3 more weeks to pass out!

its been very tiring nowadays. i guess this is where the honeymoon period is over. hurhur

i managed to sleep at most 4 hours for this entire week. we had our 4D3N field camp in lim chu kang and a live section firing on friday. With an additional responsibility of being the LPS(leader platoon sergeant), it'd made the situation tougher.

THANKFULLY, i've come out one piece this week. And with all the drills and exercises we had in the dirty wet outfield, that also means more clothings need to be brought home for washing. nice lah..

anyway, yesterday went out with my arab buddy, segaff. The initial plan was to meet at 5(am) to avoid the traffic (and ERP) to have our breakfast(well.. in NS we are trained to eat early breakfast. haha) at the newly-opened Changi Airport T3. but the fact that we bookout late and reached home at 1am on sat morning, we ended up meeting for lunch at IMM. brought along anuar and syazzie for a walk in town too and anuar almost got his PS3 from the arcade machine in Bugis Junction. i think he's frust now considering he's just a block away from that ultimate price. haha.

later in the evening, went out with my family for the Perkumpulan Seni dance and drama in Republic Poly. quite an interesting one although the dancers did quite a no. of glaring stumbles.

and that was yesterday. This morning i was invited for a friendly match at west view pri, and to think about how karat i've been so far, it was such a surprise i can still scored 4 goals and assist the other 2 in a thrilling match which ended 7-4. haha! guessed im physically much better now from all the army regimes.

and the funny thing was.. i was soo shagged that even when i had my haircut just now, i felt asleep! For a couple of times, the barber had to adjust my head coz my head kept bobbing up and down. and when it was finally done, he asked me, " tired eh? ok im done.. u can go home and sleep now." and he laughed. haha kurang asam betul..

Another tiring week im expecting to come with Wanderers(navigation test in Lower Mandai), IPPT and 3D2N Grandslam field camp. let's go...

Photo of the week: Its me on segaff's mini motor-racing. u don't need licence to race with this bike!

Do you know?

Yahoo the complex internet organism has complicated name. Word \"Yahoo\" is shortcut for \"Yet Another Hierarchical Officious Oracle\"

Best Week of NS Life.. So Far.

Yes Spain won! Though i've predicted Germany to win, i actually wanted Spain to win it. SO THATS OK. :)

This 2nd week of ARMY life in Pasir Laba was filled with theory and practical tests. There were theory test in TSR(Training Safety Regulations), practical tests in techical handling of the latest weapons SAR-21, GPMG SAW, ARMBRUST METADOR and not forgetting the navigation exercise. Im glad that i've cleared all the tests well. :)

Friday we had our first IPPT, and im thankful my fitness from Tekong is still here in Pasir Laba. and because of that $200 extra for this month! :)

And of coz the higlight of this week would be the SISPEC's Sports Day!

There were basically 5 sports to participate for; Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball, Tug-O-War and Route Relay. A week before i was chosen as the Soccer I/C so as to gather the best players from the company to participate in the 9-a-side inter-company tournament. I was given only 14 slots for the team but there was at least 17 players to choose from and so, i had such a dilemma to drop 3 of them.

Anyway, it was for the benefit for the team and i had to made that decisive choice. That night before the actual event, our CSM(Company Sergeant Major) called up the respective sports captain for an urgent meeting. He wanted to know which sports has the most confidence to win because there's this 'Joker Card', which will double the points for the sports we bet on it. When he asked me, i told him, "We'll try our best, but i do not want to put that pressure on the team". And that, the 'Joker Card' was given to the Basketball team.

Hotel Company, where i belong to, was the Defending Champion for the previous Sport's Day, and so, the expectation was high. However, soccer was never a forte for us, and so we're the underdogs. Charlie, Bravo, Juliet and Kilo company are the top 4 favourites. I decide to give them a peace of mind and told them "try your best, have fun do our company proud". I used what i've learnt from the years of experience from Football Manager(haha!) to come up with a formation and strategy so as everyone in the team can compliment with each other's abilites. Just after we settled down at the granstand, it was announced,"First match of the day, Hotel company vs Bravo company!"

The strategy i came up with. ITS OK IF YOU DON"T UNDERSTAND! haha

Quarter Final:

My close buddy from PJC, Redzuan was in Bravo and i was happy to meet him once again for a game. The 1st half we were pushed back all the way deep into our penalty box because we hadn't really settled down and get our momentum. 2nd half was better when we had some glittering chances but spurned it, including one which hit the post. And it ended 0-0, PENALTY SHOOTOUT and we won! in which i missed mine. hai..

Semi Final:

That was when we finally played beautiful football! we played against Golf company and we dominated the whole match. The first goal came when i started the counter-attack and dribbled from halfway line and assisted Kanu, our left milfielder for a tap in. i scored the 2nd goal after we did another swift counter-attack! 2-0 the final score. :)

FINALS!:

I was nervous yet quietly confident that we can win, but Juliet company has some of the best individual talents, ranging from club players and national U-18 player. I told the team before the game "Guys we've come this far, and we've exceed our expectation, let's finish this off!"

First half we dominated the match, but 2nd half was a hard-fought one. It was such a demoralising moment when 5 mins to the final whistle, they scored! It was a miscommuication in the team and they took that chance. Determined, we quickly took the kick-off and before i knew it, i earned a freekick for the team. Rayyan, our right midfielder, took it and scored! The match went on for the next few mins with us spurning one chances after another, and it ended 1-1. to PENALTY SHOOTOUT!

The penalty rule is that there will only be three kicks for each side. I was not confident to take it(since i missed mine during the 1st match), but the team insisted that captain should! I agreed but i told them im taking the last one coz i was really hoping that we would finish the shootout fast and not to dragged it till the last kicker!

1st kicker from Juliet: That U18 National player scored!

1st kicker from Hotel: Roland, our ex-VJC centre back scored!

2nd kicker from Juliet: Saved!

2nd kicker from Hote: Rayyan Saved!

3rd kicker from Juliet: Saved!

And Kanu, turned to me, "its all up to you man."

I was so nervous that i can feel the body stiffened! As walked to the penalty spot, i didnt look up, placed the ball and adjusted my socks to buy some time for me to calm down. As i take the 3 step backwards( yes i count it!), i saw the keeper was praying i guess, placing both hands over his mouth looking down, then look up and started jumping around and waving his arms. For once, suddenly i feel the goalpost is so small! Flash of memories appeared upon me about how Terry missed the penalty during the Champions League Final between Manutd and Chelsea. and there's similarity to it. Our team was wearing blue, i being the captain, and taking that decisive penalty kick!

I didnt plan where to slot that ball, i didnt even think what kind of celebration to do IF i do score. i ran up and sidefooted it...

AND

SCOREEE!!

My mind was blank momentarily, and the next thing i knew i was running back to my team, screaming in joy! They jumped over me and gave me one of the gay-est hug i ever had! hahaha. the rest of the 200 company mates ran into the field and joined in with the excitement. I won't blame anyone if from afar, you mistaken it for a Euro 08 victory! haha.

This trophy will remind me how much the team worked hard for it.

Moments after that, CSM came up to me personally to congratulate over the team's success. I was delighted for the team as we overcame the odds, worked hard for each other, team spirit, the never-say-die attitude, and as what people always say,

thats the TRUE UNDERDOG STORY.

EURO 2008: My Prediction

Man.. my two favourite teams are out, Portugal and Netherland.
Nvm.. im supporting Spain now!



I hope to see more of this celebrations from David Villa.
But somehow i have this feeling Germany may nick it in the end.



And this guy, Michael Ballack, will play a significant role to their success. Who's up for it?

NEXT: SISPEC Pasir Laba

Went to my cousin's wedding the other day.
And he's married to a Penang 18-year-old girl, now my cousin-in-law Aisyah.


The Bride & Groom of the day.


My family, without my dad who was on overseas trip.


Yes! I spoilt this picture. haha

I was wondering why he, who is well-built and good-looking working as a SCDF DART team commander, decide to marry a decent, low-profile girl when he can just go for any singaporean girl. No offence to aisyah bcos both of them are perfectly meant for each other. :)
So I interviewed him the other day, and he replied it short and sweet,
"Singaporean girls are high-maintenance. Hard to please them."

haha. NO COMMENT.
But of cos that's only a generalisation. Im sure there's plenty of girls out there who is doesn't fall into that category. No worries.

And man.. I was posted to SISPEC.
My cousins were like "Woah thats good. SISPEC is for those who did well for studies and physical trainings!" and they were explaining to my aunties, before i knew it, compliments and praises coming in.
haha THANK YOU i felt better.
So off tomorrow to Pasir Laba.

*Another shot for that chance*

Quotes from BMT days

Some of the memorable quotes/conversations i'll remember from my BMT days..

"Give a pat on the shoulder of the person on your left and tell him,
'If u cannot sing, don't sing!
Give a pat on the shoulder of the person on your right and tell him,
'If u cannot take it, just fall out. Don't pull down the whole platoon. The safety rover is always on standby. Don't waste its petrol."
- Sgt Joel, during route marches.

"When i ask u all to squeeze, u better squeeze fast.
When your movement is slow, i will be angry.
When i am angry, i will ask u all to squeeze and spread and squeeze and spread.
When u all keep on doing squeeze and spread, u will be tired.
When u all are tired, your movement will be slow.
When your movement is slow, i will be angry..." - Sgt Hozefa, during our routine exercise regime.

"Captain Roger: Is your name really TEA?
TEA: Yes
CR: Yes? that's all you can say??
TEA: Yes INDEED.
CR: So you're saying my rank is INDEED?!
TEA: oh sorry, Yes SIR!"

"You don't want to polish ur boots right?! Nevermind push-up position down! down,down,down,down..
Some of you don't want to count right?! Nevermind crunches position change! up,up,up,up,up,up...
Still don't want to do properly right?! Nevermind jumping jacks position ready! 16 counts of 40!"
- Platoon Sgt Joe Wee, during inspection of attire.

"Look around you now.. sound off if anyone making any pussy sounds or showing pussy faces, just ask them to fall out!" - Sgt Joel, during breaks in route marches.

Just ended our Ability Group Run(AGR)...
Sir: Guys, you all feel shag anot?
Recruits: Yes sir.
Sir: Well, whenever u feel shag, u shld turn and look behind.
We all turned around, and we saw the singapore flag.
Sir: Whenever you all feel shag, just look at the flag. Remind yourself why you are here in the first place, then you wont feel so shag.
Haha patriotism!

SGT Joel: Guys, when you jump off the ramp later, shout a girl's name that you like.
The rest of us: Felicia Chin!
SGT Joel: knock it down 20.
and we've realized that she's was his. In his dream at least.

POP Oh!

Orion contingent arrived.


I was so glad both of them were there to witness it.

I feel a little weird as im typing these words out.
Its been more than 2 months ago since my last entry, and i should say NS made the brain function slower than usual.

Anyway, tuesday ago, it was such an emotional yet enjoyable moment I had as soon the MC officially announced, "Presenting to you, the TRAINED SOLDIERS!" And i knew finally, BMT days are over.

Im glad that i've made it through the tough trainings, long runs, several route marches and going up and down the standard obstacles. Not to forget, the endless 'knock-it down'!
During the 9 weeks being stranded in Pulau Tekong, I've gained (better) discipline, time management, armed combat experiences and of cos.. friendship.

It started with 51 of us in a platoon but 4 got injured and went out of course.

We experienced the ups and downs together, for example. being punished to go up and down the from 1st to 3rd level of our company building several times for falling in late. Countless sets of push-up to crunches to jumping jacks just because the minority didnt polish their boots.

On a positive note, we managed to get our 'revenge' on the sergeants and officers on the last night before we POP. It was like a night war, going on the whole night till 1am, drenching them up with a super-combo mixture of water, camo cream, prickly powder, toothpaste, detergent, combat rations and anything you can think of. HAHAHA.

Some of the highlights of my BMT:

Firstly, i had my rifle stunned by my sergeant during field camp! It was such a demoralising moment for me because i was so tired that i didnt sling the rifle properly before going to sleep. And barely 10mins, i woke up and realized i was hugging nothing but myself. Confinement for the week. Nice..

Secondly, I had the best timing for shuttle-run in ORION company! And I did it consistently thoroughout the 3 IPPT tests. :) Not only that, im happy to announce that im one of the 25 gold medallist for IPPT out of the 200 recruits in the company. aisey man.. haha.

And lastly, im pleasantly surprised that i was selected for the Drill Squad. Basically that's the so-called regimental marching and precision rifling. 60 recruits were interested initally but they wanted only 30. So they cut down, choosing the best 30, and i was one of them! haha lucky me. And you know me.. i was a total noob in marching before this, and to come this far, im happy for myself. To think about it.. the other 29 were previously from various non-uniform groups and i've been living with only soccer and malay cultural society. haha. We did decently well though, came in 4th in the drill squad competition.

The siblings.

Orion Platoon 2.

He's the man. Our platoon sergeant and section commander, 3rd SGT Joe Wee.

Nicely taken photo. We tossed the quietest guy in the whole platoon, Kumar!

Though he can be irritating at times, he is cute in some ways.

AND PRESENTING TO YOU! Army life can turn you gay..

Personal discretion is advised.

Here's a video basically sums up everything on my POP day. Enjoy!

And for now, im having my 2 weeks break before im posted to my new unit. In the meantime, im badly in need for a rest!

From Boys To Men

Five For Fighting

Half time goes by

Suddenly you're wise

Another blink of an eye

19 is gone

The sun is getting high

We're moving on...

Chorus

19 there's still time for you

Time to buy and time to lose

19, there's never a wish better than this

When you only got 100 years to live

Time do flies very fast.

Tomorrow will be another personal milestone; to serve for the country.

Im looking forward to an another new chapter of my life.

Making new friends, experience new things, and of coz enjoy in the process.

I was quite unfortunate for the past few days, including today, for having high fever, body aches and nausea.

and today, when i read the Straits Times, the front page was talking about the symptoms of a dengue fever, and it is EXACTLY what im experiencing.

I hope its not. Thank God, im much better compared to yesterday.

Segaff, my imitation Arab friend, called me up this morning for a last hangout before we two going in tomorrow. How i wish i can.

From today onwards,

• No soccer
• No hot shower
• No combing of hair
• No mom-cooked dishes
• No sleeping/waking up late

Well, im sure i can resist all these at the moment. Not for long though.. especially soccer and the dishes!

I had a great time talking to my parents just now after lunch. My dad was sharing his NS experience, and my mom was teaching me how to march! haha well she's from st john last time. It feels weird doing marching, and i guess i need more time to perfect it.

Klah i'll stop here. Im sure the next time i post, there will be plenty of memories and stories to share. Anw, here's a video regarding what most singaporean think about NS. Enjoy!

Take care my dear readers!

Shadow of the day

For One More Week

I love this song the first time i heard it.



Another gorgeous indonesian singer in Bunga Citra Lestari. nice name too. :)

Anyway, its exactly a week now to ARMY. Let's check on my list.

Non-camera phone: Check
Basic toiletries: Check
Clothings: Check
Mentally prepared: Check
Physically: Still in the process
:
OK fine.. Im raring to go!



Besides that, another book that i've done reading recently. Well a week or two ago exactly. It's called For One More Day by Mitch Albom. A well-written book with a nostalgic touch which inspires its readers to live their lives meaningful. The story revolves around the life of Charley Benetto, a broken man who decides to take him own life after everything seems to go against him. He was in a different world, met his mom who had passed away long time back, and she taught him the value of life, reminisced about how he used not to stand up for his mom when his mom did the vice versa for him all these while. A touching mother-son relationship story which brings out the importance of teasuring one's life, knowing that there's always someone who cares for every each one of us. It also shows that sometimes we tend to neglect what our mom had done for us.

I constantly remind myself how my mom used to save me from potential disasters i've did and that, i would never able to repay what she's done for me.
All i can say is.. its never to late to make a difference. We may one day up there already thinking we've achieved everything, but before you even realized, you are already free falling all the way down to the lowest point of your life.
Constantly remember Him coz the wealth, the good health we obtained will return to Him someday. Well, same goes to the other religions. :)

American Idol 2008

Oh ya.. I need to say this.
Michael Johns is the next American Idol!
well.. that's what im predicting.

He has that 'cool guy' factor and stage presence of a quality superstar.
And with that superb and soothing voice, i can see him go all the way.
Go man.. I support you.

Updates!

Woohoo!

Singapore won 2-0 over Lebanon!

I was abit nervous sitting in front of the television just now, and only within 15 minutes, singapore were leading 2-0.
I would say the match was quite even.
Lebanon was making more dangerous swift-passing moves, but unfortunately they didnt take their chances. Generally those were just half chances, trying their luck from long-range shots.
Singapore, on the other hand, has clear cut chances, but missed alot too. So credit to them for taking the two chances.
And Shahril Ishak, my once idolized player no. 17 back then in sec 4, he missed a couple of definite goals. Probably he was abit too excited on such a do-or-die game, same goes to Fazrul Nawaz! Naseb kau score..

And and.. i realized, Shahril Ishak looked like my close friend from CCKSS, Mohd Khairul. aisey man!

Talking about soccer.. last friday, i participated in the Tampines GRC World-Record Breaking Feat for playing in the longest futsal tournament for 56 hours straight!
Well of coz my team didnt play the whole 56hrs, we were given 9.30pm fri - 9.30am sat slot, so it was an overnight tournament for us.
I would say it was quite a nice experience for me, knowing that i've never play soccer at night!

Eh wait.. (side-tracking abit) i did. And i remember the first and the only time i did was after the Terawih prayers and we had the 'Terawih Cup' tournament, and we were playing around 2am, Qiammulai katekan, and ended up being caught by the police ALONE as everyone managed to run away. When we saw the police car approachin, everyone involved was screaming "Police, chao chao!" I did chao but i dropped my handphone while escaping. The battery cover was detached and decided to stop running and search for it. Haha!
The next thing i knew.. the police car stopped beside me and u know the rest..

What i've learnt is that, i can't seem to escape from the law everyime i broke it. There are other times i broke the law and caught. in short such as..

caught by the SMRT personnel as i past the entrance barrier without paying!
scolded by SBS bus driver for taking everyone's paper tickets! (the old system farecard)
and standard.. umpteenth times running away from the police for playing in soccer restricted areas!

Lesson learnt: Don't ask me as your partner for any law-breaking attempt.

Ok ok back to the topic, the futsal tournament we played 6 games altogether.

2 wins, 3 draws and 1 lost.

One particular game was quite a memorable for me personally.. this particular team was on a winning streak and when its our turn to play against them, we were down 0-1 in the 1st half (note: i was on the substitute bench for that game) and i only came on in the 2nd half, what do you know.. we made a comeback and won 3-1! 2 assists and a goal from me. :)
Ok that's about it coz the other games i didnt score. haha.. and you know what?
I played the whole game for the other 5 matches.
and i played well only in this particular match.

Lesson learnt: I can only play well after coming on from the substitute bench.

I remembered after our 'shift' ended, we were like zombies taking bus 67 back to CCK. Just about to walk home from MRT, my bro suggested something.
"lets play our usual soccer routine at YewTee!"
And so...... we played! hahaha. till 12pm. and by then, i knew i had just made a new personal record for playing for the longest time. 15 hours straight i would say. HAHA.

This is what people called, CRAZY.
but i would say, PASSION.. and yes, abit of craziness too.

WHAT MAJOR IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

created with QuizFarm.com

You scored as Accounting/Finance/Marketing You should strongly consider majoring (or minoring) in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Marketing, or related majors (e.g., Computer/Management Information Systems (CIS or MIS), Entrepreneurship, International Business, Operations Management, Public Administration, Real Estate, Risk Management, Sports Management). It is possible that the best major for you is your 2nd, 3rd, or even 5th listed category, so be sure to consider ALL majors in your OTHER high scoring categories (below). You may score high in a category you didnt think you would--it is possible that a great major for you is something you once dismissed as not for you. The right major for you will be something 1) you love and enjoy and 2) are really great at it. Consider adding a minor or double majoring to make yourself standout and to combine your interests. Please post your results in your myspace/blog/journal. Accounting/Finance/Marketing 88% Education/Counseling 75% Biology/Chemistry/Geology 75% English/Journalism/Comm 75% French/Spanish/OtherLanguage 75% Psychology/Sociology 69% Physics/Engineering/Computer 69% History/Anthropology/LiberalArts 63% HR/BusinessManagement 63% Visual&PerformingArts 63% Mathematics/Statistics 63% Religion/Theology 56% PoliticalScience/Philosophy 56% Nursing/AthleticTraining/Health 44%

Well, i think i should just focus on Business and Accountancy. Hmmm..

And 3rd choice Biology and Chemistry?! haha no way.

Reunions

Well on friday, i went out with the Wan-s and Segaff. It has been weeks i last went out with them since they were in Tekong. Well maybe not segaff coz we have been playing squash for a couple of times recently. Haha. Squash not bad eh..
Anyway, we went to watch Step Up 2 and i thought it was freaking awesome!

Redzwan was so excited after the movie that he wanted to show his 'moves' in every area of space in Cineleisure that he can find. haha.


As long as i can remember, this is the only the 2nd time we took this kind of group photo.

The next day, it was my turn to catch up with my kranji pri sch guys. After soo long, since my absence when i joined JC, i finally had time to spend time with them.
We went to Seoul Garden at Causeway Point and i felt it was one of the most enjoyable gathering i had with them after a long time.
We spent the whole afternoon talking about our progress and we had a good laugh talking about the 'old' days.

The time when we would run to the field for soccer everytime school ends.
The time when i hold on to that Star Pupil badge every month from the beginning till the end of the year in P4.
The time when i was selected for emcee-ing for almost every school events, with diff female co-emcees till people jelak looking at my face.
The time when me, hakim and haziq were prefects, with that tight shorts, the notebook in our lil pocket and the classic superman hairstyle.(ok that's me only)
The time when my female teacher told me she would date me if she's my age!
The time when i cried because i was disturbed liking this girl when im not!
The time when i cried because i was 'bullied' by a group of girls!

So, as you can see, I was not the typical strong boy type BACK THEN who would fight back or stand up for myself. Very the kental lah i can say. But im quite sure now... im not as kental back then. haha
And surprisingly, i was totally opposite of that in the soccer field.


Probably one of my bestest friend back in pri sch, Hakim.

And to bring those primary school memories back, before we bid goodbye, we had our last activity of the night.
Counter-Strike!
and surprisingly i still had that killer instinct and topping the 'no. of kills' table.
hahaha.

PS: To my dear friend Hakim, good luck bro for your NS today later in the morning.

I've come up with my personal video about my life in PJC.
Just trying out the Window Media Maker so sorry if its an amateur work.
Enjoy it!

Im quite surprised to see the sudden surge in my tagboard. It has been ages seeing such phenomenon. haha.

Anyway, im okay actually. It has been done and over with. So move on now.. I've applied for NTU so far.
Just to satisfy my readers' curiosity, i'll tell you my choices:

1st choice: Maritime Studies and Business Major(erm!)
2nd: Aerospace Engineering
3rd: Maritime Studies
4th: Material Science & Engineering
5th: Mechanical Engineering

I've realized that maritime studies is quite cool.. and the job prospect is good. Of cause i want to get the 1st choice, but i think its very unlikely so i'll put that 3rd choice anyway. Nevertheless, I would be happy enough to get any of choices above.

Ok, let's change the topic.
I want to show you all someone very special who has influenced me greatly in soccer.
He was nicknamed the Welsh Wizard.
'Welsh' basically because he's from Wales and 'Wizard' because he was like a magician who is capable of executing fantastic tricks and skills in the field.
I would say he is my all-time favourite soccer idol since i started kicking the ball.
Back then, i would learn to do those trademark zigzag runs he did..
I was dare enough to say im a left winger when i can't even cross or shoot with my left leg back in my first match for CCKSS.
Of cos i didn't excel and so i was asked to switch back to right winger where i belong.
Right-legged giggs wannabe, still not that bad i guess.

So here is he..
Ryan Giggs, The No. 11 of Manchester United.

Reflection

After 3 days since the results released, and pondering over it.. I realized I didnt really do that well for A's. But why am i contented by it? Maybe because that's what i aimed for. I aimed to get ABC back then and getting the grades drop by a grade, that is usually we should expect. And that's really what i get:

GP- D
Chem - C

Math -B
Malay Lit -C
Physics -D

I came to realize that i didnt put too much hope for A levels. My aim beforehand was really simple.. make it for local universities.

Doing it well or scrapping through it is totally different thing.
And yes.. that's what i get.
With that kind of grades, im capable of scrapping through a place in Uni.
But the feeling of satisfaction, after 2 years of studying, is not there.
I could have done soo much better.

And personally, i did feel a little regret for not studying much harder.
Friends of mine having same or not as good L1R5 compared to me were getting straight As, and i felt so left out.

I sincerely believe its all down to the desire, hunger and how badly you wants it. People are willing to do almost anything to get what they want and unfortunately, in my case, i was not determined enough to see the As on the certificate.

However, i still thank Him for putting to such a test. Luckily, im still capable of getting a place in the university, and i see it as a 2nd chance and probably my last chance to prove something.

P.S: to nazeera, well NUS business will be just a dream i guess. engineering will be good enough. :)
to fazliah: Not forgetting to thank you for the great book u've recommended.

Book Review

This is another inspiring book i greatly recommend!

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.

For those beginners or in malay terms, baru nak berjinak-jinak, in reading, like me, in reading books.. this is a book for you.

Generally this book is about the greatness of life and personal goals. Everyone has different perspectives in life. Some of us are ambitious, some are contented the way their lives turned out to be, and some dislikes it. Whatever it is, we have our own ambitions and goals in life. There's surely something that u want greatly. Its about dreams and living up to it.

This book focuses on Santiago, a sherperd who dreams to see the world. He is an optimistic guy, independent, patient, hardworking, willing to sacrifice for his goals and strives when pressure builds up. I do believe in order to do that, we do need such characteristics like him.

I find it useful and inspiring for those who needs some motivation in life. As somebody used to say to me before, "Without goals in life, we are as good as a living dead". We need dreams so that we have something to aim for and work towards it.


There's this particular phrase which caught my eyes.

"You must understand that love never keeps a man from pursuing his Personal Legend. If he abandons that pursuit, it's because it wasn't true love... the love that speaks the Language of the World"

Hmm..

A Level Results

well A level results was released today.

I was neither happy nor sad when i received the results slip.
It was OK i guess, but i felt i can do better.
Nevertheless, im thankful that my results are capable of making it into our local universities.
Alhamdullilah. :)

Anyway, my GP passed!
I was so relieved because PJC has only 87% passes in GP, gladly, im one of them.
According to my results, i think i should just focus on relief teaching math rather than physics!

Im starting to plan which course to pursue in.
Well.. there's some choices in mind.
Im considering between Engineering or Business.
Business seems interesting but i heard it's very competitive.
So my chances might be a little slim.
My plan has always been Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering in NTU. But many said NUS has always been a better choice.. so let see how it goes. :)

Okok, enough of thinking, i want to relax now and im already looking forward to my near future plans.
There's another weekly soccer tomorrow, NTU/NUS Open house, my pay, the record-breaking feat playing in the longest FUTSAL match this 21st march and of course ARMY!

The Life As A Teacher

Well, i've been out for some time, but at least now im free!

To start with, i guess im done with my teaching career. haha. well.. at least for now. 2 weeks of teaching is enough for me. You know.. a week into teaching, i was looking forward to its end. Its not that i hate teaching, in fact i like it. Except that maybe i overworked myself trying to prove my worth as a relief teacher. Haha. Generally the students were lively and co-operative during lessons, except for the inevitable noise. Since i was asked to replaced 2 teachers, one went for a camp and another went for his reservice, i had no choice but to teach 8 classes! All three sec 5 classes, one sec 4 class and four sec 3 classes. Mind you.. half of it is taking O's this year and the pressure is always there!

Math, Physics and CHEMISTRY! k wait, when i was told i need to teach chem, i was a little worried, because im sure you all know about my level of competency in that subject. haha.

Physics basically i taught the sec 3s and 5 classes and i enjoyed doing it because that's my favourite subject! The only problem is.. i taught too fast and the students will go, "Cher, that's all? How come so fast?!" Here, i can seriously say that i didn't really like talking to the whole class. Most of the talking will be usually be done one-to-one. I would prefer to do the opening speech, an outlook about the particular topic and the rest is just practice. haha. But of cos i did went through it and explained to them the questions they don't understand.

And Math! I had fun teaching it too simply because i didnt face much of a problem solving the questions being asked.




This is where i enjoyed the comfort of the office, marking, preparing lessons and looking back at the TYS!

Overall, i felt satisfied for those efforts i put in because i think i did pretty well as a relief teacher. There were times when i stayed back after school just to answer their doubts. And i was gladly to do so because that shows how much they wanted to excel. You know.. I was pleasantly surprised when 2 of my students told me i did a much better job than their teacher. I was undeniably flattered but 2 weeks of teaching, of cos im capable of putting my heart and soul to bring out the best of them, but if 2 years, i will burnt out! Therefore, here am i, giving my salute and respect to the teachers who had taught me before. I know i had never give anyone of you gifts during teacher's day, but i do appreciate the efforts you all put in all these years.

I have more to share here actually but if i continue, this entry will be freakingly long! That's basically everything about my experience in teaching in ADSS. I would love to continue till im enlisted in april but too bad, my service ended there. Nevertheless, a new experience gained and memories to be remembered for a long time.

Wow.. i think i enjoy doing something other than soccer.
Its cooking!



I've been learning to cook some dishes from my mom recently, notably my favourite dish.. AYAM MASAK MERAH! or what u called it red-sauced chicken.
With great appetite comes with great responsibility TO COOK.
And so.. if in any case i'll be away from home, i think i should not be too worry in getting homesick or missing my mom's cook.

I found this video from my random search and i think i should post it. It is one of the ways i can help to advertise my family's business. hahaha!
This was when the recent Hari Raya was nearing(including my A's!) and.. if im not wrong, i skipped school to help them out! Hmm.. Im not sure if i should call myself hardworking.



And i found another video taken 2 years ago during the tournament at Fico Sports hub. Here.. are some of my contributions to the team. chey!

A trip to Tanjong Pinang & Pulau Penyengat

Well, im back from a short family vacation since yesterday. We went to Tanjong Pinang/Pulau Penyengat for 2days on Thurs and Fri. I was particularly excited to go solo buying and shopping my own things there because i think i doesn't do that before! Usually, my mom would buy and let me wear whatever she has for me. hahaha! Talking about a guy who didnt have his own fashion sense and depend on poeple around him to get him one. Well, i can gurantee, im going to have my own choice of fashion from today onwards. Im not going to spend much but at least it won't leave me scratching my head on nothing decent to wear for a concert, outing, or even date(nay!).

To start with, we went there by ferry. A 2 hours journey which is not particularly exciting because i had a slight tinge of seasick.



Upon reaching, we checked in into a resort..



..and proceed on to have our dinner at "Depot" Ayam Penyet. Just look at them.. everyone is either seasick or sleepy while waiting for the food to arrive, except my dad. Haha.







I think it was better than the Spore's version because of the genuine kampung ayam taste with more special side dishes.

Later, we went back to our hotel and played pool against one another. I played 2 games only, both against my bro, and unsurprisingly.. i won. Haha. And the rest of the night, I taught mom, my auntie and lil bro on how to play.



The next morning, after breakfast at the hotel lobby, we went to the beach and posed for more pictures. Here.. we took with Mahadi Syor, a comedian in Suria. He was also there having his holiday!



We checked out of the resort and headed towards the jetty to go to Pulau Penyengat.





Not really a speedboat but its still made me wet cos nak act hero sitting outside the shelter.



Here it is.. Pulau Penyengat!



We had a bike ride around the whole island and it was freakin nice man cos the guy who rode for me and bro was speeding! Gerek beb but dangelous!



The island has unique and vast historical background. There's the old ruler's palace and royal tombs, among them the grave of the respected Sultan Haji. He was also the creater and author of the first Malay Language grammar book, and that is among the legacies left by the Riau sultanate. I wish i have thanked him for the beautiful literature of Malay language.

The pic below are some of the other kings who ruled the island. I was actually searching if there is any 'Raja Khairul' but too bad lah don't have.



The old Istana now turned into muzeum. I like the authentic designs of the whole architecture. It reminds me about those times when i tried to tackle this sweet kampung girl. haha! like real..



The well of never-ending supply of freshwater. It was said this well is only 3m deep and the water is special. Im not sure how special it was so i tried...



and it was really really pure and cooling. And i end up taking wudhu' too and it is one of the best i had.



We posed on the Sultan's throne and i felt like Datuk Penghulu sitting there with that pose.



And seriously this one.. i was disappointed to see people selling those turtle eggs! Well, i guessed they did it for a living, but i was hoping they won't sell it excessively. And nice one.. my dad bought 20 eggs. Turtles.. i tried my best to warn them about your near-extinction. At least i save your kind by not eating those eggs.



Soon after this, my handphone went flat i didnt take our pictures having dinner at some seafood restaurant and the shoppings. It was 2 days worth spent and i learnt alot of of the historical backgrounds of my own race, language and culture. You know.. the locals there at Pulau Penyengat doesn't speak bahasa Indonesia but perfect Malay! I seriously believe they can easily excel doing our Malay exam papers.

Alright man, im off!