What A Day!

Today has been a most packed and eventful day. First 2 classes were ok, we had supposed to go for lunch until 4 boys from 3E5 were saying that they wanted to take their diagnostics test and didn't want to stay back after school to do the test. Granted. But by the time they finished, it was time for the rest of the 3E5 to take the test. So lunch was postponed until much much later.

I think I need to learn some class management skills as I didnt really control the class that well. It was really chaotic at times but I guess I've learnt something out from it...

Graduation Ceremony

Ah yes, the fruits of my labour. Graduation went smoothly. Asked my IT HOD for permission to leave the school 1/2 hour early. Work went smoothly. Went to Metro @ Compass Point with Sharizal to get my new shirt and later had lunch with Vincent and Sharizal in the staff pantry. Once it was 4 p.m., I left the school and headed for home. Showered and got ready for the big event.

Once @ Orchard Hotel, I met up with Vincent (not the same person) , registered at the counter, got dressed up and later proceeded for the ceremony. After the ceremony, food was excellent and I enjoyed it immensely!

The Graduate

The Graduates (Mom and Dad are also graduates, in case you were wondering...)

The Blue (Jerry), Gold (Myself) & Red (Vincent) of USQ

Jerry & I

Myself & Vincent

Proud Owners

With the Degree

Myself, The Dean of USQ and Vincent

Myself & The Dean

Edward and I (The remaining 2 friends left to graduate)

Grandma & I

Grandma, Myself & Aunty

Working Colleagues

This came late but I think it would help me reflect on the environment that I would be in.

Met up with Sharizal, my new colleague, at the coffeeshop near the school at around 8:20 am. Upon reaching the school, he orientated me around the school, telling me where I am supposed to sit etc etc. Showed me where the classrooms, library, school hall and the computer labs were. He introduced me to Jeff, another new staff who would be replacing Diana, the Media Resource Library Assistant.

Eventually, I was introduced to Vincent, the TA or Technical Assistant of the school. I would say that I could blend in well with the school, its staff and the students. Looking forward to the challenges ahead and will face the difficulties head-on.

I will continue to write the daily events that are happening in the school.

Things Happening

Lots of things have happened since my last post...Shimon got commissioned, we went to Copthorne Kings for a eat-all-you-can penang buffet and I got a job. I guess this year things have been going well for me. Here are the pictures:

Mum, Shar & Shimon

Mum & Shar busy eating

The Buffet Counter

Ice Kachang

Monkey happily eating his beancurd

@ Shimon's Commissioning

Dad, 2LT Shimon Poh & Mum

4th ICT @ BCTC

Day 2 - 9th March 2006

Woke up at around 0600 hours. Got up, walked to the bathroom, brushed my teeth, got back to the bunk, headed to the cookhouse for breakfast and then headed back to the bunk to prepare my stuff.

We falled in as a platoon and walked towards the same training shed that we were at yesterday. Our detail was Detail 11. Waited for the other details to get ready before getting into MOPP 4. Once we were ready, the instructors checked our suit, whether there would be any leakages or not. Once that was done, we got into our detail again and walked up the small flight of stairs where another warrant officer briefed us on what we were supposed to do.

We walked towards the Smoke Training Facility where the 1st Sgt gave us the final instructions as to what we were supposed to do. I was slightly nervous due to the waiting time involved. Anyway, we finally managed to get in and the officer burned the combustible solid and asked us if we could smell it. Once that was done, we did the 5 Basic Exercises. The officer tapped on our shoulders and we had to change the canisters on our own. Once everybody changed their canisters, we formed 2 lines and removed our hood. My skin was smarting by then.

When it came to my turn to remove the mask, it was burning! I quickly mentioned my IC Number, Rank and Name and got out of the room. Once out of the room, my face was smarting like no one's business! Walked around to cool my face, got into our detail and then went to MOPP 0 aka PT Kit and Boots. Once back at the bunk, I quickly took a shower, changed to smart 4, went to cookhouse for lunch and after lunch, rested for a while to prepare to be outprocessed. Got into Riaz's Volkswagen and headed for home.

Yusman & I before we got into the Smoke Training Facilitator

Terence and his Gas Mask

4th ICT @ BCTC

Day 1 - 8th March 2006

Woke up @ around 0530 hours and lazed around for awhile before getting ready for the shower. By the time I got everything ready was around 0600 hours. 3rd Uncle was so kind as to prepare breakfast for me although in my heart I really didn't want him to but since I was running out of time I said ok.

Went to the designated bus stop for Sgt P6 to pick me up in his classic Volkswagen. We were quite early when we exited the PIE and so we went to the nearby coffeeshop for a drink. Around 0715, we left the coffeeshop and headed for Pasir Laba.

As usual, we met the rest of the 106ers as we were in-processing. After in-processing, I got the yellow slip of paper which indicated where my bunk will be and to also get my gas mask equipment, checked it and then proceeded to my bunk. After getting everything done, we were told to get dressed in PT kit with boots and to bring along our gas equipment as well.

Took a tonner to one of the auditoriums inside Pasir Laba while we watched 4 video clips of the whole gas thingy. How to get dressed in the suit and other stuff included. A very long process and finally we went for lunch.

After lunch, we had a break of about an hour before forming up again with PT kit, sbo, helmet and gas equipment. This time we had to walk to the training shed. From there, we practically donned the whole suit and tried the different methods that we were told to do. Hot and tiring day! Was glad to finish it and head back to BCTC.

@ 1700 hours, we had dinner and @ 1800 hours, we went for an M16 Familiarisation Phase. After that, it was a shower, a trip to the mess and then sleep.

Part 2 will up coming up.....

Bad Day

Where is the moment when we need it the most

You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost

They tell me your blue sky's faded to grey

They tell me your passion's gone away

And I don't need no carrying on

Stand in the line just ahead of the law

You're faking a smile with the coffee you go

You tell me your life's been way off line

You're falling to pieces every time

And I don't need no carrying on

Cause you had a bad day

You're taking one down

You sing a sad song just to turn it around

You say you don't know

You tell me don't lie

You work at a smile and you go for a ride

You had a bad day

The camera don't lie

You're coming back down and you really don't mind

You had a bad day

You had a bad day

Well you need a blue sky holiday

The point is they laugh at what you say

And I don't need no carrying on

You had a bad day

You're taking one down

You sing a sad song just to turn it around

You say you don't know

You tell me don't lie

You work at a smile and you go for a ride

You had a bad day

The camera don't lie

You're coming back down and you really don't mind

You had a bad day

Sometimes the system goes on the blink and the whole thing it turns out wrong

You might not make it back and you know that you could be well oh that strong

Well I'm not wrong

So where is the passion when you need it the most

Oh you and I

You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost

Cause you had a bad day

You're taking one down

You sing a sad song just to turn it around

You say you don't know

You tell me don't lie

You work at a smile and you go for a ride

You had a bad day

You've seen what you like

And how does it feel for one more time

You had a bad day (Repeat until fade)

Ash Wednesday

Yesterday was Ash Wednesday. And so I didn't eat much. Had 2 fried eggs and a slice of bread for breakfast and went on to doing my things. Didn't have lunch also. Slept for 2 hours before getting up again and preparing myself to go for a jog. Dont see any results as yet because I don't think I have been running much. Can't expect much anyway, can I?

Anyways, I SMSed Michelle and asked her how were her 'A' Level results. She said not bad but not happy as well. I think probably other people did better than her and she feels inferior. Congrats to her on passing her 'A's and hope that she can do accounting at either NTU or SMU.

Went to Bernard & Ying's place for Ash Wednesday mass and it definitely feels different because normally I would go to church to have Ash Wednesday mass but this time round, its in a house setting and so its definitely different. After mass, we had bread pudding (excellent stuff - I should get the receipe from Ying sometime), sandwiches, water, coffee and this unusual tea - a mixture of ginger and lemon grass. Should have taken pictures of it!! Next time then...