MiZiSat 10: From Computing to Computer Engineering

Woke up quite late in the morning as I slept quite late to play some computer games. I skipped breakfast today as I did not have any appetite to eat.

While on MSN, my cousin Serena asked me some questions about her Grade 5 Music Theory. Well, I tried to helped her as much as possible, except for those questions about score-reading. She also told me that transposing is difficult, which I do not find so actually and do not know how transposing could be so difficult. Well, I've got the full score for transposing for my Grade 5 Theory taken in 1998. I supposed she could not really visualise...

After that, HJ asked me to join PSQ and Andrew for a movie xXx 2 in the afternoon, I agreed to go with them.

In the afternoon, I skipped lunch as I was too lazy to eat, so I just went out directly to meet them without having my lunch at Orchard MRT station.

Well, after meeting HJ at Orchard, PSQ message HJ to wait at Lido Cineplex and he bought the tickets there alrerady as well. As HJ and I didn't really tell PSQ that I would be coming, HJ then called PSQ to check how many tickets he had bought. As he had only bought 3, HJ then asked him to buy another one for me. Well, luckily there wasn't much people watching the movie at that time, there was a ticket available for the seat just beside those seats where PSQ had bought.

Before going in to the movie, HJ, PSQ and Andrew bought some food and drinks from fast food restaurants into the theatre. I then bought a medium popcorn combo for myself. It was quite large actually, but I could finish them myself as I had not had my breakfast and lunch. Well, I can tell you that when I am going to watch movie, I will usually skip my meals and had my popcorn combo as a substitute as my meal instead. Therefore, I can easily finish the large popcorn and the drink easily.

Well, the movie was somewhat ok to me, about a person doing some special operational stuff. Somewhere in the middle of the show, I fell asleep as I did not sleep much the last night (but still managed to wake up and continue watching the rest of the show).


Fell asleep for a moment while watching the movie. Managed to wake up to finish the movie.

After the movie, we went to N.Y.D.C. to eat. Well, PSQ and HJ ordered Destiny's Child Oven-baked specialties, while Andrew and I ordered the Three Amigos Oven-baked specialties. The interesting part is that PSQ and Andrew ordered the ziti-pasta one, while HJ and I ordered the rice one. Ok, so there were certain similarities and differences there (don't really know if I should consider those 4 as different dishes). After that, we ordered a mudpie to be shared among ourselves. I decided to use my UOB Visa Mini Debit to foot the bill for them first,as I could earn my UNI$ from that, and also by using that card, I got a $5 discount voucher as well (that is to be used with UOB credit/debit card).


Used my UOB Visa Mini so that I can earn more UNI$.

After that, we went to Borders to look at some of the books. As usual, I went to the Classical CD sections and listen to some of the samples there. Well, I bought 2 set of CDs from there, Essential Baroque and Chopin (1810 - 1849) etudes. Andrew bought a collections of Romantic Period Classical Piano pieces played by Vladimir Horowitz (1903 - 1989). After that, we went home by ourselves.


Whenever I go to Borders Classical CD section, I will always listen to the samples of the CDs there.

MiZ Speaks
Ok, I recieved a letter from NUS today. It is about the letter of admission to the NUS AY 2006. Well, I am being accepted by NUS to do the Computer Engineering (School of Computing) course. I feel really happy and excited about that as that is the course that I intend to do (it could be either for the Faculty of Engineering one for the School of Computing, it doesn't really matter much to me anyway). Thought that I am only restricted to Computing only as I had failed my General Paper (with a grade of D7). Anyway, it's a switched from Computing to Computer Engineering under the same faculty/school (School of Computing). Ok, I can only start to reply from 3 May 2005, so I may need another week to reply the offer.


Being accepted by NUS to do Computer Engineering (School of Computing). YAY!!!!!!

MiZ in Weekdays 10: ATEC Stage 1 and Beyond

25 Apr 2005
No company run on that day. Basically, there wasn't anything much to do for me on that day, except maybe to do a bit of stoes. Let's proceed on to the next day.

26 Apr 2005
In the morning, we collected some TES sets for our FTX 2 and ATEC stage 2. Well, after that, we helped out in some stores.

Later that day, we were being arrowed by the CSM to help him to do some stuff for ATEC stage 1 (all because the "train" LOVES to collect arrows from anywhere... well I supposed the arrows are free...), but before that, we collected our field rations for FTX 2 and put them in our bunk. After that, we went to RSM store to carry some stores to the multi-purpose hall (MPH). Not only that, we were also asked to help to set up the place in preparation for ATEC 1. After doing so, we quickly went to the canteen to hide. At the same time, we bought ice-creams for ourselves as well.

After I went back to bunk, I was unfortunately asked by someone to help to carry the field rations to S4 branch. Hmm... didn't know that there is a vegetatian there. Well, I also looked a bit on the menu as I was a bit curious what they had for field rations.

27 Apr 2005
We were asked by the "train" to draw arms early in the morning because he said that the CO want us to do so. SJ and I also had to set up the PA system as well. Well, we were supposed to go to MPH for the CO talk based on what the 4 stripes had said, but the RSM told us that we were not supposed to be there as our ATEC Stage 1 was a day later. After the CO talk, we were told to send back the arms as we did not really need them. HUH? CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS? We woke up so early JUST ONLY TO HAVE A TOUCH WITH OUR RIFLE and BREATHE THE AIR IN MPH? Don't we have a lot of chance to do so in FTX 2 and ATEC 2 for rifle, or during some other speeches to be in MPH?

Later that day, we went to the store and practise for our ATEC stage 1. Well, for the line team, we tested a bit of the line stores and also revised what we need to do for ATEC 1 as well.

In the afternoon, there wasn't anything much to do, except that the radio team were asked to go to store to practise more. That left only HJ, SJ and me.

At 5.30pm, we decided to go to the cookhouse to eat as we did not really know whether they would be a nights off. After we went back to bunk, we were told that there was nights off given by the BSO for all of us. Initially, we thought of going out to buy drinks, but we decided to do so on Friday after we booked out of camp when we could go to Carrefour at Plaza Singapura, where they had more variety of drinks there (and it's on our way home as well). Since we had our dinner, there wasn't any point for us to go for nights off.

After those people went out for nights off, JH suggested to go to 42 SAR canteen to had dinner there. I decided to join them for dinner as I never been to that canteen before, although I had my dinner already. Well, there were 6 of us going to that canteen (JH, WQ, WH, SJ, JR and me), I had my Chicken Cutlet rice there. Hmm... the food was somewhat ok to me... After the 2nd dinner, I went back to bunk to rest.

28 Apr 2005
We had to draw arms early in the morning for the ATEC 1. After that, we brought the necessary stores to the SOA accomodation block where our ATEC 1 was held.

After finishing the stores, we went to the MPH for the CO speech and I went to help out the PA system. Well, I wasn't selected for ATEC 1 (SJ and HJ were selected for the line tests), which was a relieved for me. Those not selected were asked to go back to bunk and wait.

After most of the tests finished, we went back for the briefing and keep some stores before that. Well, our platoon got a high redcon 1 of 96.2% for overall, which was considered very high for signal side.

After that, we continued keeping the stores. While I was at the signal store, the "bus" flare up at me, saying that there were more stores back there, in which there were no more stores back there to keep. I supposed he was angry that I did not help him to carry the tables, and he don't like me (it's ok, since I hated him A LOT MORE than he did to me). Hmm... I think it's time for me to tone up my attitute generally. Well, when it's enough, I really means enough...

Later in the afternoon, I helped Daniel to mount the radio sets for M113 and BV206. While mounting the set for M113, I was sweating profusely as there wasn't much ventilation inside the vehicle (even though the back cover was opened). I wondered how do many people could stay inside such vehicles for a long time. There were also a lot of grease on the vehicle as well, and I had to clean my hands a few times because I accidentally touched the grease. After that, I helped him to set up the radio set for BV206. Even though there were more things to put on, the work seemed easier for me as the set was somewhat near outside, which provides a lot more ventilation than the one for M113, where the set had to be mounted inside. After helping out Daniel, I went back to the store and played "Ghost" with the people there.

Later in the afternoon, while we were about to go for dinner, it rained very heavily with lightning and thunder. I was very scared to go to the cookhouse because of the lightning and thunder which strikes the place quite near to where we were, so I had to close my eyes almost fully, cover my ears and run to the cookhouse. While going there, I almost ran into a deep drain near the cookhouse as I did not really see where I was running. Well, luckily I opened my eyes at that time and managed to get to the correct path on time (my heart was beating really fast).

While in the cookhouse, there was very few people eating there, and I supposed it was because of the heavy rain. While eating, the lightning striked the parade square at HQ Armour, which gave a very bright light and a tremendous loud sound, which almost choked me when I got a great scare from that. I told HJ that I dare not ran back to 46 SAR HQ block and I had to wait for some people to go back with me after finishing my dinner.


A thunderstorm occurred when we were about to go to the cookhouse to eat. I was really scared...

After that, we sent our arms at about 8.30pm. The armskote man was very busy in the afternoon, so we had to wait until so late to send our arms. As he was very tired, he decided to let us in the armskote room to put back our rifles ourselves and consolidate the bayonet on the crates as well.

After sending my arms, I went back to bunk to bathe, and then went to sleep.

29 Apr 2005
No company run in the morning. Well, I volunteered to go to 40 SAR with HJ, PSQ, Daniel and Stanley to draw some CVC helmets as most of the people need to be in camp mounting their vehicular sets. Well, there might be a line tonner for us to load, but anyone could help us to load the tonner easily.

When we reached there, we waited for the storeman to come. Well, as they faced certain problems there, we decided to go for a canteen break first.

While going to the canteen, HJ asked Andrew (who recently posted to HQ 8 SAB) to join us for the canteen break as well (and also return the black duffle bag to HJ as well). After that, we request Andrew to visit his bunk, and he agreed. Well, there were only 4 beds in that bunk, and out of the 4 staying in that bunk, 2 were stay-out personnel, which means there were only 2 people sleeping in the bunk. How nice... I really like to stay in a bunk with very few people... Well, there is also a TV there (which isn't working based on what Andrew said) and 2 armchair as well. There were also chairs, a table, coiled beds (like the one in BMT), larger cupboards than ours and also boots cupboards. Isn't that great? There are so much better and more items than what we have there... Well, for your infomation the signal bunks are just very near to Andrew's bunk, and there are a lot of signal bunks because they have a company of signallers there. Hmm... why can't I get posted there?

After visiting his bunk, we went back to test the CVC helmets and intestine. We moved the helmets and intestine from the line store to the radio store as there are air-cons in there. We finished at about 1pm and had our lunch at the canteen. Too bad Andrew could not join us as he had to attend the roll-call.

After lunch, we were asked by our storemen to go to Army Logistics Base (just beside Keat Hong Camp) to help them to exchange stores. While we were there, we saw some ants moving a much larger insect to their nest. We noticed that the ant kept moving the insect from one point to another and back to the same point. After some investigation, we realised that the ant actually could not bring the large insect into any of the small holes at the staircase so they kept moving here and there. We also realised that while there were many ants around there, only a few were helping out to move the insect. Well, it reminded us of our very own signal platoon, where our commanders did not really know what to do and how to control us, and always kept requesting all of us to helped out when only a few were needed to do the job, leaving the rest to do nothing much except to look at them helplessly. Hmm, if I had a video camera, I would definitely take the video out of it and show it to you people.


There were only a few ants helping out to carry the dead insect. The others were just running about, doing nothing much.

Anyway, we went back to 40 SAR after that to put the CVC helmets and the intestines into the tonner (as well as the NVD stores) and returned back to camp. When we reached camp, we put the stores into the QM signal storeroom. After we finished our job, we went to help the rest of the signallers to mount their vehicular sets. We only get to book out quite late as we only managed to finish in the evening.

Well, before we could book out at about 7pm, it started to rain very heavily. Luckily, HJ and I brought our umbrellas to camp, so we shared the umbrellas among the 4 of us going to Plaza Singapura (HJ, SJ, PSQ and me). Luckily, when we walked out of camp, there was a bus going to Choa Chu Kang MRT station waiting outside the camp. As there was only a few people inside the bus, we were asked to transfer to a smaller mini bus to bring us to Choa Chu Kang. As we were going there, we noticed that some of the roads were still very dry. ZL, who managed to get into the mini-bus, said that it was actually a "natural confinement" for us, in which I agreed to that statement.


A heavy rain occurred when we were booking out. Luckily I had brought my umbrella along. Shared the umbrella with PSQ.

After we reached Choa Chu Kang MRT station, we decided to take a taxi to Plaza Singapura. We only managed to reach there at about 8.30pm, just on time for SJ to look at his saxophone at Yamaha Music Plaza. HJ went to Park Mall to buy the poker cards that he wanted to get, but could not do so as the shop had already closed. PSQ went to eat first and went back himself. The 3 of us then met at 9pm at Burger King to had out dinner.

After dinner, we went to Carrefour to look for drinks we would be getting for FTX 2. We bought some can drinks and packet drinks. After paying for the drinks, each of us carried some of the drinks back to our home.

MiZ Speaks
Well, my sister just came back from a trip in Shanghai. She had taken some photographs there, and I will show you some of the pictures taken there at this blog.


Agricultural Bank of China


A scenery there.


The city taken at night.

Anyway, for some time, I feel that I talk way too little that some people think that I'm an unfriendly person, or I'm that person that can be bullied easily as I don't really voice out. Well, the thing is I don't really know how to talk to people actually, since I don't know what should I talk to them about (well, I like to listen to people talking or chatting). Hmm... maybe I should learn to talk more often to more people, that is if I know what to talk about.

Ok, the blog is not really finished yet actually as I had not put the pictures in yet. Will be adding quite soon once I'm free.

The Sunny MiZ 9: Tagging Along with Tagboards

Woke up early in the morning and had my breakfast with my family at a food centre in Tekka Mall. Well, I had vegeterian bee hoon as my breakfast. Thought of eating Japanese food, but I just had it as my dinner the day before.

After breakfast, we went to have a walk around Tekka Mall. Well, most of the shops there are not opened yet at that time (there are also not many shops there as well). I can only walk around in Sheng Siong Supermarket, which already opened in the morning.

After we went back home, I switched on my computer and continue with this blog. Did edit quite a lot of things there, like resizing my logo to a square one, modifying the templates and so on (mostly about the format and the presentation). Well, time passes very quickly while I was doing all these things. It just suddenly became 12pm as I was doing the blog. After realising that, I quickly changed my clothes and went out to Plaza Singapura immediately to had my violin lesson.

So, I reached there at about 12.35pm, but I still need to have my lunch as well. I went to Burger King to had my lunch, and quickly consume my meals before going for the lesson.

Ok, about the Violin lesson, we did our usual violin techniques exercises we did for the past few lesson. After all those long exercises, the teacher then taught us to play "stopped" strings (strings that are being pressed), using the E-string and the A-string. After that, he taught us more notes than the one taught a week ago, and also the notes we played for "stopped" strings exercises as well. Pictues as shown:





After the lesson, I walk around Plaza Singapura for a short while, and then I went back home and continue with my blog again.

While doing the blog in the afternoon, HJ asked me for my blog address and also link the blog with his. Well, while visiting his blog, I noticed that he has a tag on the blog, so I decided to put one here.

MiZ Speaks
Ok, my sister recently called back home while she was overseas. Well, I could tell that she was spending her time there happily, and I had to suffer in camp... Anyway, she asked me if I want to get anything from there (Shanghai). Well, I don't really know if there are any items that are special in Shanghai only, so I just asked her to get me some keychains, and probably pins as well (NO, I'm definitely not asking her to get consoles or handhelds there...). Anyway, I told her that if I want something, I will SMS her.

Ok, I just added the tags today. So, if you have any comments, any thing about me, or and complaints about me (well, I will accept that on my tag), feel free to put it there.

MiZiSat 9: The Birth of MiZiBlog and ML's Birthday

MiZ Speaks
Yes, it is this day, 23 Apr 2005, that I started writing this blog. You may asked why I could have the blog entries before 23 Apr 2005. Well, actually those entries are from Bebo journal, which I started writing it on 08 Feb 2005. Ok, you may asked next, how do I manage to put the past dates? How do I remember the dates? What about the time? Well, what I can say is that the dates can be changed. About remembering the dates, I will actually put the date on my journal entry to keep track of the date of what I'm doing on that date. Ok, now about the time, if you have noticed, the time are somewhat the same from 08 Feb 2005 to 22 Apr 2005. It's 11.30pm for those day I do not have to book in to camp (except for 1 blog entry, which was put 11.30am the next day as I had ops room the day before, in which I can't really use the computer on that day), and 8.30pm on those days that I need to book in to camp at night.

Ok about today, I woke up quite early in the morning and switched on my MSN as usual. After that, remembering what HJ had said, I decided to come up with this blog myself.

Ok, I sign up a blog with Blogger, and named my blog MiZiBlog. After that, I decided to used the journal entries I made here and modify the contents slightly to suit this blog entries and post it as my blog (starting from 08 Feb 2005, Chinese New Year Eve).

It took me the whole morning and early afternoon to post and modify all the journal entries onto my blog (from 08 Feb 2005 to 22 Apr 2005). After that, I went to McDonalds in Junction 8 and take the food home to eat (had a filet-o-fish meal as my lunch). After that, I continue with my blog.

After lunch, I decided to come up with a simple logo for my blog on a piece of paper, usuing my markers. At the same time, I'm also drawing out the MiZ logo that I came out with not long ago to identify my personal items (eg. webbing, field pack, green water bottle...). Well, if you don't know, I've already drawn the logo on some of the items already (although some of the logo may look slightly different from the one I put up on the profile). After that, I also draw out some music clefs and notations to illustrates the point on the entry I made a week ago about the notations and clefs taught in my violin lesson (under "The Sunny MiZ 8" for your information).

In the evening, I went out again to buy dinner back home to eat. Had Japanese meal from Junction 8 food court as my dinner.

After dinner, I continued doing my blog to add more pictures and the entry for today (23 Apr 2005) as well.

MiZ Speaks Again
Haiz... after the whole day sitting in front of the computer doing this blog, my eyes are getting very tired already, and I'm starting to see stars after typing out all the HTML code for the blog. I think my eyesight may get even worse after doing this blog.

By the way, this is also one very rare day that I did not go out doing shopping/window shopping and stay at home for almost the whole day. This is all because of creating a new blog. Never mind about that, I feel that creating blogs can be quite interesting actually.

Just remembered that today is my sister birthday. Well, she has gone to Shanghai for a vacation trip and will be back quite soon. I'm here to wish her a happy birthday.

MiZ in Weekdays 9: The Last Week with Andrew

18 Apr 2005
Company run in the morning. After the run, we were forced to do pull-ups (because of S4...).

In the afternoon, we had to gather at the SOA accomodation block, supposedly to have lessons. As the line was not really ready yet after the FTX 1 the week before (and the commanders also did not really feel like conducting it), we were asked to do line maintanance instead.

19 Apr 2005
Roll call in the morning. After there, we waited in the bunk for further instructions. At about 10+ in the morning, the "train" just suddenly "rush up", "give black smoke" and anyhow "blow the horn" to us for not helping the stores, I suppose, in which all of us were asked to do so later. A mishandling of manpower here...

After lunch, the radio team had their lessons. As the line team was not involved, we just waited in the bunk for further instructions (since the commanders did not really want to conduct line lessons).

20 Apr 2005
No company run as there was Skills and Arms. We had to set up PA system in the morning for that. Well, the job was somewhat simple, just mend the PA system. The PA system wasn't used later in the morning and afternoon, so we had nothing much to do then. Later in the afternoon, the CSM asked us to tear down the PA system since there wasn't much use for that then. We then kept the PA system and went back to bunk.

After that, the BSO let all of us to go for night's off. As HJ and SJ wanted to get something for the next outfield, I decided to go out with them as well. While taking the bus to Jurong Point, HJ and SJ had a heated argument with PSQ about having the casino in Singapore. Even when we reached Jurong Point for dinner, SJ and PSQ were still arguing about that (HJ decided to give up the argument). Later on, the 4 of us walked around Jurong Point before meeting at NTUC supermarket to buy some of the things. I took a look at the consoles (PS2, XBOX and GC) at some shops, especially at MegaMultimedia to decide whether I should get one or more of those consoles. Also took a look at Nintendo DS as well. May be getting one if I had some cash to burn (and to replace my GBA since it can play GBA games as well).

21 Apr 2005
In the morning, we had to draw out line stores from our own Signal stores to prepare for line lessons and trial tests. During trial tests, I was considered a bit slow and made some careless mistakes as well. Hmm... I think I really need to improve on my line...

In the afternoon, we set up an exchange and were also taught on how some things should be done when we had our ATEC 1. After that, we had a debrief by our BSO about what and how we had done in FTX 1.

Later at night, my platoon mates went to "mummified" Andrew with unwanted white tapes and masking tape from our Signal store. Looked quite funny after he was being "mummified". We also took some pictures on that as well.

22 Apr 2005
Had a 5km company run in the morning. After that, we had a briefing by our Signal warrant about the Skills and Arms. Later, HJ, SJ and I had to set up the PA system at MPH as the CO was going to talk to the battalion. After that, I had a very quick lunch and then we had our survey (well, the survey about the commanders, the unit and overall as an NSF).

We had an early bookout today as well, which was given by the CO. After bookout, SJ and I went to had Yogurt (peach flavour) from Yumi Yogurt at Lot 1. After that, I went home and changed before going to Orchard to had a meal before Andrew get posted 8 SAB on Monday. Haiz... now no one is going to talk to me about music and piano. Talking with SJ about that topic? Forget it... I don't really like to talke to him about that as the interests in music between us don't really match. Well, about the meal, too bad there wasn't discount for buffet (the only exception was HJ, who ordered something additional as well). Never mind about that, I still earned my UNI$ for using my UOB card (got a total of UNI$59 for that meal).

After the meal, I went to Kinokuniya Bookstores at Ngee Ann City with some of the people there to browse some books. Well, while I was there, I came across a new Doraemon comic book (Simplified Chinese) on the comics shelf (released not long ago). I decided to buy that book to read. Read some while waiting for the train. Some of the stories are really quite funny and interesting.

MiZ Speaks
Some people commented that I took too little food in cookhouse, and I had a higher taste than most other people. Well, maybe that's quite true, since I usually eat fast food or food from restaurants in weekends.

Well, some time ago, I said that I may be setting aside $1000 for a flute. Now, I may have to reconsider that as I may be getting a console instead (as I do not have one at home). So, I need your opinion and recommendation about that. Should I get Playstation 2, XBOX or Nintendo GameCube? I'll tell you later what type of games I like to play.

The Sunny MiZ 8: Any Music Theory Lesson for Advanced Student?

Had my breakfast with my family in the morning as usual.

After breakfast, I had a haircut at Junction 8. Hmm... now my hair looks really odd and short... but never mind about, who really cares about hairstyle in the Army, as long as it is kept short.

At noon, I went to Plaza Singapura to have my violin lesson. After reaching there, I had my lunch at Long John Silver. Thought of eating at Burger King, but the place seemed quite crowded that time, as of KFC as well. So, I decided to eat at Long John Silver instead (since I hadn't been eating that for some time).

Ok, for the violin lesson, we revised what we did for the previous lessons. After that, the teacher taught us to hold and press the strings on the violin correctly (without using the bow). The teacher also used scotch tape to made markings on the violin to denote where the fingers should be (also denotes the notes we will be playing as well). Hmm... maybe I should do that to my viola as well when I go back to camp. He also taught us some very basic theory of music about the stave/staff (the 5 lines and 4 spaces used in music), ledger line (the short line which is used when the notes go beyond the stave), and also about the G-clef (Treble Clef), the clef which violinist read, and also the notes on that clef. Hmm... I already know that for like 15 years already... I can even read the Bass Clef (F-clef), and also even the Alto Clef (C-clef), although I tend to read the notes on the Alto Clef more slowly than the notes on Treble Clef and Bass Clef. Well, later I told the teacher thayt I had Grade 5 theory, so he told me that I could concentrate more on the violin itself instead. Pictures about the clefs below:









After the lesson, I went to Funan to buy a strategy guide for the game "The Urbz: sims in the City". Well, the book consists of the guide for the game in consoles and handhelds (although the game on consoles is different from that of the handhelds).

After that, I went back home to rest and prepare my stuff.

MiZiSat 8: Celebrating Early ML's Birthday

Just don't feel like waking up in the morning... still feel quite tired after the sleep... But anyway, I still got up of the bed and had my breakfast and used the computer as well. Just downloaded the newer version Of MSN Messenger the day before, where you could use handwriting (with the mouse) to send message to your friends. Quite fun and interesting to use actually, that my friend and I started playing "Win, Lose or Draw" using that feature (the game where you draw and the other party will try to figure out what you are drawing). My friend also asked me out for a movie, but I did not have that mood to watch it. Anyway, there isn't any interesting movie left for me to watch, so no movie for me for that day.

In the afternoon, I went out with my sister to had my lunch with here at Delifrance at Junction 8. After that, I went to Orchard area myself to walk around some of the shopping centres. As I past by Paragon, I decided to went in to have a look. Heard from JR that there was a restaurant (selling beef ribs) where the food is very expensive. I decided to look out for that restaurants to take a look at the menu. Hmm... actually it wasn't that expensive as what JR had said. It is just that the WHOLE MEAL (including drinks and some other things as well) could cost you more than $100 (not just the beef itself). You could also just only eat the cheaper main course which may cost about $40 to $50 (which include the taxes itself) if you want to (well, you could buy the drinks from 7-Eleven which can be found in the basement).

After walking around at Paragon, I went to Borders to have a look at some CDs. I decided to buy the Concerti Grossi op.6 by GF Handel (1685 - 1759) and used the Borders electronic gift voucher card which was given to me as my birthday present (it contains $30 inside the card, and that $30 can only be used in Borders).

After that, I went straight home and used the computer, switched on my MSN and leave it on while I went to bed to nap until evening.

In the evening, my family went to Swensens at Junction 8 to have our dinner there to have an early celebration for my sister's birthday. Wwell, she's going overseas for a tour the next week, which also coincides with her birthday (considering the fact that she wants to spend her birthday on an overseas trip). Well, I had Fish and Chips for dinner as I hadn't been eating that in Swensen's for some time. After that, we ordered an Earthquake (regular scoops) and share that among ourselves.

MiZ in Weekdays 8: Full Troops Exercise 1

11 Apr 2005
Ok, no company run that day as there was a CO talk in the morning. Supposed to have a CO parade, but eventually they changed it to CO talk instead for some reasons. We had to set up the PA system in the multi-purpose hall just for the speech itself (which wasn't that long anyway).

After that, we had to do some signal stores to prepare for the full troops exercise (FTX). There were some people drawing stores from 40 SAR as well. They came back in the evening and we had to do stores until quite late a night. As I also had I-net duty that day, I didn't really helped out much for the stores at night... Well, there were also very few customers for I-net that day. I supposed that was because most of the people were preparing for the FTX as well.

12 Apr 2005
In the morning, I had to helped out with some other people with the SOI for the FTX (and I supposed it is for the alert red and ATEC as well). After that, we had a lecture by dys4 about some technological equipment we might be using for the exercise.

Later in the afternoon, there should be a turn-out at anytime, but I was asked to go to Keat Hong Camp to draw some CVC helmet. Initially, we went to 403 line store to test the CVC helmet there. After a while, WW, a storeman from 46 SAR, came to tell us that all the CVC helmets inside the store are spoilt as those working ones are already being loaned to us a few days back (luckily we only tested a few helmets), so we had to go to 417 line store to draw the helmets. Anyway, there wasn't any turn-out in the afternoon...

In the evening, we had to prepare signal stores for the FTX. Also did the stores until quite late at night as well...

13 Apr 2005
Had to draw arms early in the morning to prepare for the FTX. The siren sounded at around 8.30am. As part of the advance party, we had to move out to the field at around 10.30am. In between that, we loaded the remaining line stores and spare stores into the tunnel.

We stopped at a place to set up exchange area in the afternoon when we were out on the field. The weather was scorching hot that time I was laying line, and as the signal warrant kept watching me on what I was doing, started to get nervous (that always happened when there were somebody looking at me to see what I was doing), so I would forgot certain things that I needed to do and the skills as well. Eventually got reprimanded for poor performance on what I was doing. Well, he was always bullying me, so what can I do?

Hmm... the weather was so hot that I finished the whole bottle of water after laying about 2 lines. Can't really stand the scorching heat as well, and that made me lost some concentration in my work (and perheps a decline in work quality as well). Well, laying the line that day was worst than what I had experienced during Ex. Wallaby...
After finshing laying some lines, we had to mann the line comms and do some exchange in lines as well. Quite a lot of work to do for the linemen at that time...

14 Apr 2005
The line was tear down very early in the morning as the battalion proceed on to start off with their mission. After that, there was nothing much for us to do. The weather was really so hot that most of us felt quite drowsy in the daytime and sleep during that time as well. There were also a lot of mosquitoes there as well, so we had to keep burning the mosquito coils bought by some of the people to get rid of mosquitoes. We also spent our time chatting with one another as well, especially at night, when we had nothing much to do.

15 Apr 2005
Nothing much to do as well for linemen for that day, except to do sentury duty around the vehicle, stand-to when we reached a new place, and helped out in camouflaging the vehicle as well.

The exercise cut some time late in the afternoon. When we reached camp, we had to put the stores into our signal storeroom. After that, I went back to bunk to remove the camo-cream from my face and clean the rifle as well before sending in.

The queue was somewhat long when I reached the armskote. As I had not really bathe yet, HJ asked me to go back and bathe first and take care of my rifle as well since it may take quite long to reached the amskote to send arms.

After sending arms, I went back to bunk to had a short rest before booking out while the armskote was still settling with the arms.

After booking out, I went to Lot 1 to had a quick dinner, and asked my father to fetch me home as well as I felt quite tired already and didn't really feel like taking the public transport as it took a long time to get me home.

MiZ Speaks
Well, while typing this entry, I felt quite tired already actually, so I might missed out some points that I experienced during that week (as my mind wasn't "working" that well). Well, you can helped me to recall what I had done during the week if you can...

The Sunny MiZ 7: A Tired Sunday...

Went out with my family in the morning to had our breakfast at Ang Mo Kio food centre. I had no appetite at that time, so I decided to have McDonald's Happy Meal (Sausage McMuffin) as my breakfast. Well, isn't Happy Meal meant for a happy person?

Before noon, I went out for my Violin lesson at YMS in Plaza Singapura, which starts at 1pm. Before going for the lesson, I had my lunch at BK again. Well, didn't really get to eat BK meals so often as there aren't any BK outlet in Bishan.

Ok, about the lesson, we did some revision on what we did a week ago. After that, the teacher taught us how to bow the open strings correctly. We spent most of the time practising on the bowing. After that, the teacher told us to get a "music notebook" (which is a manuscript book) for theory. Hmm... I supposed he will be doing Grade 1 theory with us... Wonder what would I be doing then... Well anyway, I didn't take Grade 1 theory (just skipped to Grade 2 straight away) as the teacher did not have the time to sign us up for Grade 1 theory that time. At the same time getting the manuscript book, I also bought a book called "A Performer's Guide to the Music of Baroque Period". It contains information about the Baroque period music. It also comes with a CD that contains excerpts from authoritative recordings about Baroque period music. Will be getting the guite about Classical period music and Romantic period music next time when I have that money.

After that, I went straight home as I felt quite tired. Not really in the mood to do window shopping. When I stepped into my home, I went straight to my room, switched on the air-con and sleep straight away. Woke up later again to surf net.

MiZ Speaks
Well, I just revised my Friendster profile. If you have Friendster account, you can take a look at my profile (e-mail: orion_miz@hotmail.com).

Hmm... I will be saving more money for the next few months. Thought of getting a beginner's flute, which may cost about $1000. That means I can only buy a limited amount of CDs, books and novelties for the next few months (well, I will try to resist myself as far as I could...).

MiZiSat 7: Another Movie Day for Me...

Had my keyboard practice in the morning. Well, I tried learning and playing some of the preludes and fugues from The Well-Tempered Clavier Book I and II by JS Bach (1685 - 1750). Each book contains 24 preludes and fugues (which consist of all 24 major and minor keys per book). Hmm... I'm trying to learn a few of them at the moment.

Later in the morning, I went out. Thought of going to the bank to deposit my cheque I received from mail to my account, but I don't know where my parents had placed my bank account book at. So, I decided to leave the cheque to my father to deposit for me. After going out of the house, I went to transfer some money in between 2 bank accounts (from different banks) since I got my pay the day before.

After that, I went to Plaza Singapura to buy 2 movie tickets for 2 movies ("Spanglish" at 12.50pm and "The Pacifier" at 4.50pm). Had my lunch at BK before watching "Spanglish".

After watching Spanglish, I went to YMS to buy "Achieving Success" DVD. It is a video about preparing for the Diploma in Music Performance. Decided to get one copy so that I would know how to prepare for the exams in the future. After that, I went to Borders to browse some of the books and CDs there. After that, I quickly rush back to Plaza Singapura to catch the next movie.

After coming back home, I watched the DVD that I bought just now from my computer. Well, it has a perfomance extracts by some of the candidates playing in exam conditions. It demonstrates the standard required for the performance itself. Quite impressed with those people playing in the performance, especially the girl doing the DipABRSM Violin (who got a distinction), and the woman doing the FRSM Piano (who also got a distinction, which very few people could attain that standard). Hmm... after listening and watching to some extracts, I felt that my playing can't even qualify for a pass category (40% at least)... Anyway, I'm not doing that so soon, since I couldn't really write out the programme notes and haven't read much about the music and composers yet.

MiZ in Weekdays 7: CAOCOC Parade

04 Apr 2005
The 10 of us in the marching contigent had drill practice in the morning. Well, the practice is just about some footdrils and rifle drills going to be performed for the CAOCOC parade. It wasn't that tiring actually. After that, we had a short break in the enlistee's mess canteen. When we went back to had our practice again, the RSM told us to go for another canteen break since the weather wasn't that good that time. Well, he told us to be back in 1 hour time, so we decided to go back to bunk and rest first. After a while later, it started to rain very heavily. Because of that, the morning practice was cancelled. We just had to wait after lunch for the afternoon rehearsal.

In the afternoon, we did about 3 rehearsals. Well, for the 2nd rehearsal, before the drive-past, I went into the wrong vehicle. That was what someone said while were inside the vehicle. I didn't know that RSM had assigned the people to which vehicle we were supposed to be in. Hmm... nobody told me about that... Well, maybe I shold have asked earlier.

For the 3rd rehearsal, before the drive-past, I just ran to the vehicle, trying to find out which vehicle I was supposed to be in. Before I could try to find out anything, the people already closed the vehicle door, so I was left alone outside the vehicle. I decided to wait at the building behind the parade square until the people are backed.

05 Apr 2005
One of the most tiring day of the week. The 10 of us were doing drill practice and rehearsals for almost the whole day. In the 1st half of the morning, we had our drill practice to warm up ourselves first. After the break, we went to HQ Armour parade square to had our rehearsals there. Well, the RSM told us that they only need a few people inside the vehicle as the vehicle was too crowded, so the remaining people had to go to that stretched of road near 42 SAR to bid farewell to the CAO. Well, I think that was good for me as I didn't really had any vehicle to go to. We had quite a lot of rehearsals for that day, so after all the rehearsals, I felt quite tired. I also had a bit of sunburn on my face and hands as the sun was a bit unfriendly that day...

06 Apr 2005
There was no drill practice or rehearsal in the morning, so the 10 of us had to go for our usual morning training, which is company run. Well, when we reached there, we waited for a long time for the conducting officer to come. While we were waiting, HJ, SJ, ZL and I were playing around with twigs found on the floor, as we had nothing to do. After waiting for abount an hour, our sergeant told us to go back to our bunk, as there may not be a company run...

When we went back to bunk, Daniel went to do some commandoo push-ups. Some people take the challenge of doing that. Unfortunately, my buddy, JR, got injured after hitting the floor doing so. He had to be brought to the medical centre as he bleed a lot...

After lunch, we were dicussing about whether there might be a night bashing for us. Well, after some time, the sergeant told us that only the few people in our platoon need to go for the night bashing (which excludes the 10 people going for the parade). Well, I felt quite relieved after hearing that, as my webbing was not really prepared for night bashing, and I need to change my No.4 as well after the parade if I had to go.

Well, the RSM took me out of the parade and asked me to be the reserved, so that means that all my practice and rehearsals had gone into a waste... well, never mind about that, being a reserved wasn't that bad anyway since I would not be involved in the actual parade. The RSM also asked me to carry the battalion flag and waved to the CAO after the parade when we bid farewell. Hmm... I almost forgot to draw the flag from WF before the parade, and had to make him carry the flag to me...

After the parade, I went back to bunk to do some personal admin and also some area cleaning to prepare for the stand-by area the next day. Well, I felt very tired after doing all these things...

07 Apr 2005
We had our area inspection by our stand-in CSM in the morning. Well, the CSM just looked around the area and only made a few comments about our bunk. Well, I supposed we want our bunk to stay hygenic so that we do not fall sick... Anyway, after the inspection, we had to go to Keat Hong Camp to test some radio stores. The "train" told us that there were a lot of sotres to test, and if we do not finish, we may have to stay back on Saturday to do so. Well, as opposed o what we had said, we tested the stores very quickly and ended by early afternoon. I think he was just underestimating us...

After we came back to camp, I rested quite a lot as I still felt quite tired after all the parade drill pratices and rehearsals we had for the past few days.

08 Apr 2005
In the morning, there was SOC test/trial for most of the people in the platoon. Well, I should be pacing JR, but as he could not do SOC test due to his injury, so I had to pace another person. Well, initially, I just wanted to take the SOC trial personnal as they were less stressful to pace, but as all the pacers were pacing the test personnal, I decided to run along with them and take their timing.

After that, I paced HH as I felt that he really need a pacer to run SOC. Well, after HH finished his SOC, TH and I had his timing as 9min27sec. But there was some problems with the timing reflected on the timer's paper. I think the person forgot to time someone running into the end point, so eventually HH got other people timing for 9min36secs......... Maybe we shold be the timer next time. Well anyway, after JR pass his SOC test, I might be retiring from the pacer job as there would be quite a lot of pacers by that time.

There was nothing much for us to do in the late morning and afternoon, except for returning and loaning stores from QM.

After I booked out, I thought of going back home to eat, but decided to accompany SJ and other people for dinner. Well, some unfortunate thing happened to me while having dinner. Alex spilt my food onto my right hand and clothings while trying to take his bag. Just been laughed by some people who witnessed that situation. Well, I just laughed along with them since there was nothing much I could do, except to clean up all the stains on my clothes, my personal items and the floor. Hmm... maybe I should sit somewhere else in the first place since the table was too crowded. Anyway, Alex bought me back another meal after that. Looks like he felt very bad after that when I saw him helping me to clean my file, bag and umbrella. Ok, there is something I need to say, I don't really take this matter into my heart (well it's only MZ anyway, just be careful next time), and I can forgive you about that (no more next time, ok?) so PLEASE DO NOT keep bringing up that matter after booking in into camp, saying how sorry you were that day.

Well, after I got back home, I got a letter from ABRSM representative. It was a letter containing a $167 cheque, which was a refund for the exams they cancelled for me as there are no instrument they have in Singapre for me to have exams on. Well, at least I still got back my money. Hmm... looks like I may have to get one myself if I had to take the exams IF AND ONLY IF I had that money...

The Sunny MiZ 6: The Very First Violin Lesson

In the morning, my family and I went to the temple somewhere at Loyang (forgot the name of the temple...) to pray. Well, as I slept quite late last night, I did not get down of the car to pray in the temple as I wanted more sleep. After that, we had our breakfast near Changi Village. Before we got back home, my father dropped me at J8 so that I could have my hair cut.

In the afternoon, I went to Plaza Singapura to have my first violin lesson. Well, there were 6 students in the class (in which one of them is going to dropped out as she wanted to have an individual lesson instead), and I'm the only male student in the class...... Ok, never mind about that, anyway the teacher is a male, so I not the one and only one... Ok, about the lesson, the teacher is from China, and as he could not really speak proper English, he decided to use Chinese to teach us (well, since all the students are Chinese, so I supposed it would be ok). Ok, we learned how to put the chin rest onto the violin properly, how to hold the bow correctly and properly, and also how to hold the violin properly as well. We will learn how to bow in the next lesson. Hmm... learning all these techniques can be quite tiring... some people almost got cramps after holding the instrument or the bow for some time...

After the lesson, I went back to J8 to buy my lunch back home as there were too many people eating at Plaza Singapura and also at J8. Well, I had that 3 piece spicy chicken from Long John Silver.

After lunch, our family went out again to Lim Chu Kang cemetery to pray for our great-grandmother. Well, it is Qing-ming festival now, so we had to visit them and pray. While we reached there, the rain had already stopped, so we were somewhat lucky to pay respect at that time (usually, it will rain when we pay respect...).

After that, we went back home, and I had to packed my things then.

Ok, during the car journey, I kept playing "The Urbz", trying to figure out how to play the game. Well, I just restarted the game as the first game wasn't started off well... Didn't really play "The Sims 2" this week as I wasn't at home most of the time.

MiZiSat 6: Celebrating WB's Birthday

Woke up at about 5.30am to have my breakfast (while, it was just another normal breakfast as usual...). After that, I continued resting in the ops room. I handed over my duty at about 8+am. After doing what I was supposed to do, I booked out and waited at the bus stop for my father to fetch me back home.

After I reached home, I quickly put down all my things and went out with my father again to ICA (Immigration and Checkpoint Authority) Building to collect my new passport. Hmm... I look a bit dark and ugly from the photograph in the passport. Should have shown my teeth while I had my photograph taken.

After that my father and I went to Funan to buy the XD Flashcard for our Fujifilm Digicam. At the same time, I bought a new GBA game "The Urbz: Sims in the City". Already thought of getting another game before Pokémon Emerald comes out, which will be tentatively released on 30/04/2005. After that, my father brought me to look for a digital camera. Well, he decided to buy another one as the one that we had at home was always taken by my sister, in which we could not get to have the cameras when we had some events going on as well. After that, I had my lunch at KFC/Pizza Hut/Taco Bell 3-in-1 restaurant at Funan.

In the evening, I went out again to had dinner to celebrate WB birthday. Well, we had our dinner at Fish & Co. somewhere near Park Mall. I had Fish and Chips for dinner. After the dinner, we went to Zone X at Dhoby Ghaut Station to play some games there. We played until about 10.30pm, after which we went back home.

MiZ in Weekdays 6: A Somewhat Special Long Week for Me...

28 Mar 2005
Nothing special. After the company run, I just spent my time "refreshing my brains".

29 Mar 2005
Also nothing special. Well, during rollcall, SSG Fong caught those people who had long hair. Hmm... luckily SJ seemed to have escaped from that. After that, it was something like Monday.

30 Mar 2005
SOC test/trial for most people in our platoon. There were only about 4 to 5 pacers to so many people running. Thought of doing some understudy with someone experienced first, but there were too few pacers, so I could not do so. I decided to pace JR since he had that potential to pass. Well, after some "pushing", he managed to get 9:25 for trial (also with the help from the timer). Well, since it was only a trial, it's ok to have that timing, but next time I must try to "push" him even harder... Anyway PSQ managed to get 9:29... how lucky. Ok anyway, good luck for the test for those who pass trial.

Nothing much happening in the afternoon.

In the evening, all of us were asked to go for nights off, which included i-net duty personnel Daniel which was excused from doing i-net duty in the evening to go for nights off (but exclude SJ who had ops room duty to perform). Why was that day so special? Look at the date and compare it with my profile you have seen it before and you will know why.

Ok, JR booked a bus for the whole platoon to go to JP to eat. We all decided on Swensen's. Well, I decided to had my favourite baked rice as usual, and also eat quite a lot of ice-cream. Ok, we pay the meals by cash since those that had UOB debit card did not have enough money in the account, or did not bring their card along (well, I'm short of $5... so no 10% discount... also I could have earned more than UNI$50 for that...)

Ok, after reaching back camp, I was told to go for the CAOCOC parade rehersal as one of my platoonmate had problem marching, so I prepared my SBO and also got that special rifle sling from him as well. At the same time preparing SBO, HH came back and also gave me a movie voucher (indeed, it was a special day...).

31 Mar 2005
Had to wake up early to draw arms to prepare for the parade rehersal. The rehersal was quite tiring especially the morning drills practice as we had to do a lot of "homat senja ta" so many times. During the break, I was also asked by the RSM to do some short extra rifle drills training as I had missed the first 2 rehersals. Well, he said that I was a bit slow and need more practise. The morning drills practice was somewhat short and we got to rest quite a lot then. A lot of my friends complaint about the parade commander who kept telling us the wrong things... how pathetic he could be...

In the afternoon, we had a short practice before commencing the rehersals. Well, PSQ was asked to attached with 42 SAR platoon as they were short of people at that time. I was asked to wait under the building with the other 2 as I was the reserved. It rained halfway during the rehersal (and I could not believe that the parade commander still asked if it was Cat I or not when it was already raining quite heavily and lightning also start to stuck then). the rehersal continued after the rain stopped.

After the rehersal, we changed for dinner. I just only had plain white rice for dinner as I had no appetite for the food they served (I was telling people that the white rice tasted the best among the other food). Later at night, I had mashed potato and noodles kindly contributed by JR and JF since I had nothing much for dinner.

01 Apr 2005
The company run was changed into gym training. Well, I did nothing much for gym since the machines were mostly occupied.

After that, I went back to bunk to changed and prepare for my ops room duty. Knowing that the 4 stripes is the BOS, I thought my duty was going to be a disaster... but actually no. As what JR had said, he was quite slacked actually while on duty.

During my duty, I kept playing my gameboy advance (which I had not play for a long time) and read "The Sims 2 University" game guide throughout the day without having to hear any word from him at all. Also, I didn't sleep during daytime of my duty as oppose to what someone had accuse me of doing so... >:(

Well it was also April's Fool Day. Well, escaped from most jokes from my friends since I had ops room duty.

Well at night, as I do not really want to sleep in the same room with the 4 striped, I decided to pull one of the beds (with pillow and blanket) out of the resting area to sleep (well, the duty clerk was sleeping there as well). After lying on the mattress for a few minutes, I started sleeping quite peacefully then...