A Long Day

I woke up at 8am today, and prepared myself for the long day ahead. It was the beginning the week-long holiday lectures.

Today, I had 3 lectures and 1 tutorial, with each session lasting 1.5hrs! I skipped the first 8am lecture which was Math, and attended the Physics and Econs lectures which started at 10am. The stretch of lectures ended at 1.30pm, and we had a break till about 2.15pm followed by a chemistry tutorial. The day at school finally ended at 4pm, and I hurried down to Orchard Road to meet my friends for a movie and meal.

I met Doreen on the way to the MRT station, and we boarded the same train as her destination was Outram Park while mine's Doubhy Gauht. I switched to the North-South Line and headed for Orchard station. I met up with Wilson, Ian and Jiamin at Lido to catch the movie Monster-In-Law. The movie was a comedy, and had many parts which made the entire audience laugh their heads off.

After the movie, Jiamin went home and the remaining 3 of us went for dinner at the food court in Taka. Although a weekday today, the foodcourt was surprisingly very packed with both working adults and school students. We had to wait for about 10mins before we could find a table to sit.

I reached home at around 9pm, and quickly took a bath and studied for my Chemistry test which is tomorrow. Well, more holiday lectures tomorrow... Anyhow, I did enjoy myself today.

Yet another day wasted

I feel that I've wasted today. I woke up at about 9am still feeling tired, I took my breakfast and flipped through the newspapers. I spent the morning watching the NBA Conference Finals between Spurs and Suns. The Spurs totally dominated the game, thus I decided to do something else.

I actually planned to revise my maths, but ended up playing computer games for about 3 hours. By then, it was already 4pm, and the heavy downpour was about to stop. I then went jogging with my brother at the stadium. The weather was very cooling, and I enjoyed my jog very much. By the time I reached home, it was about 7pm. I ate dinner and watched The Hot Chicks which was broadcasted on StarHub's Preview Channel 1. The show ended at 9pm, and I spent the remaining time slacking.

I totally wasted today...

2-day Individual and Team Building Camp

Nanyang Junior College organised a two-day individual and team building camp for all Year 1s. The camp was held on Thursday and Friday. The camp was held in the hall.

On Thursday, activities were focused on instilling the meaning of self-confidence and self-esteem. There was an activity were we had to go around the hall and find people whom we did not know, and then share your life goals with them. There was also a public-speaking activity were we had to stand on a table infront of the class and tell them your goals. As time was limited, I was the lucky last person to try out the activity before the camp ended at around 5pm.

The second day of the camp, today, was very eventful. It focused more on team-building and team spirit. The first activity was the classical trust-fall. One person stood on chairs stacked to about 1.5m high, and had to freefall backwards onto classmates who formed a large cradle to support the falling person.
It was during this activity where many things happened. The trainer, named Jack Lai from Absorbent Minds scolded a team "fuck you" with the microphone infront of the 500 participants, teachers and other students looking on from upstairs. He was unable to control his temper and flared up. Ironically, he said that he is an NTU graduate with an engineering degree. A person with such high education status, and received proper training to become a mass-trainer, said such crude remarks into a microphone infront of a large audience. I till now still cannot believe it. His actions made me lose my respect that I had for him since the start of the course.
Later on, because a few of us missed the chance to try out the trust-fall activity and really wanted to try it, Yvonne, Ee Ling and Scott asked the facilitators to give us a chance to try it. But the facilitator simply said that we'd missed the opportunity and did not allow us to try it. There was also this staff facilitator whom my entire class hated, I will not mention the name here. I feel that he did not have the appropriate communication skills to interact with teenagers like us. He spoke like a lawyer and did not try to reason out with us, but instead used irrelevant points to prove that we were wrong, or he was right.
An example was when Yvonne tried to fight for a chance to let a few of us try out the trust-fall activity. He used the example of a man murdering your wife, and whether you'd forgive him and give him a second chance. The example was ridiculous, and totally irrelevant in that context!
Then we had an activity called web-phobia. There was a spider-web laid horizontally suspended in the air. We had to get everyone across through the web without touching the strings. It was very difficult at first as we could not get the correct technique. But after countless attempts, we succeeded and everyone was jubilant.

Everything ended at around 5:30pm. I felt that the team-building camp was similar to the orientation camp I had in NJC. "Come On Over" by Christina Aguilera was also played at the end of the web-phobia game, and I immediately recalled NJC as it was one of the mass-dance songs NJC used... memories...

About 13 of us then went to Junction 8 for dinner. We ate at Food Junction and later took neoprints. I reached home at about 8:30pm, and I now feel like what every other JC student feels everyday - exhausted!

Holidays... or no?

There is no such thing as school holidays when it comes to JC. The mid-year examinations are scheduled to be right after the June holidays on 27 June. It is probably the same for every other JC students, they get little or no time at all to relax because of CCA commitments and the mid-year exams. I'm going on a week's holiday to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to visit my relatives and of course enjoy the food and shopping there. Hopefully I still have time to study. :D

My SYFC selection interview is just a week away, and I've been playing Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 to get the experience of flying, and hopefully be able to answer questions related to the basics of flying (provided if they even ask). I am also reading a book which narrates the history of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF). I want the interview to be successful, especially after taking so much trouble to undergo the various medical checkups.

Today is my friend from NJC, Wilson's, birthday. Although we are no longer in the same JC, I sent him an SMS this morning wishing him a very happy birthday. I'm also sharing a present, bought by my other friends in the same clique, for him. I definitely hope he likes it, haha.

On Monday, I went to Temasek Club together with my family and cousins for badminton and basketball. My uncle was so fit. Despite his age of 40, he was still able to play badminton and basketball together with us. He also told me that he can still run 2.4km in 9:30min, I was so amazed. When he was my age, he ran 7min+ for his 2.4km! I've taken him as a source of inspiration, and aim to run 2.4km in 9min for next year's NAPFA test. Under 8min is totally impossible for me...

Today, I got back my GP test paper. My essay failed with a score of 21/50. I wrote about the extent that education helps us in coping with the rapid changes in society. My scope of the essay was too narrow as I focused alot on Singapore's education system and totally ignored other countries. The teacher gave comments that the essay was more like a complaint against the Singapore education system, haha. I guess that I was really heated up when I chose this topic, and decided to be anti-Singapore-education-system. I'm now aiming for at least a B3 for the upcoming mid-year exams as I know my low score is due to the narrow scope (low content marks) and not the lack of points or poor language.

I met up with my ex-classmates from Secondary school this morning for basketball. We trained our lay-up techniques, shooting, movement and rebounding. Even though I'm not in the school basketball team, I just take the opportunity to train up my stamina. We played at the basketball court opposite my secondary school. Outside the school was a banner boasting the achievements of 2 of my ex-classmates too, who obtained 8 A1s and 7 A1s. Till now, I still envy their achievement and wonder why I did not score any A1 for 3 of my science subjects...

After the basketball game, we went to the newly renovated food court nearby. Previously, that food court was old and rundown, and had hardly any customers at all. But after the renovation, everything changed. There was a large crowd of people patronising the food court, and the place was clean and tidy. Everything was great except for smokers. The cigarette smoke pollutes the air and I am definitely for the law to ban smoking in public places.

After lunch, I took a bus home. I was so exhausted that I slept on the bus. I took a bath and then took a quick nap. After that I attended a maths tuition class.

Fortunately, there's Sunday and Monday to relax. I sure love long weekends! :) I actually wanted to go for a Chinese Orchestra concert organised by Anderson JC, together with my friends. But as my decision was last-minute, my friend could not help me to get a ticket... It's quite sad, but I'm sure there'll be opportunities for us to get together next time.

I just finished watching the Arsenal-ManUtd FA Cup Final. Arsenal won the match 5-4 on penalties. I feel that Man Utd was the deserving team to win the match as they created many more scoring chances. But their inability to convert the chances into goals cost them the match. But well, it's just a game, provided much entertainment for me. :D

Delighted!

Just a week ago, I totally gave up hope on getting a gold for my physical fitness test. It was because I had problems with my standing broad jump as I could only get a D grade. Students need to obtain at least a C in all tests for a gold award. I went through the five-station PFT today. It included pull-up, sit-up, sit-and-reach, shuttle run and of course, standing broad jump.

At the standing broad jump station, I was still feeling hopeless about it. It was my turn, and I stood behind the line and started swinging my arms and knees. I leapt, and to my surprise, I got a C grade. I was so happy as my hopes of getting a gold award was fulfilled. I was so delighted!

Also, I got back my Maths test today. I got 20.5/40, a borderline passing mark. Although disappointed, I expected this grade as I was all flustered when I took this test. I also obtained 24.5/40 for my Physics test. Although not a good percentage pass, I know I could have done better. This will definitely spur me on to do well in the upcoming mid-year exams.

StarHub's overseas connection is still down since this morning. I am still unable to login to MSN Messenger, Hotmail and Valve's Steam network. I hope the problem will be rectified soon.

SYFC Joyride and NJ College Day

The Singapore Youth Flying Club organised joyrides for all applicants, and I was one of them. Yesterday was my joyride appointment and I totally enjoyed it. I reported at the flying club at 2:30pm. There were 13 other applicants scheduled for the joyride too. We were then divided into 5 groups (A to E) for the ride. I was in group E together with another student from SRJC. We toured the flying club and visited the aeromodelling class, student lounge, cafeteria and VIP room.

At 4pm, we entered the Operations Room where we met our pilots. The pilots, who were also instructors, briefed us on the flight. In the Operations Room, there were two big whiteboards with names of all students currently taking the flying course. Mostly were from the top 5 JCs such as Hwa Chong, National, Victoria and Raffles JC. There were only two students from Nanyang JC, and also about 6 to 7 from ACJC, AJC, MJC, TPJC and CJC. The board recorded the progress of all students, and the instructor told us that only a handful could pass the basic course well enough to proceed on to the Private Pilot License (PPL) course.

We then proceeded on through security, and got to the hangers where the planes were parked. Each plane could seat 4 people, including the pilot. Before the flight, the pilot introduced to us the parts of the aeroplane such as the rudder, aloron and flaps. It was then time to board the plane. I buckled up and the pilot did several checks before starting the engine. The pilot communicated with air control and we took off. The plane flew over Woodlands, Bukit Timah, Sentosa, Jurong Islands and Marina Bay. I got to see the causeway, parts of Johor Bahru, Merlion, Singapore Sports School, Tenggah and Paya Lebar airstrips and many other landmarks. The experience was great! The plane landed at about 5pm.

I then took a bus to NJC for the food fair and concert. It was great to be able to see the college I studied in, and all my previous classmates, friends and teachers again. I was so glad that everyone remembered me. Their stall sold toast bread, nuggets and fishfingers. Other stalls sold drinks, nachos, marshmallows, pies, satay, burgers and many more. The drink stalls were especially crowded. I met Hemma who was the only Deyian studying in NJ. I was also surprised to see Roxanne there too. I also met my econs and maths teachers, and I was glad that they still remembered me... I went up to the hall for the band performance. The performance was great! NJC's band clinched Gold w Honours at this year's SYF competition.

At about 8:30pm, I left together we a few of my friends. Yesterday was definitely a very memorable Saturday I had. The SYFC joyride was mesmerising, and being able to visit my friends at NJC was a rare opportunity.

Sick...

I've been down with fever and cough since Saturday. I went to see the doctor and took a week's excuse for PE, and then went to get a day's MC today because my temperature reached 38.5 degrees last night. I wanted to get two days' MC but the doctor refused to issue it unless I consult her once more. I then decided that one day's MC is enough as the queue at the clinic was so long.

It was a great opportunity for me to rest for one more day before going to school again tomorrow. The NAPFA test is just round the corner, and I'm really afraid that being sick will affect my performance especially in the 2.4km run. I hope that I'll recover by Wednesday for me to resume training.

I've been slacking the whole day, attempting a few maths questions each time I feel like it, and reading through other subjects' notes. But relaxing at home sure beats the fast-paced life in school, rushing from one class to another, and having to listen attentively during tutorials and lectures. :D

Weekends!

Hurray, the weekends are finally here again! It's now past midnight, and I'm typing this blog entry after returning home from a dinner with my friends.

It was Wenhui's birthday on 5 May, but we all could not make it for dinner together so we decided to make it today instead. Although belated, I feel that it is the thought that counts. :) We met up at Anderson JC and decided to go to PastaMania at Suntec City for dinner. We had to wait for a very long time before seats were available. I ate the chicken spaghetti with garlic bread and one soft drink. We all shared a mushroom pizza too. Surprisingly, I think the pizza tasted better than Pizza Hut's.

After dinner, we roamed around Marina Square. We went to the Fountain of Wealth to listen to the music and relaxed. We also dedicated a birthday message to Wenhui! Later on, we took the lift of Pan Pacific Hotel right up to the top storey, where we could view the beautiful night scene of Singapore on the way up. Before we knew it, it was already 10pm. My friends then decided it was time to go as it was too late and might risk missing the last bus or train home.

On the way home, on the MRT, I met my ex-NJC classmate who was returning home after a hockey training. I was surprised to be able to meet him. I stepped into the crowded train cabin and I heard my name called from behind. I turned back and saw his smiling face. It was a pity that I had to alight on the next stop, else we could have chatted longer. I still miss my NJC friends dearly, always with reminiscence of the happy and memorable moments there...

It is Saturday tomorrow and Mother's Day on Sunday. I've prepared a Mother's Day card with a appreciation poem written with the English Calligraphy pen, on the inside. I could finally put my Arts skills learnt in Sec 2 to good use.

Labour Day

The month of May begins today, it is also the Labour/May Day holiday. As it falls on a Sunday, tomorrow will be a public holiday as well. :D

Yesterday
Birthday Present
Yesterday I went out with friends to shop for a birthday present for our buddy whose birthday falls on 7 May. After much walking at the Heeren and deliberation, we decided to buy a tee-shirt with words "For god's sake, stop smoking!" as we felt that it will look good on him.

Movie
We then watched The Interpreter at Cineleisure. The movie theatre was full house - my opinion of the quality of the movie fully justified it. The movie was about a girl who works at the United Nations as an interpreter during bilateral meetings between two foreign nations. This girl happened to hear that someone was plotting to assasinate the leader of one of the nations and quickly informed the police. However, the police did not believe her and sent secret service agents to investigate the case further... and so the story goes on. Although some parts of the movie had too much depth for me to understand, I still enjoyed the thrill and suspense that the movie brought.

Dinner
It was already 8pm when the movie ended. Food courts and fast-food restaurants were packed with people. We then decided to take a train to Suntec City for dinner. We reached at around 9pm. I feel that the distance from City Hall MRT to Suntec City is quite long, especially when there's a crowd, it'll seem to take forever to reach Suntec. By then, we were tired and hungry. Thus, we just settled for Pizza Hut, thinking that the price would be quite affordable. But in the end, we ended up paying $18 each for a Family Feast set which came with a jug of soft drink, two 9" pizzas and a plate of onion rings/octopus rings/drumsticks mixed. We definitely gave up on all our consumer surplus... or maybe even overshot it.

After dinner, we all went home...

Today
Basketball
My friends and I actually planned to meet at 8am and then go for a jog at the stadium. However, one of them was very late and we decided to play basketball. We played from 9am to around 10:30am. We then went to Heartland Mall for lunch at KFC. I ate the Shrooms burger set which I think is a gimmick. The burger was smaller than the size of the palm, it'd take two sets to make you full.

Later...
My friend then did a project with his group, thus I went home. Later in the evening, he called me for a basketball game. When I reached the court, it was raining and could not play.

Then...
We then decided to jog at a park nearby and did a few pull ups.

I think it was not a really pleasent day as a lot of time was wasted waiting for friends etc. I'm going to meet up with my cousins for badminton tomorrow, hopefully it'll be fun! :D