Let me warn you. This post is going to be huge.
The CLT course was one of the highlights of this month. Obviously, since it took up 14 days of my holiday. I suppose it has changed me in many ways, and has highlighted my strengths and weaknesses. I realised (and so do the instructors) that I have a really good sense of urgency. Basically, I'll snap to the job and get it done in the most efficient manner possible without delay. That sort of thing. But the weakness is that I am in this hyper-alert mode all the time, without rest, so that when I go home after training, I end up extremely tired and depressed. I am blessed, therefore, that God gave me strength to finish the course and get on with my life. Constant reading of the Psalms during the stay-in week was a great comfort.
A lot of the stress from the course did not come from the course activities itself, but rather the waking up in the morning and the travelling from home to HQ and back. It was like leaving a secure area in the morning and departing for the unknown, the unsafe, the uncharted waters.
Clock-watching had a few effects. One was that it increased morale as the days went by, especially in the later part of the course. The other effect was that it made the course seem like eternity on the first few days.
I managed to get through anyway. BMT would be a little easier for me, I suppose, given that this experience has given me an idea of what in-bunk drudgery and personal admin looks and feels like.
And now for the other part of the holiday that made me really happy.
Hong Kong is a really great place. Good food, good weather, good transport and plenty of other things.
I once mentioned to Hui'en that Hong Kong was my favourite holiday destination. I shall now explain why. Hong Kong is the best of two worlds for me. It is a place where my roots and my sense of modernity combine.
I am not a Hong Konger, but I am a Cantonese. It is to my greatest regret that my command of the Cantonese language is frankly quite pathetic. Hong Kong is a place where you will hear Cantonese all the time. It is the language of my forefathers, and it is uplifting to hear it spoken by the masses, unlike my current location, where Putonghua (Huayu) has become the main tongue of most Chinese people. It is a crying shame to realise that thousands of Singapore youth are on the verge of being cut off from their ethnicities forever. I shall be the exception. I shall let no man rob me of my culture and my identity.
On a side note, I think I am acquiring a taste for Joey Yung songs. O_O
I think I'm digressing...
*Back on main topic*
I'm going to miss Hong Kong. Even now, I'm still trying to get used to the fact that you stand on the left side of the escalator on the MRT, when you stand on the right on those of the MTR. I have to get used to the MRT announcements being in English first, and the English signs being above the Hanzi. I'll miss the oh-so-familiar “請勿靠近車門”before the door closes. I'll miss the noisy (and sometimes absurdly long) escalators and traffic lights. I'll miss the feeling of being free, unconstrained by the drudgery of life back home. I suppose holidays are like that. A brief glimpse of the ideal life and then it's back to real life.
The year 2010 is approaching. I really hope that I can survive IB. I've already started reading the textbooks. Watchnight on Thursday and Friday.
I can't think of anything else now.
Tuesday, 29 December 2009
Friday, 11 December 2009
Aid Station
When the AFIs said this course was going to change our lives, they weren't joking. I only have five days more of the course, and yet, the past nine days have taught me so much about myself.
And I also have lost 2kg. That's something to be joyful about. :D
God really has been so good to me. I pray that God will abide with me for the last big push.
I shall be returning to the lines on Sunday night. I hope I will enjoy myself.
And I also have lost 2kg. That's something to be joyful about. :D
God really has been so good to me. I pray that God will abide with me for the last big push.
I shall be returning to the lines on Sunday night. I hope I will enjoy myself.
Monday, 30 November 2009
En Fenrik
I am getting quite excited about the CLT course. I hope it stays that way no matter what it actually turns out to be like. Today, I find out we have to stay-in for nearly a week. This should be interesting. I am praying that I will be an example of God's glory during the course. This is the perfect oppurtunity for me to do so. So God help me. Amen.
Tuesday, 17 November 2009
Restlessness
My daily routine now consists of PT, pipe practice and reading. I am anxious to get the new set of uniform next week to start working on it. Hopefully it comes with the OCT rank slides.
Pipe practice at PA tomorrow. Quite looking forward to it as well. Nearly finished reading Geoffrey Bennett's Nelson The Commander.
Pipe practice at PA tomorrow. Quite looking forward to it as well. Nearly finished reading Geoffrey Bennett's Nelson The Commander.
Monday, 9 November 2009
Anniversaries
There is something about the anniversaries of historical events that really gets me up and going. Today, for example is the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. I’ve got a picture of the fall on my desktop just for today. For me, these events mark key points in human history, points which define our mindsets till this day. The fall of the Berlin Wall, for example, is the enduring symbol of freedom, of unity. In some sense, it echoes the immortal words of the Deutschlandlied – “Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit für das deutsche Vaterland!” It is the powerful imagery of common people tearing down walls of oppression to achieve their freedoms and liberties that really enthralls me. It’s the same for other events. Powerful imagery that shapes the way we think and form opinions. The handover of Hong Kong in 1997 represented the end of an empire that spanned the globe. D-day represented the beginning of the fight to take out Nazi tyranny once and for all. Trafalgar proved that Britannia ruled the waves. All these events have their own particular imagery for their significance.
But one symbol that really moves me is the red poppy of remembrance. This is not the same poppy used for drug production; although that’s the sort of confusion I seem to be getting around this time of the year. Because it grows on disturbed ground, it grew among the trenches of the Great War. The imagery is best described in John McRae’s poem “In Flanders Fields” – “In Flanders fields the poppies blow between the crosses, row on row, that mark our place.” In Singapore, this flower has no cultural significance except for perhaps the connotations of opium production. It explains all the weird looks I get, and it explains the long stories I have to tell people whenever I have to explain its significance. It really bugs me sometimes when Singaporeans have no idea of the suffering soldiers go through in war. Perhaps it is because Singapore experienced war as a civilian population, and the people protecting us were the British. What is taught in our textbooks and is often emphasised is that the British lost. True, but it stops short of the experiences of the Diggers and Highlanders on the ground. The textbooks often praise the Malay Regiment, but they forget all the other regiments present. Imagine fighting thousands of miles from home and the enemy is right at your doorstep. In Hong Kong, the pillboxes had the names of the streets of old London Town on them. They missed home. So we have homesick soldiers fighting a losing battle. After the surrender, they are sent to crowded POW camps, and then some are sent to die working to build a railway for the enemy. This is one of those truly depressing scenarios that have failed to have been brought across.
Remembrance Day commemorates the fallen Commonwealth soldiers. Singapore is part of the Commonwealth. Fine, we had not many local combatants, but that is beside the point. Allow the words of Atatürk, leader of the Turks at Gallipoli to bring across my intended message. Maybe they are slightly out of context since the Turks were the enemy but the words are still applicable anyway - “You, the mothers, who sent their sons from faraway countries, wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land, they have become our sons as well.”
Let me say this, that there is no shame in showing our gratitude to those who have fought for our freedom by remembering them. In fact, the ceremony yesterday at Kranji was extremely humbling. I saw, in front of me, a Royal Marine veteran with the South Atlantic Medal (with rosette) across his chest. I then realised he was one of those who fought and yomped to reach Port Stanley. I suddenly felt very, very small.
However, what really had my blood boiling yesterday at Kranji was that some uniformed groups did not remove their headdress during the prayer. Commander Haycock had already asked all uniformed personnel to remove headdress, and then he did so himself. All the foreign colonels and captains solemnly removed their caps. And the cadets and officers of the uniformed groups stood there without a clue as to what was this strange foreign protocol was, that gentlemen should remove their caps when they are praying. Ignorance should not, and should never be an excuse, when it comes to ceremonies bordering on the near-sacred such as these.
When will we ever learn?
But one symbol that really moves me is the red poppy of remembrance. This is not the same poppy used for drug production; although that’s the sort of confusion I seem to be getting around this time of the year. Because it grows on disturbed ground, it grew among the trenches of the Great War. The imagery is best described in John McRae’s poem “In Flanders Fields” – “In Flanders fields the poppies blow between the crosses, row on row, that mark our place.” In Singapore, this flower has no cultural significance except for perhaps the connotations of opium production. It explains all the weird looks I get, and it explains the long stories I have to tell people whenever I have to explain its significance. It really bugs me sometimes when Singaporeans have no idea of the suffering soldiers go through in war. Perhaps it is because Singapore experienced war as a civilian population, and the people protecting us were the British. What is taught in our textbooks and is often emphasised is that the British lost. True, but it stops short of the experiences of the Diggers and Highlanders on the ground. The textbooks often praise the Malay Regiment, but they forget all the other regiments present. Imagine fighting thousands of miles from home and the enemy is right at your doorstep. In Hong Kong, the pillboxes had the names of the streets of old London Town on them. They missed home. So we have homesick soldiers fighting a losing battle. After the surrender, they are sent to crowded POW camps, and then some are sent to die working to build a railway for the enemy. This is one of those truly depressing scenarios that have failed to have been brought across.
Remembrance Day commemorates the fallen Commonwealth soldiers. Singapore is part of the Commonwealth. Fine, we had not many local combatants, but that is beside the point. Allow the words of Atatürk, leader of the Turks at Gallipoli to bring across my intended message. Maybe they are slightly out of context since the Turks were the enemy but the words are still applicable anyway - “You, the mothers, who sent their sons from faraway countries, wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land, they have become our sons as well.”
Let me say this, that there is no shame in showing our gratitude to those who have fought for our freedom by remembering them. In fact, the ceremony yesterday at Kranji was extremely humbling. I saw, in front of me, a Royal Marine veteran with the South Atlantic Medal (with rosette) across his chest. I then realised he was one of those who fought and yomped to reach Port Stanley. I suddenly felt very, very small.
However, what really had my blood boiling yesterday at Kranji was that some uniformed groups did not remove their headdress during the prayer. Commander Haycock had already asked all uniformed personnel to remove headdress, and then he did so himself. All the foreign colonels and captains solemnly removed their caps. And the cadets and officers of the uniformed groups stood there without a clue as to what was this strange foreign protocol was, that gentlemen should remove their caps when they are praying. Ignorance should not, and should never be an excuse, when it comes to ceremonies bordering on the near-sacred such as these.
When will we ever learn?
Thursday, 5 November 2009
1st Post of November.
Next year's Chem is a nightmare. Even the Course Companion's first chapter is so complex. I still haven't worked out how the mass spectrometer works. Need to start mugging now or else, no six points for next year...
On a side note, my 2.4km timing went down to 12:15 from 12:36...Hopefully I can reach 11min by December and 10min by the next NAPFA.
On a side note, my 2.4km timing went down to 12:15 from 12:36...Hopefully I can reach 11min by December and 10min by the next NAPFA.
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
Music and plenty of other things.
So what's the difference if you listen to music without words rather than listen to popular music?
You may gain in terms of cultural exposure, but you end up failing dismally when bringing up the topic of entertainment with your peers. I mean, it can hurt your social life if you aren't in tune with what's on the radios these days.
But since I don't have a social life anyway, what harm could there be in analysing a few of my favourite pieces... XD
(In no order of merit)
(I'm typing these things as they come to my mind.)
1. Valdresmarsjen
Now, this is not a march in sense that you could actually play this at quick march pace and make it sound nice. All the versions I've listened to are played slowly, and this is a really beautiful piece. The slow tempo and the melody is very fluid, and is harmonised to achieve a sense of serenity and tranquility. Because of this, it's the tune I play on my mp3 player when I need to calm down.
(Please note that I cannot write music essays that well. I've never written one in my whole life, I'm just doing this the same way I would for Lit.)
Arrgh, I'm too lazy to think of another song to analyse...
I think I'll start ranting about something random.
Something like...careers.
Because I need a subject combi, I need to have a future career in mind before I select my HL and SL subjects.
When I suggested taking Chinese B HL, my friends were like "You're crazy...secure your 7 points!" But I really cannot afford to take HL for Sciences or Maths for that matter, given that I'm an arts person. Then, they asked me about my future career.
Everyone asks me about my future career.
I can never tell them what it would be.
I've always contemplated joining the Air Force or the Navy as an officer. See? You're probably thinking something along the following lines:
Oh, what a gullible boy who was taken in by those cheesy MINDEF ads. He's not going to enjoy it. He's been watching too many war movies. Oh, isn't that the guy who MARCHES?
Sometimes, I blame myself for my self-enforced solitude, yet the blame can be attributed to everybody else. (at times)
I'm not sure if it's the same for others wanting to be officers, but I really cannot bring myself to say I want to join the Fleet. Blame it on the average Singaporean's nae-care attitude towards this sort of thing. I mean, NS, for most people I know, is nothing but a chore. What complete dumbarse would want to join that organisation which 'enslaves' male Singaporeans of age 18 for two whole years while everybody else goes on to university?
Here's the rationale for me trying to join the Fleet. Alright, so what's the point of joining the military if it can't broaden your horizons? Look at all the latest overseas deployments! Iraq, Afghanistan, Aden. All the anti-piracy missions and humanitarian missions have required our Fleet. Overseas service is what I'm after. I won't get it in the army because they never have to fight. I want an unconventional career that people can look on and be proud of. Although wars are a shame, it's no shame serving to end it quickly.
I bet after all that, you're still going to call me a bally dumbarse.
You may gain in terms of cultural exposure, but you end up failing dismally when bringing up the topic of entertainment with your peers. I mean, it can hurt your social life if you aren't in tune with what's on the radios these days.
But since I don't have a social life anyway, what harm could there be in analysing a few of my favourite pieces... XD
(In no order of merit)
(I'm typing these things as they come to my mind.)
1. Valdresmarsjen
Now, this is not a march in sense that you could actually play this at quick march pace and make it sound nice. All the versions I've listened to are played slowly, and this is a really beautiful piece. The slow tempo and the melody is very fluid, and is harmonised to achieve a sense of serenity and tranquility. Because of this, it's the tune I play on my mp3 player when I need to calm down.
(Please note that I cannot write music essays that well. I've never written one in my whole life, I'm just doing this the same way I would for Lit.)
Arrgh, I'm too lazy to think of another song to analyse...
I think I'll start ranting about something random.
Something like...careers.
Because I need a subject combi, I need to have a future career in mind before I select my HL and SL subjects.
When I suggested taking Chinese B HL, my friends were like "You're crazy...secure your 7 points!" But I really cannot afford to take HL for Sciences or Maths for that matter, given that I'm an arts person. Then, they asked me about my future career.
Everyone asks me about my future career.
I can never tell them what it would be.
I've always contemplated joining the Air Force or the Navy as an officer. See? You're probably thinking something along the following lines:
Oh, what a gullible boy who was taken in by those cheesy MINDEF ads. He's not going to enjoy it. He's been watching too many war movies. Oh, isn't that the guy who MARCHES?
Sometimes, I blame myself for my self-enforced solitude, yet the blame can be attributed to everybody else. (at times)
I'm not sure if it's the same for others wanting to be officers, but I really cannot bring myself to say I want to join the Fleet. Blame it on the average Singaporean's nae-care attitude towards this sort of thing. I mean, NS, for most people I know, is nothing but a chore. What complete dumbarse would want to join that organisation which 'enslaves' male Singaporeans of age 18 for two whole years while everybody else goes on to university?
Here's the rationale for me trying to join the Fleet. Alright, so what's the point of joining the military if it can't broaden your horizons? Look at all the latest overseas deployments! Iraq, Afghanistan, Aden. All the anti-piracy missions and humanitarian missions have required our Fleet. Overseas service is what I'm after. I won't get it in the army because they never have to fight. I want an unconventional career that people can look on and be proud of. Although wars are a shame, it's no shame serving to end it quickly.
I bet after all that, you're still going to call me a bally dumbarse.
Monday, 26 October 2009
Trettisju
Success. 37 Points. I am home free...its just that I probably cannot go for any Bachelor of Science courses for Uni because I am in no position to take HL Maths or Sciences. Linguistics or Modern Languages sounds like a better idea. English A1 HL. I had better pray and hope this turns out well.
My preferred subject combi would be:
English A1 HL
Chinese B HL
History HL
Physics SL
Maths SL
Chem SL.
Just hope they let me have this combi.
On a side note, on news of my promotion, I immediately got myself the symbols of my newly-earned prestige. The yellow-blue tie will be mine to wear for the next two years.
I really thank God for bringing me past the EOYs, and giving me a better grade this time. I got above 36 points for the first time (I think).
And now for a recap of the past week's events.
Monday: Holiday.
Tuesday: Holiday.
Wednesday: Holiday.
Thursday: School
Friday: School. CLT Interview. Camp.
Saturday: Camp.
The Interview was fun. The camp was memorable. For the first time, I slept in the school corridor. Nice breeze. :) I think this time, I have really bonded with my Sec 2 juniors well. It's good PR considering that me and my non-comm. officers have been so harsh on them, its good to have some nice moments. I also think that I will be really busy next year. Things might get messy.
One of the hymns that I have found myself coming back to constantly over the past month or so has been that wonderful Norwegian hymn - Eg veit i himmerik ei borg.
Eg veit i himmerik ei borg,
ho skin som soli klåre,
der er kje synder eller sorg,
der er kje gråt og tåre.
Der inne bur Guds eigen Son
i herlegdom og æra,
han er mi trøyst og trygge von,
hjå honom eg skal vera.
Eg er ein fattig ferdamann,
må mine vegar fara
herfrå og til mitt fedreland,
Gud, meg på vegen vara!
It's the hymn you can hear on this blog after the Tappenstrek drum rolls and bugle call at the start of the song.
What really struck me was the concept of the weary traveller (fattig ferdamann) on his way to heaven. We are weary, and thus we need God to protect us and make our ways straight as we journey through life. The other concept is that of the Fatherland (fedreland). Where God is, that is our Fatherland. As citizens of the Fatherland, we ought to behave in a manner befitting a citizen of the Fatherland. What's more, we are not just citizens of the Fatherland, we are Princes of the Fatherland! Technically, I should have a pre-nominal 'HRH' as befitting my princely status! But titles mean nothing if we as princes do not behave in a manner befitting of one, especially a HRH in the Kingdom of God.
As heirs to the Kingdom, have we, the 'Royal Highnesses' lived our lives worthy of our title?
Just some food for thought...
My preferred subject combi would be:
English A1 HL
Chinese B HL
History HL
Physics SL
Maths SL
Chem SL.
Just hope they let me have this combi.
On a side note, on news of my promotion, I immediately got myself the symbols of my newly-earned prestige. The yellow-blue tie will be mine to wear for the next two years.
I really thank God for bringing me past the EOYs, and giving me a better grade this time. I got above 36 points for the first time (I think).
And now for a recap of the past week's events.
Monday: Holiday.
Tuesday: Holiday.
Wednesday: Holiday.
Thursday: School
Friday: School. CLT Interview. Camp.
Saturday: Camp.
The Interview was fun. The camp was memorable. For the first time, I slept in the school corridor. Nice breeze. :) I think this time, I have really bonded with my Sec 2 juniors well. It's good PR considering that me and my non-comm. officers have been so harsh on them, its good to have some nice moments. I also think that I will be really busy next year. Things might get messy.
One of the hymns that I have found myself coming back to constantly over the past month or so has been that wonderful Norwegian hymn - Eg veit i himmerik ei borg.
Eg veit i himmerik ei borg,
ho skin som soli klåre,
der er kje synder eller sorg,
der er kje gråt og tåre.
Der inne bur Guds eigen Son
i herlegdom og æra,
han er mi trøyst og trygge von,
hjå honom eg skal vera.
Eg er ein fattig ferdamann,
må mine vegar fara
herfrå og til mitt fedreland,
Gud, meg på vegen vara!
It's the hymn you can hear on this blog after the Tappenstrek drum rolls and bugle call at the start of the song.
What really struck me was the concept of the weary traveller (fattig ferdamann) on his way to heaven. We are weary, and thus we need God to protect us and make our ways straight as we journey through life. The other concept is that of the Fatherland (fedreland). Where God is, that is our Fatherland. As citizens of the Fatherland, we ought to behave in a manner befitting a citizen of the Fatherland. What's more, we are not just citizens of the Fatherland, we are Princes of the Fatherland! Technically, I should have a pre-nominal 'HRH' as befitting my princely status! But titles mean nothing if we as princes do not behave in a manner befitting of one, especially a HRH in the Kingdom of God.
As heirs to the Kingdom, have we, the 'Royal Highnesses' lived our lives worthy of our title?
Just some food for thought...
Monday, 19 October 2009
Beginning of a fun week...
Yes, today was fun. Somewhat.
Learned the notes for Gammel Jegermarsj and Fehrbelliner Reitermarsch. But they are absolutely hard to play, especially Gammel Jegermarsj. An E-C-E-G over 4 semiquavers is no joke when you're trying to play the whole thing at 120bpm. Forget about marching and playing simultaneously, this is a killer. :X My lips are so tired now I can't even play the General Salute properly at a slow pace. Need to rest for a while but by the time they recover, it will probably be late at night and I might end up giving the whole block a Reveille every 5 minutes. Not good for PR.
Haizzz...
Learned the notes for Gammel Jegermarsj and Fehrbelliner Reitermarsch. But they are absolutely hard to play, especially Gammel Jegermarsj. An E-C-E-G over 4 semiquavers is no joke when you're trying to play the whole thing at 120bpm. Forget about marching and playing simultaneously, this is a killer. :X My lips are so tired now I can't even play the General Salute properly at a slow pace. Need to rest for a while but by the time they recover, it will probably be late at night and I might end up giving the whole block a Reveille every 5 minutes. Not good for PR.
Haizzz...
Sunday, 18 October 2009
Too much free time.
Now that the exams are over, I've volunteered to be the Duty Bugler at the annual camp for the recruit platoon back in my UG. You know, maybe it isn't that bad. I would have missed the men too much if I just left like that.
But the stuff I have to get ready by Friday is just mind-boggling. I have to, in 5 days, become a competent bugler able to play:
Reveille (Long)
Rouse
Sunset
Lights Out
Markers
Fall In
and on top of that, the meal calls, and the Platoon and Company calls which I will have to compose myself.
On a side note, the D-Pillar publicity today went well. I actually was quite surprised by the positive response. Perhaps I do have a sense of humour after all.
Must get back to the books and languages and attempt to educate myself.
But the stuff I have to get ready by Friday is just mind-boggling. I have to, in 5 days, become a competent bugler able to play:
Reveille (Long)
Rouse
Sunset
Lights Out
Markers
Fall In
and on top of that, the meal calls, and the Platoon and Company calls which I will have to compose myself.
On a side note, the D-Pillar publicity today went well. I actually was quite surprised by the positive response. Perhaps I do have a sense of humour after all.
Must get back to the books and languages and attempt to educate myself.
Tuesday, 13 October 2009
In the thick of it.
Haha, I think I'm going to make it through these exams. 3 more subjects and its time to start those backup plans.
Wednesday, 7 October 2009
The Last Charge
If there was ever a time where my fate precariously hung on the edge of a cliff at gunpoint, this is it.
Just this to clear. An A1 for all subjects will land me straight in the Diploma Programme. Failure to do so means certain disaster. And no, this is no joke. In fact, these exams might be as important as PSLE. And I wonder if I'd do as well for this as I did then...
These are the times where individual ability can only do so much...it's time, as always, to rely on God...
God save us all.
Just this to clear. An A1 for all subjects will land me straight in the Diploma Programme. Failure to do so means certain disaster. And no, this is no joke. In fact, these exams might be as important as PSLE. And I wonder if I'd do as well for this as I did then...
These are the times where individual ability can only do so much...it's time, as always, to rely on God...
God save us all.
Monday, 28 September 2009
Today was...
...Great.
MUAHAHA I finished typing the commentary before dinner. Usually I procrastinate and the essays take forever but I started this thing from scratch and it's just finished. Yay...:D
Chem revision next. Must keep up the tempo of advance...
MUAHAHA I finished typing the commentary before dinner. Usually I procrastinate and the essays take forever but I started this thing from scratch and it's just finished. Yay...:D
Chem revision next. Must keep up the tempo of advance...
Wednesday, 23 September 2009
The road thus far.
Heh, Norwegian is easier to learn than German, except you get to use it less often. But it's such a beautiful language! I think watching all the videos of guards on parade in different countries has introduced me to their ways, and fascinating cultures that never cease to amaze.
Revision. Oh darn, there's still some coursework left and I have to revise. Physics and Chem are more or less done, just one or two topics left to cover. CMT and AMT are almost done as well, just one or two more topics. Everything else needs a bit more work. 2 more weeks. This should end soon. Hopefully. I want to enjoy my holidays and not live in the memory of a really bad series of examinations.
Somehow, I think I'm becoming too open for my own good. Something about this new-found social aptitude seems surreal and alien. But the days where shutting up and fading into the background were the order of the day are all gone. Oh no I'm thinking too much again...
Eg er ein fattig ferdamann,
må mine vegar fara
herfrå og til mitt fedreland,
Gud, meg på vegen vara!
Revision. Oh darn, there's still some coursework left and I have to revise. Physics and Chem are more or less done, just one or two topics left to cover. CMT and AMT are almost done as well, just one or two more topics. Everything else needs a bit more work. 2 more weeks. This should end soon. Hopefully. I want to enjoy my holidays and not live in the memory of a really bad series of examinations.
Somehow, I think I'm becoming too open for my own good. Something about this new-found social aptitude seems surreal and alien. But the days where shutting up and fading into the background were the order of the day are all gone. Oh no I'm thinking too much again...
Eg er ein fattig ferdamann,
må mine vegar fara
herfrå og til mitt fedreland,
Gud, meg på vegen vara!
Monday, 14 September 2009
Back to normality
School's in again, a few more weeks and it will be the last exam of secondary school life before tertiary education at a certain school (ahem)
It's so invigorating to feel the drive of working my arse off everyday again, it makes you feel like you're actually doing something instead of sitting on your bum all day thinking about nothing in particular.
Today's work included a lot of paperwork. Hopefully this won't last very long, I have better and much more important things to do and settle.
It'll all be over very soon...
It's so invigorating to feel the drive of working my arse off everyday again, it makes you feel like you're actually doing something instead of sitting on your bum all day thinking about nothing in particular.
Today's work included a lot of paperwork. Hopefully this won't last very long, I have better and much more important things to do and settle.
It'll all be over very soon...
Thursday, 10 September 2009
All Systems Go for Cadet Lieutenant's Course (and free doses of screaming, shouting etc. etc. to boot)
And that's it, I have to wait 2-3 years before I can have the chance to participate in flying training, and the next chance will be in the harsher and more demanding environment of RAAF Pearce. Ah well, I guess I'll be a Cadet Subedar/Lieutenant, or whatever I'll call it from now on. Actually, I'm quite warming up to the idea already. One of the quirks of life in this modern day and age. At least I said yes to it of my own accord. I would be quite pissed if I was signed on by other parties, and not me. There's something fundamentally wrong with that, I guess. Back to mugging...
Wednesday, 26 August 2009
Sovereignty
What is sovereignty? Sometimes we use the term too often without stopping to think what it actually means. It refers to (quoting Ernest F. Row's How States Are Governed), supremacy. Such that the Sovereign is defined as "whatever authority is absolutely supreme in the State, so that from it there can be no appeal to any higher authority and no power anywhere to override its decisions."
So, God being our Sovereign, he cannot be questioned. He is above all things. Sometimes we think we can try and wriggle out of things but we cannot. But admittedly, it takes time to recognise this sovereignty, especially when circumstances of nature most foul assail us from all directions.
Currently I have problems which threaten personal freedoms and liberties. These basic, fundamental human rights seem to have departed me. I have no choice in the matter whatsoever. I cannot do anything to change anything. I cannot use diplomacy, lobby points, or any other tool of scaled-down foreign policy to get me in a favourable situation which gets me flying next year without other distractions. But perhaps being too good and reliable in UGs in Sec 1 to Sec 4 has proven to be my Achilles' heel, that I appear to be indispensible to the unit. It is not so. I have to go through all that and do nothing else and become a Cadet Subedar (I shall use this term Subedar instead of Lieutenant, its more secure and somehow appropriate. Go check yourself.) on paper, all for award points. It seems a rather unworthy cause, but I have no choice and this is my fate as for now.
Perhaps this is the fated trial for me to surrender all, and depend solely on God, who works for the good of those who love Him.
Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
the darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me!
-Henry F. Lyte
So, God being our Sovereign, he cannot be questioned. He is above all things. Sometimes we think we can try and wriggle out of things but we cannot. But admittedly, it takes time to recognise this sovereignty, especially when circumstances of nature most foul assail us from all directions.
Currently I have problems which threaten personal freedoms and liberties. These basic, fundamental human rights seem to have departed me. I have no choice in the matter whatsoever. I cannot do anything to change anything. I cannot use diplomacy, lobby points, or any other tool of scaled-down foreign policy to get me in a favourable situation which gets me flying next year without other distractions. But perhaps being too good and reliable in UGs in Sec 1 to Sec 4 has proven to be my Achilles' heel, that I appear to be indispensible to the unit. It is not so. I have to go through all that and do nothing else and become a Cadet Subedar (I shall use this term Subedar instead of Lieutenant, its more secure and somehow appropriate. Go check yourself.) on paper, all for award points. It seems a rather unworthy cause, but I have no choice and this is my fate as for now.
Perhaps this is the fated trial for me to surrender all, and depend solely on God, who works for the good of those who love Him.
Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
the darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me!
-Henry F. Lyte
Monday, 24 August 2009
Clearing Everything
Well, today was quite interesting...now that the 2000-word History essay and CL presentation is done (all in 4h 10min), I'll have to clear the assignments and the stuff for D-Pillar retreat.
1 mile run tomorrow, 1.25 mile run on Thursday, then 1.5 mile run on Saturday, then 1.75 mile run on Sunday. Yeah, I'm crazy. What's new?
1 mile run tomorrow, 1.25 mile run on Thursday, then 1.5 mile run on Saturday, then 1.75 mile run on Sunday. Yeah, I'm crazy. What's new?
Thursday, 20 August 2009
Preparation for Handover
I have yet to get out of one my CCAs, but today has been my worst day yet. Not because I did anything wrong, but because I realise they will have a very rough road ahead of them.
Well, I'm leaving in a few weeks so my main priority will be to instruct the new commitee on how to survive the next year.
Haizzz...
Well, I'm leaving in a few weeks so my main priority will be to instruct the new commitee on how to survive the next year.
Haizzz...
Wednesday, 19 August 2009
Why They Overcame
Well, B3 for CL 'O's seems rather dismal when you consider all the effort I put in since my B4 last year. I was expecting A1 or A2, but well, what can I do now? Honestly, it was rather disappointing at first, especially when I heard that some people, by some miracle, jumped to A1 from B4 last year.
The thought of retaking the exam (it would be my 3rd attempt if I did) raced through my mind. I had two choices, risk my other subjects or recover my lost pride.
Why lost pride? I always was the best of the best for Chinese. Topping class was relatively easy for me. If it was not top, it would be second or third place. No less, unless it was O-levels or some exams.
But now, I'm just like any other guy, considering that 14 from our class got B3. Perhaps this is God's way of putting down my pride. It may hurt, but he is the Sovereign, and I now don't really feel too arrogant about Chinese now (I wasn't that arrogant, but it was one of my claims to fame which I touted about er...more often than I should have).
For practical reasons, and because I don't have to worry about status so much now, now that I have none, I'm not retaking it.
It just reminds me of the reason how the Londoners overcame the Blitz.
They kept calm, and they carried on.
The thought of retaking the exam (it would be my 3rd attempt if I did) raced through my mind. I had two choices, risk my other subjects or recover my lost pride.
Why lost pride? I always was the best of the best for Chinese. Topping class was relatively easy for me. If it was not top, it would be second or third place. No less, unless it was O-levels or some exams.
But now, I'm just like any other guy, considering that 14 from our class got B3. Perhaps this is God's way of putting down my pride. It may hurt, but he is the Sovereign, and I now don't really feel too arrogant about Chinese now (I wasn't that arrogant, but it was one of my claims to fame which I touted about er...more often than I should have).
For practical reasons, and because I don't have to worry about status so much now, now that I have none, I'm not retaking it.
It just reminds me of the reason how the Londoners overcame the Blitz.
They kept calm, and they carried on.
Monday, 17 August 2009
Preparations for War
So, Revision should of a high priority on my routine, in preparation for the fated days in October.
Chem test on Wednesday, Organic and Environmental Chem being tested. Nothing too difficult to handle.
British casualties in the 'Stan mount above 200, just heard that 3 Fusiliers were killed. God bless their souls, may they Rest In Peace.
Oh, why do I care for these poor brave souls, I live in a country where the biggest concern for any man is the size of his wallet...
Chem test on Wednesday, Organic and Environmental Chem being tested. Nothing too difficult to handle.
British casualties in the 'Stan mount above 200, just heard that 3 Fusiliers were killed. God bless their souls, may they Rest In Peace.
Oh, why do I care for these poor brave souls, I live in a country where the biggest concern for any man is the size of his wallet...
Thursday, 13 August 2009
Back tae th' battle.
Gahh, stressed now. I hae tae resort tae listenin' tae piobaireachd music tae calm me doon.
School choir performance tomorrow. Let's hope nothing bad happens.
School choir performance tomorrow. Let's hope nothing bad happens.
Monday, 10 August 2009
National Day 2009
Well, its been another year. This year, the parade wasn't so bad. It was actually quite good. The music was better, the jokes were better...
Yesterday's BBQ was OK, just that everyone got the food while I was watching the parade segment, so I ended up, well, starving. The 4km run was quite good also.
Gah, I need to go back to mugging my guts off.
Yesterday's BBQ was OK, just that everyone got the food while I was watching the parade segment, so I ended up, well, starving. The 4km run was quite good also.
Gah, I need to go back to mugging my guts off.
Monday, 3 August 2009
Der Tag der Ehre
I've had the title of the post put in a prominent place on my student diary (school-issued, won't say where as usual.)
Receiving the Sword really marks the culmination of all the years of blood and sweat in uniformed groups.(there were no tears. I've never cried in years. :D)
(Haha, the above statement just rhymed without me realising it.)
Ah well, enough basking in glory. Time to finish up all the coursework.
Will be attending the BBQ next week, as well as that run to CCK and back to 57. I forsee an interesting day. I shall partake in my favourite hobby of going through the NDP and spotting screwups. Probably part of the serjeant major's perfectionist streak (yes, I spelt serjeant correctly, it's just more archaic but is sounds cooler.) Hope no-one gets demoted this time. (Really, it would hurt hard if it did. Imagine getting demoted because you forgot to say something. It would really make more sense to be demoted for some real flaw in leadership, but this is rather cruel. Ah well, what can I complain about. It's a fact of life all Parade Commanders have to accept when they take on this very public job.)
Receiving the Sword really marks the culmination of all the years of blood and sweat in uniformed groups.(there were no tears. I've never cried in years. :D)
(Haha, the above statement just rhymed without me realising it.)
Ah well, enough basking in glory. Time to finish up all the coursework.
Will be attending the BBQ next week, as well as that run to CCK and back to 57. I forsee an interesting day. I shall partake in my favourite hobby of going through the NDP and spotting screwups. Probably part of the serjeant major's perfectionist streak (yes, I spelt serjeant correctly, it's just more archaic but is sounds cooler.) Hope no-one gets demoted this time. (Really, it would hurt hard if it did. Imagine getting demoted because you forgot to say something. It would really make more sense to be demoted for some real flaw in leadership, but this is rather cruel. Ah well, what can I complain about. It's a fact of life all Parade Commanders have to accept when they take on this very public job.)
Monday, 20 July 2009
Apollo 11 - 40 Years On
On this day, in 1969, Man first stepped on the Moon. It was the greatest adventure known to Man. I really am fortunate to be born during this era. If I'm alive in the next 10-20 years, I'll be able to see the next lunar launch, and somehow be humanly involved in the adventure I never had the privilege of witnessing.
I must say, space exploration is a most marvellous thing. Just imagine where we'd go...
Ad Astra.
I must say, space exploration is a most marvellous thing. Just imagine where we'd go...
Ad Astra.
Thursday, 16 July 2009
I am so...
...BORED.
With my class perpetually at 41% attendance due to sickness, lessons cannot continue, so my whole week has been spent doing what little homework there was, then reading Ernst Jünger's Storm of Steel, and John Parker's Black Watch. I shall be reading John Parker's Gurkhas next.
And if it continues, I could lose my mind. God forbid that happen.
A ton of anniversaries coming up. The Apollo 11 anniversary on 20th July, Salamanca on the 22nd, and Talavera on the 27th.
Emdeavour has finally lifted off from the pad, and so I shall be following STS-127 closely. This should be exciting.
But not as exciting as PUP. :D
In a more morbid sense, the PUP title for this year seems like a pre-emptive course in how to handle the worst of crises. "When Your Dreams Are Shattered." It sounds rather foreboding. Something bad is on its way...its too quiet for comfort.
With my class perpetually at 41% attendance due to sickness, lessons cannot continue, so my whole week has been spent doing what little homework there was, then reading Ernst Jünger's Storm of Steel, and John Parker's Black Watch. I shall be reading John Parker's Gurkhas next.
And if it continues, I could lose my mind. God forbid that happen.
A ton of anniversaries coming up. The Apollo 11 anniversary on 20th July, Salamanca on the 22nd, and Talavera on the 27th.
Emdeavour has finally lifted off from the pad, and so I shall be following STS-127 closely. This should be exciting.
But not as exciting as PUP. :D
In a more morbid sense, the PUP title for this year seems like a pre-emptive course in how to handle the worst of crises. "When Your Dreams Are Shattered." It sounds rather foreboding. Something bad is on its way...its too quiet for comfort.
Friday, 3 July 2009
Requiescat in pace
I suddenly feel very emo today for matters not of my immediate concern.
A few days ago, the commanding officer of the 1st Battalion, the Welsh Guards, Lt. Col. Rupert Thorneloe was killed when his vehicle ran over an IED in the 'Ghan. His death is poignant to me, not because I am related to the Welsh Guards in any way, but because of the nature of his death. A few weeks ago, he was alive and well, giving commentary from his base camp while watching the Irish Guards troop their Colour on Horse Guards in London. Now, the man I saw on YouTube is dead. It's quite shocking really, the space of time which this happened. I just saw the interview again. I see a man who is now dead. Also, he was a commanding officer. I am sure he was a father figure to all the Welsh Guardsmen serving with him, and his loss will be mourned by all the members of the battalion. I then wonder, what if this happened to my 'bosses', the authority figures in my life, like my parents or my DGLs? How would I take it? Certainly worse than how I'm taking Lt. Col. Thorneloe's death right now, though I never knew him.
I offer my sincere condolences to the family of the bereaved, and may God comfort you.
(Consequently, his family will also receive the Elizabeth Cross, which was announced the same day he died. How coincidental.)
A few days ago, the commanding officer of the 1st Battalion, the Welsh Guards, Lt. Col. Rupert Thorneloe was killed when his vehicle ran over an IED in the 'Ghan. His death is poignant to me, not because I am related to the Welsh Guards in any way, but because of the nature of his death. A few weeks ago, he was alive and well, giving commentary from his base camp while watching the Irish Guards troop their Colour on Horse Guards in London. Now, the man I saw on YouTube is dead. It's quite shocking really, the space of time which this happened. I just saw the interview again. I see a man who is now dead. Also, he was a commanding officer. I am sure he was a father figure to all the Welsh Guardsmen serving with him, and his loss will be mourned by all the members of the battalion. I then wonder, what if this happened to my 'bosses', the authority figures in my life, like my parents or my DGLs? How would I take it? Certainly worse than how I'm taking Lt. Col. Thorneloe's death right now, though I never knew him.
I offer my sincere condolences to the family of the bereaved, and may God comfort you.
(Consequently, his family will also receive the Elizabeth Cross, which was announced the same day he died. How coincidental.)
Tuesday, 30 June 2009
What Now?
I've been thinking, if I don't want become a cadet lieutenant, what do I become? I've been wanting to join Youth Flying Club for a long time, and I think that it would be the only way forward. This is what I meant when I said 'aim higher' in the last post.
The only hurdles to overcome now are, convincing my teacher to let me off being a cadet lieutenant - (They'll try everything to keep me in), convince my parents that we won't fly until we've done ground school, and that it is mostly safe, and increase my mugging skills tenfold so that I can cope with next year.
I suppose the thing I should pray for now is concentration. So required of students, and so required of pilots. The strength to finish multiple essays, reports and worksheets in a row. The skill to watch the skies for incoming aircraft, watch the horizon to maintain your heading, and simultaneously adjusting the control column and yaw pedals, while checking a dozen different '-meters' in front of you.
But if I don't make it, I don't know what I'd do. Staying on in a uniformed group would not be a wise choice, given the dissatisfactory nature of the whole thing. Maybe BB Primers wouldn't be so bad...
The only hurdles to overcome now are, convincing my teacher to let me off being a cadet lieutenant - (They'll try everything to keep me in), convince my parents that we won't fly until we've done ground school, and that it is mostly safe, and increase my mugging skills tenfold so that I can cope with next year.
I suppose the thing I should pray for now is concentration. So required of students, and so required of pilots. The strength to finish multiple essays, reports and worksheets in a row. The skill to watch the skies for incoming aircraft, watch the horizon to maintain your heading, and simultaneously adjusting the control column and yaw pedals, while checking a dozen different '-meters' in front of you.
But if I don't make it, I don't know what I'd do. Staying on in a uniformed group would not be a wise choice, given the dissatisfactory nature of the whole thing. Maybe BB Primers wouldn't be so bad...
Monday, 29 June 2009
The Beginning of the End
The end of 4 years of secondary education is round the corner. 2 more terms and then comes a long break. Until then, there should be no more slacking.
Today was really, really boring. Admin starts the day, ends on nearly the same note. Blablablablablabla...
CCAs are cancelled due to the H1N1, at least that's a nice rest. No assembly, no more crowded buses because I can't use the ones to the back gate.(It's closed.)
I only have one chance to get myself away from any chance of becoming a Cadet Lieutenant. No, I won't deprive my Year 3s the many golden oppurtunities to lead.
And I shall aim higher.
Today was really, really boring. Admin starts the day, ends on nearly the same note. Blablablablablabla...
CCAs are cancelled due to the H1N1, at least that's a nice rest. No assembly, no more crowded buses because I can't use the ones to the back gate.(It's closed.)
I only have one chance to get myself away from any chance of becoming a Cadet Lieutenant. No, I won't deprive my Year 3s the many golden oppurtunities to lead.
And I shall aim higher.
Monday, 22 June 2009
Church Camp
This post will be slightly longer and non-exceptionally humourless.
I suppose this church camp was a particularly meaningful one for me, especially on the last night.
Suddenly, when things fall apart dramatically, the Lord's message rings true and clear.
To those who were in my room IBS-ing after the message, I didn't mean to seem too rude or antagonistic, I was just rather emo.
I suppose this church camp was a particularly meaningful one for me, especially on the last night.
Suddenly, when things fall apart dramatically, the Lord's message rings true and clear.
To those who were in my room IBS-ing after the message, I didn't mean to seem too rude or antagonistic, I was just rather emo.
Also interesting was the 24-hour watch. Because I can't play bridge (and shan't for a long time), I stayed up to watch. People were in our room till 6am. It is very interesting to see human reactions in the wee hours of the morning. Suddenly, we are higher than usual. I slept at 8am that day, having stayed up for 24 1/2 hours. I still feel a bit drained now even as I type this.
Must start working again.
Thursday, 11 June 2009
A Quick Update...
...not like you're going to read it anyway.
So, I just came back from Malaysia yesterday. Come to think of it, I did more hw this afternoon than I did for the whole time I was there. Oops. X(
DG tomorrow, and come Saturday, there will be the highlights of the month - the STS-127 launch to the ISS, and the Trooping of the Colour in London. If only I could get BBC1 to work...
So, I just came back from Malaysia yesterday. Come to think of it, I did more hw this afternoon than I did for the whole time I was there. Oops. X(
DG tomorrow, and come Saturday, there will be the highlights of the month - the STS-127 launch to the ISS, and the Trooping of the Colour in London. If only I could get BBC1 to work...
Wednesday, 3 June 2009
Security isn't a dirty word....:D
Been having Service Learning at my primary school for the past three days. My hour quota just went up by nearly 100%. 7 more to go and my job is done. :)
I'll be away from D-day onwards, so I'll be missing the Quest Face-Off.
Hey, at least my face won't go on youtube. It was a barmy idea to begin with, in my opinion.
(Not the skit, rather the youtube thing.)
Privacy. Security. I thank God my relatives are across the Causeway (and 200 miles up north).
I can save myself international attention.
I'll be away from D-day onwards, so I'll be missing the Quest Face-Off.
Hey, at least my face won't go on youtube. It was a barmy idea to begin with, in my opinion.
(Not the skit, rather the youtube thing.)
Privacy. Security. I thank God my relatives are across the Causeway (and 200 miles up north).
I can save myself international attention.
Sunday, 31 May 2009
Wednesday, 27 May 2009
Will.
Oh, so yesterday was a pretty bad day.
All it takes is 6-7 hours of shut-eye.
Thank God for sleep.
Ready to face the world again.
Just half a week more.
All it takes is 6-7 hours of shut-eye.
Thank God for sleep.
Ready to face the world again.
Just half a week more.
Tuesday, 26 May 2009
What have we learned?
Seriously, I think, and you, the reader probably think I am a dispensable item.
Remove me from any list of members anywhere and I would not be missed.
我唔係大人。
I know you find me a complete arse and irritant.
I mean, no bally human comes to this blog to tag.
So what if you have big dreams?
You are one person, and everyone else together, is stronger than you.
團結係力量。
You can dream all you want, but at the end of the day, society will consider you a complete twit.
You have no right to dream, because everyone else has.
So, the moral of the story is:
Do your job well. Get lost. Period.
Remove me from any list of members anywhere and I would not be missed.
我唔係大人。
I know you find me a complete arse and irritant.
I mean, no bally human comes to this blog to tag.
So what if you have big dreams?
You are one person, and everyone else together, is stronger than you.
團結係力量。
You can dream all you want, but at the end of the day, society will consider you a complete twit.
You have no right to dream, because everyone else has.
So, the moral of the story is:
Do your job well. Get lost. Period.
Saturday, 23 May 2009
Oh What A Lovely Day.
Yay I passed all my MYEs! :D
2 A1s, 2A2s, 2B4s, a C5 and a C6.
Need to improve Physics.
Watched Night at the Museum 2 at Jurong Point on Thursday. It was really funny. The ultimate historical spoof movie.
Just had 9 hours of drill at CDA. First time wearing No. 1 uniform for parade. The SD Cap is giving me a headache, literally. Imagine having this metal bar stuck against your brain while the emcee slowly reads prize winners. Having more rehearsals next week.
2 A1s, 2A2s, 2B4s, a C5 and a C6.
Need to improve Physics.
Watched Night at the Museum 2 at Jurong Point on Thursday. It was really funny. The ultimate historical spoof movie.
Just had 9 hours of drill at CDA. First time wearing No. 1 uniform for parade. The SD Cap is giving me a headache, literally. Imagine having this metal bar stuck against your brain while the emcee slowly reads prize winners. Having more rehearsals next week.
Wednesday, 20 May 2009
SDs
Haha I got my No.1 Uniform and SD Cap for the parade next week! :)
I can't post up pics for security reasons. Its always important to keep things under wraps.
So far, the days are perfect for reading books at a leisurely pace. I think I'm going to enjoy this.
Next week is crammed full with parade practices. At least I'm a standard-bearer and not elsewhere. It's a treasured position.
I can't post up pics for security reasons. Its always important to keep things under wraps.
So far, the days are perfect for reading books at a leisurely pace. I think I'm going to enjoy this.
Next week is crammed full with parade practices. At least I'm a standard-bearer and not elsewhere. It's a treasured position.
Saturday, 16 May 2009
Tempo.
Its the end of exams. Hurray!
Because I am so screwed for them, its time to go on a huge yomp. (Your Own Mugging Pace)
(No, that wasn't the original meaning.)
Perhaps there is no respite after all. I don't feel liberated from exams. Fine, maybe a bit more breathing space, but it felt like it was just a glimpse of things to come. And we should all start getting ready for the next battery of tests.
Because I am so screwed for them, its time to go on a huge yomp. (Your Own Mugging Pace)
(No, that wasn't the original meaning.)
Perhaps there is no respite after all. I don't feel liberated from exams. Fine, maybe a bit more breathing space, but it felt like it was just a glimpse of things to come. And we should all start getting ready for the next battery of tests.
Monday, 27 April 2009
Sum Of All Efforts
No more posting for me till after the exams.
Must mug.
Please pray for me.
That is all.
Must mug.
Please pray for me.
That is all.
Saturday, 25 April 2009
Ka Mate, Ka Ora
Tis' death, tis' life.
The day has been emotionally charged. In the morning, ANZAC Day. In the afternoon (and a bally hot one at that), Zhehao and Wenshan's wedding.
The former, a remembrance of the dead of war. The latter, a declaration of love between two people.
I wore an RSA poppy to the wedding. I remember the dead on someone's wedding.
Oh, how wonderful.
The perfect recipe for long hours of emo-ing.
The day has been emotionally charged. In the morning, ANZAC Day. In the afternoon (and a bally hot one at that), Zhehao and Wenshan's wedding.
The former, a remembrance of the dead of war. The latter, a declaration of love between two people.
I wore an RSA poppy to the wedding. I remember the dead on someone's wedding.
Oh, how wonderful.
The perfect recipe for long hours of emo-ing.
Monday, 20 April 2009
Week before ANZAC Day
G'day mates.
ANZAC Day is approaching. It presents a perfect oppurtunity to reflect on war and sacrifice.
It would be the time to reflect on how wonderful it would be if the world were at peace.
And it is also time to reflect on how the above idealistic statement would never come true.
Ah well, can't complain, can we?
ANZAC Day is approaching. It presents a perfect oppurtunity to reflect on war and sacrifice.
It would be the time to reflect on how wonderful it would be if the world were at peace.
And it is also time to reflect on how the above idealistic statement would never come true.
Ah well, can't complain, can we?
Monday, 13 April 2009
Choir
Music, especially choral music has a most profound effect on my state of mind. When I heard the choir yesterday, I was feeling rather joyous at the end. Yes, I thought, the Lord is risen! It is cause for celebration! Music invokes emotion, and allows us to better understand the issue or event at hand. Oh no, what am I saying, this is beginning to sound like Theory of Knowledge already.
I would like to give a great Shabash (Bravo!) to Zhiqing, Chrisll, Jeshrei and the rest of the choir for doing supremely well yesterday, the response was rather good, and all the effort did indeed pay off. Praise God!
I was rather intrigued to hear the tune of the last song, which was composed by Gustav Holst. It is also used for the hymn "I Vow To Thee My Country", which is often sung at Remembrance Day services. It turned up in The Right Stuff (film) to act as background music to John Glenn's flight. It is therefore fascinating, that Holst's tune is used for celebration, remembrance and inspiration. A true masterpiece.
When our church choir was preparing for their event on Christmas 2007, I remember being at one of the rehearsals in the sanctuary and I had just finished watching Band of Brothers that year. I remember the time when Easy Company herded into the chapel at Rachamps after the Battle of the Bulge and the choir performed for them. In the series, it was Plaisir D'Amour. For me, sitting in the back pew and listening to the angelic voices up front gave me a hint of the feeling of the men at Rachamps. I remember I was due to fly to Hong Kong the next day (for a holiday, no less). I was pretty nervous about long-distance flight as I don't fly that long a distance too often. I was thinking - If I were to die tomorrow over the South China Sea when my kite's engine blows up, at least I had accepted Jesus as my Saviour, and had listened to that magnificent choir.
I would like to give a great Shabash (Bravo!) to Zhiqing, Chrisll, Jeshrei and the rest of the choir for doing supremely well yesterday, the response was rather good, and all the effort did indeed pay off. Praise God!
I was rather intrigued to hear the tune of the last song, which was composed by Gustav Holst. It is also used for the hymn "I Vow To Thee My Country", which is often sung at Remembrance Day services. It turned up in The Right Stuff (film) to act as background music to John Glenn's flight. It is therefore fascinating, that Holst's tune is used for celebration, remembrance and inspiration. A true masterpiece.
When our church choir was preparing for their event on Christmas 2007, I remember being at one of the rehearsals in the sanctuary and I had just finished watching Band of Brothers that year. I remember the time when Easy Company herded into the chapel at Rachamps after the Battle of the Bulge and the choir performed for them. In the series, it was Plaisir D'Amour. For me, sitting in the back pew and listening to the angelic voices up front gave me a hint of the feeling of the men at Rachamps. I remember I was due to fly to Hong Kong the next day (for a holiday, no less). I was pretty nervous about long-distance flight as I don't fly that long a distance too often. I was thinking - If I were to die tomorrow over the South China Sea when my kite's engine blows up, at least I had accepted Jesus as my Saviour, and had listened to that magnificent choir.
Friday, 10 April 2009
Sieg im Tod
This week was rather taxing on my mental health, but by the grace of God, I have survived. The parade yesterday on Maundy Thursday wasn't a disaster as I thought it would be. The food they gave after the parade wasn't bad. I had 2 cups of char because I only slept 2 hours the night before.
But that's not the point of the post now.
Today is Good Friday, the death anniversary of our Good Lord.
He died in the most horrid and humiliating way possible.
He was alone in His suffering.
Herzliebster Jesu/Ah, Holy Jesus - Johann Heermann
Herzliebster Jesu, was hast du verbrochen,
Daß man ein solch scharf Urteil hat gesprochen?
Was ist die Schuld? In was für Missetaten
Bist du geraten?
Ah, holy Jesus, how hast Thou offended,
That man to judge Thee hath in hate pretended?
By foes derided, by Thine own rejected,
O most afflicted.
When He died, we could be free again, no longer seperated from God.
Victory in Death.
His love is beyond compare.
O Love Divine - Charles Wesley
O Love divine, what hast thou done!
The immortal God hath died for me!
The Father’s co-eternal Son
Bore all my sins upon the tree.
Th’immortal God for me hath died:
My Lord, my Love, is crucified!
Is crucified for me and you,
To bring us rebels back to God.
Believe, believe the record true,
Ye all are bought with Jesus’ blood.
Pardon for all flows from His side:
My Lord, my Love, is crucified!
Behold and love, ye that pass by,
The bleeding Prince of life and peace!
Come, sinners, see your Savior die,
And say, “Was ever grief like His?”
Come, feel with me His blood applied:
My Lord, my Love, is crucified!
Then let us sit beneath His cross,
And gladly catch the healing stream:
All things for Him account but loss,
And give up all our hearts to Him:
Of nothing think or speak beside,
My Lord, my Love, is crucified!
But that's not the point of the post now.
Today is Good Friday, the death anniversary of our Good Lord.
He died in the most horrid and humiliating way possible.
He was alone in His suffering.
Herzliebster Jesu/Ah, Holy Jesus - Johann Heermann
Herzliebster Jesu, was hast du verbrochen,
Daß man ein solch scharf Urteil hat gesprochen?
Was ist die Schuld? In was für Missetaten
Bist du geraten?
Ah, holy Jesus, how hast Thou offended,
That man to judge Thee hath in hate pretended?
By foes derided, by Thine own rejected,
O most afflicted.
When He died, we could be free again, no longer seperated from God.
Victory in Death.
His love is beyond compare.
O Love Divine - Charles Wesley
O Love divine, what hast thou done!
The immortal God hath died for me!
The Father’s co-eternal Son
Bore all my sins upon the tree.
Th’immortal God for me hath died:
My Lord, my Love, is crucified!
Is crucified for me and you,
To bring us rebels back to God.
Believe, believe the record true,
Ye all are bought with Jesus’ blood.
Pardon for all flows from His side:
My Lord, my Love, is crucified!
Behold and love, ye that pass by,
The bleeding Prince of life and peace!
Come, sinners, see your Savior die,
And say, “Was ever grief like His?”
Come, feel with me His blood applied:
My Lord, my Love, is crucified!
Then let us sit beneath His cross,
And gladly catch the healing stream:
All things for Him account but loss,
And give up all our hearts to Him:
Of nothing think or speak beside,
My Lord, my Love, is crucified!
Sunday, 5 April 2009
Die Straße zum Krieg
The pinnacle of my CCA tour of duty.
Parade Commander.
Things can go very, very wrong.
Nevertherless, I must strive for the highest standard.
My reputation is on the line.
Not that I had one anyway.
Parade Commander.
Things can go very, very wrong.
Nevertherless, I must strive for the highest standard.
My reputation is on the line.
Not that I had one anyway.
Monday, 23 March 2009
Essays.
Gahh.
I am taking a break from writing 5 short essays (300-400 words) on a short story. On my last one already. After this, there is the Chinese Composition, and the Comphrehension passage, the workbook, and the A Maths Assignment. All due tomorrow. I might as well sleep in 24 hours time.
Just to let off steam before the long night, I thought I'd blog a bit now.
First day of school was...actually a tad boring. Nothing exciting. Just stooging around, waiting for teachers, spending lessons doing homework (oops.)
Oh no, writer's block. Think, boy, think...
Feel good food...Caffeine needs for night shift. Wunderbar. (no pun intended XD)
A bit more...just a wee bit more...
There. It's done. On to the next one.
There are only 45 minutes left to the start of the new day.
Sometimes, you have to really thank God for sleep deprivation. It makes you appreciate the time you have to sleep. Give thanks to God in all circumstances. :)
I am taking a break from writing 5 short essays (300-400 words) on a short story. On my last one already. After this, there is the Chinese Composition, and the Comphrehension passage, the workbook, and the A Maths Assignment. All due tomorrow. I might as well sleep in 24 hours time.
Just to let off steam before the long night, I thought I'd blog a bit now.
First day of school was...actually a tad boring. Nothing exciting. Just stooging around, waiting for teachers, spending lessons doing homework (oops.)
Oh no, writer's block. Think, boy, think...
Feel good food...Caffeine needs for night shift. Wunderbar. (no pun intended XD)
A bit more...just a wee bit more...
There. It's done. On to the next one.
There are only 45 minutes left to the start of the new day.
Sometimes, you have to really thank God for sleep deprivation. It makes you appreciate the time you have to sleep. Give thanks to God in all circumstances. :)
Thursday, 19 March 2009
Apologies...
...for not posting too often.
My mind's cleared, I can rant about my daily life now.
Monday to Wednesday:
Some FES staff retreat. Tagged along to Batam. It was extremely boring. Did nothing but mug, eat and sleep.
Just now:
Parade practice. I think I'm being too nice. Need to step up the tempo.
There is parade practice tomorrow and on Saturday. I think I am going to lose my voice soon.
Oh no.
My mind's cleared, I can rant about my daily life now.
Monday to Wednesday:
Some FES staff retreat. Tagged along to Batam. It was extremely boring. Did nothing but mug, eat and sleep.
Just now:
Parade practice. I think I'm being too nice. Need to step up the tempo.
There is parade practice tomorrow and on Saturday. I think I am going to lose my voice soon.
Oh no.
Sunday, 8 March 2009
Eyes Right.
Yesterday was parade practice. Interesting to see that the sword drill for Eyes Right has changed to the RN and RM version. I think we are the only agency in Singapore who does this. Awesome.
Soul Eater ends in 3 weeks. Need to start watching some other anime.
EDIT: (30-6-2009) Okay, the drill wasn't changed, I just found that out. We did not follow the RN manual, but rather the Foot Guards manual, in which you only tilt your head to the right with the sword. The sword flourishes for the 'eyes right' command are only done in slow time over 4 paces. Hope that makes it clear.)
Soul Eater ends in 3 weeks. Need to start watching some other anime.
EDIT: (30-6-2009) Okay, the drill wasn't changed, I just found that out. We did not follow the RN manual, but rather the Foot Guards manual, in which you only tilt your head to the right with the sword. The sword flourishes for the 'eyes right' command are only done in slow time over 4 paces. Hope that makes it clear.)
Friday, 27 February 2009
Peace
At last, things are okay. I hope they stay like this. Peace for a short while, would be better than no peace at all.
I suddenly have waves of nostalgia for my primary school days. Days when you could be truly proud of your education and Alma Mater.
Alma Mater floreat,
Quae nos educavit;
Alma Mater floreat,
Quae nos educavit;
Caros et commilitones,
Dissitas in regiones
Sparsos, congregavit
Sparsos, congregavit
-from Gaudeamus Igitur
I suddenly have waves of nostalgia for my primary school days. Days when you could be truly proud of your education and Alma Mater.
Alma Mater floreat,
Quae nos educavit;
Alma Mater floreat,
Quae nos educavit;
Caros et commilitones,
Dissitas in regiones
Sparsos, congregavit
Sparsos, congregavit
-from Gaudeamus Igitur
Monday, 23 February 2009
To War Again.
School's not okay. Some bugger vandalised the back wall of the class with homosexual references to yours truly, the blogmaster of this blog.
Now it's serious. And just when things were getting better.
I never did anything to anyone. My existence is their target, then. Sometimes I wonder if I deserve it, then I remember that God is with me.
He will never fail me.
He's going to pull me through this war.
Gott mit uns.
Now it's serious. And just when things were getting better.
I never did anything to anyone. My existence is their target, then. Sometimes I wonder if I deserve it, then I remember that God is with me.
He will never fail me.
He's going to pull me through this war.
Gott mit uns.
Sunday, 22 February 2009
A random quiz
I don't know why I even bother, but I feel the need to get people to know me a bit better.
1) Full Name: Read the profile.
2) Male/Female:Male
3) Were you named after anyone?:No.
4) Does your name mean anything?:Knows God's grace.
5) Nick Name(s):None
6) What do you think you look like:Me.
7) Date Of Birth:No. I protest. I must not divulge.
8) Place of Birth and Current Location:Singapore
9) Nationality:Singaporean
10) Astrology Sign:I don't bother.
11) Chinese Astrology Sign:I don't bother either.
12) Religion:Christianity
13) Whats your favorite smell?:Esplanade Air-con :)
14) Political Position?:Moderate-Conservative
15) What do you prefer to drink in the morning?:Tea
16) Hair + Eye colour:black, brown
17) Do you look like anyone famous?:No.
18) What do you look like?: Me. God made us all unique. Period.
19) Any unusual talents?: I memorised the British rifle drill manual. Ich spreche Deutsch.
20) Righty, Lefty, or Ambidextrous?:Left.
21) Gay, Straight, Bi, or Other?:I'm straight.
22) What do you do for a living?:Mugging and ensuring my survival in this cruel world.
23) What do you do for fun?:Exercise.
24) What are your favorite art materials to work with?:Pencil
25) What kind of materials would you like to work with?:I dunno.
26) Have you met your grandparents?:Yes.
27) Boyfriend / Girlfriend:I wish.
28) Crush: Loose talk costs lives! Don't mention the ***!!!
29) What celebrity would you date if you could?: Never.
30) Current worries?:A lot.
31) Favorite online Guy/Girl(s):People I tag.
32) Favorite place to be?:Esplanade. Or somewhere downtown.
33) Least favorite place to be?:School or GHQ.
34) Do you burn or tan?:Burn.
35) Ever break a bone?:No.
36) What is your favorite cereal?:I don't eat cereal.
37) You cry with: I don't cry (although I would like to sometimes)
38) Any sisters:Yes.
39) Any brothers:No.
40) Any pets:No.
41) An Illness:Maybe mental, but then again, there is no proper diagnosis.
42) A Pager:No.
43) A Personal phone line:No.
44) A Cell phone:Yes.
45) A visible birthmark:No.
46) A Pool or hot tub:Neither.
47) A Car:No.
48) Personality: Introverted, Submissive (leads when needed and always willing to), Stiff upper lip.
49) Driving:No. I'd rather fly.
50) Your clothing style:Formal English.
51) Room:Alright.
52) What’s missing: My sanity.
53) School:Loose talk costs lives! Must not talk about ***
54) Bed:Made ready.
55) Relationship with your parent(s):Alright.
56) Do You believe in yourself:No.
57) Do you believe in love at first sight?:No.
58) Consider yourself a good listener:Passable.
59) Have a future dream that you would like to share?: I'd love to fly a jet that would take me to the edge of space and back. (Think X-15) Any better, I would like to go into space. Any worse, I'd rather muck around Singapore airspace. At least I'd be free of the reins of earth.
60) Get Along with your parents:Alright.
61) Save your e-mail conversations:No.
62) Pray:Everyday.
63) Believe in reincarnation:No.
64) Brush your teeth twice a day?:Yes.
65)Like to talk on the phone:No.
66) Like to eat?:Yes.
67) Like to exercise?:12 rounds, quick, 70Ibs, Lat Pull-Down, LOS!
68) Like to watch sports?:Never had the time.
69) Sing in the car?: Ich nicht habe einem Auto!
70) What is a dream that you have all the time?:Walking in some futuristic city.
71) Dream in color:Yes.
72) Do you have nightmares?:All the time.
73) Sleep with a stuffed animal:No.
74) Right next to you:Books.
75) On your favorite coffee cup?:I don't drink coffee.
76) On your mouse pad:Don't have one.
77) Your favorite flavor of gum?: I'm not one for gum.
78) Your brand of deodorant?:I don't use it. I never need to. Really.
79) Your dream honeymoon spot:The white cliffs of Dover...
80) Your dream husband/wife:Loves the Lord, can appreciate me for who I am. As if that would ever happen.
81) Hiding in your closet?:Souvenirs from travels.
82) Under your bed:Dust.
83) The name of one of your closest/best friends?:Gahh...I don't want to show favouritism.
84) Your bad time of the day:Afternoon.
85) Your worst fear(s): people turning their backs on me. Happens.
86) What's the weather like:Alright.
87) Your favorite time of year?:Holidays.
88) Your favorite holiday?:Christmas.
89) A material weakness?:Books?
90) The weirdest food or drink that you like:I'm pretty straight on this one.
91) At the top of your "to-do list"?:QT and time with God. Then mug. mug. mug.
92) The hardest thing about growing up: Realising that the longer you live, your bucket-kicking chances just got bally higher.
93) A pet peeve?:Nah.
94) Your scariest moment: Not many, can't remember.
95) Your attitude about love?: God loves me. I doubt the rest do, sometimes.
96) The funniest or most desperate thing you've done to get the attention of the opposite sex?: Loose talk costs lives! Don't...
97) The worst feeling in the world:Losing your hard work.
98) The best feeling in the world:Being loved.
99) Who sent this to you?:Ripped from Gillian's blog.
100) Tag 6 people:Not bally likely.
Must return to mugging A Maths.
1) Full Name: Read the profile.
2) Male/Female:Male
3) Were you named after anyone?:No.
4) Does your name mean anything?:Knows God's grace.
5) Nick Name(s):None
6) What do you think you look like:Me.
7) Date Of Birth:No. I protest. I must not divulge.
8) Place of Birth and Current Location:Singapore
9) Nationality:Singaporean
10) Astrology Sign:I don't bother.
11) Chinese Astrology Sign:I don't bother either.
12) Religion:Christianity
13) Whats your favorite smell?:Esplanade Air-con :)
14) Political Position?:Moderate-Conservative
15) What do you prefer to drink in the morning?:Tea
16) Hair + Eye colour:black, brown
17) Do you look like anyone famous?:No.
18) What do you look like?: Me. God made us all unique. Period.
19) Any unusual talents?: I memorised the British rifle drill manual. Ich spreche Deutsch.
20) Righty, Lefty, or Ambidextrous?:Left.
21) Gay, Straight, Bi, or Other?:I'm straight.
22) What do you do for a living?:Mugging and ensuring my survival in this cruel world.
23) What do you do for fun?:Exercise.
24) What are your favorite art materials to work with?:Pencil
25) What kind of materials would you like to work with?:I dunno.
26) Have you met your grandparents?:Yes.
27) Boyfriend / Girlfriend:I wish.
28) Crush: Loose talk costs lives! Don't mention the ***!!!
29) What celebrity would you date if you could?: Never.
30) Current worries?:A lot.
31) Favorite online Guy/Girl(s):People I tag.
32) Favorite place to be?:Esplanade. Or somewhere downtown.
33) Least favorite place to be?:School or GHQ.
34) Do you burn or tan?:Burn.
35) Ever break a bone?:No.
36) What is your favorite cereal?:I don't eat cereal.
37) You cry with: I don't cry (although I would like to sometimes)
38) Any sisters:Yes.
39) Any brothers:No.
40) Any pets:No.
41) An Illness:Maybe mental, but then again, there is no proper diagnosis.
42) A Pager:No.
43) A Personal phone line:No.
44) A Cell phone:Yes.
45) A visible birthmark:No.
46) A Pool or hot tub:Neither.
47) A Car:No.
48) Personality: Introverted, Submissive (leads when needed and always willing to), Stiff upper lip.
49) Driving:No. I'd rather fly.
50) Your clothing style:Formal English.
51) Room:Alright.
52) What’s missing: My sanity.
53) School:Loose talk costs lives! Must not talk about ***
54) Bed:Made ready.
55) Relationship with your parent(s):Alright.
56) Do You believe in yourself:No.
57) Do you believe in love at first sight?:No.
58) Consider yourself a good listener:Passable.
59) Have a future dream that you would like to share?: I'd love to fly a jet that would take me to the edge of space and back. (Think X-15) Any better, I would like to go into space. Any worse, I'd rather muck around Singapore airspace. At least I'd be free of the reins of earth.
60) Get Along with your parents:Alright.
61) Save your e-mail conversations:No.
62) Pray:Everyday.
63) Believe in reincarnation:No.
64) Brush your teeth twice a day?:Yes.
65)Like to talk on the phone:No.
66) Like to eat?:Yes.
67) Like to exercise?:12 rounds, quick, 70Ibs, Lat Pull-Down, LOS!
68) Like to watch sports?:Never had the time.
69) Sing in the car?: Ich nicht habe einem Auto!
70) What is a dream that you have all the time?:Walking in some futuristic city.
71) Dream in color:Yes.
72) Do you have nightmares?:All the time.
73) Sleep with a stuffed animal:No.
74) Right next to you:Books.
75) On your favorite coffee cup?:I don't drink coffee.
76) On your mouse pad:Don't have one.
77) Your favorite flavor of gum?: I'm not one for gum.
78) Your brand of deodorant?:I don't use it. I never need to. Really.
79) Your dream honeymoon spot:The white cliffs of Dover...
80) Your dream husband/wife:Loves the Lord, can appreciate me for who I am. As if that would ever happen.
81) Hiding in your closet?:Souvenirs from travels.
82) Under your bed:Dust.
83) The name of one of your closest/best friends?:Gahh...I don't want to show favouritism.
84) Your bad time of the day:Afternoon.
85) Your worst fear(s): people turning their backs on me. Happens.
86) What's the weather like:Alright.
87) Your favorite time of year?:Holidays.
88) Your favorite holiday?:Christmas.
89) A material weakness?:Books?
90) The weirdest food or drink that you like:I'm pretty straight on this one.
91) At the top of your "to-do list"?:QT and time with God. Then mug. mug. mug.
92) The hardest thing about growing up: Realising that the longer you live, your bucket-kicking chances just got bally higher.
93) A pet peeve?:Nah.
94) Your scariest moment: Not many, can't remember.
95) Your attitude about love?: God loves me. I doubt the rest do, sometimes.
96) The funniest or most desperate thing you've done to get the attention of the opposite sex?: Loose talk costs lives! Don't...
97) The worst feeling in the world:Losing your hard work.
98) The best feeling in the world:Being loved.
99) Who sent this to you?:Ripped from Gillian's blog.
100) Tag 6 people:Not bally likely.
Must return to mugging A Maths.
Thursday, 19 February 2009
I feel young again.
I remember when I was P6, getting 70 to 80 marks out of 100 in a PSLE practice paper warranted a 'See Me' mark on the paper, as well as compulsory remedial and the like.
Recently my results are getting really good, considering my results used to be around 60 to 70%.
Chinese: (I forgot but above 80%)
Lit: 88%
Chem: 73%
and full marks for History Portfolio. Praise God!
I suddenly feel very young. Very young indeed.
Recently my results are getting really good, considering my results used to be around 60 to 70%.
Chinese: (I forgot but above 80%)
Lit: 88%
Chem: 73%
and full marks for History Portfolio. Praise God!
I suddenly feel very young. Very young indeed.
Sunday, 15 February 2009
In Short...
On Friday, went for D-Pillar meeting. Finally, I can buckle down and get working somewhere in BPYM.
I also went for the Auto Defib course at the Police Academy.
2 more weeks till end of CMTs.
Life seems to be easing up a bit. I just hope this isn't the calm before the storm.
I also went for the Auto Defib course at the Police Academy.
2 more weeks till end of CMTs.
Life seems to be easing up a bit. I just hope this isn't the calm before the storm.
Monday, 9 February 2009
Encouragement
It always amazes me when someone encourages me, and it always uplifts me when someone tells me he or she is thankful for something I have done.
I am very sure this is the same for most people I know.
Yet it is amazing because I don't expect it, and after a while I feel terribly depressed after I receive a note of encouragement.
Perhaps it's the fault of my mindset. I always have been thinking - NEVER expect thanks from anyone, NEITHER should you expect any support, backing or encouragement. Encourage others but don't expect reciprocation.
Whatever the reason, its only God who can help me in such times where the black dog takes over.
(Oh yes, you realise that I never talk about school nowadays? It could be a trap, and people might use those words against me, so might as well shut my bally mouth about it. Careless talk costs lives... I let a few things loose once and I think I got away with it. I should be more careful.)
I am very sure this is the same for most people I know.
Yet it is amazing because I don't expect it, and after a while I feel terribly depressed after I receive a note of encouragement.
Perhaps it's the fault of my mindset. I always have been thinking - NEVER expect thanks from anyone, NEITHER should you expect any support, backing or encouragement. Encourage others but don't expect reciprocation.
Whatever the reason, its only God who can help me in such times where the black dog takes over.
(Oh yes, you realise that I never talk about school nowadays? It could be a trap, and people might use those words against me, so might as well shut my bally mouth about it. Careless talk costs lives... I let a few things loose once and I think I got away with it. I should be more careful.)
Sunday, 8 February 2009
Online again.
Well, I haven't been blogging a lot recently, but well, I suppose since no one reads it anyway, it wouldn't do any harm.
Well yesterday, I was watching an episode of Dad's Army and it showed this scene where ARP Warden Hodges was miraculously unhurt when a bomb nearly got him. After that, he was shown talking to the vicar about how thankful he was and how he resolved to be a better person after that.
It got me thinking. God is merciful, and he shows this mercy throughout our lives. How often have we not been thankful to God for His mercy? Do we respond to His mercy?
"Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Lamentations 3: 22-23
Well yesterday, I was watching an episode of Dad's Army and it showed this scene where ARP Warden Hodges was miraculously unhurt when a bomb nearly got him. After that, he was shown talking to the vicar about how thankful he was and how he resolved to be a better person after that.
It got me thinking. God is merciful, and he shows this mercy throughout our lives. How often have we not been thankful to God for His mercy? Do we respond to His mercy?
"Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."
Lamentations 3: 22-23
Thursday, 1 January 2009
Come What May
The year ahead, I expect, will be no different from the last one.
Miserable.
Painful.
(A continual list of negative adjectives)
I now realise I need God more than ever.
I'm not fighting to win.
I'm fighting for survival.
Gott mit uns.
Postnote: Wishing the visitors (if any) a Happy New Year.
Miserable.
Painful.
(A continual list of negative adjectives)
I now realise I need God more than ever.
I'm not fighting to win.
I'm fighting for survival.
Gott mit uns.
Postnote: Wishing the visitors (if any) a Happy New Year.
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