tiger21blog

Long time no Blog

2011-05-15T23:35:00.001+08:00

Wah.. Long time no Blog already.... Almost 3 years... Too much excuses so no point saying it here.. :p

Anyway, recently my 5 year old Latio is having Aircon issues. Will not be cold when engine is idling, but okay when revving... Since I seldom stay stationary in my car, I did not notice this until lately while in a jam... :p

Initially thought its due to battery, but after changing it on 14 May ($100 cheapest 45 amp battery I can find), it still showed the same symptom this morning.....

Anyway, since the two workshops recommended by MCF is closed on weekends, and this week might not be free, will have to find another weekday to do this... Hopefully will not end up like my dent on the bumper, till now not repaired as the paint workshop is only free for my on Sat (but I got to drive ppl on Sat)...

This week I'll be working from downtown hotel for event.. heehee... 1st time free hotel stay in Spore.... Will update more when free... :p hopefully not another 3 years. :p

ciaos...

Me back again....

2008-11-23T18:47:00.002+08:00

heehee... just noted my last blog was in Aug 08. Been quite some time.

Just an update.

1. Posted to ship now. Tried to be nice but things dun seem to get done... Had to revert to myself... :p

2. Got my license to do duty finally. Hopefully I did not scare the hell out of the duty watch... :p

3. Went for 5 day sailing. 6hr on, 6hr off for 4 days. Now need to re-tune back my bio-clock... heehee.... Seems like some people find me "fierce" and "unapproachable".... :p Maybe due to my lack of "Sleep".... I think I still prefer my own bed at home... :p At least the sea state is not that bad... Bigger ship == better stability??

4. Sep went for my annual driving trip to Malaysia. My HP 6960 battery not holding charge well, so instead of GPS, have to revert to the good old map and my cousin navigating.

5. Love??? No luck yet.... too fierce and unapproachable... haahaahaa...

6. Busy and sweaty in my new job. More walking/climbing around. Supervision of jobs, men to interact with, etc. So cannot go home early anymore. Anyway, its been 4 years since I last did duty... heehee...

7. Been giving PMT problems. Not that I want to, but their system and management sucks. I think I sort of "frightened" them. They'll have to prove the worth and gain my trust.... :p So far I still find some of them hiding things from us users. Low confidence level on them.

8. Going HK in Dec... heehee... anyway, I still have plenty of leave till year end to clear... doubt I can clear them base on the amout of work projected... sigh...

9. Think I need more discipline to update my blog more often... lazy bugger... :p Anyway, whos reading this???

ciaos.

Its been some time....

2008-08-13T21:58:00.001+08:00

Wow, its been some time since I last Blogged. Been trying to get over my time zone difference, as well as busy preparing for my course.

This week my course started and yet I still feel unprepared. Its only the 3rd day, but I'm already exhausted since day 1.... haiz.... maybe I do need to do some exercise... :p

Otherwise, I've been enjoying all the good food here. I actually lost some weight while away and I finally can pass my BMI... but after all the food... haiz... anyway, I'm now wearing a size smaller... heehee... :p All my tailored uniforms are too large and baggy now... so wearing my old ones.. :p

Went to Segamat 2 sat ago to eat durian... now my car needs a wash and the smell lingers... haiz... no time to wash the car... :p also to lazy... heehee...

Been clearing out my room and throwing away stuff... but never seem to be able to finish... wonder where will I keep all my parcel when they arrive... If they ever arrive... I bet they are lost in the mail already... UK postage CMI....

Also, my friend got into some trouble.... Been talking... hopefully it helps...

Life goes on.... I gotta rest... pretty dehydrated today due to hot weather.... haiz...

Ciaos.

Time wasting day....

2008-07-21T21:10:00.003+08:00

Wow, today really wasting time man...

Reached office at 0720, had my breakfast and started the system to claim for my transport, then the guys came and we all went to Toh Guan to replace the car alarm for Bernard. The proceed to IMM for breakfast.... Well since I already had mine, just abstained...

Went back office 10.30, within 1 hour all I did was to rearrange for my course classroom as there's a clash with another course... Haiz.

11.30 drove off to Merchant Court Hotel for buffet lunch... haiz.. going to get fat again.. :p had 2 rounds of Durian paste... heehee... :p

Had the day off and reached home around 3pm... and took a nap till 6pm woken up by the kids... :p heehee... Feast again at home.. haiz.... :p

Been back for a week already, really not did much in office.. heehee.. ;) just hang around and the week is over just like that... also, had to clear the jetlet too... :p

ok. ;) thats all..

Ciaos.

Setting for my 24hr Journey Home :)

2008-07-12T13:34:00.002+08:00

My Journey home today will last close to 24hrs....

leaving Collingwood at 10am in cab to catch my 10.50am coach to Heathrow airport, which will take me roughly 2.5 hours. That'll be 3.5 hours in order to check in 2hrs before time... Making it 6 hours including walking time from central station to airport plus check-in time.... Haiz...

Flight to Paris... 1.5 hours, with a 5 hour transit in Paris Airport.... Hopefully there's some shopping to be done there.... Haiz... Total so far, 6 + 6.5 = 12.5 hours...

Flight from Paris to Singapore is another 12.5 hours....total now, 25 hours.... Plus another 30mins cab trip home...... 25.5 hours!!!

Will reach home at 12.30pm UK time, thats around 7.30pm Singapore time... Now, thats more than 24 hours already.... Haiz... whole day wasted.... :p Hopefully I can get something out of this....

Anyway, my bags are packed. 28kg + 7 kg in 2 bags, and another laptop bag... heehee... ;)

Ready to go now, woke up too early this morning, at 5am, decided to take my shower and wash my clothes so as to have minimal pieces to wash when I get home. ;)

As for my takeaway from UK... more knowledge, more friends, learned the culture of the Western world, probably improved my English language, and that I missed home badly... heehee... The food here is new to me here in the beginning, but after 2-3 weeks, became sick of it. Booze is a major part of UK life as they have nothing else to do here except to go to bar and get pissed drunk, something they called social... :p no wonder I'm not sociable since I dun drink like them nor do I drink with them... :p I prefer a quiet evening in the TV room in my free time watching movies.. ;)

Finance wise, been spending prudently here, still have some cash I bought over in Jan. Never been to the ATM except to check if it works. A few usage of Credit card but mainly for my holiday in France, and buying of gifts home. ;)

Pay as you Dine here is a pain since implementation where we cannot dun eat here (they dun refund us) yet giving very little poor food. Had to suffer for 6 weeks before we were allowed back to the full range of menu. Had to put up a real fight.. Phew, never thought I have to do this in a foreign country... heehee... Doubt I can do this back home anyway. ;)

well, my room is now cleaned out. Giving away my bike to James, heater to a Brunei Officer, unfinished things to a fellow Singaporean. Now left with some biscuits to be eaten before I go, that's after breakfast at 8am.. :) Said goodbye to everyone already...

Ok, signing off and packing my laptop away liow... My last entry in UK. ;)

Ciaos.

End of Chapter.....

2008-07-11T20:52:00.002+08:00

Well, today marks the end of another chapter of my life. I've finished my SEMC 081 today. Received my certificate, also inspected by the 2nd Sea Lord here for Divisions. Its his last Divisions too as he is retiring next week... ;)

Today's spent saying goodbye to all my friends and pals here, from the chef, cleaning lady, waitress, lab supervisors, course officers, course mates, etc etc.... haahaa.... Everyone who helped made my life better here for the past 6 months. ;)

More goodbyes tomorrow before I leave. Now washing my last set of uniforms (No 5 used this morning).... Tomorrow..... we'll see... ;)

How I feel now????.... Erm.... mixed feelings.... Not going to write it here... :p heehee....

Ciaos.

Passed my Orals!!!

2008-07-08T23:54:00.002+08:00

Yup, just finished and passed my Orals 15 minutes ago... Think I border line pass only. Weak in the Stores section and MCTA section.. A total of 21 sections to complete in 75 minutes... By the end of 60 minutes I'm already exhausted. Thanks to the hints by the board, else I die even worst.. :p

I'm the last to go for the Orals today, so sort of having extra 1/2 day to study, but still... Nervous... heehee.. Am really glade its over now.. ;)

Whats next??? Tomorrow there is a Training Divisions, rain or shine have to attend... haiz... Thursday more lectures (Not examinable)... Friday and end of term divisions for 2nd Sea Lord. Haiz.... Sianz... At least the Orals are over.... heehee.....

Now can start re-org my stuff.. ;)

Ciaos ;)

1 week to go...

2008-07-06T16:58:00.002+08:00

Or is it 2 days? Since my final Oral Board is on Tuesday... heehee.. That means I'm left with today Sunday and Monday. :p I've been revising for my Orals since Sat. Really really lots of things to remember... sigh...

Anyway, last week is Chaos week. Been very busy the whole week, day in the labs doing signals, report on SOCs (Ships Operational Capability), dealing with welfare, etc etc.. anything you'll do onboard ship. evening in cabin finishing up the days work for next morning submission. Working really late from Mon till Wed. Thur afternoon finex, zzz in the afternoon, then woke up at night to study for the orals.... Unable to sleep so Fri suffered.. Anything, nothing on Fri, just Oral brief and debrief on the TMP presentation. Debrief on the Chaos done on Thur afternoon...

Fri afternoon went for some retail therapy at Southampton.. heehee... feels good but not good for my VISA card.. :p heehee... just sign and sign... :p Now my wallet left with only 100 pounds... :p

Sat studied the whole day. Today planning to do so too... hopefully I'll have enough time to finish them for Tues.

Next week, Mon no lesson so can stay in cabin to study. Tue Oral Board.. If fail this, fail the whole course... scary man.. dun really feel prepared for it though the instructors say I'm ready... I still know nothing... or maybe I'm giving myself too much pressure.. or maybe they are giving me concessions???? :p

Wed will be Division for 2nd Sea Lord. Spare Oral Board day too if failed on Tues. Thur will be some more lectures and Fri, Passing Out Parade.. yeh!!!!

Whats next.... dunno yet... :p heehee

Haiz.. back to study.... Can't think too far now... :)

2 weeks to go....

2008-06-29T19:04:00.002+08:00

Ah.... 2 weeks to go... ;)

Highlights of last week.. hmm..... Nothing much happening... Monday lectures.. of course I'm still rushing with my presentation preparation for the slides and scripts.. :p Tuesday afternoon, the 1st 3 chaps presented their stuff... The presentation is actually quite ok, while the Q&A is the real tough one where the scope is really wide with some depth, testing the presenter opinions.

Wednesday is whole day presentation again. Since I'm the last man to present, I have to wait the whole day till 3.30pm for my turn.... Really exhausting, especially when I just finished my slides and scripts on Tuesday night :p.. Yup, last minute work again... sianz... :p haahaa...

Anyway, was in the class early to check if my slides works.... since I worked on Open Office and had to convert to MS Office... Worked, but need some slight adjustments as some pics run all over the place.. :p Also, rehearse a few times with timings.....

Finally my turn, the whole audience is already dead... Anyway, I was nervous, but I just dun care lar... just present according to my script... Hopefully they can understand what I'm saying and not too fast too....

I think the Q&A is what wakes everybody.... Its probably easier for me since I've heard the types of questions and sort of scripted my answers somehow throughout the day, even if the questions are totally different.. All I need to do is gather my knowledge and give an answer... :p

Yeh, everyone suddenly woke up when I say the name of Indonesian President.... "Susilo Bambang Yudhoyonno".... For some reason, everyone just sits up and a wide eyed look in their face... hmm....

I said that name again for at least 3 time... all having the same results... are the amazed at my pronunciation?? or is it I said something wrong??.. hmm....

Anyway, the presentation ended with relief... heehee...

Thursday morning is lesson on OOD by Mark... He changed the slides to show the president's picture and name in the 1st slides.... He seemed to like the name.. Keep asking me to say his name again and again and again... He wanted to change his middle name to Bambang?!?!?!....

No lessons on Friday so relaxed the whole day, trying to read the Fleet Engineering Orders (FEO) in preparation for Chaos week next week....

While having dinner with James, he say my classmates are still talking about the presentation during Thursday Dinner, and Chrissy ask James to ask to me say the name again... Then he explain to me why...........

Bambang, or something sounds familiar... means having SEX!!!!.... haahaa... no wonder everyone sits up and get all excited about it.... Well, at least everyone have a talking point for some time... :p

Anyway, the rest of the weekend just stayed indoors to study the FEO and BR300.. hopefully that'll help me in Chaos week... Chaos week is basically a week where we simulate as DWEO onboard an imaginary Type 23 Frigate. Ships crews names are fake, but events that happened are real... Just to train us to prepare when we first posted onboard, which I never will... :p Anyway, just play along. Also, this exercise should help to prepare us of the final Oral Board the week after.... ;) So hopefully it'll help.

Although not assessed, our attitude and performance during this week will be recorded into our appraisal... hmm.. dun care lar... just work... Just 2 more weeks to go now... heehee... ;)

Think I really sianz here already.. want to go home soon... heehee...

Going for lunch now...

Ciaos...

3 weeks to go...

2008-06-23T03:02:00.003+08:00

Well... Its 3 weeks more before end of course here.

Lets recall the happenings for the past week. :p

Mon, got back our submissions and point brief. Ended up my point brief was more like a summary brief and I need to redo before giving it to the VIP... In fact, the whole class seems to be wrong except Jo, whom we were asked to refer to... Guess what, I changed mine and send to Jo for proof reading and she edited mine back into a summary brief again?!?!?!.... So have to confront my DO to check what is correct, ended up he's wrong about it... :p heehee... Dun care.. just do what he wants and submit lar... :p

Tues nothing happening... :p

Wed and Thu the class went to visit FOMO and Fleet which internationals are excluded == free days for me... Did nothing on Wed, just force myself to finish my submission on Thur morning and submitted my submissions and point brief to my VIP, who happens to be OC Technical Training Group (TTG)... Did not manage to see him as he's not around, so got another staff to pass it to him.

Friday morning just a short case study presentation by 2 classmates and its free for me again. :p Went to check out my VIP, but just can't catch him twice... :p so I'll have to get him on mon then.
Haiz...

Now its down to preparing the presentation for next wed presentation. Sat morning did almost nothing again.. (sad)... After lunch, chatted with a Brunei Officer till dinner... after dinner chatted with James till late... another day gone.. :p me really lazy manz... :p

Sunday finally did something on the presentation... :p although often drifting off.. :p Well, now I'm still doing my presentation slides and not yet rehearsal/ready what I want to say yet. :p haiz.. seems like it'll be something last minute again.. :p

Boring week eh.. :p yeh.. that's why I compressed the whole week instead of updating everyday this week... :p

Not all that boring though.... Fri night they had a Thunderer's Sqn dinner here (for sponsored students in Uni Southhampton) and had some fireworks... The fireworks is right outside my room window... I've never been this close to actual fireworks. ;) can hear all the debris falling on my roof.. :p next morning can see the road covered with the cardboard for the fireworks....

Hopefully the video works.. ;) theres more but did not manage to capture all.. only the low ones and my camera video only record 2 minutes each time.. :p

Wow... I had my shower, brushed my teeth, etc, and the video is still uploading... hopefully it'll not that too long for anyone to watch it... Haiz...

Was thinking in the showers (I always do...)... maybe the reason for my lack of motivation to work now is...... Back behind my mind.... I know that whatever i learn now here, is all crap which I have to unlearn when I get back home!!! If I dun unlearn them, I'll probably get confused with the system used back home... :( maybe thats why.... Maybe also... deep down inside... I dun want to go the Frigates... :(.... hmm... maybe....

Anyhow, I've decided from Monday onwards, will start my study regime.... heehee... Its just 3 more weeks to go... thereafter can forget everything I learned these 12 weeks... What a waste of my LIFE!!!... :p anyway, how interesting can it be.. :p

Well, gotta continue work/tuan liow.

Ciaos.. ;)

End of Week 5....

2008-06-16T04:09:00.002+08:00

Wow.. time flies... 4 more weeks to go.. ;)

Anyway, today morning went cycling with Poh Huat to Lee on Solent. His 1st time there i think. ;) Along the way back found this Strawberry farm and its in season. So in we went to pick Strawberries. ;)

Maybe we were already late or maybe no skill, could not find any nice strawberries... Too me some time before I found some okok ones.. ;)
Somehow or other, maybe I lowered my standards... Manage to pick some now... haahaa... Actually, ate some while picking as well.... ;)
The strawberries are great... Fresh from the bush and the sweetness..., is what you'll never taste in supermarket strawberries... yummy!!!

Only problem is.. thats the only container we had and have to cycle back with them... I think I lost 3 strawberries on the way back (bouncing around) and due to friction, the skin became not that nice.... Guess what.... When we got back for lunch, they were serving a huge bowl of strawberries with cream for dessert.. :p Anyway, mine is still sitting around.. too full today... will probably finish them tomorrow.. :p A fruitful sunday.. ;)

Remembered me mention tuesday went to this scout camp for community work... Here's a photo of my group taken for the media... ;) some newsletter or sort.. ;) here's my group.. ;)

I went there again on Saturday to burn more hay and finish off the painting. This time round we ride from Collingwood to train station and to the campsite... Had to cycle through a farm... right in-between cows... haahaa.. :0 A cow was in the way and he/she just stood up and move away.. think some of the cows are uncomfortable and stood up when we were approaching... fun.. ;) Too bad on the way home the cows were not around... been sent back for milking... Heard they were milked twice a day... :p

Oh, had a chance to shoot some arrows after I finished painting... ;) Had 4 shots.. not very good at aiming and control... but at least 2 of my shots are close to each other.. ;)

Well, overall a good weekend.. ;) Just that not much work being done here.. :p haahaa.. :p

Have to face week 4 now.. ;)

Ciaos. ;)

Community Day

2008-06-12T03:33:00.002+08:00

Wow... Am really tired after Tues Community day. The class went to some scout campsite to get some work done.

Several task was assigned, some indoors like painting a garage and converting it into an indoor archery, and building a fridge cupboard outdoors, and outdoors ones... I choosed the outdoor ones to get some fresh air... ;)

There is this outdoor chapel with logs as sits and a wooden cross on a tree. As the logs been there for more than 10 year, they had all sunken in and the ground uneven. We had to get the logs out (they are heavy), level the ground with wood chips and compost, and rearrange the logs back into position... Tough work, but the end result looks good. ;) Just in time for a planned wedding next week... :p

Since we finished out task, we were assigned to spread out more compost. Did it really fast since we are almost experts now.. :p heehee then was made to move some hay stacks up a hill into the campfire site. Apparently these hay are moldy and can't be fed to animals anymore and had to be burnt. Its heavy to push them up in trolleys... But since the tractor is busy cutting grass, we have to move them manually, around 5 trips... then its break for lunch....

Apparently, our group had did all there are to be done today, except for the painting guys and the fridge cupboard... So our work list just got expanded to include tree planting, fence mending, and burning the hay... that's the most fun part.. Setting fire to the Hay... heehee...

Pity the hays are wet and is difficult to get them burning... so no large campfire... :'( But I had fun and my body just smell like smoke.. .heehee... ;)

Today my whole body just aching all over... :p too much exertion... haahaa... :p But its good fun. Tired too... ;) haahaa...

Today and the rest of week is lecture on Trade and Safety management... beginning with the legal part and its really dry... :p But at least it gives me chance to relax the body.. :p Feels good.. ;)

Erm... should get some studies done now... ;) before I go to bed... ;)

Ciaos.. ;)

Where am I going??

2008-06-10T03:14:00.002+08:00

My course is ending soon here, yet I've not received any news of my posting.... The posting committee meeting was last Friday and I should have hear something by now... Email to personnel but no response as usual... Sad man... :p

Spent the night finishing my writeup for today submission. The writeup should be okay, just that its not as perfect as I want it to be. Pretty tired today, but can't rest yet. Need to do some study at least.

Its really hot at 26 degrees today. I dun even need my jacket and am perspiring. Even the occasional wind feels warm... But it does feels good, better then cold days... heehee... Well, at least I have a fan in my cabin to cool me down before I sleep.. ;)

This afternoon lecture by a Logistic officer where was previously based in Spore for a good 7 months. Had a good chat on places to go and things to do in Spore... Missed those days... even though I dun go out often... heehee... But at least I'm free to roam anywhere when I'm home, and not tied down here wasting my time... :p

Hmm...better do some reading before I doze off... heehee...

Ciaos...

5 more weeks to Go...

2008-06-09T03:43:00.002+08:00

Wow... time flies.. 5 more week to go... :p

Saturday was the COLLINGWOOD Open Day and Field Gun Day.... Was tasked to usher VIPs from the VIP carpark to the Registration.. So the whole morning its like walking up and down and up and down.... Good exercise, and had some good chats with the VIPs. Originally it seems that we have to be in the unsheltered carpark for the whole day without head gear... Its a really hot day. Finally after lunch we were told to just station 1 guy to provide directions only, so we just took 30min shifts. When its my turn at 1500hrs, was told that we are no longer needed. Just need to muster at 1800hrs at the Drill Shed. At least I have some time to go back to my cabin to work on my submissions due on Monday.. :p Anyway, received a later phone call saying service not required too at 1800hrs.. yippee.. am feeling dehydrated since morning... But still have to work on my submission.. Did not manage to finish it yet....

Anyway, Open day is just like our Open House but members of public need to pay 7 pounds to enter. Most of the people are here to support the Field Gun teams. Also, there are fun-fares for the kids too.. Not too grand as the other activities are more peripherals to Field Gun.... Oh, we received the Fareham Mayor and nobody knows who he is.... Worst is, his driver dropped him at our carpark and he has to walk to the reception.... When he noticed his mistake and drive to the VVIP carpark, he just drive by the walking Mayor and his wife without picking them up... heehee.. not sure if he'll get a scolding.... heehee

Today continued to work on my submission... But still not finished... I'm in deep shit now... heehee... But somehow I'm really reluctant to work on it... Keep surfing the web at MyCarforum.... Haiz.... Naughty me... :p

Well... Now I'm left with a few hours to finish it... I better get working. Maybe I just need someone to kick my butt to get my engine started... heehee...

Really missed home.....

Ciaos....

Feels Like Friday!!!

2008-06-06T03:21:00.002+08:00

Yeh... the IS manager course and exam is over today... No lessons for Friday... Heehee.. I need this extra day to finish my write-up.... followed by my point brief on Sunday.. Both for Monday submissions.

Saturday is the COLLINGWOOD Open Day cum Field Gun Day... Somehow I have to perform as the VIP usher.... Hey... I dun even work for them... anyway... Even if U do work, U'll need to pay 7 pound to enter COLLINGWOOD.... even if U leave in here... Really really $$$ face leh... can't stand it.... RN cheapo?? Should be.. even their locals feel the same... :p

Not feeling well this week... Having sour throat and headach... Think tonight will sleep early and start work in the morning... ;) Lucky go some medications with me... dun have to report sick... heehee...

Oh ya... Sunday is Dumpling Festival..... I'll miss these dumplings.... Haiz....

Ok... gotta rest..

Ciao...

Busy week....

2008-06-03T02:37:00.002+08:00

Wow, seems like this week is gonna be busy....

Tuesday night is SEMC dinner...
Thursday night need to study for exam on Friday.
Saturday is Field Gun day.
Monday need to submit write-up and point brief....

I'll have to manage my free time this week to complete my test studying and my write-up for the 10 minute submission.... The heat is up with the end coming nearer... heehee...

Today is a total waste of time in lecture talking about the OS, virus and malware, and finally legal issues on information systems. But all these will be in the exam so can't be help. Dun really like the hour long breaks in between the lectures... Sianz...

Me just finish dinner... feeling tired and just wanna relax a while before I continue with my write-up... haiz... At least tomorrow dinner is in redsea rig... so no need to dress up.. heehee... just need my cumber band.. ;)

Go and surf web a while... update more next time.

Ciaos

1st Jun 08... 6 weeks to go...

2008-06-02T05:19:00.002+08:00

Wow... its already Jun and I'm left with 6 weeks to go... .hmm... am I ready to go home?? Lets see whats going to happen next week.

Lessons... whole week of ITSO.. should mean "Information Technology Security Officer"??

6 Jun... LOPC will decide on my posting when I come home.... Verdict I think I already know.. unless some (I really hoped) strongly objects to my posting... If not, I guess I'll just have to be an obedient soldier and do whatever I am told... :p

7 Jun... Collingwood Field Gun and Open day. All of us were made to stay in Collingwood to host VIPs..... All of us except perhaps the Internationals on Internationals only course...

Dunno what will happen for this week.... But so far Heaven have been good to me... I've seen snowing... Made Snowman... Crossed the Channel to France, Been onboard a UK destroyer... and most importantly, give me good friends.. ;)

Well, time to go home soon... that'll mean assignments are due... Haiz.. really not in mood to work now.. especially on weekends.... :p Just a lazy bugger... :p Dunno why people tend to see me as hardworking... as I really so?? hmm... maybe that's why its call perception... :p

Think I dun care anymore... I just wanna go home.... Or maybe I never cared at all in the 1st place... maybe its no challenge... or maybe I dunno how to manage xxxx.... :p haahaa... :p

Its getting warm again... I have to shut my windows to prevent insects from flying in.... which i forget last night and have to spend an hour killing them... :p At least I have a fan to keep the air circulating my froom.. ;)

Hmm... back to work I gues...

Ciaos.

Upkeep lessons...

2008-05-30T04:31:00.002+08:00

Had lessons on upkeep today afternoon. Its basically their planned maintenance activities... Quite similar to our system, just that the duration is longer due to bigger ships..... Also, difference in the organisation structure which is under Fleet instead of Logistic Organisation. But I do see our own transformation going towards this same structure.... Not sure if this is a good way or managing things....

Morning lesson on Signals writing. Easy when there are samples to follow. Of the 3 signals assignments, 2 of them had samples to reference to, but the one of STOROB (Cannibalisation) dun. The message format guide dun really give a good guidance in some area, so I'll have to ask the instructor on it tomorrow morning if possible.

Tomorrow morning we'll have a short lecture before going to Portsmouth to visit HMS Nottingham, a Type 42 Destroyer.... Was told by my classmate that I'll hate it as its old and poorly designed. However, James told me it should be quite nice, except that it consumed 7 tons of diesel per hour... wow.. expensive ship to run....

Gotta continue with my signals assignment and my submissions writing and research. Update another time.

Ciaos

IT Security

2008-05-28T04:09:00.002+08:00

Had IT Security lectures for today and tomorrow. Supposed to be a 5 day course by was reduced to just 2 days for us, then, it just took 2 hours to finish today's lessons... oops... heehee...

Anyway, mostly talked about Malware, and some free software to get rid of them... Also the layers of security concerning data and its a balance between usability and security. Tomorrow gonna continue with prevention.

Apparently, Linux is not targeted for any of the Malware and is relatively safe... no need anti-virus... heehee...

Tomorrow we have Divisions again.. This time round is a serious one, but I'm not the squad IC, just a member in the squad... No need to draw sword, just need to be in No1B...... Since I dun have my No1 here, will just wear my No5J... looks like their No1s anyway... heehee...

Been trying to write my 10 min presentation and submission since the weekend, been reading about Indonesia, but really dunno how or what to write...Will try again and see how it goes.... Also, the format for the submission was briefed but not given to us... I'll have to ask the Class IC to get it tomorrow then... :p

Got some yogurt and oranges from Lidl yesterday. Its cheaper and taste better then the ones in Wardroom.... Was tempted to get some oranges during lunch, but looking at the fruit basket, loss all interest... :p Its been there for days and I doubt anyone touches it.. Also, the Orange looked sour... :p Guess from now on I'll have to supply my own fruits and yogurt... :p

Anyway, the wasted fruits are turned into desserts in the form of apple and pear crumble during dinner... heehee... Topped with custard... just that tonight the chef forgotten to add sugar to the custard and it tastes like plain water... :p

Ok, back to work now... not much time left... ;)

Ciaos

Bank Holiday Monday... 7 weeks to go...

2008-05-26T21:08:00.002+08:00

Its bank holiday today... but the weather is not that fantastic... rained since morning and just stopped after lunch. Did nothing much today.. some studying, got some oranges and yogurts from Lidl supermarket... Missed the Car Boot sale due to the rain... ;)

Weekend... did nothing too.. mainly watched tv, with no mood to study at all... I had intention though... but thats no enough.. heehee... went to Portsmouth Gunwharf on Sat with PH, he eyeballed a sweater the night before and got it for 20 pounds... half price.. ;) I got some hand cream from Crabtree & E for mum and friends mum... :) rosewater does smell nice. ;)

Was actually excused Boxing on Thur... they found out that they cannot force me to go... heehee... Am glade I did not attend as they guys went without dinner till 10pm, were served cold food, and the drinks have to be paid...None of it my interest anyway... Some of the girls from my class did not attend the boxing due to 1st Sea Lord visit here (I not bothered too :p), but over-heard on Fri night from some guys that my class girls are simply drinkers... heard they drank till almost 5am?? Not sure if they ended up in any mischief though... I'm in my bed and woke up well rested for Fri lecture.. heehee... Think only a few of us are awake that lecture... heehee.. ;)

7 more weeks to go... just endure a bit more... ;) Time will just fly....

Ciaos

Boxing match.... :(

2008-05-22T04:26:00.002+08:00

Being made to attend the Army Navy boxing match at one of the Army camps tomorrow night... Told them I'm not interested in Boxing, and Do not drink after the match. But was told by my Division Officer that its my duty to attend this social event, from 5pm till 1am outside Collingwood. When I asked about the other guys not going... he say they are Muslims and are excused from activities with alcohols...... hmm..... Maybe I should say I'm Buddhist and not allowed to eat meat, drink alcohol, etc... heehee... Full of rubbish there... :p

Worst, I have to wear No2 for the boxing/drinking session... what crap... :p Seems like I'll just have to follow orders else they'll send a letter to my embassy to complain about me... :p As if I cared.. :p haahaa Image, "XXX has been discharged from service for not obeying general orders to attend a social function to drink, get drunk and into so trouble... and not able to wake up on Friday morning for class...... etc etc...) That's the Military Service I guess...

Anyway, only 8 weeks left, so stay out of trouble... heehee... :p

Oh... last Friday night, someone was found drunk and NAKED walking around the front of Wardroom.... I simply cannot comprehend this behaviour...

Today's lecture.. .morning dunno what he was talking about... afternoon its like selling Link 11 and Link 16... :p Otherwise, nothing much... seems like the weather is warming up again to 18 Degree C today... wonder how will it go from now one...

This weekend is long weekend with Monday Bank Holiday... Not sure what I'm doing yet... will see how things goes...

Hopefully there'll be no fights in tomorrow Boxing/Drinking socials... Maybe I'll get to see the drunks walking around naked and be arrested by the duty watch... heehee

Ciaos. Stay out of trouble... :p

Sent away from class....

2008-05-21T02:56:00.002+08:00

Had warfare lessons today... but was not really pleased as I was sent away from class twice because of Security classification.... All these without prior notice. What a waste of my time....

Morning we had an Intro on Warfare, then after a 5 mins break the internationals were sent away from 9am till 10.30am.... then continued with ASW lessons....

After lunch was AIO, followed by ASuW... which we are asked out again (except the kiwis this time).... This is where I'm not happy. Morning session I can understand that its about the system parameters and its classified. For ASuW, its like the basic bread & butter for this career... And we missed this because the course coordinator did not know we are in the class and the invited lecturer do not have time to re-class his slides to Restricted level... Call this World Class Planning... heehee... Talked to the coordinator and all he can offer is "sorry" and will give us a unclassified booklet on ASuW.... In spore standard... its accepted as an "Honest Mistake"... heehee....

Ignoring all the rubbish above... am rather happy today as I finally received a post card... heehee... not telling who its from... :p It always feels good to read something handwritten from home. ;) It definitely made my day ;)

Well, have to study hard now as not much time left before the Oral boards, presentations, submissions.... the heat is turning up again.. ;)

Ciaos.

Its cold again

2008-05-20T03:20:00.002+08:00

Its cold again.... I wore my No3 to class this morning and am regretting it.... Its like Winter is here again at 12 DegreeC... After lunch I quickly come back to collect my jacket... burr... Cold..:p Obviously I'm still not used to this cold. However, the rest of the guys remains in their No3s... I dun mind being the odd one out... rather not fall sick here.. :p

Morning lesson's boring stuff on defect reporting and a brief on how to do our 10 minute presentation. Afternoon lesson on signal writing... am glade our signal writing is much x 3 simpler. heehee...

After class talked to the MESS manager on putting back Porridge into the breakfast menu... given the go ahead... yippee... no need to eat beacon every morning now.. heehee...

Tomorrow starts 2 days lessons on warfare... hopefully its good and not just some crappy stuff.

Ciaos

8 weeks to go....

2008-05-18T18:43:00.002+08:00

8 weeks to go from now... heehee....

This morning went to Car Boot sale just to get some fruits. Since the fruits here is no longer free, I bet its cheaper to get them outside then pay for them here.... I bought 10 huge oranges for 2 pounds (compared to 30pence for 1 small one here). and another pound for some strawberries.. heehee... not really interested with the rest of Car Boot sale cause if I buy them, I'll have trouble bringing them home anyway... :p

Did nothing over the Friday and Saturday... Just read the papers, play pool, watch tv, and tried to do some work... Also, trying to get myself used to the PAYD thing... got to plan what to eat each day each meal.... Sianz... Used to be so simple, just take what U like and how much you want.. Now, have to pay for the extra for things no longer in the package.

As advised by the Liaison Officer here, had got NPD to write to the embassy on this issue so as to pressure the MOD here to amend their policy. Seems like the Commodore here is pretty useless here, no power to grant any wavier to his guest. Yet he expects us to salute his car whenever he drives by....

At least I learn something here.. On how to treat UK guest in future when they visit me, the same way they treat me here when I'm their guest. heehee... :p Dun get me wrong, there are still nice people around here (mainly the lower paid personnel).... Its not their fault and can't do anything about. The higher ranking ones will say they cannot do anything as it as its below their Pay Scale... ... hmm... sound familiar?? heehee

The weather is getting cold again.. seems like summer lasted only one week... I'm lucky to have my own heater as the central heating has been shut down since 2 weeks ago.... Bet even some of their own people are feeling cold.. :p heehee

Am given a topic for a 10 min presentation with a 3000 words writeup.... Topic is "Evaluate Indonesia's Effect on Regional Stability"...... I knew nuts about Indonesia and seems like my resource is only the Internet.... Hmm.... tough luck, at least better than some of the more sensitive issues given to the Pakistan officers.... :p

8 more weeks... to go now....

"Joy & sorrow go hand in hand. Realize this and you have found the hidden treasure."

Ciaos.

PAYD

2008-05-15T04:10:00.002+08:00

Today marks the start of Pay As You Dine in Collingwood. Lots of confusion on what you can eat and what U have to pay to eat.... As expected, have to pay for the nicer food... :( No longer like yesterday where we can mix and match whatever thats available.

I used to have porridge, grapefruit, and yogurt for breakfast. Now now more porridge... Only Beacon, sausages, toast and all the unhealthy stuff... I settled for Grapefruit and toast with 2 beacon.... At first was told I can only have 1 beacon and 1 sausage, not 2 beacon... Luckily the manager came over and clarified that I can do that.... Also, only 1 small glass of orange juice... any refills have to pay... haiz....

Lunch, just a cold chicken burger with beacons.... Beans only (no veg).... Will have to pay SGD0.90 for each fruit I take.....

Dinner, only lousy soup of the day. Have to pay for appetizers, that looks delicious.... chicken breast again, and either a fruit, yogurt, or cheese cake... Choose yogurt this time.. :p

Now, U can count how unhealthy today is... No fruits except a small portion of grapefruit and a small cup of yogurt.... No fiber too..... Lots of meat again....Arrh.... I dun like this diet... too unhealthy..

Worst, we are unable to withdraw our meals from the wardroom. To have a healthier diet you'll have to fork out cash yourself. Stupid.

All of us internationals actually wrote back to our HQs. Two of them replied that the invitation letter stated that all cost if fixed and any access charges will be borne by the RN.... Seems like this scheme is illegal....

Our side, so far sent emails to 2 guys in pers dept... 1 on leave, the other no respond... Just sent another email to their boss. Hopefully there will be some reply tomorrow. If not somebody will have to stop me from creating an international embarrassment to all the countries involved here. We are all not happy with the way things have evolved here....

Aren't me naughty... heehee... Well, thats for removing my love of life... Good Food.... :p

Ciaos.