Some acronyms

Future problem solving---FPS---Friday ponn school
Teachers' day celebration---TCD---Thursday don't come

I wonder what they're trying to imply...

The last...

Friday was inter-house debates finals. I ponned cca to watch it (yay). The topic was THBT in this world there is no more "Auspicum Meloris Aevi" (excuse me, my spelling sucks) (meaning: hope for a better age). I thought we deserved to win but we lost 3-2 to Buckley. No excuses, but everybody thought we deserved to win, including Mrs Smith but there were 5 judges and there was a teacher, 3 debaters from other houses, and... a Buckleyan J1 or 2 student.

Saturday, I went for the final of the 8 weeks of IMO junior training 'torture' (somewhat) x 3 hours which brings it to 24 hours of challenging maths. Yay, it's finally over, and I don't think I will get into the senior team, it's already been long and tiring enough and has way exceeded my expectations. Actually I didn't want to go for SMO but my mother and maths teacher wanted me to go, so I went for the first round and anyhow do the questions. Then I got into the second round, which was quite of a surprise and so I went and there was about 200 over people, so I didn't think I would get into the top 30. But somehow I managed to get into IMO junior team training which only 50 people managed to get into. So then I thought that there was a realistic chance of getting into the top 30, and which I managed to get 17th in the country. Now the journey has come to an end...probably

Today was the last guitar lesson in which we had to do somewhat like an American Idol 'audition' but was more on a review. I did the easiest song and the 'judges' said it was quite good considering that I started off with zero experience.

The upcomming week is slack week. Monday and Tuesday, special programmes to Pulau Ubin and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) respectively. Wednesday is staff training so it's a holiday for us, Thursday is teachers' day celebration until 10.15am and Friday is teachers' day holiday.

Responsibility

I just wonder if I should go gym tommorow. This horrendous gym experience has been a vicious cycle since day one. Me being put in a stupid CCA (not one of my choices)-> Me ponning CCA-> Seniors 'dislike' me-> I semi-suck at gym-> and the whole cycle is repeated again. Gym training is supposed to be from 3.30 to 6.30 on Monday and Wednesday, and 3 to 6 on Fridays. But on Mondays and Fridays, by the time I get released, it's already 7. And on friday when I have to leave at 6 (on time) (for swimming), the seniors actually make a big fuss. And I think this year's seniors are getting more and more unreasonable, especially those who have something to do with me. On Monday, I left early because I had 2 tests to revise for tommorow after getting coach's permission. Then when I was leaving, one of the gym seniors came up and prevented me from leaving and questioned me on leaving early and blah blah... such as 'Is it gym''s fault that you never revise for your test'. Then at one point I told him that coach allowed me too, then he rebutted 'coach allow, but I don't'. Who does he think he is lor. And it's not like I don't always come to gym or that I purposely leave so early. And what happened to those who ponned gym to revise--nothing. That's why it isn't fair. Thn tommorow I have to do a class makeup for Saturday's hiking trip and I have to leave at 5 (gym training is from 3 to 6 (supposedly official)). And I cannot imagine my seniors actually letting me off...That's why I intend to not go, or if I go, then I'll go from 1 to 2.30.

Planetshakers: Ultraviolet

Planetshakers rox. Today after church I went to EXPO to watch the planetshaker ultraviolet conference. Managed to get tickets from Ben Low and his cell group leader. Thanks a lot, guys. The atmosphere was wonderful, jumping and singing, but I felt the lack of spirit from we Singaporeans, not a lot of jumping and singing, even though it was audible. After the performance, I bought the CD and went to get their autographs and they were talking about my Rangers T-shirt, about 'the golden rule, my daily rule' and blah... Overall I had lots of fun and I look forward to more of concerts from Hillsong and Planetshakers.

Inter-house debates

Today was Inter-house Debates. The topic is if this house will sue McDonalds. I was the reply speaker for both the prop and opp. The debates turned out quite fine, except for one guy on our team who was so un-debate like, bad standing posture, restated points without any additional info, said stuff like 'don't make any point of informations yet' and 'how many more minutes left' which might have caused us to lose the debate. Anyway I think I did quite ok and it was a learning experience, even though we lost both our debates. lol

RI vs HCI 'friendly' match

Today I ponned gym to watch the RI vs HCI soccer match at HCI. Got there the earliest and met up with a few of my old school friends. The match was pretty boring in terms of gamplay value but it was not without little entertainment. The referee got there late in the first place, and during the match, The HCI goalkeeper slipped while kicking the ball twice and the ball didn't go far and high. Then the linesman got hit by a ball and the HCI people missing a few their kicks, RI only missed one or two. Then during half time we got to take penalty kicks with the goalkeepers from each school trying to save our shots. Then in the second half, a blatant handball in the penalty box (damn obvious) from one of our players went unnoticed by the referee. Then in about the 6th minute, I left to go for a class. The score was 0-0 then.

Tests

Today was test day. 3 tests, from the first period of school till the last period, with breaks and lessons in the middle. It started with Maths, the subject that I'm pretty good at but always screw up. Today was not much of a difference. Screwed up the last question. Besides that was ok. Then there was science practical when I became a little spastic. It was pretty ok. Then was swimming for PE, the ultra love or hate sport. Then was 3rd lang test (German). The gramma part was good 18.5/20 (I think top in class) but the Luckentext (close passage) was horrible 3/15.
This week has been tiring. CCA on Monday, Swimming on Tuesday, Cross-country on Wednesday, swimming again today, and finally CCA again tommorow.

Drama Feste, NDP

The last two days have been spent for relaxing and enjoyment. On friday was drama feste. Went to watch the matinee show because I lost my night show ticket. silly me. Thought hullett was quite ok while the other two, buckley and moor were very emotional. However we won, somehow. lol. Saturday was National Day Parade prievew. Quite fun, except that this year's was not as good as the previous years. Have been to NDP for 7 times in the past 10 years, 6 previews and 1 NE show. Havn't actually been to actual day before, but have sat in all four sectors of the National Stadium before, including the grandstand. Have only been to padang once or twice, all others in the National Stadium, which is going to be demolished this year.

Hmm... maybe they could replace fireworks with money dropping from the sky?

SMO

Surprise. Surprise
I actually got 17th for SMO, beating people like NicChee and Ivan. I didn't even expect to make it past the first round.
And yes, NicChee has alreaddy pressed me on going to Maths Club.
Ivan was 'smart'. He ponned the special round because he woke up late which ended his chance of getting into the top 30. If he had gone for the special round, he sureyly would have gotten into the top 30.
IMO training is hmmm....boring? Stuck in a room doing maths for 3 hours with only a 10 to 15 minute break in the middle. And I'm sitting next to NicChee and Ivan, who rolls his chair all around the class. lol
RI got top (team) for both junior and senior sections, beating HCI and NUS high, which makes it even sweeter:)

Money and Spending

Many people think that I don't really spend a lot of money when shopping and that I am thrifty. But I tell you that's not the case. If you ever know what toys, items and gadgets I have at home, you would surely change your mind. Some of my gadgets are like my $600 train set, an I have a few of them, and other expensive stuff. Still think I don't spend a lot of money...

WC 2006 Ouarter Finals: Ger vs Arg

4-2 to the Germans on penalties. Simply fascinating.

Mid Year Review

Half a year has already been gone and I think it's been quite sastifying , if not good. Mid year GPA was 3.73, above what I expected. I think they moderate the marks a lot. Anyway I got 4.0 for History, Geog and Science, 3.6 for Maths and English, and 3.2 for Chinese. Luckily German wasn't counted; I'd probably get 2.8 or 3.2 for that. Anyway the holidays were spent slacking, playing and watching football from 9pm-5am, or at least to 2 am. School started today and there was a little wierd feeling, the feeling I always get when I go back to school on the first day. Everything turned out ok except that I got 65.5/100 for German. Argh...watever

SI 2006

We had some RE (Research Education) competition at HDB Hub yesterday and today about some Resource Management. We presented our half completed RE project which was about a green building yesterday and we were surprised to get into the top ten. Then we did another round of presentation before I rushed to church on bus 145 and reached there just on time. Could not lead worship yesterday. Then today wen't back again to showcase our project and there was prize presentation, where we got a consolation award and 100 dollars. I think we got 5th, jsut one spot away from a trophy, but it's just a 'think'. Enriching experience and I think the 100 dollars prize exceeded the effort we put in for the project.

MM

Ayiah, I've decided to scrap my blog post about what happened at Malaysian Montage, just look at the itinerary below.

Day 01 Tue 23 May 2006 (L & D)

0700hrs: Pick-up from RI and transfer to JB Second Link
0830hrs: Depart Second Link for Melaka.
En-route, stop briefly at Tangkak.
1130hrs: Visit to Mini Malaysia at Air Keroh.
1300hrs: Lunch (local style).
1400hrs: Cultural show showcasing ensemble of Malaysian culture.
1500hrs: Traditional games
1600hrs: Depart for Tiara Beach Resort, Port Dickson.
1730hrs: Arrive Resort and check-in.
Group Debrief
1900hrs: Group briefing for Day 2 Activities
1930hrs: Buffet dinner at hotel with traditional mock wedding.
2030hrs: Briefing by FRIM official at Tiara, Garden Terrace.

Day 02 Wed 24 May 2006 (B, L & D)

0700hrs: Morning PT
0730hrs: Morning briefing at Garden Terrace.
0800hrs: Breakfast at Garden Terrace.
0900hrs: Depart hotel for Putrajaya Tour.
1030hrs: Tour of Putrajaya.
1200hrs: Proceed to FRIM.
1315hrs: Arrive FRIM and proceed to lunch.
1415hrs: Canopy Walk.
FRIM Museum.
Group Debrief
1730hrs: Depart FRIM for Chinatown – Petaling Street.
1900hrs: Steamboat and buffet dinner at Nelayan restaurant.
2045hrs: Return to Resort.
2300hrs: Arrive Resort and Rest.

Day 03 Wed 25 May 2006 (B, L & D)

0700hrs: Morning PT at Bus Level.
0730hrs: Morning briefing at open-air theater.
0800hrs: Breakfast at hotel.
0900hrs: Team Building practical at Telok Kemang beach.
1230hrs: Lunch at Tiara.
1400hrs: Transfer to Casa Rachado Lighthouse trek start point.
1430hrs: Conduct of Lighthouse trek.
- Team Building & Leadership
1730hrs: Return to resort
1930hrs: Dinner at resort.
2100hrs: Post dinner activity

Day 04 Fri 26 May 2006 (B & L)

0700hrs: Breakfast at Resort.
0745hrs: School briefing.
0830hrs: Check-out resort and depart for D-Paradise, Alor Gajah.
1000hrs: Arrive D-Paradise and briefing by D-Paradise Resort official
1030hrs: Final Team Challenge
1300hrs: Buffet lunch at resort. Final briefing.
1400hrs: Movement to Singapore with rest stop at Pagoh.
1830hrs: Arrive at Raffles Institution.

End Of Tour



Updated 5 May 2006
(B-Breakfast; L-Lunch; D-Dinner)

I was in group 12, Terengganu with Mr Tan (CLE head), Ms Quah (Our Bio Teacher) and Ms Koh (school councillor). The trip was fun, except the resort (Tiara Beach Resort) which was like in the middle of nowhere, and the toilet was worse. There was no way we could bathe at night with the drips of water from the shower, for 3 nights. Port Dickson was cool. We could build moats (the real one) around castles with water not flowing out, and we dug many pools at the beach. There was the 200-300m canopy walk in FRIM which was cool. Then I got the silver heart at the end of the trip. Oh yeah, I only spent 13 RM (S$6) on the trip. On 2 Ramly burgers (4 RM each), one cup noodles (3 RM), arcade (1 RM), and one icy grape and 2 bubble gum (1 RM).

Back

Finally back from Malaysian Montage after 4 days. Had a good, hot shower and think of going to bed soon. Yawn... Will blog about the trip later.
(Tau gay sucks)

Joga MaMa

Tommorow, or rather today morning will be when I finally get to play competition football this year. Joga Bonito, or Joga 3 futsal will be held in our school tommorow, inter house. I'm playing with Vince and TYE but I injured my leg on Saturday while playing captain's ball in church after injuring someone else. She's better now. After today will be Tuesday where the whole Sec 2 cohort (abt 400 people) will be going to Malaysia till Friday. I haven't packed my bag. Argh. Must rush.

Mothers' Day

Today was cool. Morning and afternoon was the usual except I didn't go for music and so went home to slack. Then went to Church at about 3.45 with my Grandma where we had the comanders from outpost 11 to teach us about hiking. Saw a few commanders from ATC camp, like our patrol commander and junior commander (junior guide. haha). Quite fun except for the horrible amount of copying. Then had mothers' day celebration where we presented a modified version of 'Living Spring My Home' to the mothers. Quite happy with my and the group's performance, luckily we dodn't screw up. The girls pulled out becasue they were not confident (shalln't laugh at them even though I feel like). Then after service, I went to play soccer with the youth and the younger RR kids until 8 something where we went home.
Happy Mothers' Day

Post CT

CTs are over and today's the first day back to school. It was pretty boring, starting off with a rugby match with RI vs OFS. We won (of course). The Sec 4 had their soccer tournament whivh was very boring;90% of the games ended in 0-0 draws. Yawn. Then there was a mime skit, or rather, a play qhich was quite interesting before we went back to class for the Malaysian Montage admin stuff. Then went to 3rd lang where after waiting for 10 minutes after the bell rang, our german teacher still hadn't come. She always used to come early and so we thought she wouldn't be coming today. Then when we were just about ot leave, she came. Argh, cannot ponn.

GE 2006

The 2006 GE has just ended and as expected, PAP won again (sigh) with 66.6% of the votes. 666 seems like a bad number so hope that PAP will lose the next election. He he. Anyway I went down to the SDA rally at Potong Pasir on the day before polling day by myself to see Mr Chiam speak. I got there at about 8.30pm and there werquit some people (more than PAPs) and some SDA guy talking (forgot his face). Then was Mr Vincent ..... before Steve Chia. He's very pro, only 35 years and has gone for 3 elections already. Lost all 3. Sad. Then Mr Chiam came and everyone cheered for him. Then Mr Chiam gave his short 15 to 20 minute speech jus before the rally ended at 10pm. Then all his supporters carried and cheered him through the coffee shop and then thousands of them followed him all the way to his town council (I don't know if they were carrying him) which was about 500m away shouting "Potong Pasir, Chiam See Tong" It was very heartening. Then they all gathered round the town council and cheered him for about half an hour before the police asked the crowd to leave. Then I walked home.

I thought that the PAP tatics were pretty negative. Giving the residents $80 and $100 million if they voted for them and won the constituency. The PAP were using the gahmen's funds and not their own party funds which were contributed by the people. And when they provide the expensive upgrade, the residents also have to co-pay, which is quite a sum. They didn't win.

So Chiam and Low Thia Kiang won the two opposition seats, which was no better or worse than GE 2001. However, the Workers Party are getting stronger with their big crowds and high amount of votes while SDP are sinking into obscurity and trouble.

Go WP and SDA.

CT

Yay. It's (CTs) over.
(Actually it ended long ago)