What have I done!!!!

Afraid, nervous, excited.. so much mixed feelings....

What I have done?! I have gotten a ex-guardsman to train me every Saturday. Was it a good decision. I hope so. He is more "into" this training thingy than me. This Saturday our training program is as such:

4 km run at Macritchie
2 km walk from Macritchie to Bishan stadium
swimming (dunno how many km)
2 km walk back to Macritchie.

Wow! i really hope i wont collapse at the end of the day... But i must tell myself that i can do it.. start living healthy..:)

"When there's a will, there's a way"

Adapting, Surviving but still relaxing

Just like a chameleon that changes its skin colour to adapt to its environment for survival, a new beginning teacher that enters a new school has to do the same.. He (the teacher) has to get to know his new class, understand the school culture, locate the different classrooms, make new friends, orientate himself and many more... It has been two days and I see my other beginning teacher trying to adapt and survive.

They say the first two years of a beginning teacher is very crucial as that is when you know you break it or make it in this fast paced working environment.

Fortunately, I am only in the school as a "floater". A floater is a person who will be deployed to enter classrooms which the teacher is on medical leave, course and etc.

But i guess upon entering NIE again, i will definitely miss teaching the kids.. that is what keep me going on everyday.. The passion to teach..

A plate of prata and a cup of Java

great company and great food are the best combination of a good meal.. hahah.

after a meeting at serangoon, me and my friends headed towards a prata house at upper thomson road. I had often pass that prata shop and always wanted to try it out however never had a chance.

Today was the day where i tried it out... my friends recommendation was indeed very true. the prata taste good thou the service was not that good.. I guess nothing is perfect thou.. Upon filling our stomachs, we automatically went into a conversation that all Singaporean man have in common.. National service...I dunno why but do all MAN always talk about this topic and bond instantly... hmm maybe.

now my holidays are about to end.. thou they are a lot of things that i did not manage to do but i guess it was a fruitful one for me as i got to catch up with friends... Thanks for the memories ...

a long journey but its all worth it!!!

A walk around macritchie reservuor is definitely a challenge.. imagine walking 11 km through the path jungle of the tropical forest..

My leg was aching at the end of the hike.. Yah though it would be easy.. it is just a trail only what? But was I wrong, my legs were really stretched to the maximum.. at times i had to stop and take a breather. At times i was saying to myself, what the hll i was thinking.. but they was no way back as i was in the middle of the track and i had to complete the journey as my bike was at the carpark at macritchie...

So i told myself, take one step at a time, a step will make a meter, a meter will make 10 meter, 10 meter will add up to make 100m and eventually 1km... i kept repeating that through out the journey.. but i guess it makes me reflect on myself.. i am gald i complete it as it gives me a sense of satisfaction and i had accomplished something...

The journey might be difficult but the end is always sweet. through all the pain, i guess we have to focus for the finish line. I will look at this hike as a learning journey...

for those who wish to walk the trail, do warm up and dun give up ya....

It came - Better late than never...

Tuesday afternoon - receive a call from my brother stating that I had receive "the letter". I was shocked! I asked him not to kid around as I was not in the mood. He said he was not. Well I told him I would return home and check it later.

I had just had a proper closure of the situation and accepted the fate that I would not receive the letter. Just the night before, I had cleared some of my books and handouts which I fell that was unnessarry for teaching. That was my way of doing the proper closure of the situation. Still I did not accept the fate that i receive the letter. I thought it was just a letter to announce my overall result in NIE.

I was Having a camp with my students from my previous school, therefore i cant go back that soon. Then evening came, my mother called insisted that I came home and check the content of the letter. Being a good boy, I went home. True enough the content brought good news for me. I was accepted to pursue my studies in NIE.

I was indeed delighted and happy... It finally came....

It's a waiting game...

A simple SMS can changed my day drastically... Will I get it. The suspense is killing me. Worke so hard, prayed and hope so hard...I wonder if my effort was all worth it.

What can I say, I am very hopeful and it will change my life indefinately. I know it is nothing but that is what i had been wishing for since the first day i stepped in. That what motivates me. That is what made me push harder everytime. Is life fair.. well i know it is not... but I can continue to hope till Monday.

My fate will be soon known on Monday...

An eventful month for me and Rotaract...

What a month for our Rotaractors in our District. If most of you have not known, our dear DRRE Dr. Dhamindra has received a scholarship to further his studies overseas. It was a last minute news but luckily we have our ever realiable DRRN Lina who was fortunately ready to take over the role as DRR for the year 2007/2008.

What would I do if she said no? Do I have to take up anotehr year of DRR-ship?

Well, I wish Dharma all the best and it is nice to see a fellow Rotaractor having the opportunity to better himself professionally and personally. To Lina, congrats on your appointment and do inform me of you need any assistance.

In the same week as well, our four lucky Rotaractors ( Audrey, Amanda , Wee and Eugene) embark in their Group Study Exchange (GSE) trip to Holland. Some of our Rotaractors went down to Singapore Changi Airport to bid a safe trip there and back. I felt quite sad to see them go but they promise me a lot of souveniers back.. (hahaha). If you wish to read more about the GSE Trip feel free to go to their blog at http://gseteam2007.blogspot.com

I also had my Graduation Dinner on 25 May 2007 and it was eld at Traders Hoel Singapore. Yes I am finally graduating and going to a new school...To my surprise I was nominated and crowned as Mr NIE. So i guess you do not need good looks to win a pagent just the correct personality and attitude. :)

Prior to this event my group of friends in NIE also had a BBQ celebration to say our goodbyes to one another. We truly enjoyed ourselves remembering the good times we had at NIE. It was sad to leave them but I guess all good things must come to an end...

Till my next update.. enjoy yourselves...

Going into a new environment soon...

Phew, I am finishing my final practicum/ teaching practical in the next few days and I will be posted into a new school at Punggol (North-east of Singapore). The school is called Mee Toh school. Kind of excited and thrilled over it.

It is a Buddhist school and I guess I will get an opportunity to learn more about the other religions and their culture. Hopefully the kids and staff there will welcome me..:)

Finally I can breathe again..

It has been a hectic few months after the Rotaract District Conference.. I had to finish my assignments, begin my final teaching attachments and writing reports for the last strtch of my term as DRR...

Now all have almost ended and I am begining to plan for the upcoming RDA in Singapore.. funny how time flies.. It was a year ago when i started my hectic shcedule as a DRR... now it is less that 2 month before I had over the regalia and responsibility to DRRE Dharma.. I guess i will miss that heavy regalia around my neck.

I hope the coming year will be a great year for Rotaract Club in our district... we have worked so hard and let us hope the future of rotaract will be better for years to come....:)

We have led the way.. now it is time for Rotaract to share....

Under the Beautiful Stars of Batu Pahat

First of all, I would like to wish a HAppy ChInese New Year ...

Today I am at Batu Pahat visiting the Rts there for a short holiday before I embarked for my final teaching practicum. I was glad to meet up with IPP Chai Chin, Pres "Turtle" and Rtr Neo Sauying. We started off the trip at the Summit and I had a hair cut (Yes, I was sooo busy that I had no time to cut my hair).

We then headed to taste their local laksa. I was so good and spicy. Just the way I like it. Then I proceed to play badminton... (Yes I also excercise or not I would not have space to eat some more food. Hahaha). It was a good sweating session and I was refreshed after that.

We then proceed to have "ikan Bakar" and "Tahu Goreng" for supper. I then headed back to Sauying's place to wash up before proceeding to Minyak Beku. There, I got to see many temples and got to view the beautiful stary sky which I had never seen in Singapore before. We sat at the jetty and chatted the night away.

Today, we will be heading to Segamat for Durians.. yohoo..

Let the game Begin....

Put up the banner, Arrange the chairs and tables, ensure the registration is in order. The committee was working hard to get the last minute preparation done. Thank you Rtr Dawn (RAC SW) and Rtr Neo(RAC BP) for helping us out in the preparation.

The first batch of ppl that comes in are the Rotaractors from Kota Melaka. One of the biggest contingent that was represented for the conference. Close 7pm, the bulk of the participants from Singapore and overseas arrived at the campsite. Participants registered themselves and collected their goodies (T-shirt, Shirts, booklet) and headed for their accommodation.

Dinner was served and as usual good (catered by your "District Caterer" Keyuan). With that we proceed to our ice-breaker game. Groups then design their group cheer, group flag and group identity. It really shows that our Rotaractors are creative ppl. The first day ended with ice-cream. And the club representative headed for the district meeting.

Day 2: The day started quite early and participants have their breakfast. After breakfast we went to the Lodge. The opening ceremony is held there. Awaiting for the Guest of Honour (DG Dr. Wu Dar Ching), the respective tribes occupy themselves with a friendly game of "BOMMING". The arrival of DG Wu was welcomed with tremendous applaus and cheers. DG seems pleased with the grand welcome.

After the formalities, we begin with the first plenary session (5Cs of Rotaract andKnowing more about Rotaract). We then proceed for luch with a twist. Participants was introduced to Survivor Cooking. It was an enriching experience for me as it was my first time doind it. Thou the process of the cooking was challenging, every tribe was proud of their "fruits of their labour."

We then move on to the next plenary session and which is on membership recruitment and retention. Next was the Survivor games.... Participants were given different task to complete at different base station.

We then have our very own Rotaract War, Different Tribes fill up their plastic bags with Water and through them at each other. It indeed relive my childhood memories. Some ppl are so persistent in getting the district team members wet. It was a great "war".

Participants then wash up and went for dinner while we prepare for the campfire.

The weather was not too kind and the heavens poured down in us (Rainlah of course). So we have to go to plan B which is have our performance nite at the Hall. Every team put up a good show and was impressed with their ideas and execution of the performance. Well done Rotaractors. We also mange to see a few Star in the making...

Upon completion of the performance, we announced the top two teams for the Survivor. Orang Asli and Batek was the to two teams that emerged. All participants was given a chance to vote the winning tribe. Each team gave their closing remarks and why they deseerve to win. After the vote, the box was sealed by our three game master, Audrey, Amanda and Wee.

Next day came, we packed up and set ready to go. We had our farewell breakfast and proceeded to the Hall for the closing ceremony. The results we announced then. We said our goodbyes and hope to meet again soon.

The Arrival of the participants of Survivor....

The mad rush starts on 18 January 2007. 4 Rtrs from RAC Curtin University and 2 Rtrs from Rac Kuching arrived at Senai airport at early morning that day. However I was having class on at that time. I had to rely to my faithful and ever dependent DRC John Ng to pick them up at Senai. They then headed back to Singapore towards Changi where they will be staying for the night. Thank you John for your help. Upon finishing my class, I headed to Changi from NIE to say hello to them. I stayed with them till late night and left for home for a good night sleep.

My class ended at 10.30 am on 19 January 2007. Lots was on my mind as it was the day of the conference. Will there be any last minutes back up from participants? Will the overseas rotaractors get lost? Was everything in order? Haiz so many things to worry about.

But there was no time for that. I need to pick up Rtr Neo (RAC Batu Pahat) from Kranji Mrt. Off I went and to pick him up with Dawn. Finally we reached the MRT and met with Rtr Neo. We headed for lunch at Woodlands and proceeded to Jurong Point to walk around. As I had to attend class again at 2.30 pm, I bid farewell to both of them and went to class.

While waiting for class to start, I decided to call Pres Greg from Rac Kota Melaka to see whether they are on their way. To my surprise, they are still in Melaka, waiting for a few more people to be ready. Now I am getting to worry, will they reach Singapore on time?

Opps class is about to start. Class ended early at 4 pm. I went down to IMM to pick up Dawn and Neo and headed for Camp Christine.... Ryan was there to greet me but there was so much setting up to do... The tables, logistic items and etc...

5.30pm: Ryan has to go to pick up the other participants from Kranji Mrt. And to my relief, my other committee members have arrived.....

Now I can breathe....phew....

A New Year, A New spirit and A lot of things to do...

As people around the world invite the new year, I was busy planning n coordinating the international trip for the HK rotaractors coming to Singapore....There is a total of 19 of them. WOW! That is a lot of ppl.

It was my first time bringing 19 ppl around in Singapore using public transport. It was indeed a first for me. We went to visit National University of Singapore and esplanade. We had dinner at Amanda's place (Thank you Golden Monkeys).

The following few days, they visited numerous places like the Night Safari, Sentosa, Little India and Chinatown. I am glad they enjoyed themselves.

I would like to thank Rac NUS, RAC Marina City, Rtr Celine (RAC NAFA), IPP BX (RAC RP), my district team members, IPP Dalon (NW) for asssiting us in the program.

Sorry guys.. I have been busy!

Hi ppl,

sorry I have been busy and not being able to update the blog recently.. But I am indeed happy and glad that the peak period of my Rotaract Year has just passed.

I can say that the past few months, the district have been busy with activites by both the district level, zone level and club level. It is great to see that we are getting actively involve in the community.

The district has been busy hosting ppl from overseas during the holiday periods. In addition, we have been busy planning for the Survivor conference and the Rotary Family Service Centre fund raising event. These event was executed successfully on the 19-21 Jan 07 and 27 Jan 07 repectively.

Look out for the updates in the blog soon. I promise.

Now, lets look forward to the future and progress together and bring Rotaract to a greater level...

GO ROTARACT !!

Merry Christmas Everyone

To everyone that I know, I would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Below are some photos taken during a christmas party organise by RAC Singapore West and also a Community Service Project done by RAC Raffles City.
It is nice to know that this holidays is about the spirit of sharing and giving to the less fortunate. Keep on smiling and serving the community.

Well done to both clubs... It was nice meeting up with familiar faces during this season.

District Tour Video

Hi guys,

If you wish to watch a video montage of my tour pls click on this link.. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haSw1UtgDqg

Now at Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

ETA: 2135 hrs on 13 December 2006

Lilian and I was greeted by the ever anxious ZR Yvonne from Likas Bay. She was so excited to meet us that she kept calling us even before we alighted the plane. After waiting for our luggage for more than half an hour, we finally exited the airport and met our ZR Yvonne. We then proceed to the carpark to meet up with President Jason from Likas Bay.

While exiting the airport, I noticed that the airport was undergoing a renovation and expansion. It was scheduled to be ready before early JAnuary 2008.

We then proceed to Supper at a famous Indian stall in Sabah called "Salim". There we were greeted with other club members from RAC Likas Bay and RAC Kota Kinabalu. We met up with PZR Lina Chin, Pres Kathy and many more Rotaractors. It was indeed a nice reunion. After supper, we went to our "Shane-ringlla". It was a double storey bungalow that belonged to Rtr Shane from Likas Bay. It was indeed by dream bachelor home. DAY 2: The day I lost my sole.

We started early that day and was thrilled to take up the challenge of "White" water rafting. We woke up early at 7 am and was sent to Beverly Hotel where a van awaits us to bring us to the train station. It was a one and a half hour ride to the train station. As expected the train was 30 minutes late. We boarded the train and began the 3 hour journey to our starting point.

Upon arrival, we were given instructions on how to manoeuvre the raft and explained to us some safety rules. Without wasting any time, we walked to the river and started our adventure. We were accompanied by an australian couple and 2 tourist from Hong Kong. The rafting started smoothly and we manage to work together as a team.

We then moved to the "Washing Machine" (one of the names of the river section). Our raft charged through the waves and attacked every obstacle that came towards us. However the elements got the better of us and we were defeated... or better yet, I was defeated. Half of the ppl in my raft went overboard which includes me.. hahahaha. Since I was the furthest from the boat, the guide through me a line and pulled me in. Upon reaching the boat, I waited patiently to be pulled up. When the time came for me to be "rescued", I was pulled up onto the boat by keith (one of the HK tourist inthe boat) and Lilian. However due to the "force of gravity" a.k.a. my weight, both of them are unable to pulled me up.

I began to panick (a bit) as we approached another fierce rapid. I heard the guide instructing Lilian and Keith to let me go. In my heart, I hoped that they won't leave me behind. Luckily, the guide, with his super human strength. managed to pull me up. I breath a sigh of relief.

After that tiring and exciting ride, we proceed for a BBQ lunch at the lodge. We laughed and recalled back the adventure in the river. Then it was time to head back to Kota Kinabalu City.

While waiting for the transport to take us back, I noticed that my "sole" was lost. We then proceed for a pot luck dinner at shane's place. There was a wide spread of food on the table, ranging from pasta, rice dumpling, curry chicken and many more. I really enjoyed the spread and teh company as well. I was also entertained by the RAC Likas Bay caroling group. We also had a gift exchange. We continued with our fellowship and when the guest left, Shane, Lilain and I started to clean the house and wash the dished. It was indeed difficult being a DRR.

Day 3: The day we had a whale of a time and a blackout!

The day was planned for us to visit the beautiful islands of Sapi and Manukan. Looking at the series of unfortunate events I had, I realised that the day was not that simple. We headed for breakfast and bought our tickets for the "island hopping". First stop was Manukan, we were surprised by the crystal clear water that welcome us at the jetty. Shane, Yvonne and Lilian enjoyed the beach while I opted for the more adventure choice of Para-sailing. It was indeed a thrilling ride. Fortunately the rope did not break. Ha ha haWe then headed for Sapi Island where we enjoyed snorkeling. We then proceed back to the main city but before that we make a detour to view a baby whale that is stuck in the shallow waters. It was a magnificent sight as it was the first time we saw a whale up front. Unfortunately, the whale was unable to be save and its story was published in the papers a few days after. We then proceed to the Philippines market in town to buy sourveniers and momentos from Sabah. We then proceed back to Shane-ringlla and got ready for our zonal meeting in Sabah.

Before the meeting, we had our dinner at the Sabah Golf and Country resort. The meeting went on smoothly until we experience a Blackout. It was a new experience for me having a meeting in darkness. It was an eventful meeting.We then headed for supper with members from RAC Likas Bay and RAC Luyang. At about 1 am, we headed back home and pack our things for our trip back.Day 3: Heading home...

We left for the airport early morning but before that we went to have breakfast at a famous restaurant ( sorry cannot remember the name). I tasted the best Tom Yam soup ever. We said our good-byes . Although the trip was short, I truly enjoyed myself and I promise to be back for more....

Till we meet again guys..

Kuching Sarawak (10 - 13 Dec 2006)

ETA: 2100 hrs @ Kuching City.

The tour has begun. DRR Zakir and DHS Lilian started the District Tour with rain and storm at Senai airport. We were fortunate to have our good buddy, DCSC Keyuan, to send us all the way to Senai Airport.

Upon arrival at Kuching Airport, we were greeted by Rotaractors from RAC Swinburne and RAC Kuching. We then proceeded for dinner cum supper at a nearby coffee shop. It was a good session as I got to meet with old friends as well as make new ones.

We then proceeded to our "Bungalow." It is owned by Pres Michael Kwan's father from RAC Swinburne University, Sarawak. The place was cozy. ZR Andrea, Rtr Michael FV and Rtr Edison also bunked in the bungalow with us. After settling down, we decided to play Monopoly (board game). It has been a long time since I played the game and it was indeed refreshing. We slept around 2 am.

Day 2: We depart at around 8 am and headed for breakfast at KAYA AND TOAST. Upon finishing breakfast, we proceeded to Swinburne University to preare and print materials for the Zonal meeting. We (Lilian and myself) were then "kidnapped" by PDRR Samuel Phui to accompany him for tea break. We had Sarawak Laksa.

We then proceed for lunch at Tun Jugah Food Court, where we met with members from RAC Kuching, RAC Curtin University and RAC UCS. After finishing lunch, we proceeded for the Cultural village. It was a 45 minutes drive from the city. It was interesting for me to learn about the different culture of Sarawak. It also gave me some ideas on the upcoming Survivor Rotaract Conference. We also watched a 45 minutes performace and I was truly entertained.

We then had dinner with PP Abel from one of the Rotary clubs in Kuching. We were served Thai food. We then proceed for more fellowship with the other Rotaractors. We went Karaoke.

BTW did I tell you that the Swinburne University caught fire and was closed for 2 days?

Day 3: We headed for breakfast at FAT CAT and proceed to preparing for the Zonal meeting. The meeting was attended by both Rotarians and Rotaractors in Kuching. I was indeed very honoured. Once the meeting ended, we proceed back to our "Bungalow" and rested before going for dinner.

At the dinner, we had 30 ppl attending. It was very casual. We planned to proceed for bowling, however, there was a tournament and we did not manage to play. We then went for coffee and tea. The people present were entertained by the mind games that was shared by yours truly.

FYI: The ceiling of the room we had the meeting was leaking.

Day 4: We had an early morning and proceed to the Fairy Caves to view the wonders of nature there. It was a tiring hike up the stairs and up the caves but it was worth it. Though i had to walk on Bat's faeces, I really like the experience. Lunch was up next. We then proceed back to our accomodation and pack to go to Sabah. We said our good byes.

Lesson learnt: During my tour in Kuching, I had earned that they are a few things that are "legal and encouraged".

ETD: 1930 hrs.

Rotary Distirct Conference (8 - 10 Dec 2006)

On 8 - 10 Dec, Myself, DRC John Ng, DRRE Dharma, IPDRR Audrey, IPP Mathhew and Rtr Amanda attended the District Rotary Conference at Johor Bahru. We had a great time at the conference and we took the opportunity to learn more about the Rotary Movement in our District. We had also set up a booth to inform the participants on the activities we had done in the district.
We also had a workshop session to inform the Rotarians of the challenges in the Rotaract Movement. We are honoured to have DG Dr Wu and PDG David Tong to be present during the session.We had also attended the Banquet Dinner and took the time to mingle with other Rotarians in our District. Overall the Conference was well organised and we enjoyed ourselves there. We indeed feel as though we are part of the family. WELL DONE to the organising committee. :)

Pack and ready to go...

Well people,

I have packed for my 9 days out of Singapore to attend the Rotary Conference in JB and also visit Rotaract Clubs in Sabah and Sarawak.

In total, I have 3 bags to carry.. and they are big. Following me is my dear District Secretary , Rtr Lilian. I hope our trip will be meaningful and able to spread the spririt of Rotaract. :)

Friday (8 Dec 2006)
Proceed to JB for Rotary District Conference
Welcome Dinner

Saturday (9 dec 2006)
Full day at the conference
Presentation in the afternoon

Sunday (10 Dec 2006)
Proceed to Senai Airport to travel to Kuching, Sarawak.
Arrive at Kuching Sarawak

Monday (11 Dec 2006)
Tour of Kuching

Tuesday (12 Dec 2006)
Zone 4 Meeting

Wednesday (13 Dec 2006)
Proceed to Kota Kinabalu
Reach Kota Kinabalu

Thursday (14 Dec 2006)
White water rafting

Friday (15 Dec 2006)
Zone 2 Meeting

Saturday (16 Dec 2006)
Proceed back to Senai and back to Singapore

Sunday (17 Dec 2006)
Sleep ..zzzzzz