A mad rush..

Well.. quite a few reasons as y this blog is titled as above!! The reasons are as follows:

(a) As usual, I type this blog post b4 bking in.. so its quite rush..

(b) Last wednesday, got a tekan session in the middle of the nite.. they call it turnout! The rationale for a turnout is to prepare us juz in case of any emergency and we as RPs need to act immediately.. so its like a drill.. but only thing, this turnout takes place in the nite.. Lights off is at 10.30pm and 11.30pm was the turnout.. we did NOT koe the exact timing.. the bell wld start ringing and my sgts and corporals wld then start shouting and of course, adding vulgarities in their shouting as well.. then they happily tekan us until abt 1.30am and by the time we get ready like washing up our face etc, its already 2am.. and we had to wake up at 6.30am the next day.. well.. so i think this wld be a weekly affair.. yeeks!!

(c) Since thursday, I have been busy studying for my RP test which happened last friday! I study until I tried, considering the fact tat I had not enuf sleep the past few days.. but nevertheless, I manage to study finish and I'm confident of passing the paper.. quite easy.. its juz a matter of how many marks I get.. =)

(d) did not have enuf sleep last nite, as I last min change the special song for my church Christmas service.. so have to do things like ppt, etc.. so slept like 3am in the morning and woke up at 7.50am for church this morning.. i leading somemore in church today.. tiring manz..

ok.. now u koe y i call this blog a mad rush ya.. ha..

well.. gtg and watch some TV b4 I bk in.. =)

oh.. remember to keep me in ur prayers ya.. Got a feeling tat there wld be another turnout this wk again!! Yeeks!! juz pray watever u think is necessary ya.. =) Thanx!

Ciaoz n have a GREAT week ahead,
<<< abriel >>>

A quick update..

Well.. I'm actually running late. so this is a short one..

well.. this wk is a ok.. except for the tekan sessions.. the no. of push-ups I do a day can simply add up to abt. a hundred.. sometimes even more.. so a wk, can be abt. 500-600 push-ups along with other tekan exercises.. haiz.. never in my whole life did I do so many push-ups b4..

I also did my first ippt test.. as usual, I failed.. most of my bunk mates are obese batch.. at first I thought they also cannot do like me.. but surprisingly, 70% of them can do much better than me.. some can even pass.. really feel embarassed leh..

regarding the food. ha.. wat can I say?? It's better than Tekong.. got variety.. similar to outside food liaoz.. morning sometimes we had fried carrot cake.. how's tat for a breakfast.. shiok ah.. but a bit oily.. but the servings are HUGE man.. but u koe me lah.. i can't bother to waste food.. so i juz finish up.. but I hope I dun grow fat man.. haiz..

well.. today went out and got a new hp, a Nokia 3120!! wanted to get Nokia 6100 (which is a older version of Nokia 3120 mind you..), but then its much more expensive to pay compare to Nokia 3120 after trade-in my Nokia 8310.. man.. its more ex becos N6100 has infra-red function whereas N3120 has NO infra-red function.. well.. i can go on and on but no time.. so ya..

now quite happy becos' got new hp.. also bought some new clothings frm the usual, my fave clothing apparel store, GIORDARNO!! there's one shirt i like it a lot..

ooppss.. overtime.. need to rush liaoz..

Talk more on my nxt blog (which i wld think it wld be Christmas Eve!).. hope can bk out early on Christmas Eve!! =)

Ciaoz n have a GREAT week ahead,
<<< abriel >>>

Much prayers are needed for my SAF posting!!

ok.. this is wat I think is the best way to ask for prayer requests.. have juz converse with my friend over msn regarding my posting thing..

He said he was also posted there a yr ago (same position as me) b4 he was posted out to become a clerk as he has tore his ligament or sumthing like tat..

and he told me the training there is tough (in fact, TOUGHER than SISPEC [which i didn't want to go becos of the training] where they train sergeants) and since now I'm chosen for as an Air Force RP, then I would have irregular working hours which makes me MISS a LOT of church sessions for about a year or so!! so this means I CANNOT attend church if wat my friend said is true!!

I'm utterly saddened by this.. but there is also a possibility (I think and I hope!)that wat he said is all his time (ie, a year ago..) .. now its different or I post to another dept and NOT the dept he talking about!!

I believe that since God has place me into this vocation, He muz have some plans for me!! So pls. pray for me in the following ways:

- to allow Him to show me what is His plan
- I'll be posted to a not so siong dept
- better still.. post to OTHER DEPT other than wat my friend talking about..
- even if I'm in tat siong unit, pray that I'll be in 1 piece and training wld be fun and NOT siong..
- my superiors wld be good
- my bunk/team mates wld be good
- able to go to church even after my training has finish
- in summary, everything to go well..

I'm now in a VERY STRESSED state becos' of this conversation with my friend.. haiz.. ahhh....

Feeling sianz, scared and stressed,
<<< abriel >>>

My SAF Posting..

Hi.. many of you out there muz be curious wat will be my SAF posting.. well.. I got posted as a regimental police (commonly known as RP) in Paya Lebar Air Base..

Thank God for such a slack posting (I hope!) but most of all, its near my place!! But the disadvantage is tat its a stay-in thing.. so its like not much of a difference as I'm in Tekong, except tat its guard duty for the nxt 2 yrs and in mainland..

heard I have to go thru also a "BSLC" course (not too sure whether its true! hope not!!).. which I know is quite siong.. similar to wat I did in BMT.. field camps and stuff..

Actually a lot of ppl said I'm very fortunate to take such a vocation as its quite slack.. but then, I believe there is always a difficult factor.. nothing is easy in NS unless u do an admin job at CMPB or sumthing.. but oh well...

I called up the office and they said my vocation is work 2 days and off 1 day (dun koe how true!).. one thing it cld be good.. another thing is tat I got a risk tat I got to perform my duty on Sunday.. which means I can't go to church.. well..

Believe God had put me into this vocation for a reason.. so guess He will plan for me everything.. juz leave it to the Man Upstairs!! Pray alongside with me too ya.. pray watever u think is necessary.. thanx.. =)

well.. think tat shld be all lahz.. nothing much to talk abt liaoz.. just pray, pray and pray =)

Ciaoz n have a GREAT weekend ahead,
<<< abriel >>>

Juz came back from holiday..

a model pose..
Originally uploaded by jazzkool.

well.. as the title suggests, I juz came back from my holiday chalet with my family..

even though its not those fun-filled, but at least I get to sleep and eat and most of all, spend quality time with my family.. tat's all it matters!!

well.. the photos are posted up in the usual column link.. so click it and zoom and off you go!!

Enjoy the pics!!

Ciaoz n have a GREAT weekend ahead,
<<< abriel >>>

My long-deserved break..

Timberland shoes
Originally uploaded by jazzkool.

Woohoo!! My 1-wk block leave has arrived at last! *grining from ear to ear*

Well.. as u all may have realised, I've changed my blog layout and cut off some features off my blog.. realised have been spending too much time on my blog and then it gets bored after a while.. so i decide to keep the current one u see here now, as simple as possible.. so pls. dun blame me if my blog is boring and stuff.. =)

This wk, I'm kept busy with activities like family chalets and outings with friends.. in fact, I'm in the midst of my family chalet while writing this blog.. I'm at home for a while b4 going out again.. so ya.. the photos for my family chalet will have to wait, becos not over mah.. =P.. i koe u want to see my handsome face and my splendid family, but you have to wait lah.. =)

The photo u see in this blog is a Christmas present from my parents BUT I have to pay half of it myself, as they are on a tight budget.. but its all worth it lahz.. Timerland shoes.. its 1 of my wishlist item and it has been there very long.. so now I can clear it!!

Speaking of which, I apologize for the delay in posting up my POP photos.. this is becos of some posting difficulty.. but now its settled.. so go and take a look ya.. just click the link at the usual column and there you go..

ok.. got to run.. getting ready to go elsewhere later with my family.. juz hope today dun pass so fast.. =)

Ciaoz n have a GREAT day ahead,
<<< abriel >>>

What a day of my life...

Lt. Ong Wee Jack & me
Originally uploaded by jazzkool.

This is a photo which was taken yesterday (03/12/04) at my passing out parade.. The person standing next to me is my OC (officer-in-command).. for those of you who dun koe what is OC, its something like the boss of my company.. so its really an honour to take a photo with him..

well.. the rest of my POP (Passing-out-parade) photos are in the usual photo column, so take a look ya.. =)

And oh.. did i forgot to mention tat I'm NO longer a recruit!! I'm now a private!! yeh!! =)

Signing off,
Pvt. Abriel

Flickr

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Coming to an end to my BMT life..

Well.. in a matter of days (4-5 days), i will POP (which means will graduate lah from BMT).. and my 5 day block leave will start.. but the bad news is tat i have to go back 1 day to camp (ie, nxt sun nite bk in and nxt mon will be the re-test of my IPPT, becos' i fail my ippt.. so have to retake.. so tat's y need to come back on mon which is my block leave.. but wat to do?? I just have to come back.. haiz..)

anyway, on thurs nite, i will do my 24km graduation march which will take place thru'out the nite.. the 16km march almost killed me.. and now the 24km?? i can tell u tat i will die manz.. so again, need ur prayers.. pray for strength to persevere on for the entire distance of 24km and also for good weather and other stuff u can think of ya.. thanx!

also need your prayers in the area of my posting after my BMT.. i koe its a bit too early to plan and stuff.. but im juz very worried tat i get a very siong vocation or a vocation which requires me to burn my weekends, esp. my sun.. so just pray tat God will choose the rite vocation/posting for me in a way tat I would be free on weekends so tat i can attend cell and church and also, the vocation would be manageable and not so siong.. thanx hor.. =)

well.. sorry if this blog is like full of prayer requests.. but i feel tat it is apt, since i wld not be able to see you face-to-face and stuff, esp. if you are at the other side of the world and stuff.. so ya... feel this is the best way to lay my prayer requests.. =).. thanx 4 praying.. =)

well.. this blog is more or less done and guess wat.. i have to go soon.. tonite bk-in timing is 8.30pm at pasir ris.. one of the latest bk-ins we have so far.. so ya..

stay happy and remember to pray for me.. ha..

Ciaoz n have a GREAT week ahead,
<<< abriel >>>

A new computer, a new beginning...

Well.. the title may sound profound... but its juz early in the morning where im most awake, becos it has past my bedtime..

anyway, juz to inform u all tat my com has been UPGRADED.. u want to koe the specs?? talk to me in pvt, etc.. dun want to let u all go bored.. =)

juz feel very happy, becos at last my dream com has more or less been fulfilled!! y am i still at the topic of computers?.. hmm..

anyway, this wk at tekong quite slack.. its like whenever we have an activity (esp. in the afternoon), it will rain most of the time, which will cause the activity to cancel.. which is good.. so give me more rest, but its not enuf.. becos most of the time, the rest is juz a 5-10min rest.. the rest of the time you wld be doing forced voluntary work!! =).. well.. tat's NS for you..

in 2 wks time (03 Dec 04 to be exact) would be my passing out parade.. so frm tml (mon) onwards, wld be spending most of my time under the hot sun to practice marching etc.. haiz..

oh.. tml (mon) would be my 16km route march.. so pls. pray for me for cool weather (but NOT raining.. dun want to get wet and muddy) and able to endure the demands of the route march.. even though its juz pure walking, but its quite shiong too.. imagine you want 16km with a load behind you close to 6-7kg.. so ya.. appreciate your prayers!

oh.. i posted up a few of new photos.. they are "field camp" & "family outing at Esplanade".. go to the usual photo column and click and take a look ya.. more to be uploaded but my internet dun seem to work well tonite.. but juz take a look first ya.. =)

k.. gtg and sleep liaoz.. got church tml.. now my eyes are starting to feel heavy..
dun think ill blog tml, becos' tml bk-in is real early.. 6.15pm at pasir ris.. haiz..

Ciaoz n have a GREAT week ahead,
<<< abriel >>>

Happy Deepavali !!

Halo ppl.. Im in high spirits now, becos' Im on a 5 day break! yes!! 5 days.. only book in on mon nite at 7.30pm!

anyway, ive got plans for today.. going out with my pal, Marcus juz to chill and stuff.. if got time tonite (or if the com is working), ill blog it..

well.. this wk is quite a relaxing wk.. did range this wk (ie, shooting with REAL bullets) on both day and nite.. nite shooting i can't make it.. day shooting was suppose to be ok for me.. but becos' of my poor results at the nite shooting, i have to score a total for day shoot 12 out of 16, which was almost possible.. i scored 11/16.. which means i have to re-shoot.. but thank God tat when I reshoot, the officier was nice.. he kept on encouraging me and gave me advice on how to stand and shoot etc.. so in the end, of course i pass lah.. so happy =)

well.. tat's all i can remember for this wk.. this wk quite slack.. next wk (ie, after my break), im throwing a LIVE GRANADE!! so guess tat shld be exciting?? i hope..

suddenly i lost my train of thought.. nvm.. i'll juz end here.. if anything, i'll juz blog again.. =)

Ciaoz n have a GREAT wk ahead,
<<< abriel >>>

hi all.. fyi, im still surviving after the situational test last wk.. its like field camp.. only thing, its shorter.. its a 3D2N thing.. but still toturing.. anyway, as usual, this is a fast one.. need to go soon..

anyway, this wk, i'll be having range.. so tat means i will only bk out this wk during sunday morning and bk in in the nite.. its like tat loh.. can't help it.. but I'll be having 5 days of leave becos' of the public holidays in 2 wks time.. so yeh abt tat.. but i need you to pray again for my range..

pray for:
- nothing will cock up, so tat i dun get any punishment
- pass my range (at least a pass..)
- come back in 1 piece, becos' i will be shooting REAL bullets.. NOT those gun powder stuff..

ok.. think tat's all.. not too sure whether i have time to blog next wk, but i'll see how ya..

ok.. time again is catching up..

ciaoz n have a great day ahead,
<<< abriel >>>

A quick update

Well.. im back from field camp.. but i will not go into details as to how izzit becos i got like 5 mins to complete this blog update.. no time to do yesterday becos of my stupid computer.. well.. long story..

field camp was NOT at all enjoyable.. in fact, its torturing.. i've got cuts and bites (frm mosquitoes and ants) all over.. pimples are appearing and stuff.. oh well.. the worse thing tat can happen during field camp is raining.. when it rains, tats it.. everything get wet and muddy.. and not to mention tat i have lost about 2kg-3kg during the 7 day field camp.. and my weight now is an amazing 68kg and guess wat.. I'm underweight for my height.. well.. tats the result of the 'amazing' torture.. haiz.. oh.. did i mention tat i did NOT bathe thru'out the 7 days of field camp (except for the 5th day, they allow us to juz spray ourselves with water.. but not enuf.. i still stink)??

it was certainly a great feeling to be home on fri nite.. i spend about 30 mins in the bathroom to scrub myself and stuff.. and at nite, sleep on my comfortable bed..

ooppss.. time is catching up.. cannot talk more abt. field camp..

well.. juz an update of this wk.. i'll be going back to the jungle for 3D2N thing for my situation test, but not sure whether its overnite.. juz hope its not!! in any case, pls. pray watever u tink is necessary huh.. no time to go into details.. thanx...

well.. today went for church.. church worship was good.. machiam like in hawaii (the playing style perhaps!).. anyway, after tat, went to committee mtg and found out tat wendy (my music ministry director) will be leaving her post for quite a while becos of overseas job posting and stuff.. so tat makes me the asst. worship director and just the 2nd regular worship leader (which means in 1 mth, i have to lead 2 times!.. my goodness.. but i believe God will provide time and stuff.. so will appreciate if you cld pray for me in this area too ya..)

time is really catching up now.. got to get my butt moving into a cab and zoom off to pasir ris.. have to reach there by 8.40pm..

ok ppl.. got to run and i'll see you in blogspace this wkend ya (provided my com doesn't cock up anytime..)

Ciaoz n God Bless,
<<< abriel >>>

Sorry for not blogging..

For those of you who are faithful readers of my blog, i apologise for the missing updates like for 2 wks..

well.. these past 2 wks was all rite.. juz started BMT.. do not have free time at all until like 1.5hrs before lights out.. and tat is too little!! compare to last time (ie, before BMT), we got like 2-3 hrs free time at nite, and the afternoon, we can sleep for like 2 hrs.. so its a lot of free time last time.. now is different..

and you koe sumthing?? I juz bk out camp this morning (8/10), and i have to bk in tonite before 2300 hrs becos' i sway sway tio guard duty (my fingers to blame.. it was a draw lots thing.. haiz..)
Usually, the guard duty on wkday is from 6.30pm-6.30am.. but for wkends (ie, sat & sun), the guard duty is from 7.30am-7.30am the next day.. so its 24 hrs.. haiz.. how am I goin to survive??

.. well.. wat to do?? juz "suck thumb".. this means tat i cannot go out and have to get ready to go like 9+pm tonite.. and the worst thing is tat I CAN'T book out nxt wkend, becos' I got field camp... so its like either fri (24/10) nite or sat (25/10), i would bk out.. haiz.. ahh... why?? why?? why??

but one thing for me to be consoled is tat one of the officers in charge of my guard duty is one of the best sgt tat i have in my platoon.. juz hope tat helps..

oh yah.. as mentioned earlier, nxt wk I got field camp.. pls. pray for me the following:

- I dun make any mistakes or anything like tat, or else I get another guard duty (as punishment) or a confinement!
- Good condition of the body(as in dun fall sick, etc.. becos' no vitamins to be brought in, etc.. so my immunity worried to be low.. even now, im sick.. when to see doc at Tekong yesterday.. gave me quite a lot of medicine.. so ya..
- Safety(ie, come back in one piece.. becos' there are quite dangerous stunts during field camp)
- Get used to eating combat rations for the full 7 days!
- DRY weather(if rainy, tat's it.. everything would be messed up.. sleeping, eating, etc wld be a problem!)

.. and other stuff which you think is necessary in my field camp.. can't think already.. taken medication for my sickness (blocked nose, headache, cough).. feeling a bit groggy/sleepy..

well.. actually thought of putting up some of my church anniversary photos, but sumhow, it can't load.. anyway, u want to see?? juz click the appropriate link lah ha..

signing off.. *tired*..

Cya in 2 wks time.. hopefully I have time to update my field camp experience!! =)

Ciaoz n have a GREAT week ahead,
<<< abriel >>>

Hello again!!

Well.. its been long since I've blogged.. its NOT that I dun want to blog.. but there is always a few problems which i can't solve until today!! and even juz now, I spend like 3-4 hrs figuring out wat is the problem.. and then I realise the problem isn't wat I think.. anyway, its a long story..

but since I've missed like 3 wks of updating, I'll juz update you all briefly wat happen during these 3 wks!!

Well.. as usual, the wkends are the BEST of each week, becos' I get to come home and use computer..

well.. the past few wks are filled with route marches (4km)-> u may think this is easy?? you come and take over me and u koe y.. the bag i'm carrying with the rifle, etc is so darn heavy.. and you have to walk 4km.. its torturing!! for all you koe, there is 2 consecutive route marches starting this mon (one on mon [28/9] nite, and the other on tues [29/9] morning).. haiz..

then there are other struggles too!! The other one is the SOC (Standard Obstacle Course).. for those of you who are familiar with it, the first lesson was last wk, and I totally demoralised (even my platoon commander say me until i like so useless).. becos' I'm the ONLY one in my platoon who CAN'T pass the all the first 5 stations.. but sumhow when I did it on fri (24/9)- the 2nd lesson, i can pass 3 of them.. well.. u dun koe how happy i am.. =).. so the particular station where my platoon commander scold me was the "low wall station".. on fri (24/9), i was like getting ready to go.. my platoon commander almost want to help me up when I went up myself juz like tat.. and he exclaimed that this is his greatest achievement!! It must be God's doing, becos' before I did my SOC, i prayed!! so prayer works huh.. =)

well.. today (sat-25/9) juz attended my church anniversary.. its great time bonding with my church friends (esp. alvin and joshua whom I had NOT seen for so long..) well.. for pics, pls. see the appropriate link at the side ya.. =)

Oh.. did I mention tat I got a CANON Powershot A400 Digital Camera?? yep.. I bought this camera with my NS pay.. and im so happy!! I'm now like trigger happy.. well.. if you want to koe the price, its $360 (includes a 128mb SD memory card, the camera set and the camera casing).. quite reasonable hor.. =)

well.. tml(sun-26/9) nite bk-in quite late.. its about 9+pm.. shiok rite.. so tml my family going out as no church tml.. =)

k.. gtg and upload the photos soon and sleep liaoz.. its late..

Ciaoz n have a GREAT week ahead,
<<< abriel >>>

I've booked out!!

Hi ppl !! I'm back! I guessed you are more than happy right *thick skin*..

Well.. I've my head shaved botak.. haiz.. and I've slim down a bit (but weight still remain the same.. not sure whether its more muscle.. it cld be the case, becos' muscle is 2x heavier than fat..) ok.. watever!!

Anyway, it has been 16 days staying in tekong.. its not an ez 16 days though.. our bedtime is 10.30pm and waking up is 5.30am (but i wake up at 5am to prepare myself and stuff becos' need to fall in at 5.45am).. then we do the 5 basic exercises (they call it 5BX).. quite tiring.. do exercises like jumping jacks, burpees, push-ups, crutches and running (but for the last 16 days, we did NOT do any running)..

Then b4 every lunch, they force us to do chin-ups.. which until now, i still have no strength to pull myself up.. haiz.. =(

Oh.. btw, for your info (some of you may be interested), here are my details of my NS platoon and stuff..

School: BMTC School 2
Company: Viper
Platoon: 3
Section: 2
Bed: 11

"4D" number in NS: V3211

which is so coincidentally when all nos. add together, it becomes a 7 (3+2+1+1).. well.. God's divine appointment perhaps?? =)

Oh.. thank you all so much for visiting my page.. its juzt been 2 wks and my blog visiting page has increased from 106 visitors (when i first left off on 19/8) to 220 visitors (as of 4/9).. got a shock of my life when i see this man.. keep up the good work ppl =)

Well.. some of you may wonder how's life in tekong.. well.. I dun really koe where to start.. but generally, the accomodation is ok.. my bunk is facing the ferry terminal, so I get sea breeze everytime and sometimes even though its juz ceiling fan, it can get quite cold like early morning (abt 3am).. so need to cover blanket.. yes.. its tat cold..

In the earlier part of this blog post, I've already stated how's the training like.. its quite tough physically.. but then again, it helps to build my stamina..

If you don't koe, there is actually 2 schools in tekong (sch 1 and sch 2.. duh).. but the food is miles apart man.. apparently for me, i find the food at sch 2 is BETTER than sch 1.. becos' sch 2 food is by NTUC Foodfare catering company but then sch 1 i think its by Singapore Food Industries..
Just last thurs, i got a power lunch and i really mean power.. its those western (with deep fried chicken and black pepper chicken, fries, rice, vege) and the BEST of all is that the fruit was mango!! its been a long time since I ate mango!!
Yesterday's dinner got sambal prawn!! shiok i tell you.. so the food is good at sch 2!! =)
sometimes morning, they serve porridge.. and they actually serve the cuttlefish and peanut porridge (which is my fave!!)

well.. i think tat's abt. it.. dun koe wat else to say.. but if you all want to see my enlistment photos, simply click the link ("my enlistment photos") at the photo gallery column.. you can also see my other photos of my cell group (aka music ministry group in my church) under the link, "HCC His Sanctuary Photos"..its all there.. so go and see yourself ya.. =)

well.. i came back juz in time for my cousin's wedding dinner tonite at Four Seasons Hotel.. so happy.. but then, i botak.. not yandao anymore.. sianz.. =P *thick skin*

k.. gtg and do other stuff like read and reply emails.. i just receive 240 emails in my mailbox yesterday nite and i was SHOCKED!! and most of them were junk mail.. so anyway, gtg liaoz..

so i think i will blog next sat (after my cell or sumthing..)

you ppl take care ya.. =)

Ciaoz n have a GREAT week ahead,
<<<>>>

Thank You!!

Well.. this is my 2nd post of the day.. I would like to say thank you's to a few ppl.. They are:

- Simon & Joel

They gave me a SURPRISE visit at my hse!! So sweet of then!! When I saw them, I was in shock but NOT at the state of crying lahz.. =)..

Dotz told me this morning that Simon and Joel wld be mtg me and she asked me whether is it or not!! I of course replied "no" lahz, becos' they never told me they are coming and all.. I thought both of them met for lunch and all and its a case of mistaken identity.. So I really didn't bother abt it at all!!

In the afternoon (after I went all the way to buy duck at Upper Paya Lebar Road), Joel called me and asked how am I and stuff.. and at the same time, drop in to say 'hi'..

Then abt. close to 5pm, both of them gave me a surprise visit!! I was of course shocked lah!! So they stayed here and chatted for a while before they prayed for me.. =) Of course, I also sought some personal advice from them and stuff..

Well.. this is my best visit ever manz..

Thank you both for committing to pray for me during my NS stint! =)

- Audio Xchange

Thanx for being a part of my life!! Believe it or not.. you all have one way or another change the perspective of how I live as a person and influence me to grow closer to God!! Would love to take part in another gig again!! Let's do it all over again!! *Woohoo!!

- Dotz

Thank you for the constant msg you give me via MSN and emails!! It is really encouraging!! Thanks also for that tiny booklet you gave me.. I will remember to bring it in!! =)

- Minghui

Thanks for giving me advice on NS stuff.. Can sense that it was heartfelt! Thank you also for offering your listening ear whenever I need one.. =)

But more than that, thank you for committing to pray for me.. =)

- My church mates, Wendy, Carlise, Tiffany

Thank you in advance for attending my farewell NS ceremony at Tekong.. Thank you for taking that special effort to take leave and just be with me for my last league as being a civillian! Your efforts are being appreciated! So I guess I will cya all in like 3 wks time.. then you all can laugh at my head (yes, I koe.. botah).. and maybe I'll wear my cap?? Depends lahz..

Carlise and Tiffany, will pray for both of you when you both (with huimin) are on mission!! May you be passionate about the Lord after you have come back from mission!! I'm sure it would be a great experience!

Wendy, I wld like to tell you sumthing for your worship on Sun (22/8).. Don't worry that there would be lesser instruments and somehow it don't sound nice and all.. but remember one thing from the song, "Heart Of Worship":

"When the music fades, all is stripped away, and I simply come, longing just to bring something that's of worth, that will bless Your heart...." Instruments is NOT important, its the heart!! Bear tat in mind ya?? =)

- Huimin-jie

Even though you could not be with me tml, but I still appreciate you because of your past efforts and constant encouragements via all forms of media (cards, SMSes, etc).. Continue to do that when I'm in NS yah.. =P

- Derek-kor

Thanks for helping me all these while in helping me to learn html and stuff.. I'm glad and proud to say that I can roughly master it 50%-60%.. Thanks for your inspiration in helping me to start this blog.. and also thank you for your constant help!! Without you, this blog would NOT be possible!

- Marcus

Thanks for sharing yesterday with me! I really enjoyed it a lot!! Thank you also for plucking your courage to share with me your personal issues!! I know its not easy, but you did it!! Don't worry.. will be praying for ya.. =)

- Peiwen

Thanks for sending me that goodbye SMS.. it really touches me a lot!! Dun worry.. I won't MIA!! =)

- Nicholas

Thanks for sending me that goodbye SMS as well.. Thanks also for that availabilty of yours to let me share my sorrows with you!! I'll try not to have any sorrows, but if its inevitable, be prepared tat your phone wld be flooded! ha.. =)

- My clique of friends and classmates from Temasek Polytechnic (who were at the graduation ceremony): Junting, Limei, Yanyan, Zhengqiu, Peiwen, Huifang, Chua Shanshan, Regine, Cheryl, Isabella, Shee Huiqi, Azura, Aimei

Thank you for being a part of my poly life at TP.. You will always have a place in my heart! I would not be today of what I am if not for my wonderful group of friends (that is YOU)! Well.. pls. keep in touch ya?? =)

And for those of you who were at the dinner at Cafe Cartel, thank you for sharing the last nite with me.. I didn't regret I joined you all, but I was happy instead!! Thank you all so much!

- Alvin & Andrew

Thank you both for adding me into your respective blogs!! Well.. if I'm not wrong, I'll see you both at the OCC/HCC Anniversary yah?? I think I shld be there (becos' able to book out and stuff.. unless something crops up at the last min.. choy!!!!!!!!).. I would very much love to be there.. and the same time, also curious what the youth of OCC would put up for the memory verse item!! =)

- Terence

Thank you for sending me your regards about my NS stint tml!! Definitely appreciate it!! It's been great talking to you via MSN.. =).. can also see your earnest desire to do sumthing for the church anniversary!! Don't worry.. we understand!! Just concentrate on your job and leave the thing to us ok!! =) Be on FIRE for the Lord ya?? =)

- Donny

My long lost friend from Secondary school.. well.. its been great to see your "existence" in cyberworld!! ha.. its been ages since I last chatted with you!! Thank you for remembering me and hope to chat with you more in the future!! Well.. study hard and play hard too ya?? Dun overstress yourself with the political issues! hahaz..

- To the rest of the world whom I've forgot to thank

Well.. not say I forgot to mention you.. but its just that I just can't think of any names liaoz.. So if I miss out you, I'm truly sorry.. but I would like to compensate this by thanking you (even though I dun koe who it is!) publically on this blog of mine!!

A BIG THANK YOU to all of YOU!! Thank YOU for being a part of my life! I appreciate, affirm and accept you!!

Ciaoz n have a GREAT week ahead,

<<< abriel >>>

Unfolding a new chapter of my life..

Well.. as the title suggest, and yes.. its just 19hrs (at blogging time) away from being at Pulau Tekong for enlistment!

These past 2 days were well spent..

On Monday (16/8), went for Temasek Polytechnic's 2004 Graduation Ceremony to collect my diploma!! I think this is the proudest moment of my life, considering me winning the Malaysia Dairy Industries Prize (which is only a $200 cheque) and collecting my diploma.. I actually wasn't expecting a loud clap or sumthing.. but after my name is called, the round of applause was LOUD man.. felt so good about it!
But then, I was also nervous.. Since the starting of the ceremony, my hands were icy cold.. This continued until I collected my diploma, then my hands were amazing warm again!

After the ceremony, I went to Cafe Cartel Tampines to eat dinner.. had a sirloin steak.. I wanted it medium rare, but its more like medium well.. so tough!! my goodness.. its like eating a block of wood or sumthing.. Then bid goodbye to my friends and I went home =)

Yesterday (tues - 17/8) was even a better day for me.. Went out with Marcus for the whole day.. We combed the whole area of the heart of Singapore (ok.. I was exaggerating)..

We first went for lunch at PS foodcourt.. I was late (becos' have to write some reflection email thingy for CCC GEN12ii booklet), so he waited for me.. And guess wat!! I ate Yong Tau Foo.. and the service somehow was value-added.. The service is now better.. a servitte was given and the aunty gave me FREE beansprouts! Shiok rite.. =)

We then went to watch "Collateral" (starring Tom Cruise & Jamie Foxx) at GV Plaza.. not a good show though.. quite slow pase and the ending was not very good.. almost fell asleep at some parts of the show!

Then we proceed to arcade to play some games.. well.. its been a long while since I've step into one.. played those shooting games as well as photo hunt!! manz.. its nostalgic manz.. those were the days.. haiz..

Then we went to Wheelock Place for Sakae Sushi.. ate quite a few things actually.. wanted to ask Huimin to come and join us, but she got driving lesson.. *poor road..*.. hahaz.. =P.. sorry huimin.. couldn't resist! =P

Then we wanted to eat dessert.. went to NYDC Wheelock, but then Marcus not interesting.. so we went to Baker's Inn @ One Fullerton!! Had the Coupe Ice-Cream Cheesecake (which cost $10.90) and Lavender Herbal Tea for two!! During that time, we had a good one-to-one, heart-to-heart chat abt. personal issues!! We chatted abt this topic from the time we finish our dinner at Sakae and all the way home from Baker's Inn @ One Fullerton.. tat's how long we chatted man..
Its weird in a sense that the previous outings we had together abt. a mth back, were never so personal until yesterday nite!! Yesterday nite was really a special one for me (esp. for me since its my LAST 2nd day of freedom).. Manz.. how I wish the nite would never end..

Then after that, I came home lohz and wrote my 3 days journal.. then slept..

This morning as I woke up, I woke up with heavy feelings in my heart.. Probably its becos' tml I going in for enlistment.. Well.. this blog has certainly being filled with mixed emotions (dun koe whether to cry or be happy).. haiz..

Anyway, I've got a request for those of you who are reading this blogpost.. My request very simple.. Can I request you pray for me?? You don't know what to pray?? Don't fret!! Below is the list (not very long lahz):

Pls. pray for:
- Spiritual protection in camp,
- Able to adapt well,
- Dun miss family,
- Have good camp-mates (no sabotage and all),
- Safety
- Able to take all the strenous physical training and
- Most of all, have time for Him!

Well.. that's all..

And I don't think this blog would be updated or anything like that for the next 3 wks or so.. so pls. bear with it.. if you are bored, you can take part in the various interactive features I've put in my blog ya??

Well.. I think its appropriate to stop here now, juz in case you start crying (ha.. as if!)..

Goodbye faithful readers of my blog.. Its been a wonderful journey to serve you.. now, I've to serve the nation!

"One life, Live it! How will YOU live this season of YOUR life?"

*PS: If I have the chance in camp for interenet, I will try my very best to post some updates or some sort.. =)

Ciaoz n have a GREAT week ahead,
<<<>>>

What a blast weekend!!

First and foremost, I would like to officially thank ALL you readers out there for making my site such a success!! From a humble zero to 46 visitors, is IMPRESSIVE!! Continue like this and my site will hit 100!! =).. Thank YOU all so much!

Well.. firstly, I must caution you that what you see in the title does NOT mean that this blogpost would be a blast! =)

Anyway, again.. there are a few updates on my site.. so here is the list (as if its that long.. ha):

(1) My personal pic has changed! This photo is courtesy of Sarah.. my church mate who is now in Perth =)

(2) My music on my blog has also been changed! Its a somewhat jazz piece by the contemporary singer, Jaci Velasquez.. nice rite.. =)

(3) Added a poll thingy on my blog!! If you can, pls. oblige me by participating ya??

(4) Added also a online forum thingy on my blog! Pls. participate in it hor!

(5) Added a few links to my other church mates (from OCC).. they are, "Alvin", "Caesar", "Andrew" and "Matthew Yap".

(6) Added a few links on Javascripts websites! Those of you who wants to create additional features on your blog, you can click the last 2 links found at the "Favourite Links" column.

Well.. u all may ask why the sudden change in music.. take a look at the lyrics of the song.. its speaks of God sheltering us from the evils of this world.. well.. its quite apt for me as I’m going in to NS soon.. dun u think so?? =)
Moreover, the piece is quite jazzy which is very “me”.. so hope you enjoy it ya??

Well.. a lot of things happen during the weekends.. so here is a brief look at it:

* Saturday (14/8)

Went for cell group at Carlise new hse!! Not a bad decor though.. I like it a lot!

Then we had a discussion about our joint effort with the other cell group on putting up a memory-verse item for our church anniversary! Well.. Huimin was not there, so the “storm” was rather calm!! Only slight drizzle!! According to AWTC (Abriel, Wendy, Tiffany, Carlise), Huimin is the source of the brainstorm! Without her, the “storm” can’t start!! Don’t understand?? Never mind.. its an insider joke! =)

So ya.. before the discussion, we had dinner.. and guess wat! Tiffany cook man!! She cooked porridge.. very very nice!! Tiffany, pls. cook often for cell group!! =).. here are the ingredients in the porridge: Yam (my fave!), mushrooms and mince pork.. very nice!! Of course, coriander leaves is a MUST for me in porridge and it must be LOTS of it!! I totally enjoyed myself.. esp. the food =P

Then of course, before they leave, everyone prayed for me, becos’ of my NS stint.. =(.. but I was strong.. my eyes were dry.. =).. but then, everyone was praying for me a prayer of covering.. which is really apt, and then, this is where the song on this blog really comes in aptly!!

*Sunday (15/8)

Led worship in church.. It can be considered one of my last worship before I enlist! Well.. my worship are all slow songs.. but yesterday, was the debut appearance of the drummer, Joshua.. Well.. certainly can hear the difference the worship with and without drums! Wendy played the keyboards for the worship.
My mum even commended that yesterday’s worship in terms of music, very good!! Because of the blending of all instruments!!
So thank you team and congrats man! You all have made it!!

Frankly speaking, yesterday’s worship practice was a bit chaotic.. everything doesn’t seem to go to plan.. but surprisingly, during worship itself, everything flows on very nicely and everything went as I wanted!! Well.. I can only say its God’s work manz!! All glory to God!!

Then it was time for me to go and sing the special song.. Just realize my voice cannot make it esp. after leading worship.. my voice was hoarse.. but then, I prayed b4 I sang.. and surprisingly when I sing, the voice juz came out without much difficulty.. and it even sound better than when I practice at home!! Again, it can only be God’s divine anointing!

The worship song sound best when it is the Closing Song.. we sang “Shepherd Of My Soul” of course with drums!! And the rendition of it is really COOL.. the song when we sang without drums was like so-so.. but then, when we sang the song WITH drums, it sound really “swing-ly”.. and I was moving in small steps and sing it and at the same time, clicking my fingers.. well.. yes.. there is really a difference manz!! =)

For lunch, we went to this Foochow cuisine place (Shop name: Foochow Fishball Mee) at Sultan Gate (opp. Concourse building).. had the usual; red wine chicken soup, a foochow combination soup (foochow fish balls [yummy!], foochow wantan and everything else.. can’t remember liaoz..).. but the red wine chicken soup was a bit of a disappointment!! Last time I went there and eat, it was perfect!! Yesterday’s red wine chicken soup was a bit salty and no wine taste.. well.. I think its varies.. probably becos’ they take out the wine too fast and not allow it to ferment further.. well.. the longer it is fermented, the better the wine taste.. so yupz.. this is a little food knowledge for you ah.. =)

Came home and watch Tommy Walker’s “Make It Glorious” worship DVD (lent from Huimin).. it is good man!! You shld buy/catch it when you can!! Its real inspiring (for me at least, becos’ I’m a jazznut manz!!).. The keyboardist (whom I’m most interested in becos’ I play the keyboard mahz [wat were you thinking?? =P] in the DVD is real GOOD!! and he plays in very well.. blue scales, running, jazz chords.. he really inspires me to learn how to play keyboards.. will consider it when I have spare cash which I dun koe when!! I think I had the chance to meet him, I would ask him to be my shi-fu!! But not possible lahz..) It also give me some ideas of my dressing.. Mandarin collar black long sleeve shirt with jeans, shirt with cargo pants tug out!! Hmm.. interesting wardrobe huh.. =).. well.. when I watch these kind of DVDs, I would be quite observant.. in terms of how they play and their dressing.. these are the 2 things I’m interested in loh.. oh.. btw, if you get ur chance on the DVD, view the bonus track, “Mourning Into Dancing”.. the ending part is real cool.. they like play a jamming part almost at the end.. the keyboardist is real cool.. he played a blue scales.. manz.. u hear it then u koe lahz.. =)

Today’s (16/8) update!

Slept real early yesterday nite! 9pm to be exact!! Yes.. that early!! But woke up at 4am this morning and didn’t sleep again till 5am.. Was visiting the toilet and tossing and turning on the bed before I slept.. dun koe y..

Well.. this could be due to me being excited about my Graduation Ceremony later at 3pm.. if you can, pls. visit http://www.tp.edu.sg/events/grad04 for the live telecast.. I should be appearing on screens at abt. 3.30pm-4.00pm.. one of the few last, becos’ I’m the recipent of Diploma in Applied Food Science & Nutrition with the Prize by Malaysia Dairy Industries.. so they will put me almost near the end where after those students who juz get their diplomas without any prize or medals or merit.. =)
So hope you can catch me via webcast ya.. =)

K.. gtg.. think this is a really long blogpost..

If I have the energy tonite, will blog today’s experience at the Graduation Ceremony ya..

Ciaoz n have a GREAT day ahead,
<<< abriel >>>

Spend.. spend.. spend

Interesting title huh.. well.. the title is referring to 2 things, namely, money and time.. I shall explain in the following blogpost..

ok.. I shall first explain y I spend money.. and to me, its quite a lot!! close to $80 on just buying my elistment to NS stuff on wed (11/8) at various places in Singapore (for eg: army market at Beach Road, Carrefour, Watsons).. my goodness.. b4 going in, need to spend so much money.. and now, I'm totally broke manz.. but thankfully, my mum give me xtra allowance this mth after I told her about it.. so still able to survive lahz.. =)

Then u may ask why I spend so much time.. well.. if you are observant enuf, you wld realise tat I had 4 recent addition features to my blog.. if you are observant enuf, I'm sure you are able to spot it! If not, here it is:

NEW!!! (i) The fading effect whenever u enter my page and exit my page.
NEW!!! (ii) The column, "Did You Visit My Site Lately?", where it tells you when is your last visit to this site!
NEW!!! (iii) The column, "Daily Dose Of Humour!", where it will show you the daily cartoons! Hope it works!
NEW!!! (iv) The visitor count right at the bottom, that is after the "Archives" column.

Well.. u may think all these are easy.. but I can tell you that they DON'T come easy!! I spend 2 WHOLE days surfing the net to make it look this good!! *thick-skin*.. all for the benefit of you readers!! So ya.. =).. may change music soon.. being inspired by a fellow blogger of mine (u shld koe who lah.. 3notes!.. go figure!)

K.. gtg and continue seeing my friend's graduation ceremony LIVE at Temasek Polytechnic website!
If you are interested, visit http://www.tp.edu.sg/events/grad04/ for more details!

Ciaoz n have a GREAT weekend ahead,
<<< abriel >>>