NLP

My god-father's brother came to Singapore for 2 days, and stayed over at my house.

He's an intelligent man, just like his elder brother. loL! No wonder they're both rather successful people, holding on to senior positions in their respective companies, HP and SAP.

Well, was on my uncle's truck to AMK and had a conversation, or more like a discussion with him. He shared with me his experiences and knowledge on career prospects and goal settings. Well, I would say this is not the 1st time I heard about these, almost all of the content is the same.. however, he put in the effort to give me examples. loL! And..it's free. haha!!

Well, I love to listen to intelligent people. If you know I'm not paying attention to you talking, it means you're not, at least to me. Hehe...*hint hint* But, I also wouldn't show you that I'm not paying attention la... it's such an ass to point people as 'not-intelligent', for i'm no genius as well. haha! I have self-awareness k!

Anyway, he told me about this NLP. Go read it up, it's rather enriching. Maybe you can pick up one pointer or two. No harm reading yea?

and after all these ranting...it reminds me I'm just 8 days away from the land of 'darkness'... sighs...

Wish me luck while I paint myself with sand and... more sand there.

Book In Lo!

Devlali

It's time to prepare now.

Not for the joyous merry christmas, nor for the exciting new year countdown... but for the overseas exercise at India, Devlali (I think it's spelt this way).

Zzz....

I'm worried.

How?

HO CHI MINH!!

14th NOV to 18th NOV! A trip to Vietnam where I'll never forget!!

Just a little fact, why is Ho Chi Minh also called Saigon?
Saigon is 'City' in Vietnamese language. Ho Chi Minh being the only city in Vietnam, is thus name Saigon! The City!

You guys must be very curious as to what I've done over there right? Like why go to such a place so randomly out of a sudden. Well, let me 1st explain the motive.

1stly, it was the idea of Mr Jia Xuan (our boss despite being the youngest in our detachment) to get out of Singapore for a break as a whole detachment; make use of our annual leaves and be out of camp together!

2ndly, the price for the air tickets is only $100 (budget flight) to Vietnam thus, very affordable!

3rdly, Mr Jia Xuan knows the place quite well

4thly, the exchange rate is also in our favour

5th, most of my detachment liked the idea, so we go along with it! Splendid!

so with that...off we flew!


The "we" includes


Zheng Rong


Jia Xuan (boss)


Chuan Xun and You Sheng


Our Best PT,
S-league player(sengkang punngol),
Safsa Player,
Ngoy M,
Raymond kwa.


... now more about the trip!
Money money money!

Ok, let's start with the exchange rate and money issues.
At the time we went, the rate is at $1(SGD) to 16000 dongs(VND)
The cost of the food there is set at 5,000 dongs for a simple bowl of noodles in the market to 100,000 dongs for those restaurant meals.

Coconut costs 20,000 dongs. Fresh ones! In fact, you can negotiate coz we bought it at "foreigner's price."

5,000 is enough for tips, but we usually give more.

Taxi
You can flag cab anywhere, even if it's moving at a different direction, it'll just cut in and stop in front of you

The normal cab can sit 7 passenger (sg only 4)
Taxi ride starts at 10,000 dongs and each jump is 5,000 dongs for every kilometers (the good thing is that the meter shows both the mileage and the time it halts, so every jump of price is justified right in front of your eyes)



Road Conditions
The traffic there is way alot more different than us, a little similar to China's(hainan island) traffic.
The cars are all left-hand drive.
The motor can ride up to a record of 7 people! Well, 1-3 is the common number of pax per bike though.
They don't really obey the traffic directions and signs.
Motorbikes forms majority of their traffic and cars are rather uncommon.


Despite the messy road appearance, accidents are rare. Fatal accidents on the road are even rarer.
Horns are free there.
Jaywalk is a must even when you see bikes coming towards you. (yes, we were freaked out the 1st time we crossed the road, the hotel's guard helped us cross the 1st time. We tipped him.)
I think there's no such thing as illegal parking. You can park anywhere. The thing we can't compete them is in SG, even with fines...inconsiderate motorists park anyhow. Over there where there's no regulations or restrictions...motorists will automatically park their vehicle nicely so they wouldn't block the pedestrian or traffic, like this..

they all do it. Nobody will come and shout at anyone or complain that someone's bike is blocking da da da~ how nice the people there are!

A little about their way of life.
The country, although it's still a communist country and not very well-developed, is still rather hyped in the city. They have bars, nightclubs, cinema, high-end shopping centers etc.


movie theatre

and Windows 4, one of their popular hangouts. Their service there is alarming. Once a piece of cut chilli was dropped by Jia Xuan on to his own jeans, the waiter at no time stepped in to wipe it off his jeans. Jia Xuan didn't even have the time to get tissue to wipe it off! Damn good!


And our hotel. Not that bad right? It's only a 3-star!

And for myself.
Anything else that I've done?

Haha...actually, went to drink alot at one of their club there, named Lush.
We actually met a masseuse there, who could communicate with us in English for she is an undergraduate. She recommended us this club (as our translator) and we had our last night there soaked with liquor.

and, she brought her younger sister ^^v (oei, she's 21 yo!)

Haha...shy to say, but I drank a little too much there. (which explained the serious rash i had upon return)

Over there...I danced the 1st time with a girl in a club! It was with the sister! Hehe!! It was surprisingly..cool? loL! I never thought of dancing with a complete stranger, until then! It was her who wanted to dance with me out of all my friends! Envy right? Lol!
Yea, I wouldn't do that in the past because of you-know-what. Now that 'she' has officially announced attached, I'm freed thus I'm more opened! Wahahahaz~

All in all, nothing else happened. Don't worry, I'm still a virgin! =)

Exercise.. again

Last week was yet another exercise, 3 days 2 night... but with half the original detachment strength.

Yes, don't know whether to complain or comply.

For past few records, all was still alright. I know their attitude towards work is very slack, treatment to other battery mates is undesirable and their are constantly complaining... however we, as a detachment of 6, was always very united and never fail to deliver our standard and accomplishing our task swiftly. That's why our superior cannot do anything to us, because we are the only detachment that hovers above their expectations.

True, I was quite proud of my detachment despite their sia-lan'ess...

However, things turn for the worse.

The previous outfield, 1 took mc and the other came in 1 day later.

The recent exercise, 3 took mc.

The next field camp... sigh... I think I might be the sole survivor.

It's not as if i enjoy doing stuffs that are tough and dirty, but c'mon! it's army! Basic discipline and simple endurance test... is it that difficult to come off from you MEN? Haiz...

Kinda disappointed. It's fine if they don't feel as a battery, can't they even empathize their own DETACHMENT mate? Don't they even feel they've overused me? I know I'm kind and happy-go-lucky, I have limits still. People know I'm always the guy who just listens and obeys and seldom gets angry but it wouldn't be nice to see the other side of me either, for I can do what you did too; the world is round!!

Sigh...no point me blogging here, they'll never get to my blog and they won't change if they see this either.

To the reader(s), this is just to show you the various types of people you'll meet in army. Even if they're not the person you enjoy working with, you NEED to learn how to tolerate them and handle stuffs. If you don't... good luck.

FML.

Nite..

Accounting boys

DAC boys met out yesterday, for a simple dinner get-together.

You never know how gay it'd be for 6 big men to walk around looking for seats at Ion basement 4 (go check it out and you'll know what I mean).

4Fingers!!

link: http://www.gimme4fingers.com/bonchon/

Located at Ion Basement 4, you guys should give it a try next time when your wallet content is rather sufficient. The chicken chop was quite tasty, I guess the rest of the menu will be as nice? However, it's $9.95 (aiyah, $10 la) per meal for the main dish with just fries and drink as sides.

*Address: 2 Orchard Turn #B4-06A ION Orchard Singapore*

Next, we had shisha over at Haji lane.

Had the mint flavour...and...

...

it's just like that lo.

According to Darren, one shisha is = to him smoking 1 pack of cigarette in an hour... Really?

loL! However did not inhale the thing in la... just lingered it in the mouth and blew out the smoke... quite fun actually. LoL!

If you're concerned... I'm feeling better now. Thanks to a few friends I had. =) *still, I'm shy to approach people regarding my matter..*

I like Pawan's msg (thanks) :

"We're all more or less lonely because we're isolated from the world. Our interaction with reality is limited when compared to the freedom we had before. It's just a phase. Hang in there. ... ...well you're going to compare every girl you meet to her because she set the benchmark in your life. You're not in love with her. You're jealous cause she has progressed in life while you're stuck. Maybe you should ask someone out on a date. It will bring your confidence back. Your first doesn't need to be your last..."

Well-said.

the transition;

It has been 1 week...

The tree's swaying lightly, the breeze is soft, the road under my house is still as busy...

Things are still happening like they should. Nothing's affected. It is not the end of the world yet.

However, my mind is still in a hurl. The waves are still coming strong to me at random intervals, but I must say there are measures done; at least I tried.

Was walking down to the arm-skote alone and a thought struck me. It's 4 days already, and what can you do?

Yes, I stared at the rifles and... well... there's nothing.

Maybe it's time I stop struggling to hold on to the kite and just release it; this kite is too big for me somehow.

Give me more time, alright?

(one of the;)Worst day of my life

I don't even know who's reading this blog now. And, I'm not sure if you know about my past. All I know...I have no one to share this with...

Anyway... Went net-surfing and reminded of this very important website. It was once blocked or removed (I don't know what exactly) but, it was once again accessible. I managed to read up everything in that site for the whole of last night till this morning.

I think it shouldn't be a problem to discuss about it here since it was so long ago, but my ex, whom I really ever considered to be my 1st and only(so far) love is now... not available.

hmmm...

It's actually a good thing. She found herself a good partner, a soulmate. From what I depict, he's just what she once needed and still needs! He could just be the one she's after all these while. I'm really happy for her. Sincerely.

*It's ok to be honest here in my own blog right? I really wanted to share, but I can't get myself to talk to anyone about it.."

It's myself who I have problem with. I can't seem to get it over. I bet you don't know, this is the reason why I refrained myself from getting into any relationship before her. I wanted to be available for her (IF IF IF she ever need). I had many infatuations and crushes during this periods, but I thought it wasn't right and have never taken further step... Afterall, I have this kinda responsibility ...er...or like, had this feeling that 'that' wasn't over yet... *even my password is still her name...*

Maybe it's just one-sided... ... Melvin, the melvin you didn't know.

Well, many times I wanted to dig out the courage and tell her straight, but it's this ego within me that pulled me back. Things were there, clean and simple then... but, I had to make it sophisticated. Damn it.

Well, the "test" failed. 'Mary' didn't help either. I dare say, this is the worst period of my life.

1) SPLD is not what it was used to be, thanks to certain people whom I still despise, which in turn affected my interest and commitment in my ever favourite lion dance DRASTICALLY.

2) BMT was screwed up by some Irresponsible leaders I had, despite my utmost sincere performance. It affected my self-esteem real greatly. The day I shrinked to a hedgehog (from a man). I know I shouldn't blame them, but it wasn't my fault at all! *haiz...it's over already, why bring it up again~*

3) Met the worse friend you can ever befriend (yes, I was forced to mingle and accomodate to him; it's worse than mission impossible)

and...

4) The last thing which I always believe in, failed me miserably. Miserably.

What can I conclude? Taught myself a good lesson, had a hard fall which made me realised the importance of life.

'One life, you live it the way you want it to be, not through beliefs.'

Sigh. Guess it's high time I grow up and learn to handle this harsh truth smashed right into my face unmercifully all at once.

Back to her.

If you're wondering why I finally let it all out, and all in this manner...the reason is because I keep these secrets way too long already; Friends had found me changed and weird...I'll say it's this matter that had kept me going strange. So I believe you guys, who're concerned about me should know? Secondly, she'll never find this out. She don't even know this weblog's existence!

I'm still struggling whether to write her a letter (maybe during her birthday, which is a good excuse to give her something w/o her bf being suspicious) to tell her how happy I am for her and wish her all the best. I'm really envious of her now. She, at all cost, deserves this happiness, every single part of it. Really glad for her! Afterall, it was her naivety and smiles which made me fell for her then! =)

If I can, I will, against all odd, really want to tell her sincerely...

"Thank you"

Finally, in this post...the secrets have unfolded.

My prized asset

The story of my lovely Bettas (a.k.a fighting fish)

They're under the name of 'salamander' also can be named as 'butterfly halfmoon plakat'. This is the term we use for fish of this pattern. It's unique in a way because there is a strain of white bend at the end of the tail and fins. Very rare a specie I would say.

Due to it's value and rarity, I decided to give it a try...hopefully a successful spawn of this breed of fish.

Got a pair of the same kind and put them together in a set-up meant to optimise the breeding process.

This is the mating process. Both the female and male fish is curled up together in a u-shape. Everytime after this, eggs will spread into all directions, and the male will busy pick up the released eggs and place them in his bubble nest where the eggs will float.

days later.. baby fry will appear etc etc...and ta daa! This is the current stage of the spawn. The female have been removed, for fear that the male will turn aggressive and injure the female. The male will subsequently guard the offsprings, at the same time, spit them into the bubble nest if any of the fry were found drowning. (yes, this fish takes oxygen from outside the water.)

the male doing his job.

It's too blur, but this is the best a handphone camera can do. Can see the fry near the surface of the water?

nvm.. a short video of the mating process. If you just wanna see the curling position, skip to 2.38-2.41.

Photos can't show the fry, maybe a video will do better. Notice the small puny stuff swimming around?

Cute isn't it? Anyone want this fish? Let me know... I give you..FREE! =)

Hazy Singapore!

Haha! I like Mr brown when it comes to latest singapore controversial issues and happenings.

Yea, just as the comment said, I also like the hamster part the most! haha!

Really don't understand what's wrong with our counter-part. (You know who la) Haiz... not that i'm really affected by the haze, but do they realise they're actually disturbing and putting burden to their neighbours? On a even macro scale, they actually contribute to the planet's environment pollution substantially with the emission from all the greenhouse gases? Eco-systems around the region are also both directly and indirectly affected.

Closer to us, our health is also disturbed; more coughing and asthmatic cases recently (judging from my camp's status) sigh...

Haze haze go away, we don't need you anyway!

1 year soldier~

Well well well, 1 year ago.. I made my trip down to Tekong on the ever-dreadful ferry, with my family and... ...

loL! Like I said, that was 1 year ago! Now... I'm still struggling to cope with the 2nd half of my ns liability... hoping nothing negative or serious will ever occur to me.

So far so good!

Just got promoted also! At least, it'll look nicer on my No.1...that's if you guys get to see me next year during NDP! *yes, my battalion is involved with the gun salute in the coming NDP*

Well... have been feeling lonely nowadays. No girls, friends more or less stucked in 'mary', no freedom...and the only entertainment that can keep me going would be Dota and my beloved bettas; which I'm now breeding.

Hope they're doing fine! Will show you guys pix if I ever succeed.

Last but not least...

Isn't she cute! =D

Sportsman

(picture from soccernet.com)

Well, you can run on the floor with the ball and shun all the defenders. You can block every shot that comes towards you. You can score 1000 over goals. However, if you don't have sportsmanship, you fail as a sportsman.

Was browsing through soccernet and read Michael Owen not being recognised for the England team; Fabio Capello's intention. Well, I'm in no position to criticise or tell him what to do, but I do think he's putting a gem, a potential goal seeker on the sideline! Obviously that renowned 'england' coach hasn't tasted owen-flavour like how Ferguson is enjoying now. No doubt he's getting on his age, he's still rather fast, still playing well and most importantly scoring!

This could just spell another wave of criticism if England loses another chance. Sighs.

Coming back to owen. I've always like him in his Liverpool days, always hoping he could put on the red "Vodafone" sponsored jersey and playing alongside Scholes and Beckham then. Didn't happened. Still, ferguson has made me realise this wish! Really happy for Owen.

Despite the fact he wasn't chosen for the english team, which I think he deserves a spot more than some, he did not complain! Respect man... Allow me to quote 2 of his lines which makes me sing praises for him.

"I haven't resigned myself to never playing for England again," he told the Daily Mirror, "but I'm not stupid enough to get myself worked up before every squad is announced and then go, 'Oh no, the world's caved in and I'm not in it again' "

"Everyone wants to play, but you'll never see me throw my toys out of the pram or knock on the manager's door."

Good response from him.

Now, let's watch some of his contributions to Man-U last year!

SLWH

Just browsing online and found this familiar machine. So cooL~

Yes, this is the Pegasus, SLWH (Singapore Light-Weight Howitzer). It's a much lighter and mobile version of a FH (Field Howitzer); both use the same projectile, ammunition and distance covered are the same.

This is how our guns look like when they're deployed and emplaced under camo-netting. This camo-netting process is the one that kill us during exercises. Shaq~

Very soon, our battery will be going through this new procedure, whereby we're heli-inserted into territory nearer to the enemy so as to provide closer fire power support to the intended ally.

Which means, route marches are coming in next week.

This week is going to be a tired week for it's outfield week! Wish me luck on this!

Take care, Mel!

Dreaming is believing, seeing is deceiving

It's already months after watching the show but this tune stays on in my mind! Very catchy indeed~

Btw..thanks both Darren and Yi Song for giving me that Taeyon Socks. loL! The more i look at the picture, the more adorable Taeyon gets! haha!

*Mechanical pencil~ Youuuu areee myyyy destinyyyyy*

Life's good these months. (are you sure?) of course it isn't, but if it's not good... then why is my bank balance getting lesser! =( Just this month, $250 is spent on Vietnam trip preparation. Dang... not including other expenses like transport, food, leisure, games etc...

I want money! =P

Sudden sentosa outing

We were playing basketball 2 saturdays ago when something suddenly struck Alvin and he proposed to do something out of the norm - Sentosa trip.

Well, just 5 gays waking up early on a Sunday morning and taking the train all the way to Harbour front and then ... ... aiya, you all know how to go there~

So, upon reaching... we settled down at Palawan beach; where I thought it's less happening compared to siloso.

We survived the whole Sentosa trip with a Volleyball and a frisbee bought at the 7-eleven there. Cool right? We played Volleyball with a girl and his group of friends - COOL! =P Then some frisbee throwing session and most of the time spent in the waters~ haha! Some footages...

Alvin:

Zachary:

Kai Xiong:

We were playing around most of the time, so camera and photography was secondary. Still, we succumb to our vanity at last... we snapped some gay photos!

Here's our cam-whore product:

Nice sun-tanning sessioN~

Bball 3-on-3

Yea, participated in another basketball 3-on-3 organised by my cousin's CC..

Venue: Open field opposite Anchorvale CC

Date: 18th Sep 2010

Time: 8.30am

Guest of honour: Dr Lam Pin Min, MP for Ang Mo Kio GRC

Well, it's not a big event like those nike/converse 3-on-3 competition, so it's nothing magnificent for me to boast about. Just contented that my team was able to clinch the Champion position out of so many teams. Finally an achievement I receive in basketball. *proud!*

Haha, but still must vent my anger here. Some players are really just irritable and annoying, those 'act-beng' people especially. Poser, step, act-like act-like, fucked up whatever names you can think of... It's just a game, and there's no need to use 'violence' or 'gangsterism' to instil fear into your opponent and hope to win through these dishonourable methods - it won't work on us!

Yes, I know we aren't afraid of all these acts, however some of their elbow and knee would have severely injure any one of us la! Simply Stuck-uP!

This guy threw elbows at my face man after he claimed that I was playing rough; when I did not! You people should know how I always play bball. I only use my butt when i'm inside the paint, but I was playing outside all the way! I didn't even have much body contact with him. I just defended him slightly tigther, he said I pushed him. Even the referee defended me la! Zzz...can't even take light contact, go play golf or frisbee la!

Yes, he got his just desserts when he was fouled out after referee saw him attempting to elbow me (for like the 3rd times). However, they managed to 'fight' their way to 3rd. Tmd

this is his team. look at his face (left). Annoying?

Anyway...there's also other cateogory... show you the younger players. Mostly from Anderson Secondary school. They were equally strong!

My category's 1st runner-up

That guy in black is imba! But he lost to us in stamina during the finals! He dominated the paint in the earlier games..

Btw, this was my team... basically my bunkmate la. I actually gotten xiao xiong to join me, but he backed out! =(

the most shuai one in red! =P

Champions!

well, a tiring yet fruitful day!

Congrats to me! =D