Hi again, welcome to the fifth part of the series. This week was very lively and exciting, especially closer to the weekend.
Monday to Wednesday, I was totally slacked, as on these three days, I woke miserably late at 11am, so I was unable to do some head start in Engineering Math for the whole week. I went for a run again each evening, and I finally got rid of my personal best of 20 minutes for 5 kilometres on Wednesday. By the way, I did not exclude the waiting times at the traffic light junction. On Monday, it was 20 minutes, 19 on Tuesday and 17 on Wednesday.
Thursday, was an outing with friends I think? We went ice skating for three full hours, from 2 to 5. Everything started off quite well but slowly. In all, there were 12 of us; Jian Hui, Jun Jie, Janna, Amanda, Peter, Zhi Jie and his friend, Ya Hui(did I spell correctly?)and her friend(both are Jian Hui's and Jun Jie's friends) and Cheng Yun(Janna's secondary school friend).There was a snake line along the corners, as the majority of us were first timers at ice skating. Somehow the skills came to me, and within 20 minutes, I no longer needed the barriers for support. I lapped the others quite a number of times, until 30 minutes into the skating, I received my first and largest blister on the left heel, greatly reducing my momentum. Anyway, after that, I somehow managed to gain more injuries along the way. At 5pm, we went off for dinner, before getting some ice cream and going to the arcade to kill time. 9pm, Janna had to go after Cheng Yun's twin, Cheng Wen came to meet us. Janna did say they were twins, but I thought they were more of sisters. 9.20pm, we all left for home. Though it was enjoyable, I did not really like the day(some personal dislikes of mine). i reached home discovering that my injuries were more serious than I had expected. 4 blisters(new record) and 3 sores.
Friday, which is today, was almost like a day spent in bed. My legs hurt terribly, worse than the aftermath of the 42-kilometre cycling event earlier this year. I can't walk or climb the stairs properly. So, I only left the room only when there was a definite need to do something. Guess I'll have to wait another 3 to 5 days before I can go for a run again. Damn. Just finished watching the preview of tomorrow's F1 race. From the looks of it, the times and speeds of tonight's practice session might not be anywhere near the drivers' full potential, which would most likely be unleashed during tomorrow night's qualifiers or during the actual race on Sunday.
Well, there you have it, one short post. next week, I'm not so sure, things might start to die down as it's 2 weeks closer to the start of school. And I have yet to know of my elective. It's been a week already.
TAG REPLIES:
Janna:
I think you had answered your own question during the conversation on Wednesday night =x ??
Auggie:
Hey you did better by getting a perfect score of 4.0! Your strreak of As should be better than mine!
Joycelyn:
Lol? I thought it was something like a card. Anyways I still can't imagine you walking around with a paddle >_<
Jon:
Just noticed. Changed the colour to a lighter shade. That' what sets NP from the rest!
Friday, September 26, 2008
Friday, September 19, 2008
On Vacation'08-Part 4
Good evening! Welcome to the fourth instalment of the series. Taking a glance back at this week, there many high moments, with a couple of low moments as well.
Let's head straight into Monday. Today was the release of results for the first semester, and there was one funny and weird thing that happened. I woke at 10am, an hour after the results was released. Half awake, I logged on to the site, and saw my results. I simply stared at the screen for 5 seconds, restarted my computer, and logged on to the site once again. This time, I was convinced. This was the second time in my 11 years of education history where I went on a killing spree of As and a B. The first time was 5 years ago. I never expected to get beyond 3.8 for my GPA. So here are the results:
Engineering Mathematics 1 A+
Computer programming(was expecting a pathetic C) A
Engineering Mechanics(physical aspect of physics) A+
Electrical Technology(electrical aspect of physics) A+
Engineering: A Creative Profession B+
Yesterday, I ran the same 5km route again, and this time, I managed to clock 19 minutes! Finally I broke my personal record of 20 minutes after a month. The timetables were out as well, and although school would end earlier before 5pm daily, School starts at 8am on Mondays and Tuesdays. However, something got me very worried. I still don't know my elective for the next semester, and I also don't know the time slot of the elective. That small issue has got me anxious for almost a day now. Hopefully, I would be notified soon, as some have already been notified of their electives through their timetables. Oh, and in case I forgot again, HAPPY 17th Birthday to Caderina! You're another year older at 10:10pm(nice time though)!
Today, nothing special. Just managed to complete my 5km run in 20 minutes. My timetable for Mondays and Tuesdays is still a little empty after 1pm.
Once again,
TAG REPLIES:
john:
Well, I just sent it to you for fun, it's really up to you to decide whether you want to do it.
Andy:
Welcome! Just glad tha I had something to kill some time.
john:
LOL! Go back to your Chinese please, I don't wish to be on your Blame List if you fail your exams. And, I'm 100% sure your idea of Sean's name is WRONG =X.
sean:
Guess I spelt your name correctly then! Even though we know each other for just slightly more than 9 months.
Joycelyn:
o.O You're always creeping up like that. Won't sleeping after training make you more lazy >.< ?? And, what's a trivium???
Andy:
YO! Hey thanks(maybe I should have done daily posting), and same to you for your exams!!
Let's head straight into Monday. Today was the release of results for the first semester, and there was one funny and weird thing that happened. I woke at 10am, an hour after the results was released. Half awake, I logged on to the site, and saw my results. I simply stared at the screen for 5 seconds, restarted my computer, and logged on to the site once again. This time, I was convinced. This was the second time in my 11 years of education history where I went on a killing spree of As and a B. The first time was 5 years ago. I never expected to get beyond 3.8 for my GPA. So here are the results:
Engineering Mathematics 1 A+
Computer programming(was expecting a pathetic C) A
Engineering Mechanics(physical aspect of physics) A+
Electrical Technology(electrical aspect of physics) A+
Engineering: A Creative Profession B+
Sports and Wellness PX
(PE at the poly level...PS PX represents a pass grade in modules that only have a pass or fail grade)
In the evening, went for a run. I covered 5km in 30 minutes. Damn.
Tuesday, met up with Jian Hui, Jun Jie, Janna and Amanda at Far East Plaza. We went to accompany Janna on her shopping. halfway through, something told me I was not strong enough to face up to certain things, though I had gone through a lot. Went to TCC for tea and a Department store to slack, before I went to Funan to check out the head phones and writing tools there, while the rest went home.
Wednesday, met Sean to make a special delivery. Caught up quite a lot on lost times and learnt a little more about our classmates during the PAE period. I guess I really have to plan for that outing, and fast so that there would not be any more push backs of gatherings. The earliest we could all meet up would be in December, so guys, PLEASE try to keep a day free okay?? Missing everyone and those times badly. We chatted for 2 hours before I had to rush off to buy a dictionary for the up-coming German Enrichment programme next semester.Yesterday, I ran the same 5km route again, and this time, I managed to clock 19 minutes! Finally I broke my personal record of 20 minutes after a month. The timetables were out as well, and although school would end earlier before 5pm daily, School starts at 8am on Mondays and Tuesdays. However, something got me very worried. I still don't know my elective for the next semester, and I also don't know the time slot of the elective. That small issue has got me anxious for almost a day now. Hopefully, I would be notified soon, as some have already been notified of their electives through their timetables. Oh, and in case I forgot again, HAPPY 17th Birthday to Caderina! You're another year older at 10:10pm(nice time though)!
Today, nothing special. Just managed to complete my 5km run in 20 minutes. My timetable for Mondays and Tuesdays is still a little empty after 1pm.
Once again,
TAG REPLIES:
john:
Well, I just sent it to you for fun, it's really up to you to decide whether you want to do it.
Andy:
Welcome! Just glad tha I had something to kill some time.
john:
LOL! Go back to your Chinese please, I don't wish to be on your Blame List if you fail your exams. And, I'm 100% sure your idea of Sean's name is WRONG =X.
sean:
Guess I spelt your name correctly then! Even though we know each other for just slightly more than 9 months.
Joycelyn:
o.O You're always creeping up like that. Won't sleeping after training make you more lazy >.< ?? And, what's a trivium???
Andy:
YO! Hey thanks(maybe I should have done daily posting), and same to you for your exams!!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Similar period,Different Locations
Most promotional examinations are expected to end, or start within the time windows of this week. That's if someone is currently a first year student at a JC. On the other hand, it's the week where examination results are being released for some Polytechnics(or is it only one?). The outlook of this week, is not so good, as the vacation period passes one-month mark, things tend to get more boring.
Anyway, this coming week, I don't think there's going to be any thing that's different, although I might be meeting Sean on Wednesday to make a delivery. September holds my current record for the most number of birthdays in a month, which stands at 6(did I miss out anyone?). This week, i have the record number of birthdays at 4.
Ending off, HAPPY 17TH BIRTHDAY to Sean Fang(did I spell it correctly?)! That was close, for a couple more seconds and it's going to be your belated birthday.
Anyway, this coming week, I don't think there's going to be any thing that's different, although I might be meeting Sean on Wednesday to make a delivery. September holds my current record for the most number of birthdays in a month, which stands at 6(did I miss out anyone?). This week, i have the record number of birthdays at 4.
Ending off, HAPPY 17TH BIRTHDAY to Sean Fang(did I spell it correctly?)! That was close, for a couple more seconds and it's going to be your belated birthday.
Friday, September 12, 2008
On Vacation'08-Part 3
Hi again! We're looking at yet another week that started well, and ended well. Alright, this week, there's really nothing much to elaborate on, so, WM, guess you can finally take a bit of a breather from this week, as I'm going to cut down on my words this couple of weeks.
Monday, nothing much, other than watching some anime, sleep and of course, eating.
Tuesday, went back to school to submit a form for cycling club CCA, went to register for Shyam's German 102 and get a new adapter for the PSP. The original one that came with the package finally broke down.
Wednesday, nothing again.
Thursday, met Shyam and Sankalp at Clementi before going for the second Toast Masters meeting in school. Shyam was expecting a good dinner before the meeting, but it turns out to be a breakfast instead, as there were only cakes for him to feast on.
Friday, stayed home all day again. Cousins came to have some moon cakes, before leaving at 11.30pm. Apart from that, I finally caught up with the latest episode of D. Gray Man! I finished watching the 99Th episode this morning at 11, and waited 12 hours later to catch the 100th on TV.
Anyway, here's a quiz:
1. The person who tag you is:
Andy
2. Your relationship with him/her is:
Secondary school classmate and friend
3. Your five impression of him/her is:
serious, easy going, born-leader, amicable and strong-willed
4. The most memorable thing he/she had done for you:
Don't really have a most memorable, but there's too many memorable things to list!
5. The most memorable thing he/she had said to you:
Not that sure.
6. if he/she became your lover, you will feel weird?
Duh?
7. If he/she become your lover, thing he/she has to improve on will be:
How to woo a certain girl. Other than that, I can't possibly judge another guy can I?
8. If he/she become your enemy, you will:
Do nothing, for that's an impossibility.
9.If he/she become your enemy, the reason will be:
Don't think any reason's good enough for such things to happen.
10. The most desired thing you want to do for him/her now is :
Support him whenever and wherever possible.
11. Your overall impression of him/her is:
Truly a great friend to have. I won't forget someone like him.
12. How you think people around you will feel about you:
1 word: weird
13. The characters you love of yourself are:
Determined, caring towards those I know and, patience to listen to a friend's problems and share his/her grief.
14.On the contrary, the characteristics you hate most about yourself are:
Too quiet, afraid to take the initiative.
15. The most ideal person you want to be is:
Myself?
16. For people that care and like you, say something to them:
Hey! Really glad that I'm acquainted to someone like you! However, like most people, I don't really express those feelings really well (guess only those really close would know what I mean), but , thanks for being with me in both good and bad times!
17. Pass this quiz to 10 persons that you wished to know how they feel about you pass to people that have blog only:
1. Thaddeus
2. Joycelyn
3. Priscilla
4. Jane
5. Augustine
6. Chong Siang
7. Carina
8. Janna
9. Jon
10. Wei Ming
18.Who is no.6 having relationship with?(Chong Siang)
You got to ask him that yourself. I have got no idea.
19. Is no.9 a male or female?(Jon)
Male
20. If no.7 and 10 are together, will it be a good thing?(Carina and Wei Ming)
Don't think they know each other.
21. What is no.2 studying about?(Joycelyn)
First year in Facilities Management for Business in Ngee Ann. Wonder how she's doing.
22. When was the last time you had a chat with no.3?(Priscilla)
Last week
23. What kind of music band does no.8 like? ( Janna)
Not so sure about that, but I guess it's a Chinese band???
24. Does no.1 have any siblings? (Thaddeus)
Never asked about that. Sorry!
25. Will you woo no.3? (Priscilla)
Maybe I'll keep that a secret?
26. How about no.7? (Carina)
Guess I'll keep that a secret as well?
27. Is no.4 single? (Jane)
Not so sure.
28. What is the surname of no.5?(Augustine)
Teo
29.What’s the hobby of no.10?(Wei Ming)
Writing long essays in his blog?
Monday, nothing much, other than watching some anime, sleep and of course, eating.
Tuesday, went back to school to submit a form for cycling club CCA, went to register for Shyam's German 102 and get a new adapter for the PSP. The original one that came with the package finally broke down.
Wednesday, nothing again.
Thursday, met Shyam and Sankalp at Clementi before going for the second Toast Masters meeting in school. Shyam was expecting a good dinner before the meeting, but it turns out to be a breakfast instead, as there were only cakes for him to feast on.
Friday, stayed home all day again. Cousins came to have some moon cakes, before leaving at 11.30pm. Apart from that, I finally caught up with the latest episode of D. Gray Man! I finished watching the 99Th episode this morning at 11, and waited 12 hours later to catch the 100th on TV.
Anyway, here's a quiz:
1. The person who tag you is:
Andy
2. Your relationship with him/her is:
Secondary school classmate and friend
3. Your five impression of him/her is:
serious, easy going, born-leader, amicable and strong-willed
4. The most memorable thing he/she had done for you:
Don't really have a most memorable, but there's too many memorable things to list!
5. The most memorable thing he/she had said to you:
Not that sure.
6. if he/she became your lover, you will feel weird?
Duh?
7. If he/she become your lover, thing he/she has to improve on will be:
How to woo a certain girl. Other than that, I can't possibly judge another guy can I?
8. If he/she become your enemy, you will:
Do nothing, for that's an impossibility.
9.If he/she become your enemy, the reason will be:
Don't think any reason's good enough for such things to happen.
10. The most desired thing you want to do for him/her now is :
Support him whenever and wherever possible.
11. Your overall impression of him/her is:
Truly a great friend to have. I won't forget someone like him.
12. How you think people around you will feel about you:
1 word: weird
13. The characters you love of yourself are:
Determined, caring towards those I know and, patience to listen to a friend's problems and share his/her grief.
14.On the contrary, the characteristics you hate most about yourself are:
Too quiet, afraid to take the initiative.
15. The most ideal person you want to be is:
Myself?
16. For people that care and like you, say something to them:
Hey! Really glad that I'm acquainted to someone like you! However, like most people, I don't really express those feelings really well (guess only those really close would know what I mean), but , thanks for being with me in both good and bad times!
17. Pass this quiz to 10 persons that you wished to know how they feel about you pass to people that have blog only:
1. Thaddeus
2. Joycelyn
3. Priscilla
4. Jane
5. Augustine
6. Chong Siang
7. Carina
8. Janna
9. Jon
10. Wei Ming
18.Who is no.6 having relationship with?(Chong Siang)
You got to ask him that yourself. I have got no idea.
19. Is no.9 a male or female?(Jon)
Male
20. If no.7 and 10 are together, will it be a good thing?(Carina and Wei Ming)
Don't think they know each other.
21. What is no.2 studying about?(Joycelyn)
First year in Facilities Management for Business in Ngee Ann. Wonder how she's doing.
22. When was the last time you had a chat with no.3?(Priscilla)
Last week
23. What kind of music band does no.8 like? ( Janna)
Not so sure about that, but I guess it's a Chinese band???
24. Does no.1 have any siblings? (Thaddeus)
Never asked about that. Sorry!
25. Will you woo no.3? (Priscilla)
Maybe I'll keep that a secret?
26. How about no.7? (Carina)
Guess I'll keep that a secret as well?
27. Is no.4 single? (Jane)
Not so sure.
28. What is the surname of no.5?(Augustine)
Teo
29.What’s the hobby of no.10?(Wei Ming)
Writing long essays in his blog?
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Complex
Today I found something to occupy my time again. I embarked on another anime spree! Should have started a long time ago I know, but since it's going to be a long break, should be fine to start today I guess? By the way, WM said that he dint have time to read an essay, so I'll make this short then. I completed the first 20 episodes of D. Gray-man today. At this rate, I should be able to catch the same week telecast of the anime on Central every Friday, from friday onward, and maybe in English as well(I hope, as I have never watched anime on national TV before).
Then, just moments back, something hit me. On the second week of October, one of the 4 birthday friends from MI might not be able to make it. So, as of now, I'm in abit of a fix. Should I go on planning, or wait till December, after everyone's exams for this year have finished? Even so, I'm afraid of asking about friends in the JCs about their last day of exams, as I'm afraid this might cause unecessary stress. Maybe, I should have asked on the first day of their holidyas, and not on their last. DAMN. Maybe, right now, it's still not too late to ask I hope?
WM, this should be short enough for you to finish in 5 minutes I hope?
Then, just moments back, something hit me. On the second week of October, one of the 4 birthday friends from MI might not be able to make it. So, as of now, I'm in abit of a fix. Should I go on planning, or wait till December, after everyone's exams for this year have finished? Even so, I'm afraid of asking about friends in the JCs about their last day of exams, as I'm afraid this might cause unecessary stress. Maybe, I should have asked on the first day of their holidyas, and not on their last. DAMN. Maybe, right now, it's still not too late to ask I hope?
WM, this should be short enough for you to finish in 5 minutes I hope?
Friday, September 05, 2008
On Vacation'08-Part 2
Hey there again! Today we're onto the second part of a 7-part weekly roundup of the vacation so far. This week has been good, although it's expected that after last week, things would start getting dull, the days did not turn out that way. This week was also had its own set of excitement and enthusiasm. So, here we go:
Monday:
Today was Teachers' Day! Not as much fun as last year's, but glad there are many things remembering on this day. I spent the day sleeping at home due to the extremely good weather(it went on till Thursday). Also, the weather was so great, it left me without a chance to get some exercise. Today I saw another answer in a dream. Guess i won't be sharing this one as many would find it too boring, so, ya.
Tuesday:
Today was the third reunion for the class. Everyone caught up on times, and enjoyed our meal. As it was a day after teachers' Day, we invited ms Lim and Mr Liew for dinner. Mr Liew took time off his work to meet us today, and we were thankful for that. We had a hard time getting Mr Liew to accept his gift which was a black and yellow Addidas bag, and we managed to make it happen(wondering if I had forgotten if we had the same situation a year ago, or was it another teacher?). By the way, the catching up part took up around an hour or so, and the other hour, was to prepare the gifts and presenting them. Hopefully, there will be another reunion at the end of the year just like the one we had last year, on the night of the school's open house.I'm so looking forward to the day that the whole class could be together again, though for now, it all seems like an impossibility. Anyway, to end off the day, we took a photograph to remember the night:
Wednesday:
I spent the whole day at home, doing nothing, other than gaming, eating and sleeping. A practical timetable for someone in a holiday mood. I woke extremely late today, at 12pm. If it were still during the secondary school days, the latest time I would normally wake during the holidays would be 8.45am. It's been 4 months since I chose and set foot on this stretch of road, so there's going to be no turning back. I knew very well that 18 points could see me in a couple of schools that gave the direct ticket to a place in a University. However, after that one month, realising that i did not have what it takes to juggle between fun, demanding timetables and schedules and other activities, I decided to set foot on the other path that was wider and easier to walk on. I chose the Polytechnic route that gave students more freedom, but, likewise, it also had its own sets of obstacles. This road has got another split-road after a three-year journey. Either I did well enough to earn myself a ticket to a place in a University, or it was time to set sail, in search of a job. Either way, I would have to face the possibility of being looked down upon by superiors who belief that a polytechnic student is more incompetent than those who either graduate from a University or those who took and passed the A levels well enough to get into the University(I had thought about whether I had made the right choice many times, but still, whether I'm in a Polytechnic or whether I still wore a uniform to school, I'm aiming for one thing. A place in a University.). That's my Wednesday reflection for you.
Thursday:
Today, I had an improvement in my waking time, 11am. Once again, I was back to gaming, sleeping and eating. Until 5.30pm, the weather was finally good enough for me to go for my run. Guessed today finally confirmed my timing for my 5km run some time ago. 20 minutes, 5 kilometers. After that, went to have a game of badminton with my brother at 6.30pm. Day ends with a small and short discussion for the next MI outing.
Friday:
I had a dental appointment today at 4.45pm. For the first time since I have no idea when, I registered on the dot. I left for home at 5.30pm on bus. Since it's the holidays and I had nothing to do at home, might as well take the longest, yet direct route home. So an hour later, I reached home. The journey by train takes only 35 to 40 minutes. This evening, my cousin came for a visit! There were moon cakes and other stuff. At 10pm, my cousin and my parents had an hour long insightful debate about the stock market. I never expected that Economics knowledge could be brought into the scenes as well! Would be taking that as an elective module next semester if I was given that elective.
There's the roundup of the second week's events. From next week, I guess the chunk of words you're currently reading could very well be summed up into a couple of paragraphs, or maybe not? Well, from next week, I'm embarking on another self-imposed head start programme into the next semester. No textbooks or notes? There's always the Internet to turn to!Till then!
Anyway, here's a first:
Tag Replies:
Jane:
Yep, after everyones done it their exams would be the best time. Would be asking around for opinions on what to do soon.. still thinking about the venue though >.<
Anonymous:
Hey there! You know, it's still not too late to get such things going yea? Whether or not you're still studying in school, there're bound to be opportunities to organise such events, and you, together with your friends(who knows, maybe even your teachers) , will definitely cherish those memories! All the best! =P
Wish we were in the same class so you could share that joy with us
XL:
I totally agree with you! Been a year already, but those memories still linger clearly in our hearts, and they forever will! Looking forward to the next gathering to revive those days ^_^
JoN:
Err.. not anymore once it's the third or fourth week I guess?? I know! Find one day when you, wm, sean and I are free, then we can go somewhere to slack for a day, so you can come up with an essay as well xD
Monday:
Today was Teachers' Day! Not as much fun as last year's, but glad there are many things remembering on this day. I spent the day sleeping at home due to the extremely good weather(it went on till Thursday). Also, the weather was so great, it left me without a chance to get some exercise. Today I saw another answer in a dream. Guess i won't be sharing this one as many would find it too boring, so, ya.
Tuesday:
Today was the third reunion for the class. Everyone caught up on times, and enjoyed our meal. As it was a day after teachers' Day, we invited ms Lim and Mr Liew for dinner. Mr Liew took time off his work to meet us today, and we were thankful for that. We had a hard time getting Mr Liew to accept his gift which was a black and yellow Addidas bag, and we managed to make it happen(wondering if I had forgotten if we had the same situation a year ago, or was it another teacher?). By the way, the catching up part took up around an hour or so, and the other hour, was to prepare the gifts and presenting them. Hopefully, there will be another reunion at the end of the year just like the one we had last year, on the night of the school's open house.I'm so looking forward to the day that the whole class could be together again, though for now, it all seems like an impossibility. Anyway, to end off the day, we took a photograph to remember the night:
Wednesday:
I spent the whole day at home, doing nothing, other than gaming, eating and sleeping. A practical timetable for someone in a holiday mood. I woke extremely late today, at 12pm. If it were still during the secondary school days, the latest time I would normally wake during the holidays would be 8.45am. It's been 4 months since I chose and set foot on this stretch of road, so there's going to be no turning back. I knew very well that 18 points could see me in a couple of schools that gave the direct ticket to a place in a University. However, after that one month, realising that i did not have what it takes to juggle between fun, demanding timetables and schedules and other activities, I decided to set foot on the other path that was wider and easier to walk on. I chose the Polytechnic route that gave students more freedom, but, likewise, it also had its own sets of obstacles. This road has got another split-road after a three-year journey. Either I did well enough to earn myself a ticket to a place in a University, or it was time to set sail, in search of a job. Either way, I would have to face the possibility of being looked down upon by superiors who belief that a polytechnic student is more incompetent than those who either graduate from a University or those who took and passed the A levels well enough to get into the University(I had thought about whether I had made the right choice many times, but still, whether I'm in a Polytechnic or whether I still wore a uniform to school, I'm aiming for one thing. A place in a University.). That's my Wednesday reflection for you.
Thursday:
Today, I had an improvement in my waking time, 11am. Once again, I was back to gaming, sleeping and eating. Until 5.30pm, the weather was finally good enough for me to go for my run. Guessed today finally confirmed my timing for my 5km run some time ago. 20 minutes, 5 kilometers. After that, went to have a game of badminton with my brother at 6.30pm. Day ends with a small and short discussion for the next MI outing.
Friday:
I had a dental appointment today at 4.45pm. For the first time since I have no idea when, I registered on the dot. I left for home at 5.30pm on bus. Since it's the holidays and I had nothing to do at home, might as well take the longest, yet direct route home. So an hour later, I reached home. The journey by train takes only 35 to 40 minutes. This evening, my cousin came for a visit! There were moon cakes and other stuff. At 10pm, my cousin and my parents had an hour long insightful debate about the stock market. I never expected that Economics knowledge could be brought into the scenes as well! Would be taking that as an elective module next semester if I was given that elective.
There's the roundup of the second week's events. From next week, I guess the chunk of words you're currently reading could very well be summed up into a couple of paragraphs, or maybe not? Well, from next week, I'm embarking on another self-imposed head start programme into the next semester. No textbooks or notes? There's always the Internet to turn to!Till then!
Anyway, here's a first:
Tag Replies:
Jane:
Yep, after everyones done it their exams would be the best time. Would be asking around for opinions on what to do soon.. still thinking about the venue though >.<
Anonymous:
Hey there! You know, it's still not too late to get such things going yea? Whether or not you're still studying in school, there're bound to be opportunities to organise such events, and you, together with your friends(who knows, maybe even your teachers) , will definitely cherish those memories! All the best! =P
Wish we were in the same class so you could share that joy with us
XL:
I totally agree with you! Been a year already, but those memories still linger clearly in our hearts, and they forever will! Looking forward to the next gathering to revive those days ^_^
JoN:
Err.. not anymore once it's the third or fourth week I guess?? I know! Find one day when you, wm, sean and I are free, then we can go somewhere to slack for a day, so you can come up with an essay as well xD
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Reunion at IMM
Today was the first time this year we had the chance to sit down almost as a whole class and have a decent dinner together. Mr Liew was there as well, as it was just a day after teachers' Day and we wanted to take the chance to celebrate it. Sadly, Miss Lim could not make it, but, there's going to be another day when we could all meet up for another round.
At 6.30pm, there was no one at the planned meeting place, so I guess that made me the first to arrive. Around 5 minutes later, Siang Lin arrived, followed by Chong Siang and the others. Andy, Xue Li, Damien and Zhong Rong were already at IMM. At 7.20pm, we took the shuttle service to IMM as it was raining. The journey there was slow in the crowded bus, but with the company, the journey seemed just right.
We spent 2 hours at Burger King, before leaving at 10pm as the shopping centre was closing for the day. I overheard the girls planning to have another gathering, but exactly when or where, I'm not so sure. There was some difficulty in presenting Mr Liew with his gift, but we managed to do so somehow. We took a photograph to remember the day before heading our own separate ways again. If those in JCs had a longer holiday, there might have been a celebration far better than today's (but that's not going to be possible, as their syllabuses are already super-crammed into less than 2 years). After today, it's going to be a boring holiday once again, and I have given up looking for a job for the vacation. From tomorrow, there's really nothing much to do, and since I have got no CCA that requires my weekly commitment, there really isn't much to look forward to.
Oh, and about the next MI outing, well, I'm pretty much in a spot as I have no idea when we're all going to be free, especially with the promotional examinations drawing dangerously near to have a gathering with those currently pursuing the GCE 'A' Level course. Even if there was a day where we were all free, I have got no idea as to where to go and what to do. So, if anyone has an idea, or would like to help, please do let me know. Thanks!
At 6.30pm, there was no one at the planned meeting place, so I guess that made me the first to arrive. Around 5 minutes later, Siang Lin arrived, followed by Chong Siang and the others. Andy, Xue Li, Damien and Zhong Rong were already at IMM. At 7.20pm, we took the shuttle service to IMM as it was raining. The journey there was slow in the crowded bus, but with the company, the journey seemed just right.
We spent 2 hours at Burger King, before leaving at 10pm as the shopping centre was closing for the day. I overheard the girls planning to have another gathering, but exactly when or where, I'm not so sure. There was some difficulty in presenting Mr Liew with his gift, but we managed to do so somehow. We took a photograph to remember the day before heading our own separate ways again. If those in JCs had a longer holiday, there might have been a celebration far better than today's (but that's not going to be possible, as their syllabuses are already super-crammed into less than 2 years). After today, it's going to be a boring holiday once again, and I have given up looking for a job for the vacation. From tomorrow, there's really nothing much to do, and since I have got no CCA that requires my weekly commitment, there really isn't much to look forward to.
Oh, and about the next MI outing, well, I'm pretty much in a spot as I have no idea when we're all going to be free, especially with the promotional examinations drawing dangerously near to have a gathering with those currently pursuing the GCE 'A' Level course. Even if there was a day where we were all free, I have got no idea as to where to go and what to do. So, if anyone has an idea, or would like to help, please do let me know. Thanks!
Monday, September 01, 2008
Happy Teachers' Day
How time flies. In the same week a year ago, 4E1 rushed against time to give our teachers the best Teachers' Day surprises as well as the best gifts for 2007. Many memories, the main event that brought our class spirit to a whole new level. Till now, I still can't find any words the describe the memories we all shared as a class on the big day. Although polytechnics do not celebrate this day, we could still celebrate it by flocking back to secondary schools and primary schools. Well, this might be a little late, but here's wishing all teachers
A HAPPY TEACHERS DAY!!
Some photos taken at our big event last year:
(Invitation card)
A HAPPY TEACHERS DAY!!
Some photos taken at our big event last year:
(Invitation card)
(The team who stayed up till close to 10pm on the second night)
This is by far, the most memorable part of the day:
Anyway, I can't wait till 6.30pm tomorrow, for together with the whole 4E1 2007, we will be celebrating Teachers' Day with 2 of our favourite teachers!
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Yet Again
*Reader discretion is advised
It's been 6 years since I first felt it. 6 years later, I still find myself running away from the lights of it. Once again, I find that I could no longer hold it in till it's the time to let it out. "Hey, since you managed to resist that temptation for 6 full months last year, I'm sure you'll be able to go through it once again, this time with less troubles. I know you can!" I had always thought that I could take the stress, but it ended up all the same, I can't clear the exams partially because of that. I know, that now that school life has changed, so has the extent of its strength. So, should I just play on like nothing has ever happened, or should I face up to reality, coldly expressing it, regardless of the outcome which could cause a great deal of pain and damage? After being lost for a week now, a dream the night before led me a step closer to my much-sought after answers.
It was the first day of a new school semester. While walking with friends to class, I met a close friend. I was ignored. "Maybe you should just keep searching, my friend, I'm sorry, but I think that your time has not arrived yet. Oh, and don't mind me, but maybe in ten years time, you might still be the same, still searching for the right one. Ha, or maybe, you'll never get a chance to build your own nest." I just wasn't bold enough. But, I have face up to the emptiness that's inside, and defeat it once and for all, so that we can be one. During lunch, it was raining heavily. We sat together as always, but, all I felt was, the emptiness from within, slowly consuming me with each foolish thought that ran through my mind.
It was 11am when I finally woke from that dream. So, I decided. I Will do something about it. Never mind the pain. Never mind the loss. As long as the bonds of friendship remains just like what happened 5 months back, I would not lose anything. Tonight, if I am still fully awake, I had better consult a friend whose had experienced similar incidents for some time now, for advice.
I always have the tendency to think about others before making my move, so much to the extent that I worry too much about their well being that I end up doing nothing to change things.
But somehow, that part of me never showed itself under such circumstances. Three times. Three times I prepared to make the flight, three times I never got near to making it happen. In time, it's going to be my fourth. Although I never want to fail again, I want to be sure. I want to be sure about whether I am able to maintain my flight, and whether I will be able to find a place to build the nest later on. Now, as much as I want to take off, I am definitely not ready to shoulder all that burden. I have never ventured that far out before, but that reason alone, is no reason for me to take things easy.
Guess I never asked about the way you felt. Wanted to do that, but was afraid of falling into the depths. Wish that we could be together alone, but, was afraid of making you feel awkward. I wonder, how long more must I take, before I can become a better person and unleash my potential that's been asleep in me for so long?
[BLOG UPDATE]
Added a new link:
Jon(Exits)
It's been 6 years since I first felt it. 6 years later, I still find myself running away from the lights of it. Once again, I find that I could no longer hold it in till it's the time to let it out. "Hey, since you managed to resist that temptation for 6 full months last year, I'm sure you'll be able to go through it once again, this time with less troubles. I know you can!" I had always thought that I could take the stress, but it ended up all the same, I can't clear the exams partially because of that. I know, that now that school life has changed, so has the extent of its strength. So, should I just play on like nothing has ever happened, or should I face up to reality, coldly expressing it, regardless of the outcome which could cause a great deal of pain and damage? After being lost for a week now, a dream the night before led me a step closer to my much-sought after answers.
It was the first day of a new school semester. While walking with friends to class, I met a close friend. I was ignored. "Maybe you should just keep searching, my friend, I'm sorry, but I think that your time has not arrived yet. Oh, and don't mind me, but maybe in ten years time, you might still be the same, still searching for the right one. Ha, or maybe, you'll never get a chance to build your own nest." I just wasn't bold enough. But, I have face up to the emptiness that's inside, and defeat it once and for all, so that we can be one. During lunch, it was raining heavily. We sat together as always, but, all I felt was, the emptiness from within, slowly consuming me with each foolish thought that ran through my mind.
It was 11am when I finally woke from that dream. So, I decided. I Will do something about it. Never mind the pain. Never mind the loss. As long as the bonds of friendship remains just like what happened 5 months back, I would not lose anything. Tonight, if I am still fully awake, I had better consult a friend whose had experienced similar incidents for some time now, for advice.
I always have the tendency to think about others before making my move, so much to the extent that I worry too much about their well being that I end up doing nothing to change things.
But somehow, that part of me never showed itself under such circumstances. Three times. Three times I prepared to make the flight, three times I never got near to making it happen. In time, it's going to be my fourth. Although I never want to fail again, I want to be sure. I want to be sure about whether I am able to maintain my flight, and whether I will be able to find a place to build the nest later on. Now, as much as I want to take off, I am definitely not ready to shoulder all that burden. I have never ventured that far out before, but that reason alone, is no reason for me to take things easy.
Guess I never asked about the way you felt. Wanted to do that, but was afraid of falling into the depths. Wish that we could be together alone, but, was afraid of making you feel awkward. I wonder, how long more must I take, before I can become a better person and unleash my potential that's been asleep in me for so long?
[BLOG UPDATE]
Added a new link:
Jon(Exits)
Friday, August 29, 2008
On Vacation'08-Part 1
Yep! The holidays have officially started this week, and it's been a busy week so far. Oh, before we go on, this is the first of a weekly seven part series, on every Friday. Bringing weekly updates into the holidays as we progress into the next semester. The first week, was like a catapult on an aircraft carrier, propelling me into the holiday mood.
Monday-Tuesday:
The first ever class outing on this vacation seemed a great way to kick off this vacation, as we had a 2 day 1 night stay at a chalet at Downtown East. Met up with Yin Feng at 1.55pm, before An Yan came and we took a bus to the resort to meet up with the rest who were already waiting to check into the chalet. The chalet was way smaller than the one at Aloha resort, which was at least three times larger than our current one. There was a barbecue, followed by games and a drinking session? As the sun set, so did the aura of darkness overcome its chains that bore it down during the day. There were many parties being held, and playful pranks were in abundance, though the mess was expected, that did not stop a large group of students on a study trip to stay at the resort. As the place became darker, so did the intensity of some of the celebrations. All that I would say that, some things were unprecedented, but have taught us many lessons. At 10.40pm, Jian Hui,Jun Jie and I escorted Hamzi and Janna to the MRT Station and taxi stand respectively. That was due to past experience of what my friends experienced earlier this year, that we decided to do the same just in case something similar happened. As we approached midnight,I noticed that the place was sort of broken into three small parts(I related to them as the partying area, the middle line and the peaceful zone). We were in the Middle Line, as we were in the middle of the chalets of the partying students and those where tourists and students stayed at for the night. That night, a series of events brought us closer together, as well as a series of lessons that we will never forget.
Wednesday:
Today would have to be the day that I found courage to go for my first job interview. I had a strange, monotonous tone during the interview, which I had never experienced before. Strange. Well, till today, I have yet to receive a call that I have been selected for the job later during the vacation. Anyway, if by next Friday i have not received a call, I doubt I would have the time to get a job, and would be back to studying in preparation for the next semester's modules. After the interview, I decided to have a preview of the Comex, by walking to Funan to take a look at the games,earphones and tablet add-ons for my laptop. The pricing for some of the products were reasonable, but,I thought that maybe I would get those gadgets if I had received my pay, should I get a job. Headed home at 6pm.
Thursday:
8 days before the registration for Basic German 102(sequel to the Basic German enrichment programme that ended last semester) closes. I went back to school for the registration at 3pm, but sadly, I forgot the last digit of the pin. Oh crap. This was the third time I had forgotten something as important as that. The first time wasn't that important as it was a game, the second time, it was for the gym, the third was my password for my library account. This is the fourth, and I promised myself, today, would be the last time I would forget something as vital as the ATM PIN. With all that free time left, I headed to Suntec Convention Centre for Comex 2008. I happened to meet Darren by coincidence at the fourth floor. He was there with his dad and sis. The booth layout for the fair was alot better with more space for walking, but, one thing that was missing this time round, was the presence of good deals for computer accessories. Maybe that was due to the fact that today was the first day of the fair. After two hours, I reached home at 6pm.
Friday:
Today, met up with Andy and Zhong Rong at 7.45 at Lakeside MRT Station before going back to Yuan Ching to watch the Teachers' Day performance. there was a new segment, the school's new mass dance. Though I did not know how to go about doing it, the thought of mass dance brought back memories from the first month spent at MI. I'm wondering how the teachers who took the effort to take us on a tour into the realm of life in a JC, are doing. It's been 6 months since I last entered the school gates, though I still see it occasionally as I used to live there more than 10 years ago.
Anyway, back to the performance, it's still the same as the previous years, although there were not as many performances put up by the main performing arts groups. The class parties were brought down, to be held at the intra-school level, so as to liven up the celebration, and also to allow teachers to be with more than one class at any one time. Kudos to the organising committee for overlooking those factors.
This was proven by some of the teachers we met today, and this year, the school saw many former students coming back to see their teachers. I must say, that today was almost like a reunion for 4E1, with at least three quarters of the class being present in school today. Mr Liew even joked about going to one of the classrooms for a recap on differentiation and integration to bring back the memories we shared during his lively lessons which I till miss till today.
At 1pm, Andy,Randall, Gabriel, Chong Siang and I left for Boon Lay after collecting our testimonials and certificates. Andy had to head home to get ready for his swimming training, while the rest of us headed to Jurong Point for lunch. At 2pm, Randall and I left for the bank to reset my ATM PIN, before we went to Singapore Polytechnic so that he could submit a form for a camp. We the took bus 74 to Ngee Ann Polytechnic for my second attempt to make the payment for the Basic German 102 course. At first, the machine could not read the card which caused quite a scare, but on the second attempt, I finally successfully made the registration! Now, we went on to Vivocity to help Sean(MI friend) search for a high grade perfume that fetched a 3-digit price tag. Well then, I'm sorry, but exactly what errand I was running for Sean, must be kept a secret till who knows when. This afternoon, one thing I noticed was, every time he answered the phone with a smile, you could almost be sure that he was enjoying precious moments with someone precious. And today was no exception as well.
Randall and I rushed back to Clementi at 5.40pm to get ready for a small reunion dinner. After that at 8pm, the group of us who sat together for dinner went to the sports complex for 2 hours of billiards. Randall and I left early as we were too tired to continue. many Thanks to Randall for accompanying me for the whole afternoon today!!
Right now, I realised that I am feeling lost again. Would I meet that person soon? Is that person already in my life, just waiting for me to take notice? I have got no idea, and I seem to have lost my resolve in holding the bow and arrow, which could be the explanation to why I am feeling lost. Perhaps, dreams could help me see the answers to these questions, and hep me overcome these times once again.
A day ago,
we exchanged greetings.
A week ago,
We engaged in conversations.
A month ago,
We went almost everywhere together.
A year later,
Would those times still be there?
One day,
We met.
Every week,
We promised to be together always.
Each Month,
We would catch up on lost time.
A year,
Could our hopes last?
No one knows for sure what exactly could happen next. For now, I will just keep searching for the answers, hoping that one day, I would definitely find the precious stone and treasure it like there was no tomorrow.
Monday-Tuesday:
The first ever class outing on this vacation seemed a great way to kick off this vacation, as we had a 2 day 1 night stay at a chalet at Downtown East. Met up with Yin Feng at 1.55pm, before An Yan came and we took a bus to the resort to meet up with the rest who were already waiting to check into the chalet. The chalet was way smaller than the one at Aloha resort, which was at least three times larger than our current one. There was a barbecue, followed by games and a drinking session? As the sun set, so did the aura of darkness overcome its chains that bore it down during the day. There were many parties being held, and playful pranks were in abundance, though the mess was expected, that did not stop a large group of students on a study trip to stay at the resort. As the place became darker, so did the intensity of some of the celebrations. All that I would say that, some things were unprecedented, but have taught us many lessons. At 10.40pm, Jian Hui,Jun Jie and I escorted Hamzi and Janna to the MRT Station and taxi stand respectively. That was due to past experience of what my friends experienced earlier this year, that we decided to do the same just in case something similar happened. As we approached midnight,I noticed that the place was sort of broken into three small parts(I related to them as the partying area, the middle line and the peaceful zone). We were in the Middle Line, as we were in the middle of the chalets of the partying students and those where tourists and students stayed at for the night. That night, a series of events brought us closer together, as well as a series of lessons that we will never forget.
Wednesday:
Today would have to be the day that I found courage to go for my first job interview. I had a strange, monotonous tone during the interview, which I had never experienced before. Strange. Well, till today, I have yet to receive a call that I have been selected for the job later during the vacation. Anyway, if by next Friday i have not received a call, I doubt I would have the time to get a job, and would be back to studying in preparation for the next semester's modules. After the interview, I decided to have a preview of the Comex, by walking to Funan to take a look at the games,earphones and tablet add-ons for my laptop. The pricing for some of the products were reasonable, but,I thought that maybe I would get those gadgets if I had received my pay, should I get a job. Headed home at 6pm.
Thursday:
8 days before the registration for Basic German 102(sequel to the Basic German enrichment programme that ended last semester) closes. I went back to school for the registration at 3pm, but sadly, I forgot the last digit of the pin. Oh crap. This was the third time I had forgotten something as important as that. The first time wasn't that important as it was a game, the second time, it was for the gym, the third was my password for my library account. This is the fourth, and I promised myself, today, would be the last time I would forget something as vital as the ATM PIN. With all that free time left, I headed to Suntec Convention Centre for Comex 2008. I happened to meet Darren by coincidence at the fourth floor. He was there with his dad and sis. The booth layout for the fair was alot better with more space for walking, but, one thing that was missing this time round, was the presence of good deals for computer accessories. Maybe that was due to the fact that today was the first day of the fair. After two hours, I reached home at 6pm.
Friday:
Today, met up with Andy and Zhong Rong at 7.45 at Lakeside MRT Station before going back to Yuan Ching to watch the Teachers' Day performance. there was a new segment, the school's new mass dance. Though I did not know how to go about doing it, the thought of mass dance brought back memories from the first month spent at MI. I'm wondering how the teachers who took the effort to take us on a tour into the realm of life in a JC, are doing. It's been 6 months since I last entered the school gates, though I still see it occasionally as I used to live there more than 10 years ago.
Anyway, back to the performance, it's still the same as the previous years, although there were not as many performances put up by the main performing arts groups. The class parties were brought down, to be held at the intra-school level, so as to liven up the celebration, and also to allow teachers to be with more than one class at any one time. Kudos to the organising committee for overlooking those factors.
This was proven by some of the teachers we met today, and this year, the school saw many former students coming back to see their teachers. I must say, that today was almost like a reunion for 4E1, with at least three quarters of the class being present in school today. Mr Liew even joked about going to one of the classrooms for a recap on differentiation and integration to bring back the memories we shared during his lively lessons which I till miss till today.
At 1pm, Andy,Randall, Gabriel, Chong Siang and I left for Boon Lay after collecting our testimonials and certificates. Andy had to head home to get ready for his swimming training, while the rest of us headed to Jurong Point for lunch. At 2pm, Randall and I left for the bank to reset my ATM PIN, before we went to Singapore Polytechnic so that he could submit a form for a camp. We the took bus 74 to Ngee Ann Polytechnic for my second attempt to make the payment for the Basic German 102 course. At first, the machine could not read the card which caused quite a scare, but on the second attempt, I finally successfully made the registration! Now, we went on to Vivocity to help Sean(MI friend) search for a high grade perfume that fetched a 3-digit price tag. Well then, I'm sorry, but exactly what errand I was running for Sean, must be kept a secret till who knows when. This afternoon, one thing I noticed was, every time he answered the phone with a smile, you could almost be sure that he was enjoying precious moments with someone precious. And today was no exception as well.
Randall and I rushed back to Clementi at 5.40pm to get ready for a small reunion dinner. After that at 8pm, the group of us who sat together for dinner went to the sports complex for 2 hours of billiards. Randall and I left early as we were too tired to continue. many Thanks to Randall for accompanying me for the whole afternoon today!!
Right now, I realised that I am feeling lost again. Would I meet that person soon? Is that person already in my life, just waiting for me to take notice? I have got no idea, and I seem to have lost my resolve in holding the bow and arrow, which could be the explanation to why I am feeling lost. Perhaps, dreams could help me see the answers to these questions, and hep me overcome these times once again.
A day ago,
we exchanged greetings.
A week ago,
We engaged in conversations.
A month ago,
We went almost everywhere together.
A year later,
Would those times still be there?
One day,
We met.
Every week,
We promised to be together always.
Each Month,
We would catch up on lost time.
A year,
Could our hopes last?
No one knows for sure what exactly could happen next. For now, I will just keep searching for the answers, hoping that one day, I would definitely find the precious stone and treasure it like there was no tomorrow.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Premature start to the holidays
Today's only the 9th day of the 2 study and examination weeks, and our class has already started celebrating with an afternoon spent at Sentosa's Siloso Beach. However, although our class has already inished our examinations, some friends who are from the other courses have yet to complete theirs. Some are completing their last papers tomorrow, while others will complete theirs on Friday, the last day of the examinations.
This morning, at the bus stop, I met a friendly bus captain at the bus stop, who recommended me a cake shop which sold really good cakes somewhere in Bedok. I guess I should really head down to try out the cakes, and perhaps buy some back home too, and if they're really delicious, maybe I could get a whole cake for a birthday party.
AN hour later at 12.30pm, met up with Jian Hui, Jun Jie, Izzat, Kisho, An Yan, Janna and Nura at Vivocity, before taking the Sentosa Express over to Beach Station, where we walked down to Siloso Beach. We set up our mats under a tree, and went for a game of beach volleyball. Well, today was the first time I tried the sport, but it seemed that I ws able to control the ball without much difficulty, perhaps because I learnt the basics back in secondary school? After that went for a dip in the sea, so as to prevent myself from getting sun burnt(it proved to be really useful, as it turned out that I might be the only one from the group who escaped being sun burnt). At 2.30pm, we cooked. Yes, we did cook, with solid fuel, a stove and 2 mass tins. To some tourists, we might have looked a like bunch of fools taking along packets of instant noodles to a beach. But, we did have fun cooking as well as finishing our dishes, for we had saved some bucks on service charge and GST.
After lunch, we continued on with our game of volley ball as well as into the water to cool ourslves down to escape from the afternoon heat that ws bearing us down. At 6pm, we left for the Luge for a short ride. The luge ride down to the finish point was refreshing in a way, and there were some nice scenes during the ride to the starting point! Jun Jie said that he was able to drift on the track as there were many sharp bends, but I'm not sure if it the craft could drift.
Some photographs taken today:
We left Vivocity again at 6.40pm, this time for a proper meal. At 8pm, only Jian Hui, Jun Jie, An Yan, Janna and I were the only ones left, so we decided to follow Janna on her hour-long shopping spree, which was considered to be one to the shortest so far. Anyway, the actual holidays only start next week. So what to do for these few days before the holidays start? Well, maybe I should continue to find a job, or maybe I should just search for some games to play online?
This morning, at the bus stop, I met a friendly bus captain at the bus stop, who recommended me a cake shop which sold really good cakes somewhere in Bedok. I guess I should really head down to try out the cakes, and perhaps buy some back home too, and if they're really delicious, maybe I could get a whole cake for a birthday party.
AN hour later at 12.30pm, met up with Jian Hui, Jun Jie, Izzat, Kisho, An Yan, Janna and Nura at Vivocity, before taking the Sentosa Express over to Beach Station, where we walked down to Siloso Beach. We set up our mats under a tree, and went for a game of beach volleyball. Well, today was the first time I tried the sport, but it seemed that I ws able to control the ball without much difficulty, perhaps because I learnt the basics back in secondary school? After that went for a dip in the sea, so as to prevent myself from getting sun burnt(it proved to be really useful, as it turned out that I might be the only one from the group who escaped being sun burnt). At 2.30pm, we cooked. Yes, we did cook, with solid fuel, a stove and 2 mass tins. To some tourists, we might have looked a like bunch of fools taking along packets of instant noodles to a beach. But, we did have fun cooking as well as finishing our dishes, for we had saved some bucks on service charge and GST.
After lunch, we continued on with our game of volley ball as well as into the water to cool ourslves down to escape from the afternoon heat that ws bearing us down. At 6pm, we left for the Luge for a short ride. The luge ride down to the finish point was refreshing in a way, and there were some nice scenes during the ride to the starting point! Jun Jie said that he was able to drift on the track as there were many sharp bends, but I'm not sure if it the craft could drift.
Some photographs taken today:
We left Vivocity again at 6.40pm, this time for a proper meal. At 8pm, only Jian Hui, Jun Jie, An Yan, Janna and I were the only ones left, so we decided to follow Janna on her hour-long shopping spree, which was considered to be one to the shortest so far. Anyway, the actual holidays only start next week. So what to do for these few days before the holidays start? Well, maybe I should continue to find a job, or maybe I should just search for some games to play online?
Monday, August 18, 2008
Return of the long-term break
The holidays have arrived again! Yes, this time, standing at 8 weeks(including this week), it's longer and perhaps, far better than the long break after the PAE period. This might seem all too appealing to the JC students, but, I don't really like the luxury of extremely long breaks, as it greatly reduces and kills the momentum that has been building up for the past 4 months. I' m considering getting a job for the first time during the break, but, I'm also not sure if I'm up for it.
Anyway, today's paper, was, as expected, the easiest among the three. Yet, ironically this was also the module that I spent the least amount of time to study for. Compared to the 10 hours I spent on Math, 6 hours I spent on Electrical Technology, I spent a meagre 1 hour on Mechanics alone. And that 1 hour of revision was done only yesterday. The language used in that paper was somewhat similar to the standard used in the "O" Level Additional Mathematics papers. Just read the question, and you would know right away what kind of question you were going to face. The Mathematics paper, for most of the time, all you had to do was simply to look at the question to know how you were going to answer the question. I would still say that the Electrical Technology paper was the most challenging, whereby each question carried a certain level of difficulty. And, true enough, this paper was definitely many times tougher than the common test which was held 2 months back. However, there is one thing in common in two of the three papers. The last question was always the one that would kill off the average students, who simply revise jut enough to pass the respective modules. The last question in both the Mathematics and Mechanics papers carried a total of 12 marks, which meant the difference between an extremely low A grade and a Distinction grade.The mathematics question proved itself to be one of the toughest any student who took the module had ever come across. As for the Mechanics paper, it was simple on first glance. But, if one were to do the calculations on paper in black and white, one would find the solution to the question to be extremely tedious, thus running a high risk of making a careless mistake.
On the whole, I will definitely secure a decent A+ grade, if not, I might be able to get my first AD grade.After the exam, half of the class headed to West Mall to catch the movie, Money No Enough 2. I won't say that the movie was not good, nor was it excellent either, though visibly, there were a handful of great actors and actresses in there. Though touching at times, the jokes also managed to pack quite a punch, creating a great ambiance at the start.
I headed home at 3.30pm, before heading to the nature park for a run after the rain, which proved to be a very big mistake. Firstly, I did not place the pedometer in the correct position in my pocket, which resulted in reading only 0.673 kilometers and less than 900 steps. Next, the frequent sprints every few hundred meters made me feel so weak that I felt like collapsing shortly after reaching home. Now, I'm down with a mild fever. So, I guess tomorrow, I might have to end up giving up on going on the Sentosa trip with the rest of the class. Even if I could Make it there tomorrow, I doubt I will have much energy for some of the activities there as well.
Anyway, today's paper, was, as expected, the easiest among the three. Yet, ironically this was also the module that I spent the least amount of time to study for. Compared to the 10 hours I spent on Math, 6 hours I spent on Electrical Technology, I spent a meagre 1 hour on Mechanics alone. And that 1 hour of revision was done only yesterday. The language used in that paper was somewhat similar to the standard used in the "O" Level Additional Mathematics papers. Just read the question, and you would know right away what kind of question you were going to face. The Mathematics paper, for most of the time, all you had to do was simply to look at the question to know how you were going to answer the question. I would still say that the Electrical Technology paper was the most challenging, whereby each question carried a certain level of difficulty. And, true enough, this paper was definitely many times tougher than the common test which was held 2 months back. However, there is one thing in common in two of the three papers. The last question was always the one that would kill off the average students, who simply revise jut enough to pass the respective modules. The last question in both the Mathematics and Mechanics papers carried a total of 12 marks, which meant the difference between an extremely low A grade and a Distinction grade.The mathematics question proved itself to be one of the toughest any student who took the module had ever come across. As for the Mechanics paper, it was simple on first glance. But, if one were to do the calculations on paper in black and white, one would find the solution to the question to be extremely tedious, thus running a high risk of making a careless mistake.
On the whole, I will definitely secure a decent A+ grade, if not, I might be able to get my first AD grade.After the exam, half of the class headed to West Mall to catch the movie, Money No Enough 2. I won't say that the movie was not good, nor was it excellent either, though visibly, there were a handful of great actors and actresses in there. Though touching at times, the jokes also managed to pack quite a punch, creating a great ambiance at the start.
I headed home at 3.30pm, before heading to the nature park for a run after the rain, which proved to be a very big mistake. Firstly, I did not place the pedometer in the correct position in my pocket, which resulted in reading only 0.673 kilometers and less than 900 steps. Next, the frequent sprints every few hundred meters made me feel so weak that I felt like collapsing shortly after reaching home. Now, I'm down with a mild fever. So, I guess tomorrow, I might have to end up giving up on going on the Sentosa trip with the rest of the class. Even if I could Make it there tomorrow, I doubt I will have much energy for some of the activities there as well.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
A leap throught time
This post was meant for yesterday...
Yesterday marked the start of the examination of the first semester. Just like back at the "O" Levels, the first paper was a Mathematics paper. It seemed easy at first, but, as you progressed along, one would feel as though he was scaling the height of K2. The last question practically killed almost everyone in the examination room. 12 Marks just to prove who could get the "AD" grade. What kind of madness was that?If my calculations were correct, I would be able to manage a maximum of 84 marks, which would secure an A grade. However, if the marker was strict, I would have to make do with 70 marks, which carries the B+ grade.
After the paper, I headed home to clear my mind of the ordeals of that paper by taking a short nap, followed by more revision for the next paper, Electrical Technology, at 3pm. I was still messing up the formulae for Electromagnetism and some other concepts. Although I managed to clear part of my doubts through the last paper that I tried, there was still the minor portions of the module that I had yet to clear. After an hour and thirty minutes at 4.30pm, I went to turn the TV on, out of boredom(I had lost my drive in revision after getting most of the tougher questions wrong on the first attempt). I happened to catch the third, fourth and part of the fifth match between Team Singapore's Women's Table Tennis Team against the South Korean Team. Well, it seemed to be going quite well after watching the fifth match, so I though maybe I should go for a short run(I planned earlier on Wednesday to measure the distance I covered on the route yesterday). My dad accompanied me on the first 1.5 km, and I continued on the remaining 3.5 after we reached the traffic light before the nature reserve. We set off at 6pm. As we covered the route, there were lots of occasional cheering from the nearby cluster of blocks of flats. From there, I could already tell that Singapore was just inches away from the window that would grant the city-state her first Olympic medal in 48 years(first ever since independence in fact).
Somehow, I managed to pace myself such that I covered 5 kilometers in 20 minutes, which was really surprising, as I had walked part of the distance and even waited at for the traffic lights to turn green twice. Maybe I should go for a second attempt on Monday to be doubly sure that I had covered exactly 5 kilometers yesterday. And upon reaching home, the Singapore women's' Table Tennis team really defeated the South Koreans to enter the finals! CONGRATS!!This also grants Singapore at least a silver medal in this year's Olympic games in Beijing.
On to today....
This morning, the second paper was Electrical Technology, another tough paper. Although the paper of somewhat manageable, I made a serious blunder at the 3rd question, which cost me 6 marks. If not for that question, I would be able to be assured of at least an A grade, but now, like the Mathematics paper yesterday, I run the risk of scoring between 75 and 84 marks for this paper. The last paper's on Monday, and that would be my last chance to turn the table around for this semester.
After the exam, went with the rest of the class for lunch, before heading to the library to get Jian Hui teach me the fundamentals of torque(a crucial topic if I wanted to get at least an A+ grade), before I head home with Jenere at 1.30pm.
Slept till 5.40pm, before I got ready to go for dinner at a restuarant at Velocity with my relatives. The food sure was delicious! Thanks alot! And, I guess I got another job offer, this time as a phone promoter, but I'm still not sure if I should head out to work, or just stay at home to enjoy life and relax as much as I can till the nest semester. I don't wish to repeat the same mistake of relaxing too much like this term, which has already potentially caused my loss in 3 A grades this semester.
Tomorrow's going to be one heck of a day, with the last chance to get at least an A+ grade on Monday(to make things easier, the Mechanics paper is always one of the easiest to do extremely well in, so the chances of getting full marks for that paper are pretty high).
Yesterday marked the start of the examination of the first semester. Just like back at the "O" Levels, the first paper was a Mathematics paper. It seemed easy at first, but, as you progressed along, one would feel as though he was scaling the height of K2. The last question practically killed almost everyone in the examination room. 12 Marks just to prove who could get the "AD" grade. What kind of madness was that?If my calculations were correct, I would be able to manage a maximum of 84 marks, which would secure an A grade. However, if the marker was strict, I would have to make do with 70 marks, which carries the B+ grade.
After the paper, I headed home to clear my mind of the ordeals of that paper by taking a short nap, followed by more revision for the next paper, Electrical Technology, at 3pm. I was still messing up the formulae for Electromagnetism and some other concepts. Although I managed to clear part of my doubts through the last paper that I tried, there was still the minor portions of the module that I had yet to clear. After an hour and thirty minutes at 4.30pm, I went to turn the TV on, out of boredom(I had lost my drive in revision after getting most of the tougher questions wrong on the first attempt). I happened to catch the third, fourth and part of the fifth match between Team Singapore's Women's Table Tennis Team against the South Korean Team. Well, it seemed to be going quite well after watching the fifth match, so I though maybe I should go for a short run(I planned earlier on Wednesday to measure the distance I covered on the route yesterday). My dad accompanied me on the first 1.5 km, and I continued on the remaining 3.5 after we reached the traffic light before the nature reserve. We set off at 6pm. As we covered the route, there were lots of occasional cheering from the nearby cluster of blocks of flats. From there, I could already tell that Singapore was just inches away from the window that would grant the city-state her first Olympic medal in 48 years(first ever since independence in fact).
Somehow, I managed to pace myself such that I covered 5 kilometers in 20 minutes, which was really surprising, as I had walked part of the distance and even waited at for the traffic lights to turn green twice. Maybe I should go for a second attempt on Monday to be doubly sure that I had covered exactly 5 kilometers yesterday. And upon reaching home, the Singapore women's' Table Tennis team really defeated the South Koreans to enter the finals! CONGRATS!!This also grants Singapore at least a silver medal in this year's Olympic games in Beijing.
On to today....
This morning, the second paper was Electrical Technology, another tough paper. Although the paper of somewhat manageable, I made a serious blunder at the 3rd question, which cost me 6 marks. If not for that question, I would be able to be assured of at least an A grade, but now, like the Mathematics paper yesterday, I run the risk of scoring between 75 and 84 marks for this paper. The last paper's on Monday, and that would be my last chance to turn the table around for this semester.
After the exam, went with the rest of the class for lunch, before heading to the library to get Jian Hui teach me the fundamentals of torque(a crucial topic if I wanted to get at least an A+ grade), before I head home with Jenere at 1.30pm.
Slept till 5.40pm, before I got ready to go for dinner at a restuarant at Velocity with my relatives. The food sure was delicious! Thanks alot! And, I guess I got another job offer, this time as a phone promoter, but I'm still not sure if I should head out to work, or just stay at home to enjoy life and relax as much as I can till the nest semester. I don't wish to repeat the same mistake of relaxing too much like this term, which has already potentially caused my loss in 3 A grades this semester.
Tomorrow's going to be one heck of a day, with the last chance to get at least an A+ grade on Monday(to make things easier, the Mechanics paper is always one of the easiest to do extremely well in, so the chances of getting full marks for that paper are pretty high).
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
2 days to the "Three Course Meal"
Firstly, Happy Belated 43 Years to Singapore~
Been some time since I typed about something in here. Let's start from Friday again. First up, the photos(Taken from Andy's blog)!!
The largest reunion since the start of the year(I bet the next one on August 29Th would be bigger)
Kim Fong, Andy and me
The whole group of us
Picture with Mr Foo
The temporary canteen(A sea of RED)
Picture with Miss Lee
(I still don't have the guts to pronounce her full name like the others)
Picture with Miss Ker
Anyway, on to Saturday, Went for lunch at a country club, guess I forgot the name of the country club and the restaurant, though we're going to another branch on Saturday. After that, went home, took a short break, before heading down to Lido Cineplex in Orchard to watch the Dark Knight with my cousins. Pretty nice show, with a balance mix of lines and action. At around 7pm, we went to the car park to get into the cars. Just then, one of the Black Knights' F-16 fly over the building! So, first, we saw the Dark Knight, then after that, we sighted a Black Knight. How cool was that?
So next day, I took a short break, before the real intensive revision started on Monday. On Monday, there were students who came over to practice the piano in preparation for the examinations. So, while that was going on, I memorised all the formulae or the 3 papers, of which the first paper would be on this Friday.
Yesterday and today, was plain revision. Raced against time to complete my papers within an hour. Did Mathematics in the morning, followed by ELTech in the afternoon. As for today, it was almost the same, except that I did something I have not done since February. I finally had the chance to go on a 4km long run. After going on the first 2km at around 11 km/h, I could not hold on any longer. By the way, I have not included the incline of the distance covered in the nature park. So, I guess it could be more than four kilometers.
Right now, my legs are hurting. I had never felt them hurt that badly since the long distance cycle a few months back. Anyway, tomorrow it's going to be one heck of a day, with only Mathematics revision going on for close to one full day.Maybe we should make that, slightly more than half a day, at around 12 hours. So, for now, it's 2 days and counting...
Is it going to come soon? Or would it be fine to just let it go, and no one would notice? Or, wait. I might be able to do something about it, yet no one would notice anything...
Been some time since I typed about something in here. Let's start from Friday again. First up, the photos(Taken from Andy's blog)!!
The largest reunion since the start of the year(I bet the next one on August 29Th would be bigger)
Kim Fong, Andy and me
The whole group of us
Picture with Mr Foo
The temporary canteen(A sea of RED)
Picture with Miss Lee
(I still don't have the guts to pronounce her full name like the others)
Picture with Miss KerAnyway, on to Saturday, Went for lunch at a country club, guess I forgot the name of the country club and the restaurant, though we're going to another branch on Saturday. After that, went home, took a short break, before heading down to Lido Cineplex in Orchard to watch the Dark Knight with my cousins. Pretty nice show, with a balance mix of lines and action. At around 7pm, we went to the car park to get into the cars. Just then, one of the Black Knights' F-16 fly over the building! So, first, we saw the Dark Knight, then after that, we sighted a Black Knight. How cool was that?
So next day, I took a short break, before the real intensive revision started on Monday. On Monday, there were students who came over to practice the piano in preparation for the examinations. So, while that was going on, I memorised all the formulae or the 3 papers, of which the first paper would be on this Friday.
Yesterday and today, was plain revision. Raced against time to complete my papers within an hour. Did Mathematics in the morning, followed by ELTech in the afternoon. As for today, it was almost the same, except that I did something I have not done since February. I finally had the chance to go on a 4km long run. After going on the first 2km at around 11 km/h, I could not hold on any longer. By the way, I have not included the incline of the distance covered in the nature park. So, I guess it could be more than four kilometers.
Right now, my legs are hurting. I had never felt them hurt that badly since the long distance cycle a few months back. Anyway, tomorrow it's going to be one heck of a day, with only Mathematics revision going on for close to one full day.Maybe we should make that, slightly more than half a day, at around 12 hours. So, for now, it's 2 days and counting...
Is it going to come soon? Or would it be fine to just let it go, and no one would notice? Or, wait. I might be able to do something about it, yet no one would notice anything...
Friday, August 08, 2008
National Day '08
This week, was actually, extremely unpredictable. First, I started habering random thoughts(the kind I never thought of before, but fre not, they are not the foolish kind of thoughts). Then, on Monday and Tuesday, things seemed to be going real well, but then, on Wednesday, disater struck. That's the first time I failed in something that I had so much confidence in. Yesterday seemed to be the only fine day, when I could do things normally. Anyway, the other days are over, so perhaps I should worry about those things afer te examinations, and concentrate on the up coming exams which is in less than a week's time. Tonight, I realised that I am not really myself, but still, I have got no idea exactly what it is.
On to today, I finally have the chance to return toYuan Ching again. Met up with Darren at 8.25 before joining up with the others at the bus stop. We then adjourned to school. Things have changed so much. The school budget seemed to have increased, and they have upped the number of vending machines by 3 from 1 to 4. For the first time after leaving the school, there was no parade, nor was there any performances. Well, at least the school kept that 4 year old tradition of having a carnival to raise funds for the school. Andy also gave his valedictory speech oday upon receiving the Most Outstanding 'O' Level result award and the All Rounder Award. And, Mr Hon is back! Yes, he's back, and that would also mean that the school's discipline would be climbing back up to where he initially left it a year ago. After everyone left at 11.20, Randall finally arrived. We headed to the office only to realised the clerk was not around. So, we decided to return on the 29th of August to collect our testimonials and certificates.
We went on to Jurong Point to meet up with Zhong Rong and the others for lunch. Once there, we did not eat anyting as either the queues were way too long or there were not enough seats for us. In he end, the rest of the guys went ahead to town, while Randall, Xiu Wi and I went to SP. Randall and I went for lunch, while Xiu Wei went for her lesson. After that, w went to his classroom to slack or an hour from 1.30 to 2.30pm. After that, I left at 2.30pm fo school, as the last lesson was starting at 3pm. There was a National Day celebration going on at the convention centre, but, it seemed that I din't have time for that as arrived in school right on the dot, and I was already lucky enough to be on time.
Anyway, after tonight, no, maybe after tomorrow night, then I will really start studying. I still want that 4.0!Tonight was also the opening of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.Oh and photos will be up soon!
Could I be experiencing what some friends know as being emotional? Or, is it some other thing? I have never experience something as advese as this before. Being irritated for a moment, followed by feeling worried during the next and then feeling extrememly high and so on. I feel as though something worse might be coming, but, I have got no idea what could happen next, other than to just take things as they come, which is not really the best way out of things in situations like this. Someone help me please...
On to today, I finally have the chance to return toYuan Ching again. Met up with Darren at 8.25 before joining up with the others at the bus stop. We then adjourned to school. Things have changed so much. The school budget seemed to have increased, and they have upped the number of vending machines by 3 from 1 to 4. For the first time after leaving the school, there was no parade, nor was there any performances. Well, at least the school kept that 4 year old tradition of having a carnival to raise funds for the school. Andy also gave his valedictory speech oday upon receiving the Most Outstanding 'O' Level result award and the All Rounder Award. And, Mr Hon is back! Yes, he's back, and that would also mean that the school's discipline would be climbing back up to where he initially left it a year ago. After everyone left at 11.20, Randall finally arrived. We headed to the office only to realised the clerk was not around. So, we decided to return on the 29th of August to collect our testimonials and certificates.
We went on to Jurong Point to meet up with Zhong Rong and the others for lunch. Once there, we did not eat anyting as either the queues were way too long or there were not enough seats for us. In he end, the rest of the guys went ahead to town, while Randall, Xiu Wi and I went to SP. Randall and I went for lunch, while Xiu Wei went for her lesson. After that, w went to his classroom to slack or an hour from 1.30 to 2.30pm. After that, I left at 2.30pm fo school, as the last lesson was starting at 3pm. There was a National Day celebration going on at the convention centre, but, it seemed that I din't have time for that as arrived in school right on the dot, and I was already lucky enough to be on time.
Anyway, after tonight, no, maybe after tomorrow night, then I will really start studying. I still want that 4.0!Tonight was also the opening of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.Oh and photos will be up soon!
Could I be experiencing what some friends know as being emotional? Or, is it some other thing? I have never experience something as advese as this before. Being irritated for a moment, followed by feeling worried during the next and then feeling extrememly high and so on. I feel as though something worse might be coming, but, I have got no idea what could happen next, other than to just take things as they come, which is not really the best way out of things in situations like this. Someone help me please...
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Two sides
Today was somewhat slacked, as I had totally left the books at one corner, ignoring the revision schedule for today(if I even had one). Met up with Andy, Damien and Zhong Rog for lunch to celebrate Andy's Belated 17Th birthday at Nihon Mura, Jurong West Sports Complex. Once again, many thanks to Andy for the treat!!The lace seemed pretty new, as when I went over to Andy's place last year, the complex was still under construction. We spent 3 hours on lunch and catching up on lost times. We sat down from 11.30 till around 2.45pm, before Andy walked home, while Zhong Rong and Damien went to Jurong Point for Some arcade racing, and for me, head home to keep some young guests company at home, at least for the next couple of hours before they went home at 6. The journey home took an hour and a half, as I decided to save on transport costs and took the bus instead.
So, headed home, sat down and watched a movie with them, before they went off at 6. had dinner after that, and watched The Day After Tomorrow at 7. Life seemed pretty boring after reaching home because of 1 reason. Tomorrow's going to be the first day I start not even 2 weeks, but 8 days of intense revision. After that, it would be 7 weeks of slacking at home, or perhaps, some occasional outings with friends.
During the course of the movie, random, but sensitive thoughts ran through my mind. And, I met my other self while that was happening. So far, had been giving it names, 3 to be exact.And as for the random thoughts, exactly when they arrived and what they were, well, I'm not really sure, and please accept my sincerest apologies as I don't really wish to mention them here. However, I might share them with you, if you're willing to lend a listening ear.
Maybe it came at the right moment, maybe it did not. Exactly whether it's time or not, I still have no idea, although I know very well that for as long as they're kept in, they'll never get out. So, when the time finally arrives, will I be able to make the right decision?Am I able to do the right things? Damn! Maybe, should I simply wait for that one window to appear, and see how things go from there? Or maybe...
So, headed home, sat down and watched a movie with them, before they went off at 6. had dinner after that, and watched The Day After Tomorrow at 7. Life seemed pretty boring after reaching home because of 1 reason. Tomorrow's going to be the first day I start not even 2 weeks, but 8 days of intense revision. After that, it would be 7 weeks of slacking at home, or perhaps, some occasional outings with friends.
During the course of the movie, random, but sensitive thoughts ran through my mind. And, I met my other self while that was happening. So far, had been giving it names, 3 to be exact.And as for the random thoughts, exactly when they arrived and what they were, well, I'm not really sure, and please accept my sincerest apologies as I don't really wish to mention them here. However, I might share them with you, if you're willing to lend a listening ear.
Maybe it came at the right moment, maybe it did not. Exactly whether it's time or not, I still have no idea, although I know very well that for as long as they're kept in, they'll never get out. So, when the time finally arrives, will I be able to make the right decision?Am I able to do the right things? Damn! Maybe, should I simply wait for that one window to appear, and see how things go from there? Or maybe...
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Catching up
This week proved to be relaxed, yet intense at the same time. So far, it's still very much relaxed, as the syllabuses for almost all the modules have been completed, leaving us with just 1 week before the final examinations. After that, it's a whole new timetable with new lessons, lecturers and a wider social circle. And, I also feel that my English standard is coming back to me! It's een a couple of months since I felt that way.
Monday was a breeze, as the topics for Math and ELTech were dne befoe, back in secondary school, so the lessons were more or less revision. Yesterday, what' the point of going to school for 20 minutes? It's just to do a simple, 10 question quiz(but I think I might not do as well as the options were very similar to each other). So,maybe it should have been like the previous term, completing the quiz immediatey after the practical session, so that there would be more time for revision yesterday. Well, guess it could not be helped, as history can't be changed.
Today was intense, especially during the last lesson. Mechanics was like havin a competition of skill against time. 7 questions, 2 hours, 1 paper. The length of the question increases as you turn the page, and so does the number of lines it takes to completely answer the respective questions.
During Math, the lecturer was covering the last portion of Matrices, and it's damn easy. Today was the first time we were allowed to use laptops for the lecture, as it was required for the lecture, but, apart from using the program to do the calculations, some of us were having our own private conversations, so much so that our lecturer also signed into his account.
Finally it was computer programming. It was exactly one week before the exam, and we were still not very sure of one of the sequences for the programming. And, our project was due in less than a week's time! Wow. Man, we were all rushing to get thins done as soon as possible, so as to make time for our revision on Monday, our definite last chance to clarify any outstanding doubts we were having since the first lesson.
And soon, it's going to be the term break, and there's going to be a chalet stay, and maybe a small reunion with friends I had lost contact with for way too long.
OH, AND I ALMOST FORGOT,
HAPPY SEVENTEENTH BIRTHDAY ANDY!!!
Monday was a breeze, as the topics for Math and ELTech were dne befoe, back in secondary school, so the lessons were more or less revision. Yesterday, what' the point of going to school for 20 minutes? It's just to do a simple, 10 question quiz(but I think I might not do as well as the options were very similar to each other). So,maybe it should have been like the previous term, completing the quiz immediatey after the practical session, so that there would be more time for revision yesterday. Well, guess it could not be helped, as history can't be changed.
Today was intense, especially during the last lesson. Mechanics was like havin a competition of skill against time. 7 questions, 2 hours, 1 paper. The length of the question increases as you turn the page, and so does the number of lines it takes to completely answer the respective questions.
During Math, the lecturer was covering the last portion of Matrices, and it's damn easy. Today was the first time we were allowed to use laptops for the lecture, as it was required for the lecture, but, apart from using the program to do the calculations, some of us were having our own private conversations, so much so that our lecturer also signed into his account.
Finally it was computer programming. It was exactly one week before the exam, and we were still not very sure of one of the sequences for the programming. And, our project was due in less than a week's time! Wow. Man, we were all rushing to get thins done as soon as possible, so as to make time for our revision on Monday, our definite last chance to clarify any outstanding doubts we were having since the first lesson.
And soon, it's going to be the term break, and there's going to be a chalet stay, and maybe a small reunion with friends I had lost contact with for way too long.
OH, AND I ALMOST FORGOT,
HAPPY SEVENTEENTH BIRTHDAY ANDY!!!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Falling behind
Well, guess this is going to be one long post. Let's head back to last Saturday. Had wanted to post this up, but as I wanted to add some colour to the post, decided to keep it till tonight when all the pictures were ready.
Last week met up with CATS group for our project on jaywalking. Looked simple at first, but on closer look, there was a lot more things that had to be done, such as information gathering on the Internet, photo taking, recording short clips, compilation of a report, designing, circulation and analysis of surveys and the design of slides for our presentation, all of which will be compiled into one report. If I'm not wrong, most of the people in JCs would be doing that as well, perhaps, on a larger scale. For us, everything was done in 3 days, compared to the one year or so time frame for Project Work, done by students in the JCs.
Our group(from left):Jun Jie, Jia Jia, James, Yee Xiang, ME
Our class..
We started off from Orchard MRT Station, and walked from Wisma Atria to Plaza Singapura. The moment we were on ground level, there were already jaywalkers around us. Our job during the walk was damn simple. Just snap away at jaywalkers or take video footage of them jaywalking, without being detected by the jaywalkers themselves. Along the way, we were sort of slacking, crapping around, taking photographs every now and then, chatting with two groups of student buskers along Orchard road, either helping them complete a task or taking a photograph with them. By the way, Jia Jia was the best. She completed 6 things on that day itself. 2 projects, 1 short meeting with friends, collection of promotional hamper and helping two groups of students. Actually, she started out with 2, while us guys started with only one thing in mind, to complete the project. Soon, we had more "mini tasks" to fulfill. We took photographs for two groups of students, the first was for fun, and the second group was for a national event, carried out by students from SMU. Upon arrival at Plaza Singapura, she sort of coerced us to join her in the queue to collect a free promotional hamper. Once done, we trained down to Woodlands to complete half of our project(a quarter was done 2 Thursdays ago in school, and the last quarter was done on Wednesday).
Here's a small portion of what we took Last Saturday:
We brought us back souvenirs!
Dinner & project @ Woodlands
Today was the first and last Parents' Forum in school, as it was held only for the first year parents, to let them know moe about the education system in a polytechnic, a things such as the starting time each day, grading and examination system as well as the learning system are totally different from secondary schools. Only a handfull from our class turned up today, and there wasn't much things to comment about as well, as we spent like only 2 hours there talking to the lecturers and finding out about our grades, before heading for home. And, as expected, I did score straight As for the common tests last term. And, in less than 2 week's time, it will be the finals, and sadly, I had not started on revision of any sort. Well, will just have to start in the morning then, otherwise I would really lose sight of 4.0...
[BLOG UPDATE]
Added 2 new links:
Nicole(MapleSEA) and Janna(NP)
Replied tags
Last week met up with CATS group for our project on jaywalking. Looked simple at first, but on closer look, there was a lot more things that had to be done, such as information gathering on the Internet, photo taking, recording short clips, compilation of a report, designing, circulation and analysis of surveys and the design of slides for our presentation, all of which will be compiled into one report. If I'm not wrong, most of the people in JCs would be doing that as well, perhaps, on a larger scale. For us, everything was done in 3 days, compared to the one year or so time frame for Project Work, done by students in the JCs.
Our group(from left):Jun Jie, Jia Jia, James, Yee Xiang, ME
Our class..We started off from Orchard MRT Station, and walked from Wisma Atria to Plaza Singapura. The moment we were on ground level, there were already jaywalkers around us. Our job during the walk was damn simple. Just snap away at jaywalkers or take video footage of them jaywalking, without being detected by the jaywalkers themselves. Along the way, we were sort of slacking, crapping around, taking photographs every now and then, chatting with two groups of student buskers along Orchard road, either helping them complete a task or taking a photograph with them. By the way, Jia Jia was the best. She completed 6 things on that day itself. 2 projects, 1 short meeting with friends, collection of promotional hamper and helping two groups of students. Actually, she started out with 2, while us guys started with only one thing in mind, to complete the project. Soon, we had more "mini tasks" to fulfill. We took photographs for two groups of students, the first was for fun, and the second group was for a national event, carried out by students from SMU. Upon arrival at Plaza Singapura, she sort of coerced us to join her in the queue to collect a free promotional hamper. Once done, we trained down to Woodlands to complete half of our project(a quarter was done 2 Thursdays ago in school, and the last quarter was done on Wednesday).
Here's a small portion of what we took Last Saturday:
Our "starting" point(Not exactly ours, but this was Jia Jia's starting point)
We brought us back souvenirs!
Dinner & project @ Woodlands
Well, come to think of it, why was someone missing rom the picutres? Well, Yee Xiang had to meet a friend on that Saturday, and as we believed that it was a date, so maybe we should let him go, just in case we become the cause of a break-up.
Thursday was the submission day for our project, and everything was in place, until we ran into some problems during the presentation. The report was really well done this time, with little touch ups being done at the eleventh hour.Today was the first and last Parents' Forum in school, as it was held only for the first year parents, to let them know moe about the education system in a polytechnic, a things such as the starting time each day, grading and examination system as well as the learning system are totally different from secondary schools. Only a handfull from our class turned up today, and there wasn't much things to comment about as well, as we spent like only 2 hours there talking to the lecturers and finding out about our grades, before heading for home. And, as expected, I did score straight As for the common tests last term. And, in less than 2 week's time, it will be the finals, and sadly, I had not started on revision of any sort. Well, will just have to start in the morning then, otherwise I would really lose sight of 4.0...
[BLOG UPDATE]
Added 2 new links:
Nicole(MapleSEA) and Janna(NP)
Replied tags
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Little time, little progress...
Another week is about to end, taking us closer to the final examinations for the first semester. So far this week, I had been slacking off. Not doing any revision at all. Even if I did, it was pretty much last minute work, which can't really be considered to be revision at all. Yesterday stayed behind after class to do our project. Within 3 hours, we completed the backbone of the project, defining the problem, elaborating on the problem, finding the solutions, and creating the surveys. All that's left to do is the final report and to get pictoral examples as well as videos to support our report, so that we can be assued of a higher A grade this time round.
So far this term, had not been meeting up with friends that often, and I had not been revising either. All that I have been doing was, well, catching up on sleep?Looking forward to the days where I can meet the different groups of friends again, but, first, I have got to clear the semester, and secure the straight As I had back in the first term. It's just a month left before the next 2 month long break sets in.
Well, just finished creating the survey, and was pretty much an easy task, thanks to the JC peeps who looked me up since the start of the month to do their surveys. So, maybe I could say that it's time to get them to return the favour? By the way, don't worry, it wun't kill off more than 10 minutes of your life. Oh, and here's the link:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=M_2bdI0_2fixcH5JH9gjdqcTIw_3d_3d
So far this term, had not been meeting up with friends that often, and I had not been revising either. All that I have been doing was, well, catching up on sleep?Looking forward to the days where I can meet the different groups of friends again, but, first, I have got to clear the semester, and secure the straight As I had back in the first term. It's just a month left before the next 2 month long break sets in.
Well, just finished creating the survey, and was pretty much an easy task, thanks to the JC peeps who looked me up since the start of the month to do their surveys. So, maybe I could say that it's time to get them to return the favour? By the way, don't worry, it wun't kill off more than 10 minutes of your life. Oh, and here's the link:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=M_2bdI0_2fixcH5JH9gjdqcTIw_3d_3d
Friday, July 11, 2008
First C Grade
Today was the first time I studied so damn hard for a test this year. I studied from 9pm yesterday, till 3am this morning, and went to take a nap till 9am. School was easy going today, especially for the lessons and practical before the lunch break. Today was also the last day of the POLY experience for secondary school students, but, it was also the day of an examination for the computer programming module. Was expecting it to be extremely easy today, as the lecturer had reassued us it was going to be easy for us to handle. The practical for Mechanics was the same as the previous one, and today, it was also the last practical for our class. So, everything went really smoothly this time round, and because of that, I'm already looking forward to the new semester, where there will be more practicals.
After that, we went off to the library to study after lunch, and then back to class for more lessons. This time, I forgot to sign my attendance for the tutorial class. Damn. Well, perhaps being assumed absent just once for class would not hurt yea? After that, we went for Electrical Technology class. There were more things to remember, and this time, and I was dosing off in class, again. Anyways, I managed to note down everything taught in class today so that revision will be alot easier tomorrow. Today we were also released early as the people who took the retest could have their question papers returned to them.
So, we headed to the library, once again, to revise for the programming test. At 5.40pm, we went to the examination hall. The hall was on the eighth floor of block 53. I never knew that there could be such a large room on the eighth floor of that block. The papers were distributed at 6pm, and all hell broke loose. The paper was way difficult than expected. The first question, told to us by our lecturer, was really easy, so I should be getting the full 45 marks for that. As for the second, I knew almost everything except for the last part, so I should be getting around 25 to 30 out of 35 for that question. Finally, the third. That was truly a killer. With an estimated 50 lines of codes, with the total obtainable marks for that question capped at 25, who would even bother attempting that question? At least, that was the thought of some of the candidates who left the hall early after finishing the first two questions of the paper, while leaving the third question totally blank, without much trace of an attempt on the question. And I wonder, would you even do a survey on behalf of 50 people, and to make things worse, on a program that only the command prompt on the computer can decipher and tabulate on your behalf? I know that I won't waste my time on such things. Well, but, since it was just to test our proficiency on the codes and sequences, I must admit that, that question was very original. It seems that, although I put in lots of effort for the revision, it seemed that all I revised was not enough. So, for that test today, I should be able to secure between 65 to 70 marks for the test.
i have finally decided, that, for the rest of the term, I should become a little more lifeless, so that I can acheive the aim of getting 4.0 for the semester.
After that, we went off to the library to study after lunch, and then back to class for more lessons. This time, I forgot to sign my attendance for the tutorial class. Damn. Well, perhaps being assumed absent just once for class would not hurt yea? After that, we went for Electrical Technology class. There were more things to remember, and this time, and I was dosing off in class, again. Anyways, I managed to note down everything taught in class today so that revision will be alot easier tomorrow. Today we were also released early as the people who took the retest could have their question papers returned to them.
So, we headed to the library, once again, to revise for the programming test. At 5.40pm, we went to the examination hall. The hall was on the eighth floor of block 53. I never knew that there could be such a large room on the eighth floor of that block. The papers were distributed at 6pm, and all hell broke loose. The paper was way difficult than expected. The first question, told to us by our lecturer, was really easy, so I should be getting the full 45 marks for that. As for the second, I knew almost everything except for the last part, so I should be getting around 25 to 30 out of 35 for that question. Finally, the third. That was truly a killer. With an estimated 50 lines of codes, with the total obtainable marks for that question capped at 25, who would even bother attempting that question? At least, that was the thought of some of the candidates who left the hall early after finishing the first two questions of the paper, while leaving the third question totally blank, without much trace of an attempt on the question. And I wonder, would you even do a survey on behalf of 50 people, and to make things worse, on a program that only the command prompt on the computer can decipher and tabulate on your behalf? I know that I won't waste my time on such things. Well, but, since it was just to test our proficiency on the codes and sequences, I must admit that, that question was very original. It seems that, although I put in lots of effort for the revision, it seemed that all I revised was not enough. So, for that test today, I should be able to secure between 65 to 70 marks for the test.
i have finally decided, that, for the rest of the term, I should become a little more lifeless, so that I can acheive the aim of getting 4.0 for the semester.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Drift
Yesterday had the thought that everything was going fine, only until it was the second lesson of the week, Computer Programming, did I notice that I was in fact still not ready for the up-coming examinations. The first was going to be held this Friday, and it was for Computer Programming. I would do perfectly well for the first 2 questions. However, I might have to leave the last question blank if I do not do any reading up or practice the codes before Friday arrives.
ELTech was worse. After the common tests, I seem to be getting more slacked. I can't remember simple formulae for the 3 new chapters that were taught during the past two weeks. And as for Math, so far so good, not much problems other than the usual careless mistakes. Better start revising for Complex Numbers or I would not be able to get an A grade. With time passing so much faster now, there's less than 2 months before the exams. Even though it's just three papers, they still mean alot to the final grade. I really need the grades to achieve my first 4.0 for the first of six semesters.
Anyways, today was pretty slacked, and today we were building bridges! It's damn fun, as long as you don't get burnt by the hot glue. The bridge Hamzi and I built, can withstand a total stress of 5kg, but when the last frame is completed, I bet it could take much more than just 5kg. Instead of following the rest of the class to Bugis today, I headed straight for home. I believe that now's the best time to really get down to work to prepare for a possible project presentation for German class tomorrow, and for the Computer Programming exam on Friday. Guess I won't be slacking as much this term compared to the previous. And finally, I think I'm ready for some lifeless studying from next week onwards, once I clear the exam this coming Friday.
ELTech was worse. After the common tests, I seem to be getting more slacked. I can't remember simple formulae for the 3 new chapters that were taught during the past two weeks. And as for Math, so far so good, not much problems other than the usual careless mistakes. Better start revising for Complex Numbers or I would not be able to get an A grade. With time passing so much faster now, there's less than 2 months before the exams. Even though it's just three papers, they still mean alot to the final grade. I really need the grades to achieve my first 4.0 for the first of six semesters.
Anyways, today was pretty slacked, and today we were building bridges! It's damn fun, as long as you don't get burnt by the hot glue. The bridge Hamzi and I built, can withstand a total stress of 5kg, but when the last frame is completed, I bet it could take much more than just 5kg. Instead of following the rest of the class to Bugis today, I headed straight for home. I believe that now's the best time to really get down to work to prepare for a possible project presentation for German class tomorrow, and for the Computer Programming exam on Friday. Guess I won't be slacking as much this term compared to the previous. And finally, I think I'm ready for some lifeless studying from next week onwards, once I clear the exam this coming Friday.
Saturday, July 05, 2008
Noises,Voices,Choices 2008, The History Project
This week sure was tiring and very packed. There were rehearsals from Monday to Wednesday, from 6pm to 10pm. Did not really focus much in class this week so that I could conserve some energy for the rehearsals. On Monday, almost evrything was in place, audio, lights and props. Tuesday it was the same, and Wednesday, everything was in place, almost as if it were the actual day. On Monday, things seemed as though almost everything just fitted in nicely, and that standard was nowhere near the expectations of the lecturers and directors. Anyway, with only two rehearsals left, things picked up speed. On Tuesday, everyone was more familiar with the cues, positions and lines. That was especially so for the speakers, who improved tremendously just over a day!
Wednesday was a day before the actual show. There were only a handfull of hiccups here and there, but on the whole, everything looked almost like a masterpiece. The speeches were almost perfect. Everyone had memorised their lines, and as for the backstage crew, there were some minor final adjustments being made, but everything blended very well. Everyone were in high spirits by that night, eager for the actual.
On thursday, everyone gathered real early. So early that about half of the crew arrived before a lecture ended at 4pm. Once it was 4pm, everyone got into full swing for the preparations of the stage, lights and sounds. At first things were messy, but as soon as the props were in place, the stage was neatly done. In fact, it gave the effect that the audience was going to look forward to a team of professionals giving it their all for that one performance that would last for 2 hours. At 5pm, some of us were getting restless, so we went to get some ice cream. At 6pm, there was this one last briefing for everyone involved in the production. After that, everyone got into posititons before the show started at 7.05pm.
That night, it was a perfect showcase of talents, and everyone gave it their all. Exactly how great everyone felt during the prodcution, I doubt words can describe that. Only when one is experiencing it, can he or she feel greatness, difficult to describe with words alone from the experience. The Interval provided a short moment of celebration for the actors, some of the speakers and the crew, but, that was only half of what everyone had prepared painfully for. The next segment of the show was going to be way better than the first. After 15 minutes, everyone got into positions once again, and this time, it was alot better than the first round, with our voices
projected with greater volume and clarity. At 9pm, was the moment we were all looking forward to, the curtain call. That short moment of great satisfaction was great, we were on cloud nine.
Soon after everyone had left, we cleared the props, packed up, had the last debrief, and finally, went for a short celebration at a place near the school.
And as for yesterday, well, sort of overslept, but somehow, managed to reach school 15 minutes before the lessons started. So, for the record, it took me only 20 minutes to travel from home to school. Reached the classroom at 9.50am, and I was only fully awake for the first half of the day. ELTech practical was damn easy and smooth yesterday, and I was second to finish. After that, headed over to KAP for lunch at 12.40pm, and at 1.40pm, headed back to class again. I was first to finish the assignment for Mechanics, but after that, I was starting to fall asleep. For the whole lecture on ELTech, I was dosing off in class...
That night sure brought back memories from past experiences. That night also opened new windows to how life would be like over the next few years. For now, my guess is that, that night was just the beginning of a new journey...
Wednesday was a day before the actual show. There were only a handfull of hiccups here and there, but on the whole, everything looked almost like a masterpiece. The speeches were almost perfect. Everyone had memorised their lines, and as for the backstage crew, there were some minor final adjustments being made, but everything blended very well. Everyone were in high spirits by that night, eager for the actual.
On thursday, everyone gathered real early. So early that about half of the crew arrived before a lecture ended at 4pm. Once it was 4pm, everyone got into full swing for the preparations of the stage, lights and sounds. At first things were messy, but as soon as the props were in place, the stage was neatly done. In fact, it gave the effect that the audience was going to look forward to a team of professionals giving it their all for that one performance that would last for 2 hours. At 5pm, some of us were getting restless, so we went to get some ice cream. At 6pm, there was this one last briefing for everyone involved in the production. After that, everyone got into posititons before the show started at 7.05pm.
That night, it was a perfect showcase of talents, and everyone gave it their all. Exactly how great everyone felt during the prodcution, I doubt words can describe that. Only when one is experiencing it, can he or she feel greatness, difficult to describe with words alone from the experience. The Interval provided a short moment of celebration for the actors, some of the speakers and the crew, but, that was only half of what everyone had prepared painfully for. The next segment of the show was going to be way better than the first. After 15 minutes, everyone got into positions once again, and this time, it was alot better than the first round, with our voices
projected with greater volume and clarity. At 9pm, was the moment we were all looking forward to, the curtain call. That short moment of great satisfaction was great, we were on cloud nine.
Soon after everyone had left, we cleared the props, packed up, had the last debrief, and finally, went for a short celebration at a place near the school.
And as for yesterday, well, sort of overslept, but somehow, managed to reach school 15 minutes before the lessons started. So, for the record, it took me only 20 minutes to travel from home to school. Reached the classroom at 9.50am, and I was only fully awake for the first half of the day. ELTech practical was damn easy and smooth yesterday, and I was second to finish. After that, headed over to KAP for lunch at 12.40pm, and at 1.40pm, headed back to class again. I was first to finish the assignment for Mechanics, but after that, I was starting to fall asleep. For the whole lecture on ELTech, I was dosing off in class...
That night sure brought back memories from past experiences. That night also opened new windows to how life would be like over the next few years. For now, my guess is that, that night was just the beginning of a new journey...