New Mate Onboard, C'ptain...

Ah, finally (haha) my first Canoeing training in a month! And rather splendid, indeed!

Starts off with me arriving rather early at the Chin-up Bars near the Paddle Lodge. Mr. See was sitting comfortably at the mouth of the pathway, and when I walked closed enough he quickly asked what the 'meeting' yesterday was all about. I explained to him the 'messed-up' Boardroom story from the way I heard it, and his mouth slowly dropped as I went on about the messy details mentioned. Apparently the jaw-dropping was more because he thought I was reffering to Dr. Ong's Boardroom, of which people would obviously get the slaughter if it was meesed up with 'tables overturned' and 'football marks on the walls'.

I then asked him when the Round Ubin Race was taking place, of which he said 2nd of December. I then asked about what the schedule would be like, and he depicted a full-day event, which he added is only 'full-day' because the judges would have to wait for the very last boat to cross the Finishing Line before they could actually start distributing the awards.

Seeing how intense the day may be, I admitted my situation: that is, as much as I was definitely free on 2nd December and was upmost willing to give the tides of the Straits of Johor a good tackle, I would be indeed arriving back to Singapore from KL, Malaysia on 1st December after a 5-day Encounter Jesus Camp.

Understanding clearly what this would lead to, Mr. See explained to me that there was certainly no worries on getting a place and a boat in the registration and at the venue respectively, and so the only concern I should be having would be if I was physically and mentally prepared for a sudden island-span current-tackling harshful-navigating race once my body get's intuned to a relaxing-hotel mood for 5 trainingless days in KL.

I suggested I did more push-ups and sit-ups, but he rebutted saying that it'll take as much as running to keep as much fitness as possible, something dependably hard to find applicable in an outskirts-of-KL hotel. He then said he'll ask Mr. Goh for advice to see if I'd be in good condition to race, at which I nodded in agreement and proceeded to do my chin-ups.

Ghah, just like many others I've lost a bit of strength after not training for a month. My chin-up max. number has drastically dropped, and I'm not in a determined state to believe in God that I can work my way back up to tiptop shape within a month or so! Fellow Christians, please pray for me! :)

At the usual timing the lot of us were given the order to launch, of which I along with a small group had to stay with Mr. See and Mr. Goh to see which boats we'd be using today. At the end o the line, I was permitted any K2 Tiger. Partnering Ting Wei.

Hey, cool!, I thought to myself. Another new partner to try! Let's see what he's got.

We both got our stuff and went to the Upper Sheds, where we took down the Old Tiger and re-configured her to suit our needs before heading out to the pontoon to launch for a rather easy programme to start us back to the training mood. On the water, I was thankful to God that all I could remember about paddling racing-style came back rather smoothly after 250 meters or so out at bay. Steering was more or less auomatic, and my feet knew what to do if I encountered obstacle-situations in the water, especially rescuing capsized boats!

After doing a few laps and beating a few K1s along the way (not much glory for a K2 to beat K1s, but it was nevertheless a good cheap-thrill to start the season :P), I was rather impressed with how syncronized Ting Wei and I were in strokes! Well, Ting Wei would need to work a bit more on timing, and I'd need to work a little more on direction-keeping, but I must say we were rather well-opperated!

After training, Mr. Goh also told me in person that he felt we were very good on the water. Ah, another possible new chapter in my Canoeing life, eh God? Let's see how this one goes...

Once the boats were packed up, we got our shoes on and went running. Ooo, running! A long time since I ran! (a week and a half, but hey!) And where else to run but at the Dam Wall! Haha, the puns were ringing along as we jogged our way to the venue. You could hear phrases like;

"Hey, where're we running today?"
"At the Dam Wall!"
"Dam it! Dam the Dam Wall!"

And we'll all be laughing at the puns we could make up. Once at the Dam Wall, we ran a few laps on the Dam. I came in 4th place! Just behind Neil, Sheng Yi, Ray and Lucas, and just a head of Ting Wei. Once done, we went down the Wall to do a Warmdown and Debrief before eing dismissed.

Decided to rinse before leaving MacRitchie, since I was really stenched with sweat. Rather cooling, but wasn't really worth the towel. Once at home, I rested in bed with satisfaction on how training went today for an hour or more before getting up to eat lunch, after which dad called home to tell me he has left a little assignment beside the computer.

I checked and found a new Samsung printer box ready for unpacking and assembling! Hey, there's more stuff to do! Yay, activities! Haha, at least I wouldn't be bored for the next half an hour or so. Reading the manuals and diagrams, I fixed the cords and wires and cartridges respectively and downloaded the software into the main house computer.

Once everything was assembled, I congradulated myself by not wasting the activation of the house computer, simply by watching a bit of Rowan Atkinson on YouTube. (Come to think of it, a better reward would have been to play Rise of Nations. Darn...)

Ah well, nothing much left to report, just that after dinner when my parents came home, my dad gave a good inspection of the printer and approved of it's standards (Yay, dad!) and also had a chat with mom over what I'd want to do when I reach pre-/post-/University. Apparently, my parents want me to take the Air Force course when I go for National Service, but I still want to go to the Navy. Hmm, wonder how this'll turn out. :S

Well, before I sign off, might as well be faithful of a friend's request, 'ay? Enjoy;

1. Time of starting This?
10.17 pm

2. Were you named after anyone?
Both parents, really. Rae came from the first half of my dad's name, and Miguel came from the fact that it started with an 'M' like my mom's name.

3. Do you wish on stars?
Absoultely not! I trust in the Lord my Heavenly Dad for whatever a want and need and get! Let me hear an 'Amen', p'ple!

4. When did you last cry?
About a couple of months ago, when I was told by my parents that if I couldn't manage my time properly I would be stopped from joining Believers. Apparently, though, I was soon prompted by the Spirit to move on to D.A.R.E., so it doesn't make much difference anyway. But as much as I'm enjoying D.A.R.E., I really miss the people back at Prinsep. I tell you, I have never met such friendly people since the time I visited Japan! But I know very well that if God wants me to move on, it's because He has something better in store! I just pray that I won't miss Prinsep too badly in the proccess...

5. What is your favourite meat?
FISH!!! Yay, fillets!!! Horah, sashimi!!! Bravo, broth-steameds!!!

6. What is your most embarrassing CD on your shelf?
I'm not sure about CDs. But for casset tapes, there's one with a recording of what I sounded like as a young kid. The unthinkable will happen if it fellinto the wrong hands... :O

7. If you were another person, would YOU be friends with you?
Hmm, Mig seems like a nice person. I'm not sure, but he's always a kind person to others, and many a times talking about God's grace. Yeah, I guess we are sort of friends.

8. Are you a daredevil?
Depends, actually. I'd take my chances if it is really important to me that I do something particularly daring.

9. How do you release anger?
Complain to God. I'd just tell Him what's bothering me, ask for better alternatives and then end of saying that no matter what happens, I'm still aware that He's still got my back and is still protecting me. Usually works for me, ;)

10.Where is your second home?
I'm at the state where I'm more or less at the same level with all the societies I'm involved in, so I'm not certain of it now.

11. Do you trust others easily?
First impressions do count, but it's rather easy to raise my respect for a person, along with raising my trust.

12. What was your favourite toy as a child?
My security blanket was a bolster I named Finchy (which still sleeps with me to this day, come to think of it), but the toys I played with most were my building blocks. Loved to build things, then get the mega fan to blow it down and see which structures could resist the winds the best! Yeah, good childhood memories...

13. What class in school do you think is totally useless?
I have absolutely no idea.

14. Do you use sarcasm a lot?
Time after time, I guess. Just to keep a slightly funnier athmosphere, supposedly.

15. Have you ever been in a mosh pit?
Wazzat?

16. What do you look for in a guy/girl?
Christ-centered, bubbly, supportive, very active and whom the love of God has favour with everytime I see her! Ooo, and if she's also genre-flexible and can sing, that'll be beautiful!

17. Would you bungee jump?
I made a vow that if I ever returned to Queenstown, New Zeland during summer, I'd give the jump a try. Wonder if I'll ever fufill the promise in my lifetime at all :p

18. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off?
Nah, too troublesome.

19. What's your favourite ice cream flavour?
Chocolate Chip/Vanila Cream/Caramel

20. What is your favourite colour?
Navy Blue! All hands on deck!

21. What is your least favourite thing?
In my possesion? A particular book that is kept high up in my shelf. I plan to throw it away soon. Maybe rip it apart first. It contains something I'd recomend no one saw or remembered.

But hey, PRAISE be to God that he's set me free to this day, so I can spread the joy of God to those I meet!!!

22. What is your favourite number?
8, the number of new beginnings!

23. What do you miss most right now?
The friends I can really use for company right now. :D

24. What are you listening to right now?
Give to the Lord by Ron Kenoly. Yay, Soul Gospel!!! (Y'know, one thing I'd want to experience in my lifetime is to see an African-American Church chior perform some joyful gospel music! That'll just be so cool!)

25. If you were a crayon, what colour would you be?
Navy Blue! All crayons on deck!

26. Whats the weather like now?
Dark and cloudy, but cooling nough for a comfortable good night's sleep! That's a good reason why I praise the Lord for this apartment: it's positioned in such a way that natural elements make living so comfortable!

27. Last person you talked to on the phone?
Tim, about meeting him tomorrow for a good mornin' round of cycling.

28. The first thing you notice about the opposite sex?
Gentleness. :)

29. Do you like the person who sent you this?
Yeah, I respect him as a good friend greatly. :D My face is just too cold to show it. :(

30. How are you today?
Blessed and loved by God!!!

31. Favourite drink?
Ice Lemon Tea! It's such a favourite, I usually reserve it for special ocasions.

32. Favourite alcoholic drink?
White wine. Sweet-tasting, yet doesn't loose the warm effect wine should have. Cheers.

33. Natural hair colour?
Asian black.

34.Favourite colour?
Navy Blue. It's the second/third time already.

35. Wear contacts?
Nope. Never intend to.

36. Siblings?
An elder and a younger sis!

37.Favourite month?
May! My birthmonth!

38. Favourite food?
Char Kway Teow!!!

39. Last movie you watched?
Can't remember, but the next movie I'd be watching would be Balls of Fury! :P

40. Favourite day of the year?
My birthday!

41. Have you ever been too shy to ask someone out?
I had difficulties trying to invite classmates to my birthday. Comprehendo's?

42. Scary movies or happy endings?
Don't they both usually go together? I'd prefer happy endings, though. :)

43. Summer or winter?
Depends on which country. Some are suited for summer, some for winter, and some so special they're still lively through both!

44. Hugs or kisses?
Hugs for now. I'll reserve the kisses for my love-to-come...

45. Do you want your friends to write back?
Their choice.

46. Who is most likely to respond?
Dunno.

47. Who is least likely to respond?
Dunno.

48. What book/magazine are you reading?
The last book I read? The Bible.

49. What's on your mouse pad?
I don't use a mousepad.

50. What did you watch on TV last night?
Last night, nuthin'. The night before, Boston Legal. (Haha)

51. What's your favourite smell?
Smell of good food! Haha, the typical Singaporean answer...

52. Do you regret ever breaking up with someone?
At this stage, it can only apply to best friends, so yeah I miss a couple of friends I've left behind in my past.

53. Time of finishing?
11.17 pm (Cool, one full hour just to finish a quiz! But hey, I was chatting with my mom inbetween, so that's just cheat.)

Isiah 54:10!!! God bless y'all!!!

42 years of Red and White...

Singapore. The City of Possibilities.

Heh, this country's moving strong these days. Yeah, it may have some bad points, but that's out-numbered by many other good qualities. It's tropical, beaches surround the country, global cuisine is just about $3 away, every 5 meters on average has a tree, finding races speaking other languages is the norm and everyone can say he can drive around the coast of the island within an hour.

And there's more. But writing all that would end me up in the risk of being sued by travel journalists.

Anyway, Happy Blessed National Day, Singapore! May God bless us all like how he's been doing for over 4 decades!

Well, better go join my family to mingle around or something. Remember, grace is unearned and undeserved favour. So if you feel like you've failed in life and don't deserve any relations with God or anyone or anything at all, be happy that you now fall under the criteria of someone who needs grace, something God will come to give you as you believe! (Hey, I should type more about it some time...)

Galatians 2:19-20! God bless y'all!

You tell me...

Today was the OneACS National Day Celebration.

When I got there at Queenstown Stadium, I searched t=for the rest of the prefects, which I found at the canteen. We then had a short briefing on our duties before being led out to the field. My duty today would be 'Miselaneous', basically being that I do whatever I'm told by the teachers in-charge of us, for this case Ms Goon and Mr. Bongard.

Walking down the steps of the stadium, I saw all the many different uniform groups in their uniforms and props, and it looked cool. On ground level, I walked past ACS (Independent)'s cluster of students, and found Tim, Matthew, JKit and Raam. I tried to force myself to say a "Hi" or something, but I was somewhat so amazed at the uniforms that all I could do was just wave without even smiling.

We then went to the opposite end of the stadium, where we met up with Mr. Bongard and a few Student Councilors from ACJC. The councilors then taught those who were having cheering duty a few new cheers. Man, their version of Dynamite is a lot cooler than ours.

I, along with the other Miselaneous people, were then told to protect the back gate of the stadium, making sure non-ACS people don't enter and ACS student don't exit. We did it in half-hour shifts, and I was one of the people on the first shift. And coincidentally, the marching started half-way in my shift.

Thankfully, I was still able to watch the marching from where I was. But it wasn't as grand as how it'd have looked like from the breachers. One thing that facinates me about marching is how different groups of people can come from different directions and somehow end up at a standardised position by the end of the music. Ah, well.

Then there was the waiting of the GOHs and the speeches, which took up one and a half shifts. By the time it was the March-Past, I was seated down on the track eager to watch what was going to happen. And so the music started playing, and the March-Past was on the road...

As I watched the contingents march by, I had a sinking feeling in my guts. I knew it was because I was so awed on the systemacy of the whole thing that I thought to myself how cool it was to wear one of those uniforms and say I did something important in them.

As they marched off the tracks, they slowly loosened up and became more mobile again. Soon, troops of white and black were taking off their caps and running for their bags that were in piles beside the back gate. Yeah, it really does look cool, even when you're easing off.

I watched them as they left for the buses at the back of the stadium, around the same time I took on my shift again. Protecting the gate, I looked back time after time to see friends from the different UYOs. Tim and Matt were looking sharp with their riffles for NCC (Land), JKit and Raam were bright in their white attire for NCC (Sea), and even Faraaz looked neat in an NPCC (Sea) uniform, along with Sanjev and ZWei.

And what do I wear? Berms and a white shirt saying we're 'Igniting the ACS Spirit'. If I was told to wear a blazer, at least I could tell myself I was still wearing a suit. But compared to the UYOs, I was just in civilian clothes. I felt deprived. I felt naked. I felt... I felt...

Yes. That was exactly how I felt. Couldn't draw so better myself. But soon my shift as over so I had to report back to the breachers, thus I departed from the misery of watching my uniformed friends.

For the next hour or so, I watched the games that carried on for the OneACS thing. Being positioned on the opposite side of the stadium, I didn't really get a good view of what was going on, let alone know what was going on. But soon after the hours ticked by, prize presentation was quick gone, and we were all dismissed school by school.

By this time, all the UYOs had already dissapeared. I walked my way to Queenstown MRT Station, where I took a train to Dover and caught a 74 to Clementi to change to a 75 or 184. And it just so happens that when I reached Clementi, Joel and Kirby were on the next bus!

They then told me about the documentary preview in class. They mentioned details like how we were going to be pinalised for typos in the subtitles, that the class clapped when I slammed the table, that Mr. Ang laughed many times through the film and even that Toj whistled when he saw me naked in a blooper. And when the bus came, Kirby was still there to tell me rough details on how things went.

That cheered me up a lot, I guess. Well, I better brush up on my ISO Report now while I still can. John 2:13-22! God bless y'all!