Well this is it. The moment no one's been waiting for, but one that we all must face. In about 11 hours time I will cease to be a civillian and be enlisted into the Singapore Armed Forces as a recruit. I cannot honestly say that I am looking forward to BMT, frankly, especially considering I'm going to know no one in my platoon (almost sure of the fact due to PES status).
I suppose I should try to look on the bright side. The long confinement is going to be a killer at 18 days, but once that's over, that's 50% of my BMT done. I guess PES C BMT, while not a holiday camp, won't be as tough as the poor enhanced guys who've been sharing horror stories. And I hope I can meet some good people, maybe forge some new bonds.
I kind of wish I had people who actually cared I'm going in tomorrow still around, but I guess most of them are already enjoying Disneyland Tekong. Oh well, I suppose all I can do is do my best to survive and hopefully come out of BMT a better person.
There is one old slogan I think I'll carry around with me for motivation
We Should, We Must, We Can, We Will (+ common sense - Mr Oura)
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
Yet another Jinjun quiz
1. How many months are there until your birthday?
-2
2. Have you gotten gum stuck in your hair?
Nope
3.When was the last time you got straight A’s?
PSLE, I think that's the last time most people got them
4. Where is your sister/brother right now?
At church
5. Is your handwriting large, tiny, or pretty normal?
Pretty average
6. Are you currently listening to a song?
Well I was listening to Takarajima from Jinjun's blog 30 seconds ago
7. Do you have a cell phone?
Duh?
8. Do you own any kind of yellow clothing?
My favourite World Cup 2006 shirt
9. What do you hate about the opposite sex?
The sheer difficulty of reading them and keeping them happy
10. How many piercings do you have?
None
11. What time is it?
0920z
12.What color are your eyes?
Black
13. How are you today?
Bored, a little depressed and counting the days down to POC
14. How long does it take you to shower?
Quite fast, I'm not like some people who sing the whole day there
15. Do you wear your seatbelt in the car?
Yes, I think not wearing the seatbelt when my mother drives is just suicidal.
16. What jewelery do you wear all the time?
Not a bit
17. What would you say if your doc. told you were pregnant?
Then I would question the doctor's medical abilities as well as his common sense.
18.Do you believe in aliens?
I don't really believe we'll find any, but it's plausible
19. Any siblings?
One
20. What are you doing tomorrow?
Absolutely nothing
21. Tell me a story about a scar you have.
I don't appear to have any
22. What color are your socks?
Mostly white
23. How long is your hair?
Too long
24. What school do you go to?
Basic Military Training Center School 2 (In a few days time)
25. What are you allergic to?
Airbus A320s
26. Can others make you cry easily?
Yes, especially one Mr Yagisawa.
27. Whos house did you last go to?
Jinjun
28. Where did you get the shirt you are wearing?
From some random place
29. Who is your best friend?
Hmm it's hard to say really, but scroll down one entry and you should find the most likely answer.
30. Do you know what you are going to wear tomorrow?
I'll just take whatever's on top
37. What are your favorite color(s)?
Green, gold
38. Do you know anyone who lives in another state?
In passing
39. Are you easily confused?
This question is confusing
40. Who have you talked on phone today?
Paul!!!
41. How has the past week been?
EXTREMELY BORING
42. Do you like anyone at the moment?
Quite a few people?
43.What made you happy today?
My com's back in action
44.Do you like thunderstorms?
Unless I'm caught in them, yeah
45. Do you watch Hannah Montana?
Please no
46. When’s the last time you cried?
Just
48. What’s the weather like right now?
Too hot! It's 24 degrees celsius! Sigh I miss HK's and Egypt's weather.
-2
2. Have you gotten gum stuck in your hair?
Nope
3.When was the last time you got straight A’s?
PSLE, I think that's the last time most people got them
4. Where is your sister/brother right now?
At church
5. Is your handwriting large, tiny, or pretty normal?
Pretty average
6. Are you currently listening to a song?
Well I was listening to Takarajima from Jinjun's blog 30 seconds ago
7. Do you have a cell phone?
Duh?
8. Do you own any kind of yellow clothing?
My favourite World Cup 2006 shirt
9. What do you hate about the opposite sex?
The sheer difficulty of reading them and keeping them happy
10. How many piercings do you have?
None
11. What time is it?
0920z
12.What color are your eyes?
Black
13. How are you today?
Bored, a little depressed and counting the days down to POC
14. How long does it take you to shower?
Quite fast, I'm not like some people who sing the whole day there
15. Do you wear your seatbelt in the car?
Yes, I think not wearing the seatbelt when my mother drives is just suicidal.
16. What jewelery do you wear all the time?
Not a bit
17. What would you say if your doc. told you were pregnant?
Then I would question the doctor's medical abilities as well as his common sense.
18.Do you believe in aliens?
I don't really believe we'll find any, but it's plausible
19. Any siblings?
One
20. What are you doing tomorrow?
Absolutely nothing
21. Tell me a story about a scar you have.
I don't appear to have any
22. What color are your socks?
Mostly white
23. How long is your hair?
Too long
24. What school do you go to?
Basic Military Training Center School 2 (In a few days time)
25. What are you allergic to?
Airbus A320s
26. Can others make you cry easily?
Yes, especially one Mr Yagisawa.
27. Whos house did you last go to?
Jinjun
28. Where did you get the shirt you are wearing?
From some random place
29. Who is your best friend?
Hmm it's hard to say really, but scroll down one entry and you should find the most likely answer.
30. Do you know what you are going to wear tomorrow?
I'll just take whatever's on top
37. What are your favorite color(s)?
Green, gold
38. Do you know anyone who lives in another state?
In passing
39. Are you easily confused?
This question is confusing
40. Who have you talked on phone today?
Paul!!!
41. How has the past week been?
EXTREMELY BORING
42. Do you like anyone at the moment?
Quite a few people?
43.What made you happy today?
My com's back in action
44.Do you like thunderstorms?
Unless I'm caught in them, yeah
45. Do you watch Hannah Montana?
Please no
46. When’s the last time you cried?
Just
48. What’s the weather like right now?
Too hot! It's 24 degrees celsius! Sigh I miss HK's and Egypt's weather.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
2008 in review
I still remember clearly how the year started... sitting on the Padang watching fireworks with Paul, Jinjun, Shuotian, Chester, Calvin and others.
At the time, I was reflecting back on the way that 2006 ended (badly), and how it foreshadowed 2007, which wasn't that great a year. I thought to myself that perhaps, since the way 2007 was ending was way better, 2008 should prove to be a good year too. Was it? Let's see.
Academically, of course, we had the big one. The A levels came and went. I think I improved since last year, and hopefully I did well. Some moments in class were really priceless, and of course, the numerous mugging sessions at the Esplanade and the airport will be remembered.
However, I think academics were a minor part of my year. So many things have happened, and I shall attempt to broadly categorise them into a few areas.
Travel wise, this year was a bumper year for me, visiting Japan, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, UAE, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur. It is good that I've gotten so many opportunities to visit different countries, experience their cultures and scenery and in the case of Japan, meet new people and exchange ideas. As an aviation enthusiast, the number of aircraft, airports and airlines has been staggering and I'm really thankful for these experiences. Some of them (Emirates, Etihad, Singapore Airlines) have been wonderful, others (Cathay Pacific) less so. Still, it's not every year one gets to fly 3 new types.
Musically, this year for me has shown great improvements in my personal standard. January saw some minor events here and there, while March had Play 08, which was a light and refreshing event. May saw A Tempo XIX, the highlight of the year in RJCSB. However, I must say that while it was a great concert, for me, I found it slightly lacking in terms of emotion and feelings on my part, which I can't really explain much. In June, RIMB went to Japan, ending a 3 year long wait. I really enjoyed that trip, and I hope, however unlikely, that I can experience something similar in future. July saw SIBF, a less than ideal finish to my band life under Mr Oura, who I dearly miss, but also saw the start of Rwinds practices. As a committee member for Rwinds, I found myself more heavily involved in Coda IV compared to previous Codas. Of course, this meant more work, sometimes more than I could handle. Despite this, our efforts paid off in what may well be the best concert of my life to me. In Coda IV I found a passion for music I had lost in A Tempo, and for the first time I found myself really tearing on stage. The band played well, not technically as well as A Tempo or JCBF, but with emotion and fervour I've rarely seen.
Of course, the most important developments are in friendship. There are a few people who I have to acknowledge, and in alphabetical order (except for the most important) they are (apologies if I offend anyone, but I bet no one reads this anyway):
Ben - I regret not getting to know him in RIMB, because he's been a great friend so far, offering invaluable advice from a different perspective. It was great to play with him, and the rest of his batch, in Coda and I hope I continue to have that privilege
Bertrand - I haven't been able to see him much this year, inevitable I suppose given our difference in batch. Still, we remain good friends, and comrades in our love for aviation. I look forward to flying more with him in the future.
Calvin - Been seeing a lot more of him the past year, and we've grown closer. I think I may sometimes overlook him, but recently he's been a very good friend, always being there when I needed someone. I still distinctly remember coming out of arrivals after an extremely distressing flight from Dubai and seeing him there, then just running over and hugging him tight. I must thank him for all he's done for me.
Jerald - He's been another great junior and friend to me so far, and I commend him on his exemplary leadership of the RIMB this year. I suppose I have him to thank for the wonderful Japan trip and for a great job emceeing Coda too.
Jeremy - I guess in 2007 we sort of drifted apart, but I'm lucky to have re-forged our friendship this year. I guess when you've known each other for six years, such friendships die hard, and I hope it continues to improve.
Meiyi - One of the most important new relationships I've forged over this year, and we've spent some times together, both trying (during the A levels) and fun (Our trip toHong Kong East Coast Park). I wish for our friendship to continue to grow.
Paul - Still the same bubbly guy as ever. I must admit that at times I found him a little insensitive perhaps, but I put that down to my own insecurity and a bit of selfishness I guess. He's been a great friend to me though, and I sincerely hope that continues.
Shuotian - How I wish we could have played together in Coda, but due to extenuating circumstances that was not possible. He's one of the few people I've had no doubts about, and one of the people I feel I can really depend upon.
Shuyi - I guess we've really drifted apart in the later half of the year, but the bond of friendship we shared in the first half is something I still cherish, and perhaps wish I still have.
To round off this whole post, there is someone special who I must thank greatly, because I don't think I could have survived the year without him. I started the year probably regarding him as an acquaintance of sorts, but now, I don't know what I'd do without him. He's followed me almost all the way, even as far as Hong Kong and KL. He's offered invaluable support during the hardest periods of the year, and was there to share all the happy moments too, not to mention teaching me a lot of stuff about music, photography and a whole lot of other things. I don't know how I'll ever repay him for what he's done. I hope, though it's not very likely, that we'll be able to share our journey through NS together, as well as other fun times in the future. I don't think I need to mention who this person is, because I'm sure he knows. If you're reading this, I don't know how I can express my feelings in a few words, but I'll try. Thanks, thanks for everything.
At the time, I was reflecting back on the way that 2006 ended (badly), and how it foreshadowed 2007, which wasn't that great a year. I thought to myself that perhaps, since the way 2007 was ending was way better, 2008 should prove to be a good year too. Was it? Let's see.
Academically, of course, we had the big one. The A levels came and went. I think I improved since last year, and hopefully I did well. Some moments in class were really priceless, and of course, the numerous mugging sessions at the Esplanade and the airport will be remembered.
However, I think academics were a minor part of my year. So many things have happened, and I shall attempt to broadly categorise them into a few areas.
Travel wise, this year was a bumper year for me, visiting Japan, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, UAE, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur. It is good that I've gotten so many opportunities to visit different countries, experience their cultures and scenery and in the case of Japan, meet new people and exchange ideas. As an aviation enthusiast, the number of aircraft, airports and airlines has been staggering and I'm really thankful for these experiences. Some of them (Emirates, Etihad, Singapore Airlines) have been wonderful, others (Cathay Pacific) less so. Still, it's not every year one gets to fly 3 new types.
Musically, this year for me has shown great improvements in my personal standard. January saw some minor events here and there, while March had Play 08, which was a light and refreshing event. May saw A Tempo XIX, the highlight of the year in RJCSB. However, I must say that while it was a great concert, for me, I found it slightly lacking in terms of emotion and feelings on my part, which I can't really explain much. In June, RIMB went to Japan, ending a 3 year long wait. I really enjoyed that trip, and I hope, however unlikely, that I can experience something similar in future. July saw SIBF, a less than ideal finish to my band life under Mr Oura, who I dearly miss, but also saw the start of Rwinds practices. As a committee member for Rwinds, I found myself more heavily involved in Coda IV compared to previous Codas. Of course, this meant more work, sometimes more than I could handle. Despite this, our efforts paid off in what may well be the best concert of my life to me. In Coda IV I found a passion for music I had lost in A Tempo, and for the first time I found myself really tearing on stage. The band played well, not technically as well as A Tempo or JCBF, but with emotion and fervour I've rarely seen.
Of course, the most important developments are in friendship. There are a few people who I have to acknowledge, and in alphabetical order (except for the most important) they are (apologies if I offend anyone, but I bet no one reads this anyway):
Ben - I regret not getting to know him in RIMB, because he's been a great friend so far, offering invaluable advice from a different perspective. It was great to play with him, and the rest of his batch, in Coda and I hope I continue to have that privilege
Bertrand - I haven't been able to see him much this year, inevitable I suppose given our difference in batch. Still, we remain good friends, and comrades in our love for aviation. I look forward to flying more with him in the future.
Calvin - Been seeing a lot more of him the past year, and we've grown closer. I think I may sometimes overlook him, but recently he's been a very good friend, always being there when I needed someone. I still distinctly remember coming out of arrivals after an extremely distressing flight from Dubai and seeing him there, then just running over and hugging him tight. I must thank him for all he's done for me.
Jerald - He's been another great junior and friend to me so far, and I commend him on his exemplary leadership of the RIMB this year. I suppose I have him to thank for the wonderful Japan trip and for a great job emceeing Coda too.
Jeremy - I guess in 2007 we sort of drifted apart, but I'm lucky to have re-forged our friendship this year. I guess when you've known each other for six years, such friendships die hard, and I hope it continues to improve.
Meiyi - One of the most important new relationships I've forged over this year, and we've spent some times together, both trying (during the A levels) and fun (Our trip to
Paul - Still the same bubbly guy as ever. I must admit that at times I found him a little insensitive perhaps, but I put that down to my own insecurity and a bit of selfishness I guess. He's been a great friend to me though, and I sincerely hope that continues.
Shuotian - How I wish we could have played together in Coda, but due to extenuating circumstances that was not possible. He's one of the few people I've had no doubts about, and one of the people I feel I can really depend upon.
Shuyi - I guess we've really drifted apart in the later half of the year, but the bond of friendship we shared in the first half is something I still cherish, and perhaps wish I still have.
To round off this whole post, there is someone special who I must thank greatly, because I don't think I could have survived the year without him. I started the year probably regarding him as an acquaintance of sorts, but now, I don't know what I'd do without him. He's followed me almost all the way, even as far as Hong Kong and KL. He's offered invaluable support during the hardest periods of the year, and was there to share all the happy moments too, not to mention teaching me a lot of stuff about music, photography and a whole lot of other things. I don't know how I'll ever repay him for what he's done. I hope, though it's not very likely, that we'll be able to share our journey through NS together, as well as other fun times in the future. I don't think I need to mention who this person is, because I'm sure he knows. If you're reading this, I don't know how I can express my feelings in a few words, but I'll try. Thanks, thanks for everything.
Monday, January 05, 2009
Yet another quiz
1. Made out for more than 3 minutes?
With my bari, yeah
2. Slept in a different bed?
Many many times
3. Loved someone so much that you couldn’t live another second without that person?
Nope
4. Made out with 2 different people in one night?
Not even 1
5. Thought your cousin was hot?
Not ever
6. Been in love?
747-400!
7. Slept past noon?
Rarely
8. Taken a shower with the opposite sex?
Nope
9. Gone over the speed limit?
as a passenger, too many times to count
10. Painted your room?
Nope
11. Drove a car?
Mainly the CDC Toyota Vios
12.Danced in front of your mirror?
No
13. Gotten a hickey?
Nope
14. Been dumped?
No
15. Stole money from a friend?
Never
16. Gotten in a car with people you just met?
Once or twice
17. Been in a fist fight?
Nope, saw one in a school in Japan though (teacher vs student)
18. Snuck out of your house?
Nope
19. Had feelings for someone who didn’t have them back?
No (wow my life is boring)
20. Been arrested?
No
21. Made out with a stranger?
No
22. Left your house without telling your parents?
No
23. Had a crush on your neighbour?
I don't even know them
24. Ditched school to do something more fun?
Nope
25. Slept in a bed with a member of the same or opposite sex?
Both
26. Seen someone die?
Nope, hopefully won't
27. Been on a plane?
If by plane you mean anything other than x, no, where x =: (in order of size)
Curtiss-Wright Travelair 4000
Cessna 182S
ATR 72-500
Embraer ERJ-190
McDonnell Douglas MD80
Airbus A319-112
Boeing 737-400
Boeing 737-800
Airbus A320-214
Airbus A320-232
Airbus A321-214
Boeing 757-200
Boeing 767-300ER
Airbus A330-300
Airbus A340-500
Airbus A340-600
Boeing 777-200ER
Boeing 777-300
Boeing 777-300ER
Boeing 747-100SR/SUD
Boeing 747-400
Airbus A380-800
28. Kissed a picture?
Nope
29. Slept in the opposite sex’s bed?
Erm?
30. Love someone or miss someone right now?
I miss a lot of people, but not in a romantic sense
31. Laid on your back and watched cloud shapes go by?
Never laid down, but did that before
32. Made a snow angel?
Nope
33. Played dress up?
A long long long time ago
34. Cheated while playing a game?
Many many times
35. Been lonely?
yeah, am right now actually
36. Fallen asleep at work/school?
A couple of times
37. Been to a club?
yeah
38. Felt an earthquake?
Nope
39. Touched a snake?
Couple of times
40. Ran a red light?
As a pedestrian, yeah
41. Been suspended from school?
Well my bag was once (literally), but no
42. Had detention?
Nope
43. Been in a car?
Sure
44. Hated the way you look?
Nope
45. Witnessed a crime?
Haha depends on the strict definition of crime
With my bari, yeah
2. Slept in a different bed?
Many many times
3. Loved someone so much that you couldn’t live another second without that person?
Nope
4. Made out with 2 different people in one night?
Not even 1
5. Thought your cousin was hot?
Not ever
6. Been in love?
747-400!
7. Slept past noon?
Rarely
8. Taken a shower with the opposite sex?
Nope
9. Gone over the speed limit?
as a passenger, too many times to count
10. Painted your room?
Nope
11. Drove a car?
Mainly the CDC Toyota Vios
12.Danced in front of your mirror?
No
13. Gotten a hickey?
Nope
14. Been dumped?
No
15. Stole money from a friend?
Never
16. Gotten in a car with people you just met?
Once or twice
17. Been in a fist fight?
Nope, saw one in a school in Japan though (teacher vs student)
18. Snuck out of your house?
Nope
19. Had feelings for someone who didn’t have them back?
No (wow my life is boring)
20. Been arrested?
No
21. Made out with a stranger?
No
22. Left your house without telling your parents?
No
23. Had a crush on your neighbour?
I don't even know them
24. Ditched school to do something more fun?
Nope
25. Slept in a bed with a member of the same or opposite sex?
Both
26. Seen someone die?
Nope, hopefully won't
27. Been on a plane?
If by plane you mean anything other than x, no, where x =: (in order of size)
Curtiss-Wright Travelair 4000
Cessna 182S
ATR 72-500
Embraer ERJ-190
McDonnell Douglas MD80
Airbus A319-112
Boeing 737-400
Boeing 737-800
Airbus A320-214
Airbus A320-232
Airbus A321-214
Boeing 757-200
Boeing 767-300ER
Airbus A330-300
Airbus A340-500
Airbus A340-600
Boeing 777-200ER
Boeing 777-300
Boeing 777-300ER
Boeing 747-100SR/SUD
Boeing 747-400
Airbus A380-800
28. Kissed a picture?
Nope
29. Slept in the opposite sex’s bed?
Erm?
30. Love someone or miss someone right now?
I miss a lot of people, but not in a romantic sense
31. Laid on your back and watched cloud shapes go by?
Never laid down, but did that before
32. Made a snow angel?
Nope
33. Played dress up?
A long long long time ago
34. Cheated while playing a game?
Many many times
35. Been lonely?
yeah, am right now actually
36. Fallen asleep at work/school?
A couple of times
37. Been to a club?
yeah
38. Felt an earthquake?
Nope
39. Touched a snake?
Couple of times
40. Ran a red light?
As a pedestrian, yeah
41. Been suspended from school?
Well my bag was once (literally), but no
42. Had detention?
Nope
43. Been in a car?
Sure
44. Hated the way you look?
Nope
45. Witnessed a crime?
Haha depends on the strict definition of crime
46. Been lost?
Sure
47. Been to the opposite side of the country?
This is Singapore...
48. Felt like dying from embarrassment?
yeah haha
49. Cried yourself to sleep?
Yeah.
50. Sang karaoke?
Nope
51. Done something you told yourself you wouldn’t do?
Yeah a few times
52. Laughed till some kind of beverage came out of your nose?
Yep
53. Caught a snowflake on your tongue?
Nah, but i've caught them in my hand
54. Kissed in the rain?
nope
55. Sung in the shower?
Nope... played instrument in shower maybe but not sang.
56. Had a dream that you married someone?
Nope
57. Played getting married?
Nope, played the wedding march before though
58. Got your tongue stuck to a flag pole?
No?
59. Ever gone to school partially nude?
Nope
60. Been to a blind date?
Never
61. Sat on a roof top?
Sure, why not
62. Ever not take a shower for a week?
Longest maybe 3 days?
63. Ever been too scared to watch scary movies alone?
Maybe when I was a kid
64. Played chicken?
Nope
65. Been pushed into a pool with all your clothes on?
Nope
66. Been told you’re hot by a complete stranger?
No...
67. Broken a bone?
Never
68. Been easily amused?
Yeah
69. Laugh so hard you cry?
Haha it's a good feeling
70. Cheated on a test?
Not intentionally
71. Forgotten someone’s name?
Nope
72. Blacked out from drinking?
Never
73. Played a prank on someone?
Couple of times
74. Gone to a late night movie?
Do DVDs at home count?
75. Made love to anything not human?
No, unless you consider the regular kissing I do with my bari sax.
76. Failed a class?
Chinese! haha and Japanese too.
77. Choked on something you’re not supposed to eat?
Nope
78. Played an instrument for more than 10 hours?
Strict definition no, but I've had practices more than that.
79. Cheated on a girlfriend/boyfriend?
Nope
80. Did you celebrate the 4th of July?
Somewhat, I usually listen to the Stars and Stripes Forever.
81. Thrown strange objects?
Going to soon... maybe, I dunno if PES C ppl get to throw handgrenades.
82. Felt like someone else?
No?
83. Thought about running away?
That time when Shuhui wanted to propose to me, I was one click away from booking a flight to New York
84. Ran away?
One click away man
85. Had detention and not attend it?
Never had detention
86. Made parents cry?
Nope
87. Cried over someone?
Not really
88. Owned more than 5 sharpies?
i'm not B major u know -.-
89. Dated someone more than once?
Nope
90. Have a dog?
Not by the strictest definition
91. Own an instrument?
Yeah, a Yamaha alto sax
92. Been in a band?
RIMB, RJCSB, Rwinds, JCBF 2007 Honour Band
93. Drank 25 sodas in a day?
nope
94. Broken a cd?
haha many times
95. Shot a gun?
Tekong Disneyland here we come!
96. Been on IM for more than 5 hours?
Way longer than that
97. Fell asleep at the computer?
Once
98. Have a major crush on someone right now?
Nope
99. Have a religion?
Roman Catholic
100. Thought about what people would say at your funeral?
Yeah
101. Loved someone but didn’t dare to tell that person?
Nope
102. Slapped someone in the face?
Nah
103. Swam in the sea?
Yeah
104. Made out in a movie theatre?
No.. I'd be watching the movie
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Coda 4!
Yesterday was one of the best days of my life!
Wanted to go down to RI to set up, as usual, but this time I went straight to VCH (after lunch and stuff at Raffles City), due to my video camera. I went over at 1, but had to wait a while with Jerald, Hillary and David for the hall to open up. Once it did, I went over, set up the camera stuff and waited for rehearsal to start.
Not much happened during rehearsals, although the ensemble rehearsals (particularly for Canon in D) were exhausting. Also, the dinner, intelligently, contained chilli. I don't know why pre-concert dinner always contains the stuff that tends to affect wind players, but...
So at 7:15, the stage was set and we were all ready for the first piece, which was:
Firework! Yeah there's only one firework for some reason. I think this piece was a good concert opener, but we didn't do it very impressively. I think a bit more energy would be good, but still this piece was done decently.
Armenian Dances was next and I think we did it really well, despite its difficulty. The audience appear to have a good impression too. I started out this Rwinds cycle not really liking this piece, but it's grown on me. Rushed a little here and there, but overall this piece was one of the nicest in the concert.
Jinjun's Piece A French Portrait was composed by my dear friend above. Obviously however the picture is not representative of the piece, merely of the composer. It had a bit of a Vox Stellarum feel to it, and quite representative of the stars it describes. I think our premiere of the piece was also quite a good job, expressive and majestic.
Phantom of the Opera was one of the bigger pieces of the concert, and Yanlong's first. Overall this piece was a little messy here and there, but for the most part it sounded ok. Again, the band seemed to play this with much emotion and passion, which I'm sure the audience must have felt too.
Intermission for me was a short one because I had an ensemble coming up. Unlike Coda 3 a substantial number of people actually came looking for me, which I appreciated a lot.
Our saxophone ensemble went up on stage to perform the first of two pieces namely:
I think you can figure out the name of the song from the picture, so I'm not going to repeat it here. The hardest piece for me in the concert, also the most boring, repeating the same thing 10-20 times is not fun. Still, we did ok.
We next did Diamond State Rag, a rag based on the state of Delaware in the USA. Compared to the previous piece, this one was fast, lively and fun, and I liked it a lot.
After that we had the percussion ensemble, then the whole band gathered back on stage for:
ABBA Gold! Yeah way back from REACT ensuring that the tradition of my concerts always having a repeated piece continues. This was quite ok too, a good, fun song to play and it brought back memories of the good times of 2007.
Our next piece, arranged and conducted by Yan Long, was In the Mood, a very fun swing song that got me high. I've got the melody for the most part, and it was really enjoyable to play. Everyone was getting high so to cool down we had:
Queen's Park Melody, which was a really nice and relaxing piece. Very "band", as Mr Oura would say. The second half of the melody was really soothing and melodic, and I really like it.
After that, we had acknowledgements, including Ms Lim Lai Cheng, principal of "Raffles Institution". We also thanked the band teachers for "supporting the band in every way possible". Finally we came to our last piece which was:
The Seventh Night of July is a really great piece, telling the tale of two lovers separated by a galaxy who can meet but once a year. I fell in love with the piece almost as soon as I heard it, and as I mentioned earlier, my highest aspirations for the concert were pinned on this piece, especially this one part near the end which really gets my emotions going. I am proud to say that I was not disappointed, we did beautifully. It filled my heart with joy to hear the faster parts, and the slower parts were so melodious and beautiful I almost cried. The finale gave me an epic rush of emotion that I will probably never feel again. I know, technically we didn't play as well as, say, Kosei, but the emotions I felt there more than made up for it.
Our encore piece was Looney Tunes Overture, and judging from the video we were all happy while we played it, and feeling the happiness of the music and seeing the smiles on everyone's faces made the whole concert complete.
After the concert, because I was unable to obtain transport home from school due to car troubles, I left for dinner at a nearby Golden Arches and proceeded home.
Well, 6 months of hard work have paid off for me, and for the rest of the band. Ticket sales soared to a record high, and the hall was fuller than ever. The concert went off without a hitch and of course, the band and the conductors did marvellously. I must especially thank the committee, especially Amir, and the two conductors for all the work they've put in.
As to why I find this concert a particularly memorable one, I have to say that I felt more for this concert and the pieces than I have ever been able to feel since Prometheum XI. When I played for A Tempo XIX, it was great, but somehow I couldn't feel anything for the music, try as much as I did. I just played, that was all. For this concert, maybe it's because I invested more into it, I felt it was more of my concert, our concert. Whatever the reason, I could actually feel the music, put my all into it, enjoy the fast and happy songs and release as much passion and energy as I had in the beautiful melodies that made up this concert, especially in the 7th Night of July.
I'm going to miss RI's band room, the place I've been having pracs at least twice a month since 2003, and of course, the Varese room. Also my dear instrument, which has been a close friend of mine these two years. Hopefully I'll see them, as well as the great people that made up this Rwinds, again next year. Onward to Coda V!
Wanted to go down to RI to set up, as usual, but this time I went straight to VCH (after lunch and stuff at Raffles City), due to my video camera. I went over at 1, but had to wait a while with Jerald, Hillary and David for the hall to open up. Once it did, I went over, set up the camera stuff and waited for rehearsal to start.
Not much happened during rehearsals, although the ensemble rehearsals (particularly for Canon in D) were exhausting. Also, the dinner, intelligently, contained chilli. I don't know why pre-concert dinner always contains the stuff that tends to affect wind players, but...
So at 7:15, the stage was set and we were all ready for the first piece, which was:
Firework! Yeah there's only one firework for some reason. I think this piece was a good concert opener, but we didn't do it very impressively. I think a bit more energy would be good, but still this piece was done decently.
Armenian Dances was next and I think we did it really well, despite its difficulty. The audience appear to have a good impression too. I started out this Rwinds cycle not really liking this piece, but it's grown on me. Rushed a little here and there, but overall this piece was one of the nicest in the concert.
Phantom of the Opera was one of the bigger pieces of the concert, and Yanlong's first. Overall this piece was a little messy here and there, but for the most part it sounded ok. Again, the band seemed to play this with much emotion and passion, which I'm sure the audience must have felt too.
Intermission for me was a short one because I had an ensemble coming up. Unlike Coda 3 a substantial number of people actually came looking for me, which I appreciated a lot.
Our saxophone ensemble went up on stage to perform the first of two pieces namely:
I think you can figure out the name of the song from the picture, so I'm not going to repeat it here. The hardest piece for me in the concert, also the most boring, repeating the same thing 10-20 times is not fun. Still, we did ok.
We next did Diamond State Rag, a rag based on the state of Delaware in the USA. Compared to the previous piece, this one was fast, lively and fun, and I liked it a lot.
After that we had the percussion ensemble, then the whole band gathered back on stage for:
ABBA Gold! Yeah way back from REACT ensuring that the tradition of my concerts always having a repeated piece continues. This was quite ok too, a good, fun song to play and it brought back memories of the good times of 2007.
Our next piece, arranged and conducted by Yan Long, was In the Mood, a very fun swing song that got me high. I've got the melody for the most part, and it was really enjoyable to play. Everyone was getting high so to cool down we had:
Queen's Park Melody, which was a really nice and relaxing piece. Very "band", as Mr Oura would say. The second half of the melody was really soothing and melodic, and I really like it.After that, we had acknowledgements, including Ms Lim Lai Cheng, principal of "Raffles Institution". We also thanked the band teachers for "supporting the band in every way possible". Finally we came to our last piece which was:
The Seventh Night of July is a really great piece, telling the tale of two lovers separated by a galaxy who can meet but once a year. I fell in love with the piece almost as soon as I heard it, and as I mentioned earlier, my highest aspirations for the concert were pinned on this piece, especially this one part near the end which really gets my emotions going. I am proud to say that I was not disappointed, we did beautifully. It filled my heart with joy to hear the faster parts, and the slower parts were so melodious and beautiful I almost cried. The finale gave me an epic rush of emotion that I will probably never feel again. I know, technically we didn't play as well as, say, Kosei, but the emotions I felt there more than made up for it.
Our encore piece was Looney Tunes Overture, and judging from the video we were all happy while we played it, and feeling the happiness of the music and seeing the smiles on everyone's faces made the whole concert complete.
After the concert, because I was unable to obtain transport home from school due to car troubles, I left for dinner at a nearby Golden Arches and proceeded home.
Well, 6 months of hard work have paid off for me, and for the rest of the band. Ticket sales soared to a record high, and the hall was fuller than ever. The concert went off without a hitch and of course, the band and the conductors did marvellously. I must especially thank the committee, especially Amir, and the two conductors for all the work they've put in.
As to why I find this concert a particularly memorable one, I have to say that I felt more for this concert and the pieces than I have ever been able to feel since Prometheum XI. When I played for A Tempo XIX, it was great, but somehow I couldn't feel anything for the music, try as much as I did. I just played, that was all. For this concert, maybe it's because I invested more into it, I felt it was more of my concert, our concert. Whatever the reason, I could actually feel the music, put my all into it, enjoy the fast and happy songs and release as much passion and energy as I had in the beautiful melodies that made up this concert, especially in the 7th Night of July.
I'm going to miss RI's band room, the place I've been having pracs at least twice a month since 2003, and of course, the Varese room. Also my dear instrument, which has been a close friend of mine these two years. Hopefully I'll see them, as well as the great people that made up this Rwinds, again next year. Onward to Coda V!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Dal segno al coda
In 19 hours time, 6 months of hard preparations will culminate in Coda IV, my last performance of the year and my last at least until after BMT...
The journey here hasn't been easy, especially as a solo librarian... mention the words "Queen's Park Melody" or "The Seventh Night of July" and timpani in the same sentence and I will faint. Even so, it has been very rewarding.
I think Coda IV will be a very meaningful concert to me. It remains to be seen whether it will best A Tempo XIX, and I doubt it will hold more significance than Prometheum XI, but to me it clearly beats anything else. I think firstly it's because I'm a comm member and I've invested more in this concert than I normally do. Also, I feel more attached to the pieces we're playing, especially the one I'm listening to now. Finally, the people in the band are great, and they've really made Rwinds a great place to be.
Today was the last practice I'll have in the RI band room for a long long time... After having at least 2 pracs there each month since February 2003, it's hard to let go of it, or of my instrument. But nevertheless, my mind is now focused on delivering music tomorrow, and so I shall.
The Seventh Night of July... personally I've pinned my highest hopes on this piece, because I really like it. Of course, not forgetting the others. Tomorrow will be the day. (Or actually today by now)
The journey here hasn't been easy, especially as a solo librarian... mention the words "Queen's Park Melody" or "The Seventh Night of July" and timpani in the same sentence and I will faint. Even so, it has been very rewarding.
I think Coda IV will be a very meaningful concert to me. It remains to be seen whether it will best A Tempo XIX, and I doubt it will hold more significance than Prometheum XI, but to me it clearly beats anything else. I think firstly it's because I'm a comm member and I've invested more in this concert than I normally do. Also, I feel more attached to the pieces we're playing, especially the one I'm listening to now. Finally, the people in the band are great, and they've really made Rwinds a great place to be.
Today was the last practice I'll have in the RI band room for a long long time... After having at least 2 pracs there each month since February 2003, it's hard to let go of it, or of my instrument. But nevertheless, my mind is now focused on delivering music tomorrow, and so I shall.
The Seventh Night of July... personally I've pinned my highest hopes on this piece, because I really like it. Of course, not forgetting the others. Tomorrow will be the day. (Or actually today by now)
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Meiyi's Quiz
1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
- I performed overseas in a band, and did a major national examination
2. Did you keep your New Years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't make New Year's resolutions
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
- Nope!
4. Did anyone close to you die?
- Not really, no
5. What countries did you visit? (official names)
Republic of Singapore (obviously)
Malaysia
Kingdom of Thailand
People's Republic of China
People's Republic of China (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region)
United Arab Emirates
Arab Republic of Egypt
State of Israel
Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Kingdom of Bahrain
Empire of the Rising Sun Japan
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
A 747 flight!
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory?
- 26th May, 9-16th June, 24th July, 20th November, 20th November-4th December, 13th December - 19th December, 21st December, 30th December.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
- Completing A levels and performing well for A Tempo XIX (hope Coda IV comes up here too)
9. What was your biggest failure?
- Hard to say... I don't really consider anything this year a big failure
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
- Well I suffered from severe illness and fatigue, being sick and tired of the A levels.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
- The Concorde for FS9, which is beautiful
12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
- Loads of people.
13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
- Cathay Pacific
14. Where did most of your money go?
- Excellent question, I'm dying to know myself
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
- A Tempo XIX, Japan trip, Middle East trip, Hong Kong trip, LOTR symphonies in Singapore and KL and Coda IV
16. What song/album will always remind you of 2008?
- Quite a few... whenever I listen to my concert recordings for one.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
happier or sadder? happier
thinner or fatter? around the same
richer or poorer? around the same
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
- Fly
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
- Not fly
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
- Running around visiting families.
21. Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?
- Different people at different stages of the year, I guess.
22. Did you fall in love in 2008?
- Remained in love with the 747
23. How many one night stands in this last year?
- NONE
24. What was your favourite TV program?
- I don't watch TV
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
- Cathay Pacific
26. What was the best book(s) you read?
- The World According to Clarkson.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
- The LOTR Symphony
28. What did you want and get?
- The HK and Japan trips!!!
29. What did you want and not get?
- Flights on 747s and A380s
30. What were your favourite films of this year?
- Wall E!!! And Dark Knight.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
- 18, I was trying out my birthday present from SEAB, the A level Physics paper 2
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
- Hmm no one thing would have done that...
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
- I couldn't care less about fashion
34. What kept you sane?
- friends
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
- None of them
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
- US Presidential Elections 2008!
37. Who did you miss?
- Some people
38. Who was the best new person you met?
- Hmm I haven't really met many new people, but I have forged a few precious new friendships
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
- Hmm hard to say
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year?
- It's a world of laughter, a world of tearsIt's a world of hope and a world of fears
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Back from Hong Kong East Coast Park
I shall write about the trip once I:
1. Get the photos off my laptop and
2. Actually finish the Japan blogging
However after coming back from my trip to Hong Kong East Coast Park, I realise that flying is really in my blood, and there are many places I want to see, such as:
Beijing - I think China is a really beautiful country at times, and I want to see stuff like the Great Wall. Beijing Capital International Airport should be quite interesting, especially with the new terminal.
Pyongyang - For the fun of being in North Korea. Also I heard the scenery in the rural areas is beautiful. The chance to see Air Koryo cannot be missed.
New Zealand - I'd love to see the places the LOTR movies were filmed, and once again the scenery in NZ is beautiful.
I realise I'm not that interested in Europe or Australia as much as I am in those places. Also there are some places I'd love to revisit.
Hong Kong - Hong Kong International Airport, enough said. Besides, the skyline is a wonder and Ocean Park and Disneyland are fun.
Japan - WAAH I WANT TO GO BACK HERE A LOT!!! Seriously I'm really in love with Japan. There's so much to see and do, and I've not done a lot. Want to go to Hokkaido and Kyushu, revisit Kyoto and Fukui and explore Tokyo in more detail. Also the ANA 787 is going to fly soon and I intend to be there.
United States of America - Everything in one country - epic scenery, fun theme parks and did I mention epic scenery? I can't get enough of the place either. Any state will do for me, but I prefer the western areas of Washington, Oregon, California, Utah, Colorado, Arizona and Nevada.
Of course, be it ever so humble, there's no place like home and I'm glad to be back in Singapore. Whenever I see those ships on the finals to runway 2L and 2C, or hear the "to all Singapore residents, a warm welcome home", I always get a lump in my throat. The pride I get from our airline, SIA, whenever I see her in foreign airport is also evident. I hope to fly her again soon.
1. Get the photos off my laptop and
2. Actually finish the Japan blogging
However after coming back from my trip to
Beijing - I think China is a really beautiful country at times, and I want to see stuff like the Great Wall. Beijing Capital International Airport should be quite interesting, especially with the new terminal.
Pyongyang - For the fun of being in North Korea. Also I heard the scenery in the rural areas is beautiful. The chance to see Air Koryo cannot be missed.
New Zealand - I'd love to see the places the LOTR movies were filmed, and once again the scenery in NZ is beautiful.
I realise I'm not that interested in Europe or Australia as much as I am in those places. Also there are some places I'd love to revisit.
Hong Kong - Hong Kong International Airport, enough said. Besides, the skyline is a wonder and Ocean Park and Disneyland are fun.
Japan - WAAH I WANT TO GO BACK HERE A LOT!!! Seriously I'm really in love with Japan. There's so much to see and do, and I've not done a lot. Want to go to Hokkaido and Kyushu, revisit Kyoto and Fukui and explore Tokyo in more detail. Also the ANA 787 is going to fly soon and I intend to be there.
United States of America - Everything in one country - epic scenery, fun theme parks and did I mention epic scenery? I can't get enough of the place either. Any state will do for me, but I prefer the western areas of Washington, Oregon, California, Utah, Colorado, Arizona and Nevada.
Of course, be it ever so humble, there's no place like home and I'm glad to be back in Singapore. Whenever I see those ships on the finals to runway 2L and 2C, or hear the "to all Singapore residents, a warm welcome home", I always get a lump in my throat. The pride I get from our airline, SIA, whenever I see her in foreign airport is also evident. I hope to fly her again soon.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Yet another quiz from Jinjun
1. What is your full name?
Aaron Brian Theseira Zhi Yong
2. Are you single?
yes
3. What is your favourite number[s]
37, 747, 747412 and 747812
4.What is/are your favourite colour?
hmm...green and gold is a good combi
5.Least favourite colour[s]
nothing really
6.What are you thinking now?
how am i going to get home!!! (my flight home is amman-bahrain-BANGKOK-singapore and all flights are cancelled)
7. Are you happy with your life right now?
pretty much
8.What are your favourite subjects in school?
physics!
9. Do you shop at malls?
nope
10.Where do you wish to be right now?
home, mostly
11. What should you be doing now?
I should be at my gate for the flight
12.Do you have any crush on anyone?
nope
13.When was the last time you bought a clothing item?
just a day ago in Aswan
14. What was the last thing you drank?
coffee
15. Do you hate liars? Do you hate backstabbers?
yeah
16. Can you make yourself sneeze?
not really
17.Do you fall for people easily?
nope
18. What does your last text msg read?
"WELCOME TO EGYPT!!! Etisalat offers the best...." etc
19. Are you too forgiving?
yes I am
20.How many windows are open on your computer?
only one, windows vista
21.Who was your last call from?
erm god knows, it was a week ago
22.What do you do with most of your time?
spend time with friends...
23.Will you & your ex get back again?
what ex?
24.Do you sleep with the TV on?
no
25. Which of your close friends live the closest?
hmm good question.. all of them live so far away
26.Which item could you not live during the day?
erm?
27. Would you share a drink with a stranger?
yeah why not
28.How was your weekend?
hmm... saturday i was cruising down the nile playing mahjong, sunday also, but I visited edfu temple, kom ombo temple and had a galabria party
29.Do you believe ex[s] can be friends?
yeah why not!
30. The last person you quarrelled with?
can't remember
31.The way to win your heart?
give me a private plane
32.What did you do last night?
was on a train from aswan to cairo
33. Do you have the same name as one of your relatives?
nope
34.Are you looking for a boyf/girlf?
nope
35.One song that is meaningful to you?
Titanic medley
36.Do you twirl or scoope you spaghetti?
twirl
37.Do you drink milk straight from the carton?
yeah
38.How long is your hair?
quite...
39.Do you like batman?
nope
40.Who was the last person who told you that they love you?
Jinjun!!! haha "love you loads abtzy <3" actually ="\">
60. Do you trust people?
yeah i'm horribly trusting ><
61. Who was the first person you talk to today?
the train attendant
62. Who was the first person who text you today?
so far none
63. what was the first thing you did today?
woke up to see egypt rushing by :)
Aaron Brian Theseira Zhi Yong
2. Are you single?
yes
3. What is your favourite number[s]
37, 747, 747412 and 747812
4.What is/are your favourite colour?
hmm...green and gold is a good combi
5.Least favourite colour[s]
nothing really
6.What are you thinking now?
how am i going to get home!!! (my flight home is amman-bahrain-BANGKOK-singapore and all flights are cancelled)
7. Are you happy with your life right now?
pretty much
8.What are your favourite subjects in school?
physics!
9. Do you shop at malls?
nope
10.Where do you wish to be right now?
home, mostly
11. What should you be doing now?
I should be at my gate for the flight
12.Do you have any crush on anyone?
nope
13.When was the last time you bought a clothing item?
just a day ago in Aswan
14. What was the last thing you drank?
coffee
15. Do you hate liars? Do you hate backstabbers?
yeah
16. Can you make yourself sneeze?
not really
17.Do you fall for people easily?
nope
18. What does your last text msg read?
"WELCOME TO EGYPT!!! Etisalat offers the best...." etc
19. Are you too forgiving?
yes I am
20.How many windows are open on your computer?
only one, windows vista
21.Who was your last call from?
erm god knows, it was a week ago
22.What do you do with most of your time?
spend time with friends...
23.Will you & your ex get back again?
what ex?
24.Do you sleep with the TV on?
no
25. Which of your close friends live the closest?
hmm good question.. all of them live so far away
26.Which item could you not live during the day?
erm?
27. Would you share a drink with a stranger?
yeah why not
28.How was your weekend?
hmm... saturday i was cruising down the nile playing mahjong, sunday also, but I visited edfu temple, kom ombo temple and had a galabria party
29.Do you believe ex[s] can be friends?
yeah why not!
30. The last person you quarrelled with?
can't remember
31.The way to win your heart?
give me a private plane
32.What did you do last night?
was on a train from aswan to cairo
33. Do you have the same name as one of your relatives?
nope
34.Are you looking for a boyf/girlf?
nope
35.One song that is meaningful to you?
Titanic medley
36.Do you twirl or scoope you spaghetti?
twirl
37.Do you drink milk straight from the carton?
yeah
38.How long is your hair?
quite...
39.Do you like batman?
nope
40.Who was the last person who told you that they love you?
Jinjun!!! haha "love you loads abtzy <3" actually ="\">
60. Do you trust people?
yeah i'm horribly trusting ><
61. Who was the first person you talk to today?
the train attendant
62. Who was the first person who text you today?
so far none
63. what was the first thing you did today?
woke up to see egypt rushing by :)
Thursday, November 20, 2008
A levels status report - Day 18
The runway was in sight, and the 777-200LR was almost home. Just a bit more to go...
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Physics was a breeze, marking the end of the H2 papers. After that some destress in the form of re-enacting "How to eat sushi".
It's amazing how the best birthday present I got came from someone I least expected such a thing from. I still tear when I look at it
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
A levels status report - Day 16
"Singapore 21 heavy, cleared for ILS approach, contact tower on 118.600"
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Chem paper 1 was the hardest chem paper, which doesn't say that much. I guess it wasn't that easy, but easier than the prelim. Physics tomorrow, and the ISH will explode as over 600 people finish their As.
Friday, November 14, 2008
A levels status report - Day 9
The airliner cruised calmly as the first hint of dawn approached. The 777 was almost home in Changi, and everyone on board knew it.
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Well unlike the essays the econs case study wasn't an epic disaster, so I think I did alright. Only the 2 MCQs and H3 left!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
A levels status report - Day 8
The first officer struggled to keep the aircraft aloft. A period of calm was followed by an unexpected period of heavy turbulence and chop, and more looked set to come.
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Chem was a breeze. Econs was... not. Hopefully today's paper will be much better
Monday, November 10, 2008
A levels status report - Day 8
The captain sat, staring incoherently at the back of the cabin, where there was a small canister of liquid butane that was about to ignite. He could do nothing about it as the fireball blossommed to a radius of 12m within 20ms...
He woke up with a start and realised that he was suffering a weird dream. Ah well, he thought, best get back to business. The aircraft was going to fly through the most difficult airspace yet...
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Physics was just plain weird. The last question had nothing to do with physics at all! But oh well, chem and econs coming, better be ready! Thanks to all the people who sent me kind birthday wishes.
Sunday, November 09, 2008
A levels status report - Day 5-7
After clearing minor turbulence, the 777 flew through a clear spell before storm clouds started to brew once more - just what the tired crew needed.
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Math paper 2 wasn't as good as paper 1, but still ok. The weekend has zoomed by and it's back to work... Hmm my last post on this blog as a 17 year old. Physics tmr, yay.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
A levels status report - Day 4
The 777 cruised on as the first glimmer of dawn began to appear over the horizon, the earlier storm having dissipated readily. There was a patch of turbulence ahead, but nothing the airliner couldn't handle. The pilots kept alert in case of problems though.
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Compared to what I'm used to, chemistry paper 3 was really easy, although it's still not easy enough to confirm an A. I'm hoping the other papers will be that standard, and that the maths paper 2 tomorrow doesnt kill me.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
A levels status report - Day 2-3
The plane broke through the cloud layer to cruise over the weather. The climb had been rough at first, but improved later on. The captain went back for a while to rest and get something to drink, then came back and stared at the looming cloud up ahead... It looked suspiciously like an electron cloud.
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1/3 of the A levels are done, and it's on to Chemistry Paper 3, the hardest of the lot in my opinion. Physics was a little odd, but Maths was very doable and I'm confident of doing well in that. Chem paper 3 will be tough, but after that it's almost the weekend.
Monday, November 03, 2008
A levels status report - Day 1
The 777-200LR lifted into the sky generally smoothly as the pilots carried out their after takeoff checklists. The captain checked the weather forecasts. There were some storm clouds ahead, which might prove to be a physical challenge for the captain to handle. He did some quick calculations and plotted his vectors through the cloud system.
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GP went pretty well, the essay question "'Air travel should be discouraged, not promoted.' To what extent do you agree?" was a really good one for me, and the compre was doable. Next up is the longest day of the A levels, 2 hours of physics followed by 3 of maths. This should be fun.
Sunday, November 02, 2008
A levels status report - Day 0
Midnight 3rd November - Newark Liberty International AirportThe lightly loaded 777-200LR pushed back from its gate at KEWR - Newark Liberty International Airport. It was going to be a long flight back to its home base of Changi Airport in Singapore. The GE-90-110Bs spooled up as the red anti-collision lights came on and the captain and copilot ran the before-start and after-start checklists. The aircraft then began its taxi towards the active runway. The captain went over the weather reports, it was going to be a rather unpredictable flight, with stormy patches all over the place. The takeoff, however, should be routine, a smooth start to the flight... or so he hoped
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Jinjun's quiz 1.1
Somehow I've ended up getting this again. My answers haven't changed all that much, so if you read carefully you'll notice that most of them are actually pasted over.
1) The last person who tagged you is:
Jinjun
2) Your relationship with him/her is:
friend/bandmate
3) Your impressions on him/her is:
He's musical, lame, funny, carefree (in a good sense) and nice
4) The most memorable thing he/she had done for you:
Too much stuff to count
5) The most memorable thing he/she said to you:
"Thanks, you're a really great friend"
6) If he/she becomes your lover you will:
Jump off Tojinbo (wow I'm doing a lot of jumping off Tojinbo recently)
7) If he/she becomes your lover, thing he/she has to improve on will be:
His taste
8) if he/she becomes your enemy, the reason will be:
I defect to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, or the Islamic Republic of Iran.
9) the most desired thing you wanna do for him/her now is:
Just be as good a friend to him as I can be.
10) your overall impression on him/her is:
Too nice a person
11) how you think people around you feel about you:
I still haven't found out, if you do, let me know
12) the character you love about yourself is:
As I said earlier, the word is "characteristic"
13) on the contrary, the character you hate about yourself is:
See above
14) the most ideal person you wanna be is
Still the best friend to others that I can be
15) pass this quiz to 10 people that you wish to know how they feel about you: (I think I'm retagging a few people, so the circle of life is probably going to continue, but feel free to not do it if you already have)
1. Shuotian
2. Ben
3. Alastair
4. Meiyi
5. Paul
6. Jeremy
7. Chester
8. Zi Guang
9. Jerald
10. Samuel
16) who is no.6 having a relationship with?
The universal set
17) is no.9 a male or a female?
Male.
18) if no.7 and no.10 are together, will it be a good thing?
NO IT WILL MOST DEFINITELY NOT
19) how about no.8 and 5?
ALSO A DEFINITIVE NO
20) what is no.2 studying about? right now?
I'm thinking the answer has to be Chinese
21) when was the last time you had a chat with no.3?
Yesterday
22) what music band does no.8 like?
No idea, really
23) Does no.1 have any siblings ?
No, I'm pretty sure he doesn't
24) will you woo no.3?
A TOTAL AND RESOUNDING NO
25) how bout no.7?
ABSOLUTELY NOT
...where's 26!
27) whats the surname of no.5?
Ng
28) whats the hobby of no.4?
Good question?
29) do no.5 and 9 get along?
Yeah, pretty ok
30) where is no.2 studying at?
RISS
RI
31) talk something casually about no.1?
someone who thinks high school musical is better than wall-E, i think his tongue suffered some serious damage
32) have you tried to develop feelings for no.8?
NOPE, NO, NADA, NEVER
33) where does no.9 live at?
Hmm not too sure
34) what colour does no.4 like?
Pink, I think
35) are no.1 and 5 best friends?
I don't know, quite close maybe
36) does no.7 like no.2?
I don't think no. 7 cares about no. 2 either way
37) how do you get to know no.2?
RIMB
38) does no.1 have any pets?
His pet mouse, I believe its name is Copperhead (or Diamondback, not too sure). He also has a pet keyboard named Lycosa.
39) is no.7 the sexiest person in the world?
HOW MANY WAYS IN THE WORLD ARE THERE TO SAY NO
Haha caps spamming to make a point, quite fun.
1) The last person who tagged you is:
Jinjun
2) Your relationship with him/her is:
friend/bandmate
3) Your impressions on him/her is:
He's musical, lame, funny, carefree (in a good sense) and nice
4) The most memorable thing he/she had done for you:
Too much stuff to count
5) The most memorable thing he/she said to you:
"Thanks, you're a really great friend"
6) If he/she becomes your lover you will:
Jump off Tojinbo (wow I'm doing a lot of jumping off Tojinbo recently)
7) If he/she becomes your lover, thing he/she has to improve on will be:
His taste
8) if he/she becomes your enemy, the reason will be:
I defect to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, or the Islamic Republic of Iran.
9) the most desired thing you wanna do for him/her now is:
Just be as good a friend to him as I can be.
10) your overall impression on him/her is:
Too nice a person
11) how you think people around you feel about you:
I still haven't found out, if you do, let me know
12) the character you love about yourself is:
As I said earlier, the word is "characteristic"
13) on the contrary, the character you hate about yourself is:
See above
14) the most ideal person you wanna be is
Still the best friend to others that I can be
15) pass this quiz to 10 people that you wish to know how they feel about you: (I think I'm retagging a few people, so the circle of life is probably going to continue, but feel free to not do it if you already have)
1. Shuotian
2. Ben
3. Alastair
4. Meiyi
5. Paul
6. Jeremy
7. Chester
8. Zi Guang
9. Jerald
10. Samuel
16) who is no.6 having a relationship with?
The universal set
17) is no.9 a male or a female?
Male.
18) if no.7 and no.10 are together, will it be a good thing?
NO IT WILL MOST DEFINITELY NOT
19) how about no.8 and 5?
ALSO A DEFINITIVE NO
20) what is no.2 studying about? right now?
I'm thinking the answer has to be Chinese
21) when was the last time you had a chat with no.3?
Yesterday
22) what music band does no.8 like?
No idea, really
23) Does no.1 have any siblings ?
No, I'm pretty sure he doesn't
24) will you woo no.3?
A TOTAL AND RESOUNDING NO
25) how bout no.7?
ABSOLUTELY NOT
...where's 26!
27) whats the surname of no.5?
Ng
28) whats the hobby of no.4?
Good question?
29) do no.5 and 9 get along?
Yeah, pretty ok
30) where is no.2 studying at?
RI
31) talk something casually about no.1?
someone who thinks high school musical is better than wall-E, i think his tongue suffered some serious damage
32) have you tried to develop feelings for no.8?
NOPE, NO, NADA, NEVER
33) where does no.9 live at?
Hmm not too sure
34) what colour does no.4 like?
Pink, I think
35) are no.1 and 5 best friends?
I don't know, quite close maybe
36) does no.7 like no.2?
I don't think no. 7 cares about no. 2 either way
37) how do you get to know no.2?
RIMB
38) does no.1 have any pets?
His pet mouse, I believe its name is Copperhead (or Diamondback, not too sure). He also has a pet keyboard named Lycosa.
39) is no.7 the sexiest person in the world?
HOW MANY WAYS IN THE WORLD ARE THERE TO SAY NO
Haha caps spamming to make a point, quite fun.
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