Appreciates what's given

Has a been enjoying my one month stay out course and finally it's time for me to go back to the stay in lifestyle again.

Definitely, no one will feel good when such reality hits but i guess, i should be happy of what i have.

During this one month, i've learnt to fully make use of the time i have to do minor things which doesn't seem as important at all in the past. Simple things such playing badminton with my friends, spending quality time with families and friends and of course spending time going out with my pretty girlfriend like how we use to do it in the past.

My greatest enemy now is time. It seems like time passed rather quickly and it's already about seven months i'm into service. Just another one year three months to go.

What's coming up next for me is something which i see it as a drag, doing guard duty especially i foresee weekends duty coming our way. Someone will have to do this no matter what. People always tell me to suck it up and perhaps i should really do it so as to make myself feel better.

More people around me will soon be joining me in what i'm doing now. Maybe by then, my life would be better already. Alan said, this year must pass for otherwise, this chapter of my life will never end. Sir said, time must pass for otherwise life will be boring. These make me push on.

Youlong and yiming had ord. Congrats on pulling through this two years. I must say, i'm somewhat affected by this fact not because i'm selfish, wanting them to continue serving but i'm envy about them being able to plan their time and do things which they enjoy doing. It's a matter of who gets to enjoy first, and this makes me understand the logic of bitterness before sweetness.

I'm kind of facing struggle bonding with my course mates for the fact that there's very little common interest which we all share. I'm doing my best to blend in and really hope things can get a little easier for me. It's so far so good till this point of time.

Army makes me realise who care for me and i really wanna say a very big thank you to a few people. My family, who always don't mind making the effort to send me to camp, travelling so far to have dinner with me during my nights out and always showing so much love, care and concern to me. My friends, who always motivates me when i'm down and let me enjoy my time outside so happily. My girlfriend, eileen, for being such lovely girl and trying her very best to make me happy and being my never dying source of support.

For those who have yet to join me in what i'm doing, a word of advise. Cherish what you have, time, people, freedom and many others. Maybe you will feel better in the future.

I pray to you, please bless my family and love ones wil good health and ever lasting happiness.

Golf COY = 2ND COY = Best COY

Congrats to all whom took part in the sports day which took place on last sat, 29 Jan 2011. We are the champion and it's kind of hard to believe because we only had 2 days to prepare ourselves unlike other COYs which started preparing 1 week before. This proves that it is not how long you train but how good we are!

For winning in the sports day, we get later book in timing! My feeling = YAYYYYYYY!!~~ ^^

The weather however, is not very on my side because it started raining on sat until now (Monday afternoon). Sat was spent well with a lot of good food, Yum Cha at Chinatown for lunch followed by steamboat dinner at Bottle Tree Park! Yum yum. There goes my IPPT monetary reward but it's definitely worth it when I see the happy faces from my loved ones. How i wish father was there. I realised that I'm heavier by 1kg. Damn this thing! Can't I just enjoy some good food without having to gain weight? HAHA!

One week of rest from CNY is very rewarding for me already though once this week is over, trainings will start and there goes the life again. I'm rather looking forward to the 9th of March because that will be the day I pass out from the foundation term and continue to move on to the next phrase of my NS life. To count down, I have 1 year 7 months more to go. Seriously, I guess not counting down will make me feel better.

Alan introduced me to this show (71 into the fire)which is a Korean war movie. It super long, 2 hours 50 minutes in total and I had only watched 50 minutes of the show. It kinds of make me understand better on what I am currently doing and of course, understand the importance of protecting my nation. Sounds politically right I know but why, you guys try watching it and maybe you will understand what I mean. Nonetheless, this movie seriously is not suitable for ladies. Watch it and you will know why.

I have another 23 hours or so before I book out to celebrate CNY. This year, I can't be at home helping my mother cleaning the house and also helping out my dad with work. I feel sad because when I returned home on Sat, I saw the tired look of my parents, I felt helpless and because they care about me so much, they did not wake me up early in the morning to help them with work. I'm really fortunate to have such caring and loving parents. I will see what I can do to help them in whatever way I can. The best thing that I can do is to stay fit and healthy so that they do not need to worry about me that much.

Sister is of course as caring. Researching online and providing me with invaluable advice on how to take care of my eyes really helped me greatly. Though my eyes are still are still slightly red but I do see improvement in the condition. That's all that matters. As long as by week 4 of foundation term my eyes get getter for camo on, I'm happy enough!

The days which all men must go through

I had always wanted to blog since I enlist into BMT on the 8th of Nov 2010 but for those who had been though national service will know that we face the issue of not enough time. I spent my weekends with my family, friends and of course Eileen so that I can maintain a balance between personal and military life. This is really the toughest part during the 9 weeks in BMT. Nonetheless, I am glad that I had made it through.

The day when we marched into the Marina Floating Platform was really one of the most defining moment till date. Though on the platform, I was unable to locate my loved ones but what I saw was excited and proud faces of people who came to witness our graduation. In deed, the tiredness from the route march we gone through of really worth it.

The one week of break of enjoying civillian life gave me the feeling that I had ORDed. I get to enjoy my 'freedom', doing anything that I wanted and of course people always say this: "Good time doesn't last long". Soon enough, I find myself back to mission of protecting my nation.

To be frank, I am really happy to be where I am today though across the bridge is the place where many will label as 'having pride'. I bet to defer. The fact that there are different titles is because each one of us play different role and that we are really dependent of one another. We are equally important. I believe I will enjoy the challenge of managing people from both under and above me as this skill set is essential and critical in the working society out there now. For those whom have yet to enter the service, my advice to you is do not see this as a task, see it as a learning process which will benefit you even when the 2 years come to an end.

Chinese new year is around corner and the feeling of celebration can be seen everywhere. I love this feeling, not because of the red packets which I will receive but the opportunity to being myself again for not long but 5 days. It is enough because this 5 days of 'rest' will and must last me for 4 weeks of challenging trainings.

Spent some time talking to my friends whom had yet to join the service and I see myself in them. The emotions and imagination of the uncertain definitely creates fear and stress. Like what my best buddy, Alan, who had shared so much with me in order for me to last till now, I did the same to them, sharing with them as much as I can and assuring them that everything will be fine. That is the best I can do and I believe they will pass this positive attitude on to their peers who will also soon enter the service.

National service made me realise and appreciate many things which I took for granted for the past 21 years. They are my family, girlfriend, friends, time, food and many others. My sergeant told me that I should not regret but to now do what I can and cherish what I have. I find this rather meaningful to me and of course, I am trying my best to do so.

To sum it up, it is really not that bad to be in here. Positive mindset and the willingness to take on challenges will definitely bring one far. Quote for the day? "Tough time don't last, Tough men do!"

Your Musical Self: Using music to learn, heal, and live

Came across this article and found it really interesting!

Now this explains why people always say, “Music is part of our lives!”

1. Music is a core function in our brain.

a. Our brain is primed early on to respond to and process music. Research has shown that day-old infants are able to detect differences in rhythmic patterns. Mothers across cultures and throughout time have used lullabies and rhythmic rocking to calm crying babies. From an evolutionary standpoint, music precedes language. We don’t yet know why, but our brains are wired to respond to music, even though it’s not “essential” for our survival.

2. Our bodies entrain to rhythm.

a. Have you ever walked down the street, humming a song in your head, and noticed that your walking to the beat? That’s called entrainment. Our motor systems naturally entrain, or match, to a rhythmic beat. When a musical input enters our central nervous system via the auditory nerve, most of the input goes to the brain for processing. But some of it heads straight to motor nerves in our spinal cord. This allows our muscles to move to the rhythm without our having to think about it or “try.” It’s how we dance to music, tap our foot to a rhythm, and walk in time to a beat. This is also why music therapists can help a person who’s had a stroke re-learn how to walk and develop strength and endurance in their upper bodies.

3. We have physiologic responses to music.

a. Every time your breathing quickens, your heart-rate increases, or you feel a shiver down your spine, that’s your body responding physiologically to music. Qualified music therapists can use this to help stimulate a person in a coma or use music to effectively help someone relax.

4. Children (even infants) respond readily to music.

a. Any parent knows that it’s natural for a child to begin dancing and singing at an early age. My kids both started rocking to music before they turned one. Children learn through music, art, and play, so it’s important (even necessary) to use those mediums when working with children in therapy.

5. Music taps into our emotions.

a. Have you ever listened to a piece of music and smiled? Or felt sad? Whether from the music itself, or from our associations with the music, music taps into our emotional systems. Many people use this in a “therapeutic” way, listening to certain music that makes them feel a certain way. The ability for music to easily access our emotions is very beneficial for music therapists.

6. Music helps improve our attention skills.

a. I was once working with a 4-year-old in the hospital. Her 10-month-old twin sisters were visiting, playing with Grandma on the bed. As soon as I started singing to the older sister, the twins stopped playing and stared at me, for a full 3 minutes. Even from an early age, music can grab and hold our attention. This allows music therapists to target attention and impulse control goals, both basic skills we need to function and succeed.

7. Music uses shared neural circuits as speech.

a. This is almost a no-brainer (no pun intended), but listening to or singing music with lyrics uses shared neural circuits as listening to and expressing speech. Music therapists can use this ability to help a child learn to communicate or help someone who’s had a stroke re-learn how to talk again.

8. Music enhances learning.

a. Do you remember how you learned your ABCs? Through a song! The inherent structure and emotional pull of music makes it an easy tool for teaching concepts, ideas, and information. Music is an effective mnemonic device and can “tag” information, not only making it easy to learn, but also easy to later recall.

9. Music taps into our memories.

a. Have you ever been driving, heard a song on the radio, then immediately been taken to a certain place, a specific time in your life, or a particular person? Music is second only to smell for its ability to stimulate our memory in a very powerful way. Music therapists who work with older adults with dementia have countless stories of how music stimulates their clients to reminisce about their life.

10. Music is a social experience.

a. Our ancestors bonded and passed on their stories and knowledge through song, stories, and dance. Even today, many of our music experiences are shared with a group, whether playing in band or an elementary music class, listening to jazz at a restaurant, or singing in church choir. Music makes it easy for music therapists to structure and facilitate a group process.

11. Music is predictable, structured, and organized--and our brain likes it!

a. Music often has a predictable steady beat, organized phrases, and a structured form. If you think of most country/folk/pop/rock songs you know, they’re often organized with a verse-chorus structure. They’re organized in a way that we like and enjoy listening to over and over again. Even sound waves that make up a single tone or an entire chord are organized in mathematical ratios--and our brains really like this predictability and structure.

12. Music is non-invasive, safe and motivating.

a. We can’t forget that most people really enjoy music. This is not the most important reason why music works in therapy, but it’s the icing on the cake.

Now, if you are currently studying for your tests, exams or even just doing some revision, try listening to some slow tempo music. Your revision will be more effective! It’s Entrainment!

Your Musical Self. (2010). Top 12 Reasons Why I Have a Jo. Retrieved July 28, 2010, from http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/your-musical-self/201006/top-12-reasons-why-i-have-job

It's Interesting and Exciting!

It had definitely been long since I last blogged.

Graduation from Republic Polytechnic took place a few months back in May 2010 and I must say that I missed school. Started working for about 6 months at Highachievers Training Consultancy as a Learning and Development Consultant, going to school conducting workshop to students. Working here gives me a great sense of satisfaction, knowing that I am positively impacting life of the youths.

I am left with one more month before I enter into my long awaited holidays but it will not be long before I enlist into army on the 8/11/10. My buddies would have served more than a year in NS already when I enlist and it will be a long 1 year 10 months to go!

Nevertheless, I am looking forward to the year 2012 because I will finally be studying the course I had always wanted to study, ACCOUNTANCY! Effort put in during my Diploma definitely paid off!

During my free time, I am helping to co-organize Special Olympics Singapore Family Day 2010, taking place this October. Properly the last event I will be involved before enlisting to NS. Personally, I find it self-fulfilling to be able to do something for those who are less fortunate and of course, for those of you who are interested to involve in this event as volunteers, do feel free to contact me @ 91147989. No monetary rewards but I can guarantee you that what you get in return can never be bought by money!

For badminton coaching, I passed 2 classes to You Long and Jason for 2 reasons – (1) I did not want to burn my weekends, (2) eventually, I will be enlisting for NS. I am glad they are doing a great job otherwise; I would not know how to answer to Alan, the founder of Precision Badminton! I had been thinking for quite some time, thinking about us starting our business together one day. Though it will not take place any time soon nevertheless, it is good to give it a thought!

This coming weekend will be love and my second year anniversary. We definitely have come a long way to where we are today. Our relationship is kind of smooth and I am sure this will continue! I was listening to the radio this morning and 98.7fm played 'Fall For You' by Secondhand Serenade! The song which brought us together! For the first time, I finally get to know the story behind why the singer calls himself Secondhand Serenade. Let me share!

John Vesely, his real name, who was playing base before he met his wife. He switched to playing acoustic guitar because he thought that playing the base will not allow him to serenade his wife. His wife eventually married him but the songs he wrote for her and till now, every single song written, is specially dedicated to his wife (first hand). Therefore, for those people like us, we are listening to the ‘secondhand’ and at the same time, being serenaded by John Vesely. There we go, the story behind the name Secondhand Serenade. Isn’t this interesting?

Not sure with you will be still reading my blog since it had been collecting dust but this goes out specially to you. I may not be good with my voice, my words even my look, but what I can do for you; I will do it with all my heart and soul!

Tomorrow is my mother’s birthday! 51 years old and she is still the most beautiful woman of all in my life! Thinking about how she devoted her life to this family, especially to my sister and me, I know that I owe her way too much. It is not about what present I will get for her that she matters, it is how my sister and me turn up to be fine young man and woman, doing well in life. This year, I have not got anything for her because giving necklace, bags or other common items does not bring across my love for her. Maybe, getting her a bouquet of roses Carnation would be sweet! Most likely, we will be bringing her to De’ Beer at D’ Kranji Farm Resort for seafood! Thinking of the food makes me hungry.

Speaking of which, De’ Beer at D’ Kranji Farm Resort is definitely a must visit place if you have not been to there before. Here is the website, you might want to take a look: http://www.dkranji.com.sg/

Here are some recommendations:

1. Lala Bee Hoon (Must Try!)

2. Salted Egg Crab (about $36-$40 for small crab)

3. Drunkard Prawns (Request for more soup, it’s FOC!)

4. Dong Fen Crab

5. Xiang Bing Pai Gu (Pork)

6. And many more…

Look for this aunty, slight plump (Singaporean), most likely you will not miss her. She is very friendly and will recommend delicious food!

Also, if you would like to have a farm stay, D’ Kranji Farm Resort, just by looking at its name, explains that they do have such facility. Resort stay for 3D2N is about $200++ and some of the things which you can do would be as follow (OTOT):

1. Visiting Jurong Frog Farm – look at the cute frogs and can buy some home

2. Hey Dairies Goat Farm – though I think they do not allow feeding of milk to the goats already

3. Bollywood Veggies – you can find many species of plants there! A must try finger food would be the banana muffin! You will not regret!

4. For you to explore Lim Chu Kang, Singapore

Disclaimer: I do not work for D’ Kranji Farm Resort and other companies mentioned above! Just wanted to share with my personal experience with every one!

Also, I would like to share my joy and everyone!

http://www.rp.sg/soh/issue3-2010/Spotlight/spotlight_StudentProfile.html

http://www.rp.edu.sg/happenings/newsletters/rapport/files/RAPPORT_Jul2010.pdf

Alright, I don't know what happen to my post yesterday but it's kind of stupid because whatever I typed is gone! TMD! Typed to much and I am lazy to retype so shall skip it!

What happen today? Alan and I were doing pullups and luckily there's him to help me along otherwise, I would have gave up once I am tired. Slept very late because can't fall asleep. I am missing you!

Woke up in the morining and went straight to school. JIVE election and yes, I've stepped down already. Good news or bad news? Actually, I don't have the answer. For now, there is that little abit of 'she bu de' in chinese.

Edited FYP report and sent out interview questions to NEA. There are really efficient in terms of prompt reply. UT later but I don't know what I don't know. Familar phrase but too bad, love is not around this time to tell me this.

Received her sms, CONGRATS for getting thrid position! It is definitely not an easy task but yes, you did it and do everyone proud! GOOD JOB!

Plan for tonight? Meet You Long, Alan and Chris for dinner at Chris's workplace. Also, will be celebrating You Long's belated birthday! How I wish today will end earlier!

1 more day to go! I can do it, so can YOU!