The Final Decision...

Miguels, please rise.

We're all gathered here today to find the verdict of the whereabout this blog would be sentenced to. First, let us sing the Miguel Anthem. Mistro.

"La."

Thank you. Miguels, please be seated.

The final verdict of this blog has had its declarationdate delayed by a week. The jury has granted the Opposition's request to use this week to collect response over the cBox to see if there is any person who would support the closure of this blog. Verdict will resume next Wednesday. Court adjourned.

Now, back to what happened today.

Started off with going to Mom's office with Choppy to work for a couple of hours in admin stuff. After so, we were then treatd to lunch at Delifrance, where I had the ussual Smoked Salmon D'luxe. Once we were done, Choppy left to meet up wth some of her friends, while Mom and I went to CHIJ (Bukit Timah) to fetch Morriel from school.

Apparently, the new campus the school's building has just finished construction - a few weeks ahead of schedule. But the students will still get their extra week of holiday to compensate for the schooldays that were moved into this week.

Once Morriel was dismissed, we went back into the car and drove to KAP to buy her a MacDonald lunch and to get the ingredients for my BBQ tomorrow. Can't believe it's only less than 24 hours away, yet I wouldn't mind if I had somemore time to learn on what I can do to keep my guest entertained. In my class, everyone loves a good round of comm games, and with my only conciderably-advanced comm game stored into a lagging house computer, I don't know if there's anything besides the BBQ that can entertain them. God be with me!

After buying the stuff, Mom dropped me off at the Ford Factory museum, where I explored around to learn more about the surrender of Singapore. With the fact that not many people want to visit this museum at this period, I was the only person walking around the halls. Thus, I was also given some priveledges like a VIP preview of a documentary on the Japanese Occupation (Now I've got more ideas to use...) and the permit to stay a little longer than the closing hours so as to copy down the entire conversation between Percival and Yamashita.

Tim actually called me in the middle of my copying, so I kept a normal tone while answering his quiries about my birthday party tomorrow, without trying to give any hints that I was standing behind the spot where Percival sat and copying down the conversation of the two generals as fast as I could onto my graph pad with pencil (later replaced wih a red pen when I ran out of lead). He had been shocked many times before when he realised that I wasn't joking when I said I navigated my way to his house using Google Earth or whe I siad I asked the guides in charge of the Battle Box if we could film our documentary project in there, to get the response that the Box was already too full with wax models, so I felt that maybe I should leave out this detail.

So after visiting the exhibit twice, walking through the garden and road, and having a solitare premier of a documentary, I jogged my way down the path and out of the gates so that the guy in charge of the place could start locking up. Compiled with the notes I took at Fort Canning, I have a total of thirteen pages to use for my scriptwritting now. Theres...

Percival's uniform,...
Strategies used in the Battle of Singapore,...
Timeline of the Battle,...
Order of events that happened in the Battle Box (involving Percival),...
Journey from Fort Canning to Ford Factory,...
Yamashita's costume,...
Accounts of civilians during batle/post-battle/pre-battle,...
Details on how to accurately replicate the notification letter on the surrender of Singapore to British HQ,...
The order of translators used during the surrender of Singapore,...

Three pages worth of the conversation between Yamashita and Percival over surender AND...
A tiny note to remind me that Yamashita wasn't all bad and that he even wanted to symphatise for Percival at one stage (but couldn't say so because his translator was still very lousy).

Made my way to the bus stop and took a 184 home. But on the 184, I met up with a person. The same person who posseses 'recomendation' with 'the second highest abbundance'. Don't know his name, but when I saw him on the bus again, I didn't feel the anger like last time. I didn't feel anything at all and just boarded the bus like an average person. I was proud. Proud with God, that He really did clear out 'recomendation' once and for all. It's good to be free from the rage!

So when I got off the bus, got into the condo and boarded the lift, I danced a bit behind shut doors before acting normal again when the doors pulled open. The many things people don't catch me doing. "Don't be dissapointed if you never see me smile at you, 'cause when you turn away I may just be grinning back in glee response."

Ezekiel 34:11-12! God be with y'all!

Order! Order!...

Order in the Court, I say! Good. Now we've been called in today for the final call for debating over the sustaining of this blog. Call to address that your party is present. The Blog Supporter Party?

Mr. Raemiguel Lee and board are at present!

Okay, then. The Anti-Blog Community?

Mr. Raemiguel Lee and board are at present!

Judge and Jury.
Mr. Raemiguel Lee and board are at present!
Good, then. All parties are present. Leaders please stand forward and say the Oath of Truth.

I promise to say the Truth, the whole Truth and nothing but the Truth.

I promise to say the Truth, the whole Truth and nothing but the Truth.

I promise to judge the Truth, the whole Truth and nothing but the Truth.

Now let's get on with the Debate, the whole Debate and nothing but the Debate. The Motion for today's debate is that 'This house believe that this blog should be sustained'. Both parties have three minutes to elaborate on as many points as they can, since we've got minmal time right now. Proposition, begin.

Gentlemen, there are many reasons why we should keep this blog running. For my first point, I'd like to state that this blog would be a good archive for us all, and we can record whatever we've gone through in the past into this 'database'. From here, we could tell our children and grandchildren and many more generations to come about how we had lived. And furthermore, if we become famous somehow by the Glory of God, and if anyone needs todo research/documnetation on us, this blog would be very useful.

A second point I would like to hilight would be the most important - the initial purpose of starting this blog in the first place. Originally, this blog was founded by Mr. Raemiguel Lee as a digital form of a Christian journal. He found it hard to write his encounters with the Lord each day into a normal book, so felt it would be better if he could just type it out instead, since the Tablet was made available to him. Besides, publishing about how Christ had touched him and been with him through his life in a publicly-accessable place would also be good so as to use this site not only as a Journal, but as a Testimony Database...

Objection!

Refused!

Stand down. Opposition, speak.

In the area of 'testimony', would you like to state how you'd fare with sharing this testimony? Mr. Lee, please unscrol Exibit A. (Unscrol)

*Gasp* That's... 'recomendation'!

Exactly. Would you dare to share about 'recomendation' to your family? To your friends? To the public? You all know very well the wraft of 'recomendation', and how much shame it can bring to us all. Would you be willing to share about 'recomendation' when the time calls for it? Thank you. (Scrol)

Mr. Lee, I hope you remember that the Lord Himself allowed 'recomendation' to happen to us all for those three dreadful years for a purpose. A purpose we're not fully certain about, but nevertheless a purpose. It could be a way of saving fellow Christians out there since they're also going through something similiar or fully identical to 'recomendation'. You know very well about *****'s condition. He needs help. God will tell us when we should share about 'recomendation' for the safe-comfort of our struggling friends, and when the call comes we will share even if it means or reputation. A brother in need is more important than a reputation indeed. May I continue?

Resume your stand.

My third point is that you can use this blog for...

Timer has rung. Proposition please end. Opposition, begin.

Gentlemen, we must all be cautious of the disadvantages this blog can bring us. Firstly, it is time-killing. It kills too much time that we end up loosing work or sleep hours at times. We've tried our best to decrease time taken by blogging through the 'Non-thousand Essay' Move, which proved to be a failure as even friends had commented that a 'short' blog post created by us is concidered 'dull'. This proves that in order to sustain quality in the blog, we need quantity. And this quantity is sustained by time spent on blogging, a price I advice to not sustain. The amount of time spent could be used more efficiently on studying and projects, very imortant things to take note of at this age.

Secondly, this blog, due to the specials, can sometimes be the source of insults and conflicts between friends, even when not intended. For example, Exibit B shows Post: Academia Real del Imperio de Dan..., which had sparked a few complaints after publishing due to inaccuracies or just the embarassment of being posted onto a public site.

We've also seen how a couple of posts related to name puns caused great distress that lead to the Battle of Pun at the cBox. The cBox is our only communication to the other societies and we can't afford to have another war in there again! Even our allies, like the Shadow Union (now the Attelo Union) and the Lamentations Federation, had wanted to refuse us during the battle, something we do not intend to make a permanant reality...

Point of Information.

Yes, Sir?

I feel that these conflicts are well-understood to be 'unintended' already. Don't forget that we were complimented by a whole lot more people than critisized in Academia Real del Imperio de Dan.... The fact that even Jaira could say that it was smashing means a lot, Gentlemen. And even in the Battle of Pun, the SU and the LF came back to the cBox within less than a couple of days from the battle. We mean no harm, and they all know that. Think about it. Thank you.

Now, my third point would be the...

Timer has rung. Opposition please end. The Final Judgement would be made official and declared tomorrow. God be with us all, gentlemen. Miguels, dismissed.

Audieu, Blueandyellow...

That is IT!

The last straw!

The final blast!

I won't tolerate it anymore! I just can't stand it! Such improperness compelled into a small structure! I'm sad to say this, but I realy can't hold on much longer.

I will NOT take K1s again.

It's just painful to take it! And today was the last permitable chance to give to BlueandYellow. And she failed me.

Unstable.
Unsustainable.
Unsocialble
Even Ungentle, if there's such a word.

Ungentle meaning that she left me with another butt abration, something no other sport CCA would understand. One of the greatest fears of the butt abration is the agony it can burden you with in the shower. That's right, the shower. A canoeist or dragonboater with a butt abration would simply enjoy a nice good bath after a couple or so hours of training, unaware that a small stream of water from the shower spay is trickling down his or her back, just inches away from the scrapes of flesh, until it becomes too late.

The canoeist/dragonboater feels a sudden sharp sting in her tail bone area, and lets out a loud high-pitch scream, reguardless of the gender, trying his or her very best to endure the pain while searching desperately for a towel to wipe off the water that triggered the pain.

Ah, yes. I had to go through the butt abration again. And it hurts like as if you're sitting straigh onto a bayonette, with nothing to pull it back out except the tender grip of a towel, which would still leave a small reminence of the pain behind in the wound.

So no more K1s for me in the future, that's for sure. I'll do what I can to make sure Hao Qing comes regularly for training for the rest of our partnership lives. Not to the extent of blackmail or betrayal of course, but nevertheless, I'll do what I can.

I'm not gonna have those abrations again, especially. You can count on that.

"Surrender is an option I won't readily concider..."

Went to buy materials at Bras Basah and visited the Battle Box today. Tiring, but I pray it'll be worth the efforts.

Firstly, I had Water Training (as ussual). Once dismissed, I headed down the hill to the carpark toilet to change into something for me to go out into the city. While at the ussual area of the toilet where I ussually change, I found out that my Mom sent me an SMS, saying that both her and Dad were just nearby and that they would give me a lift, since Dad would be parking the car at his office at Orchard Rd, and Mom wanted to go to Bras Basah to buy files for her tution centre anyway.

Ending off that they were just a few minutes away, I quickly got out my bottle and went to the showers to bathe. Why do I need to bring a bottle for a shower? Well, at the carpark toilet, there aren't really any showers per say. Instead, there are low taps at the front of the small structure ready for public use, weather it be refilling of water bottles or rinsing mud off your sandals or, if you've guessed it, filling your 2l bottle with water and pouring it on yourself repeatively to shower.

Once rinsed, I went back to my bags to change into my clothes. Then I found a problem: I forgot to bring a towel. Now all soaking wet, how was I suppose to wear my dry clothes without having water spots all over? Well, think hard and you'd have thought of what I did.

First, flip the dry shirt inside-out. Then, softly dap the insides on the majorly wet parts of your body. Next, flip the shirt back rightside-out. Lastly, wear the shirt. That simple! You see, depending on the material of the shirt you have, the water may soak in on one side of the cloth, but not enough to soak to the other side. Thus, if you carefully damp the insides of the shirt on the water, it should act as a towel without showing from the outside that it was used!

Then a new problem: I forgot to bring a plastic bag. That one was a tough one, yet it was compulsory to solve since I had a full graph pad in my bag, and later a couple of bags of plaster of Paris. But as I walked out of the toilet, I passed by a trash bin filled with cartons that originally held the can drinks the vending machine had just been replenished with. And they were covered with the typical plastic coverings they ussually wrap around it.

Looking around for a clean plastic cover at the top of the pile, I ripped it off and wrapped my wet clothes tightly, shoving it into my bag before making my way to my parents' car, which had just arrived. Praise the Lord for purpose!

We then drove to Dad's office, where Mom and I then walked to the bank nearby before going to the bus stop to catch a bus heading to Victoria Street. Once there, we walked a little further until we reached Bras Basah Complex. For non-locals who are reading, this building is rather well-known in Singapore for their supply of books and art materials, along with minorities of other products. So when we arrived, I went straight up to Art Friend, while my Mom stayed at Popular.

Mom told me that she'd be staying around the area till 12.40, so anytime before that I could just give her a call if I needed more money for the materials. Checking the cashs both she and Dad gave me earlier this morning, I guess I had more than enough. Besides, I'd try to minimise on the purchasing so my group would have a smaller budget.

Oh, yah. I for got to explain why I went there (and later to the Battle Box). Remember the History Documentary Project I told you about a week ago or so? The film has a scene where bombers would air-raid a typical Singaporean street at that time, so I need to build a model of the street to blow up in the first place, which explains why I was at Bras Basah. Battle Box is just to give me a rough idea on what to write int the script (I'm Scriptwritter) and also to help Joel ask the tourguides if the group could film inside the structure.

So after shopping for a couple of bags worth of materials, I made a jourey all the way to Fort Canning Hill using my Uncle's street directory. Carrying a large bag of boards, I must had looks rather paculiar in the state I was in. But nevertheless, I made the journey and went all the way to the Battle Box to purchase my ticket for the tour.

Throughout the tour, I kept scribling notes into my graph pad, making sure I take in all the relevant details I needed. The tourgide noticed my alertness to his words, so he even allowed me to take photos around the area if I needed to. So much for attentiveness, haha!

After a few pages worth of notes, a rough tour around the building with an anti-Japanese tourguide and a comfirmation from the tourguide himself that filming isn't possible as there are way too many wax models to remove from the place for us to actually get useful shots, I headed along the rim of the hill to check if the cannons of Fort Canning would be useful to the film, which I soon found out that they were a century too early to be used. Once finished touring around the grounds of Raffle's House (as it was called), I made my way down the opposite side of the hill to the nearest bus stop, where I caught a 700 home.

Wow, the weariness you can get from a day of service to a project. Must go relax now...

Psalms 91:3!!! God be with you!!

Whirlpool in MacRitchie...

Ahoy there, mate!

Pardon me for my piratie terminology, but I've just came back from me premier on the movie, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, and methinks this is just part of recent-exposure to a film, and this side effect will fade away in due time. SO if I sound like a pirate during this post, please forgive me.

But anyway, the day starts with Canoeing, where we did the ussual sets, but for today we did fortlap. So for today, I had to remove my watch and attach it to the front of my cockpit so I could check the timings more easily instead of having to try to figure out what the digits flying around my left are saying.

Then after trainign, I changed and quickly headed for Orchard Road, where after a short meal at MacDonalds I met up with Uncle Alex to watch the movie with, since I did recieve two free tickets. After Uncle Alex settled a few matters in Lucky Plaza, we both went to the MRT station to take a train towards The Cathay.

My first time there, now renovated and made a little, if not a lot, more modern. And to my surprise, the theatre was all the way up on the 7th floor! That's rather... odd. But nevertheless, a movie's made to be enjoyed, no matter how high up into the atmosphere you're in.

Waiting another half an hour or less, it was soon time for us to get into the theatre. So after finding our seats, having a toilet break and watching a few minutes worth of trailers and advertisements, I had my chance to see PotC III!

Rather undefined in terms of plot, but interesting enough to satisfy a guy who loves colonial sail ships, like me. I shouldn't elaborate on what happens in the show, so as to save my friends who are coming to my birthday party from the satisfaction of their animosity. But thinking back, I end up realising things like;

- Me removing my watch and attaching it onto my cockpit to partially show that I'm doing my sets onboard the Old Tiger is a little bit like Davy Jones removing his heart and placing it into the Dead Man's Chest to permanantly to show that he's serving his duty as transporter of dead souls from this world to the next.

- Capsizing in a K is something like the 'Up is Down' scene, just that the boat's still moving and that there's no crew to rock the boat.

- It'll be very interesting if Mr. See was in his canoe paddling up the lanes using convertable blades, and another coach from an enemy school was paddling down down the lanes also with convertable blades, and suddenly one of the P.U.B. pipes underneath MacRitchie somehow burst, causing a whirlpool in the center of the reserviour. Then Mr. See and the other coach would paddle straight into the whirlpool, dismentle their blades, stand on their canoe seats and fence with each other with the blades in their hands. That'll replicate the 'Whirlpool' scene in the movie rather accurately!

And a few more thoughts.

Well, better get alone to relax my mind over the show. God bless y'all!

Where'd They Go...

Freeish day today. Very freeish.

Starts with the drive with my Mom to school, of which we couldn't listen to Paster Prince sermons since she left the CDs behind in the house. So we resorted to the radio, where on Class 95 the song 'Fame' was playing. Rather cheesy intro, but the main tune/instrumentals were interesting (A little note: I don't just listen to the vocals in a song - my mind can end up dividing the song into different instruments, and song appreciation is thus made extremely flexible.)

Then in school, things, like I said, were freeish.

Maths was mostly free-period, until Mr. Tan came into class towards the ending of his period, of which he used to brief us that there was going to be a project for us to do during the holidays. It was another group project which involved us presenting on a certain question using about any form of media, whether games, books, powerpoint, acting and so on. He used the typical 'loop' system to divide us into groups, and also assigned a leader for each group.

Apparently, I was assigned (as the majority of the class would classify) 'the worst group I could ever get'. Basically, I was the leader of a gathering that included Kirby, Matt, Raam and WYang, me being the leader. One by one, some people in the class were telling me that they pitied my misfortune, and I told them back that it was all for the Glory of God. Matt then asked if that was the only thing I could say.

Well, God did say that He uses the very things that look useless in this world to perform His miracles and shame people who think that they're superior in life because of their own deeds (1 Corinthians 1:27-29). Even I've seen how these verses work out. What makes this project any different?

After Mr. Tan made us tikam-tikam ('lucky-draw') our questions, he left the class with final instructions and went his way. I had Question 5, which I'll find out what it is once I get back home and search LMS.

While keeping our Maths stuff, I overheard Tim, Jai and some others talking behind me about the groups that we all recieved and how unfortunate some of them were to recieve so-and-so members because of so-and-so traits. But they all agreed on one thing - I was truely unfortunate. Joining them in their discussion, I watched as they marked down each of my members on how much work they'd contribute, or more like how much work they'd NOT contribute.

I then asked if I needed to push them hard through labour for projects like this, mimed out a whip and 'slashed' the edge of Jai's table. Tim responded that it would surely be necesary, 'although Juun Kit would love to be whipped by you.' Feeling that that sounded rather weird, I quickly 'dropped' the whip and wiped my hands on my shirt.

Language Arts B = Free Period (I took part of this time to photocopy my Report Card for Mr. See. Had a nice chat with the photocopying uncle about taxes in school fees! The rest was spent on watching PotC:Dead Man's Chest with Raam on his PC.)

Computer Science = Deleted

Oh, yah. ComSci was taken over today by a talk on Comic Drawing. We were told to bring our tablets to give our shots on the stuff (Tablet features are rather 'perfect' for comic drawing), but I had a flat battery so I had to miss out on all the fun. How sad.)

Then after the talk, we had Recess. Went down, bought the ussual two tao sar baos and sailed through the SAC until I found a nice colonial place to settle at, which today was apparently with the main mixed group of HPPS and a few ACPS. Toj was asking me why I always buy baos for Recess, and I was about to give him the lengthy explaination as follows:

"Well, I've discovered that baos are very convenient to bring around the place, so if I can't find anyone to sit with I could just keep walking around the SAC until I'm done and leave. Then it's also very suitable for time, since the servings are rather palm-sized and easy to predict on. After meals, I can also just dispose of the paperbag into any rubbish bin in my way to the exit(s) instead of having to walk all the way to the specific shop I bought my meal from and returning the cutlery before being able to make my leave. The bao shop is also next to the Oasis stall, so if that also acts as a reminder for me to estimate if I need to buy any drink(s) to refresh myself before moving on to eating with others. And lastly, Mr. See had already imposed a full Competition-Season Embargo, so I can't eat intensely oily stuff like the pratas you're eating, and also explains why I can't celebrate on Fried Food Day anymore. Besides, this is only gonna last for this term - Last term, my most frequent food item in this SAC would be the Doughnut, followed by the Chicken Burger, so I'm always changing my food preferences on a termly basis so I won't get too dull on anything here. Bon appetite."

But I wanted to spare him from the animosity, so I simply told him:

'Bao is the new Doughnut."

Then more and more people were joining the table, and the conversations were getting interesting, so I tried to eat slowly so I could stay longer. But my baos were slowly but surely fading away from my bag, so once they were finished, I decided to go and buy one last lotus bao and return just to extend my time.

So I left, bought the bao and went back to the table to catch the guys laughing about something, which Tim later insisted was 'not meant for Ben or you.' Stood at the edge of the table, and tried tosee where everyone was in any present conversation. But just then, I realised that the topic was now about computer games. And they were talking about the recent crazes which the class, even Jai and Ben, had had the pleasure in playing.

Something I couldn't relate to.

So I stood back and watched as they used terms I wasn't really familiar with.
Mig
Company (a.k.a. anyone else in the SAC)

Need not look at me
Just your Tablet PC
I won't seen the gaming me yet
Give me time I'll have to forget the rest

I got more in me
But not MvCC
I can't Forestmoon with my friends
But despite who I am

Remember my name
Lame
I'm gonna leave forever
I am not learning to try
Sigh
I feel alone altogether
People won't see me FarCry

Lame
I'm goin' before eleven
Fright up the class with a name
Lame
I'm gotta have endeavour
Need not remember my name

You lamer
You lamer
You lamer
You lamer
You lamer
You lamer
You lamer
You lamer

Tried to play the fight
But I don't know the right
You can shoot me: call me a flop
In a game, I'd stake all I've got to 'live'

Ever I'd be tough
Too much is not enough
Press the controler till it breaks
Ooh I know it is fakes

Lame
I'm gonna leave forever
I am not learning to try
Sigh
I feel alone altogether
People won't see me FarCry
Lame
I'm goin' before eleven
Fright up the class with a name
Lame
I've gotta have endeavour
Need not remember my name

(Slowly backs away from Table and SAC)

You lamer
You lamer
You lamer
You lamer
You lamer
You lamer
You lamer
You lamer

Once done with my bao, I quickly left the table and made my way to the classroom. Well, obviously I wouldn't be so emo as to really believe in the edited song as stated earlier, but the dissapointment that I have one disability theme which I can't use with the rest of the guys who I presently know dawns in time after time.

And it's those momments where I remind myself that there are other things besides computer gaming which I can communicate with others, which is proven by the fact that I'm highly regarded in the class as an exampliary gentleman. And besides, God's always there beside me, and at one stage or another He went through what I am going through now while He was made into a man. So I'm never actually... 'alone'.
(Bursts into classroom)

FAME!!!
I've got'da joy forever
I'm gonna learn how to fly
High
I may not be like a gamer
But they will see me alive
Fame
I'm gonna live with my Saviour
Give it a try without shame
Fame
I'm gonna strive forever
Baby remember my name

Remember
Remember
Remember
Remember
Remember
Remember
Remember
Remember

Remember my name
Raem!!!

Besides, I'm not THAT unknoledgeable about comm games. I play Rise of Nations, and I've got prior knowledge on GTA. That's good enough to satisfy the doubts.

Anyway, when I came back to the classroom, I found Mdm Kavita at the front of the class announcing to us that there was more homework to be added onto us through the holidays. For her case, we had to read up on the remaining abstracts in the Pink Booklet and do the questions provided in pointform onto flashcards so we could revise for the Oral Presentation which we're doing for exams next Term, just that she used a whole lot more sentences to convey this message than I just did. LA'B' was to be checked on LMS.

After her long and far-dragged announcement, she left the room, leaving behind a greatly distressed class screaming at the top of their voices behind closed doors that they hated the idea of a school break being taken advantage of by, well, homework.

I have to admit, being able to complete everything (P Sci Show-and-Tell, ISO Surveying and Compiling of Results, History Documentary Filming, Life Science Gene Therapy Research, Maths Holiday Assignment/Question Product Presentation, Language Arts 'A' Flashcards, Language Arts 'B' Written Assignments) in four quick weeks would be an adventure indeed. But personally speaking, I don't feel that much effected by the extra load.

The many things I'd want to do in my spare time wouldn't be enough to occupy four weeks, so Canoeing trainings/competitions and projects are somewhat a way to occupy the remaining space, even if it means killing a bit of time from the stuff I want to do in the first place. And besides, some of the projects are actually quite fun, so I'm not going to complain about those. The tough ones add a chalendge to the theme, so there's good twist to the whole relaxation period.

But nevertheless, I doubt my class would fully agree with me. They've all got different lifestyles altogether, and no two of them are identical, so I'll just stand back until the senario of someone actiually asks how I actually can smile at a crisis like this, of which I'd reply with the ussual, "Because God gave me the love and peace to go through this, and I know very well He'd never give me anything too much for me to handle." (a.k.a. "By the Grace of God!")

The class then went up to the lab for P Sci Practical, which we were remarked as late despite our explaination that Mdm Kavita held us back all because of her suppose-to-be-short announcement. We then continued practicing the use of pipettes and something-else-which-measures-accurate-volumes. Rather fun, and at least now I understood how the things work. But soon, we were dismissed from the cheap thrills of chemistry an left for a second Recess.

Which lasted through the rest of the day since there was no Chinese'B'/Chinese or ePOD. So during this time, I also helped Jaira photocopy his result slip since I was also on the way to the photocopying room (I realised that I also needed to give a copy of my results to Josh Renee (Is that how you spell it?)). He didn't have change with him, so he paid me with a guitar puck. I accepted the offer since after all the guitar in my house seems rather lonely and plucking with a puck seems easier than with your nails.

After school, I met the rest of the Canoers at he bus bay for Dragonboating again, this time I forgot to bring tow distinct gear for such - my 2l water bottle and my Dragonboating seat. And in the hot weather the day could provide, the water bottle seemed more precious. No one's allowed to share water bottles onboard, mind you. But as much as my uncertainty of my survival in the middle of a hot seawater bay without fresh water, I had to go for the thing anyway with only my God to trust that I'd not faint of dehydration.

And shockingly enough, I actually survived! Many rounds of sprints at Kallang in normal weather conditions and I actually didn't get headaches! Praise the Lord almighty!

After training, I joined the main bulk to go to Kallang MRT station and had a couple of trains to Orchard Road, where I did some research on the History project at Borders for a few minutes before meeting up with my Dad. In my opinion, General Percival looks, erm generally geeky. High waistline, high socks, crossed legs when standing. If JKit really wants this role, I guess he'll have to endure the looks. And Yamashita is actually chubby, nothing like Tim. I gues I really have to plan out the cast further now...

Once met up with both parents, we went back home and I finally had a good place to rest my head (and bottom) for the day. *sigh* The relaxing feeling of it all. Well, leave me to my relaxing, and God bless y'all...

The General Idea...

Today, I had to do parking duty for Aldersgate Church. For those who don't know, that's the Church related to my school. So since the duty was in the evening, and school ends at 2.40, and since Tim and Kirby invited me for Lunch again, and since by the time Lunch ussually ends I'd have only enough time to go home for half an hour and come back (something I wouldn't consider worth the trouble), *gasp*

I had to stay in school for a total of 13 hours.

A new record, I must say, for a normal school day. The one before that was 10 hours, but that's because of Land Training so I'll accept that one.

Well anyway, minus the hours spent on lessons and on the duty itself and I guess you should end up with 3.5 hours. Spending it on staring at the Clocktower feels dreadful though, so let's see how I spent it.

First was the Lunch itself, where I was once again invited by Tim and Kirby. I'm rather impressed that they'd want to invite me often these days. To think that I first came into this school totally stripped from all the friends I had back in Nanyang, and now to even have favor from the locals, the ACPians themselves.

Anyway, we had Lunch and a few interesting conversations. I also ended up asking Tim about details about the Lighthouse event he wanted to invite me to. I paused at the part where I asked if it really was a youth service.

Youth service. Been over a year since I last joined one. Had my reason(s) to leave, dissapointing reason(s) more like it. Reasons I pray wouldn't be the same for other Churches. But Tim's the third person to invite me for a session this year, after Ben from Eternal Life and the other guy from the D.A.R.E. ministry. God really wants me to enjoy worshipping Him with fellow teens again, I can tell. The problem is, where do I go? I'll have to pray about that part, I guess...

Then while Kirb and TIm went to the toilet, I sneaked out to send my bags to the lockers for safe-keeping. When I returned, they were just about leaving and were wondering where my bag(s) went. After telling them, and explaining the reason, Tim lamented for my retaining and had to leave for his home while Kirby decided to stay since he was, as quoted by him, 'bored'.

So we spent the next half-an-hour irritating Ting Wei with 'Low' 'Ting' and "Wei' puns while he was eating lunch, then later searched a quater of the school to check if Justin stayed back to play Kingdo of Loathing (KOL). While searching, we met up with David, who was also staying back for duty and was about to make his way to the Pool Cafe. So we both joined him.

At the Cafe, we somehow decided to play at the games corner in the cafe, a section I never knew existed until today. We played a boardgame related to werewolves and vampires, and every 5 or so minutes Kirby would say something like, "We must check the manual!" to any question about what to do next in the game, of which killed 5-10 minutes per checking. Never knew Kirby would be so manual-wised. But I guess I did recieve the same surprized feeling when I heard him play the piano, so I shouldn't say anything.

With the game, we sucessfully killed the remaining hour(s) from duty and so made our way to the Boardroom (except for Kirby, who still wanted to wait for me so ended up standing outside playing with spiders and cobwebs).

Mark and Vieshaalan were just discussing with each other the dispersal of all the prefects told to come down using the whiteboard-size map of the school compound. Not bothering to listen yet, I just sat down at the sofa and rolled the stuffed-toy snake around my neck to comfort myself after a hard day in school. But after a few seconds, David dragged me off so I could assist him in purchasing dinner for a few of the prefects.

I rebelled for a few minutes, but soon gave in once he succeded in getting me out of the Boardroom. Kirby saw us and also joined in the journey. After purchasing duck rice, chocolate bars, can drinks and a packet of bandung (that one was for me), we headed back to school, leaving me just enough time to run to the classroom and get my bag (along with the contents of my locker) down into the Boardroom for convenient safe-keeping.

Then there was the Briefing. As the remaining Prefects that were called for this duty sat down opposite the map (the whiteboard-sized one), Vieshaalan stood up and started telling us in a military tone (probably for comic-relief sake) where and when who had to do what. For me, I was assigned the Round-a-Bout to greet guest that were entering the compound, telling them the directions to the CPA if they didn't know. Then once Carpark 1 and the entire AstroTurf border was fully occupied, which I would be able to tell once there are three cars parked after the Round-a-Bout Yellow Box, I had to move up to Carpark 1 to signal cars to not enter the area and direct them further to the SAC Carpark.

Seemed chalendging enough. Once briefed about what to do, we headed out to our respective assigned areas and did our thing. For me, I went to the Round-a-Bout's Lift and stood there like a Lift Attendant, which I actually was after attending to the lift cluster after cluster of middle-aged Christians attending today's talk. Seems like today's topic was going to be interesting. kirby told me he'd be entertaining himself by reading comics using his Tablet somewhere at the benches.

Soon it struct 7 in the evening, and the talk had assumably started in the CPA. And around that time, I found that the three remaining car slots after the Yellow Box were occupied, so I ran up to Carpark 1 to block the entrance and guide cars further down th road. After a few minutes of guiding cars, Kirby somehow found me there and helped along by blocking out one of the carpark lanes. Thanks!

Soon, however, there were a few cars which told me that they found a few lots at the edge of the carpark, so I ran down to check the area and indeed there were a few slots. So I ran back and told the next few cars that those slots were blocked by renovation materials (which was technically correct for one of the slots) and later allowed another three cars to park inside.

The last car that came in had a couple of Indian men who wanted to meet up with another set of friends/relatives who were at the other end of the school. The problem this time was that neither of them could tell us which end of the school they were, so we couldn't give them directions. Then one of the men called up with those people and asked for where they were, only to supply me, Kirby and Vieshaalan (who just arrived at the scene) details we couldn't really comprehend.

We then decided to simplify matters by brining them to the CPA, where they could meet up with the 'others' when other prefects guide them up there too. But since Debrief was about to start and I had to go to the Boardroom on the dot, Kirby volunteered to bring them there. How nice!

After an averaged-length Debrief and small refreshments, we were dismissed and so I met up with Kirby to walk with him to the bus stop, when my Mom called and told me they (Mom and Dad) could fetch me since they were nearby at Holland Rd. On behalf of Kirby, I also asked the if they could give him a lift to his place, which was just 5 minutes away from our place. They agreed, but when they asked me what Kirby was doing in the school compound at 7ish in the evening, all I could do was excessively cough in loaughter and say,

"Well, let's just say he was 'bored'."
(Which, for those who don't know Kirby, is actually the full correct answer.)

After sending him home, and arriving home myself, I had a nice bath to soothen the muscles (mmm....) and then decided to break my curosity on my Dad's sword by trying it on myself. With my Dad's permission(I told him I wanted to test it out to see if it was something we could use for the History documentary, which is also technically true), I took the sword down from the rack and wore it on, along with a bit more... 'uniform'. And here's what I got:


I don't join Uniform Groups, so don't blame me for inaccuraies. This was purely based on memmory and references to my Dad's military books. I have a strange feeling General Miguel Serverino Lee isn't generally looking general, if you catch my drift.

God bless y'all!!! He knows and loves you!!!

All for Daddy...

A fight with boredom.
Had to attend a police talk.
Now requires reflections.

All for Daddy.

Quickly went down.
Bought a quick lunch.
Boarded the bus.

All for Daddy.

Found no partner.
Had to paddle in solitude.
Eternal pain in my guts.

All for Daddy.

Ran to the back alley.
Changed into something comfortable.
Still clutching on my abdomen.

All for Daddy.

Wanted to take the taxi.
Ended up with the bus.
Two buses, in fact.

All for Daddy.

Dropped off at the wrong stop.
Had to walk the extra mile.
Ran out on my water.

All for Daddy.

Went into the Plaza.
Searched high and low.
Found it there at last.

All for Daddy.

Asked to have it with five large candles.
Ended up with four.
Recieved the change with shakey hands.

All for Daddy.

Found no cash in my card.
Had to walk back home.
The painful walk.

All for Daddy.

After half an hour.
Made it to the back gate.
Praised the Lord with final steps.

All for Daddy.

Despite the many things that I had to go through today, I kept my promise in buying a gift for Dad, even through the pains and sweat of the journey. And after it all, it just feels worth it. The least I could do for what he's done for me as a father.

All for Daddy.

-'Miguel Fusianalo'

(Happy Birthday, Daddy!)

No more 'Mr. Nice Guy'...

Hee hee, don't worry. I'm still the 'good Miggy' (as quoted by ZWei) made by the grace of God. But today's sermon by Pastor Prince was rather towards this topic in the sense of not being nice to a threat to the Body of Christ (the entire Christian family).

I won't describe the sermon to much detail, as I assume it was a sermon made out of anger against the 'soft Christians' and so I doubt I'd have the perfect mind to explain the terms. But what I'll depict, though, is this: Brothers and sisters of Christ, if you know about someone(s) who is conning the Church, please do not hesitate to have actions against him. Don't use the love of Christ as an excuse - the love for a person not willing to trust in the Lord should not be made at an expence of the disadvantage of many others who want to seek Him more.

Even Jesus Himself rebuked people who were trying to preach the wrong message because they wanted to have their own credit. An example of this would be in Luke 13:10-17. The passage states (as from the NIVersion) that;

10On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, 11and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. 12When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, "Woman, you are set free from your infirmity." 13Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.

You should be thinking that everyone present would be rejoicing in great happiness that Christ had healed this woman, right? Well, apparently, not everyone liked the idea that Jesus was gaining credit for healing someone...

14Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue ruler said to the people, "There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath."

For those who are already aware, Christ died for everyone - past, present and future - so through the blood of Jesus we have the authority over life. That includes healing. And it also includes 24/7 sustaining. But this synagogue ruler decided to preach to the people that it was wrong to heal on the Sabbath.

Now take note that this is NOT Jesus' synagogue. Of course, Jesus owned everything that was dedicated to the Messiah, but as a man He had no ownership on that building. And as such, Jesus was something like a 'guest speaker' at that momment, and not a 'full-time pastor'. And yet, he still had the guts...

15The Lord answered him, "You hypocrites! Doesn't each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? 16Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?"

In front of the synagogue ruler, He'd actually reprimand him face-to-face and call him a 'hypocrite' ('fraud' or 'playactor' in other versions). Not even a calm "I don't mean to be rude,..." or anything of that sort, but a flat "You hypocrites!".

17When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing.

And if you think Jesus had the guts only because He knew he was directly related to God, well there are many men in the Bible who followed this 'strictness' against those who tried to spread false messages or con the Church.

6They traveled through the whole island until they came to Paphos. There they met a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, 7who was an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus.

(For those who don't know their Arabian, the term 'Bar-' is used as a prefix to mean 'Son of', a little something like 'Bin-' but not necessarily Muslim. So to think that this sorcerer, a man of witchcraft, actually had the cheek to say he was the 'Son of Jesus'...)

The proconsul, an intelligent man, sent for Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God. 8But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith.

So the proconsul wants to seek God now - but nooooooooo, Elymas wanted to go against the way of the Lord, probably because he didn't want to be fired from the post of attendant. So what does he get for this move?

9Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, 10"You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? 11Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind, and for a time you will be unable to see the light of the sun."

Note that Saul was filled with the Holy Spirit before he said those harmful words. So even the Holy Spirit was angry at Elymas for trying to stop Him/It from woking into the heart of a willing new-believer. And also note that God's mercy was also present in this forfiet (..., and for a time you will be unable...) so you can't blame Him for not showing any compassion for the guy.

Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand. 12When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was amazed at the teaching about the Lord.

So don't wait if you know that someone is faking the Church and taking advantage of It, whether it be offerings or sermons, and quickly do something about it already!

After Church, Mom, Morriel and I went back home to fetch Daddy and Choppy so we could go for Lunch at a restaraunt near-by Mom's office. Nic efood, I must say, and I love the olive rice!

Then we went home to slack off for the day. For my share, I stayed in my room and watched some old episodes of 'Whose Line Is It Anyway' on my computer. Played a few rounds of MineSweeper with Shil on Msn (Yay! I won him 2-1!), discussed some details on my B-day party with Raam and recieved word from Tim that he wanted to let me listen to another song from the Believers again.

I don't know how I could thank Tim at this stage - he's been giving me songs after songs, and I can't give anything back in return as he has literally every song I have (Christian, Musical, Pop, even High School Musical!...). But like in Acts 3, I'll assist him in anything he needs and that I can give as a Christian, just like how Peter gave what he had - the authority of healing - onto the lame man. And don't get me wrong - if any of my friends need help, whether Believing or non-Believing, I'll do what I can to help you through the situation and will pray for you. Just tell me your problem (I'll promise to keep it secret, if you'd like), and I'll pray for you.

Soon in the evening, Spider-man II was on TV, of which the family gathered around the Living Room to watch 'Uncle Wu' attempt to fight against Spider-man [Morriel thinks that Dr. Octopus is actually Uncle Wu, and I must admit they both are very similiar - just as chubby and with the same facial features as each other, and both love to play around with robotics (One, robotic arms; another, robotic toys) - only difference is just that one has brown hair and one has mid-black.]

Morriel even cried when she watched 'Uncle Wu' drown himself along with "the power of the sun" in order to save New York, and for a few seconds was afraid Uncle Wu was gone forever. How touching.

Well, I'll just end off with these two bloopers:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4D7yXmiWfw&mode=related&search=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgVJF0xQPH4&NR=1 (For those from 2.10, listen carefully at 2.42, and you may be creeped out...)

God bless y'all! Romans 5:20!

Long Hard, Pull Hard...

DRAGONBOATINGDRAGONBOATINGDRAGONBOATING!!!!!

Yay, today's my first Dragonboating Training session this year, and it's been a long time since I tortured myself along with the others at Kallang! But I'll come to that later...

The day starts with going to school with the new 'dragonboat seat' I asked my parents to buy for me. It's not really meant to be a dragnboat seat (Hey, it was from Ikea...) but it's designs and material (something foam-related, I think) is suppose to help sustain a better grip between you and the real dragonboat seat. Besides, who'd want to constantly struggle to avoid slipping off the fiber-glass slabs at a time like a dragonboat competition?

Anyway, made my way to the gym to do the ussual 5 sets of chin-ups. Had an interesting conversation with Leon, Kenneth, Eugine and Mr. See, which involved topics from the problems the school faces in its timetables to the type of tans we each have. Mr. See was trying to tell us how our tans ussually transist to white from the rist onwards, and asked me if he was right. I removed my watch to reveil the distinct watch tan I had and so Mr. See imitated the famous Japanese animae-based 'triple sweat'.

He told me that he also had the same thing once during his teenhood, but with more bands so it looked like a result from Agarose Gel Electrophoresis, then went on telling us the different types of crazy tans he's seen throughout his canoeing life, like the one where a senior kept on smearing the words 'ACS' on his arm using sun tan lotion before every training session until after a few months the letters were permanantly imprinted on his arm. Oh, and also the one where another senior was so fat, he had flabs around his body when he sat in a canoe and thus by the time he got out of the boat he had stripes of white all over his abdomen.

The many stories you can get out of Mr. See!

But despite the talk-and-walk sessions, we all still did our 5 sets, me doing a 12-10-9-7-5. Then I remembered I promised Hao Qing I'd tell Mr. See he couldn't make it today for the dragonboat training because of CIP. He then told me to tell HQing to still turn up for training if he had his gear with him, and that he'll deal with the teacher-in-charge of the CIP. Ah, well.

Left the gym and went to class to meet up with the point10ers, until Assembly when I had to chase them out altogether. Question mark.

After assembly was PC, which I later found out was to be spent on the watching of any film of the class' choice. That explained the missed call I recieved from Tim last night, as he wanted to ask me to bring PotC: Curse of the Black Pearl. Good thing, though, was that Joel brought his disc sowe also ended up watching the show anyway. After a few class matters were settled, we sat around the projector screen and began to watch the show.

ZRong was just behind me, and threatened to jab me if I got over-excited on the ships in the show. Okay, maybe I should just clarify a few things here. I admit, I love ships for their designs and interpretations of freedom. I admit, that's one of the few reasons why I love canoeing/dragonboating. I admit, that's also why I find interest in PotC to a high level. I even dare admit, that's why I pray that when I retire into my 60s, I'd have owned a yatch, a sail boat at the minimum.

BUT, but but but, I'm not MADly in love with ships to the extent that I'd die for them. I'll stare at a model of a cruise liner for a few minutes or so, but if I have something to attend to I wouldn't hesitate to move off for whatever it is. And I'm NOT the No. 1 PotC fan. True, I'd pay for my ticket to watch the movie even if it'll cost the worst (And in Singapore, the worst is ussually $9). But I'm not the 'NO. ONE fan' - more like the No. Sixth-million-fifty-seventh-thousand-eighth-hundred-and-fourty-second fan. So don't blame me for madness over ships; I may have a fever or two, but NOT a madness. If you need to blame me for a madness, blame me for being mad over Christ.

Anyway, after the show, we had P Sci, where we wer being briefed on the P Sci 'Show-And-Tell' project, and the different subjects available for us to Show-and-Tell about. Just as I was abut to walk over to ZRong's table to meet up with the group I promised to join (Shil, ZRong and me), JKit popped by and told me to join him and Tim. By the sound of that, I got confused and wanted to explain myself when ZRong also popped in and debatd his point that he reserved me first. Tim then came in to argue that he reserved me yesterday, tricking ZRong into counter-attacking with the excuse of reserving me a couple of days ago, when we all knew that the project was only announced yesterday.

I stood there watching. And if I were an animae character, I would have had a couple of sweat droplets running down my left cheek already. But soon, Tim gave in and ZRong dragged me along to his table to show me his research (which started last year, to be technical).

We then had free-period (LA'B'). Erm...

PE was just schocking. The ussual routine of choosing between soccer and basketball, I chose basketball since I thought I had my fair share of soccer this week from the class camp. We then divided ourselves over and over again until we ended up satisfied with the groups, and started to play ball. What I find tough about basketball is that the ball has an extra coupleof directions to move - Up or Down. In other words, the difference between Soccer and Basketball is that the ball moves in a 2-D and 3-D formation respectively.

And I find it hard to keep track of the ball in this case, especially when there's half the class also influencing the movement and direction of the ball. Thus what I decided to do was just to chase after the ball and see if I could do anything, but quickly move away from the ball when you see that someone in your team who is more professional in the sport, e.g. Michael, so as not to block his better plan.

Well, at least I touched the ball once, and that's all I need to know to be satisfied. But the mere fact that I once saw almost the entire class play basketball together - even the geeky, the unfit and the undetermined (basically, those you never expected) - I'm just frightened that I'm lagging back in this area. The thought that I'm just an additional player placed there just to keepthe game fair lerks in once in a rather long while, and the certainty that I'm not alone in this view starts to decrease within the period of thinking. But it ussually flings back up when I remind myself of God, and that He'll never abandon me through the things I go through, no matter what. That's why I never feel 100% alone anytime.

Later in the day, we also had to attend to the Lee something something Speaker of the Year Awards (Chinese), of which, through my constant observations over the many people around me, I knew not many could understand a word the speakers were saying. But for one of the items performed to kill time during the wait for the judges' decisions, __________ was involved in a _________, and for once he looked very impressive! He was very fluent on the stage, and I made the greatest of efforts to catch the punchlines he opened. Very funny, I must say, esspecially the part where they were making fun of translators (人山人海 = People Mountain, People Ocean; Haha!). Man, I'm gonna congradulate that guy next fall-in...

Dismissed at 3, I quickly rushed to the classroom to get my bags (and seat) and headed down to the bus bay, leaving my bags (and seat) there along with the other team members and dasking through the SAC to hurrily buy a Lotus Bao. But watching through the window that my team suddenly leave for the bus, I had to shove the whole bao down my mouth and rush for my ags just in the nick of time.

Speaking of nick, I had to sit at the back of the bus with Nick Lam because al the other seats were taken up with due lateness of arrival. Yay! For those who don't know, the back seats are ussually reserved for the Year 4 and above and the Club Committee, including Captain, Vice-Captain, ex-Comm and etc.! So I had the chance to sit beside the high-level guys in the team and watch them in their cheekiest of colours! Praise the Lord!

During the drive to the Sports Center, Mr. See was checking each and everyone of us if we brought our water bottles. And for a place like Kallang, a simple 500ml Ice Mountain bottle is concidered as mere pathetic. Sir specifically specified for 2L bottles during the last training, so no one had much of an excuse to not buy a bottle. But apparently, I forgot to buy myself one, so I had to fearfully wait for Mr. See to pass by and look at me.

Watching him slap the people before me who've not brought their bottles, I squinted my eyes and prepared myself for the slap too. When Sir saw me, he lightly slapped my cheek and moved along after a sarcastic joke in place of a warning. Phew, that was close. And a good thing that it was drissling then, as that would mean that the seawater would have been diluted already by the time we arrived there for training, thus I wouldn't dehidrate as badly as under the scortching mid-summer sun or surrounded by high salt-content. Double phew.

Also on board the bus, it was discovered that Joshua Wu brought alond 3 pairs of sunglasses and a pair of ski goggles along with him for this training. When Mr. See saw this, he immediately went towards his seat, shouting, "EVIL! EVIL! Those things are EVIL! Put them back in your bag! You are not bringing those EVIL things onboard the dragonboats! They're just EVIL! EVIL, I tell you! EVIL!" Very ammusing watching Mr. See bonce around the bus like a cartoon character!

When we arrived at the same place we've always gone to for Dragonboating each year, memories flooded my eyes. (Wah, so chim one ah.) The sky was still drissling, so the soil was damp like MacRitchie's. The smell of rotten eggs still lingered in the air like yesteryear, a good reminder of the struggles we had to go through in the past, what struggles we should sustain in the present and what struggles we should strive for in the future. The boats were almost as good as untouched since the last time I came, and a couple of bails were required for the boats we reserved for ourseleves.

After storing our belongings in Mr. See shed and getting our paddles and life jackets, we were then assigned to the different seats available on the boat. I'm at present sitting at the second row, along side Eugine. How ammusing. We then went down the moss-slippery steps to the pontoon below and boarded the boats the traditional way, which was to hold all the boats together until you made a 'raft' of un-used boats between your group and the boat your group is taking (the one at the furthest edge). Once the Year 1s had a hang of this method of boarding, we were ready to disembark, after Leon (front row, along with Nick Ng) finishes tieing away the knot that strings us to the pontoon.

We had a slack training today, paddling around the river from the Indoor Stadium to the Benjamin Shearse Bridge, and with Mr. See floating around us in his special canoe giving us pointers here and there. A good way to start off our Dragonboating Season. For those who want to know what it feels like to train in or shoes, here's what ussually happens. We'd ussually paddle in sets of 500m, and throughout the sessions, the 5 main commands you need to be alert for are "Ready, Go!", "Easy!", "Hold Water!", "Draw Water!" and "Back Water!" - commands either than that are ussually related to these five, so they'd be explained after a related main command is said.

And to maintain a good rhythm in the boat (for no one likes, as Mr. See would call it, 'A floating spastic caterpillar on drugs') we have to count every stroke we paddle as a team. The two ways of counting are Numbers and Long Hard, Pull Hard. For Numbers, you'd simply count, "1... 2... 3..." all the way to "9... 10, Go 1... 2... 3..." and it repeats itself until the coxen says "Easy!". For Long Hard, Pull Hard, well it's basically like counting "Left, Right" in marching, just that more intense. So It'll be like;

Starboard Deck: Long hard!

Port Deck: Pull hard!

Starboard Deck: Long hard!

Port Deck: Pull hard!

Starboard Deck: Long hard!

Port Deck: Pull hard!

And so on until, like Numbers, the coxen says "Easy!". But the thing about Long Hard, Pull Hard is that after paddling intensely for over an hour, your mouth starts to feel numb and you end up saying something within the lines of;

Starboard Deck: Bongard!

Port Deck: Poo hard!

Starboard Deck: Bongard!

Port Deck: Poo hard!

Starboard Deck: Bongard!

Port Deck: Poo hard!

So the cheap-thrills onboard the boat are still sustained. Hee hee...

When we returned to shore to return the paddles and life jacks, we did the ussual warm-down at the carpark area, then a debrief from the coaches before being dismissed. When we got our bags back, what shocked all of us was that there were new and improved showers installed at the back of the toilets! It's just something unlike the old Kallang I knew! And I loved it! Now, I could rinse myself without the discomfort of being exposed to others and the threat of accidentally bringing home someone else's clothes!

Once rinsed, I made my way to Kallang MRT Station with the rest of the canoeinrs heading the same way, and boarded a train to Orchard to meet up with my Dad. We then went to the Popular in Orchard MRT Station and searched for a new shelf for my room so I could sort out my worksheets in my room better.

After the purchase, we went to the car to fetch Mom at her office, and gave a ride for one of her colleagues.

Wow, what a tiring day. Ah, well. 1 Chronicles 4:10! God bless y'zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.............

Get the Show on the Road...

I'm just excited! The ideas flowing in my mind! The expectations to meet! The thrills to satisfy! It's just overwhelming! But let's reach an explaination first, shall we?

For History today, we had to further discuss among our filming groups about the details of our documentaries, with the recently-added details that they had to be within 10-12 minutes, context that is Singapore-based and factually historical (e.g. NOT like Titanic, Pearl Harbour [Ficticious stories in a historic setting]).

Then after a few mintes, Mr. Ang got out his laptop, plugged it into the projector and showed us a documentary done by a group of Year 4s about 'What if Lenin lived on and Stalin never took over?' or something like that. The video consisted of pictures, films and re-enactments, which I found interesting but saw a few loopholes in the film.

Then the happy thoughts started flying in my mind.

After the film, I then realised that all I had to do to win the whole of Term 3's marks was just to make a documentary just like that. Having interesting ideas in my head, I started to praise God for a good advantage and pondered over the ideas.

Then later, Sir acknowledged that the film he just showed us 'topped Singapore', that our films 'can't possibly surpass these standards' and that 'if they did, you've truely gotten something'. I started to look back at what I saw in the film, and the mistakes I can improve in the scenes, and I also realised that beating the films standards wasn't that hard afterall!

And later on, when I found out that my group had agreed to doing a Historical-based question, 'Who is truely to be blamed for the fall of Singapore in the 1942?', I knew that a) the project was going to be so fun! and b) beating the quality of the film we just watched would be so much (thankfully by the grace of God) a piece of cake!

Let me explain.

As one of the scriptwriters, I'll definitely need research to help me with the characters/settings/props/events/ect I need to put into the script. But in my opinion so far, people who could be brought into the topic could be (i) The Japanese [Jap Occupation] and (ii) The British [The broken promise]. So if I need to correct the film in any points, the main ones could be;

1) Characters
The actors in the film didn't really look like the characters they were portraying. For example, 'Lenin' and 'Stalin' were very young-looking for their real ages, and all the rebels were wearing Billabong T-shirts. With some hair-spray paint, fake mustaches and the right clothings, my group's cast could look more realistic for their roles. Tim could be Yamashita, JKit or me as Percival, and the list goes on and on...

2) Setting
In the film, the setting for Lenin's home was obviously the scene of a local home in the modern society, just only blocked by a wired fence from another building. The interior of Lenin's home was also too plain and modern to be concidered of the 1940s, with a leather sofa of modern design and plastic/metal stools. I have a rough idea of where to do filming for the different scenes in the documentary. For the Japanese; the set for the Invasion can be in Pulau Ubin (Kampong setting), Sook Ching somewhere in East Coast and Surrender of Singapore, well I'd have to think about that one. For the British, the set for the Colonialization of Singapore could be at any good beach and Bukit Timah Hill, the Battle of Singapore at Fort Siloso, Siloso Beach and Bukit Timah Hill, and the Departure of the British at Labrador Park.

3) Props
Many of the props in the documentary we saw, like I said earlier on, were very modernised. For my group, props shouldn't be a problem. If I can make a 'replica' of an ancient map that's suppose to be my class' seating arrangement, you can trust me to finding other prop we may need in the show. All I need for this section, then, is just our budget and a list of props we need for the show, and I'll go shopping for my materials and'll get started to work!

I was so engaged when the thoughts rushed in that I was grinning and giggling my way to the PC room (for CL'B'). I'm just excited! The ideas flowing in my mind! The expectations to meet! The thrills to satisfy! It's just overwhelming!

PTO: Today was also the day we had to watch an Indian Dance Appreciation thingy for a Post-Exam Activity, and it was very nice! Then tehre was also the Sales Day for BizWORLD! Wasn't much of a sucess, but nevertheless entertaining. And I sold a couple of bookmarks to my group's teacher-in-charge, so at least I'll be remembered.

Smile for your brother...

For records' sake, I shall share how things went last night.

My gift to my Mom was to sponser any gift she'd request from me, even if it meant my allowance. But my Mom, being moved, decided to just keep it small and told me she just wanted a treat for te family at BristoDelifrance, of which I agreed to. But by the time we reached Delifrance, the shop was just half an hour from closing. For those who don't know, it takes an average of half an hour in Delifrance for your orders to be served, inclusive of time to order the order itself.

So my Mom decided to move over to Swedsens, which we later discovered had a long queue at the entrance. So we ended up going all the way to MacDonalds for a simple supper of Apple Pies, Ice Creams, Milkshakes and a coffee. How sweet!

After our meal, I asked Mom if that was all she wanted. As we were making our way to exit Bukit Panjang Plaza, she was loosely nodding here head until we passed by a Bata shop, where she started to walk in and test out the shoes on a particular rack. We ended up leaving with a box or two of shoes, all on my expence! :)

That's about it, then. Now for what happened today:

First to start off the day, we had History. And for this lesson, it was announced that we had to do a Documentary related to topics we've recently covered, like Colonialisim and World War II, to gain the entire 15% worth of marks in Term 3. On the outside, I was simply smiling and saying a few "Yes!"s here and there, but in the inside, I was jumping around my mind with excitement the squared equivalent of a Michael Kwan that just won a couple of thumb wrestles against Jaira.

An advantage I had for this project was that I had the Advantage of the Stage. The camera can easily be my friend, and I wouldn't mind risking my reputation at large on the expense of my audience's entertainment. When Sir said it was a group project, I was even more excited as I knew I'd be able to share the fun with friends! After being divided into groups of 5/6 with the help of Mr. Ang's methods, I was soon hired into Tim's group, along with Junn Kit, Peter and Shiladitya.

We were then given the remaining time in the lesson to assign the diferent roles in the groups and discuss on the topic our documentaries would be based on. I was given the role of Scriptwriter along with Shil, JKit had Cameraman, Peter had Asst. Director and Tim with, obviously, Director. We then discussed on what to do for our film, and we came up with the question on 'What would happen if General Percival never surrendered?'. Soon enough, the lesson ended, and Sir promised us that he'll show us a good example of an extremely good documentary done by Year 4 students. Can't wait to see my goals...

The rest of the day was rather slack, except for Mdm. Kavita's period. One thing surprising, after we greeted Mdm, Tim suddenly asked her if she was once at a particular location, complete with a list of specific location, timing, actions and the sort. Mdm then asked back on how'd he have known if she was there in the first place. The class then spurred out a low-toned "Stalker!" at him and began giggling a bit. It just makes you want to sing,

Poor fool, he makes me laugh!
Hahahahaha!
Hahahahahahahaha, hahahahahahahaha!
Caught for stalking over Mdm Kavita!

Poor fool, Timothy Goh!
Hohohohoho!
Hohohohohohohoho, hohohohohohohoho!
If he knew the truth, he'd bend his head down low!

(Sorry 'bout the cheesiness, but that Phantom of the Opera soundtrack is really creeping into my head...)

But true enough, he did bend his head down and snugged it into folded arms over his desk. That wasn't so shocking, but what suddenly scared me was when he started whimperring weird noises which sounded like...

I immediately asked him if he was okay, but he didn't seem to answer. Mdm aslo saw his state, and also asked if anything was wrong. I answered her back that he was probably shy, only to shut my mouth silent after realising that I've might have made things worse. But soon enough, Tim was out of his arms and smiling with sheer confidence like as if nothing happened, so I took it that everything was and had always been fine, shifting my attention back to Mdm Kavita.

Apparently, she wanted to show us the rest of the MSND film, but our speakers somehow didn't work so she moved on to an alternative of checking our files. And since I didn't bring my file, I was left with a warning to bring my file the next lesson (This wed). Ah, well.

My class had to be dismised early for the CIP duty laid ahead of us at the Handicapped Welfare Association. We had an early lunch, then boarded the bus at the bus bay to the Association, along with another four random guys who never made it for their class's CIP. Clifton was part of that group, how surprising.

After 54 (incomplete) 'bottles of beer on the wall', a couple of Barney and Spongebob Squarepants theme songs and a sling fight involving a dozen stones from the busbay, we arrived at our destination. We gathered around the entrance of the office, where we met up with the person in charge of the place. She gave an introduction to the place, and also introduced us to a few members of the association. We also gave her our $300-odd donation and the snacks we bought for them and also had a chat with the people or a game with a good, although handicapped, snooker player.

Once we had half an hour left to spare with them, we went out to the fields to clear out the leaves that covered them, and it was rather cheap-thrill gathering leaves without sinking into the mudholes in the field. Something like Minesweeper, really.

Once done, we then said out goodbyes and went back to the entrance of the building to wait for our bus back to school. During our wait, ZRong was doing the ussual massage on me in search of my blackbook. Shil, noticing what was going on, asked him to stop grouping me.

Once he said that, it finally came to my attention that ZRong had truely been stroking me in the oddest of fashions lately. Caresting my hair, holding my hand, jabbing my body, and the sort. I then said my mind out along with him, which ticked of ZRong and made him do something else which made Tim agree with the both of us.

Ah,well. Won't say anything further.

After the long wait, we finally had our bus, and after loads of To Poks and half a mime war, we were finally back in school.

The End, or so they say...

Anything You'd Like...

Hey, it's me again!

Well, even thought the exams are over, some of my time is still being taken away for other purposes. Thus, updating the days which I've missed out so far would take some time. (A week's worth? Aw, man...)

But anyway, although today is Sunday, and I should be recording down the sermon I learnt today, I think I'd better pass this one. It didn't really speak to me that well, and there's no point sharing a message you don't fully understand, so I'll just leave it be till my time of comprehension come.

But so as to at least share something about Christ today, I'll just share a short bit on one of the few verses I relied on during my PSLE period. *ahem* Please flip with me to Isaiah 54:13. It says,

'I myself will teach your people, and give them prosperity and peace.'

(Good News Bible)

Now, remember that the Bible wasn't originally in English. No, the Old Testament was in Hebrew and the New Testament in Greek. So have an open mind, especially with these two languages. You see, these languages are a lot more accurate in their meanings than in English, and also the cultures of that time are different from the modern era, so the English Bible you're reading may not give the exact detail.

For example, in this verse, it says that you would have 'prosperity and peace'. Well in Hebrew, prosperity is prosperity, no difference in there. But for the term 'peace', there's a larger meaning to it. In today's context, 'peace' would have a 'leave-me-alone-in-Perth' kind of definition. But back in Israel during the Old Testament times, 'peace' was more than that. A direct translation would say that it meant 'to enjoy any prosperity given to the reciever'.

So let's see the verse again;

'I myself will teach your people, and give them prosperity and [the pleasure to enjoy the prosperity].'

So now that you've got a comfirmation that you'll not only get prosperity but the pleasure to enjoy it, delcare now any prosperity you'd like to gain! Weather it be grades, finances, family or friends - God will personally teach you through to the victory!

Nothing much to write now, but just that you should slap your face against the frying pan if you didn't know what day it is today.

Mother's Day.

So if you haven't bought a present or made a card yet, please do so NOW. And for those who already did their part, well God be with you and your Mom. May God bless the many Moms around the world today! So before I leave to sponser for any gift my Mom would ask from me (Last year, I bought her a pair of 'Titanic' shoes. Wonder what it'll be this time...), I'll just leave you with the lyrics of a few songs (I will still dedicate my Sundays to God). Pray for me, as I've prayed for you!...

Above All
Above all powers, above all kings
Above all nature and all created things
Above all wisdom and all the ways of man
You were here before the world began

Above all kingdoms, above all thrones
Above all wonders the world has ever known
Above all wealth and treasures of the earth
There's no way to measure what you're worth

[Chorus]
Crucified
Laid behind a stone
You lived to die
Rejected and alone
Like a rose
Trampled on the ground
You took the fall
And thought of me
Above all

Above all powers, above all kings
Above all nature and all created things
Above all wisdom and all the ways of man
You were here before the world began

Above all kingdoms, above all thrones
Above all wonders the world has ever known
Above all wealth and treasures of the earth
There's no way to measure what you're worth

[Chorus]
Crucified
Laid behind a stone
You lived to die
Rejected and alone
Like a rose
Trampled on the ground
You took the fall
And thought of me

[Repeat Chorus]
Crucified
Laid behind a stone
You lived to die
Rejected and alone
Like a rose
Trampled on the ground
You took the fall
And thought of me
Above all

Like a rose
Trampled on the ground
You took the fall
And thought of me
Above all

In Christ Alone
In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm

What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save

Till on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again

And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost it's grip on me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~(*Amen!)
For I am His and He is mine
Brought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny

No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand'
Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand

No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
Till He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand

Let Everything That Has Breath
[Chorus]
Let everything that, everything that
Everything that has breath praise the Lord
Let everything that, everything that
Everything that hast breath praise the Lord

Praise You in the morning
Praise You in the evening
Praise You when I'm young and when I'm old
Praise You whem I'm laughing
Praise You when I'm grieving
Praise You every season of the soul

[Bridge]
If we could see how much You're worth
Your power, You might, Your endless love
Then surely we would never cease to praise

[Chorus]
Let everything that, everything that
Everything that has breath praise the Lord
Let everything that, everything that
Everything that hast breath praise the Lord

Praise You in the heavens
Join with the angels
Praising You forever and a day
Praise You on the earth now
Join with creation
Calling all the nations to Your praise

[Bridge]
If they could see how much You're woth
Your power, Your might, Your endless love
Then surely they would never cease to praise

[Chorus]
Let everything that, everything that
Everything that has breath praise the Lord
Let everything that, everything that
Everything that hast breath praise the Lord

I will worship, I will worship
I will worship You with every breath
I will worship, I will worship
I will worship You with every breath