask me… Caucasian class I alleles found on an atypically backgrounded pan-Asian. Boring, you say? I think not…

When Parallels Meet at Infinity

2007-02-12T19:31:00.000+08:00

This next entry is dedicated to a very dear friend of mine, T...who, at the young age of 20, had little choice but to deal with probably the most severe hardship anyone should ever bear - the untimely demise of his mother and unfortunate deterioration of his dad's health.

Before anything else, here's his blog site: http://whenparallelsmeetatinfinity.blog.com/ It helps if you can read Mandarin for a large proportion of it is, and hence, incomprehensible to me. Yet, merely reading the URL to myself makes my eyes tear. It sounds so sad, probably because of its inference to Euclidean geometry, that parallel lines, being equidistant, will NEVER meet. Visiting the page just brings me a sense of utter despair, misery and hopelessness.

I have the privilege of knowing T from back in the days of NS. T was for a while, a fellow signaller-platoonmate, who went through the same nonsense as the rest of us, and eventually ended up in the same unit, albeit neighbouring company and block. Our paths 1st crossed back in Stagmont Camp, where fate put us together in the same course. I have to admit that I wasn't very familiar with him back then, and remembering his name was not without difficulty, let alone pronouncing it! We had only recently met and were in different rooms after all, but as we got acquainted, I realised what a genuine person he is.

T is the epitome of simplicity and humility. Chancing upon his good-natured and warm façade, it would be hard to imagine that this capable individual boasts an impeccable academic record, hailing from HCJC, achieving straight As for his "A" levels and being the recipient of a prestigious MOE scholarship to read Mandarin & Chinese Literature at Fudan University in China. I, for one, can't even hold a candle to him.

Much of my fond memories of NS days include him, not surprisingly. I distinctively remember our hearty chats, mealtimes, field exercises and lessons together, all of which I thoroughly enjoyed. Even months after passing out of our course and being assigned to different companies, we continued to stay in touch, with either I paying his bunk a visit or meeting up during meals. Honestly, T was one of the few people that made life in 3SIG that little more bearable as my mental well-being had always weighed heavily on supportive camaraderie. He was one of the inspirational people I secretly admired yet never told anyone, and it manifested in the improvement of my performance and brighter outlook which caught the attention of many of our other friends.

Soon we were to ORD and it dawned on us that it would be much harder to keep in contact. Nevertheless, we did what we could. At the back of my mind, I had always thought that the outlook was rosy for everyone. We were, after all, a bunch of young (not really for me), competent individuals who had just completed 26 months of conscription and were newly legitimate civilians, full of hopes, dreams and aspirations, with our whole lives ahead of us. I had in my head, visions of T living his dream, enjoying life in China, excelling in what he loves doing and pursuing life as any driven academic... Until I received the dreaded news.

It did not come from T himself, but from G, another close friend of us two. I still vividly remember that day. It was evening-time and I was just about ready to settle into work when a conversation window popped up.

“J, I’ve got some bad news about T…”

G’s words were heavily-weighed with urgency and seriousness. Months had passed since I had heard about T, so I casually asked what the matter, thinking nothing was amiss. That was when he dropped it on me. Bounded by the circumstances that I am in, and my location, I felt so useless for there was nothing I could do even if I wanted to.

T made the painful decision to discontinue his course for the time being, but because he was on scholarship, had a number of administrative matters to deal with. Thankfully his sponsors understood his circumstances and were kind enough to arrange a contingency.

Understandably, the next few weeks were terrible for T. Yet according to mates who caught up with him, T did his best to put on a brave front. When I last met him in December, he was visibly weathered emotionally. I remember him clearly saying at one point, “What to do? I don’t have much of a choice, just accept things as they are and take them as they come.”

I have not seen him ever since. I often wonder how he is coping, but I hear he is well and alright back in Sengkang where he now calls home.

T, if you are reading this (and I hope you will sometime), never forget that you have friends like myself that you can depend on who will always be there if you need anything. I pray that you are alright physically, mentally and emotionally. Don't hesitate to reach out because it takes even more courage to ask for help. I wish you well and hope to catch up with you again soon. Take care for now, my good man...

So that was 2006... Reposted from 16/01/07

2007-02-06T17:09:00.000+08:00

2006 is no more! Gone right in front of my very eyes!! Goodness how time flies... I still can't believe that I'm already a year older. Well it certainly was an eventful year, I must say. What do I remember most of 2006 A.D.? Here are some snippets...

Still in Camp, everyone around me was telling me "Not long more". All I could do was smile back. Not that I wasn't happy to ORD, I was worried what was to happen AFTER it happened. For the past 2 years I had been sheltered by the SAF, not needing to do much and practically slacking away.

I remember not even bothering with 1st parade, going to the CCC office to read newspapers and all that. Wonder if that pissed anyone off...

Continued with my weekdaily runs around Jurong Camp, except that this time round, Camp II, the most scenic of the 3, was barricaded off for reconstruction. This meant that I had to augment my route. I still kept it up, but alas, it was not as enjoyable as running under the rain trees, past the abandoned SOCE building and the SOC ground, back to the Medical Centre and the antenna farm... Miss those BN runs too!

I must thank my PC heaps for allowing me to come into Office at 10am. If not, I wouldn't have been able to run at all. Wat I remember most abt him was he was very down-to-earth and pleasant to chat with. Somehow I always felt that he treated me differently from the rest... better la. Oh, and also that car of his! Haha!! Can you imagine a 29 year old Uni grad-cum-officer zooming around in a bright green Getz that just screams "Look at me!"? That's just for starters... Inside, he's got Snoopy stuffed toys, an AstroBoy screen and even a Eeyore bolster! LOL!!

Haha, I remember sneaking into 30SCE after dark on a regualr basis to wash my car. It would be my Matrix one week and the Swift the next. You see, there was this shed with a hosed tap, probably used to wash the construction vehicles and all that. But anyway, after dinner, just as the sun setting,I would go over. Even brought Stone over to chat while I was at it... talk about using SAF resources. Oh and mind you, the camp looks really serene and peaceful around dusk. Used to run then just for the views.

Went to Z's house, can't remember when, just that it was a Thursday...damn is it a nice place! I've always loved that neighbourhood, nice and green. Pity I couldn't stay overnight... It would have helped if I could play cards or mahjong too. They tried teaching me but I could never get it.

NPT. Wah was that irritating. But it wasn't that bad. Didn't have much to do anyway. Ended up helping CQ Yap and Andy, shuttling rations between Jurong and Pasir Laba Camps. Staff Yong commended my handling of the FSD vehicle... LOL, am I really that good? Also met an aquaintance there from the SAF printing centre.

After NPT, "Paradise Day", went to Taman Jurong, PCs' treat! KFC though, so I didn't eat much. The next day I think, can't remember the exact date but it was a Friday. Felt REALLY down, and just cried my eyes sore. Even WCD was concerned for me. Ask me why if you really want to know.

Was quite satisfied with my participation in a number of sporting events: Surf & Sweat with S (where I saw a long-time friend, KP), Legs & Paddles (where I met CO), National Vertical Marathon (yes, right after Legs & Paddles) and helping out in Osim Singapore Triathlon and Marathon Charity Swim. Also went for NAMTOH kayaking expedition to Pulau Hantu.

SLACK days in 3 SIG while the Gang was away in Taiwan for Pinnacle. D and occasionally J would join me for morning runs. But because there were so few people in camp, we had to do guard duty. LOL, took S for a driving "lesson" around camp which freaked BOS out as he was wondering who on Earth was driving in circles around camp after midnight!

Had lunch with my bestest mates at Kuishin-Bo just hours before flying off to Bangkok for a holiday. Z was so blur not knowing how to make a proper handroll, LOL. *Guys, I have the Sky Garden photo stuck on my wall here.

Went to Bangkok; life-changing trip, thanks to Preeyaphas Nilubol. Met up with G and her kids, Claire & Charlene, finally! Je t'aime deux!! Had to cut my holiday short to come back for duty.

31st May, another sucky day, but this time I didn't cry - I was too dazed.

16 June - ORD day. Went for a morning run around camp for 1 last time. Met up with 1WO Nathan who wished me all the best. S1 took ages before she gave us or ICs!

30th June - Had a chalet in Changi where poor WS lost his tooth. The next day, had to leave early for a Sony Ericsson photo shoot.

16 July - The day I flew off. I was so touched that so many people came to the airport to send me off. I was literally jumping for joy inside! Even the great TWH came down for a quick farewell!! There was Miss Pay, Ironman, Jimmy, AAWK and my "little sister" among the non-army frens...

-MELBOURNE-

17th July - Greg actually picked me up from Tullamarine! Many thanx mate!! ALJW helped me set up my apartment and all that. The thing I remember most about this place is STATIC... I kept getting static shocks everytime I touched any metal. This included my door handle, the rubbish chute and the lift buttons. Sometimes there will be sparks and noise too. Very sianz I tell you... The sense of anticipation of a shock everytime I left for the lab and disposed my rubbish, which was practically every morning.

*** To be continued ***

This is so hilarious!

2007-01-27T22:44:00.002+08:00

I laughed so hard I cried and nearly choked while listening to this! Gotta hand it to that Indian chap...

Have You Ever...?

2007-01-14T21:42:00.000+08:00

(X) Smoked a cigarette.
( ) Smoked a cigar.
( ) Crashed a friend's car.
( ) Crashed your own car.
( ) Stolen a car.
(X) Been in love.
( ) Been dumped.
(X) Shoplifted.
( ) Been fired.
(X) Been in a fist fight.
( ) Snuck out of your parents' house.
(X) Had feelings for someone who didn't have them back.
( ) Been arrested.
( ) Made out with a stranger.
( ) Gone on a blind date.
(X) Lied to a friend.
(X) Had a crush on a teacher.
(X) Skipped school.
( ) Slept with a co-worker.
( ) Seen someone die.
(X) Had/have a crush on one of your Friendster friends.
( ) Been to Canada.
(X) Been to Mexico.
(X) Been on a plane.
(X) Thrown up in a bar.
(X) Purposely set a part of yourself on fire.
(X) Eaten sushi.
( ) Been snowboarding.
(X) Met someone because of Friendster.
(X) Been moshing at a concert.
( ) Been in an abusive relationship.
(X) Taken painkillers.
(X) Love someone right now.
(X) Laid on your back and watched cloud shapes go by.
(X) Made a snow angel.
(X) Had a tea party.
(X) Flown a kite.
(X) Built a sand castle.
(X) Gone puddle jumping.
(X) Played dress up.
(X) Jumped into a pile of leaves.
(X) Gone sledding.
(X) Cheated while playing a game.
(X) Been lonely.
(X) Fallen asleep at work/school.
( ) Used a fake ID.
(X) Watched the sun set.
( ) Felt an earthquake
(X) Touched a snake.
(X) Been tickled.
( ) Been robbed.
( ) Robbed someone.
(X) Been misunderstood.
(X) Pet a reindeer/goat.
(X) Won a contest.
(X) Ran a red light.
( ) Been suspended from school.
(X) Had detention.
(X) Been in a car accident.
(X) Had braces.
(X) Eaten a whole pint of ice cream in one night.
(X) Had déjà vu.
(X) Danced in the moonlight.
(X) Hated the way you look.
(X) Witnessed a crime.
( ) Pole danced.
(X) Questioned your heart.
(X) Been obsessed with Post-It notes.
(X) Squished barefoot through the mud.
(X) Been lost.
(X) Been to the opposite side of the country.
(X) Swam in the ocean.
(X) Felt like dying.
(X) Cried yourself to sleep.
(X) Played cops and robbers.
(X) Recently colored with crayons/colored pencils/markers.
(X) Sung karaoke.
(X) Paid for a meal with only coins.
(X) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't.
(X) Made prank phone calls.
(X) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose.
(X) Caught a snowflake on your tongue.
( ) Kissed in the rain.
( ) Written a letter to Santa Claus.
( ) Been kissed under a mistletoe.
( ) Watched the sun set with someone you care about.
(X) Blown bubbles.
(X) Made a bonfire on the beach.
(X) Crashed a party.
( ) Have traveled more than 5 days with a car full of people.
( ) Gone rollerskating/blading.
(X) Had a wish come true.
( ) Worn pearls.
( ) Jumped off a bridge.
( ) Screamed "penis" in class.
(X) Ate dog food.
( ) Told a complete stranger you loved them.
(X) Sang in the shower.
( ) Have a little black dress.
( ) Had sex in a park.
( ) Had a dream that you married someone.
(X) Glued your hand to something.
( ) Got your tongue stuck to a pole.
(X) Kissed a fish.
(X) Worn the opposite sexes clothes.
(X) Been a cheerleader.
(X) Sat on a roof top.
( ) Had sex at a church.
(X) Screamed at the top of your lungs.
( ) Done a one-handed cartwheel.
(X) Talked on the phone for more than 6 hours.
(X) Stayed up all night.
( ) Didn’t take a shower for a week.
(X) Pick and ate an apple right off the tree.
(X) Climbed a tree.
( ) Had a tree house.
( ) Are scared to watch scary movies alone.
(X) Believe in ghosts.
( ) Have more then 30 pairs of shoes.
(X) Worn a really ugly outfit to school.
( ) Gone streaking.
( ) Played ding-dong-ditch.
(X) Played chicken.
(X) Been pushed into a pool with all your clothes on.
(X) Been told you're hot by a complete stranger.
( ) Broken a bone.
(X) Been easily amused.
( ) Caught a fish then ate it.
( ) Made porn.
(X) Caught a butterfly.
(X) Laughed so hard you cried.
(X) Cried so hard you laughed.
( ) Mooned/flashed someone.
(X) Had someone moon/flash you.
( ) Cheated on a test.
(X) Forgotten someone's name.
(X) Slept naked.
(X) French braided someone’s hair.
( ) Gone skinny dipping in a pool.
(X) Been kicked out of your house.

Ahh! Back to work!

2007-01-14T21:16:00.000+08:00

Ok, ok... So I've been away for a while, and according to a loyal reader, have been letting my blog "stagnate". Haha! Yea I don't deny that... Too occupied with other things to put up new entries. But I must say I am honoured and privilleged to have such loyal "fans". I will try to put up something new, now that I'm back to boring ol' labwork, 3752 miles away from the sunny skies of Singapore and my cosy room. In the meantime, watch this:

At everyone's doorstep...

2006-11-21T19:11:00.000+08:00

I stumbled upon this rather interesting MRT map while aimlessly surfing in the BioMedical Library. It gives you an idea on what the system could possibly look like in the future. But what caught my attention was the comment posted by another passer-by: "Some guy so bo liao until go and do a future MRT map..." Nevertheless, enjoy!

Always listening, always understanding

2006-11-14T16:35:00.000+08:00

I found it! Here's my debut "performance" on TV!! Enjoy...

Map of the World

2006-10-28T02:44:00.000+08:00

I just burst out laughing when I saw this... and burst out again when I took a closer look. Adapted from www.mrbrownshow.com

Samsung Melbourne Marathon 2006

2006-10-23T19:04:00.000+08:00

I still don’t know what made me sign up for the Samsung Melbourne Marathon 2006, but in hindsight I’m glad I did. I contemplated registering for weeks, almost a month! The things that kept me from doing so straight away were my workload, [lack of] fitness and availability of time as well as motivation for training. What I did not like about the registration process was that it had to be done entirely online; I needed to pay using a credit card. However I did not want to use mine as I would incur a fee for SGD-to-AUD transactions. Then came M to the rescue! She readily agreed to allow me to use her credit card to pay the $70 registration fee. She even went to the extent of filling up the registration form for me. Before I knew it, I was in for it.

The next 3 weeks leading up to the event on 8th October was spent training – trying to regain the level of fitness I attained while in NS… Ahh, reliving the good old days, hehe. Training was done only occasionally though. It was not that hard actually, but it wasn’t easy either. There were days when I was too tired or really didn’t feel up to it to train. But when I did, I was able to push myself, to go faster and longer. I supposed the weather helped too… The days were cool and mild, and I was able to complete my rounds around Princes Park without working up too much of a sweat. It’s not like in Singapore where taking just 20 steps made you perspire. A few kms and you’d be dripping. Here it's different. The air isn’t that heavy with moisture and the temperatures are a little more than half those back home. I would tend to get cold as I started but would slowly and surely warm up. Training sessions were made more bearable by the company of a friend, I. I is Malaysian Chinese who is stick-thin but not that fit. He didn’t really mind joining me as it meant that he could benefit from it as well.

The day was fast approaching and I started following my usual pre-race rituals. Those of you who race would probably know what it encompasses. The only difference is that I didn’t carbo-load. I simply don’t think it makes that much of a difference, if any at all. I’ve been through 2 half marathons before without doing so and had no problems. The only things carbo-loading does for me is give me indigestion, flatulence and fatigue, not to mention, water-retention. On the other hand, I didn’t mind taking lecithin and apple cider vinegar dilutions as well as low doses of aspirin. Ask me why if you don’t know.

On race-day morning, I woke up promptly at 4am, had a light breakfast and warmed up, before catching a cab to the Arts Centre. From there, it was a bus ride to the start point, a seaside cafe at Beaumaris. Gosh, was it cold! The temperature that morning was a chilly 10°C with strong sea wind. Everyone was jumping and shivering to try to keep warm. And the queues for the lavatories… Wait long, long. Worse still, barely 10 minutes before flag off, it started to shower! Trust Melbourne to put on such a show, and on all of the possible days! Strangely enough, shortly into the race, the rain stopped, sun peeped over the clouds and drenched us in its glow.

I must say, the angmohs sure run fast! Hah, but I bet they wouldn’t be able to keep up for long in Singapore’s heat & humidity. The route was scenic, mostly along the coast all the way through Brighton & Elwood until we hit St. Kilda where we turned right to St. Kilda Road, headed for the City. Along the way there was even a brief shower WITH sunshine! 1 hour and 43 minutes after I started, I was past the finishing line @ the Arts Centre. I even had a cheer squad comprising of G, C, M, K & S shouting for me near the end point! A new personal best! How good is that?! Surprisingly enough, I was DRY and did not have the stomach pains that normally followed a long run. Minimal cramping too…

They were giving out free Green bags, vouchers, magazines and yoghurt metres from the line, and there was a long queue for them. I didn’t even realise that I was being photographed by an event photographer… Baggage collection couldn’t have been messier. People were growing impatient with the volunteers and decided to go DIY. They were pushing their way into the baggage area and rummaging for their’s, creating an even bigger mess in the process. It didn’t help that this was all behind the Arts Centre, under the podiums so it was kinda dark. My bag was not where I put it and I feared the worst. It contained my wallet and mobile so I HAD to get it back. I was just about to give up hope when I decided to give it 1 last try. Luckily I found it among a pile of “unidentified” bags metres from the main collection area. A huge sense of relief came over me.

The next half hour was spent just lazing on the lawns, cooling down in the mid-morning sun and helping ourselves to cut fruits, free for all. At about 12.15 we collected our things and walked to Chinatown in the City for a Dim Sum lunch.

Life

2006-10-17T21:18:00.000+08:00

Life can be many things, according to many different people:

A piece of candy on a shelf - Tom Jones, "Help yourself" lyrics
A one-way street - Devil-cum-primary form tutor, Charles Rajan, who terrorised us all
A wheel - A Malay saying, as explained to me by Cikgu Rahimah Buang
A journey - Outdoor Bags will help you pack
A box of chocolates - You never know what you're gonna get (Forrest Gump)
A soccer League - according to Ricky Martin's "Cup of Life"
A rat race - old saying
A human race - the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon, "The run of your life"
A publication - Aussie Magazine Title, "Run For Your Life"
A book - Bible, "Book of Life"
A higher being - God, "I am Life"
A bag - Bodypac's "Lifepack"
A significant person - "You are my life"
A liquid - "Water is Life"
A procedure - CPR: "Breath of Life"
A cell - Conception

Plus a host of other metaphors... but most importantly, Life is what you make of it, so get out there and live it to the fullest!

Smile

2006-10-15T22:44:00.000+08:00

That is what I need to do most nowadays, to get through my low moods... These are the lyrics to the song "Smile" which is also featured in the Korean LG advertisement I was in.

Smile, though your heart is aching,
Smile, even though it’s breaking,
When there are clouds in the sky,
You’ll get by...
If you smile through your fear and sorrow;
Smile and be beat tomorrow,
You’ll see the sun come shining through for you…

Light up your face with gladness,
Hide every trace of sadness,
Although a tear may be ever so near.
That’s the time you must keep on trying,
Smile, what’s the use of crying?
You’ll find that Life is still worthwhile;
If you just smile.

That’s the time you must keep on trying,
Smile, what’s the use of crying?
You’ll find that Life is still worthwhile;
If you just smile.

Why??

2006-09-09T01:42:00.000+08:00

This post has been removed... Apologies.

Sidere Mens Eadem Mutato

2006-09-06T20:54:00.000+08:00

Ok, ok... It's been ages since I last did an entry and some of my "fans" have already began to complain about the inactivity. Sincerest apologies to you all, have been occupied with stuff and blogging isn't exactly the 1st thing that comes to mind when I get stressed... Well I feel bad myself for the absence and so here's an entry for you to feed on:

A lot has happened since my last entry and as much as I want to write everything down, I can't remember it all in detail and there's no point mentioning it if I'm not going to expand on the subject. I intended to write heaps in addition to the events of late as well, such as thoughts, tributes and reflections, but I guess that will have to be done at a later time as well. So I guess for now, I'll just blog about the event that's at the top of my mind - My recent trip to Sydney.

In the days leading up to my departure, I had been getting decreasing amounts of sleep, due to the stress and load of work, and also preparing myself for the main event that was to happen on the 4th of September, my prime reason for travelling all the way to Sydney in the 1st place - the admission interview for the Graduate Entry Medicine Programme at the University of Sydney.

So Saturday (2nd Sept) arrived and I woke up after a short 4+ hours of sleep. I was fueled by anxiety, nervousness and excitement, along with the expectation that I had to ensure nothing was left behind, and so did not really feel the effects of the lack of slumber at that time...

I packed all my things and headed to my brother's place down the street - I had to dump my laundry and iron my new shirt. Just the day before, 2 friends of mine took me shopping for formal clothes to wear to the interview. They literally picked out the shirt that I was to don on come Monday! So, fresh from the packaging, I had to remove the creases that came free-of-charge.

I was running a little late, so I left the ironing board & all out, and smsed my sis who was still asleep, apologising for not keeping them as I didn't want to wake her with the noise and was also short of time. I was soon at Southern Cross Railway Station, where I bought my return Skybus ticket to the airport. about 35 mins later I was at the airport, self checked-in and proceeded to the waiting lounges. This was my 2nd trip to Sydney, and so was more prepared for what to expect when I arrived. I was given a window seat, and as luck were to have it, the remaining seats in my row were unoccupied! Well anyway, I pretty much caught up a bit on sleep mid-flight.

Upon arrival, I made a beeline for the AirportLink train service to the city... $12.60 poorer! As I got to Central Station I orientated my sense of direction and headed to my hotel, Hotel Y Sydney South, in Chippendale.

The room was small but pleasant & sufficient, with a mordern, groovy feel to it... I unpacked my things and went walking around the city. Guess who I saw walking along Geroge Street? Rod Monteiro! What a coincidence... Though I didn't say hi... I contacted Tim (fellow Biomed who's now doing Dentistry in USyd) and made plans to meet up on Sunday.

The next day, my lack of sleep caught up with me - I could hardly get out of bed, and was suffering from water retention. My face had literally swelled up! But I still had to pull myself out of bed as I promised Tim I'd meet him in Chinatown. Tired as I was, we still managed to galavant around town until I could bring myself to travel no longer. We called it a day after having dinner at 9.30 (more like supper already).

The big day - I was still suffering from water retention although it wasn't as bad as before. Walked to Sydney University's campus after breakfast - I instantly fell in love with the place! I registered myself for the interviews and proceeded to the waiting room... Where I met someone by the name of Ju-En. She's a fellow applicant & Singaporean, studying Medical Science in USyd. She had on blue contact lenses and sported a lip ring - yes she wore a piercing to the interview! Her hair was neatly tied up in a ponytail which complimented the scarlet blouse she was wearing. Man, she looked stunning...

After the interviews were over a few of us interviewees gathered outside the building having empty chats and saying our goodbyes. Ju-En offered to show me around campus since she was free for the rest of the day. I couldn't believe it! personal tour guide!! Anyway, USyd's campus rocks man! knocks UniMelb's down dead!! I managed to get a few souvenir tops and a keychain.

Later on, we met up with a friend of hers, Maria, whom coincidentally I met during my previous trip up for the Dentistry interview. Unlike me, Maria WAS successful in her Dentistry application but was waiting to see the results of the Medicine interviews before deciding on anything (She, like me, went for both interviews). We wandered into a nearby suburb called Newtown, where we had lunch at a place called Burgerlicious. After lunch, they walked me to the nearest train station where I caught a train back to Central and onward to Kingsford Smith's Domestic. She gave me her contact info and said that she'll be waiting to see me online. Whohoo!! Hehe...

Yea, the usual stuff - checked in and all that. Went to buy Krispy Kreme doughnuts for people back in Melbourne. Don't really know what's so fantastic about them... but since it's not available in Melbourne, what the heck. Before that, wasn't feeling very well, so I went to the toilet. As I walked towards the gates carrying the 4 boxes of doughnuts, I began to feel embarrassed as people looked first at me, then the doughnuts, then back at me...

Nearing the gates, I heard a paging anouncement... for me! OMG so paiseh... "This is a final call for flight DJ 843. Paging for passenger Mr J J. If you are in the terminal, please proceed directly to gate 32 as your aircraft is fully boarded and ready for departure..." When I got on, there was nowhere to put my goods as all the overhead lockers were already snatched. Luckily the stewardess was kind enough to help me with them.

Arrived back in Melbourne, back to the cold, gloomy weather. A stark contrast to the bright sunny skies of Sydney. Damn I love that place! The only thing tarnishing my perception of it is the fact that it started off as a convict settlement. other than that, it's perfect. Maybe I shouldn't care too much about it's history, and focus on what it is now and is to be in the future... I REALLY hope I get accepted into USyd's Med programme...

What's in a name?

2006-08-19T22:56:00.000+08:00

Have any of you ever wondered how you ended up with your names? Have you ever wondered how I got MINE? Don't think any of you have ever asked me how I ended up with J... Have you? For starters, it isn't as common as the others. I can safely say there aren't that many J's in Singapore. It's just not as popular as "Michelle", "Jonathan", "Daniel", "Benjamin" and the rest.

OK, I'll let you guys in on this: while I was growing up, I didn't like my name. I hated it. I wondered why, of all the names in the world, my folks had to settle for "J". It was so uncommon back then, I was teased about it sounding similar to a certain plant, certain animal... It was horrible, having to bear with all that throughout the years that were supposed to be the best of your life. I told myself that when I was old enough, I would get it changed, much like Sam Soon in "My Lovely Sam-Soon" (Korean drama, really hillarious!). I even made my discontentment known to my mother, who said that my name is special and unique, and tried to reason it with me. When I remained adamant about my views, she said that I was simply too young to understand and that one day, when I was old enough, she will explain everything to me. Oblivious to that last statement, I began "searching" for a new name... Some prime candidates were "Eric", "Edward", "Hugh", "Lleyton", "Grant", "Craig", "Dwayne", "Tristan", "Ethan", and believe it or not, "Barthelomeo"! Meanwhile, I just had to put up with "J".

On a sidenote, names were often an issue with my extended family; being quite Western, they wanted a "proper" one - one with a deep meaning. And there's even a joke about my granduncle's longevity being a result or his "peculiar" name. You see, we 3rd generation kids call him "Kong-Kong Sam", following the previous generation (Uncle Sam) which, in itself is strange enough (!!). He comes from a family of 9 - 5 boys, 4 girls. That's where the strange part comes in. All his brothers died before they could reach 50, even my grandfather, his brother, moved on at 47. It was rumoured to be a family curse or something. They were also unlucky in inheriting the "undesirable" brown eyes, while the girls were blessed with either grey or green eyes, except for 1, Aunt Gwynell, who has both! Yes, 1 grey, the other, green!!

So anyway, he spent his later-40 years like they were his last, moping and dreading that the end was near for him. Luckily he grew tired of brooding about it because if he didn't, he would have to continue for another 32 years! Yea that's right, my Kong-Kong Sam is in his early 80s now. What's the joke then, you're wondering. The rest of the family teases him, saying that Death got confused and overlooked him when it referred to it's list of names, because my Kong-Kong's name in reality is... get this: Shirley-Leone de Souza!! Well anyway, all his other siblings had really weird, old-style imperial names. My grandfather's was Dugal Randolph de Souza. Thank goodness that's not mine. I would have been the laughing stock of the class! I mean, Dugal?? C'mon... The girls were not spared either - Queenie, Mrytle, Gwynell, and, if I'm not wrong, Eugenie.

Anyway, where was I... oh yea. As the years past, I began to appreciate my name and decided to find out more about it. The name "J" is of Hebrew origin and it's the same original true spelling as when it was 1st created; All the other forms, including "Gerard", "Gerald" and even "Gareth" are derivatives or deviations of it (so there's 1 plus point already!). Directly translated, it means "decending" or "falling" but when interpreted, it means "Down-to-Earth". Apparently, it has its origins in the Bible, as early as in the book of Genesis, so my name is OLD... and therefore established. The 1st "J" was a direct decendant of Adam. He was so named because just when he was born, his father whitnessed devils being cast out of Heaven. They decended upon a mountain, and hence the meaning of my name. You can think of it both ways - Wow, that's cool, such a special name with such origins, or Choy!! See devils fall down then name your son after that event. What was he thinking? Lei yao mou kao chor... Bad luck! Evil and blasphemous too... Well I prefer the former, thank you...

By now I was not just appreciating my name, I was liking it. But that still doesn't answer the question, how did I end up with it? That’s when my mom dropped the big one. They got it from… (drumroll) the Obituaries! Can you believe it?! My jaw literally dropped when she said that. She went on to explain how they didn’t know if I was going to be a boy or girl, so they took things easy and didn’t bother about names until she was almost due. So slack… Anyway, they didn’t really know where to start and were just confiding with relatives and close friends. One day my dad happened to be reading the papers when he turned to the obituary column and saw someone named “J”. He suggested it to my mom and they agreed upon it. My middle name was decided long time ago, because it was not as important as the 1st.

And so, there you have it – How I got my name. I now see why she waited till I was older before she told me about it. If she had told me back then, I would have kicked a fit and demanded they change my name immediately! But I now understand and accept everything as it is. My mom also said that I have MANY names. Some of you know the complete one, “J M E J-P J”. So it turns out I DO have the name “Ethan”! Looking back, I probably didn’t like “J” because being in Singapore, those Cheena-biangs had such difficulty with it and could never pronounce it right, making it sound so funny and warped. But now I feel that’s the beauty of my name, being unique even in its pronunciation. I love it now!

I took this name evaluation and I am really surprised at how accurate it is:

Although the name J creates the urge to be reliable and responsible, we emphasize that it causes procrastination, lack of confidence, and the inability to realize your goals and ambitions. This name, when combined with the last name, can frustrate happiness, contentment, and success, as well as cause health weaknesses in the fluid systems, and worry or mental tension. The name J has made you serious-minded, responsible, and stable. You love the security of a home and family, you are fond of children - as a parent you would be fair and understanding. Although you have good business judgment, you are not aggressive in your dealings because you do not like to create issues. You would be successful in any position dealing with the public as you have a diplomatic and tactful manner and possess a charming, easy-going nature which puts people at ease. People are drawn to you because they feel that you are patient, kind, understanding, and responsive.

Weird huh...?

Time to be independent again

2006-08-07T18:23:00.000+08:00

I'm feeling a little lonely and homesick, so I decided to write an entry. The past few weeks, I have been shadowing Mary, and later, Kim (fellow Aussie co-workers) around the Lab as they teach me the techniques, dos and don'ts and where everything is. A typical day in the lab starts @ 8 am; If you think that's early, note that some people actually come in around 7.30. We have a 30 min "morning tea" break at 9.30 which is just timely as my performance levels start to dwindle around 10 if I were to carry on straight. Lunch break goes from about 12.30 to 1-1.15pm. The day ends at 4.30pm.

Just today we had lunch at a Thai restaurant to celebrate Sue's birthday. The people in the lab are really nice and pleasant, the nicest of the lot I feel, is Kim. She's very loud, bubbly and all smiles, putting me at ease. I'm probably the youngest there, given that it's a hospital lab and not a Uni one, so the others are all old, regular government health workers.

I've been sending a lot of birthday cards back home as apparently, August is a popular birth month for my friends. just because I'm away, it doesn't mean that they should stop receiving cards on their birthdays. So, you know me, sticking true to my word, as long as I know when your birthday is, you'll get one in the mail! Muan Hong and Zhen Ming are testimony to that.

I still remember the day before my mom returned home. I told her that although I've been through this before, I'm scared and reluctant to go through it again, because it's tough and trying, and I'm afraid history would repeat itself. I asked her how I was going to survive. She turned to me, held my hand and said, "Don't worry, I am not far away. Just don't allow yourself to do the same thing as before. You also gotta be bold and daring. Don't care about what others think, don't be too self conscious. Just do it. You're all grown up now, you gotta be independent. I know you can, you did it last time." And just at that very moment, I felt like a small kid again, going to kindergarten for the first time, with the feeling of insecurity, having to leave my mother's comforting presence for the vast world out there. "OK, I'll try..." I replied. Damn, I could use a hug from her right now...

Just the other day, when everything was going on well, I happened to glance upon a photograph I left lying on the table... and I just stopped there...literally froze for a good 10 seconds. I don't really know what came over me but tears started welling up in my eyes. I sat down on the chair which was just beside me, still looking at the photo, with it in my hands now, and - I'm not ashamed to say this - I just cried. It's been some time since I've let myself go, and according to a friend of mine, it's good to let it out sometimes. He was right. A while later, I recomposed myself, put the photo aside, assured myself and proceeded to prepare dinner. Trying, I told you... Trying.

Market Day

2006-08-05T23:52:00.000+08:00

Saturday is market day for me, not only because it's one of my free-er days but also because its the day to get groceries and essentials at cheaper prices. The place to be is the famous Queen Victoria Market, located at the edge of Melbourne CBD, at the corner of Elizabeth and Victoria Streets. No surprise why it's also the day with the biggest crowds, which strangely enough, actually adds positively to the marketing experience...

You'll see me there every Saturday at lunchtime, after 12.30 to be specific, because that's when the delicatessen cold cuts (turkey, ham, bacon and all that) go really cheap - they want to sell off as much as possible before they wrap up for the week.Turkey breast slices which I normally get for my breakfast sandwiches are around $14.90/kg during the week but on Saturday afternoon, they, along with eveything else, are separated into stacks about 4 cm thick. 1 stack goes for $2; any 3 stacks for $5... A real steal!

Along with that I'll buy stuff like vegetables such as lettuce, broccoli, & the like, fruits (apples, pears, melons, grapefruits...) and seafood... Oh how I love seafood, especially those sold there. What you'd normally pay $18 for a fresh piece of sashimi-grade tuna in Singapore, you can get at $7.50! And the freshness? You can't get fresher than this - straight from the wharves. Have you ever heard of a dozen fresh oysters for $7.50? or a rock lobster for $22?! It's a seafoodie's heaven!

I was pleasantly surprised when I went there for the 1st time since I came back. I went to get my turkey slices as usual and when the lady whom I used to buy from saw me, she gave me this "Oh! Hello again after so long!" look and smiled. Before I could ask for $5 worth of turkey, she dived into the refrigerated display shelf and went straight for it, picking 3 ample-looking stacks for me... talk about service! After paying up, she returned me $5 change (I gave a $10 note) and said "Long time no see."

At the seafood section, I went to the stall I used to frequent and saw a familiar face - Marie. She actually remembered me all these years! She was delighted to see me again after so long. I told her that I'm back for another year as I do my Honours. Haha, thinking about it, we got to know each other by chance. It was back one late afternoon in 2003, about closing time. She was talking to a Chinese customer and I wasn't far away. I smiled along with them as they made a joke in Mandarin. She then asked in Mandarin if I wanted to buy fish. "Bu yong jing... Ming tian wo you lai," I replied. She was surprised that I could understand and asked where I was from. Upon hearing "Singapore" she gave the usual "You don't look Singaporean" reply and introduced herself. Ever since then, I've been going to her stall and have been getting VIP treatment - fresher cuts of fish and cheaper prices. Haha!!

I finished shopping about 20 min later after picking up my fruits and veggies. Ahh, what an experience... All in a typical Saturday afternoon's trip to the Market. It's nice to be back...

Oh dear...

2006-08-04T23:16:00.000+08:00

Oh dear, cobwebs have started growing on this blog already... I noe, I noe, it's been a bloody long time since I put up a proper entry and I don't really have a good excuse to give. It's just that there's so much to do and all that... and now, there's so much to blog to the point that I don't know where to start! I did promise my dear Michelle and Daniel that I'll put in an entry soon, but in the meantime, please excuse my absence. So enjoy this well choreographed British TVC...

Its only a game!

2006-07-29T00:47:00.000+08:00

Who'd have thought Nike was so serious about their advertising? This commercial of their's was actually banned due to its graphic horror nature. Can't we all just play nicely??

Goodbye Singapore

2006-07-21T21:27:00.000+08:00

Well, it's been a while since I lasted posted an entry. Apologies, I've been, errm... busy. Yea, now a civilian, me's also a student...an International Honours student at that, now coming to you live from Melbourne, where I'll be spending the next hellish 11-12 months in the University of Melbourne's department of Microbiology & Immunology. Well actually, to be technically exact, my lab is part of the Royal Melbourne Hospital's VTIS (Victorian Transplantation & Immunogenetics Service) Facility.

I still remember the week I left... Everybody was wishing me goodbyes and best wishes... Many thanks all of you. I'll make it a point to keep in touch... and if I have your details, you'll receive something in the mail on your birthdays! Muan Hong is testimony to that!! Aren't I nice?? Haha...Yea, even those people who couldn't see me off sent me greetings via SMS or email. I was taking things lightly, still going out to see friends for the last time and all that, instead of packing. Well I did manage to get eveything done so its all good. Danni came to my neighbourhood for a quick chat-cum-send off!

That Tuesday, I saw my mom and sis off - they came here ahead of me - and the next day, M, who was off to Brisbane. 3 days later and it was my turn. I arrived @ T2 on time, not late, which is quite normal for me, and in STYLE! - try a Porsche Cayman S '06! Haha! Courtesy of my dad. We'll he didn't stay but just dropped me off as he knew I had friends to see me off. So I gave him a big hug and thanked him for everything. I went into the terminal and proceeded to Check-in Row 4 - Raffles Class!! After I saw my bags disappear I went to meet my the group that had gathered in a distance...

Ok, sidetracking a bit... I used to be secretly jealous of my brother whenever he travelled overseas before cos there would always be a farewell/welcome party there... Like he had tonnes of friends that really valued him... I was envious that he had all those people and was so popular... So when I saw the people that had come down to Changi just to see me off I was so deeply touched and overwhemed with joy, luckily I didn't put up a public display... Special thanks goes out to Michelle, the little sister I never had, who came all the way from Clementi! Not to mention, the next day she had her 3 Star Kayaking Course.

The farewell party just grew and grew in size, with a few others turning up later. Angie and Jiaxin, Ironman Jiaman. Even Wei Han came to see me off! OMG! I was so thrilled to see him! For those of you who don't know, Wei Han is a LTA PC from 30 SCE whom I met during AHM 2005. He's super cool and really fun to chat with. Not to mention a very fit and fast runner, and also a fellow freelance talent. He's one of the few people I truely admire. I wasn't expecting him at all, but he showed up! How cool is that??!! He couldn't stay long, but I managed to get a photo with him. Angie too left early.

I met Angie through my best friend, A, back in 2000. They were JC mates then. I was back for the holidays and we met up in town one afternoon after their classes had ended. We kept in contact ever since, and even had get togethers such as barbecues and movie outings as a group. To date, she is the sweetest, kindest and the prettiest I have ever met. Not to mention down-to-earth. I've always considered her special to me, but I never told her.

It was soon 11pm and I really had to get going. I gathered the party for one final group shot, and bade farewell. Was I sad to go? Terribly, but I didn't want to show it. Even if I wanted to, I was too busy & hurried "kelam-kabut" to do so. Before boarding the plane, I sent birthday SMSes to G & JC, who were to celebrate their birthdays the next day. My very last SMS was to someone I unfortunately didn't get to meet up with, although I really wished I did. I collected myself and boarded the Boeing 777-300 Jubilee.

Please fill out this questionnaire

2006-07-13T01:56:00.000+08:00

Lifted this from Michelle's page...

1. Do the following WITHOUT complaints.
2. Choose 5 people to do this after you completed yours.
3. Leave a tag on the person’s tagboard to say he/she have been tagged.
4. Start your post with I have been tagged! then do this. (copy and paste!)

Favourites:

Favourite Colour: Green
Favourite Food: Seafood, chicken & turkey, TVP, soy, vegetables, healthy stuff.
Favourite Movie: There's a lot, but the ones that come to mind now are Gattaca & The Fifth Element.
Favourite Sport: Long-distance running (>8km), kayaking, dragon boating, sea sports
Favourite Day of the Week: I used to like Tuesday & Thursday mornings (guess why)
Favourite Season: Autumn
Favourite Ice Cream: Brand or flavour?

Currents:

Current Mood: Stupor... kinda dazed
Current Clothes: Sleepwear.
Current Desktop: Windows XP.
Current Time: 2.05 am.
Current Surroundings: 2nd level common area.
Current Annoyances: Having to go off this Saturday
Current Thoughts: I'll miss everyone.

Firsts:

First Best Friend: Wayne, in kindergarten.
First Crush: KP
First Movie: How to remember?
First Lie: Whoa... wait, I go check the archives...
First Music: Errm if I remember correctly, Hawaii Five-O, with SJIMB

Last:

Last Drink: Mizu desu (water lar...)
Last Car Ride: Today, from Daniel's place.
Last Crush: Last crush or present crush? Heehee..
Last Phone Call: From Quinn.
Last CD played: Self compiled tunes, in the car.

Have you ever:

Have you ever dated one of your best friends: Nope
Have you ever broken the law: They're there to BE broken.
Have you ever been arrested: No.
Have you ever been on TV: Yes.
Have you ever kissed someone you don’t know: No.

Things:

5 things you are good at: Running, running, running, running, running.
4 things you’ve done today: Went to TM, then to Clementi. Walked Shell's dog. Saw M off @ airport. Met someone amazingly gorgeous.
3 things you can hear right now: My PC tower fan, the stand fan, refrigerator, water dripping.
1 thing you do when you are bored: Look for things to do?

Now.. I tag:

1. Anyone who
2. Wants to
3. Cause I don’t
4. Really care as
5. I'm too shacked.

What a world we live in...

2006-07-09T02:42:00.000+08:00

What's the world coming to these days? Why are there suddenly so many talent competitions? It's not just (American, Australian, Indonesian, Malaysian, Singapore...) Idol, there're so many others sprouting up everywhere like mushrooms! - So, You Think You Can Dance? 60 Seconds of Fame and a few more, I can't remember their names. Some are down right serious, no-nonsense and ultra-competitive while some are more laid back and accepting; They're not so harsh on the contestants. I suppose the judges want them to enjoy themselves and expose their talents to the studio (and homeviewer) audience. And I don't know if it's just me, but why does it seem to be the norm that there be 1 Brit among the judges?? It's like a basic pre-requisite for such a competition. They just gotta have 'em as a judge. Nothing against it but... for what (sia)?! Like they need some imperial approval of who's in and who's out.

Well, as they all say, if you can't beat them, join them. My good friend, A has been feeding me with YouTube video snippets (Thanx A!) I enjoy watching contestants wow the crowd and others make a complete fool of themselves (Haha, I'm so evil... But I'm sure you enjoy it too right?). Oh ya! There is this one competition programme called "America's Got Talent" where anyone talented in almost anything is allowed to take to the stage and entertain the audience. It's very light-hearted and accepting... It's judged by ex-Baywatch frontman, David Hasselhoff, Brandy the singer, and... you guessed it, a Brit. You should watch the clips below, especially the 1st one. I couldn't stop laughing noe!! Haha!... Enjoy!!

Eternal Embrace

2006-07-08T02:49:00.000+08:00

This is one of my all-time favourites. Its sounds very emotional and unlike most J Pop songs, It is very slow and soulful. The singer, Refrain, has the vocal power to pass it off. After finding out what it means I liked the song even more, for it represented what I was feeling at that very time, so much so that I actually felt comforted each time I heard it. I've managed to translate it to the best of my ability. Because it cannot be done word-for-word, this interpretation is accurate albeit a little off, but its implied message, just as with the Japanese language, is undeniably present. Enjoy.

Hanabira ga
kaze ni yurete ochiru you ni
inochi wa tada hakanakute
a, daichi e to kiete yuku

kanashimi wa
togireta mirai de wa naku
omoide no kobako no sumi ni
wasurete yukareru koto

Aisaretai, ima ijou ni
fukaku tsuyoku motomeai
sono kokoro ni sono hitomi ni
watashi ga ita shirushi wo nokoshite

taiyou ga
chiheisen ni tokeru you ni
saigo made kirei na mama
a, watashi wo utsushitetai

atataka na
ude no naka ni nemutte'ru
eien wo te ni iretakute
onna wa mamono ni naru

Aisaretai ima tashika na
kimochi dake wo wakachiai
kono suhada wo
kono toiki wo
mugen ni daite-ite ne onegai

shiawase no katachi wa
itsudemo mienai kara
itai kurai motto anata ni

Aisaretai ima ijou ni
fukaku tsuyoku motomeai
sono kokoro ni sono hitomi ni
watashi ga ita shirushi wo nokoshite

And the translation:

Like petals
shaking in the wind and falling
Life is only fleeting...
Ah... disappearing into the earth

Sadness isn't
an interrupted future.
It's something that will be forgotten
in the corner of your little box of memories

I want to be loved, more than I am now.
I want that so deeply, so strongly
Leaving behind some sign that I was there
in your heart, in your eyes.

Like the sun
melting into the horizon,
I want to reflect myself...
Ah... beautiful until the end.

Sleeping
within warm arms,
Wanting to take eternity into her hands,
a woman becomes an apparition.

I want to be loved. Now, I just want to
share these certain feelings with you.
This bare skin, this sigh...
Embrace them for infinity, OK? Please.

Happiness' form
is always unseen, so
it's almost painful, the closer I am to you.

I want to be loved, more than I am now.
I want that so deeply, so strongly
Leaving behind some sign that I was there
in your heart, in your eyes.

Super Mario!

2006-07-05T01:19:00.000+08:00

Started laughing when I saw this... really cute.

We learn something new every day

2006-07-04T22:35:00.000+08:00

After signing out from Hotmail I was transported to the usual MSN site but before I closed the window, something caught my attention: an article about geneaology on MSNBC. Reading it really got me surprised at the possibility of being the decendant of some monarch. According to my uncle who did a bit of digging some years back, it's already known that my bloodline may have some royalty. This article further proposes the possibility. Though it means nothing to many, I find it really facinating. Browsing other sections of the site got me even more interested. Articles such as ones about bypassing asteroids, next generation insect repellants & a newly discovered chameleon snake really made me sit up and read.

Other things that happened recently: My friend M said he found someone! The thing is, M is leaving for Brisbane next week!! He himself said that it was a really silly thing to do but he couldn't help it, he and G just clicked. He couldn't stop telling me about G. I'm really happy for him but also a little worried and disappointed, even a little sad. Well he knows I'd be there if he wants to share anything with me. Let's hope all goes well! Have a lot of other things to blog about, so you'll probably be seeing more posts!

What's your favourite cartoon character?

2006-07-04T02:43:00.000+08:00

Being a volunteer for the OSIM Singapore Triathlon, I went down to Holiday Inn Atrium, formerly known as Concorde Hotel, to help out on the Triathlon Expo Day 1. This was the pre-race event where registered participants were to confirm their attendance by collecting their race kits which contained their number tags, ChampionChip, body markers, bike stickers, etc. along with a goodie bag. I assisted another volunteer by the name of (Makcik) Jenab, a friendly typical Malay housewife who busies herself with things like these. She has been loyally helping the Triathlon Association of Singapore (TAS) and also participates in major sporting events regularly, the most recent being the New Paper Big Walk. I still remember the 1st few words that came from her when we first met: "Are you angmoh?" she said with an inquisitive look on her face. That kinda started the ball rolling and she was facinated to learn that I could speak her language too.

After a while, I shifted my attention to stringing up the event staff ID tags (see right), something that required really nimble fingers. Imagine having to thread shoelace-type string through holes perforated in laminated cards. Now do that about 500 times. Race Crew, Race Crew IC, Sponsor, Media, Organiser, Elite, Security, VIP, Logistics... Yup, did all that. Luckily I wasn't the only one doing it.

It was about 8.40 pm when I started getting this weird feeling... the feeling of being empty and drained, bordering lethargy, but not hungry; I was still satiated! It was like my brain was not in sync with the rest of my body! Wait, since the brain controls the body, that means my stomach was giving it false signals!! I casually mentioned to Edlyn, another loyal volunteer, albeit much closer to my age, that I've not eaten since 2.30 pm. Upon hearing this, she set off this activation cascade of events which eventually arrived at Terence's ears (he's another veteran volunteer/triathlete, in his mid-late 20s, who was the unofficial IC for all of us, having helped with the event year after year). He "orders" me to take a break, and since they undercatered, asked me to go get a bite from anywhere nearby. Edlyn agrees to accompany me.

As we exit the hotel and proceed towards the traffic light, Edlyn asks, "So, are you attached?" I'm a little thrown off guard but manage to hold on to my composure. I explain how I don't see the point in actively looking for a partner as I'd like to concentrate on more important things such as my education. Also the fact that I'll be studying overseas; Any long distance relationship would be an unnecessary burden.I suppose my reply satisfies her as all goes quiet... for the time being. We continue on. While walking towards Great World City, she pops another question: "What's your favourite cartoon character?" I am taken aback and literally stunned. "HUH??!! What kind of question is that?! Where did that come from?" I find myself blurting out before I can process the question and formulate a reply. "I dunno, just asking..." was her reply. "Hmm, I never really thought of that. I probably don't have one," I say. She nods her head and goes "OK...". Well Edlyn, I know you're not reading this but I did think about it and actually do have favourite cartoon characters: Disney's Donald & Eeyore, Schultz's Snoopy, Looney Toons' Tweety, Marvel's Storm & Jean, and Astroboy, although I have not seen any Astroboy cartoons or manga. I was "introduced" to it by Kervin. It's his favourite too. Campmates will know how much he loves Astroboy - Its all over his Getz!

I manage to grab a bite @ Mac's (no rewards for guessing what I ordered, Dan) and takeaway some things for those still working. By the time we get back,it's almost time to roll up the carpet for the day. Before heading off, we collect our allowances from Sophia, a Mainland Chinese who looks just like a typical Chinese National - fair, pearly white complexion, small sharp facial features and slightly wavy hair... quite chio if you asked me. And the accent... distinctively Chinese, but weak. You can tell she either practised English dutifully or lived in Singapore for quite some time. It's complete with subtle hints of Singlish. She hands it over with a thank you and farewell, a slight bow and a big smile. I love it when she smiles at me, it looks so warm and genuine. Pity I didn't get a picture of her... Thanks Ms Shao!

Babysitting

2006-07-02T18:01:00.000+08:00

Entry can be found on Daniel's Doodlepage, "Running on Air".

$200? 그렇습니다… 당신을 감사하십시오 !

2006-06-28T21:57:00.000+08:00

Can you see me? I'm visible for just 3 seconds, sitting right at the back in white, chatting... Just that for $200! Whoa!!

Chinese Cheese

2006-06-28T05:06:00.000+08:00

I was creating the previous blog entry when I started to feel the need to nibble something. Down I go to Food Central a.k.a. the kitchen and start rummaging around. I'm ransacking the fridge when I come across a small forgotten bottle, placed almost out of view at the back of the top shelf. It's squarish and tall, red and white, with a metal lid, about the size of a salt/pepper shaker.

"Sichuan Fermented Soya Bean Curd" it says, with a picture of what the contents look like under it. I open the bottle out of curiosity and give it a sniff - Its pungent; A combination of vinegar, benzoic acid and the result of fermentation. Further inspection reveals that it does contain vinegar and benzoic acid, along with salt and sesame oil. Feeling adventurous apart from peckish I decide to give it a go. Its strong, almost too strong; salty and a little spicy: the kind of thing you'd prefer to take in small quantities as opposed to copious amounts, much like wasabi, Vegemite or miso paste. Its flavour lingers in my mouth and helps me think back... From years ago I vaguely recall my grandmother telling me about this product. "Chinese cheese", she called it. I remember her adding it to her cooking.

Call me weird but I'm not put off by the strong taste of it. In fact I reach for the loaf of bread that's sitting there on the counter top, take a slice and spread a bit of the stuff on it. You see, being fermented, it's extremely soft, almost like peanut butter. It actually tastes nice with bread noe, you should try it!! But then again, it could just be me. I have a strong tolerance for strong-tasting foods. From this to chow toufu, vegemite to natto, I can stomach it all. It's a gift, I tell you, a gift.

My craving is satisfied.

NAMTOH: Southern Islands Expedition 2006

2006-06-27T13:21:00.000+08:00

*** Backdated Entry ***

16th June 2006 marked an important date for me, the date I resumed civilian citizenship. OK, so no big deal about it. What's all the hype about getting your IC? Err, maybe cos I hate my chubby baby face on it. Haha! I still remember that day very well. Can still go for a run and gym session around camp la! Heehee...

Ran into 30 SCE and saw one of the senior specs who even waved to me... Ran further up ahead and saw the whole CMTL in PT gear running. WO Nathan, whom I'm quite friendly with, waved "Hi" and asked, "Today, right?!" Haiz, its nice to be part of a group, be it a camp or company or even a school... U noe that feeling where there's a sense of belonging? Ya, felt that. Later on, I had to wait 4 hours just for my S1 to return to sign my papers before I received the pink card! Ahh... what the heck.

Anyway, my very 1st major outdoor event as a civilian was NAMTOH. I actually had second thoughts that evening (still on Friday). Went to the clubhouse to waterproof-pack our things and get briefed. Was supposed to stay there overnight but I asked if I could go home. They relented after I promised to be back @ the club by 7.

Arrived as promised, did some last minute stuff while the others who stayed overnight had their brekkie. When we were all ready, we loaded up the coach that took us to East Coast Park, Big Splash. That's where we set off. So we were @ the mouth of the Singapore River when a huge raincloud approached us. It started to drizzle, so we made a U-turn and headed for Tanjong Rhu Beach, or as Zhi Hong called it, "Gay Beach". I tell you, just after the last person disembarked onto the beach, the rain cleared! We had to launch out again or face having a late lunch. Not long later, we reached Keppel Harbour, but we still could not cross it (MPA did not clear us) as a cargo container was about to berth). We sat there in our kayaks for a good 15-20 min before we were finally given the green light. Onward to Sentosa!

We stopped at Palawan Island to have lunch, which was about 1 hour. Apparently we had a schedule to stick to so we couldn't stay @ any place for too long. Resumed kayaking, this time heading SW through West Keppel Fairway and Sisters' Fairway towards Pulau Bukom. Nothing but petrochemical plants there! Well anyway, we paddled past Bukom as its inhabitants (the industrial employees & their families) looked on waving from their dwellings, which resemble those low-rise apartments in East Coast, complete with barbecue pits and basketball courts & playgrounds. Just behind it was our destination, Pulau Hantu. Now with it in sight, something came over the group and we suddenly had a burst of energy cos we were actually tailgating our expedition leader, telling him to hurry up with our mouths shut.

A little before 4pm and we reached Pulau Hantu. It was my 1st time there, so I didn't know what to expect. I was very pleasantly surprised - The island is tiny and quaint. It resembles East Coast Park, sans the hordes of people. There's even a WC facility there albeit without electricity. The island's roundish in shape, but when the tide comes in, about ⅓ of it submerges, creating a very serene lagoon which continues right into the middle of the island. The beach there is laden with sea snails, the kind with long, thin conical shells; along with fiddler crabs. We pitch up our tents and wash up... and prepare for a BBQ dinner. By twilight everyone's armed with either a torch, lightstick or a bunsen lamp, enjoying their dinner. The chimneys and drums on Bukom in a distance look oh-so-majestic at night, all lit up... just like how the star-painted sky never looked more breathtaking. There's too much ambient light on the mainland to experience such a marvel so I'm damn fortunate to be there. Later on we settle into our own chit-chat groups as lights out time draws near. I decide to lay out my trusty ground sheet and sleep under the stars instead of going under the basha or into a tent. No regrets I tell you! The sky was clear and the weather was comfortably balmy; Absolutely fantastic!!

The next morning, I'm one of the 1st few to wake, to the sound of a spatula banging in a kuali and the smell of burning margarine. Trusty little Charles (well he IS small anyway) was hard at work, preparing breakfast, although his culinary experience was next to nought. No one complained anyway, probably cos they didn't want to get up early to do it! I took over the reigns after washing up, to allow him to tidy up the area and prepare the table. By the time the Sun's over the horizon, we're all munching away, after which we pack up our stuff and load it onto the logistics boat. Once all set, we launch out back to the mainland. The tide went out during the night, so we had to carry our kayaks all the way out till near the open sea. And we're off...

The seas are choppy, which makes paddling through it even more enjoyable, much like a roller-coaster ride. This time, we head for Pasir Panjang - our end point is PolyMarina. In a distance, SuperStar Virgo is returning to port @ Singapore Cruise Centre. Sometime midway through the journey, a MPA vessel comes to escort us and to ensure safe passage through the fairway. I have never seen those cargo cranes at such proxmity before! They're just huge!! Well anyway, after what seemed like forever and twice as long as the distance covered the previous day, we finally arrived @ PolyMarina, to be taken back by coach to CSSC, where we unload and wash up. A final debrief and it's certificate presentation, followed by picture taking!

Such was my NAMTOH 2006 experience.

ドラゴン　ボーット　は　だいすきよ!!

2006-06-26T23:20:00.000+08:00

Just had my 1st taste of dragon boating yesterday. I've been wanting to find out what the big deal it's all about for some time now and why in recent times there's so much hype about it, with NUM and all that being so pro-DB. Now I know!!

*** I actually blogged about this yesterday but dunno what happened, it got lost when I accidentally pressed some button. So, don't blame me if I don't make it sound damn exciting cos it's terribly mafan-ating to have to retype it all, also I can't remember every single word I put down, just that it sounded really exciting and enthusiastic. ***

I can't really explain it. There's just something about the sport, sitting there in the boat with 9 others, rowing in unison. You don't just sit there and stroke the water. No, you dig in your paddle and yank with all your might! It's quite physically demanding. Mentally picturing it, some may wonder how anybody can enjoy doing that; It's much like masochism. Others may think its too rough, almost uncouth. But observe a DB from a distance and you'll be amazed at how graceful it appears. There's actually a technique to it. Your rowing arm should be locked @ the elbow and the supporting one almost literally just goes up and down...

Also about the people rowing - I mean, have you seen them? Up close?! I'm like wah!... Who'd ever thought a sport could be soo good for you? It's a win-win situation. You have fun (well @ least I think I would) while you build up! So too for the tan that they all have. It seems that it comes as part of the DB package. As with most other water sports, it's different from a "dry" tan. Dry tans just make you black...and I mean BLACK... And I absolutely hate that cos it makes me look Malay (no offence). There was once someone approached me and started spouting Bahasa and I'm like "Le kong simi ah? Wa liak boh kieu eh..." I did understand her actually, but what the heck... I speak English. Or as Chok Tong would say, "Spik standard Ingrish, so that our chewren and our chewren's chewren will benefit." It was for some donation to an Islamic organisation anyway. Oh well, back to the point. Ah yes, wet tans on the other hand, have a yellowie bronze tinge to it, probably because of the water - certain wavelengths get reflected and deflected, others get dispersed and diffused, while some pass through unaffected. Hence the different kinda tan that somehow goes oh so well with their look and physique.

Personally, I hate to tan, period. Brown hair and black skin don't match, don't you think? Please ah, I'm not Jared van Houten...From 2nd year Physiology I've leart that a tan is the 1st sign of skin damage. Another is wrinkling, which results when the subdermal collagen matrix collapses, leaving the remaining elastin fibres to pull in and create folds. Soon melanomas form due to uncontrolled mitotic cycles caused by UV light and you get skin cancer. Bleagh, what a bleak outlook. I've silently wondered why people (even the locals) think tans are nice and would even purposely go outdoors to achieve one. This island's already a blazing furnace and they still want to self-barbecue more. Wait till they end up like sio bak... But if the tan's a nice bronze one and is part of a packaged deal (买 1, 送 1), BRING IT ON! I just gotta make sure I don't get chopstick legs like JM. Ahhaahaha!

I'm kicking myself, wondering why I didn't jump right in when I had soo much free time in NS, when the craze just started, when I 1st encountered Yong Quan... Why am I always so slow in everything? Oh well, better late than never, some say, but will I be late always? What's more, I'm going back to Melbourne. Just when I'm about to leave, I find yet another reason to stay... I've found a new sport that I absolutely love!

Viva la Thaïlande!

2006-06-22T01:40:00.000+08:00

Ok, ok. Many people have been bugging me to do this. Even I have been bugging myself to start a blog, since I absolutely love reading my friends' ones. Well, here it is! And what better way to start than by telling everyone about my trip to Thailand?!

I actually thought about taking this trip a few months before I actually did. It all started in the CCIS office... Was so bored that I actually began browsing aimlessly on the I-Net terminal when I decided to look up something - not telling what now, but you'll all come to realise as you continue to read--

Not many people knew of my intentions, and even then I didn't want people to know. My friends asked why I didn't join a tour group, or get a F & E package. Well simple... I didn't want my trip planned for me or structured in any way, and besides, I had things to do there (don't think dirty here).

So to get to the point, I made the necessary arrangements and a few days prior to the departure date, got my E-ticket from Jetstar Asia (on recommendation from ZM).

Although I'm a frequent flyer, I didn't know what to expected from airline carrier code 3K, given that it was my first time on a low cost carrier. Give them a bit of face lah, huh... dun call them a budget airline. There were many "firsts" on this trip - first trip to Thailand, etc. Soon I was airborne and on my way to the Land of Smiles! The aircraft was 3/4 empty which I thought was a little strange for a LCC. Anyway, I highly discourage anyone above 1.7 metres in height to take LCCs as the seat pitch is really narrow! I almost felt like a sardine, I tell you... Lucky thing it was only a 2 hour flight.

So I'm in the air and doing nothing when look to my left and see a woman whom I would personally consider pretty sitting in the middle seat of the row that's just after mine; She's travelling with a friend sitting at the window, and both start to gossip about who else as the former acts coy. I think nothing of it and my journey continues...

Sometime before we land a stewardess passes the remark "lawa" about me to a fellow colleague, oblivious to the fact that I understood her. For all who don't know (I think the greater half of you) it means "classy" with a dodgy element to it. Almost like "pompous" but not that extreme. I think nothing (much) about it. What a rude shock I get when as we prepare to disembark, that pretty passenger I mentioned opens her mouth and out comes a deep husky voice! Even worse, she's got a guy's picture as her phone's wallpaper! I'm like, Whoaw, OK....

I gotta say this about the Don Muang (that's the airport name) staff - they are either ultra efficient or real cheapos... As I walk to the baggage belt to claim my luggage I realise that ALL the bags have been loaded off the carousel and it's switched off! Well anyway, enough about the airport. I get out into the arrival hall only to be bombarded by taxi touts which I manage to fend off much like how VIPs fend off the media. I make my way to the taxi stand outside and take a cab to my hotel. By the way, I happen to meet the pretty (wo)man there again.

Leela Inn is just a short walk from Bumrungrad International, just perfect. After checking in, I decided to go for a walk down Soi 3 onto Sukhumvit Rd to get a feel of the scene there, also to look for ZM who happened to be in town as well. Damn that area's busy! Think roadside pasar malam... All in all, I do manage to meet him and his friends. We two take a walk along Sukhumvit Rd before calling it a day.

Day 2

Woke up early, check out of the hotel and have breakfast before taking a short stroll (luggage and all) to see my surgeon, Dr Preeyaphas Nilubol. We get aquainted, chat a little and he does a minor survey of the problem areas followed by picture taking. He asks if I know what I'm doing and if I really want it. I reassure him. Oh, btw, the staff there are super nice and friendly... They really put you at ease. The nurse who took my temp and BP is super chio! She's got a tanned complexion, sharp petite features and really nice striking eyes! And she's so dainty and soft-spoken... Not long later, I'm sent for a chest X-ray and then to my very own single-bed room. I am instructed to change into the hospital garb and not to eat/drink anything until the procedure, 4 hours away. Not even distilled water!

A while later a salt/pepper-haired female doctor (who dunno why reminds me of a family friend, Auntie Junie) comes in and prepares my arm for the IV drip - so expertly that I don't feel a thing! So now I'm wired... or tubed rather... Hehe! Anyway, sometime after 12, they come to get me; and wheel me to the preparatory room. I'm supposed to start feeling nervous but strangely I don't. Maybe its because of what I'm wearing... or NOT wearing - under my blanket, I'm ONLY wearing the hospital garment which is made up of a front piece and 2 back pieces... so you gotta tie it up at each shoulder and from the back of your neck all the way down to about the knees. Tie it loose and you'll be able to see your butt crack in the mirror!

We reach the preparatory room where I get teased by a cheeky nurse about how I look Thai, whether I took everything off and my insecurities. Along comes the anaesthetist (gas-woman) who reminds me of Nancy Lam, the chef, cos she's plump and has got bright hot pink highlights in her short spikey hair (how cool is that!!) "You don't look Singporean!... You look Thai!" is what she says after I tell her I'm from the Lion City. Well how do I answer that? Thanks?? Ahaaha... Dr Preeyaphas comes around shortly with a purple marker and gets me to remove the garment. He procedes to draw "guide lines" to aid the procedure. I'm allowed to redress once he's done. No point also, cos not long after, it's into the operating theatre, but that doesn't mean I don't cos i'm still surrounded by the nurses. They begin to wheel me in...

I'm struck with awe just at the sight of those humongous lights! But I'm distracted by the people in the room - Dr Preeyaphas, Auntie Junie and Nancy Lam, and a few assistants, working so seamlessly as a team with not a hint of tension or seriousness; there's even time for a joke among themselves! It was like a scene from one of those humourous medical shows like Scrubs or Grey's Anatomy, totally at ease and casual. My garb was removed (pulled off from underneath) as the blanket stayed on top. Unknown to me, my IV bag was "confiscated" and something was added to it, for very soon I started having this strange but not very uncomfortable feeling. I literally FELT a chemical being introduced into my bloodstream and into my head via the IV and it initially felt queasy. I was fully aware of myself losing consciousness but was totally helpless. It's like how you try to stay awake to watch TV, only much quicker. Moments later, I had gone under...

I awoke a few hours later and found myself back in my room. It was quite dark outside the window... I must have been out for at least 6 hrs! Was it real or did I just imagine all that? It didn't take much to answer my question - I tried sitting up, and realised my chest was bandaged... so too were my thighs and buttocks! Whohoo!! This is probably the only time any sane person would be happy to be wrapped in bandages. I glanced around the room. What's that I see on the countertop?? Oh my... I'm impressed, they even do takeaways! Still groggy from the lidocaine/nitrous oxide concoction, I have my dinner and doze off for the night.

The next day, I awaken and find my breakfast waiting for me. Not too long later, Dr Preeyaphas and a nurse visit me to redress my wounds. OK, they're not really wounds, they're incisions, barely 1 cm in length, left unstitched deliberately to "allow fluid to drain out" according to my Dr... Damn, was he right... my bed was stained with the fluid that discharged from my posterior-dorsal wounds. So he inspects me, obviously pleased with his artwork, and proceeds to redress and bandage the incisions.

I am officially discharged after lunch, and I make my way to the main lobby 7 floors below, where a a female chauffeur is waiting to drive me to my friend Georgi's apartment in Sriracha, Chonburi, which is near Pattaya...

The ride is long, but we finally reach her place - it's a seafront apartment man! Poor Charléne gets a rude shock when she wakes up from her nap to see a strange face in her living room. I quickly get aquainted with the 2 of them, Charléne, and her older sis, Claire. Gosh, they're so adorable!! Heehee... So the next 4 days I bunk in with Georgi and she takes all of us sightseeing, 1st to Sichang Island, and next to Sriracha Tiger Zoo... where they have other animals like elephants, crocodiles and a few others. There was one evening she took us to the town centre where we had Japanese... the waitresses were busy entertaining Jap businessmen in their hotpants - They spoke Thai and Japanese - Ahaha!! Well at least I could communicate with them in Jap!

Anyway, Sunday came and I had to go back to Bangkok. Ronan (her husband) drove the whole family there for the day. Well, we said our goodbyes once we reached my hotel and we promised to keep in touch and all that... My hotel's name is Samran Place; it's near the Rachethewi Station so its easy 4 me.

Onto Chatuchak Market!! The place is nice and quaint; damn crowded and freaking stuffy. It reminded me of Melbourne's QVM, Just more crammed. Wanna shop but really can't, although I do manage a little. I love the BTS Skytrain system! So convenient! By about 5, I get totally pooped out and decide to call it quits. Later that evening, I visit MBK centre which everyone talks about. The Maccas there sells the chicken foldover too albeit half our size and thinner patties of chicken. they even have pork burgers there! Take a look at their delivery hotline number too!!

The next morning I have my follow up with Dr Preeyaphas. He inspects the areas and takes a few "after" shots. It's a success, he says, and that I'll fully recover in 4 weeks. In the meantime, I gotta keep it bandaged to reduce the swelling. So I spend the next 2 days cavorting all over Bangkok, viewing places, buying (LOTS OF) things and sightseeing. I literally went all over the city, from Lumpini Park to Chulalongkorn University, Silom, Chinatown and all that. Before I know it, it's Wednesday - time to return home. That afternoon, I check out of the hotel and make my way to the airport. The cab I take there is a really bright shocking pink... Too bad I didn't take a picture of it. Well I reach the airport early so I can't check in just yet.

So I'm sitting on some benches in the departure hall when this Thai family (grandma & all) comes along to occupy the rest of the place. I couldn't help but to notice the son - he's barely wat, 10-12ish, and he's wearing a tight fitting half-sleeve top and bermudas, has an anklet, bracelet and some rings. Moreover, he has makeup on, including lipstick & rouge, and his long hair is coloured! I'm like, "Is that what he or his family really wants? He's so young and seems so sure of his identity. Sure not? Shouldn't his parents guide him?" The best part, his other family members seem to accept it and think nothing of it. That's like so cool, to have such an accepting family. Anyway nothing much else to say, just the usual procedures... Oh, there is one. I'm waiting in the transit lounge when there's a final call for an Air France flight to Hanoi. Nothing special yea, well try making the announcement in English, followed by French, Thai and finishing off in Viet! All by the same person!! I'm like, Whoa!! Well not long later I board my flight and head home.

What a trip I had!